Chapter 355

Chapter 355

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time of the Hunt Chapter 355: The True Nature of a Deity

Book:


Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 355: Deity…

Attending a long-decided appointment, how can it be considered standing up Yuan Shao?

It’s just a matter of who arrives first.

Sending Chen Gong to Ye City to explain the reason for the delay to Yuan Shao might also be an opportunity to scout the situation in Ye City.

In the tacit understanding between Cao Cao and Chen Gong, the additional purpose of this trip to Ye City has been entrusted.

Whether it’s because they now share considerable territory with Yuan Shao or to reduce the strict ties with the Ye City court, putting them in a more advantageous position, delaying Cao Cao’s personal decision to go to Ye City is imperative.

However, before Chen Gong set off for Ye City, he reminded Cao Cao: “During the last meeting at Shen Pavilion, Qiao Yanshu did not intend to take action against you. Ultimately, it was because she had little advantage in taking Yuzhou at that time, which would have resulted in a long border with Yanzhou. It was better to do as she did last year, pacifying the rebellion in Shu while taking Youzhou. But this year…”

“This year is different.”

Cao Cao said, “I understand your concerns. Liu Jingsheng might have had some观望的想法, but with this assistance in sending troops to Yang Province, he must have firmly taken a stance. The northern part of Xuzhou has also completely fallen into her hands after the confrontation at the Huai River. If she wants to capture Yuzhou, it would actually be much easier than taking Jizhou or Qingzhou first.”

What most easily fosters this idea is that Yuzhou has not been under Cao Cao’s control for long.

This is fatal.

Even if it doesn’t mean the people here have much nostalgia for Yuan Shu, who died in the war last year, Cao Cao’s control over this area is indeed inadequate.

Moreover, the defection of Pei State in Yuzhou is quite微妙.

They could feel they get better treatment under Cao Cao, but they could also choose to defect again due to Qiao Yan’s current显示出的强势.

This is not an impossible scenario.

Cao Cao has never had any unrealistic认知 about this.

But Chen Gong wanted to say that what he was worried about wasn’t Qiao Yan attacking Yuzhou while holding Cao Cao back during the meeting. He feared that the “escorting for ten miles” that day might turn into a direct kidnapping to Hulao Pass. At that point, it wouldn’t be up to Cao Cao to decide whether to观望.

But considering Qiao Yan’s style, though somewhat强盗-like, doesn’t seem to manifest in this way, Chen Gong put aside this unnecessary worry and simply replied, “As long as the Prefect understands.”

Rather than worrying about this, he might as well worry about how to negotiate for Cao Cao and Yuan Shao upon arriving in Ye City.

The last time he went to Ye City was when the scholars of Yanzhou decided to推举 Cao Cao from the Prefect of Dong Commandery to the Governor of Yanzhou.

At that time, Chang’an was still under Dong Zhuo’s control. Compared to Chang’an, the Ye City court had a higher reputation. With this advantage, Yuan Shao, holding two provinces and the Son of Heaven, was indeed at the height of his glory.

But now, that past glory has become a disaster he must face.

With Qiao Yan步步紧逼, Chen Gong, putting himself in Yuan Shao’s position, feels that Yuan Shao is under immense pressure, eager to form an alliance to壮大 the队伍 around the Ye City court, to分担 the threats from Youzhou, west of the Taihang Mountains, and Xuzhou.

But Cao Cao suddenly saying he won’t go to Ye City is probably unbearable for Yuan Shao.

Given Yuan Shao’s temper, he might show some attitude or借机挑唆不满于 Cao Cao’s forces in Yanzhou to cause some trouble.

But so what?

In this game of天下 as the赌注, given Cao Cao’s current conditions, he absolutely cannot replace Yuan Shao or Qiao Yan to become the final victor. Therefore, Chen Gong will definitely help him become—

The most successful “ally.”

Also the most successful旁观者.

Yuan Shao would never have thought that his invitation to Cao Cao to come to Ye City would be refused!

The moment the news from Cao Cao arrived, his expression froze for a while before he reacted to the下属’s report: “Cao Cao cannot come temporarily due to the Hulao Pass appointment.”

Xu You, present, instinctively took a step back. The next moment, he saw Yuan Shao slam the document in front of him and stand up almost in a rage. “Attending an appointment? Is he crazy or am I crazy?”

Yuan Shao had even thought about how to招待 Cao Cao upon his arrival in Ye City, even rehearsed several times the plan to have Cao Ang stay in Ye City as an official and marry a Yuan氏女. But what he got was this result!

This feels more like a slap in the face than Qiao Yan’s victory in capturing northern Xuzhou.

After all, losing northern Xuzhou is only half a province, but if Cao Cao directly defects to Chang’an, it’s almost handing two provinces to Qiao Yan!

Yuan Shao wouldn’t be so bad at arithmetic as to not understand this.

Thinking of this possibility, Yuan Shao, regardless of the在场, roared in anger, “How dare Cao Aman deceive me like this!”

In the current situation, he is indeed no match for Qiao Yan, but he believes his strength is still superior to Cao Cao’s. If he takes advantage of Qiao Yan’s recent出兵未回 to deal with Cao Cao first, it might be可行!

Even if it results in mutual destruction allowing Qiao Yan to play the黄雀在后, it’s better than enduring this窝囊气.

“Lord, there’s no need to be so angry,” Xu You said. “Since Cao Yanzhou sent his chief strategist to explain this matter to you personally, it doesn’t mean he intends to defect.”

This move is somewhat微妙.

If Cao Cao really intended to defect to the Chang’an court due to the changes in Xuzhou and the further reduction of Yuan Shao’s advantage, he could have dealt with Yuan Shao in a more敷衍 manner.

Then, when Yuan Shao attacks him, he could正好 complete the阵营转换 before resisting.

Thus, he would even have a reason to change立场.

But with Chen Gong coming, it’s not much different from Cao Cao coming personally to explain.

Shen Pei added, “I agree with Ziyuan’s view. Since Chen Gongtai has come, Lord, you might as well hear what he has to say. Rather than saying this is Cao Mengde’s disrespect to the Son of Heaven in Ye City or his敷衍 attitude towards you, it’s more like he’s seeking more benefits for himself.”

Cao Cao is a shrewd person. If he were to directly送上门 due to Yuan Shao’s invitation in this situation, it wouldn’t be like him.

Yuan Shao hesitated, standing still and沉思 for a moment.

The anger upon learning of Cao Cao’s refusal gradually收敛 after reconsidering his and Cao Cao’s current positions.

The fact that Cao Cao is still willing to send someone to explain is indeed a “优待” to him.

He let out a long sigh, feeling a憋屈 he couldn’t发泄 about his current situation, but still had someone pick up the thrown letter and invited Chen Gong in.

However, when Chen Gong entered, it was still easy to see the lingering displeasure on Yuan Shao’s face.

He slowly bowed to him and said, “Cao Yanzhou asked me to convey three things to Yuan Qingzhou.”

Yuan Shao was momentarily stunned.

He thought Chen Gong would start by apologizing for Cao Cao’s absence, putting the reason for the apology on the table, but he didn’t expect such an不卑不亢的开场白.

But Yuan Shao had to admit that Chen Gong made a very correct move.

This “convey three things” successfully piqued Yuan Shao’s curiosity.

He sat down at the head, looking at Chen Gong’s seemingly straightforward and sincere face, and couldn’t help but envy Cao Cao a bit.

Chen Gong is not just a合格谋士; he also brought many士族 talents in Yanzhou to Cao Cao. Without Chen Gong’s help, Cao Cao would never have established himself so easily in Yanzhou.

But if Chen Gong were to speak, this was originally a双向选择. Just look at how Xin Pi and others are walking on thin ice under Yuan Shao’s command. Even if Yuan Shao occupied Yanzhou, he probably wouldn’t serve under him.

This鄙夷 of Yuan Shao’s various行事作风 was hidden under Chen Gong’s calm expression. Upon hearing Yuan Shao示意他说来详情, Chen Gong said:

“First, the current situations in various provinces are similar. If a conflict with the Chang’an court is inevitable, it’s better to choose Jizhou as the battlefield.”

Chen Gong’s first sentence almost made Yuan Shao气出个好歹.

What does he mean by choosing Jizhou as the battlefield?

Facing Yuan Shao’s质问的目光, Chen Gong replied unhurriedly, “With the Son of Heaven in Ye, if Jizhou changes, the officials of the Ye court and the noble families of Hebei will surely竭尽全力来援. In contrast, there are those in Yanzhou who do not服从 Cao Yanzhou, and Runan in Yuzhou still remembers its former master. Once a change occurs, the situation might become uncontrollable,势必重蹈 Xuzhou’s覆辙.”

“On the other hand, Jizhou has the Taihang Mountains as a屏障, and it’s not easy for大批兵卒 from Bingzhou to move. It’s easy to调兵 from northern Youzhou, but运粮 is difficult. If the防线 from Hejian to Bohai is complete, there might still be a chance to counterattack Youzhou. Moreover, most of Youzhou’s兵将谋臣 are young. Last year, Gongsun Bogui died, and General Gao was defeated, which might助长 their骄兵之气,正好是我们的机会所在.”

“However, to achieve this, Yanzhou and Yuzhou must not轻易露怯 to Sili, to prevent them from taking advantage. Therefore, my Prefect chose to attend the appointment to显示我方声威,不宜因 Ye City’s共聚之说将其推迟.”

Yuan Shao: “…”

Chen Gong’s words were full of praise for him, especially mentioning that there are those in Yanzhou who do not服从 Cao Cao and Runan in Yuzhou also has不听





They were hiding something.

However, they tactfully withdrew first.

To their surprise, in less than half a cup of tea’s time, Yuan Shao had already summoned people back in and then had Chen Gong escorted back to Yanzhou as an honored guest.

On Yuan Shao’s face, which had previously been furious due to Cao Cao’s refusal, there was no trace of hidden resentment, only a bright smile, as if he had heard some great news.

Xu You asked, “What did Chen Gongtai tell you, my lord?”

“It’s not exactly good news,” Yuan Shao replied. “It’s more of an explanation as to why Cao Mengde stands against Qiao Yeshu.”

Xu You was still puzzled. What reason could make Yuan Shao so convinced and even happy? Unfortunately, Yuan Shao didn’t seem inclined to elaborate.

Meanwhile, Chen Gong’s subordinate, equally confused, asked him the same question and got an explanation.

“I said, Qiao Yeshu might not be a loyal subject of Han. If we rashly switch sides, the foundation of the Han Dynasty might collapse instantly. Therefore, Cao Yanzhou needs to meet her personally to see if the old acquaintance is still the same.”

The subordinate was curious, “But why did you only tell this to Yuan Qingzhou and not others?”

Chen Gong replied, “Would Yuan Benchu spread this around?”

He would only secretly rejoice in his heart.

Thus, this statement wouldn’t be considered as Cao Cao making baseless assumptions about Qiao Yan.

They said that the forces of Yanzhou and Yuzhou are now acting as qualified bystanders, and they are strictly adhering to this.

As Chen Gong thought this, he lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside, seeing the dry and desolate state of the fields outside Ye City due to prolonged drought, even in this season of spring vitality, and couldn’t help but sigh.

Although they claimed to be bystanders, there should still be another way to break the deadlock.

But now, he had convinced Yuan Shao, but could he really find a way to counter Qiao Yan?

This seemed to be an almost unsolvable problem at the moment…

The phrase “might not be a loyal subject of Han” was both an accusation against Qiao Yan and a compliment.

Only someone who is truly formidable would be elevated to such a status as a reason not to side with her, rather than being used as a charge against her in direct confrontation.

How pitiful!

This conversation in Ye City was not known to Qiao Yan.

As Cao Cao and Chen Gong had judged, she had no intention of further postponing the meeting at Hulao Pass or breaking the appointment.

But before returning to Luoyang, she needed to wrap up some matters in Yangzhou and Xuzhou.

Although matters related to Sun Ce had concluded—Sun Ce himself had been buried, most of his family had headed north to Bingzhou, his generals had been settled in appropriate positions, and the four families of Wu and the mountain tribes of Jing County who caused his death had been punished—it didn’t mean that everything else here could be left to subordinates.

One aspect was the appointment of officials.

After receiving formal appointments from Chang’an, Qiao Yan still needed to evaluate and question several key figures to ensure they could perform their duties in her absence.

Especially those in the positions of Governor and Chief Clerk.

After Sima Fang was dismissed from Sili, Sima Lang hurriedly took the appointment and rushed to Yangzhou.

As a scion of a noble family, Sima Lang was well aware of the unspoken rules of this power transition and immediately began working with Zhang Zhao, the Governor of Yangzhou.

In Xuzhou, the combination of Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Pang Tong started functioning as Zhou Yu returned north to Xuzhou.

Fortunately, Yuan Shao didn’t have the audacity to attack Xuzhou from Qingzhou, or he would likely have been used as a whetstone by this young group.

With Jia Xu, the cunning old fox, watching over, Qiao Yan really didn’t need to worry about this.

So, the remaining issue was another matter.

That was some… strange things in Yangzhou that needed her to handle.

Of course, calling them strange might not be polite.

Perhaps they were the eccentric figures of the late Eastern Han Dynasty?

The relatively remote geographical environment tends to produce relatively uncivilized people. So, after the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the Central Plains led to many crackdowns on the Way of Great Peace, the Way of Great Peace still thrived in Yizhou, and Yangzhou had its own religious peculiarities.

“Taoist Yu Ji is from Langya in Xuzhou, but he moved to Yangzhou early on and established a retreat in Wu and Kuaiji, burning incense and reading Taoist scriptures, imitating Zhang Jiao’s actions, making talisman water to cure diseases. However, due to the crackdown on Yellow Turban remnants in the Central Plains, he has always been restrained,” Zhang Zhao said. “Of course, despite his restraint, rumors of his miraculous abilities have spread widely in Yangzhou, making the people see him as a lifesaver.”

“Compared to the bandit-like mountain tribes and the lofty noble families of Yangzhou, Yu Ji, with his scholar’s demeanor and approachability, has become a quasi-deity in Wu and Kuaiji.”

Thinking of Qiao Yan’s past suppression and theoretical refutation of the Yellow Turban forces, Zhang Zhao guessed she wouldn’t like someone like Yu Ji.

However, from Qiao Yan’s expression, it was hard to tell her attitude towards him.

Seeing her nod to continue, Zhang Zhao went on, “Another famous hermit in Yangzhou is Zuo Ci, a native of Lujiang in Yangzhou, who has traveled north of the Yangtze for many years, calling himself Master Wujiao. It’s said he understands the Five Classics and Six Jia, and is versed in astrology, possessing supernatural abilities. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen him myself.”

“It’s said that in Lujiang, a noble guest once held a banquet, and someone mentioned the lack of Songjiang perch. Zuo Ci then asked for a copper plate filled with water, fished out a perch on the spot, and then produced ginger from Yizhou as seasoning. Another time, someone who had a grudge against him tried to capture him, but he disappeared into a wall.”

“If I can see some of Yu Ji’s abilities from Zhang Jiao’s past actions, this Zuo Ci is…”

Qiao Yan interjected, “You think he’s an otherworldly person?”

Zhang Zhao shook his head, “Confucius didn’t speak of strange forces and chaos, but he really seems to have some supernatural abilities.”

Qiao Yan laughed, “Unfortunately, most of it is just sleight of hand.”

Although there was no clear concept of magic at the time, Zuo Ci was clearly a master of it.

“The study of celestial prophecies and the theories of yin-yang and calendars seem to have their own wonders, but I only believe in the inevitable laws of the sun and moon’s movements, not these conjured tricks.”

“Pass down an order for me.”

Qiao Yan pondered for a moment, thinking that these historical figures often had connections to chemistry, and perhaps they could be useful, so she didn’t plan to kill them but to find them a place.

She said to Zhang Zhao, who had already placed the brush and ink in front of her, “Inform Yu Ji and Zuo Ci—Yangzhou, once far from the court, is no longer so. From Jiangling to Dantu, the speed of boats is only two days. Soon, this place will no longer be a remote exile or a place of strong mountain people. I give them three days. If I hear any news of them in Yangzhou again, they will be executed without mercy. If they are willing to go south, I can provide travel expenses.”

“I hope they will take care of themselves.”

Zhang Zhao hesitated as he wrote the last word, wanting to ask Qiao Yan if her approach might lead these skilled practitioners to mock her, and if they succeeded, it might damage her reputation.

But seeing Qiao Yan’s confident demeanor and recalling her performance in the battles of Xuzhou and Yangzhou, Zhang Zhao decided to follow her instructions first.

Yu Ji indeed disappeared quickly upon hearing the news.

His specialty was packaging himself like Zhang Jiao by selling talisman water, not having an extra head. If Qiao Yan really decided to kill him, as she had done with Zhang Jiao and others, he might not survive.

The mountain tribes, Qiao Yan killed them; the noble families of Wu, Qiao Yan exiled them.

Would he be an exception?

Rather than trying to preach Taoism to someone who absolutely doesn’t believe in it and end up beheaded, it’s better to take the travel expenses and leave.

Qiao Yan indeed didn’t offer them a path of total annihilation.

Going south was actually suitable for Taoists like Yu Ji.

The Governor of Jiaozhou, Zhang Jin, was a devout Taoist, even making his subordinates wear red headbands and recite Taoist scriptures with him. Yu Ji would surely receive a warm welcome in his territory.

So he quickly packed up and disappeared under the pretext of spreading Taoism south.

But the other person Qiao Yan ordered to leave Yangzhou, Zuo Ci, wasn’t so obedient.

He had decided to give Qiao Yan a hard time!

Someone like Zuo Ci, used to deceiving people, though feeling Qiao Yan’s strong stance, if she really decided to kill him, he might not escape, still wanted to regain some face.

At least he needed to shake Qiao Yan’s confidence to maintain his image as a celestial being.

So shortly after the notice was posted, he announced he would meet Qiao Yan at a tavern by the Fuchun River, using real celestial techniques to prove that expelling him from Yangzhou would incur divine punishment.

Sima Lang, who had just arrived in Yangzhou, and Zhang Zhao, who had just become the Governor of Yangzhou, never expected that after finally pacifying Yangzhou, they would face such trouble.

But Qiao Yan seemed unaffected by the provocation, handling the invitations in Yangzhou as usual, until two days later when she arrived at the tavern.

The place had been heavily guarded since the previous day, and now, at Qiao Yan’s order, all guards withdrew, leaving it empty.

Spectators could only watch the cleared tavern from afar, wishing they had a pair of binoculars to see the impending confrontation.

Shortly after Qiao Yan arrived, they saw a bamboo pole floating down the river, on which stood a gray-robed, white-haired Taoist holding another bamboo pole.

As the figure approached, they clearly saw that he was indeed standing steadily on the water with just these two bamboo poles, like a small boat, reaching the shore.

When he approached Qiao Yan, he exuded the demeanor of a celestial being.

“Grand Marshal, sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go upstairs to talk?”

He raised his hand, thinking Qiao Yan had guards watching the tavern to prevent any tricks, Zuo Ci found it amusing.

Everyone said Qiao Yan was a master of strategy, yet she had such timid moments.

When he made the invitation, her gaze was still on the bamboo pole he rode, not immediately moving, as if startled by his entrance.

But before Zuo Ci could comment, he suddenly saw a subtle smile on Qiao Yan’s face, “So Master Wujiao also likes to make a grand entrance. We are indeed kindred spirits. I also have a surprise for you.”

Qiao Yan pointed to the tavern, “I don’t like climbing buildings. I heard that hermits prefer sitting under the open sky, so I didn’t plan to meet inside. I was skeptical, but seeing you cross the river with just bamboo, I believe the rumors. So I can try it with confidence.”

Before she finished, she snapped her fingers.

Zuo Ci thought she was playing some mysterious trick.

But as the snap ended, a deafening explosion came from the tavern.

Right in front of Zuo Ci, the small building made of green bricks suddenly exploded, with burning flames and a deafening sound, almost making him run.

If not for his instinct to maintain his image, keeping his feet firmly planted, he would have retreated dozens of steps like the spectators.

What a terrifying scene…

In his unmoving view, the two-story building by the river collapsed in an instant, with only rising dust and flying stones proving it wasn’t a shoddy construction.

As the dust hadn’t settled and the roar still echoed, Qiao Yan’s voice reached Zuo Ci’s ears:

“Master Wujiao, now we can sit down and talk. Turning to ashes with a snap, that’s the true essence of a celestial being, isn’t it?”