Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 1: The Yellow Turban Rebellion, The Clear Voice of the Young Phoenix Chapter 36: The Clear Voice of the Young Phoenix

Book:


Can a strategist not ascend the throne?

Chapter 36: The Clear Voice of the Young Phoenix

Not only did Liu Hong not expect such a scene to occur in Luoyang, sparking his interest, but even Qiao Yan didn’t anticipate it. She originally planned to visit the Lingtai, the official astronomical institution of the Han Dynasty—this interest stemmed from her previous references to late Han astronomy. If one had to say, it could also be considered a visit to the Han Dynasty’s sacrificial grounds to pray for her grandfather’s blessings.

However, she didn’t expect to be intercepted by Yang Xiu on the way.

The current Yang Xiu is not the later Yang Xiu, who repeatedly speculated on Cao Cao’s thoughts and even left behind the infamous “chicken rib” explanation.

Born in 175 AD, Yang Xiu, if calculated by age, is only nine years old.

He’s a year younger than Qiao Yan!

Not only does he not yet have the courtesy name “Dezu,” which he would receive upon reaching adulthood, but at this young age, he still wears his hair in twin buns and a windproof hat, resembling a young boy rather than a child. His attire, with its upper and lower garments, and the jade-embroidered shoes he wears while briskly walking towards her, exudes an air of wealth.

That’s all.

After he introduced himself, Qiao Yan’s lips twitched slightly.

Previously, when she met the twenty-something-year-old Liu Bei, Qiao Yan already felt a strange sense of temporal confusion. Seeing the nine-year-old Yang Xiu only intensified this feeling.

Considering his later involvement in the succession struggle between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi, which ultimately led to his execution on false charges, one can see that his behavior indeed lacked restraint.

Of course, with the backing of the powerful Yang and Yuan clans, and the scholarly reputation praised even by Lady Bian as “a virtuous and talented young man with unparalleled literary skills,” Yang Xiu’s slight arrogance wouldn’t be seen as a problem.

That is, in a pre-chaotic era.

Of course, during his current childhood, it’s still… somewhat acceptable.

No, there’s still a bit of subtlety.

Previously, Qiao Yan, in her quest for survival and to build her initial reputation, faced off against powerful clans, Yellow Turban commanders, and even the Great Virtuous Teacher. Her collaborators were either the three great Han generals—Huangfu Song, Lu Zhi, and Zhu Jun—or future warlords like Liu Bei and Cao Cao. She had almost forgotten that she herself was still a child.

Now, suddenly being approached by a genuine nine-year-old child gave her an indescribable sense of unease.

What’s more interesting is that Yang Xiu’s family has already produced three Grand Commandants. Given such a prestigious background, he is undoubtedly the top among the children of capital officials. Whether intentionally or not, when he approached Qiao Yan, he was followed by a group of young nobles.

In any other era, this would be a schoolyard brawl!

However, while Yang Xiu brought along peers, Qiao Yan brought her top-tier bodyguard, Dian Wei.

Seems like she’s the more street-smart one.

Qiao Yan coughed lightly, signaling Dian Wei not to look so menacing and ready to fight, before stepping forward to meet Yang Xiu.

The group of kids behind him was startled by Dian Wei’s aggressive stance, but the Grand Commandant’s grandson stood his ground, chest puffed out, unafraid, right in front of Qiao Yan.

Qiao Yan asked, “Young Master Yang, what brings you to me?”

Yang Xiu replied, “I’ve heard that Marquis Qiao is skilled in debate and strategy. Even before you arrived in Luoyang, your reputation preceded you. Though young, I am well-versed in poetry and literature and wish to witness your abilities.”

As he spoke, he scrutinized the girl before him.

With his friends guiding him and Dian Wei’s distinctive presence by Qiao Yan’s side, he clearly hadn’t mistaken her identity. However, he could only see that she remained composed under pressure but couldn’t discern how she had managed to dismantle the Yellow Turban forces, earning the title of Marquis of Leping through her own merits rather than inheritance.

Hearing that his grandfather had faced some setbacks in court for opposing the high evaluation of County Marquis, Yang Xiu plotted to restore some face for his grandfather by challenging Qiao Yan.

Though young, Yang Xiu, influenced by Yang Ci and Yang Biao, was exposed to scholarly discussions and often attended lectures at the Imperial Academy. Considering Qiao Yan didn’t grow up in Luoyang and lacked comparable educational resources, he felt confident in his chances of winning.

To this end, he had people monitor Yanxi Lane, only receiving news today that Qiao Yan had emerged from the lane.

Yang Xiu immediately gathered his entourage and intercepted Qiao Yan on the road.

Honestly, Yang Xiu didn’t expect his challenge to be refused.

The academic atmosphere of the late Han Dynasty was relatively open, as seen in the debates between the New Text and Old Text schools. Disagreements with others’ arguments or abilities could be openly discussed, which wasn’t considered rash but rather a mark of scholarly demeanor.

Yang Xiu, with his prodigy mindset, projected his own thoughts onto Qiao Yan—

Qiao Yan, having been enfeoffed as a marquis at a young age, achieving success by the age of ten, should have some pride. Faced with a public challenge, if he were in her position, he would surely seek to reclaim his honor.

However, what he heard was Qiao Yan’s reply: “I regret that I cannot comply.”

Seeing Qiao Yan about to turn and leave, Yang Xiu quickly stopped her, “Why won’t you compete with me? You are the Grand Commandant’s granddaughter, and I am the Grand Commandant’s grandson. Even if one loses, it won’t damage our reputations. I’ve heard from my grandfather about your three debates and deeply admire your broad knowledge, worthy of being the best among peers. But I too am confident in my learning and propose three contests. Why not hear what they are before deciding?”

As if fearing Qiao Yan wouldn’t believe him, he pointed into the distance, saying, “If you doubt my abilities, my friends at the Imperial Academy can vouch for me.”

Perhaps there was no need to seek friends at the Imperial Academy, as Qiao Yan was intercepted on the main street leading from Luoyang’s south gate to the Luoshui Floating Bridge, not far from the Imperial Academy.

The peculiar scene of these two children’s confrontation had already drawn onlookers. Hearing Yang Xiu’s words, someone immediately chimed in, “Indeed, Young Master Yang is exceptionally talented. If not for his young age, he should already be a child scholar at the Imperial Academy.”

The title of child scholar, historically in the Eastern Han, required a minimum age of twelve. Yang Xiu, at nine, was slightly exceptional.

But this statement was enough to prove he was no ordinary child.

The speaker’s judgment was quickly endorsed by the crowd.

Of course, there was also an element of enjoying the spectacle.

However, while Yang Xiu’s challenge was well-founded, Qiao Yan’s reason for refusal was equally valid. She stated, “Thank you for your regard, Young Master Yang, but my grandfather is gravely ill, and I have no heart for competition.”

Yang Xiu was momentarily stunned, realizing this was indeed Qiao Yan’s current situation.

Though Qiao Xuan’s illness wasn’t new, Qiao Yan had only recently arrived in the capital. Engaging in a public challenge while her grandfather’s life hung in the balance was somewhat inappropriate.

From Qiao Yan’s perspective, even without using her grandfather’s illness as an excuse, accepting Yang Xiu’s challenge wasn’t suitable.

Once agreed, she would have to give her all to win—this was unquestionable.

She had earned her marquis title by refuting Zhang Jiao, accumulating military merits, and taking advantage of the power struggle between noble families and officials, with the emperor balancing the scales. But if she lost—

Just as Zhang Jiao lost his position as the Yellow Turban leader, she too would be seen as replaceable due to her lack of irreplaceability!

But winning would also mean trampling on the Yang family’s pride.

She could afford to be dismissive of Yuan Shao on her way to Luoyang, as the imperial decree was delivered by Bi Lan, with Yuan Shao as the deputy. Following the emperor’s will to be closer to the main envoy was understandable.

But publicly humiliating the Grand Commandant’s descendant would be problematic.

Qiao Yan’s political inheritance from Qiao Xuan was already diminished; she couldn’t afford to make more enemies.

“But…” Yang Xiu tried to counter Qiao Yan’s refusal but found it difficult.

Especially as he observed Qiao Yan’s slightly weary expression.

Yang Xiu didn’t know that Qiao Yan’s fatigue came from tending to her vegetable plot, as she was inexperienced in tilling and fertilizing, overexerting herself. He genuinely thought she was busy caring for her grandfather.

However, his quick wit soon found another approach. After a brief pause, he said to Qiao Yan, “Then how about we change the way we compete?”

Without waiting for Qiao Yan’s refusal, Yang Xiu continued, “It’s the end of the month, and the Monthly Appraisal is approaching. Xu Zijiang of Runan has come to Luoyang to avoid the war. Previously held monthly on Qinghe Island, the June appraisal will be held at the Dingzhong Temple in Luoyang’s Huangjiao. Why don’t we both attend and see who can earn Xu Zijiang’s evaluation?”

He added, “Xu Zijiang is fair in his assessments and doesn’t favor anyone due to their noble background. I, Yang Xiu, have no way to make him open his doors to us, making it a true test of ability.”

Yang Xiu wasn’t wrong.

Though Xu Shao wasn’t particularly likable, and rumors of discord with his cousin Xu Jing, who co-hosted the Monthly Appraisal, were rife, and there were naturally a few who gained fame through the appraisal, it was certain that Xu Zijiang genuinely cared about the appraisal’s reputation.

Yuan Shao, to avoid a bad reputation from Xu Zijiang, even traveled lightly when returning to Runan, fearing Xu might label him as “a descendant of a four-generation three-duke family, a parasite, and excessively extravagant,” which would be devastating to his reputation.

If even Yuan Shao was cautious, Yang Xiu certainly wouldn’t receive special treatment due to his family background.

“Moreover—” Yang Xiu was determined to compete with Qiao Yan and brought up another reason. “If Xu Zijiang praises Marquis Qiao, earning you a good reputation, it would surely comfort your grandfather in his illness.”

This effectively blocked Qiao Yan’s excuse of her grandfather’s illness.

With things put this way, if Qiao Yan still refused, it wouldn’t be seen as filial piety but as unworthy of her reputation.

Thus, the challenge of who could earn Xu Zijiang’s appraisal was one she had to accept.

She decisively replied, “Alright, I’ll compete with you.”

This was why, upon hearing the news, Bi Lan reported to Liu Hong:

“Coinciding with the upcoming Monthly Appraisal on the first of June, Yang Xiu and Marquis Qiao have agreed to compete to see who can earn Xu Zijiang’s evaluation.”

Speaking of the Monthly Appraisal, Qiao Yan was genuinely curious.

Cao Cao once received Xu Zijiang’s appraisal, being called “a villain in times of peace, a hero in times of chaos.” However, this evaluation was obtained under duress, after Qiao Xuan had already given him the title of “a talent of the age.”

When Qiao Yan read this in historical records, she found the phrase “seizing the opportunity to coerce Xu Shao, who had no choice but to comply” incredibly amusing.

Unfortunately, since she addressed Cao Cao as “Uncle,” she couldn’t very well ask him how he had coerced Xu Shao—whether he had pulled out a knife or staged some other dramatic scene.

In any case, the Monthly Appraisal, a product of the talented scholars of Runan and Yingchuan, ended up being manipulated by Cao Cao, which was quite intriguing.

As Yang Xiu mentioned, the Monthly Appraisal was originally held on Qinghe Island in Runan, not in Luoyang. Under normal circumstances, Qiao Yan, having come to Luoyang, wouldn’t have had the chance to meet Xu Zijiang.

But due to the Yellow Turban Rebellion, this impossibility became possible.

Before the Battle of Changshe in Yingchuan, Yellow Turban forces had already infiltrated Runan. With the Han army’s initial defeat, Xu Shao and his cousin naturally worried about their safety if they remained in Runan.

Considering the defenses of Luoyang’s eight passes were much safer than Runan, which could be attacked by the Yellow Turbans at any moment, they relocated to Luoyang.

However, upon arrival, true to his style, Xu Shao only stayed at the Dingzhong Temple in the southwestern outskirts of Luoyang, also known as Huangjiao due to the Yellow Emperor’s altar.

The Dingzhong Temple shouldn’t be mistaken for a Taoist temple; the “ding” refers to the “tripod” from “King Wu’s campaign against King Zhou, establishing Luoyang and setting the tripod,” making it a historical memorial site.

Xu Shao’s decision further elevated his standing among Luoyang’s scholars.

Being in Luoyang inevitably brought him into contact with the powerful, but Xu Shao remained unmoved by external influences.

Having managed the Monthly Appraisal for years, he had the capital to leverage the reputation of “when the world speaks of selecting talents, all refer to Xu and Guo” to gain the favor of the Three Excellencies, starting from a minor official position to becoming a regional governor. Yet, he chose not to.

Instead, he resided in Luoyang’s outskirts, continuing what could be called the “Monthly Character Appraisal of the Late Han.”

Thus, the upcoming appraisal on the first of June, and…





The absence of scholars from Runan did not diminish the spirit of public discourse. Instead, due to the enthusiasm of Luoyang’s scholars, even before the first day of the sixth month, the usually quiet outskirts of Luoyang, around the Dingzhong Temple, saw an unusual increase in visitors.

They stood holding books or sat under the open sky. When Qiao Yan and Yang Xiu arrived, the scene resembled a grand festival, akin to “bathing in the Yi River, dancing in the wind.”

“Six or seven children…” Qiao Yan glanced at Yang Xiu and his entourage, feeling the scene was even more fitting.

Since Qiao Yan’s words were more of a soliloquy, Yang Xiu didn’t catch what she said.

Before he could ask, Qiao Yan inquired, “I heard that Grand Commandant Yang intended to recommend Xu Zijiang but was refused. Aren’t you afraid he might treat you poorly because of this?”

Yang Xiu laughed, “I’ve heard that Master Zijiang’s critiques are fair and just, praising and criticizing appropriately, always starting from human ethics and concluding after careful observation. My grandfather’s recommendation was out of respect for his clear judgment, with no ill intent. As for me, Yang Xiu, I am here today not as Yang Ci’s grandson but as myself. Why dwell on past family matters?”

Seeing Qiao Yan seemed satisfied with his answer, Yang Xiu replied, “Now I understand, you truly have the capability to challenge.”

Receiving this affirmation, Yang Xiu couldn’t help but show a hint of joy on his face.

However, Qiao Yan’s praise was of little use; Yang Xiu aimed to win in the Monthly Appraisal.

Unaware that their competition in the Monthly Appraisal had already caught the attention of Liu Hong, who sent someone to observe the duel, Yang Xiu only knew that he had spoken boldly but felt a bit awkward as they approached the Dingzhong Temple.

This feeling was understandable.

Among the adult scholars and officials seeking fame and promotion, the sudden appearance of two such young individuals was strikingly conspicuous.

Yang Xiu’s companions had already stopped at the edge of the crowd due to the attention, leaving only Yang Xiu and Qiao Yan to proceed.

He looked at this outstanding peer, who showed no sign of nervousness under the curious gazes, nor did she try to cover up with feigned calmness.

Biting his lip, Yang Xiu decided not to lose face and followed.

As Qiao Yan walked faster, Yang Xiu saw a young man near the Dingzhong Temple who, upon seeing Qiao Yan, asked in surprise, “Do children also seek to rise like dragons through the Monthly Appraisal?”

Those who received positive comments from Xu Shao often saw rapid promotions, hence the metaphor of “rising like a dragon.”

Both Qiao Yan and Yang Xiu understood the underlying message: children cannot be dragons, and if they fail to rise, they might fall into the abyss.

However, the next moment, Yang Xiu heard Qiao Yan reply, “Have you not heard that the voice of a young phoenix is clearer than that of an old one?”

The man was momentarily speechless.

Honestly, he hadn’t heard this saying, as it was from the later poet Li Shangyin.

Under the dual pressure of not wanting to admit ignorance and Qiao Yan’s calm gaze, he thought for a moment and then respectfully replied, “I apologize for my rudeness. Youth can indeed produce heroes.”

With that, he made way for Qiao Yan.

Yang Xiu, who had been pleased with Qiao Yan’s praise for his stance on his grandfather and himself, now felt that considering her as his lifelong rival was indeed the right decision.

But now, he couldn’t think of a more clever retort than Qiao Yan’s to prove his worth, as upon squeezing to the front with Qiao Yan, he found the doors of the Dingzhong Temple tightly shut.

This was slightly different from the rules he had heard about the Monthly Appraisal hosted by the Xu brothers in Runan.

“My grandfather said that in Runan, Master Zijiang welcomed all guests, sitting around and discussing topics with his brother. But today seems different,” Yang Xiu whispered. “I thought if it followed the Runan rules, we could step forward and introduce ourselves. If the attendees didn’t know us, we could compete. But with the doors closed, it seems…”

His plan couldn’t proceed.

Qiao Yan thought for a moment and asked the scholar who had made way for her, “May I ask who has entered before?”

Seeing the child’s troubled expression, the scholar quickly replied, “Han Yuanchang, Chen Yuanfang, the Grand General’s Chief Clerk, the Commandant, Wang Gongjie, Chen Kongzhang, and Xu Ziyuan have all entered.”

These were the famous scholars of Luoyang…

Though their reputations couldn’t match those of Xun Shuang and He Yong who came later, they were currently the most outspoken and eloquent in Luoyang.

Thus, the open forum of Runan’s Qinghe Island had turned into a closed forum due to the large number of Luoyang scholars, with those outside waiting for the results.

This was easier to manage, but as Yang Xiu said, how could their names enter the view of those inside?

Qiao Yan obviously couldn’t follow Cao Cao’s approach.

Being in Luoyang represented Qiao Xuan’s image, so she couldn’t have Dian Wei break down the door.

If she did, no matter how outstanding her performance or apologies, it would be futile.

So, she had to take the proper route.

She pondered over the names mentioned earlier.

Han Yuanchang was Doctor Han Rong;

Chen Yuanfang was the son of Chen Shi, the Chief of Taiqiu, and father of Chen Qun;

He Jin’s Chief Clerk Wang Qian, though not famous himself, had a son named Wang Can, one of the Seven Scholars of Jian’an;

Commandant Bian Rang was the arrogant scholar who belittled Cao Cao and met a tragic end;

Wang Gongjie was later the Prefect of Henei, Wang Kuang;

Chen Kongzhang was none other than the renowned Chen Lin;

Finally, Xu Ziyuan was Xu You, who first served Yuan Shao and then Cao Cao during the Guandu Campaign.

Did these people have any common points she could exploit?

It seemed they did!

“What are you thinking?” Yang Xiu suddenly interrupted Qiao Yan’s thoughts.

Having a plan, Qiao Yan replied, “Since the doors are closed and we can’t enter, why don’t we each write a policy essay and send it in for critique?”

As she spoke, she looked around, receiving many amused glances, as if looking at a newborn calf. This meant others had thought of it, but with Chen Lin and Bian Rang being highly esteemed, few dared to present their writings in such a setting, fearing ridicule.

Yet, Qiao Yan, upon identifying the attendees, boldly decided to proceed.

And Yang Xiu dared too!

After all, he thought he had nothing to fear.

Being young, even if his writing was slightly inferior, he wouldn’t face harsh criticism but rather receive rare high-level feedback.

Thinking this, he immediately replied, “Good, bring paper and brush!”

But what to write to outdo Qiao Yan… Yang Xiu pondered, biting his brush.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Qiao Yan writing swiftly, as if she had already formed her thoughts and was now pouring them out.

Yang Xiu quickly looked away, fearing he might get anxious from Qiao Yan’s pace, but he was curious about what she was writing.

He had heard his grandfather analyze Qiao Yan’s first debate against Zhang Jiao, where she overwhelmed with numerous arguments. Was she using the same tactic now?

Unfortunately, no matter how curious he was, when their essays were sent into the Dingzhong Temple, he couldn’t preview them.

He was quite satisfied with his own writing and didn’t want Qiao Yan to see it beforehand.

He silently complained that length wasn’t the criterion but couldn’t help feeling flustered under Qiao Yan’s calm gaze.

In his fluster, he started counting time, feeling it passed too slowly.

In reality, after counting eight rounds, the essays were finally delivered to Xu Shao.

The incident outside, along with Qiao Yan’s “the voice of a young phoenix is clearer than that of an old one,” had already reached Xu Shao and the attendees.

One was the grandson of Grand Commandant Yang Ci.

The other was the granddaughter of former Grand Commandant Qiao Xuan, also the Marquis of Leping personally enfeoffed by His Majesty.

If these two were slightly older and held official positions, Xu Shao would have had to critique them.

But now, it seemed somewhat comical.

However, people enjoy a bit of schadenfreude, and everyone was curious about what these children had presented to gain Xu Zijiang’s attention.

Since Yang Xiu submitted later, his essay was on top, and Xu Shao read it first.

After a couple of lines, he laughed.

“This child’s adaptability is quite interesting. Guess what he wrote?”

Xu Shao was talking to himself and didn’t wait for Chen Lin’s response before continuing, “He recorded several dialogues between himself and his grandfather, filled with childlike wit and some insights. This child is clever. His grandfather has already pointed out the shortcomings, so I need not add more.”

“Quick-witted, very good.”

He set aside Yang Xiu’s dialogue collection and picked up Qiao Yan’s essay.

Expecting little difference given their similar ages and reputations as prodigies, Xu Shao was taken aback upon reading Qiao Yan’s silk manuscript.

This wasn’t a clever trick like Yang Xiu’s but a serious policy essay.

The more he read, the more astonished he became, and he suddenly stood up, exclaiming, “Yuanchang, Gongjie, Kongzhang… please come and read this.”

Yang Xiu felt he had counted eight rounds of time, yet the Dingzhong Temple’s doors remained shut, as if their submissions had sunk without a trace, with no response from inside.

He even felt the surrounding gazes turning mocking.

Meanwhile, Qiao Yan stood calmly, making him retract his thought of leaving in a huff.

Just as his patience was about to run out, the Dingzhong Temple’s door opened a crack, and a middle-aged scholar stepped out.

He walked over, holding nothing, and bowed to Yang Xiu.

He said, “Congratulations, Young Master Yang. Master Zijiang’s evaluation for you is—’Quick-witted, commendable courage.'”

Yang Xiu’s heart skipped a beat.

Though a neutral evaluation, for a boy not yet ten, it was a pleasant surprise!

The meaning was clear: Yang Xiu was quick-witted, commendable for his courage due to his young age.

But the significance went beyond that.

There was an unspoken rule.

At nine, Yang Xiu daringly sought an evaluation from Xu Shao meant that upon adulthood, he could return to replace this childhood evaluation, unlike others who waited long for a critique.

This was a way to engage Xu Shao!

Compared to his grandfather’s outright rejection by Xu Shao, he had the upper hand.

He smiled childishly, but before he could boast to Qiao Yan, the middle-aged scholar turned to her.

Seeing his warmer, genuine smile, Yang Xiu felt a pang of unease.

Sure enough, the scholar bowed to Qiao Yan and said, “Congratulations, Marquis Qiao. Master Zijiang’s evaluation for you is—”

“‘A scholar at the red steps, the young phoenix has a clear voice.'”