Chapter 329

Chapter 329

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time for Conquest, Chapter 329: The Gift of Heads

The words spoken were indeed heavy!

Even among those present, the official from the Minister over the Masses’ office, having received Wang Yun’s instructions, could echo Liu Yang’s sentiments in the absence of other options. Chunyu Jia, who had once fainted from being publicly scolded, also deeply detested some of Qiao Yan’s actions. Yet, upon hearing Liu Yang’s words, his expression changed drastically.

The Han dynasty’s empire would not fall to the likes of the eunuch Dong Zhuo but to Qiao Yan’s hands. Such words could be uttered by corrupt scholars who disapproved of her, but never by this prince who had benefited from her grace.

If these words spread, Qiao Yan, who had yet to commit any overstepping actions, would suffer no damage to her reputation. Instead, Liu Yang would surely become the laughingstock of the world.

“Your Highness, please be cautious with your words,” Chunyu Jia coughed twice and advised.

Liu Yang was not unaware that his words were excessive, but to test the attitudes of those present and to demonstrate his courage to oppose Qiao Yan, he had no choice but to act this way.

Now, having reined in some of his indignation, he said, “Although there is an element of exaggeration, during the time when the Grand General Liang Ji held power, no official dared to defy his orders, and he monopolized the court for twenty years. Observing the Grand Marshal’s actions today, and considering her age of just over twenty, if we do not restrain her, her influence could extend far beyond twenty years!”

Even the two deans of the Chiyang Medical Academy once said that if any disciple of the academy could bring an ordinary person’s health to the level of the Grand Marshal, they would willingly relinquish their positions as deans, as it would be nothing short of a medical miracle.

From this statement, one can see just how formidable her physical condition is.

Though young, Liu Yang could not guarantee he would outlive Qiao Yan.

It was precisely this youth and robust health that made Qiao Yan’s monopolization of power all the more terrifying.

“Although she has not poisoned an emperor like the Grand General Liang Ji, nor indulged in extravagance or expanded gardens, Liang Ji built the Princess Tower ten zhang high as a landmark of Luoyang, while the Grand Marshal built the new road in Chang’an as a model for the city. Liang Ji’s rise saw his subordinates ascend to heaven, while the Grand Marshal’s control saw prefects and governors everywhere emerge from her influence. Comparing the two, how can we ignore the issue based on the number of calamities?”

This argument, seemingly reasonable, was actually complete nonsense.

Yuan Yao couldn’t help but inwardly scoff.

Take that new road in Chang’an, for instance. He happened to witness its grandeur when it was built.

Without the construction of this new road, even with the existence of newspapers, the various reforms of the imperial capital of Chang’an could not have spread so quickly throughout the world.

This was nothing like Liang Ji building the Princess Tower to flaunt his power and prestige.

As for the prefects and governors all emerging from her influence, why didn’t Liu Yang consider that without Qiao Yan’s rigorous selection, how could the vast, hollow shell of the Han dynasty stand as it did?

By Liu Yang’s words alone?

But to be fair, Liu Yang was quite eloquent, especially when every word came from his genuine feelings…

This was a heartfelt sentiment.

Thinking this, Yuan Yao silently rolled his eyes, only to hear Liu Yang continue, “Gentlemen, what the world fears most are those who are gentlemen in name but villains in reality. My father is benevolent and kind, burdened by his reputation, and sincerely believes that the Grand Marshal has no intention of usurping power. This matter can only be tackled by me and you all together.”

The official sent by Wang Yun interrupted, “May I ask, Your Highness, do we have any military forces at our disposal?”

Although this person was just an official, most officials under the public office were not mere followers of orders from above. Without the recommendation of famous scholars and not wanting to directly seek office through the Hongwen Hall, they intended to accumulate some experience and observe the court’s situation first.

This included this person.

He listened to Liu Yang’s words with a clear mind and detected some hidden meaning in the last sentence about Liu Yu.

Liu Yu was benevolent and kind, and did not believe Qiao Yan would commit any rebellious acts. In fact, according to Wang Yun’s words in the Minister over the Masses’ office, Liu Yu might not even intend for this son to be his heir, but rather planned to select another member of the imperial clan as his successor.

Thus, the subordinates who followed Liu Yu from Youzhou to Chang’an, forming the imperial guards, might not obey Liu Yang’s commands.

So the question arose: without military power, how could they initiate a palace coup to seize Qiao Yan, and how would they handle the potential aftermath?

After this year’s drought and locust plague, the people had finally gained some stability, all thanks to Qiao Yan. If she were to be harmed now, would it be because of her improper behavior, even harboring thoughts of replacing the Han dynasty, leading to her execution? Or would it be because her achievements overshadowed the emperor, prompting Liu Yu to incite his son to strike first against Qiao Yan?

The people would surely have their own judgment!

This was extremely dangerous.

But he also knew that he was representing Wang Yun at this meeting. As long as he strictly adhered to Wang Yun’s instruction to express little emotion, there was no need to argue with Liu Yang. Thus, all his hidden worries and doubts condensed into a single sentence—

If you have such intentions, where is the military power?

Among those present, there was certainly none.

Although Yuan Yao was Yuan Shu’s son, the surviving remnants of Yuan Shu’s forces mostly remained in Yingchuan, cooperating with the newly appointed prefect Yuan Huan to establish a defense line, not in Chang’an.

Whether Qiao Yan had considered preventing Yuan Shu’s forces from causing trouble in Chang’an was another matter. The result was that Yuan Yao only had a couple of lackeys by his side.

Wang Yun was the Minister over the Masses, not the Grand Commandant, and had no authority over military affairs. Due to his mistakes in commanding troops during Dong Zhuo’s rebellion, Qiao Yan deliberately stripped him of his military authority, and no one dared to object.

As for Chunyu Jia, his martial prowess might not even surpass Liu Yang’s.

As for others Liu Yang might try to win over…

This official from Wang Yun’s office felt he could guess a few.

They certainly wouldn’t be extraordinary talents capable of turning the tide.

Perhaps only someone like Liu Yang, daring to act under the Grand Marshal’s shadow, would not see this question as a challenge to his plans but rather believe their practical feasibility of eliminating the traitor and restoring the Han was quite high.

He replied, “Since Zhao Yun went to Luoyang, the position of training and drilling troops in the Jingzhao region has been vacant. Could we trouble Minister Wang to recommend Shisun Dafu for the position?”

“Additionally, the commandant Xianyu under my father’s command has a good relationship with me and might also assist us.”

The Xianyu commandant he mentioned was not Xianyu Fu of the imperial guards but his brother Xianyu Yin, who was not present. But Yuan Yao had a hunch that, based on Liu Yang’s words, this “might also assist us” likely meant they had already reached a private agreement, though Xianyu Yin did not appear in person.

Just as Yuan Yao thought this, he suddenly saw Liu Yang turn to him, causing his heart to skip a beat.

At this moment, he recalled what Liu Yang had said to him when he first arrived in Chang’an.

Liu Yang said he didn’t know what position Liu Yu intended for him, but whatever it was, it should suit his status. So—

“I have also prepared to recommend Zixu as the prefect of Nanyang to my father.”

Nanyang?

Yuan Yao almost jumped up but was pressed back down by Liu Yang, who had left his seat. “Zixu, I know you’re anxious about this. Nanyang is under Liu Biao’s control and doesn’t seem like a good territory at first glance, but hear me out on the reasoning behind this choice.”

“Based on the territories your father once controlled and the reputation of the Yuan clan of Runan, you should be stationed in Yingchuan to resist the Cao bandits. However, the current prefect of Yingchuan, Yuan Yaoqing, is also of noble birth, and the appointment has already been finalized, likely unchangeable. Nanyang is the second choice.”

“Firstly, Nanyang is not far from the capital. Once Chang’an is in turmoil, troops can be mobilized through the Wuguan Pass to rush to Chang’an, becoming a military force for us. Secondly, it makes sense in terms of justification. After all, if Zixu becomes the prefect of Nanyang, it would be a threat to Liu Biao in Jing Province, preventing him from harboring any unnecessary thoughts. It could also be said that this is to have Zixu support Yingchuan from the side, forming a mutual support.”

“See, this way, aren’t we not entirely unarmed?”

Having said all this, Liu Yang felt the momentary silence from the others was praise for his brilliant idea.

Thankfully, he had visited the Hongwen Hall a few days prior.

He didn’t encounter any “loyal ministers” he could directly recruit, but he did hear discussions about whether they could first take Nanyang to further suppress Liu Biao’s potential mischief.

Liu Yang immediately felt this was his chance to rise, and it was also a perfect position for Yuan Yao!

“The arrangement is good, but this year’s official appointments have been quite frequent. With the recent captures of Yizhou and Youzhou, and the ongoing battles in Xuzhou, we’re already stretched thin,” Chunyu Jia pondered before replying. “If Your Highness truly wishes to bring this up, perhaps wait until next spring, allowing Yuan Langjun to learn a bit more in Chang’an. It would be easier to recommend him then.”

“I agree,” the official from the Minister over the Masses’ office also said.

He didn’t know that Yuan Yao, who had experience reporting Yuan Xi’s arrival in Chang’an to Qiao Yan, was not acting out of youthful impatience when he nearly stood up in shock.

Seeing that the other was also “eager” to become the prefect of Nanyang, he thought Yuan Shu’s son was cut from the same cloth as Liu Yang.

Unfortunately, this year was not the right time for such actions, so it was best to suppress this impulse for now.

Even if they were to act, it would have to be at a more opportune moment.

Liu Yang looked at these two more authoritative figures, his dissatisfaction almost spilling out. But remembering he needed to win them over, this was not the time to show his temper, so he swallowed his words and merely asked, “Can’t we hint at it first?”

If brought up this year, they could play the emotional card… If delayed until next year, wouldn’t they have to strictly select based on merit?

Though Liu Yang didn’t know Yuan Yao’s true capabilities, based on what he heard of Yuan Shu’s performance in Yu Province, it was likely not impressive.

His hesitant tone did reveal something to Chunyu Jia and the other.

In an atmosphere of mutual glances, Chunyu Jia said, “It wouldn’t hurt to try…”

As for whether it would succeed, that might depend on luck.

Perhaps also on Yuan Yao’s performance on the spot.

But in terms of performance, Yuan Yao had no issues.

Under the cover of night, he climbed over the wall into the neighboring house.

The official in that house hadn’t hired many guards, and his hearing wasn’t great, so the commotion of this night raid didn’t alert him at all.

Yuan Yao sighed in relief, grateful that his hunting and chicken-catching skills hadn’t deteriorated during his months in Chang’an. He quickly climbed over to the next house.

The nighttime curfew made it difficult to find people, and to avoid Liu Yang discovering his actions, he dared not act during the day, resorting to this method.

Fortunately, after another courtyard, he reached a subordinate’s house in the Grand Marshal’s residence.

Awakened by the guards subduing the intruder, Fa Zheng woke from his sleep, stepped into the courtyard, and locked eyes with the excited Yuan Yao.

Fa Zheng: “…”

Wait, is Yuan Shu’s son not quite right in the head?

But after hearing Yuan Yao’s intentions, Fa Zheng thought, this guy wasn’t foolish at all…








Is it that the brain doesn’t work well? Clearly, it works too well!

Whether or not one has the ability to stand out doesn’t matter; what’s more important is the ability to stand on the right side and report in time.

“You stay home tomorrow morning, and I’ll go report this matter.” Fa Zheng, fearing Yuan Yao might suddenly change his mind and do something rash, directly told him to stay at home.

Yuan Yao nodded like pounding garlic.

This overly cooperative demeanor, with every rise and fall on his face, signaled that he had no desire to be used as a tool for power grabs, nor did he want to team up with fools and oppose the Grand Marshal.

Yuan Yao’s reaction left Fa Zheng with words stuck in his throat, finally only saying, “Let’s leave it at that.”

The next day, with the Grand Marshal’s Chief Clerk and Military Advisor absent, and Qiao Yan still in Bingzhou, Fa Zheng went straight to the Grand Minister of Agriculture’s residence to find Cheng Yu.

As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Yu slammed the table and cursed, “Bastard!”

The storm brewing on the stern middle-aged man’s face was intimidating.

Fa Zheng, upon hearing Yuan Yao’s message, wasn’t as agitated, thinking the situation was far from critical, and was surprised by Cheng Yu’s reaction.

Cheng Yu stood up and paced the room.

Having sat in the position of one of the Nine Ministers for so long, his imposing aura far surpassed his days in Dong Commandery, and his words clearly conveyed deep resentment.

“First, it’s the troublesome relatives of the Marquis, and now these incompetent fools who do nothing but collect salaries, it’s endless!”

“What right does Prince Yang have to criticize the Marquis’s actions? Without the Marquis, his head would probably be a Wuhuan’s drinking cup!”

“Chunyu Jia and Wang Yun, let’s not even mention them. Have they ever contributed to the people’s livelihood or the recovery of provinces?”

Cheng Yu paused, “I forgot, Wang Yun does have some merit in maintaining the existence of the Chang’an court.”

But this barely mentionable merit, when spoken by Cheng Yu, carried a tone of mockery.

He closed his eyes to suppress his anger.

Although it was known that Qiao Yan’s goal was the unique position of the world, and conflicts with the Han imperial authority and its loyalists were inevitable, just like the annoying Qiao Clan of Yanzhou appearing in Chang’an at an inopportune time, these short-sighted individuals also emerged too early.

Of the ten provinces of the Han, only five were under Qiao Yan’s control.

Having more than half the territory could still reverse the situation, and there was no guarantee of victory.

Even the court in Ye City, with Liu Bian’s existence, still had the support of several provinces.

Do these guys think that without the Marquis, they can manipulate the generals and strategists on the battlefield and reclaim the rivers and mountains?

If they could do that, why would Cheng Yu wait until his forties to find a place to settle, pinning his future on the Marquis?

“Actually, Grand Minister of Agriculture, you don’t need to worry so much; these people are just clowns at best.” Fa Zheng, having been informed by Qiao Yan in advance that once the battle against the Nanman in Yizhou began, he would be transferred to assist, didn’t want personal agendas to affect his opportunity to shine. But considering these people couldn’t even keep a simple conspiracy secret, there was really nothing to worry about.

Cheng Yu shook his head, “What I worry and resent is not these few, but whether similar opposition voices will increase after the Marquis restores order in the newly reclaimed Yizhou and Youzhou, and whether more than just those mentioned by Yuan Zixu are lurking beneath the undercurrents of Chang’an.”

“Rather than letting some hide in the shadows, ready to bite at any moment, or cause trouble at critical moments against Ji Province, it’s better to go along with their intentions.”

“For example—granting their arrangement for Yuan Zixu.”

Doesn’t Liu Yang think that if Yuan Yao could become the Prefect of Nanyang, it would mean more military power for them?

Then let’s grant them that!

If we don’t fuel their arrogance, how can we make them reveal their true colors?

In their minds, having more people in power within their camp means they can recruit more allies.

They’re already a bit stupid, but their cards should be better.

This last sentence was also written in the letter Cheng Yu sent to Qiao Yan.

When she opened the letter, just as she was getting angry over Yuan Yao’s accusations, she was amused by this sharp comment.

Yes, they’re too stupid, incomparable to the opponents she’s facing now. So when she gradually devours these opponents, who would believe she could fall into a puddle that wouldn’t even drown a child?

Let them dig the pit deeper!

Her temporary departure from Guanzhong, and the subsequent trip to Luoyang, was to gather these people together.

Now, it’s time to hand them a knife.

“Does the Marquis also think we can give the position of Nanyang Prefect to Yuan Yao?” Xi Zhicai asked.

Thinking of Cheng Yu, who conveyed this message, and Xi Zhicai, who was now by her side planning together, both were part of her early team when she started in Leping. Qiao Yan felt this was fate’s necessity and couldn’t help but smile.

She replied, “Why not?”

“Yuan Zixu indeed doesn’t have the ability to be a Prefect, but if he did, Liu Biao of Jing Province would be restless, fearing I’d turn against him next year!”

But with Yuan Yao, Liu Biao would see it as a gesture to ease relations.

“Moreover, based on my outward behavior, I don’t want internal chaos and won’t break with Liu Yang. If Yuan Zixu doesn’t want to be dragged into discussions with Liu Yang on how to pull me down, or even forced onto a pirate ship, going from Chang’an to Nanyang would be a comfortable job for him. I’ll explain the reasons in the letter.”

Xi Zhicai teased, “I think what he wants most now is the Marquis’s personal letter, to prove he’s not in a dangerous position.”

“So let him go to Nanyang to avoid the storm, and let Liu Yang think he still has some say in Chang’an, ready to kill the Grand Marshal Qiao who acts like the Grand General Liang Ji.”

Qiao Yan slapped the letter on the table and added, “But he’s really too stupid.”

“According to Yuan Zixu, Wang Yun didn’t come in person but sent a subordinate to the meeting, showing he has intentions against me but doesn’t plan to sink with Liu Yang.”

“That guy Chunyu also raised objections to Liu Yang’s plan regarding timing, who knows if he has his own ideas.”

“Xianyu Yin didn’t attend either, only expressing support from afar, who knows if it’s to prevent being implicated if the news leaks.”

As for Yuan Yao, he spilled all the information to Qiao Yan’s subordinates the day he left Liu Yang’s place, practically doing his utmost to report and reduce his guilt.

With just these few people, the situation is already so chaotic; with more, who knows if the action would start before the news spreads.

“So, we need to arrange a suitable helper for them.”

Qiao Yan turned over these elements pushing her forward in her mind, forming a plan.

These tumors rooted in the heart of her controlled territory are the key to her transition from a powerful minister to an emperor overthrowing the Han.

So, she needs to be more stable, more careful…

To eradicate them along with the Han’s royal cause!

“That Sun Ce kid is getting more and more outrageous.” A voice suddenly erupted in a residence in Wu Commandery.

“Alright, Zhu Gong, you know his temper. Didn’t the Wang Clan’s massacre by Sun Ce prove that?” another replied, “He and his ancestors, those melon sellers, are all rough warriors. Expecting him to follow our rules is a bit difficult.”

“But he really broke the rules this time,” a third person said, “He acted humbly to recruit us, the four surnames of Wu Commandery, to serve under him, and should have given us positions that match our interests. But look what he did!”

“With the fall of Yuzhang Commandery and Huang Zu’s death, Sun Ce immediately decided on the Yuzhang Prefect, choosing Zhu Junli, clearly disregarding the Zhu Clan of Wu Commandery.”

The Zhu Junli mentioned was Zhu Zhi, whom Sun Ce recommended to the Chang’an court to take over as Yuzhang Prefect.

Zhu Zhi started as a county clerk and officer, serving under Sun Jian, and after Sun Jian’s death, became Sun Ce’s subordinate, a veteran of the Sun family.

But he’s not of the same branch as the Zhu Clan of Wu Commandery.

After King Wu of Zhou destroyed Shang, a descendant of the Cao family was rewarded with the fief of Zhu, taking it as their surname. After Zhu was destroyed by Chu, it became “Zhu,” branching out in Pei State, Wu Commandery, etc. Zhu Zhi, whom Sun Ce relied on and now employed, was from the Zhu Clan of Pei State.

From the Spring and Autumn period when the Zhu Clan appeared to now, like the Yuan Clan of Chen Commandery and the Yuan Clan of Runan having primary and secondary branches and disputes, the two branches of the Zhu Clan are the same.

Sun Ce first killed Huang Zu, then abandoned the Zhu Clan of Wu Commandery to use the Zhu Clan of Pei State as Yuzhang Prefect, undoubtedly a warning to them!

The remote location of Yang Province over the years made the noble families here accustomed to manipulating interests behind the scenes, how could they accept Sun Ce redefining the rules here with his military achievements!

Since Sun Ce isn’t in Wu Commandery now, it’s a good time for them to vent.

They might not necessarily oppose Zhu Zhi becoming Yuzhang Prefect, but this unannounced action made the gathered families think of teaching Sun Ce a lesson.

But before they could voice this lesson, they heard someone report that a young man surnamed Huang was seeking an audience.

“Didn’t he give his full name?” one in the room asked.

The gatekeeper shook his head, “No, he said you should know his identity just by hearing the surname.”

Huang?

The surname Huang is indeed a bit微妙.

Huang Zu… no, it’s Huang She!

The elder of the Zhu Clan of Wu Commandery present immediately shouted, “What does he want here?”

With the news of Huang Zu’s death reaching Wu Commandery, Sun Ce’s manhunt for Huang She was naturally known here.

They cursed Sun Ce for being ungracious, but didn’t intend to bring trouble upon themselves.

Especially by harboring the defeated general’s son, Huang She, in their territory.

But after the gatekeeper went back to inform Huang She, he soon returned, holding a box.

“The Huang scion said he can leave, but before that, he wants to give you all a gift.”

The elder called Zhu Gong suspiciously took the gift, carefully placed it on the table, and to prevent any tricks, used his cane to carefully open the lid.

As the lid opened, a choking smell of blood burst out, and those present were shocked to see a head in the box.

In indescribable astonishment, Zhu Gong, closest to the box, barely recognized the head.

It was—

Yuzhang Prefect Zhu Zhi!