Chapter 219

Chapter 219

Can’t a strategist ascend the throne? Volume 7: Eight Hundred Qin Rivers, Occupying Guanzhong Chapter 219: Gongsun’s Scheme

Tian Feng fell silent.

He had clearly entered with the intention of being as low-key as possible, avoiding trouble at all costs, so how did he end up in this situation?

If we ignore the unexpected appearance of Zhang Niujiao, although he was a newly registered resident of Bingzhou, no one could see anything special about him.

But now…

He didn’t know whether he should question Qiao Bingzhou’s judgment for having such a foolish neighbor as the local administrator or lament his own terrible luck.

However, neither was an option.

According to what he had stated during registration before entering, he had come to Bingzhou because he couldn’t make a living in Jizhou.

Working here was to earn a living and establish himself so he could eventually bring his family to Bingzhou.

Therefore, facing Zhang Niujiao’s appreciation as his superior, he should appear ecstatic.

The question is, how should he express this emotion?

If someone else were in Zhang Niujiao’s position, they might notice the abnormality in Tian Feng’s awkward expression.

At this moment, due to his complete lack of grassroots experience, Tian Feng’s usually sharp mind was in a daze.

However, if someone else were in Zhang Niujiao’s position, they might not have thought of this method of undercover talent selection among newcomers, which ended up exposing Tian Feng.

This could be seen as a case of gains and losses.

After Tian Feng told Zhang Niujiao the fake name “Yuan Feng,” Zhang Niujiao, without suspicion, assigned him the task of inventory registration to utilize his calculation skills.

“To be an accountant in Bingzhou, you must learn the abacus,” Zhang Niujiao said, handing the abacus to Tian Feng.

Tian Feng had heard of this tool.

But before it could be widely promoted, the Grand Historian’s observatory, which had extensively used it, was packed up by Qiao Yan and taken to Bingzhou, along with personnel and archives.

This was something Bingzhou had that Jizhou did not.

Thinking that he might consider this a gain, Tian Feng felt slightly relieved.

This promotion wasn’t entirely bad.

However, he then heard Zhang Niujiao say, “Unfortunately, I don’t know how to use this. You might need to visit the Science Academy.”

Tian Feng’s momentary silence was interpreted by Zhang Niujiao as nervousness, and he quickly added, “Don’t worry, just mention my name, Zhang Niujiao, when you get there, and say—”

“You are my chosen future confidant, here to attend the abacus training course.”

He led Tian Feng through the warehouse corridors, exuding a sense of pride as if showing off his territory. “Although the volume of goods here isn’t large, occasionally we assist in military grain production next door, so accuracy is crucial. Learning the abacus will be useful.”

When they reached the end, he pushed open a door and pointed to a row of bungalows, saying, “Here! This is where you’ll live from now on. As my future right-hand man, you won’t have to squeeze in with others.”

Tian Feng had to admit that this environment was much better than what he had mentally prepared for.

But he was here to gather intelligence!

Having already risen to a future key position, how was he supposed to leave now?

Moreover, the Science Academy was adjacent to Leping Academy, and with Zheng Xuan’s arrival in Bingzhou, many scholars from the north had come, increasing the risk of someone recognizing him, which would be troublesome.

It seemed he had only one option—

Shave off his beard tomorrow!

To achieve his goal of spying on Bingzhou for Yuan Shao, Tian Feng was making a significant sacrifice.

As he gritted his teeth and made his decision, Zhang Niujiao handed him over to the dormitory manager and left, humming a tune.

Tian Feng glanced at Zhang Niujiao’s retreating figure and cautiously inquired about his background with the manager.

“You don’t know?” the manager replied. “Commander Zhang was originally from the Black Mountain Bandits. Of course, after serving under the Marquis for over seven years, there’s no more talk of Black Mountain or White Wave Bandits. Just know that he’s been with the Marquis for a long time.”

Tian Feng muttered, “No wonder…”

What he meant wasn’t “No wonder Zhang Niujiao dares to say he can introduce me to Qiao Yan,” but rather—

No wonder Zhang Niujiao has such a “follow me and you’ll live well” bandit attitude!

With such a superior, Tian Feng was starting to get a headache.

“By the way,” the manager suddenly added, “the middle building in the dormitory area is the study. The types of farming tools produced here and their inspection standards are all there. If you know a few characters, you can understand them. If you have time, start learning.”

“Additionally, there are regular literacy courses for clerical staff. I’ll notify you of the schedule. If you have any questions, come to the last room to find me.”

The manager didn’t notice Tian Feng’s eyes light up at the mention of books and continued, “Come on, I’ll take you to get your clothes and literacy books.”

“Speaking of which, your name is quite strange. Yuan Feng doesn’t have the same auspicious meaning as Yuan Feng. It can’t be that you’re hoping to be enfeoffed as a marquis or become a prime minister, right? A good harvest is more practical.”

Tian Feng was almost startled by the manager’s sudden mention of the character “Feng.”

However, it was clear that the manager had no way of recognizing his identity and was just casually chatting about how Qiao Yan liked to rename people, so whether it was Feng or Feng didn’t matter.

Though this was true, fearing his identity might be exposed, Tian Feng remained vigilant.

Only when he finally had some alone time did he let out a long sigh.

But now he faced an exceptionally difficult problem.

Being able to quickly access Bingzhou’s core secrets was indeed a good thing.

But with the inevitable attention he would receive, how was he supposed to quietly transmit the information?

This was a real headache.

One wrong move, and he could be stuck here, never to return to Jizhou.

Perhaps it could be said that Tian Feng’s luck wasn’t all bad.

While Qiao Yan was busy with inter-provincial affairs and planning Liu Yu’s ascension to the throne, Zhang Niujiao’s request to add a student to the abacus course didn’t require Qiao Yan’s personal approval. It was handled through the standard bureaucratic process.

Perhaps because Bingzhou had seen so many extraordinary talents, Zhang Niujiao’s claim of finding a capable subordinate didn’t attract much attention.

It wasn’t that people didn’t care about the talents Zhang Niujiao recognized due to his low scores in academy exams, but rather that his good luck was well-known.

If not for his luck, how could a former Black Mountain Bandit become one of Qiao Yan’s earliest followers and secure such a stable position over the years?

Finding a talent or two was nothing special.

Hearing that Zhang Niujiao even boasted to Guan Hai and Liang Zhongning over drinks, Qiao Yan merely listened as an amusing anecdote.

At the end of October, Yang Xiu and Princess Yang’an returned to Bingzhou from Ye City.

Compared to Zhang Niujiao’s joy at finding a talent, the subsequent processing of cotton cloth was more pressing.

Listening to Yang Xiu’s report on how he had outwitted Yuan Shao’s subordinates with his eloquence, Qiao Yan suddenly felt that her earlier worry about Yang Xiu being unable to debate Chen Lin and others was unnecessary.

After all, Yang Xiu had seen the world in Bingzhou and might even be considered her protégé.

However, when she heard him mention cousins and uncles, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but laugh. “I can’t afford to take in Yuan Shao’s sons.”

Yuan Shao, of course, wouldn’t send Yuan Tan or Yuan Shang here.

She then asked, “But speaking of which, aren’t you worried that your sarcastic remarks to your uncle might affect your parents’ relationship?”

Yang Xiu replied, “Not everyone in the Yuan Clan of Runan is on the same side. Besides, my grandfather and Yuan Shao’s father were only cousins, so there’s a layer of separation. Even the term ‘uncle’ is something I’m using for the first time.”

At this point, he almost couldn’t maintain his composure.

The term just sounded too strange.

Fortunately, while he found it uncomfortable, it also dealt a heavy blow to Yuan Shao.

But perhaps, in Ye City, Fu Wan was having an even harder time.

When Princess Yang’an first divorced Fu Wan, to prevent him from stopping her from taking Fu Ya, she didn’t reveal the whole truth.

She only said that the divorce was a temporary measure to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket.

Fu Wan had thought that the princess, leaving her familiar Luoyang for Bingzhou, might not maintain her royal dignity.

The notoriously desolate and chaotic Bingzhou would surely wear her down.

But this time, he saw Liu Hua, radiant and accompanied by handsome generals, riding through the streets of Ye City, looking even more majestic and youthful than before.

Her cotton clothes set a trend among the upper-class nobles, with many flattering and inquiring about them.

Fu Wan also received news that was like a bolt from the blue.

Princess Yang’an personally told him that the divorce was final, and they should treat it as a real separation.

She was doing very well in Bingzhou and didn’t regret her decision at all.

If Fu Wan’s situation in Ye City wasn’t great, he might as well hand over Fu De to her for upbringing.

Fu Wan was furious.

But having come this far, there was no way he could switch sides and jump from Ye City to Bingzhou.

He had to endure Liu Hua’s accusations of his past choices in Ye City, disregarding the Han Dynasty’s dignity, and anxiously waited for Princess Yang’an’s return to Bingzhou.

Compared to Yuan Shao, who could only see but not touch the cotton, Fu Wan’s blow was much more direct.

After returning to Bingzhou, Liu Hua didn’t dwell on Fu Wan’s situation but immediately discussed cotton cloth sales with Mi Zhu, who was still in Bingzhou.

According to Qiao Yan’s suggestion, the princess would provide designs, and Mi Zhu would handle the pricing and sales.

But this wasn’t enough.

She didn’t just plan to make money from noblewomen with “Princess Yang’an’s style” but also needed some nobles and high-ranking officials to promote the product.

Yuan Shao, having a psychological aversion to cotton clothes for the time being, wasn’t suitable, but a few others were.

Yuan Shu, the Governor of Yu Province; Tao Qian, the Governor of Xu Province; and Sun Ce in Yang Province.

This was the top-down brand effect.

It also allowed Mi Zhu to make stops along the way back to Xu Province.

So Princess Yang’an’s clothing store had to design suitable outfits for these three.

But speaking of Sun Ce…

Yang Xiu reported, “While in Ye City, besides noting their defenses, I heard that the Ye City court intends to win over Sun Ce. Previously, when Yuan Shu and Sun Ce were in conflict, Yuan Shao hadn’t yet turned against Yuan Shu. At that time, Sun Ce had struck first against Yuan Shu, making him an enemy of the Ye City court. Now, there’s a chance to win him over.”

Qiao Yan nodded, indicating she understood.

In the current situation, she wasn’t too worried.

Back in early October, Sun Ce’s congratulatory letter to Bingzhou had arrived.

Under the pretext of rewarding Lu Yuan, she sent a dozen cotton clothes to Yang Province and replied to Sun Ce.

In the letter, she hinted that the title Sun Ce desired would be his by year’s end.

Under these circumstances, if Yuan Shao couldn’t offer Sun Ce much support, why would Sun Ce side with the Ye City court?

Doing so would also brand him as unfilial.

After all, Sun Jian had died at the hands of Dong Zhuo and Liu Biao, and Qiao Yan had eliminated Dong Zhuo, avenging half of Sun Ce’s grievance.

If Sun Ce repaid kindness with enmity, it would be unjustifiable in the Han Dynasty’s moral framework.

Qiao Yan said, “Yuan Shao has no chance to ally with Sun Ce. On the other hand, Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province, whose appointment as Governor was issued by Dong Zhuo, might be replaced due to the change in the Son of Heaven. Yuan Shao…”








She could try to win over one or two, making them a check on the Guanzhong direction.

Her fingers lightly tapped on the table, “But you reminded me, we are only able to maintain our connection with Yang Province because Yuan Shao can’t offer a higher price. But what happens after he gets the title of Governor of Yang Province?”

Her eyes flashed with sharpness, “We can’t always give Sun Ce whatever he wants. Once he firmly establishes himself in Yang Province, with the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, he won’t need to rely on us for any titles anymore.”

This kind of cooperative relationship is too unstable!

Although she wants Sun Ce to be a sharp sword against the noble families of Jiangdong, she doesn’t intend to let him develop so freely.

The short interval between receiving the titles of Prefect of Kuaiji and Governor of Yang Province inevitably made him less respectful towards Qiao Yan.

“…So while giving him the title of Governor of Yang Province, we still need to give him some trouble.”

Who can take on this responsibility?

In the Jiangdong region, those who can stir up trouble within Sun Ce’s forces are the noble families like the Four Surnames of Jiangdong and the mountain tribes represented by Zu Lang.

But these people are not something she can control from afar.

The vast distance makes it easy to lose control.

Qiao Yan also doesn’t want this behind-the-scenes manipulation to damage her image and disrupt the plan.

So both options are not feasible.

But since there’s no rush for now, Qiao Yan temporarily set it aside, planning to consult her strategists before making a decision.

Thinking about the arrangements for Sun Ce, her gaze subconsciously fell on the map of the thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty in the study.

This glance made her suddenly realize something.

The lords of the easternmost provinces or half-provinces all seem to share some common traits.

The southernmost Sun Ce of Jiangdong is handsome and humorous, no need to say more.

Further up, Tao Qian of Xuzhou, before rising to prominence, once met his fellow countryman Gan Gong, who was the Prefect of Cangwu. Impressed by his extraordinary appearance, Gan Gong married his daughter to him.

Further up, Qingzhou’s nominal governor is Yuan Shao, who is currently in Ye City. Qiao Yan once scolded him as “gold on the outside, rotten on the inside,” indicating his situation. He was favored by elders in his youth for his martial appearance.

The northernmost Youzhou, Gongsun Zan, was appreciated by the Prefect of Zhuo County for his handsome appearance and loud voice, and was taken as a son-in-law, which led to his later rise.

She couldn’t help but mutter, “This is really a world that values looks.”

But as soon as she finished speaking, she saw Yang Xiu, who hadn’t left yet, looking at her with a puzzled expression, completely unable to understand why she would make such a remark.

Qiao Yan waved her hand, signaling him not to worry about this trivial sigh and to just leave and rest.

But who is Yang Xiu?

Rumored to interpret Cao Cao’s “one box of pastries” as “one bite per person,” and a military order of “chicken ribs” as a retreat, he is a typical example of someone who loves to speculate on his superior’s intentions.

He might even outdo the answers in reading comprehension.

Moreover, Qiao Yan always has deeper meanings in her actions, so Yang Xiu couldn’t help but think that Qiao Yan wouldn’t just make such a simple remark.

What did the lord mean by saying this?

“When the lord said this, she was looking at the right part of the thirteen provinces map,” Yang Xiu gestured, “What’s special about this part?”

Ma Chao, who had some friendship with him due to their trip to Ye City, looked confused, “What’s special? Their power is not as great as the lord’s.”

“But they all have good looks and handsome appearances, while our lord,” Yang Xiu gave Ma Chao a look of disappointment, “was even mistaken by you for Lü Bu.”

Ma Chao scratched his head.

With such a blunder as a black mark, he didn’t want it either.

“You mean, we should clarify the lord’s image?”

Yang Xiu clapped his hands, “Exactly.”

But before they could implement their plan, Cai Zhaoji reported them to Qiao Yan.

Zhaoji is in charge of the public opinion work of the Leping Monthly Report, and she knows everything that happens.

Yang Xiu happened to hire her helper.

Zhaoji thought such a trivial matter didn’t seem like something Qiao Yan would do, so she directly informed the person involved.

Qiao Yan looked speechlessly at Yang Xiu and Ma Chao, who were summoned before her.

Listening to Yang Xiu’s explanation, she couldn’t help but think that these two must have too much free time to mess around like this.

So she decisively assigned them to Lü Bu as messengers.

Lü Bu was not in Chang’an at the time.

Since Zhao Yun was already in Guanzhong, shortly after Qiao Yan returned to Bingzhou, she transferred Lü Bu back, having him responsible for building roads between Shuofang County in Bingzhou and Wuwei Commandery in Liangzhou, forming a northern connection between the two provinces.

At the same time, he was to transport the salt brine from the Jilantai Salt Lake down the Yellow River to Suiyuan City for storage, used in making dried meat from livestock on the frontier, thus continuing to raise military provisions.

In other words, Yang Xiu and Ma Chao were temporarily exiled to the far north.

Upon hearing this news, Xi Zhicai laughed for a long time before putting away his amused expression and telling Qiao Yan some good news.

“The lord’s strategy of offering favorable migration terms to the noble families of Hedong to attract residents wanting to leave Henei was indeed the right choice.”

From his tone, Qiao Yan could hear the underlying meaning.

Her eyes flickered, “Caught a big fish?”

Xi Zhicai replied, “Not just one big fish. But this isn’t entirely due to the Hedong noble families; it’s more of a chain reaction from the lord’s complete control of Guanzhong.”

Seeing Qiao Yan signal him to continue, Xi Zhicai said, “Two years ago, after Dong Zhuo retreated from Luoyang to Chang’an, he appointed Sima Fang, the Imperial Censor, as the Governor of Henan.”

“This Sima Jianggong is from a prestigious family in Henei and often feigned compliance with Dong Zhuo. Now that the lord has conquered Guanzhong, he intended to visit, but because the lord proposed Liu Yu as the Son of Heaven, he temporarily halted his actions, following the etiquette of first paying respects to the Emperor.”

“But the Prefect of Henei, Wang Kuang, first criticized the lord, forcing Sima Fang to clarify his stance to avoid misunderstandings. Seeing the Hedong noble families following the lord’s orders and getting along well, he had his eldest son Sima Lang lead the family to migrate from Henei to Hedong.”

Qiao Yan asked, “Not into Bingzhou?”

Xi Zhicai shook his head, “Probably waiting for Liu Yu to enter the Han court and meet the lord before deciding. But his second son was sent to study at Leping Academy. Cai Yong wrote that the boy is intelligent, so he was admitted to the academy.”

At this point, he keenly noticed a subtle expression flash across Qiao Yan’s face, “My lord?”

“Nothing, I just thought I’ve heard of his second son’s name. If I remember correctly, Sima Jianggong’s eldest son’s courtesy name is Boda, the second son’s is Zhongda, the third son’s is Shuda, following the same pattern as Dong Zhuo’s family, but with ‘Da’ instead of ‘Ying’.”

And Sima Zhongda is Sima Yi!

Her earlier guess that Sima Yi might attend Leping Academy has become a reality.

Who knows if Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi, who were rivals in the Shu-Wei confrontation, would have a showdown in the academy.

But then again… let the kids handle their own issues!

Qiao Yan, only five years older than Sima Yi, said so.

Now, it’s the adults causing her more trouble.

For example—

Gongsun Zan.

The news of Qiao Yan’s intention to welcome Liu Yu as the Son of Heaven reached Youzhou, not only startling Liu Yu himself but also making Gongsun Zan slam the table.

At that time, he had already retreated to Pinggu in Yuyang County after a defeat under Liu Yu’s personal supervision, relying on the Great Wall there to fight against the pursuing forces led by Zhang Liao, preventing further retreat eastward.

The city walls here almost connect with the Wuzhong Mountain to the south, forming an effective barrier and allowing Gongsun Zan to hold his ground.

Thus, like Liu Bei and Yuan Shu confronting each other across the Wo River in Yu Province, Gongsun Zan regrouped and counterattacked to the Baqiu River area.

In other words, he and Liu Yu are in an east-west confrontation, each occupying half of Yuyang County.

He usually couldn’t stand Liu Yu’s gentle approach, believing in the logic of the strong ruling and thinking Liu Yu should be driven out of Youzhou.

But now, not only is it uncertain whether Liu Yu can be driven out, but he might even become the Son of Heaven!

What kind of logic is this!

Just because he’s a Han imperial relative?

Gongsun Zan looked gloomy.

Only a river apart, Yuyang and Hunu counties are where Liu Yu stationed his troops.

Approaching November, in this freezing weather, outside Pinggu where he is stationed, the fields are already covered with withered grass.

Looking north, the faint outline of the Yinshan Mountains is silhouetted against the evening sky.

Gongsun Zan looked at this scene, his lips pressed into a tight line.

If it were just Liu Yu becoming the Son of Heaven, that would be one thing.

Given the current situation where Ye City has one Son of Heaven and Chang’an has another, it was predictable that someone from the Han imperial lineage would ascend.

To put it bluntly, a few years ago, a guy named Zhang Ju rebelled in this very Yuyang County, declaring himself the Son of Heaven!

Having the title of “Son of Heaven” doesn’t mean Liu Yu is truly favored by heaven.

In that case, let him be the Son of Heaven, and he can temporarily withdraw from the struggle in Youzhou, allowing Gongsun Zan to become the master of this land.

But Liu Yu is putting on a show, claiming he must first pacify the chaos in Youzhou to show he has no desire for the throne.

This completely enraged him!

If Liu Yu refuses to take the position, then the Governor of Bingzhou, who just withdrew from the Chang’an campaign, will inevitably pour Bingzhou’s resources into the Youzhou conflict to achieve the goal of placing Liu Yu on the throne.

This is definitely not good news for Gongsun Zan.

He doesn’t have many informants in the Central Plains and doesn’t know how powerful Qiao Yan’s crossbowmen are.

But as a seasoned warrior, he can guess how formidable this force is.

Just the previously dispatched Zhang Liao and Qu Yan are already fierce generals.

What if we add Lü Bu, who killed Dong Zhuo? The heavy infantry who broke through Kuiyuan Gorge? And the newly recruited Liangzhou Ma family army?

Gongsun Zan dare not bet on this possibility.

He also knows well that unless he is truly pushed back to Liaoxi County or further east, Yuan Shao in the south won’t send troops to help just because he supports Liu Bian.

Because Gongsun Zan is also a thorn in Yuan Shao’s side.

But if he is pushed back to that point, not to mention the dangers on the battlefield, whether he can survive is uncertain.

The Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes to the north are always ready to take advantage of the weak and might swallow him up.

In such a situation, how can he wait for Yuan Shao’s rescue! He must save himself, or he’s doomed!

Gongsun Zan couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.

He should have realized this earlier.

Liu Yu, as a descendant of the Prince of Donghai, rose to the position of Governor of Youzhou, became a trusted minister of the late Emperor, and was promoted to Grand Marshal. After Liu Xie’s disappearance, he became a candidate for the throne, playing the game of three refusals and three offers.

Gongsun Zan, though of noble birth, started as a minor official due to his mother’s low status. Except for the push from his father-in-law, all his promotions were earned through real battles with the northern Hu people.

This stark contrast makes one wonder which is colder, the north wind or this reality.

But he never accepted fate based on so-called high and low status!

Gongsun Zan’s hand gripping the sword at his waist tightened, and he took a step forward.

The Baqiu River separating him from Liu Yu originates from the north of the Yanshan Mountains, flowing south until it disappears into the Bohai Sea.

The warm hues of the sunset reflected on the river couldn’t hide the cold light within, much like the sharpness in Gongsun Zan’s eyes.

At this moment, he made up his mind.

He must make Liu Yu understand—

There are no such good things where you can have it all!