Chapter 326

Chapter 326

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, The Time of Hunting Deer Chapter 326: Where is the Confidence?

The book it belongs to:


Can a strategist not ascend the throne?

Chapter 326: Where is the Confidence?

Jia Xu’s act of causing Sun Jian’s death, whether it was something he had to do while being held hostage by Dong Zhuo or not, still requires him to bear some responsibility.

Now, with Sun Ce’s power growing stronger, even killing Huang Zu in Yuzhang Commandery, who knows if he will turn his attention to Jia Xu in Xuzhou after consolidating his power in Yang Province?

Rather than hoping that Sun Ce will spare Jia Xu out of respect for Qiao Yan, it’s better to strike first!

After causing a major upheaval in Yang Province, he should use others to eliminate Jia Xu beforehand.

Sun Ce is indeed a heroic figure, and with a more favorable situation than in history, his expansionist attitude increasingly shows the demeanor of a warlord.

But once the true nature of the grudge between them is revealed, can Sun Ce really be used by her?

He is passionate and clear about grievances. Even if he temporarily submits to the situation, he is destined to be a fierce tiger that cannot be controlled for long.

So—

No.

“Lord, you’ve really given me a difficult problem,” Jia Xu stroked his beard, looking at the letter Qiao Yan sent to Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting, pondering.

Qiao Yan asked them to convey the message, and these two showed great respect by delivering the letter directly to Jia Xu.

Jia Xu couldn’t help but ponder over the line “keep Zhou Yu in Xuzhou.”

With his shrewd nature, he could see the hesitation in Qiao Yan’s heart when she wrote that last line.

But as she wrote the final words, there was a sense of determination and a hint of killing intent.

She had already made a choice between Sun Ce, the talented general, and him, the strategist.

How Sun Ce’s subordinates would be arranged, Jia Xu couldn’t guess clearly from the letter Qiao Yan sent, but one thing was clear: Jia Xu could rest easy.

“What a qualified overlord…” Jia Xu muttered to himself.

An overlord who can give his subordinates a sense of security.

If he doesn’t do his best to pacify Xuzhou and Yang Provinces, he would truly be unworthy of her difficult decision.

He couldn’t have come to Xuzhou just to be a tool for answering questions for the students of Leping Academy, could he?

Jia Xu closed the letter, and while resting his eyes, he thought about the situation in Liangzhou.

Years ago, he chose to move from Wuwei Commandery in Liangzhou to Chang’an, hoping to have a chance to showcase his talents and gain more influence.

But under the rule that the east produces ministers and the west produces generals, the best he could achieve was a minor official position.

After realizing the reality, the most suitable way for him to survive was undoubtedly to keep a low profile.

Over the years, or even decades, this had become a habit for him.

But in the letter Jia Mu sent from Liangzhou this year, he wrote that although the lord’s arrangement for him to work on water conservancy wasn’t his initial interest, the more he learned about it, the more he felt it was the most suitable direction for him.

When people in Liangzhou mention Jia Mu of Wuwei, in this year of drought, everyone would think of him as a lifesaver.

Even though he initially just assisted Bi Lan in planning the irrigation channels for the military farms in Wuwei Commandery, over time, it became a blessing for the region.

Jia Mu’s achievements and the gratitude from the people of Liangzhou also served as a protective talisman for Jia Xu, or rather, for the Jia family of Wuwei.

With such a lord, even if he had to scheme in the shadows, trapping enemies while putting himself in danger, what did it matter?

Even Qiao Yan had to strategize step by step for that unmentionable position, fighting her way through a bloody path. Why should Jia Xu hold back?

He burned the letter, just like Qiao Yan did with the letters sent to the Qiao sisters, completely destroying the evidence, and then walked out as if nothing had happened. In the courtyard, he happened to meet Pang Tong.

This guy, who knows who he learned it from, always acts like an old man despite his young age, walking with his hands tucked in his sleeves.

But admittedly, this demeanor does look somewhat steady.

He greeted Jia Xu with a bow and then continued walking. From Jia Xu’s perspective, he was heading towards where Lu Su was being held.

Pang Tong imitated Qiao Yan’s move of imprisoning Li Ru back then, not keeping Lu Su tied up but allowing him to live alone in a courtyard and even tend to flowers.

Unfortunately… Li Ru couldn’t leave back then because Dong Zhuo was forced to flee to Chang’an, and Li Ru was imprisoned in Bingzhou, unfamiliar territory for him, with Qiao Yan clearly being a strong figure. Lu Su, however, was not in such a situation.

He was still in Xuzhou, and according to the local rules of protecting their own, his treatment as a prisoner wouldn’t be too bad.

Liu Bei was also nearby, ready to send troops to rescue him at any time.

The result was—

“Lu Zijing still doesn’t want to listen to you?” Jia Xu asked with a smile, looking at Pang Tong’s expression.

Despite his calm demeanor, there was a hint of youthful determination and unwillingness in his eyes.

Pang Tong replied, “This is to be expected. My classmates, because of some baseless luck, made me stay in Xuzhou, and now they’re causing trouble in Liaodong. Who knows who blabbed to Lu Zijing about it, and now he says, ‘You planted a nail in Hailing two years ago, so you must have some preparations in northern Xuzhou. Why bother trying to persuade me to surrender?'”

“Anyway, you have the strength to resist Liaodong, so there’s no need to persuade me to surrender.”

In short, he’s completely unyielding.

But Lu Su’s lack of cooperation is obviously not good news.

Yang Province is the southern support for Xuzhou, but there are many internal conflicts, and Sun Ce and Zhou Yu cannot fully support Xuzhou.

If they find the Huai River front untenable, they would rather preserve their own forces and withdraw.

In other words, southern Xuzhou appears to belong to the Chang’an court, but it is actually still isolated.

Without the support of local scholars in Xuzhou, it is undoubtedly dangerous and cannot last long.

“So, how do you plan to handle this?” Jia Xu asked.

Pang Tong’s demeanor showed no frustration from his classmates in Liaodong receiving official appointments, nor any impatience from Lu Su’s resistance. He replied to Jia Xu, “Without seeing the forefront of the world, people will be like this. I’ve done my part in being polite first; now it’s time for military action.”

Pang Tong’s eyes showed a hint of pride, making it clear that despite his mature appearance, he has the confidence of being in the first tier of Leping Academy, which is why he debated with Zhuge Liang in Hongwen Hall back then.

Thinking of Lu Lingju’s earlier warning to Pang Tong not to let Lu Su be intercepted by Zhou Yu, who frequently visits Xuzhou, Pang Tong’s actions now show more awareness of the crisis.

But then, this makes it more interesting.

Jia Xu replied, “Well then, I’ll be watching.”

Let’s see what this “Young Phoenix” who hasn’t gone to Liaodong can do to live up to Qiao Yan’s evaluation of him!

Amidst the undercurrents in Xuzhou and Yang Provinces, Bingzhou remains harmonious.

Qiao Yan returned to Bingzhou not just to finalize the cotton trade with Cao Cao but also to ensure that during her absence, the people of Bingzhou wouldn’t forget who was responsible for their current treatment.

“They say the purpose of a state’s chief clerk is to allow him to travel alone in a carriage when inspecting on behalf of the state, to signify his special status, but I find riding in the lord’s carriage more comfortable.”

Xi Zhicai leaned against the carriage, holding a bag of ice to ward off the lingering summer heat.

Sitting across from him, Qiao Yan flipped through the official documents handled by Xi Zhicai over the past two years during their inspection tour of Bingzhou. Hearing his words, she raised an eyebrow, “I heard there’s a plant called the rubber tree overseas. The sap from the tree can be used to make protective layers for wheels, making the carriage ride even more comfortable.”

Xi Zhicai: “…Lord, that’s not quite what I meant.”

He was simply expressing his relief at having someone above him to share the workload, as during Qiao Yan’s absence in Bingzhou, aside from matters requiring her decision, all other issues were handed over to Xi Zhicai.








Handling, even whether it can guarantee five working days and one day off is uncertain.

As soon as Qiao Yan returned, to show that he had no intention of seizing power or replacing the position of the Governor of Bingzhou, he simply lay flat.

But listen to what the Lord is saying!

The problems within the territory haven’t been resolved yet, and she’s already looking forward to making tires overseas!

The subtext of her words is nothing more than that he still needs to work harder to make the carriage he rides in more comfortable. Otherwise, how could there be any possibility of sailing overseas to harvest rubber trees?

“Then let’s change the topic. What kind of bargaining chip should we demand for the transaction mentioned by Cao Zixiu?”

Although she returned to Bingzhou to finalize this transaction, it doesn’t mean she needs to eagerly respond to Cao Ang and Cao Hong.

She and Cao Cao just had a territorial dispute in Yuzhou. Even if there were moments of pleasant conversation and sending off for ten miles, they are still opponents supporting different sides.

And cotton is something she exclusively possesses, completely monopolizing the market.

So it’s not hard to understand why she would leave them hanging.

There’s nothing to criticize about this maneuver.

During the autumn harvest, as the governor of the prefecture, it is necessary to inspect various places to ensure that the losses suffered by the people during the drought do not affect their winter survival. If there is insufficient surplus grain, the prefecture government needs to make further adjustments.

Therefore, Cao Ang and Cao Hong were first asked to go to Leping to meet Cao Pi, who is studying there, to fulfill the brotherly and uncle-nephew relationship. When Qiao Yan returns to Taiyuan, they can then discuss the details of this transaction.

Moreover, previously, to deliver the promotion decree to Youzhou, they passed through Shangjun without having time to count the amount of cotton planted there.

If the yield has decreased due to the disaster year, the amount available for trade will inevitably be reduced.

This is also an unavoidable situation.

But in fact, the cotton produced by the continuously expanding cotton fields in recent years has piled up quite a lot in the warehouse, enough to cover the amount Cao Ang mentioned after arriving in Bingzhou.

However, in such transactions, one doesn’t reveal all their cards at once.

Hearing Qiao Yan’s question, Xi Zhicai replied, “If it’s like the grain exchange bargaining chip mentioned by the Lord in early transactions with Yanzhou, it’s definitely not feasible. Cao Mengde has newly acquired Chenjun and Runan in Yuzhou and is also affected by the disaster year. He is currently short of grain himself and won’t put himself in a difficult situation just for cold-proof materials.”

Qiao Yan nodded, “Of course.”

“Among the specialties of Yanzhou, there is nothing of great value to the Lord. If we trade like this, it would waste the unique characteristic of cotton that we possess…” Xi Zhicai pondered for a moment and said, “Actually, I had an idea earlier, but I don’t know if the Lord would find it feasible.”

“Let’s hear it first.”

Xi Zhicai said, “The Lord is currently promoting printing technology in Chang’an. In the summer, the ‘Jijiu Pian’ was just introduced as the first printed book, and Luoyang was the first to receive it in large quantities. Seeing that the people of Luoyang have accepted it well, it’s time to take the next step.”

“How about promoting it to Yanzhou and Yuzhou, which are closest to Luoyang?”

Qiao Yan thought deeply, “The scholars of Yanzhou and Yuzhou are quite cultured, and the people are also somewhat knowledgeable, especially in Yingchuan and Runan of Yuzhou, which were places where scholars gathered and academic atmosphere was strong even before the chaos of the world. Compared to Luoyang, the capital, they are not far behind. They are indeed suitable targets. What do you mean?”

Xi Zhicai replied, “If the cost of purchasing cotton is entirely borne by Cao Mengde, the people of Yuzhou, who have just experienced turmoil, will definitely be grateful to him. Even if the Lord still holds Yingchuan as a springboard, it would be difficult to advance into Runan in a short time, and it might even allow Cao Mengde to establish a stronger foothold there. I don’t think this is what the Lord wants to see.”

“So why not change the approach? Say that Bingzhou can sell cotton to Yanzhou and Yuzhou, but considering the promotion of new books, people can buy new books and receive cotton as a gift to make their own cotton clothes.”

Qiao Yan laughed, “Mr. Zhicai, this move is quite ruthless.”

Not to mention whether selling books to these two prefectures counts as a further step of cultural invasion, just the personal transactions, as long as the price doesn’t exceed that of cold-proof clothing, no one will consider whether cotton is a gift or the book is a gift.

And when people make their own cotton clothes, the price will actually be lower, allowing those who can’t afford a new coat to buy it, as they can sew the cotton into old clothes.

This expanded market is enough to cover Cao Cao’s entire jurisdiction.

Moreover, is it really just Cao Cao’s jurisdiction?

The news of Cao Ang and Cao Hong coming to Bingzhou must have been reported to Yuan Shao, and the explanation given is likely that once this transaction is completed, they will send some cotton clothes to Yuan Shao.

With this new transaction method, how should Yuan Shao respond?

This is indeed another problem he faces after the change of power in Youzhou.

“However, the idea is indeed a good one. Will Cao Zixiu agree, or will his father agree?” Qiao Yan asked.

Xi Zhicai shook his head, “This has never been something they can decide. The transaction between the Lord and them can be delayed until the transition between autumn and winter. This kind of low-profit, high-volume transaction, even if not conducted, doesn’t affect the Lord’s income. After all, the benefits and military power brought by the newly acquired two prefectures far surpass this.”

“If the winter is really as harsh as the sixth year of Guanghe, with ice several feet thick in wells and human life extremely fragile, not taking advantage of the situation and saying that there was once a possible transaction would already be considered as cherishing the friendship with Cao Mengde. After all—”

Xi Zhicai said firmly, “We can afford to wait, but they can’t…”

This is the confidence of Bingzhou!

Also the confidence that the Lord has given them through ten years of management!

So what if the conditions they offer make people feel like a knife is being held to their necks?

Qiao Yan replied, “As you say, I have a clear idea of how to finalize this transaction.”

She seemed completely indifferent to the possibility of Cao Ang getting any information from Cao Pi, who has been in Leping for several years, and leisurely completed the inspection of various counties in Bingzhou, even reaching Shuofang County in the northwest, which has always had little presence, and made a trip to Suiyuan City in Baidao Chuan, which is temporarily unoccupied.

During the years Lü Bu was stationed here, although he followed the routine, his prestige also formed a procedural habit here. The Baidao Chuan pass, which she once passed through on her expedition outside the border, had a passage left at Saiyin Mountain Ridge carved here by someone, though it’s a pity Lü Bu isn’t here to admit it.

After this trip, she leisurely returned to the prefecture government.

Cao Ang and Cao Hong were already waiting there.

Cao Hong was originally a hot-tempered person. The inexplicable lament from Cao Cao earlier made him feel like it boosted others’ morale and diminished his own. After arriving in Bingzhou and being left hanging for so long, if it weren’t for Cao Cao’s instructions before he left Yanzhou and the arrangement to follow Cao Ang’s orders, he would have already fought with Dian Wei, who was left here.

But what they got wasn’t Qiao Yan’s agreement to the transaction, but her proposed strange method.

What letting people buy books and receive cotton as a gift, what buying different categories of books can get more gifts, what letting people take cotton home to sew themselves is cheaper than buying finished products, and more in line with the current situation where everyone is short of assets—

Cao Hong admitted that he is not good at politics and doesn’t understand these twists and turns, but he felt that every sentence was clearly in favor of Qiao Yan, treating Cao Cao’s territory as her own.

Yet Qiao Yan seemed completely unaware of the anger flashing on his face, sipped the tea in her hand, and then said, “The price of grain is not uniform everywhere. I think you don’t have surplus grain for trade this year. I’ve lowered the price of books to the level of cotton, making it affordable for everyone, partly to save lives and partly to have an explanation with the court in Chang’an.”

As the Grand Marshal of Chang’an, if she were to trade with Cao Cao, the Governor of Yanzhou in Ye City, at the same standard as before, she would be held accountable.

“Zixiu,” she said to Cao Ang, “I once told your father that if you came to study at Leping Academy, it would be a belated gift. Unfortunately, it was Zihuan who came. Now that this transaction is a major responsibility for you, the benefits from it can be considered as the belated gift. What do you think?”

Cao Ang: “…”

It’s no wonder she became the Grand Marshal!

How can she say such blatant lies, turning her huge profit into a concession, with such confidence!