Chapter 277

Chapter 277

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 8: Chang’an Wine Debate, Autumn Changes Chapter 277: The Fish is Hooked

Until the bright lights in the sky gradually dimmed among the stars, Ze Rong still clung to this unrealistic hope.

Think about it, when Buddhism was about to be introduced to the Han Dynasty, didn’t Emperor Xiaoming have a dream of divine Buddhas flying around the beams?

This was somewhat mystical.

It’s also possible that the four Buddha statues he had crafted attracted the attention of the Buddha from beyond the borders.

When he looked at the people present, he truly realized how advantageous it was to have such a miraculous spectacle.

If before, these people only held him in high regard because of the grand scene he presented or because he invited them to share the Bathing Buddha Festival meal, then now, this incomprehensible spectacle earned him even more awe-filled gazes.

For Ze Rong, who wanted to replace Tao Qian as the ruler of Xuzhou, this was undoubtedly a godsend.

Immersed in such thoughts, he didn’t notice that in the crowd, someone suddenly squeezed out and headed straight for the outskirts of Gaoyou City.

Or rather, shortly after the bright lights appeared in the sky, this person quickly snapped out of his stunned state and decided to investigate.

From what Zhou Yu had seen upon entering the city, he was unwilling to believe that someone like Ze Rong would truly receive the blessing of a heavenly miracle.

Due to the dim light and the interference of candlelight, he couldn’t clearly see Ze Rong’s expression and thus couldn’t know that Ze Rong was also clueless about this unexpected event. He only thought it was a fabricated scene to maximize the effect of the Bathing Buddha Festival.

To confirm his judgment, he didn’t hesitate to leave the city and chase downwind.

The fields of Guangling were crisscrossed with streams and woods, making it impossible for Zhou Yu to accurately determine the landing point of the bright lights.

Fortunately, when he officially left the city, he could still vaguely see a faint red light falling, barely able to judge the direction. As he approached that location, he heard faint voices.

As if sensing his arrival, the voices quickly disappeared.

Following the sound, he found only traces of trampled grass in the area.

He pushed aside the grass with his sword and walked further, suddenly seeing a faint spark by the distant stream. He hurried over and found a lamp that was on the verge of extinguishing.

It was a lamp woven from local bamboo.

Thin bamboo strips formed the frame of the lamp, covered with paper. Unlike ordinary lanterns or lampshades, the top of this lamp was also sealed. At the bottom, where the fuel was placed, it had almost burned out, leaving only a bit of wax.

Zhou Yu quickly grabbed the lamp and took this escaped fish back.

The lantern became somewhat loose upon landing, and the paper around it was torn by the grass and trees.

He touched the lantern and found it was made of the newly introduced No. 2 improved paper from Chang’an, also known as Xuan paper. He quickly had someone buy a few sheets from nearby merchants.

Paper from Guanzhong had spread widely, so buying Xuan paper wasn’t too difficult.

After reassembling the lantern, Zhou Yu lit the newly installed paraffin with a wick and saw the hot air inside fill the space, causing it to float upwards.

If he hadn’t pulled it back, the lantern would have flown high.

After confirming that this method could indeed make the lantern rise, Zhou Yu looked at the bamboo lamp with a serious expression.

Ze Rong’s method was quite clever, turning a man-made scene into a divine miracle.

From Zhou Yu’s perspective, he couldn’t just consider this matter within Guangling.

This not only made the people of Guangling more convinced that the religion Ze Rong spread had a supernatural aspect but also made Zu Lang, who came here, more convinced of Ze Rong’s abilities.

Thinking of the vague mention of Sun Ce’s name by Zu Lang and his subordinates today, Zhou Yu had to consider the worst.

At this point, he hadn’t clearly understood Ze Rong’s ambitions for Xuzhou but, from the perspective of Yang Province’s interests, he felt he must impose some restrictions on Ze Rong.

Otherwise, he might use the same method to deceive the people and assist Zu Lang, causing trouble for Sun Ce in Yang Province.

He couldn’t be lucky enough to discover the opponent’s tricks every time, and if the people knelt down as they did today, it would be a real disaster.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t directly mobilize Yang Province’s army to sanction Ze Rong, and it was best not to show his face directly.

Otherwise, this internal issue of Yang Province would turn into a dispute between Yang and Xu Provinces.

Zhou Yu looked at the special lantern in front of him, pondering for a long time.

Perhaps, he needed to find a suitable opponent for Ze Rong, and this opponent should preferably not be someone as shrewd as Lu Su or Chen Deng.

A name quickly flashed in his mind—

Zhang Yi.

While Zhou Yu was making this decision, in a village not far from Gaoyou County, two people were also facing a lantern.

In the faint light of the candle on the table, two equally beautiful faces were illuminated.

Of course, since they were dressed in men’s clothing, perhaps they should be called handsome.

The houses in this village were rented under the pretext of collecting mountain goods, with subordinates guarding the surroundings, so they could speak without restraint.

Qiao Lan said to Qiao Ting, who had come from Donghai County, “It’s a good thing you thought of using this method to build Ze Rong’s image.”

This flying lantern, perhaps also called a Kongming lantern, was created by Zhuge Liang when several improved papers first appeared in Bingzhou, but it was immediately seized by Qiao Yan.

After all, the display of the new road in Chang’an and the things needed for the wine debate were already enough, and there was no need to add another item.

Something like the Kongming lantern, which could be used as a signal, might be used to surprise the enemy at any time.

However, Qiao Yan thought about it and still informed Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting of its usage, so they could send a distress signal when necessary.

Now used here, it was also a way.

Qiao Ting replied, “Sister, you’re not bad either. After noticing someone tracking the landing point of the lantern, you judged his identity and left one lantern for him.”

This lantern could fall into the hands of Ze Rong’s people, Zhou Yu or Zhang Yi’s people, or be directly taken by them, but it must not fall into the hands of Tao Qian or Zu Lang’s people. If so, it would contradict their goal.

The act of releasing the Kongming lantern was meant to add weight to Ze Rong and lure Tao Qian into the game, not to let them discover the secret.

The two sisters smiled at each other after speaking.

The situation in Xuzhou was intricate, with many involved forces not necessarily strong, but numerous. However, with this move, they had broken the balance first.

Since this step was not wrong, it was time for them to take the next step.

Qiao Lan had to return to Sheyang County to ensure that Zhang Yi could appear in this chaos at the right time.

After all, the reason she left Sheyang was to purchase mountain goods, and now it was just the time to complete the purchase.

Qiao Ting needed to return to Donghai County to better monitor Tao Qian’s movements.

Perhaps, she also needed to add fuel to the fire.

The sisters didn’t say much, completely erasing the traces of weaving lanterns and pasting paper nearby, then headed north as if a merchant had just collected some goods and left after completing the task.

But their move undoubtedly created a ripple in the calm waters of Xuzhou that couldn’t be smoothed out for a while.

Just a day after Qiao Ting returned to Xuzhou, the events of the Bathing Buddha Festival in Guangling County were reported to Tao Qian.

Interestingly, Ze Rong wasn’t completely foolish.

The message wasn’t that Ze Rong, the representative of Buddhism, had received the Buddha’s blessing and a divine miracle had occurred, but that—

Thanks to Tao Qian providing a development environment for Buddhism in Guangling County, a divine miracle had appeared.

In this statement, Ze Rong’s role as a middleman was still present, but a significant part of the credit was attributed to Tao Qian.








Ze Rong was able to spread Buddhist teachings and develop his influence to this extent, gaining Tao Qian’s trust to oversee grain transportation. He certainly had some skills.

He became inflated by the unexpected spectacle and boldly tried to win over Mi Zhu, but he still didn’t dare to directly challenge Tao Qian.

Moreover, when this unexpected event occurred, he realized something.

This was not just an opportunity to further win over people’s hearts but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

His current submission to Tao Qian was merely a temporary strategy!

“Guangling’s Buddha Bathing Festival…” Tao Qian looked at the subordinate who came to report and asked, “The scene of countless lights floating in the air, did you really see it with your own eyes?”

“Indeed,” the subordinate confirmed.

It’s no wonder that people in Guangling were startled by the sight and immediately bowed in worship. Nor is it surprising that when he returned to Donghai County to report to Tao Qian, he was still somewhat dazed. After all, no one had ever told him that if the top of a lantern was sealed and the lantern was light enough, the heat from the flame could lift it into the air.

He felt that although Ze Rong’s grand display was astonishing, he truly had some skills. Moreover, Ze Rong didn’t claim all the credit for himself, seemingly remaining a loyal subordinate to Tao Qian.

He asked, “Should we summon Ze Rong back to Donghai County to report?”

Tao Qian pondered for a moment and replied, “Very well, let him return.”

Although things like Zhang Jiao’s Way of Great Peace had been exposed as not so miraculous eight years ago, and Tao Qian didn’t take Buddhism seriously when employing Ze Rong, thinking it was just a means to control the people, hearing such a miraculous event happening under his rule, verified by eyewitnesses, inevitably made him hopeful.

Was Tao Qian’s current inaction because he truly didn’t want to act?

Probably not.

If he could regain the vitality of his youth or if his two sons could be a bit more capable, Tao Qian would never refuse to pray to the gods.

If Ze Rong, through his deep understanding of Buddhist scriptures, could truly communicate with Buddha, Tao Qian might also entertain some thoughts.

But before he could send this message to Ze Rong, he heard some rumors in Tan County, the seat of Donghai County.

The tale of Buddha’s manifestation at the Guangling Buddha Bathing Festival spread to other counties in Xuzhou, stirring thoughts of taking shortcuts not just in Tao Qian but also among the common people.

With the autumn harvest just a month away, those who wished to witness Buddha’s glory began planning trips to Guangling County.

Although the journey would take time and the spectacle might not reappear since the festival had passed, praying to the gods was something one had to do personally. There was no logic in having others do it for you or waiting for Buddha to come to you.

This could be called sincerity leading to miracles.

Tao Qian: “…”

Although these commoners couldn’t possibly know that he indeed thought this way, the statement sounded like an insinuation against him.

He then considered that he still held a “better to believe it exists” attitude towards Ze Rong’s ability to communicate with Buddha.

In that case, summoning Ze Rong back to Tan County to report and explain the phenomenon might be too blunt and could even risk offending Buddha.

If Buddha truly existed.

So these people’s words weren’t entirely without reason.

After some deliberation, he said, “Forget it, I’ll go to Gaoyou myself.”

He then ordered, “Bring more people.”

If Ze Rong’s claim of communicating with Buddha was true, bringing more people would show his respect for Buddhism.

If the spectacle in Guangling was entirely fabricated by Ze Rong with some ulterior motive, they would arrest him on the spot!

Enough of these shenanigans on his turf!

The cicadas’ chirping in July was headache-inducing.

As Tao Qian set off for Guangling, several carrier pigeons flew from Xuzhou into Guanzhong.

The decoded message was delivered from the outpost in Maiwu to Chang’an, reaching Guo Jia in the Grand Marshal’s residence.

After inquiring about Qiao Yan’s location, Guo Jia, holding the letter, walked onto the covered bridge over the pond and saw a small boat anchored at one corner. A bamboo hat covered the stern, making it unclear if anyone was aboard, with only a fishing rod extending out.

Guo Jia couldn’t help but chuckle.

A month ago, Qiao Yan successfully enacted a liquor restriction order, reclaiming control over alcohol production. However, the summer heat was still unbearable, and those who particularly enjoyed chilled wine found life difficult, begging Qiao Yan to relax the restrictions.

Or more accurately, they hoped Qiao Yan would release some of the high-proof liquor already brewed in Bingzhou for sale.

After all, this liquor wasn’t brewed after the restriction order, so why not sell it?

Instead, Qiao Yan started promoting milk tea, claiming it could help alleviate the pressure of dairy product inventory in Liangzhou and Bingzhou.

If anyone pressed further, she pretended to be unavailable.

She promised to release a batch for sale after the autumn harvest.

Those with the best fields and highest taxes would get the largest shares.

Since brewing now wouldn’t meet demand, everyone should calm down.

Currently, all affairs in Chang’an were proceeding smoothly, with only Ren Hong’s appointment as Grand Historian still pending. Thus, Qiao Yan took a break here.

Guo Jia jumped onto the boat from the shore, and Qiao Yan moved the bamboo hat from her face, sitting up in the cabin and extending her hand, “Give me the news from Xuzhou.”

“Why not from elsewhere?” Guo Jia asked as he handed over the letter.

Qiao Yan casually replied, “Yuan Shao is busy raising mules, brewing wine, and experimenting with garlic extract. He doesn’t have the energy for anything else. With the autumn harvest approaching, most places won’t make any moves. Only Xuzhou is still active.”

Although the current provincial governors had moved past their initial poverty, they hadn’t reached the point of ignoring a season’s harvest.

If they mobilized troops now, unless it was a situation like Qiao Yan’s attack on Guanzhong, they would only incite public resentment and give their opponents an advantage. Why bother with such thankless tasks?

The hot breeze over the water passed through a basket of ice at the stern, cooling the air that brushed her face.

She casually opened the intelligence report, and seeing its contents, her smile widened.

This wasn’t the report Mi Zhu sent evaluating Ze Rong but one Qiao Ting sent after completing her behind-the-scenes work in Donghai County.

The letter stated that by the time it was sent, Tao Qian was already preparing to head to Guangling County.

No, not Guangling County.

His governor’s carriage didn’t hide its tracks.

Perhaps to avoid appearing too eager in seeking divine favor, he publicly announced an inspection tour before the autumn harvest.

His first stop wasn’t Guangling but Pengcheng Kingdom.

He would pass through Pengcheng to Xia Pi and then to Guangling County.

Thus, his actions were beyond reproach.

Perhaps Tao Qian thought this would give Buddha a break.

After all, frequent appearances are tiring.

But regardless of his reasoning, the moment he headed to Guangling County, he was gambling with his life.

Ze Rong might not have the ability to attack Donghai County from the north, but he certainly had the opportunity to act on his home turf.

The only trouble for him was one thing.

When he chose to act against Tao Qian, how would he provide a convincing reason!

The realization of this scenario pleased Qiao Yan greatly with Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting’s performance. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the latter half to unfold.

She closed the letter and said to Guo Jia, “Fengxiao, the fish has bitten.”

Just as she spoke, the fishing rod she had set on the boat began to shake.

She turned and laughed, “Well, isn’t this a double blessing?”

Here, a fish has also bitten.