Chapter 279

Chapter 279

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 8: Chang’an Wine Debate, Autumn Changes Chapter 279: Undercurrents

The confrontation on Hongze Lake did not last long.

When Tao Qian’s subordinates noticed something amiss and came to aid, boarding the already sinking ship, Tao Qian had already been killed by the assassins.

His guess before death was indeed correct.

The arrow fired by Zu Lang was a real poison arrow.

Even if he didn’t die from the organ damage, the poison arrow would have taken his life.

His subordinates arrived not too late, but it still couldn’t change the outcome of his death.

What made his subordinates regret even more was that the assassins seemed very familiar with the waters around Hongze Lake. They quickly shook off their pursuers after landing and disappeared without a trace.

At this moment, countless questions flashed through their minds.

Who sent these people?

Who would dare to assassinate a governor of a province?

Thinking of Tao Qian’s purpose of traveling from Xia Pi to Guangling, they vaguely had a guess—Ze Rong!

Only Ze Rong would need to stop Tao Qian from going to Guangling, and perhaps even silence him!

Ze Rong also had the means to mobilize people for such an assassination.

Most of the guards who followed Tao Qian had been with him since he became the governor of Xuzhou, and their loyalty was beyond doubt.

Since the captain of the guards who was on the same boat as Tao Qian also died, they quickly chose a leader to organize the team and decided to take the bodies of the assassins as evidence, along with Tao Qian’s body, intending to send them back to Donghai County as quickly as possible.

With Tao Qian’s death, they felt they must avenge him, as a scholar dies for his confidant.

At the same time, although Tao Qian’s two sons had not entered officialdom, they could still inherit their father’s legacy, so they had to continue to serve diligently for the successor of the Xuzhou governorship.

“Destroy the ship directly and hide the news,” the leader said. “We suspect Ze Rong killed the governor to stop his investigation, but we have no evidence. However, whoever moves first now is the most suspicious.”

But such a plan is easier said than done.

Tao Qian, as the governor, did not hide his inspections from the people of the province.

His departure from Xia Pi to Xu County was witnessed by many.

Besides disguised fishermen, there were real fishermen on Hongze Lake who witnessed the assassination.

Tao Qian did not continue his inspection but hurried back to Donghai under the escort of his subordinates. He never appeared again, not even seeking a doctor in Xu County. Thus, he might not just have been seriously injured in the assassination but actually killed.

This rumor could not be easily quelled!

It spread rapidly to Xia Pi and Guangling, causing a huge uproar.

Chen Gui, who was in Xia Pi, was so shocked upon hearing the news that he dropped his cup.

“What did you say?” he asked incredulously.

This was even more shocking than when he heard about Ze Rong’s miracles in Gaoyou. He wondered if he was hearing things.

How long had it been since Tao Qian left Xia Pi?

He hadn’t even reached Guangling.

Chen Gui immediately sent people to chase after Tao Qian’s subordinates returning to Donghai County, hoping to get a definite answer.

If Tao Qian was really dead, the blow to Xuzhou would be devastating.

The restoration of order in Xuzhou over the past few years was based on Tao Qian’s role as governor.

Even without considering the mastermind behind the assassination, whom Chen Gui first suspected to be Ze Rong, Tao Qian’s sons taking over Xuzhou would not be simple.

Tao Qian’s death would instantly make Xuzhou a target.

In his reply to Zu Lang, Ze Rong could say that Xuzhou’s neighbors lacked the means to intervene, but in Chen Gui’s view, the only neighbor without the qualification to act was Cao Cao.

Cao Cao’s relationship with the Yanzhou gentry still needed time to develop, making it unsuitable for him to show interest in Xuzhou now.

Moreover, his title as governor of Yanzhou came from the Ye court. Crossing into Xuzhou would mean opposing Yuan Shao.

This was something he couldn’t do.

But others would surely have ideas.

Thus, Chen Gui had to quickly confirm whether Tao Qian’s death was true and then devise an appropriate response.

However, Chen Gui didn’t expect that his inquiry would cause trouble.

The guards escorting Tao Qian’s body immediately saw his actions as suspicious. Not only did they not answer his question, but they also detained the person he sent to inquire.

They hurried into Donghai County and returned to the provincial capital, Tan County, where they met Tao Qian’s two sons, Tao Shang and Tao Ying, and made a suggestion—

Since they couldn’t determine if Ze Rong was involved with the assassins, Chen Gui, as the first to inquire about Tao Qian’s condition, naturally became a suspect in their eyes, possibly linked to Tao Qian’s death.

To ensure safety, they thought they should detain Chen Gui’s son, Chen Deng.

“Is this the time to randomly suspect people and cause chaos?” Lu Su, who had just entered, scolded upon hearing this absurd suggestion. “Use your brains! Why would Chen Yuanlong need to kill the governor? Was he not diligent in his duties in Xuzhou, or was the governor’s appointment of him as Tuntian Colonel unfair? No! Then what’s there to say?”

Lu Su’s position as a secretary was particularly close to Tao Qian.

Since being employed by Tao Qian, his judgments had rarely been wrong.

Thus, despite his youth, the attendants dared not look down on him.

Hearing his stern questioning, the leading attendant whispered, “If as the secretary says, what should we do now?”

Lu Su glanced at Tao Shang and Tao Ying.

It was inevitable that these two brothers had not been groomed as successors by Tao Qian.

They seemed completely unaware of the implications of the attendant’s suspicion of Chen Deng and Lu Su’s rebuttal, still staring blankly at Tao Qian’s corpse.

Tao Qian’s death might not necessarily mean Xuzhou lost its pillar, but for them, it was as if the sky had fallen.

Due to the poison arrow, Tao Qian’s lips were still slightly black, and because of the summer heat, the body, quickly transported from Hongze Lake to Donghai County, had started to emit a foul smell.

Just as Lu Su called out “young masters,” Tao Shang suddenly rushed to the side and vomited, seemingly realizing the nausea belatedly, while Tao Ying burst into tears, finally realizing a terrible truth—

He had lost his father.

In any other situation, Tao Ying’s reaction might have been praised by Lu Su as filial piety. But as the son of the governor of Xuzhou, such behavior was entirely inappropriate.

Comparing Sun Ce’s series of actions and achievements after Sun Jian’s death at the hands of Liu Biao, to Tao Qian’s two sons—one crying and one vomiting—Lu Su didn’t know what to think.

But representing a powerful family in Xuzhou, serving under Tao Qian was his own choice, and now was not the time to judge whether these two could shoulder the responsibility.

Facing the question of what to do, Lu Su replied, “Immediately bring the Chief Clerk, the Administrative Officer, and the suspected Tuntian Colonel here for discussion. This is not the time for mutual suspicion. Uniting Xuzhou is the right path.”

But how could Xuzhou be united?

When Zhao Yu, Wang Lang, Chen Deng, and even Chen Gui, who had rushed from Xia Pi, were gathered together, the consensus was to have Tao Qian’s sons succeed as governor and request official recognition from the court.

Although the governor’s position should be based on talent, under these special circumstances, the best transitional method was to let someone related by blood to Tao Qian take over.

Firstly, Tao Qian’s appointed subordinates, his direct army, and the various clan forces with vested interests would temporarily accept this result, at least for the transition to the next year.

Secondly, Tao Shang and Tao Ying were both over thirty, avoiding the “young ruler, doubtful state” scenario, making it relatively acceptable to the people of Xuzhou.

However, their plan was good, but Tao Qian’s two sons were unwilling.

They not only lacked the ability to take over as governor but also the ambition.

Upon hearing this arrangement, Tao Shang directly asked, “Since we are requesting official recognition from the court for the governorship, why not let the court directly appoint a new governor?”

If that were possible, why push one of them two brothers up?

Chen Deng felt a twitch at his temple upon hearing this.

Is this something to be said so casually?

When Tao Qian was governor, he balanced the power of the gentry in Xuzhou well, giving appropriate promotions and benefits.

As the parent official of the province, apart from taking risks in appointing Sun Guan and Zang Ba, and lacking consideration in appointing Ze Rong, he generally met the expectations of the Xuzhou gentry.

But if a governor were directly parachuted in, who knows if a situation like Yizhou would arise, where Dongzhou and Yizhou gentry clashed. What about Xuzhou?

With Yuan Shao’s position in the Ye court, if Tao Shang’s idea reached there, Chen Deng had no doubt that Yuan Shao might send his son to take over Xuzhou.

If it came to that, they might as well choose someone from their own ranks to take over Xuzhou in an unconventional manner, or simply leave Tao Qian’s body in the governor’s seat.

In the exchanged glances between Chen Deng, Zhao Yu, Wang Lang, and Lu Su, it was clear what they were thinking.

Tao Shang’s suggestion showed a complete lack of political sensitivity.

“Tao Gongzu was a heroic figure of his generation, how could he have such sons!” Lu Su couldn’t help but complain to Chen Deng after the meeting, where no consensus was reached.

Although one was from a noble family and the other a local tycoon, both were from Xia Pi County, not far apart in age, and became friends soon after serving under Tao Qian.

Of course, friends aside, Lu Su’s defense of Chen Deng was indeed based on his judgment, not just personal feelings.

Chen Deng sighed, “How can one suggest letting the Ye court appoint a governor? That’s too naive.”

If it weren’t for Tao Qian’s recent death, making some words inappropriate to say directly, Chen Deng would have voiced his thoughts.





Another path is laid out in the open.

Since they prefer to choose a Governor of Xuzhou themselves rather than letting the Ye City court appoint one, to ensure the interests of the people of Xuzhou.

Then…

Is it possible to consider an outsider who genuinely cares about the people, has the bloodline of the Han imperial family, and a reputation for virtue?

Caring about the people can quickly turn around the crisis in Xuzhou.

Having the bloodline of the Han imperial family means that his ascension to the position of Governor can overlook some issues of seniority.

Moreover, if the scholars of Xuzhou have the merit of welcoming him, according to common sense, he should reciprocate!

This candidate is none other than Liu Bei, who is currently in Pei State, Yu Province.

Looking at his various actions within Pei State, they all align with Chen Deng’s requirements for the position of Governor of Xuzhou.

But before Chen Deng could find a suitable opportunity to suggest this candidate, the situation in Xuzhou underwent another dramatic change.

Ze Rong, located in Guangling, publicly declared that he was heartbroken upon hearing of Tao Qian’s death.

What made him even more heartbroken was that Chen Gui and Chen Deng, who were likely the culprits behind Tao Qian’s death, were still participating in the council deciding who would rule Xuzhou, potentially turning Xuzhou into a gift to curry favor with a certain power, using it as a stepping stone for their own advancement.

Ze Rong vowed that as someone loyal to Tao Qian and to Buddha, he could not allow such a situation to occur in Xuzhou.

Tao Gongzu died under mysterious circumstances, and he must seek justice for the late Governor to repay his kindness.

Thus, he called upon the people of Guangling County, those who had once received Tao Qian’s favor or were loyal to the Buddhist sect, to join him in forming a force to march north and attack Donghai County, to capture the Chen father and son, and to clarify the circumstances of Tao Qian’s death.

His rhetoric was indeed quite persuasive.

Zu Lang looked at Ze Rong, who had just made this declaration and then donned armor over his Buddhist robes, with some admiration.

If it weren’t for the fact that the fatal arrow that struck Tao Qian actually came from Zu Lang’s hand, and if it weren’t for the fact that the news of Tao Qian’s death was relayed to Ze Rong by Zu Lang, a participant, rather than rumors from the Hongze Lake area, just looking at Ze Rong’s words and actions, one might think he was truly a loyal minister under Tao Qian.

So, those swayed by Ze Rong’s words were not just the people of Guangling County who had witnessed the miracle of the Buddha Bathing Festival.

After the news spread to Donghai County, some there also began to question the recent closed-door meetings of the provincial government.

“This is utter nonsense!” Chen Gui, who had always been regarded by the people of Xuzhou as a venerable elder, and who had gained even more recognition and respect from the people of the province due to his son’s contributions, had never faced such suspicion before!

If it weren’t for the need to catch the thief with the stolen goods, they would have already exposed Ze Rong’s embezzlement of military provisions and his suspected role in Tao Qian’s murder.

But instead, Ze Rong played the thief crying thief. What kind of logic is that?

“Father, the issue now is not whether Ze Rong’s claims are nonsense,” Chen Deng calmly replied. “We both know how much combat power the Yellow Turban Army had back in the day. Ze Rong’s followers also have religious theories at play. Now he’s using the residual influence of Tao Gongzu and the banner of avenging the Governor. This raises a more important question for us.”

“Without a Governor to coordinate and command, can we still fend off their attack?”

Outlaws like Zang Ba from Mount Tai would follow Tao Qian’s orders, but they might not be willing to continue following their arrangements after Tao Qian’s death.

He and Sun Guan, stationed in Kaiyang County, Langya Commandery, formed their own power. If they took this opportunity to become independent, no one could effectively restrain them, and any attempts to win them over might only embolden them to make demands.

Excluding these people, the number of generals in Donghai County, Xuzhou, is few. Who will face Ze Rong’s aggressive advance?

Some might say Lu Su could.

But Lu Su’s time under Tao Qian was too short to allow him to make a leap in progress and become a capable commander.

Thinking of this, Chen Deng became even more determined to bring Liu Bei into Xuzhou.

Liu Bei’s generals, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, are both fierce warriors. Liu Bei himself has been seasoned since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, with experience in fighting against Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu. Dealing with Ze Rong shouldn’t be difficult!

Besides Liu Bei, who else could quickly quell the chaos in Xuzhou and bring Ze Rong to justice?

Probably no one!

Chen Deng added, “Speaking of which, there’s another issue… What is Mi Zhu’s current stance?”

Mi Zhu was invited by Ze Rong to Guangling County and has not yet returned with any news.

This makes it uncertain whether he has already sided with Ze Rong, so of course, no rash actions can be taken against the Donghai Mi Clan.

As long as Mi Zhu’s stance remains uncertain, they dare not confidently deploy the Mi Clan’s retainers to counter Ze Rong, to avoid any unforeseen consequences.

This is indeed another trouble.

If Mi Zhu foolishly chose Ze Rong, it would mean the trouble they face would be even greater.

But Chen Deng and his group probably don’t need to worry about this issue.

Because while Ze Rong was busy with his “mobilization” in Guangling County and was less vigilant, Mi Zhu had already slipped out of Gaoyou.

Whether Ze Rong was furious upon hearing this news is unknown, but Mi Zhu had already received arrangements from Qiao Lan—

He was to take refuge in Sheyang under the pretext of avoiding Ze Rong’s pursuit, and then accidentally pass by Zhang Yi’s residence.

This instruction did not involve a change in Mi Zhu’s stance, so even though it was an arrangement by Qiao Yan’s intelligence department and not Qiao Yan herself, Mi Zhu immediately carried it out.

Then, following Qiao Lan’s instructions, he temporarily went into hiding, observing from the sidelines until he received formal orders from Qiao Yan in Chang’an.

The previous dealings with Ze Rong had left Mi Zhu feeling quite nauseated, and now that he was finally free, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The message sent at full speed from Chang’an would take about eight or nine days to reach him. Since the conflict between Ze Rong and Chen Deng wouldn’t end quickly and wouldn’t harm the Donghai Mi Clan, Mi Zhu could take this opportunity to rest.

But while he was comfortable, someone in a nearby residence was startled by the words of a young man.

Zhang Yi looked at the calm and composed Zhou Yu before him, finding it hard to believe that Sun Ce’s right-hand man would appear here and propose such a cooperation.

To make him the Governor of Xuzhou?

That sounds too unrealistic!

He was indeed resentful that Tao Qian had removed him from his position as Prefect of Guangling, but at most, he just wanted to see who would succeed him in Guangling County.

He couldn’t stand Ze Rong’s way of doing things.

He hadn’t become so arrogant as to think he could covet the position of Governor of Xuzhou!

However, in Zhou Yu’s view, Zhang Yi could indeed give it a try.

Earlier, Zhou Yu had only wanted to ally with Zhang Yi to suppress Ze Rong and prevent him from aiding Zu Lang, causing trouble for Yang Province.

But in the current situation, he could afford to be more ambitious.

Because Tao Qian was dead!

With Tao Qian’s death, Xuzhou went from undercurrents to a muddy mess.

On one hand, the gentry of Xuzhou had their own positions.

On the other hand, Yuan Shao in the north, even facing threats from Qiao Yan, would inevitably want a piece of the pie due to the adjacency of Qingzhou and Xuzhou.

So, could Yang Province also intervene?

Yuzhang and Kuaiji Commanderies had not yet officially fallen into Sun Ce’s hands, meaning their available troops were limited. But if they missed this opportunity, Zhou Yu wouldn’t be satisfied returning to Yang Province.

If they could push the northern defense line northward to the Huai River in central Xuzhou, the constraints on Jiangdong’s development would be significantly reduced.

This alone was enough for Zhou Yu to take a risk!

He no longer limited himself to pushing Zhang Yi to the position of Prefect of Guangling but also considered trying for the position of Governor of Xuzhou.

Coincidentally, the conditions were right.

Zhang Yi was removed by Tao Qian because of his mediocrity, which in certain contexts meant incompetence. But what if he now had a chance to change his image?

For example, if he could expose the truth behind the divine apparition Ze Rong had created and pin Tao Qian’s death on Ze Rong, then with Yang Province’s assistance, launch a fatal strike from the rear. At least the area south of the Huai River in Guangling County would have a chance to return to his control.

Zhou Yu thought of the flying lantern he had obtained and felt fortunate. His decisive action to chase out of Gaoyou City that day was indeed the right choice.

This was one of the internal conditions for Zhang Yi’s rise.

And there were favorable conditions outside Xuzhou as well.

Zhou Yu first said to Zhang Yi, “Why not? If I were Prefect Zhang, I certainly wouldn’t want to see Ze Rong using Tao Gongzu’s death to march north and turn all of Xuzhou into his missionary land. By then, the people’s suffering would be the norm, and Prefect Zhang himself would be in danger.”

This wasn’t an exaggeration. Given Ze Rong’s behavior during his missionary work in Gaoyou, he didn’t seem like someone who knew how to show mercy.

Seeing Zhang Yi deep in thought, Zhou Yu continued, “Moreover, if Prefect Zhang is willing to cooperate with Yang Province and support each other, Yang Province is willing to petition the Chang’an court on your behalf.”

Hearing about petitioning the Chang’an court, Zhang Yi’s face turned a bit pale.

But before he could speak, Zhou Yu went on, “Prefect Zhang, don’t think that your past grievances with the Grand Marshal will affect this matter. The struggle for Xuzhou is also a contest between the Chang’an court and the Ye City court over the control of a province. With the Grand Marshal’s insight, she would never dwell on past issues. On the contrary, she would surely support you to show her magnanimity.”

The previous Governor of Xuzhou was appointed by the Ye City court. If the new Governor was appointed by the Chang’an court and could firmly establish himself in Xuzhou, would Qiao Yan give up this legitimacy?

Zhou Yu thought, no!

This would be a very profitable deal for Qiao Yan.

And for Zhang Yi? Even though he knew that Zhou Yu’s so-called “mutual support” was mostly about using him, he couldn’t help but be tempted by the prospect of regaining his position and even being promoted.

Even if this promotion, if successful, meant he would face much more dangerous situations, Zhang Yi’s tangled thoughts only condensed into one sentence, “What do I need to do now?”

He couldn’t just sit back and receive an appointment from the Chang’an court.

Before that, he needed to show some achievements.

Hearing this, Zhou Yu smiled.

Zhang Yi’s words meant he had made his decision.

He replied, “Gathering troops can wait. First, Prefect Zhang should go visit someone.”

Someone who doesn’t seem to want to cooperate with Ze Rong and isn’t aligned with Chen Deng or Lu Su.

Mi Zhu of the Donghai Mi Clan.

Coincidentally, he’s right here.