Chapter 270

Chapter 270

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 8: Chang’an Wine Debate, Autumn Changes Chapter 270: Ze Rong’s Scheme

The owner of this voice believed that Tao Qian’s ability to stabilize Xuzhou was largely due to his efforts.

The rapid turnover of grain in Guangling, Xia Pi, and Pengcheng, and the transformation of the people from a state of disorder to “good citizens,” were closely tied to his development of Buddhist faith in the area.

Ze Rong also didn’t see any problem with the considerable wealth he had extracted from this.

Tao Qian’s directive to him was to control the hearts of the people in these three counties under the prefecture’s authority. Thus, he treated monks with grand hospitality, spread Buddhist teachings to the people, and hosted lavish banquets where everyone could eat and drink to their heart’s content. By creating a grand spectacle, he recruited more Buddhist followers, all in accordance with Tao Qian’s orders.

It wasn’t easy for him to come up with slogans and doctrines that would allow Buddhism to take root and flourish here, making the people compliant.

If it weren’t for this, these ignorant people would eventually cause trouble, rather than being immersed in the temptation of a Buddhist paradise on earth, maintaining their ignorant ways.

These people, while believing in the notion that Buddhists were exempt from corvée labor, voluntarily joined the construction teams for Buddhist temples.

Later, as the Guangling Buddhist temple flourished, the followers under his command were not only from the three counties he supervised for grain transport but also included refugees from Langya, Donghai, and other counties.

This made Ze Rong feel even more that his assistance to Tao Qian was significant.

Thus, it was only natural for him to amass wealth and indulge in personal pleasures!

However, what made Ze Rong uncomfortable was that Tao Qian didn’t seem to have any intention of making him a key official.

Guangling was a major county, adjacent to Yang Province, directly connected to Jiujiang, Danyang, and Wu counties in Yang Province. Only a formidable person could garrison this place to defend against the northern advance of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu from the south.

Such a vast and prosperous area, strategically located, should have him, Ze Rong, as its prefect.

However, when he sent people to investigate Tao Qian’s intentions, he inadvertently learned that Tao Qian not only had no intention of making him the prefect of Guangling but instead favored Lu Su, a young upstart.

Lu Su had only been employed by Tao Qian for a little over a year but had quickly risen to the position of chief clerk and was now on the verge of receiving such an appointment, which infuriated Ze Rong.

Looking at the Buddhist followers around him, Ze Rong saw that they regarded him as the pillar of this Buddhist paradise on earth, unlike Tao Qian, who saw him as just an ordinary subordinate.

Thus, Ze Rong couldn’t help but wonder—since Tao Qian was “mistreating” him, and he already had thousands of county residents as followers, was it possible for him to replace Tao Qian?

If he were to seize power, now would undoubtedly be the best opportunity!

Tao Qian felt secure due to the disputes in the north and south, and Ze Rong felt the same.

With everyone’s attention not on Xuzhou, it was the perfect time for him to act!

His trusted subordinates, who had followed him this far, were naturally willing to join him in this grand endeavor, as they were likely of the same ilk.

However, this subordinate wasn’t entirely without brains. He carefully considered his words and replied to Ze Rong, “Tao Gongzu is not Dong Zhongying.”

Tao Qian was certainly not Dong Zhuo.

He employed Chen Deng, Zhao Yu, and Lu Su, who governed Xuzhou in a manner truly aligned with the law and the people’s livelihood, making it impossible for him to lose the people’s support like Dong Zhuo.

Although Tao Qian intended to remain cautious and avoid any rash moves while observing the world’s situation, he was still different from Dong Zhuo, who had somewhat lost his spirit.

Moreover, Tao Qian’s wife, Lady Gan, came from a prominent family in Danyang and had some assets in Xuzhou, making it much easier for Tao Qian to gain the support of local magnates compared to Dong Zhuo in Chang’an.

Given these differences, if Ze Rong were to rashly challenge Tao Qian and attempt to replace him, he would not only fail to overthrow Tao Qian but also lose everything he currently had.

Thus, if he truly intended to pursue this plan of replacement, he needed more support to ensure a decisive strike!

Only then could he transform the original Guangling Buddhist paradise into a land of happiness in Xuzhou!

He took a swig of wine, his eyes filled with greed and calculation, making him look less like a monk and more like a butcher.

Seeing his subordinate anxiously awaiting his response, he waved his hand, “You’re right, this matter can’t be rushed. Tao Qian isn’t someone who can be easily dealt with.”

But once Ze Rong entertained the idea of replacing Tao Qian, he found Tao Qian’s recent actions increasingly displeasing.

If he were in Tao Qian’s position, he would have taken advantage of Sun Ce’s advance into Kuaiji in Yang Province to seize Wu County, where there was already discontent with Sun Ce.

Sun Ce, though a fierce tiger, could still be brought down.

Just as his father, Sun Jian, had died in disgrace at the hands of Liu Biao, Sun Ce could also be killed by the people of Xuzhou.

At that point, the Governor of Xuzhou would no longer be just the Governor of Xuzhou but a dominant force in the southeast.

How could Tao Qian be so hesitant!

Ze Rong, with his lofty ambitions and limited abilities, didn’t consider how much skill it took for Sun Ce to rise from being a nearly exiled fugitive after his father’s death to becoming the Governor of Yang Province.

This was not the kind of breakthrough someone like him could comprehend.

In any case, faced with the news that Tao Qian was likely to appoint a young prefect for Guangling within a year, Ze Rong decided to take action.

In terms of carrying out such rebellious acts, even Qiao Yan would have to praise him for his decisiveness.

Because Ze Rong quickly identified the people he could use.

First, his followers.

These people already believed in his Buddhist teachings and followed him for a comfortable life with food.

This was easy.

Ze Rong was still in charge of grain transport, and Tao Qian had no plans for military action recently. Thus, even if he skimmed more grain during transport to bribe his subordinates, it would go unnoticed.

This was a loyal group of followers for him.

Second, the people from Wu County bordering Guangling.

These included mountain bandits like Zu Lang and the Wu County gentry who harbored resentment towards Sun Ce for killing Gao Dai and Wang Sheng.

If Ze Rong were willing to lend them a hand, they wouldn’t mind offering him some support in return.

However, Ze Rong clearly realized that Sun Ce now held the legitimate title of Governor of Yang Province and had previously used force to suppress the Wu County gentry. Thus, their support would be limited and insufficient to cause a qualitative change.

Otherwise, before they could receive any benefits from Ze Rong, Sun Ce would strike back.

It was better than nothing.

Compared to support from the south, the possibility of finding allies in the north was greater.

The northern ally Ze Rong had in mind wasn’t Yuan Shao in Qingzhou but the counties in the northern part of Xuzhou.

Just as Lu Su, despite his talents, was only a local magnate without recommendations, there were many talented people in these areas who hadn’t been placed in high positions. Could there be someone among them who could be of use to him?

Moreover, since he dared to oppose Tao Qian, could he dare to think bigger and bring another force not currently holding a key position under Tao Qian to his side?

“You want to befriend the Mi family?” Bao Hong looked at Ze Rong, sizing him up as if trying to discern the meaning behind this friendship.

Ze Rong first asked him about his experiences in the area, then chatted about Buddhism, leaving Bao Hong’s head spinning.

Fortunately, he understood the last part—Ze Rong wanted to meet the Mi family.

“Indeed, the new head of the Mi family is young and capable, and I truly admire his ability to command his followers. Unfortunately, due to the Governor’s orders, I cannot leave my post to visit him. With several upcoming Buddhist lectures and the Bathing Buddha Festival, I can only invite Mi Zi…”








Zhong went to Guangling for a trip, and at that time, I will definitely prepare a warm welcome and ensure that the Donghai Mi Clan doesn’t suffer any losses,” Ze Rong replied calmly.

He had chosen another ally, the Donghai Mi Clan.

Despite Lu Su, who was highly trusted by Tao Qian, being recommended by Mi Zhu, Ze Rong, who was also under Tao Qian’s command, could see that Mi Zhu’s attitude towards Tao Qian was quite perfunctory.

Mi Zhu probably preferred dealing with powerful figures like Qiao Yan rather than Tao Qian.

Since last October, Mi Zhu had been engaging more frequently with Bingzhou under the pretext of making money from cotton clothing.

This was why Ze Rong chose him.

Mi Zhu might not think highly of Ze Rong, but that didn’t matter.

All Ze Rong wanted was to seize an opportunity from these differing positions.

The more this was the case, the less Mi Zhu would suspect that Ze Rong’s intentions went beyond mere friendship.

However, Ze Rong couldn’t approach Mi Zhu directly to avoid arousing Tao Qian’s suspicions, so he had to be more circumspect.

Having no prior relationship with Mi Zhu also necessitated finding a suitable intermediary.

After searching through his Buddhist followers, he found a pleasant surprise—Bao Hong.

Over two years ago, following Qiao Yan’s instructions, Bao Hong escorted Mi Zhu back to Xuzhou and remained there as a protective force.

If Xuzhou faced any turmoil, Bao Hong would be responsible for escorting the Donghai Mi Clan towards Bingzhou.

His troops, including former members of the Northern Army Five Divisions, were quite formidable.

Although he had previously only delivered Emperor Ling’s edict to Qiao Yan, he was capable of more than just courier duties.

After arriving in Xuzhou and finding himself idle, Mi Zhu publicly claimed that Bao Hong had saved his life, treating him differently from ordinary retainers. This led Bao Hong, out of curiosity, to wander into Guangling and join Ze Rong’s group.

There, he found both entertainment and good food, making it quite enjoyable.

Before Ze Rong approached him, Bao Hong had been content.

From Ze Rong’s perspective, although he didn’t know Bao Hong’s background, his behavior in Guangling made him an easy target for recruitment.

Bao Hong was skilled in enjoying life and had a slight greed.

Since arriving in Guangling, he had only mingled with like-minded monks, never considering other perspectives.

He showed no interest in probing Ze Rong’s intentions.

This flawless approach dispelled Ze Rong’s initial suspicions.

How could such a person be deliberately placed in front of him?

Ze Rong didn’t see the need for such elaborate schemes.

However, Ze Rong didn’t realize that Bao Hong’s behavior was influenced by his time as a captain in Luoyang.

Of course, he wasn’t using his real name now.

To avoid recognition, he had adopted the alias Bao Cheng, posing as a distinguished guest of the Mi Clan.

Upon hearing Ze Rong’s words, Bao Hong immediately asked, “Wasn’t the Bathing Buddha Festival already held on the eighth day of the fourth month?”

Ze Rong was momentarily speechless.

How could Bao Hong only focus on the Bathing Buddha Festival amidst all that was said?

Was that the main point?

After a moment of silence, Ze Rong replied, “With new followers increasing, we need to make them more aware of the teachings. Holding another Bathing Buddha Festival won’t anger the Buddha; it’s necessary for spreading the faith.”

Bao Hong nodded, “That makes sense, but what does this have to do with the Mi Clan?”

Ze Rong explained, “The incense, construction materials for the stupa, and printing of Buddhist scriptures are all significant transactions. I want to collaborate with the Donghai Mi Clan to ensure everything is well-prepared, showing my sincere devotion to the Buddha.”

He feared that Bao Hong might simplify the message to Mi Zhu, leading Mi Zhu to treat it as a mere business deal and send a subordinate, which would defeat Ze Rong’s purpose.

So he added, “Moreover, I have an important matter to discuss with Mi Zizhong. Please ensure he comes personally.”

He emphasized the word “important.”

Bao Hong initially saw no issue, merely relaying a message from one benefactor to another.

But as he traveled back to Donghai County, he began to sense something amiss.

Wait!

Ze Rong’s words seemed to imply he wanted to poach Qiao Yan’s subordinate.

Bao Hong instinctively halted.

He couldn’t fathom what Ze Rong wanted with Mi Zhu, which was why he had spent two years enjoying the Buddhist atmosphere in Guangling.

Fortunately, he was smart enough to realize that his comfortable position was due to Qiao Yan’s protection, not the Buddha’s.

If forced to choose between the seemingly omnipotent Buddha and Qiao Yan, Bao Hong would choose Qiao Yan.

This made him mutter to himself—Ze Rong was being foolish! This didn’t seem like a good move.

He needed to inform Qiao Yan.

Bao Hong wasn’t one to overthink. While pondering the Bathing Buddha Festival’s festivities, he didn’t hesitate to send a message through Qiao Yan’s intelligence network in Xuzhou, dispatching a carrier pigeon to Guanzhong.

After doing this, he leisurely returned to Donghai County and relayed the message to Mi Zhu.

“An important matter to discuss with me?” Mi Zhu repeated suspiciously, wondering if Ze Rong was angling for the position of Guangling Prefect.

However, when Qiao Yan received the message days later, she didn’t dismiss it as mere competition for the Guangling Prefect position.

Ze Rong was a genuine troublemaker with ambitions far beyond his capabilities.

In developing his Buddhist sect, he had amassed wealth through unscrupulous means, making Xuzhou’s Buddhist temples flourish.

Moreover, in terms of betrayal, historical records showed Ze Rong’s actions were even more treacherous than Lü Bu’s.

When Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou, Ze Rong abandoned Tao Qian without a second thought, fleeing with his followers.

After seeking refuge with Zhao Yu, he coveted Zhao’s wealth, killed him, and plundered his assets before fleeing to Xue Li in Moling.

Xue Li met the same fate, followed by Zhu Hao in Yuzhang.

Zhu Hao’s death enraged Liu Yao, the Governor of Yang Province, leading to Ze Rong’s eventual demise at the hands of his own followers in the mountains, ending his spree of betrayal and plunder.

Although these events hadn’t occurred yet, Qiao Yan in Chang’an dared not underestimate Ze Rong’s ambitions.

Under the guise of religion, he cloaked himself in a veneer of piety, but his true nature was that of a wolf in sheep’s clothing!

Qiao Yan pondered the report, realizing she could make a bolder guess about Ze Rong’s true goal.

Ze Rong didn’t just want Guangling County—he wanted Xuzhou!

With this in mind, she quickly wrote a letter and sent it towards Bingzhou.

Originally, Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting were to begin their official duties in autumn, focusing on learning from Jia Xu and Li Ru until then. But with the situation in Xuzhou changing, their plans could be adjusted.

Perhaps it was time for the sisters to make a trip to Xuzhou on her behalf!