Chapter 217

Chapter 217: Who Else But Me?

Jia Xu had a knack for understanding Qiao Yan’s intentions.

After chatting with Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting about their conversations with Qiao Yan before arriving, he could roughly guess his task.

Rather than teaching them how to farm, it was more about teaching them how to analyze people, interpret intelligence, and adapt to circumstances.

“Farming is quite similar,” Li Ru chuckled, seeing Jia Xu’s utterly defeated expression through the courtyard fence. “Farming requires following rules, and when the weather doesn’t cooperate, you have to find opportunities for yourself, striving to overcome nature. Isn’t that the truth?”

“In that case, calling this a farming lesson isn’t entirely wrong.”

Li Ru didn’t hear the intelligence-related parts of the conversation, only that Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting had agreed to come back the next day to study with Jia Xu, hence the analogy.

As he spoke, he picked up a watering can and tended to the field in front of him.

Although they had moved to a new farming location, perhaps because he had gotten used to it over the past two years, Li Ru even went to fetch some spinach seeds that had just been introduced to Bingzhou.

Not long after moving, sprouts began to emerge from the soil.

Jia Xu glanced at him and asked, “May I ask, Master Li Ru, where does your ‘overcoming nature’ manifest?”

Jia Xu couldn’t help but feel that Li Ru was becoming more and more like a captive.

If he truly believed in overcoming nature, he should have found a way to escape back to Chang’an long ago.

If Dong Zhuo had had such a strategist by his side, he wouldn’t have been so easily fooled by Jia Xu.

Now that Dong Zhuo was dead, Li Ru could have abandoned his allegiance to Dong Zhuo and sought a new path under Qiao Yan.

However, all Jia Xu heard was Li Ru calmly replying, “I’m not the one farming; I’m the vegetable being planted. For a vegetable to grow well, it must learn to adapt to its environment. That’s a different survival strategy.”

Jia Xu really wanted to roll his eyes at Li Ru.

Li Ru clearly wasn’t planning to become a local vegetable; he was still observing.

He was waiting to see where he could still be useful after Dong Zhuo’s downfall, hoping to find a new foothold.

This state of inaction was entirely different from Jia Xu’s “inaction,” which was backed by achievements.

But in Jia Xu’s view, opportunities like this didn’t just fall into one’s lap.

Li Ru’s waiting, in another sense, was a passive stance.

He probably needed a little push.

Unfortunately, today didn’t seem like the right opportunity.

Jia Xu simply teased Li Ru before heading back inside, “Who would have thought that two years would turn you from a man into a vegetable. I wonder if you’ll end up on the dinner table or in the ground.”

But just as he was about to close the door, he heard Li Ru leisurely say, “Jia Xu, aren’t you the one who fell for the provocation? Why use it on others?”

Jia Xu: “…”

He seriously thought back to when he left Liangzhou for Chang’an, recalling Qiao Yan’s words about whether he dared to act and her promise of a carefree life after this mission. It really did seem like she had provoked him.

But the mission was already done, and there was no point dwelling on it now.

Instead of worrying about Qiao Yan’s scheming, it was better to drag someone else into the pit!

This was the context in which Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting began their lessons on the art of manipulation.

As the lessons unfolded, they had a live demonstration of strategic battles right in front of them.

This was far more exciting than any academy course.

Who could say this wasn’t farming?

Meanwhile, back in Bingzhou, the day after sending the Qiao sisters to Shangjun, Qiao Yan returned to the Bingzhou Prefectural Capital, Jinyang.

There, she received a special message.

Wang Kuang, the Prefect of River North County, had issued an official document.

The document condemned Qiao Yan for her actions during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, accusing her of setting a trap for Yuan Shao, which was contrary to righteous principles and the spirit of unity against a common enemy.

To put it bluntly, it was a sneaky, underhanded move!

Whether others would be angered by this document was unknown, but Qiao Yan certainly wasn’t provoked by such a clownish act.

When she handed the accusatory document to Xi Zhicai, she even found Wang Kuang somewhat amusing.

Qiao Yan said, “His intentions are way too obvious.”

With Qiao Yan’s recent victory in Chang’an, even Liu Biao of Jing Province, Liu Yan of Yi Province, and the arrogant Yuan Shu didn’t dare challenge her. How could Wang Kuang, with just one county under his control, have the audacity to confront her?

Wasn’t he afraid that Qiao Yan would send troops to River North County?

Of course, he was!

But—

“Prefect Wang isn’t considering River North County’s situation at all,” Xi Zhicai commented.

Qiao Yan scoffed, “If he had straightforwardly declared his support for Yuan Shao, I might have respected him more.”

“Or if he had admitted that he wasn’t cut out to govern a county and wanted to go to Ye City to serve as a civil official, like he did in He Jin’s Grand General’s Mansion, that would have shown some honesty. But to stir up such a fuss, what kind of person does that make him?”

If Qiao Yan were truly angered by Wang Kuang’s document and decided to take River North County, it would be as easy as snapping a dry twig.

Even though River North County bordered Ji Province, Yuan Shao could at most protect half the county, given that places like Dangyin and Chaoge were too close to Ye City.

The western half of River North County wouldn’t be able to stop Qiao Yan’s troops from advancing through the Fen River Valley and invading via River East County.

This wasn’t just about the number of troops stationed in River North.

Looking at Wang Kuang’s performance in the selection for the Du Liao General three years ago and how he had driven Chang Lin and others into Bingzhou to assert his authority, it was clear what kind of person he was.

He couldn’t even win the hearts of his own people, let alone stand against Qiao Yan!

Wang Kuang’s plan was simply that if Qiao Yan sent troops to River North County, he could immediately pack up and flee to Ye City.

In name, he would be seeking justice for Yuan Shao, so Yuan Shao would have no choice but to give him a decent position.

This was much safer than staying in River North County.

In Qiao Yan’s words, he had the rules figured out quite well, which was fitting for someone who had once mingled with Xu You and Chen Lin.

But unfortunately…

Xi Zhicai set the document aside and replied, “Unfortunately, his plans will fall flat. The Marquis has no intention of taking River North County or threatening Ye City anytime soon. His attempt to create an opportunity for himself is just making him a laughingstock. Ignore him!”

But letting Wang Kuang prance around like this, even though he was clearly anxious after sending the document, still irked Qiao Yan.

Fortunately, at that moment, she received news of Wei Ji’s visit.

Xi Zhicai remarked with some感慨, “Here comes the contrast to Wang Kuang. This one knows how to pick the right time to visit.”

Qiao Yan smiled, “After all, there are more smart people in the world.”

Wei Ji…

Back when Qiao Yan was clearing out the White Wave Bandits, it was clear that Wei Ji’s timely plea for help showed foresight.

Today was no different.

He came under the pretext of visiting his younger brother at Leping Academy, but in reality, he was representing the noble families of River East County.

Even before Qiao Yan’s expedition to Liangzhou, the River East families had already shown their support for her.

At that time, they had pressured the relatively weak Prefect of River East, Wang Yi, and while they didn’t hand over the county’s tax revenue to Qiao Yan, they did almost everything else.

Most importantly, they gave Qiao Yan control over the salt lakes in River East, which was as good as providing her with military funds.

It was no wonder the River East families made this choice.

River East County in Si Province and Bingzhou, which Qiao Yan governed, were both north of the Yellow River, connected by the Fen River Valley.

Refugees fleeing from Luoyang and River North County to Bingzhou had to pass through River East, and Qiao Yan’s troops had once stationed there during her campaign against Luoyang.

Thus, they had a clear understanding of the Bingzhou Governor’s strength.

Even if Luoyang had a ruler, the capital’s troops would find it difficult to control River East across the Yellow River, especially in its current leaderless state.

Given their previous goodwill, Qiao Yan’s victories in Liangzhou and her advance into Chang’an to seize Guanzhong were undoubtedly good news for the River East families.

Moreover, news of Bingzhou Governor Qiao Yan’s intention to support Liu Yu’s ascension had reached River East. After assessing Liu Yu’s character, they became even more certain—

If this move succeeded, and if Qiao Yan could further take Ji Province and deal with Yuan Shao, she could secure Bingzhou’s prosperity for decades.

This kind of power was different from the military authority granted by the Emperor to his relatives.

With the examples of He Jin and Dong Zhuo, as long as Qiao Yan wasn’t completely foolish, she wouldn’t easily give up her military power.

This would ensure River East’s safety under her protection.

And all they had to give up was some military provisions and a salt lake.

As for whether she would make a foolish mistake…

Just as Dong Zhuo had been rational and decisive in Liangzhou but became corrupted by power in Luoyang, it was hard to say for anyone.

But for the River East families who could purchase the Leping Monthly Report, distinguishing between Qiao Yan and Yuan Shao wasn’t difficult.

Besides, Qiao Yan was only eighteen!

Her age alone, combined with her military and political skills, was enough to tip the scales in her favor.

Because of this decision, upon hearing of Qiao Yan’s return to Bingzhou and assuming she had settled her affairs, Wei Ji, who had the closest ties to Bingzhou, was sent as their representative.

This young man, whose every move exuded charm, bowed to Qiao Yan and said…








“Wei Ji first congratulates Your Lordship. The Dong thief was eradicated by Your Lordship in Chang’an, a sign of the Han Dynasty’s revival. Now that the three counties of Guanzhong have been secured, when does Your Lordship plan to reclaim the remaining four counties?”

Seemingly afraid of being misunderstood as urging for military action, he added, “On the day the people of Luoyang crossed the Yellow River, Your Lordship and I stood by the river, pointing at the floating bridge, saying it was the people’s hope for Leping. Today, the people of Hedong are the same.”

Hearing Wei Ji suddenly bring up this old matter, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but laugh, “Are the people of Hedong not enjoying their lives? Is the county peaceful?”

Wei Ji replied, “Your Lordship, why play riddles with me at such a time?”

Whether it was this Leping or that Leping, Qiao Yan could not fail to understand his meaning.

Thinking of the news that prompted him to decisively come to Bingzhou, Wei Ji felt more confident.

Xi Zhicai said Wei Ji was here to be a control group for Wang Kuang, and he wasn’t wrong.

The noble families of Hedong were overjoyed upon hearing Wang Kuang’s actions.

Both surnamed Wang, their Hedong Prefect had little presence and was under their control, while the Prefect of Henei, Wang Kuang, was much more active.

But being active has its benefits.

By sympathizing with Yuan Shao over the grain issue and offending Qiao Yan, wouldn’t it make them appear more pragmatic in comparison!

The world really lacks such good people!

Wei Ji’s gaze swept over the bamboo slips on the desk.

Nowadays, with the increasing distribution of Leping Marquis paper, most officials, even outside Bingzhou, no longer use bamboo slips.

But since Wang Kuang wanted to express his dissatisfaction with Qiao Yan, naturally he couldn’t use paper named after the Leping Marquis, so he reverted to bamboo slips.

This special form of correspondence allowed Wei Ji, even without seeing the contents, to easily confirm that this was the denunciation document sent by Prefect Wang, based on the public messages spread along with the official dispatch.

His expression grew even more composed as he said, “The noble families of Hedong are delighted to hear of Your Lordship’s capture of Guanzhong and are willing to welcome the Bingzhou army into Hedong with food and drink.”

The implied meaning was that they had chosen their stance and needed Qiao Yan to give a clear response regarding authority.

“Entering Hedong is not urgent,” Qiao Yan waved her hand. “But I intend to recommend a new Prefect for Hedong after Liu Youzhou enters Guanzhong. What do you think?”

Hearing the first half, Wei Ji’s heart tightened, but hearing the second half, he relaxed, “Who does Your Lordship have in mind?”

Qiao Yan replied, “During the reign of Emperor Xiaoyuan of the Former Han, there was a Commandant of the Capital who was famous for his strict law enforcement and integrity, named Zhuge Feng. His descendants live in Langya, and now there are two brothers. The elder, Zhuge Gui, was once the Assistant Prefect of Taishan County in Yanzhou, but unfortunately died early. The younger, Zhuge Xuan, was a former official under Liu Biao and came to Bingzhou with his late brother’s children.”

“I think Zhuge Xuan has the demeanor of his ancestor and is worthy of being the Prefect of Hedong.”

Zhuge Xuan?

Wei Ji had hoped Qiao Yan would send one of her trusted aides to strengthen their connection with Bingzhou.

Suddenly hearing the relatively unfamiliar name of Zhuge Xuan, he was momentarily stunned.

But upon considering Qiao Yan’s words, he had to admit that Zhuge Xuan was indeed a very suitable candidate.

Wei Ji did not know Qiao Yan’s true goals and ambitions.

But even just to avoid overshadowing her and to take a step back, recommending someone less connected to her in Hedong was necessary.

And Zhuge Xuan’s ancestor being the Commandant of the Capital, who was dismissed for being too upright, added a beautiful anecdote to the matter.

Considering Zhuge Xuan’s nephews, it was even more understandable.

Wei Ji’s second brother was also at Leping Academy.

In letters exchanged between Bingzhou and Hedong, the name of Zhuge Liang was mentioned, noting that he had gained Qiao Yan’s favor for inventing the cotton seed separation machine and was being groomed as a key figure among the second generation of subordinates.

Thus, Zhuge Xuan, as Zhuge Liang’s uncle, his stance was self-evident.

Appointing him as a response to the noble families of Hedong was sufficient!

Wei Ji felt reassured.

Then Qiao Yan said, “Additionally, I have two more tasks for you.”

Wei Ji: “Your Lordship, please speak.”

Qiao Yan said leisurely, “First, I want you to gradually take in the people of Henei County from Hedong.”

Many people in Henei County wanted a peaceful life, but due to the Taihang Mountains blocking the way and the long journey to Taiyuan via the Fen River Valley, some gave up for various reasons.

Directly bringing them into Hedong County was a feasible strategy.

The Prefect of Henei, Wang Kuang, was full of schemes to have her lead troops to attack, hoping for a direct reason to go to Jizhou and take up a position in Ye City, but Qiao Yan did not want to give him his way!

The fewer households in Henei County, the more precarious Wang Kuang’s situation.

Let him slowly experience this feeling.

Since the noble families of Hedong wanted to show their loyalty to her, they should not hesitate to provide land and money to settle the households.

This was also an expense they could accept.

Wei Ji immediately agreed.

“Second, I would like to trouble you to go to Hongnong and visit Zhang Boying and Zhang Wenshu for me.”

Zhang Boying and Zhang Wenshu were the two sons of Zhang Huan of Liangzhou, Zhang Zhi and Zhang Chang, also talents recommended by Jia Xu in response to Qiao Yan’s lack of personnel.

Both were skilled in cursive script, especially the former, who had the title of “Sage of Cursive Script.”

It was not hard to understand why Qiao Yan wanted Wei Ji to make this trip.

Wei Ji was not only handsome and emotionally intelligent, but his calligraphy was also a true inheritance of the Wei family of Hedong, praised as “skilled in ancient script, bird seal, and cursive script.”

According to this, his cursive script was indeed not bad, and he uniquely established a school of “thin cursive script with strong bones,” making his visit to Zhang Zhi quite appropriate.

To lure a great scholar to Leping, one would use the names of Cai Yong and Zheng Xuan; to lure a great calligrapher, one would naturally use a peer.

Originally, Cai Yong was also a good candidate, but since the noble families of Hedong were eager to prove their worth, it was better to give them a chance to shine.

Wei Ji also gladly accepted this second assignment.

When he hurriedly left Bingzhou to return to Hedong, he happened to pass by Mi Zhu’s convoy heading to Bingzhou.

But since Mi Zhu’s visit was somewhat secret, the convoy did not bear the emblem of the Donghai Mi Clan, so Wei Ji did not recognize the merchant group.

He only saw the large convoy arriving in Bingzhou and sighed at the bustling trade in Bingzhou, which was no longer the same as before.

Mi Zhu also did not know that he had arrived in Bingzhou twice after Wei Ji’s visits, thus benefiting from Qiao Yan’s good mood.

But whether Qiao Yan was in a good mood or not was not very important. When he arrived in Jinyang, all his attention was drawn to the cotton cloth before him.

Lu Yuan had sent him a sample of cotton cloth in her letter and mentioned Princess Yang’an’s trip to Ye City to showcase the cotton cloth. But a fabric never before seen in the Central Plains was hard to truly appreciate without wearing it.

For modern people, cotton cloth is commonplace, but for the native people of the Han Dynasty, it was incredibly shocking.

“Plant-based materials are easier to reduce hives compared to animal fur, and cotton cloth is warmer than linen, especially this cotton-padded jacket…” Mi Zhu murmured.

Qiao Yan had seen Mi Zhu several times, and the future head of the Donghai Mi Clan had always been particularly composed. Today, he was unusually out of sorts.

Mi Zhu rubbed the cotton-padded jacket in his hands a couple of times before refocusing on the cotton cloth.

The warmth of the cotton-padded jacket needed no further explanation from Qiao Yan. However, to elevate its value and achieve the effect of rarity, it was the cotton cloth that mattered more.

He tried hard to pull his gaze away from the cotton cloth and looked at Qiao Yan, asking, “Does Your Lordship truly intend to entrust this to the Donghai Mi Clan?”

In these times, merchants had wealth, but with figures like Dong Zhuo privately minting coins, mere wealth was useless. Instead, the power to conquer cities and territories was more valuable.

This was why Mi Zhu, after betting on Qiao Yan’s potential, was willing to pay more, even if it exceeded Qiao Yan’s returns.

Now, it seemed his judgment was indeed good.

In the past, Qiao Yan had not yet become the Governor of Bingzhou and was even confined to Leping for two years for shooting an arrow at the Governor, just recently released.

Today, Qiao Yan was a figure who could stir up storms in Liang, Bing, and even Guanzhong.

Her tone had long carried the authority of a superior, but there was also a touch of nostalgic warmth in her words, “A promise to you, I shall keep. Why do you ask, Zizhong?”

After speaking, she gestured for him to follow.

Mi Zhu followed her steps and soon saw several boxes of cotton cloth in the Bingzhou Prefecture’s storeroom.

Qiao Yan patted the cloth and said, “This year’s harvest only left these after making cotton clothes. How to sell them, how to use Princess Yang’an’s reputation, and how to explain your connection with Bingzhou, that’s up to you.”

From Mi Zhu’s estimation, the quantity was substantial!

He decisively replied, “If I can’t even do these things, then the Donghai Mi Clan is unworthy of being called a great merchant family.”

“Good, proceed as you see fit.”

Qiao Yan closed the lid of the box before her and continued, “Of the profits from selling the cotton clothes, Bingzhou will take sixty percent. I won’t take any additional profits from the rarity, but I need your word, Mi Zizhong.”

As the lid closed, it made a metallic clang.

Mi Zhu was startled and met Qiao Yan’s sharp gaze.

Although the Donghai Mi Clan had chosen Bingzhou as a retreat, for merchants, forming alliances widely was the way to survive.

As long as he did not change his address, there was still room for maneuver.

To be precise, he had just invested the most in Qiao Yan and had given the most carefully considered gifts.

But now, he heard Qiao Yan ask in a deep voice, “I have the confidence to say that if one wishes to pacify the world and restore the Han Dynasty’s glory, among all the heroes of the world, who else but me, Qiao Yeshu, can do it? So—”

“Zizhong, dare you serve me as your master?”

After seizing nearly three provinces, what she needed was no longer a merchant ally, but a precisely positioned subordinate.

This was a stance that could not be compromised!