Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne? Volume 7: Eight Hundred Qinchuan, Holding Guanzhong Chapter 229: The Five Elements of Punishment Tools

Although Liu Yu had not discussed the position of Grand General with Qiao Yan in advance, it was already a tacit understanding in Chang’an.

The areas that the Chang’an court could truly control, or where its decrees could be directly enforced, were limited to Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Guanzhong—all regions Qiao Yan had conquered.

To counter Yuan Shao in Jizhou and Gongsun Zan in Youzhou, and to either ally with or balance other forces, Qiao Yan’s role was undeniable.

The Grand General commands the military power of the realm.

Thus, with Liu Yu overseeing the central court, only by placing this authority in Qiao Yan’s hands could the mobilization of troops from all directions be legitimized.

Liu Yu knew he was no military strategist, and he saw no issue in granting Qiao Yan this position, even if it seemed excessive for her age.

Considering that it was Qiao Yan who had enabled him to sit on the throne, giving her the title of Grand General was simply the natural course of action.

But now—

Before the edict appointing her as Grand General was even read, she had already offered the position to Liu Yan, the Governor of Yizhou.

Not only was Liu Yu’s confidant, who was reading the edict, surprised, but even Liu Yu himself and the newly appointed Three Excellencies were taken aback.

This move didn’t seem advantageous for Qiao Yan.

If it were peacetime, and the realm wasn’t divided, others would have objected to this appointment without her needing to step aside.

But given the current situation, and with most present owing their lives to Qiao Yan’s rescue of Chang’an, no one would dare oppose her.

Yet, Liu Yu sensed that Qiao Yan’s actions weren’t due to youthful modesty.

Given her decisive actions during the locust plague in Bingzhou, she clearly understood the urgency of the times and wouldn’t make meaningless concessions.

Qiao Yan then spoke: “When Dong Zhuo occupied Chang’an, the purchase of grain from Yizhou alleviated shortages, showcasing Yizhou’s prosperity. With Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan as our main enemies, Yizhou should be an ally, not an adversary.”

“While Dong Zhuo was in power, Liu Yan held the title of Grand Marshal. Now that Dong Zhuo is gone, his position shouldn’t be too low, lest Yuan Shao take advantage.”

“However, the title of Grand Marshal, which oversees both military and political power, is too lofty. Liu Yan’s earlier proposal to reinstate the Provincial Governor System already hinted at separatist tendencies. With Su Gu, the Prefect of Hanzhong, replaced by Zhang Xiu, and the Prefect of Wudu falling into Zhang Lu’s hands, it’s unwise to let Liu Yan hold the title of Grand Marshal, as it would embolden him. Thus, I request Your Majesty to grant him the title of Grand General instead.”

Liu Yu began to understand Qiao Yan’s reasoning.

Granting Liu Yan the title of Grand General didn’t mean giving him actual military power.

Yizhou’s geographical constraints would prevent Liu Yan from expanding his influence significantly.

The essence of giving him the title was to ensure he wouldn’t defect to the Ye court.

Whether it was Grand General or Grand Marshal, the difference in winning Liu Yan’s allegiance was minimal, as the Ye court couldn’t offer a higher title.

But with the title of Grand General, there was now a reason to replenish Chang’an’s granaries.

Qiao Yan clearly didn’t hold Liu Yan in high regard.

Two days prior, Zhang Lu had questioned Xu Shu and Yang Feng’s sudden seizure of Gudao and Sanguan.

Although Zhang Lu knew their actions were in response to Qiao Yan’s campaign from Liangzhou to Guanzhong, he still issued a formal complaint at the end of the year, needing to appease his Taishi Path followers.

He chose a strategic time to make his move, betting that Liu Yu wouldn’t act against allied forces before his coronation.

But now, on the first day of the new year, the issue was brought before the court.

Qiao Yan confidently stated, “I have already issued orders to Chencang, sending Xu Shu and Gai Xun to expel the Taishi Path followers from Wudu. To avoid conflict with Liu Yan, granting him the title of Grand General today is a small price to pay.”

Lu Zhi, listening nearby, almost laughed.

Qiao Yan’s actions were a masterclass in power balancing and maintaining relationships.

But there was no hint of fear or flattery toward Liu Yan in her concession.

With Gai Xun’s reputation in Liangzhou and Xu Shu’s tactical prowess, even if Zhang Lu had gathered a significant following in Wudu through the Taishi Path, it was unlikely he could maintain a foothold in Liangzhou.

In other words, the title of Grand General was a pacifying gesture after a slap.

On one hand, it signaled that Zhang Lu’s actions were separate from Liu Yan’s, and her military response targeted Zhang Lu, not Liu Yan.

On the other hand, it implied that with the title of Grand General, Liu Yan should consider the nation’s interests in his military decisions and avoid rash actions.

Interestingly, she issued the military order on New Year’s Eve, effectively distancing Liu Yu from the decision.

Liu Yu, sitting above, understood the subtext. Granting Liu Yan the title of Grand General was necessary, but it left Qiao Yan’s position somewhat diminished.

Liu Yu felt this was unfair to Qiao Yan, given her contributions to the Han dynasty and her role in rescuing Chang’an.

After postponing the appointment of military officials and adjourning the court, Liu Yu summoned the Three Excellencies for discussion.

Lu Zhi said, “I believe Qiao Yan’s proposal is sound. Your Majesty, not being a direct descendant of Emperor Ling, ascended the throne as a member of the imperial clan. Liu Yan, as a descendant of Prince Lu Gong and a student of Minister Zhu Boxiu, is among the top of the imperial relatives. Stripping him of the title of Grand Marshal would indeed be inappropriate.”

“After the court adjourned, Qiao Yan asked me, ‘Without the title of Grand General, can I not defeat Yuan Shao?'”

Lu Zhi bowed to Liu Yu and continued, “If Your Majesty feels that not granting Qiao Yan the title of Grand General is a slight, you could appoint her as General of Agile Cavalry with the authority to act independently, or follow the precedent of Emperor Wu and General Huo Qubing.”

What did it mean to follow Emperor Wu’s precedent with Huo Qubing? It meant adding “Grand Marshal” before the title of General of Agile Cavalry to signify her unique status.

Of course, this “Grand Marshal” wasn’t the same as the previous one.

After some deliberation, Liu Yu made his decision.

At the next day’s court session, the edict for military appointments was read:

Liu Yan, Governor of Yizhou, was appointed Grand General.

Qiao Yan, Governor of Bingzhou, was appointed Grand Marshal and General of Agile Cavalry, with the authority to act independently during campaigns, establish her own office, and concurrently govern Liangzhou.

Huangfu Song was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry.

Liu Biao, Governor of Jingzhou, was appointed Left General.

Yuan Shu, Governor of Yuzhou, was additionally granted the title of Front General.

Sun Ce, Governor of Yangzhou, was appointed General Who Conquers the East.

Of course, the day’s announcements weren’t limited to military titles.

While the Nine Ministers under the Three Excellencies weren’t fully filled, several key positions were confirmed.

For example, Chen Ji, recommended by Qiao Yan as one of the heads of Hongwen Hall, was appointed Grand Herald, overseeing ceremonial affairs.

The position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, in charge of finances, went to Cheng Yu.

The post of Commandant of the Guards, responsible for the palace guards, was given to Xianyu Fu, Liu Yu’s military officer.

Shi Sunrui, who had accompanied Lu Zhi and Huang Wan to Chang’an, was appointed Minister of the Household.

Below the Nine Ministers, Xun Shuang, who was to recuperate in Leping, was granted the title of Grandee of the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, an honorary position without official duties.

Xun Yu, as Qiao Yan had previously discussed with him, was appointed Palace Attendant.

In theory, the Palace Attendant’s role was to assist the Director of the Secretariat in discussing state affairs, but with the Director’s position vacant, his duties would involve assisting the Three Excellencies in handling external court affairs.

The remaining positions need not be detailed.

The vacancies in high-ranking positions and Hongwen Hall’s recruitment of talents sent a clear signal that opportunities abounded.

Regardless of the scholars’ eagerness to prove themselves in Hongwen Hall, one group, after receiving an escort from Zhao Yun, set out toward Hanzhong via the Xiegu Pass.

They were to deliver the edict appointing Liu Yan as Grand General.

The envoy tasked with reading the edict was Qi Zhou, who had served under Liu Yu when he was Governor of Youzhou.

After Liu Yu’s ascension, Qi Zhou was appointed as a Grand Herald under the Nine Ministers, responsible for the enfeoffment and revocation of titles for princes and marquises, hence the task of delivering the edict fell to him.

He glanced at his companion, unsure how to react to the fact that the man had brought a veiled woman along on this mission to Yizhou.

If it were someone like Qiao Yan—or even the newly appointed Assistant Governor of Liangzhou, Lady Lu—Qi Zhou wouldn’t have batted an eye.

But the woman accompanying this man was completely veiled, addressing him as “teacher,” suggesting she might be a student from Leping Academy in Bingzhou.

As for his companion, Qi Zhou found him even more perplexing.

The man’s name wasn’t particularly notable among Qiao Yan’s subordinates.

He introduced himself as Li Meng, courtesy name Gongming, from Sili, who had joined Bingzhou early on.

When Qi Zhou asked why he hadn’t heard of him before, Li Meng stroked his beard and replied, “It’s because Bingzhou has so many talented individuals that I never had the chance to make a name for myself. Fortunately, this mission to Yizhou isn’t particularly important, making it suitable for someone like me.”

This explanation was… barely acceptable.

But since arriving in Chang’an with Liu Yu, Qi Zhou had felt the weight of his new position as a subordinate of the Nine Ministers, knowing he couldn’t afford any mistakes.

At the very least, he couldn’t give anyone a reason to criticize the Emperor.

Thus, he took this mission to Yizhou very seriously.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that his companion was just along for the ride.

But considering Qiao Yan’s decision to yield the title of Grand General, sending someone like this wasn’t entirely surprising.

Qi Zhou sighed.

It seemed dealing with Liu Yan would fall entirely on him.

Li Ru, watching from a distance, shook his head with a smile.

Since he was now serving under Qiao Yan, he couldn’t use his real name, but he didn’t need to change it to “Li Meng” as Qiao Yan had suggested.

He chose the character “Meng” (蒙), meaning “to deceive,” for this mission.

Jia Xu thought Li Ru was waiting for the right moment to act, but Li Ru saw it differently.

For instance, when Qiao Yan used the concession of the Grand General title to Liu Yan to secure a higher position for herself, turning “Grand Marshal and General of Agile Cavalry” into a true Grand Marshal, Li Ru immediately took on the mission to Yizhou.

Qiao Ting, who accompanied him, asked, “Teacher, why did you have me wear a veil instead of disguising myself as a man to be less conspicuous?”

Li Ru casually replied, “Your role here is to observe and learn. What I’m doing requires precision. Let’s just be seen as burdens in this group; there’s no need to appear capable.”

Qiao Ting didn’t fully understand Li Ru’s plan, but since he said it was for her to learn, she trusted it would be fine.

Her becoming Li Ru’s student had been somewhat accidental.

Jia Xu had initially tried to provoke Li Ru into action, not wanting him to use Qiao Yan’s suggestion of farming as an excuse to live a quiet life.

But Li Ru told Jia Xu that if he was bored, there were other ways to pass the time.

For example, Jia Xu could teach Qiao Lan, while Li Ru taught Qiao Ting, and they could compare results after a year.

In Li Ru’s mind, teaching Qiao Yan’s relatives was a legitimate task, giving him at least another year of leisure.

But after receiving Qiao Yan’s letter, Li Ru couldn’t stay idle.

This seemed like the opportunity he had been waiting for!

Driven by a competitive spirit—unwilling to lose to Jia Xu in farming or teaching—Li Ru decided to take Qiao Ting on this mission.

After all, they would eventually need to travel extensively, so this was good practice.

Moreover, teaching through real-world experience could be just as effective, right?

As Li Ru pondered this, he also considered the two pieces of information Qiao Yan had given him.

First, when Liu Yan initially proposed the Provincial Governor System, he had aimed for the position of Governor of Jiaozhou, not Yizhou.

But Dong Fu, a skilled diviner from Mianzhu who was serving as a Palace Attendant in Luoyang, told Liu Yan, “The capital will fall into chaos, and the Yizhou region has the aura of an emperor.”

After Liu Yan became Governor of Yizhou, Dong Fu followed him to Shu, becoming the Commandant of Shu.

Second, when Guo Daxian’s merchant caravan returned from Yizhou, they brought news to Qiao Yan, which she relayed to Li Ru.

Liu Yan had secretly begun crafting imperial carriages at the start of the previous year.

These two points made it clear that Liu Yan’s ambitions went beyond being a Grand Marshal or Grand General—he harbored rebellious intentions.

But last year, or when he first proposed the Provincial Governor System, this wasn’t entirely unusual.

Emperor Ling’s reign had been tumultuous, and Emperor Xian was under Dong Zhuo’s control, while Liu Bian had declared himself emperor in Ye.

Liu Yan likely thought, “If the people of Youzhou want Liu Yu to be emperor due to his good governance, and Yizhou is said to have the aura of an emperor, why can’t I claim the throne?”

Unfortunately, with Emperor Xian missing, Qiao Yan watching from the north, and Liu Yu being enthroned as emperor, Liu Yan’s plans were thoroughly disrupted.

Li Ru had no doubt that even if Liu Yan had overstepped by crafting imperial carriages last year, he would have hidden such evidence after Liu Yu’s coronation, ensuring that Qi Zhou wouldn’t discover anything amiss.

However, any action leaves traces.

When the time was right, the matter would be addressed.








If the situation is exposed, it’s over.

If Qi Zhou thinks he’s here just to pass the time, that would be even better.

Besides, I’ve heard that Yizhou is full of delicious food and beautiful scenery, which is much more comfortable than going to Chang’an to handle official business!

He’s already experienced being thrown off a horse by Qiao Yan, so he can’t afford to break his bones again.

Speaking of which, when he passed through Chang’an, what was that guy up to lately?

Li Ru rubbed his head, which hadn’t been used much lately.

“It’s about the laws,” Qiao Ting replied, hearing Li Ru mutter.

“Right, the laws. This is something that requires careful consideration,” Li Ru thought to himself. He realized he should take this trip to Yizhou as a chance to rehabilitate himself. At the same time, he couldn’t help but think that Qiao Yan’s boldness wasn’t new. She actually dared to adjust the laws so quickly, aiming to revise the Han legal code.

You see, when Tian Chou proposed laws while working with Liu Yu on land reclamation, they were only adjustments to theft punishments, marriage customs, property distribution, and trade regulations in Youzhou.

But what Qiao Yan proposed was clearly different.

However, Li Ru had to admit that with Liu Yu as her shield, this move couldn’t be called entirely inappropriate.

The Chang’an court was newly established, and Liangzhou and Guanzhong were areas where laws had been lax. It made sense to establish order quickly.

Liu Yu’s reputation for virtue also provided a buffer for some of the more controversial proposals.

On the fifth day of the first month, during a major court session, Qiao Yan presented two astonishing proposals.

First, to move the “Criminal Names” section of the Han legal code to the first chapter.

Second, to establish a five-tier punishment system centered on forced labor.

According to Qiao Yan, during the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, there were frequent amnesties and methods to redeem death sentences.

Every year, countless people redeemed their death sentences with gold or silk.

In reality, this lenient approach to criminals didn’t change their behavior, nor did it reduce crime. Some even committed crimes just before the annual amnesty.

If it weren’t for the Yellow Turban Rebellion captives being sent to the borders, the Du Liao General’s camp and the Protector of the Wuhuan Colonel’s camp might not have had many convicts.

This lenient legal system needed to change sooner rather than later.

Cui Shi, who wrote the “Monthly Ordinances for the Four Classes of People,” mentioned in his more famous work “Political Discourses”: “Military affairs are of great importance to the state. Special attention should be paid, and punishments should be severe. Those who dare to deceive or act fraudulently should not be pardoned or redeemed. Only then will officials respect their duties, and workers be diligent in their crafts.”

This statement became the basis for Qiao Yan’s argument.

Thus, the first sentence in her proposal was: “Amnesty is a temporary measure, not a permanent rule.”

Amnesty is a stopgap, and redeeming death sentences is also a stopgap.

The general amnesty upon the emperor’s ascension was one thing, but she did not recommend further amnesties in the following years.

Though it couldn’t be called harsh laws, the more turbulent the times, the more rules were needed.

Moving the “Criminal Names” section forward and setting corresponding standards for punishments were Qiao Yan’s demands before the busy farming season.

Liu Yu’s virtuous reputation would make the implementation of these laws easier, as long as they didn’t exceed a certain limit.

At least easier than if Qiao Yan proposed them herself.

What was the limit?

In Qiao Yan’s proposal to Liu Yu, she wrote that the abolition of corporal punishment during the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing should remain unchanged. The shameful nature of corporal punishment was a relic of the past.

So what were the new five punishments?

They were divided into flogging, caning, forced labor, exile, and death.

The number five was chosen because, during the reign of Emperor Zhang of Han, Ban Gu wrote in the “White Tiger Discourse” that punishments should correspond to the five elements. Although the Han legal code didn’t explicitly name the five punishments, now they could.

However, the specific definitions of crimes could be adjusted according to the current situation, without being overly strict.

As for the details, they could be formulated by experts in the field.

This proposal was so detailed that it even recommended specific people to implement it.

This made Liu Yu, who received the proposal, suspect that Qiao Yan had been considering this since her time as the Prefect of Bingzhou.

But asking such questions now was pointless.

Liu Yu listened as Qiao Yan mentioned the people she recommended to define the details.

Cui Jun, the nephew of Cui Shi.

Chen Qun, the son of Chen Ji.

Xun Yue, the nephew of Xun Shuang.

The first two were already in Chang’an, while the third was still in seclusion.

But she had inquired about him with Xun You and Xun Yu, both of whom spoke highly of him, mentioning that he had his own insights into law and current issues. Such a person was perfect for this task.

Qiao Yan added, “Not granting amnesties and strictly prohibiting the redemption of death sentences doesn’t mean ruling with harsh laws. If the three provinces can achieve a state where people don’t pick up lost items on the road and doors aren’t locked at night, then there’s no need for amnesties. If the people can live in peace, well-fed and clothed, why would they risk their lives to break the law?”

“Therefore, while updating the legal details, the governance of Guanzhong’s livelihood must also keep pace. With three months left before spring plowing, it’s time to distribute good seeds, teach farming techniques, and develop the people’s livelihood. Advancing both tasks simultaneously is not a hasty decision that invites disaster.”

The task of advancing agriculture would still be handled by Cheng Yu, Guo Yuan, and Tian Chou.

Cheng Yu probably didn’t expect that before he could push Qiao Yan to the position she desired, he would first become one of the Nine Ministers.

But this wasn’t entirely unexpected. Among the three responsible for Chang’an’s agricultural affairs, Cheng Yu had the most experience in handling government affairs and was the oldest.

Liu Yu also seemed to want to avoid favoritism, so among his former subordinates from Youzhou, only Xianyu Fu held a high position among the Nine Ministers.

Meanwhile, Tian Chou served under Cheng Yu as the official in charge of the imperial fields.

“Your proposal this time was too risky,” Cheng Yu couldn’t help but comment as he and Qiao Yan inspected the fields outside Chang’an.

“Master Zhongde, that’s not quite right,” Qiao Yan said, her hands tucked in her sleeves, feeling a bit relieved after resolving a major task. “If I don’t use something earth-shattering to set the stage, how can people think that another matter has nothing to do with me?”

She gave Cheng Yu a meaningful look.

Cheng Yu understood what she meant—she was referring to the situation in Yizhou.

Li Ru was a smart man. Although he claimed he hadn’t used his brain much lately, before leaving, he gave Qiao Yan a definite answer.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken Qiao Ting to Yizhou as a practical teaching case.

So, what did the situation in Yizhou have to do with her, the General of Agile Cavalry who had given up the position of Grand General?

Besides, she was busy with legal and agricultural matters.

Qiao Yan added, “Moreover—what seems risky now will eventually be seen as foresight by others.”

Rules formed when only three provinces were under control would inevitably expand with the territory, adapting to a broader domain.

Wasn’t the merit system the same back then?

Cheng Yu suddenly smiled, realizing he had overthought it.

Although Qiao Yan was aiming for the position of Grand Marshal, her vision had never been limited to the current emperor’s ascension. After securing Liu Yu and the talented individuals who joined her, she had already set her sights on the wider world.

“Speaking of which, there’s one more thing,” Qiao Yan continued. “I’d like Master Zhongde to recommend Zhongrao as the Director of the Capital Treasury under the Grand Minister of Agriculture.”

She could have done this herself, but it would have caused too much of a stir.

In fact, if the current emperor weren’t Liu Yu but herself, she would have wanted to appoint Qin Yu as the Grand Minister of Agriculture. Cheng Yu was more suited for the position of Prime Minister, but taking things step by step was fine for now.

Tian Chou, as the Director of Imperial Fields, was mainly responsible for the emperor’s symbolic farming and managing the harvest for sacrificial ceremonies. This position needed someone loyal to Liu Yu, and Qiao Yan had no problem handing over such power.

But the Director of the Capital Treasury was different.

The Director of the Capital Treasury under the Grand Minister of Agriculture directly managed the state’s financial reserves.

This included the granaries in Guanzhong, which had to be strictly controlled during her military campaigns.

The management of currency reserves and the previous three officials in charge of coinage were merged to maintain control over financial power.

This was something she had to keep firmly in the hands of her own people.

Although Cheng Yu, as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, could oversee this power, with Liu Yu on the throne, more talented individuals were being reported in the Hongwen Hall. There was no guarantee that someone wouldn’t be parachuted into this position.

It was better to arrange things in advance.

Cheng Yu nodded, “I understand your meaning.”

With his assurance, Qiao Yan didn’t need to worry much.

Though Cheng Yu didn’t speak much, he was a reliable support.

She took a few steps forward before continuing, “Also, I’m a bit hesitant about Deheng’s arrangement.”

Cheng Yu asked, “Why?”

Qiao Yan replied, “I intend to have him join the Minor Palace, gather the blueprints from the regional workshops, and organize the records of the state-run handicrafts. I want to shift the personnel originally under the clothing officials to develop the textile industry. By next year, when the cotton production area expands from 200 acres to over 500 acres, more cotton can be spun into thread and woven into cloth.”

She sighed, “On the other hand, I hope he continues to improve weapons, quickly advancing the refinement of the Divine Bow.”

After all, Tai Shici’s Divine Bow battalion was still using the old version of the weapon.

“Zhongde, why can’t people multitask?”

Or rather, why aren’t there two Ma Juns?

Cheng Yu rarely saw her so frustrated.

After some thought, he replied, “If you ask me, I’d choose the latter.”

“As for the improvements in textiles, why not wait until the mission to Yizhou returns and use what others have to enrich ourselves?”

When it came to silk weaving, nothing in the world today could compare to Shu brocade.

Even the future silk industry of Wu couldn’t match that of Ba-Shu.

If Qiao Yan wanted shipbuilding techniques, she could trade with Jiangdong. If she wanted textile technology improvements, she could also trade with her neighbors.

Though the former was a relatively fair trade, as someone as clever as Zhou Yu had already positioned himself lower, the latter, after Liu Yan facilitated Qiao Yan’s position as Grand Marshal, would inevitably be in a more disadvantageous position!

But Liu Yan was still unaware of this.

Many people said that Zhang Lu’s Taishi Path in Hanzhong gained Liu Yan’s support because his mother held Liu Yan’s favor, whispering many things in his ear.

But in reality, Liu Yan wasn’t someone who indulged in beauty.

For someone who decisively requested the title of Governor of Yizhou and even harbored imperial ambitions, the idea that he was swayed by Zhang Lu’s mother’s beauty and health practices before achieving his grand plans was absurd.

Liu Yan valued Lady Lu because she was skilled in ghostly arts.

No wonder Liu Yan liked these prophetic theories.

Back then, Dong Fu told him that the land of Yizong had the aura of an emperor.

And after he secured the position of Governor of Yizhou, a few years later, with the death of Emperor Ling of Han, the world indeed fell into chaos, while his Yizhou, protected by natural barriers, remained peaceful and prosperous.

Even after Dong Zhuo took Liu Xie to Chang’an, he maintained friendly relations with Liu Yan and even offered him the position of Grand Marshal.

Wasn’t this a sign of the emperor’s aura?

Unfortunately, Dong Fu, the great diviner, passed away a few years ago, leaving no further guidance.

Fortunately, Yizhou brought him Lady Lu.

The wife of the second-generation Taishi Path leader was skilled in ghostly and fate theories. Through her accurate predictions of Yizhou’s affairs, she gained Liu Yan’s trust.

She now sat before Liu Yan.

The people of Yizhou weren’t wrong about her beauty—this woman, who had five children and was nearly fifty, still looked like she was in her early thirties.

Liu Yan observed her movements as she gazed at the paper figure standing in a bowl of rice, muttering incantations. He pondered the question he had asked her, feeling a bit nervous.

But when Lady Lu suddenly opened her eyes, the paper figure in the bowl burst into flames without fire.

Liu Yan nearly jumped but maintained his composure to preserve his dignity as Governor.

When the fire died down, he calmly asked, “I asked you to divine my future. This doesn’t seem like a good omen?”

Lady Lu looked at him and replied in a faint voice, “My lord, a great disaster may be approaching.”

But if Lady Lu were to tell Liu Yan the truth, she would probably say that there were no such things as ghosts or gods. Her little fire trick was just that—a trick.

But she and Zhang Lu had always worked well together, making Liu Yan believe that this was no mere trick.

That was enough.

In fact, before Liu Yan approached her today, news of Zhang Lu being driven out of Wudu by Xu Shu and Gai Xun had already reached Lady Lu via fast horse.

Thinking of seeking justice for her son, she decided to exaggerate the situation.

She would say that a great disaster was approaching Liu Yan!

But as soon as she finished speaking, someone came in to report to Liu Yan, “My lord! News from Hanzhong—the Chang’an court has been established, and the emperor has sent an envoy to appoint you as Grand General! The envoy is already on his way to Chengdu.”

Liu Yan was stunned for a moment.

But upon realizing the implications, he suddenly laughed heartily.

The newly established Chang’an court was appointing him as Grand General?

He turned to Lady Lu and said, “It seems you were wrong this time. Being demoted from Grand Marshal to Grand General—what kind of great disaster is that?”

In fact… this should be considered good news.

A gesture of goodwill from the Chang’an court!