Chapter 349

Chapter 349

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time of the Hunt, Chapter 349: The Layout of Xu and Yang

The book it belongs to:


Can a strategist not ascend the throne?

Chapter 349: Xu…

Yi… Yi Zhou Prefect?

Although Cai Yong had never personally been to Yi Zhou, or rather, no fleet from the Han Dynasty had ever officially reached Yi Zhou by sea, his disciple Gu Yong often mentioned some strange tales from the south in his letters.

After the restoration of the Han Dynasty by Emperor Guangwu, Danyang County in Yang Province often served as a border area for exile.

This exile was somewhat related to the various disturbances in the west and north. Due to these troubles, places like Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Youzhou were no longer suitable for exile. Instead, the southern regions of Yang Province’s Danyang and Jiaozhou’s Rinan, already remote and not yet in uncontrollable chaos, became suitable places for punishment.

However, Danyang County was mostly plagued by the Shanyue tribes. As interactions with the Han people living in the counties increased, their habits, farming methods, and tools became completely similar to those of the Central Plains people.

But Yi Zhou was different.

According to the experiences of Wu people who drifted to Yi Zhou after encountering storms at sea, most of the tools used on the island were still made of stone, wood, or animal bones, not much different from the state of life thousands of years ago.

Sending the pampered descendants of the four prominent families of Wu County to such an environment in Yi Zhou and making Gu Yong the prefect there, hoping they would reform and become good?

Cai Yong couldn’t help but think sarcastically that even the four prominent families of Liangzhou’s Hanyang, now underground, might consider their swift execution a better fate.

“Does Lord Cai find this decision inappropriate?” Qiao Yan frowned and asked.

Cai Yong looked around and realized that those who didn’t understand the situation thought that after the four prominent families of Wu County had done such foolish things, it was already remarkable that he could successfully plead for their lives. They shouldn’t have any unrealistic hopes.

He quickly replied, “No, I’m just surprised that Your Excellency is still willing to let Yuan Tan be a prefect…”

Being the prefect of Yi Zhou is better than being directly killed. Perhaps with good governance, there might be a day to return to the homeland.

Unfortunately… the glory of the four prominent families of Wu County will be lost forever.

Although the four families were the most prominent in Yang Province, it doesn’t mean they were the only ones.

Since Qiao Yan didn’t exterminate these four families, they wouldn’t truly feel the crisis, and might even think that with the big stones above them removed, it’s time to seize benefits.

By the time the four prominent families of Wu County return, no matter how deep their roots were, they would have been completely uprooted.

At most, only Lu Yuan and Lu Yi, who are already under Qiao Yan, and Lu Ji, who is still studying, remain.

Oh well!

What does this have to do with him, a scholar at Leping Academy? After all, it was Qiao Yan’s actions that led to this result!

Qiao Yan watched as her subordinates escorted Cai Yong to rest, a fleeting smile on her face.

This unscripted performance, due to Liu Bei’s fate, added new participants and lines, but it still concluded as she had hoped.

Now, only the cleanup remains in the Xu and Yang regions.

“Since the Grand Marshal has no intention of killing Liu Bei, why go through all this?”

Seeing the crowd pleading for Liu Bei’s life dispersing, Chen Deng couldn’t help but ask.

These commoners, who rushed over upon hearing Qiao Yan’s intention to kill Liu Bei, might not see the tricks in her actions. They might even think it was their display of Liu Bei’s accumulated popularity in Xu Province over the years that saved his life.

But anyone with a bit of political acumen would see—

From the beginning, Qiao Yan had no intention of killing Liu Bei!

If Chen Deng, with his stereotypical impression of Qiao Yan as an enemy commander, hadn’t noticed her attitude before, her “perfunctory” compliance with public opinion during their tour around Tan County, interrupted before completing a full circle, clearly revealed her intentions.

She just needed a way out, to let Liu Bei live and be sent to Chang’an, not because she was moved by Liu Bei’s actions in Xu Province, leading to a change of heart.

Qiao Yan looked at Chen Deng, not surprised that he saw through her thoughts. After all, this was the effect she wanted.

She replied frankly, “You can think of it as me cherishing a hero.”

Liu Bei was indeed a heroic figure, with higher moral standards than most. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gained so many followers in Xu Province.

“You can think of it as me buying the hearts of Xu Province’s people.”

The people’s petition turned Liu Bei’s fate from a traitor’s death to a leisurely position in Chang’an, giving them a sense of participation and achievement in changing fate, reducing their resistance to being ruled by the Chang’an court.

“You can think of it as me setting an example for the Ye court.”

Liu Bei, once a governor and a direct opponent of Qiao Yan, could be spared due to the people’s petition. What about them?

Clearly, Gongsun Zan’s complete annihilation in Youzhou was related to his personal feud with Liu Yu.

“Or you can think of it as me hoping to add some strength to the Han imperial family in Chang’an.”

Although she casually mentioned that there were many descendants of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, Liu Bei was indeed a member of the Han imperial family.

If this governor of northern Xu Province completed the transition from the Ye court to the Chang’an court, it would be a heavy blow to Yuan Shao.

Qiao Yan said, “You see, with so many benefits, all I had to do was give up the idea of extermination and follow the steps laid out by the people. Why not do it?”

Chen Deng’s emotions were somewhat complex, and he could only reply, “Few people are as meticulous and well-balanced as the Grand Marshal.”

“That’s not necessarily true.” Qiao Yan looked at him seriously. “Can’t you, Chen Yuanlong, be considered one? When I brought you out of prison, I told them you were a man of both literary and martial prowess. This praise, like my praise for Liu Bei, is not false.”

Chen Deng said, “Grand Marshal, no need to beat around the bush. Speak directly.”

Qiao Yan smiled, “The defeat in Xu Province was due to insufficient foundation, lack of manpower, and poor overall planning, not because of Liu Bei’s and your governance. I, Qiao Yan, am not narrow-minded. I won’t hold any prejudice against you for supporting Liu Bei as governor of Xu Province and fighting for him.”

“With the world still in chaos and heaven often unkind, capable officials like you are needed. How could I keep you in prison as a rebel?”

“But—Liu Bei was highly responsive in Xu Province, and so are you. I heard from Shi Yuan that when you were captured at Lou Pavilion, the people of Xiaqiu, young and old, wanted to go with you to the Xu Province government, but you persuaded them to return. If you stayed in Xu Province, I would be a bit uneasy.”

Chen Deng couldn’t help but find this amusing.

The previous performance made him think Qiao Yan was someone who never showed weakness or allowed criticism. But now, her words revealed a candid weighing of pros and cons.

He asked, “So what does the Grand Marshal mean?”

Qiao Yan replied, “I originally wanted to recommend you as the Deputy Governor of Yang Province, to apply your governance skills in Xu Province to the newly pacified Yang Province. But there’s a problem. The Governor of Yang Province I have in mind is also from Xu Province. To prevent you two from causing unnecessary trouble, I can only ask you to take a different position.”

“Would you be willing to take the position of Henan Yin?”

Chen Deng frowned, “Isn’t this…”

Qiao Yan interrupted, “Of course, I know this is Sima Jianguo’s position, and he hasn’t done anything wrong. But in the current situation, lack of ability is the biggest problem!”

“Henan Yin borders Yuan Shao’s River North County and Cao Cao’s Yanzhou, and it bears the burden of last year’s influx of refugees into Luoyang. If the population continues to grow this year, Xun Wenruo alone won’t be enough to manage Henan Yin and its surrounding areas.”

“I intend to recommend Sima Jianguo’s eldest son, Sima Boda, as the Registrar under the Governor of Yang Province, and after a year, he will take the position of Deputy Governor of Yang Province. His second son, Sima Zhongda, is already serving in Youzhou and is on the rise. Family succession, elders stepping aside, maintaining integrity—this is the way to seek completeness, isn’t it?”

After considering Qiao Yan’s arrangement, Chen Deng replied, “If it’s as the Grand Marshal says, it’s very appropriate. I am willing to follow the Grand Marshal’s arrangement.”

From the perspectives of interest exchange and power balance, Qiao Yan’s personnel arrangements were exquisite.

The successive changes within a month or two brought Xu and Yang Provinces under her control.

Like in Yi Province, the positions of governor in these two provinces were abolished, leaving only the positions of governor and prefects, along with military commanders, to form the ruling power in the provinces.

The situation in Xu Province was clear.

Zhou Yu was appointed as the Governor of Xu Province, as a reward for attracting all the firepower and successfully supporting the encirclement trap. Lu Su was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Xu Province, in recognition of his early defection and successful persuasion of Zang Ba from Langya to surrender.

Zhang Yi, originally appointed by the Chang’an court, didn’t do anything to hinder the north-south confrontation. In fact, the initial division along the Huai River was possible thanks to him. But as Qiao Yan and Chen Deng said, in the current situation, lack of ability is another kind of fault.

Xu Province, bordering Qingzhou and Yuzhou, could easily become a battlefield again. Compared to Zhang Yi, having Zhou Yu stationed here better suits Qiao Yan’s needs.

The military officers remaining here are temporarily Ma Chao, Zhang Yang, Yan Yan, and Zhang Ren.

With Zhou Yu and Lu Su as the brains behind the offensive plans, the military officers’ ability to act independently isn’t crucial.

The situation in Yang Province is also basically settled.

Zhang Zhao will serve as the Governor of Yang Province, and Sima Lang as the Registrar, later to be the Deputy Governor of Yang Province.

Since the defensive pressure in Xu Province is significantly greater than in Yang Province, Qiao Yan intends to have Cheng Pu and Han Dang stay in Yang Province. After transferring Zang Ba to Danyang County to quell the Shanyue rebellion, Huang Gai and Jiang Qin will be deployed to Langya County to guard against Qingzhou to the north.

Sun Ce’s former subordinates, such as Zhou Tai, have been given promotions and settled.

All these arrangements, with clear reasons, are reported to Chang’an. Given Liu Yu’s trust in her, they should not be rejected.

Even if someone tries to stir up trouble, Cheng Yu and others in the Chang’an court won’t turn a blind eye.

Thus, only three important matters remain.

The first is the arrangement for Sun Ce and Sun Jian’s family.

With few adjustments to Sun Ce’s former subordinates…








To ensure a smooth transition in Yang Province, it doesn’t mean she has to keep all the Sun family members in Yang Province.

Madam Wu bore three sons and one daughter for Sun Jian. Aside from the deceased Sun Ce, the eldest among the remaining children, Sun Quan, is only thirteen years old.

It wouldn’t be difficult for Qiao Yan to persuade her to take them to Leping for schooling and temporarily settle in Bingzhou.

Coincidentally, Cai Yong, who came to plead for Gu Yong, has also finished his part and is about to be sent back to Leping Academy by Qiao Yan, making it possible for them to travel together.

To show that this schooling arrangement isn’t just targeting the Sun family, children under eight from the four prominent families of Wu Commandery, who are unsuitable for sea travel, Sun Quan’s study companion Zhu Ran, and Ling Cao’s son Ling Tong are all prepared to be sent over by Qiao Yan.

Secondly, arrangements need to be made for those unsuitable for high-ranking positions in Xu and Yang Provinces but have made military achievements in this campaign.

For example, Jia Xu.

Without Jia Xu’s coordination and message delivery, the progress of this three-front war wouldn’t have been so smooth. However, considering why Jia Xu is here, some issues become apparent…

“Originally, having Master Wenhe guide at Leping Academy was supposed to be a cover, but now it seems to be an inconvenient situation,” Qiao Yan said, looking at Jia Xu.

With Sun Ce dead, whether Jia Xu had any close connection to Sun Jian’s death, he is now less threatened.

It’s reasonable for him to be promoted for his achievements, which have cleared his past of defecting to the enemy.

Moreover, with Xu and Yang Provinces newly stabilized, neither Yang Province’s Governor Zhang Zhao nor Xu Province’s Governor Zhou Yu can be fully trusted by Qiao Yan, necessitating someone to stay as a supervisor, and Jia Xu is undoubtedly the best choice.

Giving him a low position wouldn’t allow him to control Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao, while a high position would easily attract criticism.

Jia Xu shook his head, “It might not be that difficult.”

Qiao Yan said, “Since Master Wenhe already has an idea, why not share it?”

Jia Xu hesitated for a moment but, thinking that if he truly wanted to be a layman, he shouldn’t have accepted the task of taking Zhuge Liang and others to Xu Province in the first place. The lord’s various actions have made him feel at ease, so he decisively replied, “Please, my lord, recommend me to the court as—”

“Governor of Qingzhou.”

Qiao Yan was momentarily surprised by this answer, then suddenly clapped her hands, “Master Wenhe, when it comes to shrewdness, it really has to be you.”

Governor of Qingzhou!

Qingzhou isn’t even in their hands yet, so how can there be a Governor of Qingzhou?

Theoretically, Jia Xu wouldn’t have real power, which aligns with the interest of not giving Jia Xu a high position temporarily.

But once there’s a strategic goal to seize Qingzhou, Jia Xu can always join forces with Xu, Yang, and even Youzhou to launch a joint campaign, holding some authority.

With Jia Xu’s insight and abilities, Qiao Yan has no doubt that he can play other tricks with this position.

This is almost a tailor-made position for him.

“I will do everything to promote this matter, ensuring no one affects the establishment of this position.” Even Jia Xu, such a stale fish, was rarely moved by their increasingly high spirits, so how could Qiao Yan, as the leader, disappoint him.

Whether it’s what Jia Xu has done in the past or his identity as a Liangzhou native, it will never be an obstacle to the establishment of this position!

“Additionally, there’s a personal position I’d like Master Wenhe to help advise on,” Qiao Yan paused, then said, “Pang Shiyuan.”

Pang Tong’s role in this battle is undeniable, from persuading Pei State to surrender, convincing Lu Su to surrender, to capturing Chen Deng and completing the encirclement of Xu Province’s last military force, all performed exceptionally brilliantly.

Supposedly, since Zhuge Liang is now serving as the Administrative Officer of Youzhou, Pang Tong should also correspond to an Administrative Officer of Xu Province.

But the Governor of Xu Province is Zhou Yu…

Historically, Pang Tong was also a subordinate of Zhou Yu. Now, putting Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Pang Tong together, Qiao Yan feels something is not quite right.

Her tangled expression doesn’t seem like hesitation in the face of a real problem to Jia Xu, but more like a somewhat childish competition.

Perhaps only when the war situations in Xu and Yang Provinces are stabilized can she have time to think about such strange things.

Jia Xu said, “I don’t know what concerns my lord has at this moment, but the principle of ‘in one’s position, one should do one’s duty’ doesn’t need to be said by my lord. Pang Shiyuan understands it himself. No matter what position my lord arranges for him, he will strive to do well.”

In this competitive environment, Pang Tong’s unyielding character will push him to strive for the top.

Qiao Yan continued, “It seems Master Wenhe is quite optimistic about him, so I will still recommend him as the Administrative Officer as previously considered.”

“My lord, this statement is not quite right,” Jia Xu replied, “It should be said that you are optimistic about Shiyuan, which is why you let him accompany this batch of Leping Academy students to Yang Province, not that I have any special regard for him. If anything, I would like to ask my lord, what positions do you plan to arrange for those two who have my special regard?”

This is exactly what Qiao Yan is pondering, the positions for Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting.

Although Zhang Fei’s death wasn’t an inevitable outcome of this battle, achieving it undoubtedly gave the two sisters a reputation for filial piety and righteousness for avenging their father upon their debut in the world.

This is similar to Qiao Yan’s move to build momentum for herself during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, having an excellent opportunity.

Qiao Lan repelled Guan Ping outside Huaiyin City and appropriately burned Liu Bei’s river-crossing boats, while Qiao Ting remained calm and composed in Zhou Yu’s army, successfully reminding Chen Wu to return to the army after repelling Guan Ping, plus their dissuasion of Zhou Yu from retreating, all count as significant achievements!

Qiao Yan never spares any effort in seeking benefits for her own people, so naturally, she can’t just let them have their names written in the Qiao family genealogy of Leping.

However, what they have learned is more inclined towards quick intelligence techniques. If they are now appointed to positions like county magistrates, it would be harmful rather than beneficial to them.

Qiao Yan pondered for a moment, then said, “I have an idea and would like Master Wenhe’s advice.”

Seeing Qiao Yan speak so seriously, Jia Xu couldn’t help but become interested, “My lord, please speak freely.”

“I want them to return to Chang’an and seek positions as Judicial Officers or Legal Officers in the Ministry of Justice. Laws, punishments, rituals, and measurements all come from the Ministry of Justice, where there is a lot of information exchange, allowing them to study and improve.”

“One of them excels in the big picture, the other in planning, and under the guidance of Master Wenhe and Master Wenyou, they have unique insights into detailed analysis. The litigation and judgment cases in the Ministry of Justice can also greatly benefit them. What do you think?”

“My lord,” Jia Xu smiled meaningfully, “You’re not just choosing a suitable learning environment for them.”

This is to take control of the Ministry of Justice, which was mostly controlled by harsh officials during the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling!

The legislative power has already been given to those who formulated the Five Punishments, but the executive power still needs to be in the hands of one’s own people.

The combination of intelligence and law enforcement will not be a simple reform!

But at present, perhaps only a few who know Qiao Yan’s ambitions are aware of this silent change.

For the vast majority, Qiao Yan not taking the opportunity to seek higher positions for Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting is actually a sign of not being greedy for power.

But what the truth is will have to be seen in the future.

How could Jia Xu oppose this?

Being entrusted with such inside information is already the treatment of an absolute confidant, and he is bound to do his best in the position of Governor of Qingzhou.

After this conversation, Qiao Yan set off back to Yang Province, accompanied by Zhou Yu.

This trip back is firstly to put a perfect end to Sun Ce’s funeral, and secondly to pack the four prominent families of Wu Commandery off to Yizhou.

In Qiao Yan’s view, the ships from Jing Province still can’t withstand the waves. To ensure no shipwrecks or deaths during this sea voyage, she specifically had ships that once went to Liaodong return for a trip, making full preparations for their possible return to their homeland.

But for the children of the four prominent families of Wu Commandery, being exiled to Yizhou, which is no different from a barbarian land, these so-called safety measures can’t evoke any feelings of gratitude in them, only making them feel like the biggest joke in Yang Province.

Even if Gu Yong, as the leader among them, is likely to get the position of Governor of Yizhou, he wouldn’t consider this as Qiao Yan’s favor to him.

But they understand the principle that circumstances are stronger than individuals.

What qualifications do they have to oppose Qiao Yan?

If the north-south confrontation in Xu Province had tied down Qiao Yan’s steps, perhaps they could exert pressure in Yang Province to force her to release them.

But with her igniting the full-scale war in Xu Province at an astonishing speed and capturing Liu Bei with a dragnet, they no longer have this opportunity!

As long as she can have someone intercept Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s attempts to retake Xu Province, she can freely operate in Yang Province with Xu Province as a barrier, just like what Sun Ce did before.

Moreover, with enough experience in Liangzhou and other places, she is more adept at dealing with the constraints of various forces.

The news of this exile, along with the great victory in Xu Province, arrived at the prison in Wu County before Qiao Yan, leaving the place in dead silence.

But Qiao Yan probably wouldn’t care about their feelings. She is now boarding a ship crossing the Yangtze River with Zhou Yu.

Perhaps because of the exhaustion from being at the center of the trap as bait, or perhaps because accepting Sun Ce’s death and certain positions was a tormenting choice for Zhou Yu, he looks much more haggard compared to when Qiao Yan met him in Chang’an.

Zhou Yu didn’t overlook Qiao Yan’s scrutiny of him. He adjusted his sleeves, blown by the cold early spring wind, and replied, “Grand Marshal, rest assured, the Governor of Xu Province will not be a sickly person. After handling Bo Fu’s funeral, I will quickly immerse myself in the administration of Xu Province.”

In fact, if it weren’t for Qiao Yan’s reassurance, Zhou Yu shouldn’t even have returned to Yang Province.

By now, the news of Xu Province’s change must have reached Ye City. With Xu Province being difficult to defend, it is bound to face an attack from Yuan Shao.

However, with Jia Xu, Pang Tong, Lu Su, and other strategists, plus a group of generals in Xu Province, no major disturbances can be stirred up for now. It’s still necessary for Zhou Yu to personally make a trip back to Yang Province.

Zhou Yu is well aware of Qiao Yan’s special permission.

But as he gazed at the wind-blown river surface, he still felt a sense of loss.

Qiao Yan’s confidence in letting him return to Yang Province to meet Sun Ce’s remaining generals and Madam Wu, who is handling the funeral, is enough to indicate that she might have played a role in pushing Sun Ce’s death but is definitely not the murderer who decided this outcome.

Sun Ce’s decision to entrust Yang Province to her was also made after careful consideration.

Whether it’s for the future of the Zhou family of Lujiang, the inheritance of the former lord’s will, or the judgment of the current situation, he should follow the path of Governor of Xu Province that has been laid out for him, without any hesitation.

Perhaps the only regret is that Sun Ce did not have a good end.

But just like Liu Bei, who also lost his right-hand man Zhang Fei in this Xu Province battle, there aren’t many things in this world that can be perfect.

As the ship set sail southward across the river, he saw Qiao Yan leaning on the railing, seemingly implying something, saying, “Gongjin, look—”

“All rivers eventually flow into the sea.”