Chapter 323

Chapter 323

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time of Struggle Chapter 323: Sun Ce Launches Troops

Tian Feng was completely unaware of the existence of that letter. When he parted ways with Qiao Yan at the Bingzhou Prefecture, he pondered in his heart whether his escape from Youzhou back to Jizhou under the guise of delivering an imperial decree was too ungrateful for her kindness.

Although his promotion was credited to Zhang Niujiao, it was Qiao Yan’s praise of him as a genius that truly allowed him to rise step by step. Without her words, he would not have had the chance to study under Chen Ji, nor would he have become a member of the Imperial Secretariat.

Sometimes, Tian Feng wondered if he should consider himself Yuan Feng rather than Tian Feng, given that he had spent nearly three of the past five years serving the Chang’an court, longer than his time in the Yecheng court, and his position was higher than before.

Perhaps what kept him steadfast in his position was not just his loyalty to Yuan Shao, but also his responsibility to his family as a scholar from Hebei.

However, there were times when he struggled with his choices. In the middle of the night, he would question his identity.

After conquering Youzhou, the Chang’an court controlled half of the territory in actuality, and even more nominally. Was it possible that Jizhou and Qingzhou would eventually fall into Qiao Yan’s hands, sparing him from this dilemma?

But he couldn’t help but remind himself of his previous stance in the conflict between Qiao Yan and the Qiao family of Yanzhou.

If all the spies were like him, switching sides, what hope was there for the Yecheng court?

Still…

“Indeed, Bingzhou offers the most comfortable scenery. Although Guanzhong is the birthplace of the Han Dynasty, it still doesn’t compare to the simplicity of Bingzhou,” Tian Feng overheard a guard escorting him to Youzhou say, interrupting his thoughts.

Another replied, “How can you compare? It’s been ten years since the Marquis arrived in Bingzhou, and even excluding the two years she was under house arrest without authority, it’s still seven years. Guanzhong, on the other hand, has only been under control for three years. Establishing and following rules isn’t easy.”

“True, there’s no one else like our Marquis who values the people’s livelihood and has brought such changes. It takes time to adapt,” the first speaker said with pride that Tian Feng clearly detected. “Perhaps in a few years, Guanzhong will resemble this place.”

Their conversation wasn’t particularly loud, but the sound of wheels and horses was quiet, and they were right next to Tian Feng’s carriage, so he heard everything clearly.

Not wanting to reveal that he had overheard, Tian Feng lifted the curtain on the other side and looked out.

Three years ago, he had seen Bingzhou after the autumn harvest. This year, the fields were still unharvested, with many empty and shriveled wheat husks visible, indicating a much poorer yield than last year.

But from Tian Feng’s perspective, the people playing with the wheat ears in the fields didn’t show resentment over the poor harvest. Instead, they seemed calm, as if this were just a natural phase of the seasons.

This acceptance of reality wasn’t due to numbness to life’s hardships.

As they passed Tian Feng’s convoy, they talked about how factories in Bingzhou were hiring for the autumn and winter seasons, with workers digging canals and wells being paid directly in grain. Others mentioned how the prefecture’s control prevented anyone from selling grain at inflated prices.

In the past, Bingzhou was far from the Central Plains. In fact, none of the four regions under Qiao Yan’s control—Youzhou, Bingzhou, Liangzhou, and Yizhou—were considered part of the Central Plains by earlier standards. But now, for these commoners, living in these regions might not be such a bad thing.

Tian Feng was lost in thought.

Perhaps because he had been holding the curtain for too long, a young boy riding a small horse approached the convoy and asked, “Where are you heading, sir? I haven’t seen a carriage like yours before. Are you an official from the capital?”

Tian Feng noticed that besides curiosity, there was a hint of fear in the boy’s eyes, as if worried that Tian Feng’s arrival might disrupt his peaceful life.

This gaze, so different from the people he interacted with at Hongwen Hall, made Tian Feng acutely aware that he was in an environment vastly different from Jizhou.

The boy’s backpack had a rolled-up copy of the Leping Monthly Report sticking out. Given the bag’s weight and the boy’s age, he was likely a student at the academy.

For these young hopes yet to grow into pillars of the state, Tian Feng softened his tone.

Since his trip to Youzhou wasn’t classified, he replied, “The Grand Marshal’s subordinates have achieved military success in Youzhou. We are奉命前去嘉奖的 (ordered to go and reward them).”

The boy’s eyes lit up.

He quickly asked, “Is General Zhang Liao among them?”

That wasn’t something Tian Feng could disclose at the moment.

But the boy was tactful. Seeing Tian Feng smile without answering, he changed the topic: “If General Zhang Liao is among them, that would be great. He is now the Prefect of Shanggu Commandery, so he should have participated in the Youzhou campaign. To be honest, sir, many of us from Yanmen Commandery are grateful to General Zhang Liao for his service as a Military Officer defending Yanmen, preventing the Xianbei from raiding our lands. If you have the chance to see him, please convey our thanks.”

“I won’t delay your journey any longer. I’m heading home to visit family.”

He waved at Tian Feng and rode off on his small horse, far from matching the speed of a warhorse.

Tian Feng watched the boy’s lively背影 (back) for a while before turning his gaze back.

The boy’s gratitude, though simple, felt deeply sincere.

This was the characteristic Tian Feng sensed from the people of Bingzhou during his journey.

The thought that he would soon have to lie to Zhang Liao, using the opportunity to confer titles on Lü Bu and Gan Ning to reach the border between Youzhou and Jizhou, and then flee back to Jizhou, filled Tian Feng with increasing guilt.

When Zhang Liao received him with a demeanor that, while not warm, was thoroughly attentive, Tian Feng felt his throat tighten.

What surprised him even more was that Zhang Liao mentioned Qiao Yan had instructed him to take Tian Feng to Zhuo Commandery.

The reason wasn’t hard to explain.

Due to the situation in Yizhou, Qiao Yan had been questioned by Wang Yun. Although she had rebuked Wang Yun at the time, she later thought it best to provide some sense of security since they were colleagues.

Why not let Tian Feng, who had come to Youzhou to deliver the decree, see the defensive arrangements there, so the Chang’an court would know that Youzhou’s setup left no room for Yuan Shao to exploit.

Tian Feng: “…”

What to do when your opponent wants to show you their border defenses? In his limited experience, he had never encountered such an absurd situation.

But Zhang Liao seemed unaware of Tian Feng’s true intentions. He had already gathered everyone except Lü Bu, Gan Ning, and Sima Yi, who were stationed in Zhuo Commandery, as well as Lu Yi and Guo Huai, who remained in Liaodong, to Yuyang, to facilitate Tian Feng’s conferral of titles before taking him to Zhuo Commandery.

As Tian Feng distractedly wondered if he shouldn’t hold such high moral standards in this era of great strife, and should instead prioritize Jizhou’s situation, he began reading out the titles for everyone.

In this campaign against Gongsun Zan, the true credit went to Zhang Liao.

Although the eastern route had first persuaded Gongsun Du to surrender and then beheaded the rebellious Wuhuan leader Tadun, these actions were essentially cutting off Gongsun Zan’s eastern support, not direct battlefield confrontations.

When Tian Feng proposed this standard for assessing merit in the Imperial Secretariat, he had a reasonable argument.

This approach wasn’t meant to diminish the achievements of Zhuge Liang, Lü Lingju, and others, but to appropriately promote Zhang Liao, who was suitable for governing a region, while also curbing Gongsun Du’s status as a defector.

Gongsun Du was different from ordinary prefects.

He had once harbored ambitions to carve out his own kingdom in Liaodong.

Not holding him accountable for his earlier oversteps in Liaodong was already a reward for his correct stance this time, so there was no way he could be promoted further for his contributions in reinforcing troops.

Thus, the situation on the eastern route was as follows:

Gongsun Du retained his position as Prefect of Liaodong, with added responsibilities of overseeing the border stability with Goguryeo and Buyeo, and assisting Lu Yi and Guo Huai in reclaiming Lelang Commandery.

Lü Lingju was appointed Protector of the Wuhuan, with Yan Rou as her deputy.

Zhuge Liang was appointed Chief Clerk of Youzhou.

Sima Yi was appointed Assistant Prefect of Zhuo Commandery.

Gan Ning was appointed Commander of the Tower Ships, with the potential to become General of the Tower Ships if he achieved further victories in the campaign against Jizhou.

Lu Yi was appointed Assistant Prefect of Liaodong.

Guo Huai was appointed Military Officer of Liaodong.

Tai Shici was appointed Military Officer of Youzhou.

“Protector of the Wuhuan?” Lü Lingju exclaimed in surprise.

Before Tian Feng’s arrival, she had been prepared for gradual promotions based on her military achievements.

Considering her young age and the fact that her participation in this campaign was due to an academy assessment at Leping Academy, she would have been satisfied with a regular position as a Commander or Officer. She never expected to be appointed Protector of the Wuhuan!

“The Grand Marshal saw the letter you sent to the capital, in which you strongly recommended Yan Rou to succeed as Protector of the Wuhuan. But after discussion, the decision was—”

“The Wuhuan, scattered inside and outside Youzhou, with their three kings under the Chanyu forming independent settlements, have developed a greedy and cunning nature. Despite the various kindnesses shown by His Majesty when he was Governor of Youzhou, they still allied with Gongsun Zan for profit. The military achievements in reclaiming Youzhou from Gongsun Zan were necessitated by the situation, so it’s better to take a deterrent approach first.”

“Since you killed the former Wuhuan Chanyu Tadun and the Wuhuan in Youzhou have witnessed your military prowess, appointing you as Protector of the Wuhuan will surely deter them from acting rashly. With a deputy to assist, we can implement a policy of appeasement.”

After hearing Tian Feng’s explanation, Lü Lingju thought it made sense.

During the Wuhuan campaign, she had led the charge and beheaded Tadun. The Wuhuan who survived the battle would surely spread tales of her bravery, instilling fear in others.

Perhaps her only challenge would be how to suppress Yan Rou, who was intelligent and well-trusted among the Wuhuan!

This appointment might also have considered her contribution to killing Gongsun Zan.

But in any case, the Marquis never fails to reward those with real military achievements.

As for her companions, their positions weren’t low either.

Lu Yi and Guo Huai’s roles were meant to keep Gongsun Du, the defector, in check.

But Lü Lingju thought she saw Lu Yi slip a piece of paper into his belt.





In the bag, perhaps among those who came to announce the decree, someone brought him a secret order from the lord. Unfortunately, that guy had such a calm and indifferent demeanor that it was impossible to discern anything from his behavior.

Sima Yi’s position as the magistrate of Zhuo County was actually to facilitate his assistance in the neighboring Ji Province’s front line.

Zhuge Liang’s position as a personnel officer in Youzhou was considered the third in command in Youzhou, which was a significant promotion for someone his age.

Interestingly, the second in command in Youzhou, the position of Youzhou’s deputy, was to be filled by Xun You, who was about to depart from Chang’an to assist in Youzhou’s battles.

Counting this, Zhuge Liang could be considered half a disciple of Xun Yu, and Xun You was Xun Yu’s nephew, so they had some connection, which should make cooperation easier.

Of course, according to what Tian Feng said when announcing the decree, Zhuge Liang’s main responsibility was to assist Zhang Liao in managing Youzhou’s internal affairs, rather than coordinating actions on the southern front, which was Xun You’s job.

Looking at it this way, there wasn’t much overlap in their duties.

With the above arrangements, the appointments for the western front were clear.

Qu Yan and Yufuluo, serving as generals under Zhang Liao, were each appointed as commandants of Youzhou.

Lü Bu’s title of Pingbei Middle General was further elevated to the title of Tiger Tooth General.

“Is this bigger or smaller than the Gate Tooth General?” Lu Lingju couldn’t help but whisper to Zhuge Liang.

While competing with her father for merit, if the position offered wasn’t good, Lu Lingju felt she should still fight for her father.

One was called Gate Tooth, the other Tiger Tooth, and it seemed like Gate Tooth sounded more impressive.

“General Dian is the Yamen General, not the Gate Tooth General,” Zhuge Liang helplessly rubbed his forehead and explained to Lu Lingju, “Except for a few commonly used titles, most miscellaneous general titles are created on the spot, except for some special cases, such as hoping the person receiving the title would emulate the previous holder.”

“The last person to be granted the title of Tiger Tooth General was Gai Yan, one of the Twenty-Eight Generals of the Cloud Terrace of Emperor Guangwu. He was from Yuyang County, a warrior from the borderlands, eight feet tall, capable of drawing a three-stone bow, assisted in quelling the Qiang rebellion, was enfeoffed as a marquis with ten thousand households, and eventually died in office, which could be considered a good end for a general.”

“In terms of general titles, this is considered a prestigious position.”

When Lu Lingju heard “eight feet tall, capable of drawing a three-stone bow,” her eyes lit up, and hearing about the “good end,” she felt there was no need to compare the superiority of Tiger Tooth and Gate Tooth.

The appointment of this miscellaneous general title was quite strategic, and Lü Bu would probably be very satisfied with this appointment.

But the premise was… she needed to write a letter to her father, informing him of the historical context of this general title.

Otherwise, given Lü Bu’s historical knowledge, which was worse than hers, he would most likely think that being called Tiger Head General was better than Tiger Tooth General.

During the brief conversation between Lu Lingju and Zhuge Liang, the appointment of officials had reached its conclusion.

That was the appointment of Zhang Liao—

Governor of Youzhou.

Although named Governor of Youzhou, everyone knew that given the current situation of many vacant prefectural magistrate positions in Youzhou, this position was essentially that of a provincial governor.

For Zhang Liao to reach this position at the age of twenty-five was almost a miracle second only to Qiao Yan.

But when he accepted this appointment, no one felt there was anything inappropriate about it.

When Tian Feng accompanied Zhang Liao south to Zhuo County, he repeatedly lamented why a general like Zhang Liao hadn’t appeared in Ji Province.

Youzhou having such a young yet steady leader was definitely not good news for Yuan Shao.

The rapid stabilization of Youzhou’s situation was also inseparable from Zhang Liao’s efforts.

Yet, such a presence seemed to have no possibility of being lured to the opposing side.

When Tian Feng conveyed the gratitude of the young man they met on the road to Zhang Liao, he saw a faint but genuine smile on Zhang Liao’s face, who then spoke of the help Qiao Yan provided when he was rejected by the provincial government.

“That was in the second year of Zhongping,” Zhang Liao said.

The memories from nine years ago were still clear to him, and Tian Feng heard a story from him that outsiders would hardly know.

“I did not become her subordinate because she became the governor of Bingzhou, but because of her help, I was able to guard the gateway of Bingzhou without wasting two years waiting.”

“At that time, I still harbored the desire to restore my family’s reputation after the decline following the Mayi Conspiracy. Without these two years of tempering, I would not be where I am today.”

He said, “I’ve spoken too much today, please don’t mind, but I just feel that instead of thanking me, he should thank the lord for the help she provided in this matter.”

Tian Feng replied, “That’s a fair point, there’s cause and effect, and now you’re guarding Youzhou for the Grand Marshal, which is also repaying her kindness.”

The smile on Zhang Liao’s face became clearer, “Exactly. Let’s not talk so much, we’re almost there.”

Ahead of them was the border between Yuyang County and Zhuo County. The western section of the Juma River was quite close to this border, and only in the eastern section would it appear near the boundary between Youzhou and Ji Province. Therefore, shortly after they crossed the border, they could already see the military camp in the distance.

“Please accompany me to the military camp, Mr. Yuanhao. Let’s get a clear picture of the situation here.”

Tian Feng suddenly stopped in his tracks.

At this moment, he was more doubtful of his hearing than when he heard the news of Qiao Yan swiftly taking Yizhou and Youzhou. Otherwise, why would he hear the words “Yuanhao” from Zhang Liao’s mouth?

He slowly turned his head towards Zhang Liao and heard the young man say, “Mr. Tian Yuanhao, the lord has instructed me to show you around the You-Ji border.”

Tian Feng was thunderstruck.

Tian Yuanhao!

The words clearly spoken by Zhang Liao were these three words!

When did they find out his identity?

Zhang Liao did not explicitly provide the answer.

He was like a proper host, after revealing the name, seriously showing the guest around the layout of his house, making Tian Feng, who was unconsciously following his steps, feel as if he was in a dream.

But this was not a dream.

Zhang Liao’s tone was polite yet distant, carrying the confidence of someone who had just conquered all of Youzhou. Every word accurately reached Tian Feng’s ears, even detailing the number of soldiers and types of troops in each camp.

If he hadn’t been in shock, Tian Feng would have really wanted to ask Zhang Liao if it was normal to tell an opponent all these things.

Zhang Liao remained as calm as ever.

Qiao Yan’s instruction to him was to inform Tian Feng of their knowledge of his identity when he deemed it appropriate, so he chose this moment right after arriving at the border.

Whether this was suitable for Tian Feng was perhaps a gamble, but it turned out he gambled right!

When Zhang Liao finished showing Tian Feng around the border defenses and had him, in a daze, announce the appointments for Lü Bu and Gan Ning, he prepared provisions, money, and a fast horse for Tian Feng’s return to Ji Province. However, when Tian Feng was ready to leave at any moment, he felt as if his feet were rooted to the ground, unable to move under the other’s candid gaze.

Tian Feng tried hard to convince himself that he was staying temporarily because he feared a trap and didn’t want to fall into the opponent’s prepared snare.

Not because he felt that leaving now might cause some lifelong regret.

But what he didn’t know was that when he made the decision to stay temporarily in Zhuo County, Zhang Liao pinched his hand hidden in his sleeve, quietly wiping away the cold sweat.

He also didn’t know that, at the same time, his friend Xin Pi was heading towards this place from Ji Province.

Due to this decision to flatter and kill the stationed generals in Youzhou, Yuan Shao gave Xin Pi considerable authority and sent his second son Yuan Xi and his troops to assist Xin Pi.

In just a few days, they would reach the confrontation zone.

And in Xin Pi’s plan, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory, so of course, he had to make a trip within Zhuo County.

For this purpose, Qian Zhao, who had once infiltrated Lü Bu’s military camp, although his legs were still not agile, also came along.

Tian Feng only knew that, judging from Qiao Yan and Zhang Liao’s arrangements on this defensive line, there wouldn’t be a large-scale southern invasion by Youzhou’s army for the time being, and he still had a little time left to ponder.

But while there were undercurrents here, in this vast world, there was a place where a conflict was about to erupt.

Sun Ce leisurely sharpened his long spear, the light from the lamp in front of him clearly reflecting the murderous aura in his eyes.

In the rhythmic sound of sharpening, he heard Zhang Zhao across from him ask, “General Bofu, has your decision to send troops to attack Huang Zu been finalized?”

In fact, this decision had been made early this spring, but due to an unexpected drought, he decided to temporarily withdraw his troops under Zhou Yu’s persuasion. He was worried that the disaster would affect Yang Province, potentially triggering unrest among the Shanyue.

Zhou Yu’s decision was right; in May and June, the Shanyue, led by Zu Lang, did harass Sun Ce again.

But by autumn, this decision could no longer be changed!

No matter what disturbances occurred in the rear, he had to send out the troops!

“Why change?” Sun Ce sneered, “Liu Biao—I can leave him alone for now, but old thief Huang Zu is closely related to my father’s death. If I don’t kill him, how can I face my father on his death anniversary!”

Just as Zhang Zhao was about to speak, Sun Ce added, “Don’t try to persuade me, Zhang Gong.”

“My attack on Huang Zu in Yuzhang County is justified even without invoking my father’s revenge.”

Sun Ce suddenly stood up, the long spear in his hand reflecting a mix of moonlight and candlelight, flashing a brilliant silver and gold light, “Years ago, the Grand Marshal secured me the position of Prefect of Kuaiji and General Who Subdues Rebels. Huang Zu, under Dong Zhuo’s orders, took over as Prefect of Yuzhang. Now that the old thief is dead, Huang Zu’s position as prefect is illegitimate. As the Governor of Yang Province, it’s only right for me to attack him!”

“Although Yang Province has little drought disaster, Huang Zu neglects the people’s livelihood, only seeking pleasure. The longer Yuzhang County remains in his hands, the more its people suffer. Killing him is the righteous path!”

“If Zhang Gong is worried about the toll this war will take on Yang Province, then consider this: will Huang Zu expect our attack today?”

Zhang Zhao didn’t answer, but he knew the answer was indeed no.

It was harvest season, and with Grand Marshal Qiao Yan’s recent conquest of two provinces, everyone was on edge. No one would think that anyone would make a move at this time.

And perhaps everyone’s attention was also turned to the two newly acquired provinces by the Chang’an court and their surrounding areas.

In Yang Province, Zhou Yu had just gone north to Xuzhou, which was a sign that Sun Ce had temporarily parted with his right-hand man, intending to lay low this year.

Huang Zu probably thought his situation was very safe at this moment.

But how could he know that in today’s Kuaiji County, under Zhang Zhao’s gaze, Sun Ce lifted his spear and pushed aside the tent flap, revealing the cavalry already in formation outside.

In the night, a heavy killing intent pressed down, as if an invisible sword was pointing in the direction of Yuzhang County.

Old generals like Huang Gai and Han Dang looked eagerly at Sun Ce, seeing the young man’s armor illuminated by the torches held by the cavalry, and his exceptionally bright eyes, truly the image of a hero in his prime.

He mounted the horse brought before him, and as he tightened the reins, he shouted, “Everyone, follow me into battle—”

“This battle, we will surely kill Huang Zu!”