Chapter 211

Chapter 211

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 7: Eight Hundred Qin Rivers, Occupying Guanzhong Chapter 211: Arrangements in Guanzhong

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Can a strategist not ascend the throne?

Chapter 211: Arrangements in Guanzhong

Yuan Shao must be regretting his decision to “play matchmaker” for Qiao Yan and Liu Yu at this moment.

Although both were entrusted ministers of Emperor Ling of Han, before Liu Yu went to Liangzhou, their relationship was minimal, barely knowing each other’s names.

Thinking of this, Yuan Shu couldn’t help but want to mock Yuan Shao.

In the current situation, surrounded by powerful enemies, whether he can stand firm is uncertain, so he can only find a sense of superiority from Yuan Shao’s misfortune.

As he pondered this, Yuan Huan, whom he had consulted, replied, “We should honor Liu Yu as the Son of Heaven, but not by sending letters to Chang’an. Instead, we should send letters to Youzhou.”

Seeing Yuan Shu’s confused expression, Yuan Huan explained, “If you send a letter directly to Chang’an, it will inevitably fall into Qiao Yan’s hands first. Then, it would be hard to judge whether you are acknowledging Liu Yu’s legitimacy or submitting to Qiao Yan and seeking her help.”

“Qiao Yan controls Liangzhou and Bingzhou, and once she advances east to Luoyang, the Runan region will inevitably become her vassal. Sending a letter to her first would mean losing the initiative.”

Yuan Shu nodded in agreement.

He couldn’t do such a humiliating thing.

Yuan Huan continued, “But if we send the letter to Youzhou, the situation would be entirely different.”

“Whether Liu Yu has the ambition to become the Son of Heaven or not, as a former entrusted minister of the late emperor, even if the emperor’s whereabouts are uncertain and the situation is critical, he would need support from multiple sides to ascend the throne without being seen as a usurper.”

“This way, we show that we stand on the same side as Qiao Yan, and also contribute to Liu Yu’s decision-making. It’s much wiser than sending a letter to Chang’an.”

Yuan Shu’s eyes lit up, and he clapped in approval, “Yuan Huan, your words are very wise.”

This is another path to merit!

The Yuan family’s face was completely lost with Yuan Shao, so he naturally had to regain it here.

Qiao Yan chose Liu Yu, known for his benevolent governance, and by following suit, he could also bask in some of that glory.

Once this succeeds, even if his title as Governor of Yuzhou came from the rebel Li Jue, it wouldn’t affect his legitimacy when Liu Yu enters Chang’an.

However, just as he was feeling a bit smug, Yuan Huan, in a very calm tone, brought him back to reality, “Also, it’s better to send the letter through Bingzhou this time. If it gets intercepted by Yuan Shao again, it would be futile.”

“…” Yuan Shu’s smile froze on his face.

The last time he wrote to Gongsun Zan, the letter was intercepted by Yuan Shao, leading to Yuan Shao sending Liu Bei to attack Yuzhou in anger. He really couldn’t afford to make the same mistake again.

Given that the Yuan family of Runan and the Yuan family of Chenjun were originally one, Yuan Shu couldn’t really say much about Yuan Huan’s habit of giving sound advice while also exposing his shortcomings.

At most, after finishing the letter of persuasion with the help of Yan Xiang and others, he waited for his subordinates to leave and reminded Yuan Huan, “Next time, just remind me quietly.”

Yuan Huan agreed, but whether he would actually do so was another matter.

Coincidentally, in Yangzhou, Zhou Yu also gave Sun Ce this suggestion.

To legitimately control Yangzhou, the title of Prefect of Kuaiji was far from enough.

They were currently wrapping up the siege against Yan Baihu.

Unless Yan Baihu chose to jump into the Yangtze River, retreating to Qu’a would only lead to his inevitable encirclement by Sun Ce.

But capturing Yan Baihu didn’t mean they had completed the suppression of Wu Commandery.

Since the deaths of Xu Gong, Wang Sheng, and others, there were still many opposing forces roaming in Wu Commandery, and the mountainous terrain of Jiangnan made them like internal parasites that were hard to eradicate.

Therefore, Sun Ce needed the title of Governor of Yangzhou to carry out sweeping actions.

But whether in terms of seniority or age, it was not easy for Sun Ce to obtain this position.

His only chance was to make an appropriate statement during this change of the Son of Heaven.

However, his situation was somewhat different from Yuan Shu’s.

For example, in Zhou Yu’s suggestion, Sun Ce should send two letters.

One letter to Chang’an, congratulating Qiao Yan on her successful advance.

Zhou Yu said, “For you, Sun Ce, Qiao Yan has the grace of recommendation and promotion, akin to a mentor and former subordinate relationship. This letter doesn’t need gifts, but the proper etiquette must be observed.”

Speaking of which, Zhou Yu had a favorable impression of Qiao Yan’s campaign against Dong Zhuo.

After all, if it weren’t for Dong Zhuo’s tyranny in Luoyang, his cousin, who had gone to Luoyang to visit his father, wouldn’t have died. Qiao Yan could be said to have avenged his cousin.

But this suggestion was made from Sun Ce’s perspective.

As for the other letter, it was also a letter of persuasion to Youzhou.

Liu Yu, currently in Youzhou, was regaining control of Youzhou with the help of Qiao Yan’s generals. While confronting Gongsun Zan in Yuyang Commandery, he unexpectedly heard news of Huang Wan’s visit.

In Liu Yu’s impression, Huang Wan should have been in Chang’an as a courtier protecting the Son of Heaven, not here.

So when Liu Yu had him welcomed in, he thought Huang Wan had been sent by Dong Zhuo as an envoy.

But first, he heard the good news from Huang Wan that Dong Zhuo had been defeated and Li Jue had fled, followed by a shocking statement.

Huang Wan suddenly left his seat and bowed solemnly to Liu Yu, saying, “Before Li Jue fled Chang’an, he also abducted the Son of Heaven. Despite extensive searches, there has been no trace. We are anxious, but we know one thing: the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day.”

Liu Yu’s expression changed drastically.

Although Huang Wan hadn’t finished speaking, his presence here and his mention of these seven words clearly implied something.

Huang Wan continued, “Therefore, the courtiers in Chang’an have discussed and request that Liu Yu ascend the throne as the Son of Heaven to stabilize the central government.”

“Absolutely not!” Liu Yu immediately stood up and replied.

Liu Yu’s words came from the heart.

Looking at his governance in Youzhou, it was clear that he upheld the principles of governance and education, and his temperament.

He was simply not suited for the throne.

Because he had no ambition for it.

His “absolutely not” contained no joy, only shock.

Qiao Yan’s decisive advance in the Chang’an incident made Liu Yu feel that the Han Dynasty had hope, but he had never considered that this hopeful Han Dynasty would become his.

The descendants of the Gongwang of Donghai almost all adhered to the way of “supreme filial piety and comprehensive benevolence,” and had long since distanced themselves from the line of succession to the throne, considering themselves Han ministers. Liu Yu was no exception.

He looked at Huang Wan, his expression hard to read, “Grand Tutor Huang, your words make it hard to tell whether to treat you as an unwelcome guest or a bearer of good news.”

He had once left temporarily due to rumors in Youzhou promoted by Yuan Shao to avoid the clamor for him to become emperor, and now he felt the same, Huang Wan’s words instantly putting him on edge.

Huang Wan was not at all surprised by his reaction.

Before being recalled to the central government, he had been appointed by Emperor Ling of Han as the Governor of Qingzhou and had worked near Liu Yu.

But as Qiao Yan had said in court, choosing Liu Yu to succeed the throne was not an imitation of the Yuan brothers’ actions, but the best choice at the time.

Dong Zhuo had been eliminated, but the effects of his rebellion in Guanzhong, or the entire Sili region, had not yet dissipated.

What was needed most was a convincing Son of Heaven to assure the people that Sili was still the central region of the Han Dynasty and still had the legitimate status to protect the people.

Liu Yu’s legitimacy to the throne was no less than that of the emperor in Ye City, and there was no concern of a young ruler and a suspicious state, making him a suitable match for the throne.

Huang Wan couldn’t help but admire Qiao Yan’s decision to give up her easily attainable power and choose Liu Yu to succeed, truly showing a mind as vast as rivers and mountains. Therefore, he had to explain the pros and cons clearly to Liu Yu.

He calmly replied, “I am not an unwelcome guest, but a persuader for the revival of the Han Dynasty. Emperor Ling re-appointed me due to the recommendation of the late Grand Commandant Yang, first as Governor of Qingzhou and then as Governor of Yuzhou, both high-ranking positions. Therefore, Liu Yu, as a former entrusted minister of the late emperor, has the duty to uphold his principles and serve loyally, and so do I.”

“Please hear my three reasons before rejecting me.”

What are the three reasons?

The people of Chang’an, the fate of Liu Xie, and the situation of the world!

Huang Wan’s position among the Three Excellencies was not just because Dong Zhuo, who was regent in Luoyang at the time, needed to strip him of his authority as Governor of Yuzhou. In his righteous and solemn explanation, Liu Yu couldn’t help but feel that if he didn’t ascend the throne, he would be a sinner to the world.

Half a month later, two more letters arrived in Youzhou, and upon reading them, the words between the lines were all about persuasion to ascend the throne.

One letter was from Yuzhou, and the other was from Yangzhou.

The writers were a pair who had been fighting fiercely last autumn.








At the moment of receiving these two letters, Liu Yu’s first reaction was not about the remarkable coincidence between the two, nor whether he should follow Huang Wan’s advice and the urging in the letters to ascend the throne, but rather—”Has your purpose for coming here been announced to the world?” Liu Yu asked Huang Wan.

Huang Wan shook his head and replied, “Such a move is clearly not my doing, but that of Qiao Bingzhou.”

Only she would make such a forceful move.

But facing Liu Yu’s astonished expression, Huang Wan simply replied, “We all know you are concerned about the war in Youzhou, but we can’t have the people of Chang’an worrying about the missing Son of Heaven indefinitely.”

“So, we had to act first and report later.”

This was indeed acting first and reporting later.

While Yuan Shu and Sun Ce were sending letters urging Liu Yu to ascend the throne, Qiao Yan had already begun recalling the search parties looking for Liu Xie.

Liu Yu couldn’t decide to ascend the throne so quickly, but Guanzhong needed to restore order as soon as possible.

She also needed to redeploy personnel in Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Guanzhong.

Time was of the essence.

If it weren’t for some actions being inappropriate, she would have loved to make a paper effigy of Liu Yu and place it directly in the Weiyang Palace in Chang’an, then start acting “on the Son of Heaven’s orders,” rather than just announcing his role to various factions as Liu Yu had asked.

Fortunately, with the assistance of Lu Zhi, Xun Shuang, Huangfu Song, and others, her measures were not difficult to implement.

As for her own personnel arrangements, it was just a matter of a few words.

Liangzhou was busy with the autumn harvest, which would soon be over.

Qiao Yan ordered Zhao Yun to quickly lead 5,000 soldiers back to Liangzhou, to the military garrison in Wuwei Commandery, to oversee the storage of military grain.

This arrangement was also a way to bring closure to the military garrison on the banks of the Lu River.

But this was not a simple appointment, as the troops chosen were the elite from the recent attack on Chang’an.

When the troops marched across Liangzhou, it was meant to signal to the people of Liangzhou: although Qiao Yan had taken Guanzhong, she had not suffered any losses in troops and had no intention of relinquishing control of Liangzhou!

If the fate of the four families of Hanyang was not enough to serve as a warning, she wouldn’t mind repeating the event elsewhere!

Accompanying Zhao Yun was Yan Xing, who had been “captured” by Zhao Yun.

In the eyes of outsiders, Yan Xing had once betrayed Qiao Yan for Han Sui, causing her some trouble, but due to Qiao Yan’s kindness to his parents, he had returned to the light.

How to use this man would undoubtedly become a benchmark for evaluating Qiao Yan’s methods.

So Qiao Yan decided to repeat an old trick.

With Xu Rong as the main general and Yan Xing as the deputy, they were stationed in Dunhuang Commandery, Liangzhou.

These two were responsible for ensuring that after the powerful families in the Four Commanderies of Hexi sided with Qiao Yan, Dunhuang, Jiuquan, and Zhangye Commanderies could be brought under Liangzhou’s control, while also continuing to manage the Silk Road trade.

Also included in this team were some talented individuals from the Qiang and Han ethnic groups, including Jiang Tang.

This team did not yet need to take on the role of the Protectorate of the Western Regions, but rather served to maintain peace and stability on the borders, though it was also a signal of her intentions.

From a moral standpoint, this was more than enough for a traitor like Yan Xing.

Additionally, Qiao Yan’s second order to Zhao Yun was that after completing the work at the Wuwei military garrison, he should distinguish between the temporarily settled Xiliang troops and the conscripts from Chang’an, bringing the Chang’an soldiers back to Guanzhong to establish a new military garrison in Chencang.

Before he left, the responsibility for the Wuwei military garrison would be handed over to Xu Rong.

With the assistance of the Duan, Zhang, and Yan families in Wuwei, and the gradual assimilation of the Lu River Qiang people, Xu Rong’s pressure was not great.

At the same time, Zhao Yun was to inform Cheng Yu to hand over the responsibility of the Jincheng military garrison to Duan Wei.

Having him guard this place and maintain peace in Huangzhong, ensuring it was not disturbed by the Qiang people, was also Duan Wei’s promise to Qiao Yan after she gave Dong Zhuo and his family a dignified death.

He could not fight for Qiao Yan without any reservations, but he could, like his cousin Duan Jiong, become a guardian of Liangzhou’s order.

Only this time, it was Qiao Yan’s way.

After burying Dong Zhuo and his family in Longxi Commandery, he could take up his post directly.

As for Guanzhong, the newly established Chencang military garrison would not be managed by Zhao Yun, but by Guo Yuan, who had previously worked with Cheng Yu at the Jincheng military garrison.

He had also come to this place with Zhao Yun’s return to Guanzhong.

As Qiao Yan’s Tuntian Colonel, and with experience in managing tuntian in Liangzhou, moving him here would not be too overwhelming and could be considered a form of training.

Zhao Yun’s responsibility was to guard the four key routes from Sanguan to Chang’an, coming from Yizhou.

Namely, the Sanguan Road, Xie Valley Road, Luo Valley Road, and Ziwu Valley.

Since Xu Shu had been appointed by Qiao Yan to handle affairs in Yizhou earlier, he naturally became the strategist cooperating with Zhao Yun, while Yang Feng served as Zhao Yun’s deputy, assisting in the defense work.

This effectively shifted Zhao Yun from a brief stint in a civilian role back to a military one.

The civilian farmland matters around Chang’an, from Mei Fort to Huayin, were handed over to Cheng Yu.

Of course, by the time Cheng Yu arrived in Chang’an, it was already a month after Zhao Yun’s order to return to Liangzhou.

Qiao Yan had already discussed the boundaries of civilian and military farmland in the Guanzhong region with Lu Zhi, Wang Yun, and others.

At this point, the map compiled by officials in Chang’an was directly handed to Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu flipped through the map and said, “It seems the Marquis has not yet planned to take over the entire Sili.”

The tuntian areas on the map were limited to the Three Adjuncts, ending at Tong Pass between Chang’an and Luoyang.

Qiao Yan replied, “There’s a difference between others thinking I can do it and me actually doing it. The complete eradication of the rebels in the Three Adjuncts has already expanded the territory we need to control. It might not be a good idea to border Yanzhou and Yu Province now.”

From this response, Cheng Yu could see that Qiao Yan had not been carried away by the success of the Chang’an campaign, but remained calm and calculated. Like now, in handling relations with neighboring regions, she knew exactly when to be aggressive and when to step back.

This was a good sign.

In that case, he should also maintain a normal mindset.

From initially managing Leping for her, to becoming the Deputy Governor of Bingzhou, to assisting in managing the Liangzhou military garrison, to today’s appointment in the heart of the Han Dynasty, Cheng Yu felt as if his dream of the sun rising over Mount Tai was about to merge with reality.

But in fact, it was still far from that.

This dream was still just a dream.

Like now, while overseeing this matter, he was still titled as the Deputy Governor of Bingzhou, not the Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Chang’an court.

There was a fundamental difference.

Qiao Yan added, “There are two things I need Zhongde to pay extra attention to for me.”

Hearing her speak, Cheng Yu quickly set aside irrelevant thoughts and listened carefully.

“First, in Gaoling north of Chang’an, Li Jue’s brothers and nephews have all been eliminated. Zining has also arrived in the Gaoping and Chiyang areas from Shang Commandery, serving as the defense connecting the Three Adjuncts and Bingzhou. With many mountains and strategic passes around the Three Adjuncts, I intend to use him and Yao Chang as your military subordinates. How to best utilize these two forces and when to expand towards Henan and Hongnong Commanderies, Zhongde should have a clear plan.”

Zining referred to Chu Yan.

Among Qiao Yan’s generals, many originally did not have courtesy names, and they took pride in having Qiao Yan bestow them. Chu Yan was no exception.

Qiao Yan, using the character for “Yan” (燕) which also means “banquet,” combined it with the character for “peace” (宁), giving him the courtesy name “Zining.”

For Chu Yan, who had once been a bandit, serving under Qiao Yan was already a form of “peace,” and he gladly accepted the name.

In the Chang’an campaign, while Qiao Yan launched troops from Chencang, he also came from the north to capture Gaoling, earning a military merit.

Now, as a general assisting Cheng Yu in building defenses in Chang’an, he was perfectly suited.

Qiao Yan continued, “Second, I previously ordered Guo Daxian and others to first open trade routes in Shu. They should already be in Chengdu. When they return, please receive them for me.”

Cheng Yu nodded, “Naturally.”

Building an intelligence system was a crucial task in Qiao Yan’s next phase of development, one that would not be shown publicly but was of no less importance.

Lu Yuan and Xi Zhicai knew about this, and as a trusted confidant, Cheng Yu naturally knew as well, understanding the priorities.

He simply asked at this moment, “What are the Marquis’s plans now?”

Qiao Yan’s allocation of tasks clearly indicated she planned to leave Chang’an for a while.

With Liu Yu yet to agree to ascend the throne, her choice to step back temporarily, like her decision not to enter Luoyang, was consistent.

Cheng Yu didn’t need to ask for reasons, just the outcome.

Qiao Yan smiled as she replied, “Have you forgotten, sir? It’s already the end of September. The cotton in Bingzhou is almost ready for harvest.”

So she wanted to see for herself the birth of these winter quilts.

This was the foundation of people’s livelihood!