Chapter 328

Chapter 328

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time of the Deer Hunt Chapter 328: The Clouds Move in All Directions

Xin Pi was well aware of what kind of person Tian Feng truly was.

With his background as a scholar from Hebei, it was even more unlikely for him to switch allegiances.

So even though the Leping Monthly Report had published Tian Feng’s “legendary” promotion history, and even though there was an iron-carved fan sent from Chang’an to Ji Province as proof, Xin Pi still preferred to believe the situation that Tian Feng had informed Yuan Xi upon his return to Ye City, which was closer to the truth.

Tian Feng had indeed, through a series of coincidences, gone from investigating Bingzhou to being promoted in Chang’an, and due to Yuan Shao’s failure to provide sufficient support, he was temporarily unable to extricate himself.

But the recent scene made Xin Pi somewhat suspicious.

When he learned through inquiries that Tian Feng and the others, who had come to announce the imperial edict on behalf of the Son of Heaven in Chang’an, had appeared here more than half a month ago, his suspicion became even more pronounced.

It really wasn’t his fault for suspecting Tian Feng.

If Tian Feng wanted to send a message to Yuan Shao by reaching Zhuo County or personally escape back to Ji Province, with his intelligence, he could have taken action long ago. How could there still be no news by now?

Moreover, Xin Pi had personally seen Tian Feng chatting happily with Xun You, Sima Yi, and others, which didn’t seem like the behavior of someone enduring humiliation.

What made Xin Pi even more uneasy was that he noticed a relaxed demeanor in Tian Feng, which was not how someone in enemy territory should behave!

“If we follow your analysis, we should absolutely not try to contact or test Tian Yuanhao,” said the subordinate who had entered the enemy camp with Xin Pi. “Besides, you are from Yingchuan, and as you said, you once met Xun Gongda in the past. We must avoid running into him.”

Xin Pi replied, “I understand this matter. Once we gather all the information we need here, we will leave immediately and not linger.”

He had chosen an interesting channel for gathering information.

The newly recruited soldiers from Zhuo County were the most eager to learn about the changes in Youzhou. The most prominent figures were clearly transmitted to him through the mouths of these soldiers.

Among these soldiers who were just beginning to organize, it was entirely possible for a cult of personality to develop around the heroes who had defeated Gongsun Zan, even to the point of causing a stir.

The biggest problem was that, with Tian Feng being more familiar with him than Xun You, his identity could easily be exposed.

This was not good!

Even though he had once discussed with Xin Ping whether the development of paper and printing in Guanzhong would impact the status of their noble families, and whether Yuan Shao had a chance to deal with Qiao Yan’s overwhelming control of five provinces, Xin Pi had no intention of defecting to the enemy.

But if Tian Feng betrayed him, wouldn’t he lose even the power to choose?

He had to avoid Tian Feng.

As Xin Pi pondered whether Tian Feng, having left Ji Province for three years, could still cause trouble for Ji Province during his deployment here, he noticed his subordinate picking up a cloth bag assigned to their team. Upon opening it, he found a sewing kit.

It wasn’t strange for soldiers in the camp to mend their own clothes, as it was common to repair and continue wearing clothes in those days.

But if the mending was specified with a pattern?

That seemed a bit unusual.

“Embroidering this tiger tooth pattern on the clothes?” The subordinate took out a pattern from the kit, his expression clearly showing disbelief. “Isn’t this just a waste of time?”

The next day, he got his answer.

Lü Bu, inspired by the auspicious meaning of the Tiger Tooth General, felt it necessary for everyone in his camp to know about it.

What is a Tiger Tooth General?

Tall and long-armed, skilled in archery, turning danger into safety during battles.

If they embroidered a tiger tooth pattern on their clothes, wouldn’t the entire army inherit this spirit?

Xin Pi: “…”

Isn’t this Lü Bu just crazy?

Even though the sewing kit was confiscated after Xun You discovered it, it would probably still be considered a camp oddity.

But wait…

Xin Pi pondered, had he just found the perfect target?

In Youzhou, Xin Pi, having “recognized” Tian Feng’s betrayal, prepared to act cautiously, targeting the conspicuous Lü Bu for a covert plan.

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

“Lobbying?”

Qiao Yan unfolded the report from Xuzhou, a playful expression on her face.

If another war broke out within the year, it would be a heavy burden even for her. Although she had given the Qiao sisters the autonomy to push for the Yangzhou alliance and instructed Jia Xu to hold off Zhou Yu on the Xuzhou front if necessary, she didn’t expect any major upheavals in Xuzhou and Yangzhou this year.

While Cao Ang returned to Yanzhou to inform Cao Cao of the proposed trade terms for his decision, Sun Ce also submitted a memorial to the court.

In the memorial, he listed several crimes committed by Huang Zu, the Prefect of Yuzhang, and mentioned that this person had the suspicion of amassing military power. Directly replacing the prefect by the court might cause unnecessary turmoil, so he, as the Governor of Yangzhou, had arrested him and recommended Zhu Zhi of Danyang as the new Prefect of Yuzhang.

Due to the remoteness of Yangzhou, although the court might have some criticism of Sun Ce, they would likely approve his request, leading to Sun Ce’s sweeping reforms in Yuzhang.

Huang Zu’s death was undoubtedly a warning to the noble families of Yangzhou. If they continued their non-violent non-cooperation, Huang Zu’s fate would be theirs tomorrow, and they might not even have Huang Zu’s defensive capabilities.

But this warning might not have the desired effect.

The arrogance of the Yangzhou noble families, developed over many years, would only make them see Sun Ce as a brute.

During the calm winter period after the autumn harvest, while Sun Ce was reorganizing the administration of Yuzhang, these families, along with Zu Lang and Huang She, would gradually unite.

These hidden claws might reveal themselves next year, but not this year.

However, as the letter said, there were still some preparations that could be made this year.

Qiao Yan handed the letter to Xi Zhicai beside her, saying, “Take a look at Pang Shiyuan’s idea. He made a bet with Lu Su.”

Xi Zhicai unfolded the letter and saw that Pang Tong wrote that he wanted permission from the Marquis to contact some people.

To bring Lu Su under his command, he bet with Lu Su that he, with twenty cavalrymen and himself, could cause Liu Bei some trouble, losing land and people.

If he could, Lu Su should seriously consider the words of this young man.

If even Pang Tong alone could cause Liu Bei such trouble, Lu Su should really think about whether handing Xuzhou to someone like Liu Bei could ensure peace.

In terms of benevolent governance and popular support, could their Grand Marshal’s achievements in saving countless lives in Guanzhong and Liangbing Provinces in the early years really be inferior to Liu Bei’s?

In the situation at that time, compared to Ze Rong and facing Tao Qian’s sudden death, Liu Bei was indeed their best choice. But “the lord chooses the minister, and the minister also chooses the lord” was never wrong. Why stick to their original ideas when there were other options?

“He’s quite interesting. Except for Taishan County controlled by Zang Ba and others, the northern part of Xuzhou is basically under Liu Bei and the Xuzhou noble families’ control. Making moves in these areas would be easily discovered, and it’s definitely not something his so-called twenty cavalrymen could handle.”

Xi Zhicai asked, “So, does the Marquis plan to allow this operation?”

“Why not?” Qiao Yan showed a look of anticipation. “Pang Shiyuan’s graduation exam isn’t over yet because he couldn’t go to Liaodong!”

Now is the time for him to show his skills!

The only thing she needs to do is…








“Let Zhang Ren accompany Shi Yuan on this trip. We must prepare for any unexpected situations.”

Pang Tong’s strategy is sound, but his luck still needs some caution.

Especially now, at the onset of such disputes.

Upon receiving Qiao Yan’s approval, Pang Tong immediately set off with Lu Su and the twenty cavalry.

Before leaving, he even made a military pledge to Jia Xu.

If he failed to complete the mission, or if Lu Su managed to escape, he would return with his head.

“You really are… bold,” Lu Su remarked, looking at the horse assigned to him and his unbound limbs, meeting Pang Tong’s gaze.

Pang Tong calmly replied, “I have been bestowed the title of ‘Phoenix Chick’ by my lord. Even if my head were to be severed, my tail feathers would still identify me. I have seen the world in my lifetime, unlike you, Lu Zijing, who, despite your reputation for bravery and strategy, have tied yourself up with a rope.”

Lu Su didn’t bother to argue.

Having made a bet with Pang Tong, he naturally wouldn’t flee now.

He wanted to see what Pang Tong could achieve with just twenty men.

According to Pang Tong, he wouldn’t rely on the Donghai Mi Clan, as Qiao Yan did when she escorted Zheng Xuan to Bingzhou, nor would he use any high-powered individuals among the twenty for assassination attempts.

So, let’s see what he plans to do!

Even Lu Su had to admit that Pang Tong truly lived up to his reputation among the Nanyang scholars.

But when Pang Tong led him westward along the Huai River, passing through Xiapi County towards Yuzhou, Lu Su’s expression changed.

He realized what Pang Tong was up to!

This is bad! To make Liu Bei lose territory and people, one need not focus solely on Xuzhou. Before Liu Bei entered Xuzhou, he had control over Pei State in Yuzhou.

Even after moving to Xuzhou, Pei State was still under Liu Bei’s governance.

Especially after Cao Cao attacked Yuan Shu from the south, considering it inappropriate to dispute territory with a colleague, he left Pei State under Liu Bei’s control, taking Chen County and Runan County for himself.

But this land outside Xuzhou lacks sufficient troops and…

It’s Cao Cao’s hometown!

If the powerful families of Pei State, who are friendly with the Cao and Xiahou clans, had to choose, would they listen to the people and continue to support Liu Bei, or would they, under someone’s guidance, show favor to Cao Cao and ask him to take over?

It would likely be the latter!

Especially now, with Xuzhou on the brink of conflict, who knows if Liu Bei’s steady development during the attack on Yuan Shu might turn into conscription in Xuzhou to counter the alliance in southern Xuzhou and Yang Province.

On the other hand, Cao Cao holds most of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, backed by the court in Ye City, ready to receive reinforcements, and has a truce with Qiao Yan at the Runan and Yingchuan borders. Even if war breaks out, Pei State wouldn’t be the first to see conflict.

He’s a safer leader!

And would Cao Cao trouble his fellow townsmen?

“Master Zijing, you must know how powerful local loyalty is now. As a subordinate of Cao Yanzhou, what do you think are the chances of success in persuading them?”

Pang Tong straightened his sleeves, maintaining his youthful yet scholarly demeanor. “You needn’t say I’m adding to the people’s hardships. In terms of achievements, Cao Mengde’s farming officers in Yanzhou have done no less than your Chen Yuanlong in Xuzhou, and talents like Man Boning have joined the management. Adding another county wouldn’t be a strain.”

“In terms of power transition, Liu Xuande is benevolent but lacks authority in Pei State. Once local powerful families persuade the county officials to surrender, the military shift would be instantaneous.”

As Lu Su listened, somewhat dazed, Pang Tong continued, “My lord said he wouldn’t cross the Yingchuan and Runan borders, breaking Yuzhou’s hard-earned peace, but he didn’t say—”

“We couldn’t intervene in Pei State from Xuzhou, did he?”

If Pei State is lost, Liu Bei’s only territory would be northern Xuzhou, and a battle between north and south Xuzhou would be inevitable.

This would cut off one of Liu Bei’s retreats!

Pang Tong said, “Master Zijing, you see, this is what I meant. Your vision isn’t broad or far-reaching enough. Such an approach will eventually trap you.”

He spurred his horse forward, accelerating.

Pang Tong and Lu Su spoke freely, but the powerful families of Pei State weren’t easily persuaded by a few words. Claiming to be Cao Cao’s envoy, Pang Tong had to deal with Cao Cao’s troops in Runan to convince the people of Pei State.

The general direction was set, but the execution was still a tough battle. He couldn’t slack off now, betraying his lord’s trust in letting him try!

Lu Su watched Pang Tong’s spirited back, lost in thought.

Being captured and brought to their territory—was it his failure in the Xuzhou turmoil, or was it a fortunate break from his confinement in Xuzhou?

Was he really trapping himself?

But in this world, who isn’t trapping themselves?

Yuan Shao, persuaded by Xin Pi, didn’t send people to Chang’an to contact Liu Yu’s descendants and anti-Grand Marshal forces, fearing they might stir trouble and end up like Tian Feng, wasting their resources.

Yet, some voices gathered during Qiao Yan’s stay in Bingzhou.

Yuan Yao looked across at Chunyu Jia, the Grandee Secretary.

He glanced beside him; he didn’t recognize the person but vaguely remembered them as an official from the Minister over the Masses’ office.

Looking up, Liu Yang at the head was already in a righteous fury, no different from when he sympathized with Yuan Yao for not continuing to govern Yizhou.

He sighed silently, wondering if reporting this could buy him some peace.

Just as he thought this, Liu Yang slammed the table, “The Grand Marshal is too dismissive of everyone!”

Liu Yang, unaware that someone in the room thought—’I hope the Grand Marshal doesn’t notice me’—continued, “She took Yizhou and Youzhou without timely reports to the court, and even acted arrogantly, as if Chang’an court is her own!”

He looked at the unnamed official, “The Minister over the Masses worked diligently for the state, only to be scolded by the Grand Marshal for incompetence, even losing the late Emperor, almost resigning on the spot.”

His gaze turned to Chunyu Jia, “The Grandee Secretary advised her not to slack off, bearing the Grand Marshal’s name, was insulted to the point of vomiting blood, and now faces old grievances during harvest.”

Yuan Yao silently watched as Liu Yang turned to him, “As for Zixu’s situation, with the Grand Marshal’s ability to conquer two provinces overnight, retaking Yuzhou shouldn’t be hard. Zixu, having lost his father, wastes time in Chang’an without a chance for revenge. Who can bear this?”

“While the victims suffer, she returns to Bingzhou for two months, claiming to discuss cotton trade with Cao Cao and promote book printing. This might fool a child or my father, who tolerated her due to a life-saving favor, but her true intentions are clear.”

“First, Chang’an is surrounded by her troops, and she plans to gradually strip the court of power from afar.”

“Second, this trade with Cao Cao—who knows if she plans to play both sides and start anew.”

Liu Yang grew more impassioned, his face reddening, “Everyone, the Han dynasty may not have fallen to eunuch chaos or Dong Zhuo’s usurpation, but it will fall to the late Emperor’s entrusted minister!”