“Can strategists not ascend to the throne?”
Chapter 328: Movements from All Sides
Xin Pi knew exactly what kind of person Tian Feng was.
With his background as a gentry from Hebei, the likelihood of him switching allegiances was nil.
So even though the Leping Monthly Report had previously published Tian Feng’s “legendary” promotion history and even sent an iron letter opener from Chang’an to Jizhou as proof, Xin Pi was still more inclined to believe what Yuan Xi told him after returning to Ye City—it felt closer to the truth.
Indeed, due to various coincidences, Tian Feng had gone from investigating Bingzhou to getting promoted in Chang’an, and Yuan Shao’s lack of a timely response left him temporarily stranded.
However, what he had just witnessed made Xin Pi start to doubt.
When he learned that the representatives from Chang’an who came to deliver the imperial decree on Tian Feng’s behalf had been here for over half a month, his doubts intensified.
It wasn’t unreasonable for him to be suspicious of Tian Feng.
If Tian Feng wanted to send messages to Yuan Shao upon arriving in Zhuojun or escape back to Jizhou, with his intelligence, he could have acted long ago. How on earth had he not communicated anything until now?
And Xin Pi had even witnessed Tian Feng chatting happily with Xun You and Sima Yi; that certainly didn’t look like someone humiliated and biding their time!
What alarmed Xin Pi even more was that he saw a relaxed demeanor in Tian Feng, which was not how someone in enemy territory should behave!
“If you analyze it this way, you definitely shouldn’t interact or test Tian Yuanhao,” said a subordinate who had entered enemy camp with Xin Pi. “Besides, you are from Yingchuan; as you mentioned, if you had any past acquaintance with Lord Xun, you should avoid running into him.”
Xin Pi replied, “I’m aware of this. Once we’ve gathered all the information we need here, we’ll withdraw immediately, without any lingering.”
He chose quite an interesting channel for information gathering.
The newly recruited soldiers from Zhuojun were the most curious about the upheaval in Youzhou. They brought first-hand accounts of who was making waves, which were readily relayed to him through their chatter.
It was possible that among these soldiers adjusting to order, some might develop a fanfare for heroes who could defeat Gongsun Zan, sparking quite a commotion.
The biggest problem, however, was that, considering Tian Feng knew Xin Pi better than Xun You, his identity could easily be exposed.
That could be a real mess!
Despite previously discussing with Xin Ping whether the rising paper and printing industries in Guanzhong would threaten the status of gentry, and speculating if Qiao Yan’s immense power across five provinces would give Yuan Shao a chance, Xin Pi had no intention of defecting.
But if Tian Feng betrayed him, wouldn’t he lose even the power he had chosen for himself?
He needed to keep his distance from the guy.
As Xin Pi contemplated this—wondering whether Tian Feng’s absence from Jizhou for three years could still allow him to cause trouble while stationed here—he noticed a subordinate picking up a bag assigned to their unit. He opened it to find a sewing kit.
In the military camp, it’s not unusual for soldiers to make their own clothing repairs; it was standard practice since patching clothes to keep wearing them was normal in those days.
But what if this repair job had a specific design?
That seemed a bit off, right?
“Embroider a tiger tooth pattern on the clothing?” The subordinate pulled out a pattern from the kit, looking completely baffled. “Isn’t this just wasting time?”
The next day he found out the answer.
Lü Bu believed that a blessing was embedded within the tiger tooth general concept and thought it was crucial that everyone in his military camp knew about it.
What’s a tiger tooth general, you ask?
Tall and strong, skilled with archery, turning hazards into victories during battles.
If they embroidered the tiger tooth pattern onto their clothes, wouldn’t the whole army inherit that kind of spirit?
Xin Pi: “…”
No way, Lü Fengxian has lost it!
Even if that sewing kit got confiscated by Xun You for being too absurd, it would undoubtedly become a camp oddity.
But wait…
Xing Pi pondered. Had he found the perfect target for his schemes?
With Tian Feng’s betrayal now clear, he prepared to act cautiously and zero in on that conspicuous Lü Bu for a secret plot.
Meanwhile—
“Persuasion?”
Qiao Yan unfolded a report sent from the direction of Xuzhou, a playful look crossing her face.
If another conflict broke out this year, it would be a heavy burden even for her. So while she entrusted the Qiao sisters to push for the Yangzhou alliance and gave Jia Xu instructions to stall Zhou Yu on the Xuzhou front if necessary, she didn’t expect any major upheavals in either province this year.
As Cao Ang returned to Yanzhou to relay the bargaining chips she had proposed to Cao Cao for his decision, Sun Ce also submitted a petition to the court.
In that petition, he listed several charges against Huang Zu, the Prefect of Yuzhang, mentioning that this person seemed to have a military strength that could be concerning. He suggested that replacing the prefect directly might spark unnecessary turmoil, so he, as the Governor of Yangzhou, took the liberty of removing him and recommending Zhu Zhi from Danyang for the position.
This petition might stir some murmurs in the court due to Yangzhou’s remote location, but it should receive approval, leading Sun Ce to make bold reforms in Yuzhang.
Huang Zu’s demise would undoubtedly serve as a warning to the noble families of Yangzhou—if they continued their non-cooperative stance, Huang Zu’s fate could easily mirror theirs, and they might not even possess his resilience.
But this warning might not yield the desired effect.
The arrogance cultivated over years among the Yangzhou gentry would likely only deepen their conviction that Sun Ce was just a brash fool.
While Sun Ce was sorting out the politics of Yuzhang during this calm winter after the autumn harvest, families including Zu Lang and Huang She would undoubtedly start to ally with one another.
These hidden claws might reveal their intentions by next year, but certainly not this year.
However, as the letter mentioned, there were still preparations that could be made this year.
Qiao Yan handed the letter she held to Xi Zhicai, saying, “Take a look at what Pang Tong has in mind. He made a bet with Lu Su.”
Xi Zhicai unfolded the letter and read: Pang Tong expressed that he wanted permission to reach out to some people.
To bring Lu Su to his side, he had bet that he could cause some trouble for Liu Bei using just twenty riders, including himself.
If so, he’d like Lu Su to reconsider the words he had said recently.
If just Pang Tong alone could create such chaos for Liu Bei, Lu Su really ought to think hard about whether handing over Xuzhou to someone like him would ensure peace.
When it comes to benevolent governance and public support, could their Grand Marshal’s immense past accomplishments in Guanzhong and Liang Province really fall short of Liu Bei?
Under the current circumstances, because they had to compare with Ze Rong and faced Tao Qian’s sudden death, Liu Bei was indeed their best option, but the principle “a master chooses his servants, and servants choose their masters” is always valid. Why stick stubbornly to old ideas when there are alternatives?
“He certainly has a knack for this. The northern part of Xuzhou, besides Tai Shanjun controlled by Zang Ba and others, is effectively in Liu Bei and the gentry’s hands. It would be incredibly easy to spot anything amiss in those areas, and no way would he resolve that with just his so-called twenty riders.”
Xi Zhicai asked, “So, does the Lord plan to allow him to proceed?”
“Why not?” Qiao Yan had a look of curiosity for the unfolding drama, “Pang Tong hasn’t ‘submitted’ his graduation paper yet because he didn’t manage to head to Liaodong!”
Now was the perfect time for him to show his skills!
The only thing she needed was—
“Well, that’s just the way it is…”
“Let Zhang Ren accompany Shiyuan on this journey. It’s smart to prepare for unexpected situations.”
Pang Tong’s strategy was solid, but some luck wouldn’t hurt either.
Especially now, as the disputes were just beginning.
Receiving a response from Qiao Yan, Pang Tong immediately set off with Lu Su and twenty cavalrymen.
Before leaving, he and Jia Xu made a military pact.
If he failed the mission or let Lu Su slip away, he agreed to deliver his head.
“You really are something…” Lu Su looked at the horse he’d been assigned and at his currently free limbs, meeting Pang Tong’s gaze, and finished, “Pretty bold.”
Pang Tong calmly responded, “I’ve received the Lord’s favor, destined to soar. Even if my head is severed, my tail feathers will still reveal my identity. At least I’ve glimpsed the wonders of this world, unlike you, Lu Zijing, who only has the fame of courage and strategy but has literally tied yourself up with a rope!”
Lu Su couldn’t be bothered to argue back.
And since he had already made a wager with Pang Tong, he certainly wouldn’t run off now.
He wanted to see what this young man could accomplish with just twenty soldiers.
According to Pang Tong, he wouldn’t rely on the Donghai Mi Clan like Qiao Yan did when he brought Zheng Xuan to Bingzhou, disguised as twenty cavalrymen while having the Mi Clan’s merchant convoy at his side.
And he wouldn’t use any particularly powerful individual among these twenty to carry out an assassination either.
If that’s the case, let’s see what he’s planning! No harm in it!
Even Lu Su had to admit, Pang Tong was truly worthy of the elegance he cultivated in the circles of Nanyang.
But as Pang Tong led them westward along the Huai River towards Yu Province, Lu Su’s expression couldn’t help but change.
He seemed to catch on to what Pang Tong intended to do!
This is bad! If Liu Bei were to lose land and men, there was really no need to limit his focus solely on Xuzhou. After all, before Liu Bei moved into Xuzhou, he still retained control over the Pei State of Yu Province.
Even after he arrived in Xuzhou, Pei State was still practically under Liu Bei’s governance.
Especially since when Cao Cao advanced south and attacked Yuan Shu, he decided it was not wise to stir up territorial disputes with colleagues, so he entrusted Pei State to Liu Bei while he took command over Chen County and Runan County.
But this land outside of Xuzhou had, first of all, insufficient stationed troops, and second…
It was Cao Cao’s backyard!
Given a choice, would the powerful families of Pei State—who maintained close ties with the Cao and Xiahou clans—listen to the voice of the common people and remain loyal to Liu Bei, or would they be swayed by keen influences to ballpark a deal with Cao Cao for his takeover of these areas?
The latter was more likely!
Especially since Xuzhou could plunge into conflict at any moment. Who knew if Liu Bei’s steady development during the attack on Yuan Shu would transform into drafting soldiers to counter the alliance between southern Xuzhou and Yang Province.
Conversely, Cao Cao currently controlled a significant portion of Yanzhou and Yu Province, backed by Ye City where the central court sat, ready to receive reinforcements at any moment, and had established a ceasefire agreement with Qiao Yan along the boundaries of Runan and Yingchuan. Even if conflict arose, it wouldn’t start in Pei State.
This was a safer leadership!
And would Cao Cao really put them through any hardships?
“Surely, sir, you are aware of how terrifying the influence of local communities is these days. If I go as a representative of Cao in Yanzhou, what chance do you think I have of success?”
Pang Tong adjusted his sleeves, still maintaining that young scholar demeanor, “You needn’t imply that my actions will further burden a populace already suffering this year. In terms of achievements, the garrison colonels under Cao Mengde in Yanzhou have done no less than your Mr. Chen Yuanlong in Xuzhou during these years. With talents like Man Bo Ning in the ranks, even adding another county wouldn’t be too burdensome.”
While Lu Su was briefly lost in thought, he then heard Pang Tong add: “My lord has mentioned he wouldn’t cross the boundaries of Yingchuan and Runan, disturbing the hard-earned peace in Yu Province, but it seems he hasn’t said—”
“That it’s forbidden to intervene in Pei State’s situation from Xuzhou?”
If Pei State falls, Liu Bei’s only territory would be the northern part of Xuzhou, and there would inevitably be a battle between north and south in Xuzhou.
This would be equivalent to cutting off Liu Bei’s escape route!
Pang Tong said, “Sir Zijing, you see, this is what I meant. Your vision is still too short-sighted and your focus too narrow. This kind of approach will eventually lead to your own demise.”
He squeezed his horse’s flanks, accelerating onward.
Pang Tong spoke boldly, but the local gentry of Pei State couldn’t be easily persuaded in a few words. To claim himself as Cao Cao’s messenger, he still had to deal with Cao Cao’s stationed troops in Runan County to ensure the people of Pei State genuinely believe his claims.
The general direction was set, but how to operate remained a tough battle. He absolutely couldn’t slack off now, or he’d betray his lord’s trust in giving him this chance!
Lu Su stared at Pang Tong’s spirited figure, momentarily lost in thought.
Was he the one captured by these people in this chaotic situation in Xuzhou, or was it a stroke of good fortune to break free from his previous confinement?
Was he indeed weaving his own web?
But in this world, who wasn’t embroiled in their own self-spun webs?
Yuan Shao, for instance, heeding Xin Pi’s advice, hadn’t sent anyone to Chang’an to engage with Liu Yu’s heirs and forces opposing the Grand Marshal, to avoid prompting chaos in Chang’an, which would make him follow in Tian Feng’s footsteps and waste his manpower.
Yet some voices still gathered together due to Qiao Yan’s brief stay in Bingzhou.
Yuan Yao glanced across at Chunyu Jia.
He also took a look at the person beside him, whom he didn’t quite recognize, but vaguely remembered was an officer from the Minister’s office.
Looking up further, Liu Yang had taken on an indignant posture, just like when Yuan Yao arrived in Chang’an complaining about not being able to continue overseeing Yizhou!
He silently sighed, pondering whether reporting this news could earn him a bit of a comfortable life.
Just as he thought this, he heard Liu Yang slam the table, “This Grand Marshal really has no respect for everyone here!”
Unaware of the thoughts of others, Liu Yang continued, “She’s taken over Yizhou and Youzhou without timely reporting to the court, and still goes about acting proud. Does she really think the Chang’an court is her playground?”
He looked at the unfamiliar aide beside Yuan Yao, “The Minister works tirelessly for the state, yet the Grand Marshal publicly reprimanded him for ineffectiveness and nearly abandoned his post.”
Then, he turned to Chunyu Jia, “The Grand Councilor advised her this year not to slack off, insulting him to the point of bloodshed, and still being reminded of past grievances during this autumn harvest!”
Yuan Yao silently watched Liu Yang turn back to him, “Furthermore, concerning the situation regarding Zi Xu, with Grand Marshal Qiao’s capability to conquer the two provinces overnight, doesn’t reclaiming Yu Province a simple matter?”
“Zi Xu has already lost his father and lingers in Chang’an, unable to seek revenge for his father. Who could bear it?”
“Clearly, it is you who has been wronged; yet she returns to Bingzhou, going on for two months, presumably saying she wants to discuss cotton trade with Cao Cao and exploit opportunities to spread printed books to that territory. That’s a tale fit for a three-year-old, or maybe to fool my father, who generously tolerates her due to her saving grace. Her true intentions couldn’t be clearer.”
“Firstly, the city of Chang’an is surrounded by armies she has stationed, while she intends to sit in another location, gradually undermining the authority in Chang’an.”
“Secondly, who knows if this deal with Cao Cao is meant to be advantageous for her, paving a new path?”
Liu Yang grew more passionate as he spoke, his face flushing, “Gentlemen, our Han Dynasty may not have fallen to the chaos caused by court officials or to Dong Zhuo’s usurpation, but it might very well succumb to the hands of the very ones entrusted by the late Emperor to watch over it!”
