Chapter 395

Chapter 395

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Kingly Power, Unification of the World, Chapter 395: Cao Cao Breaks the Deadlock

Book: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 395: Cao Cao Breaks the Deadlock

People may not fear having nothing, but they certainly fear comparison.

If everyone in the Qiao family of Yanzhou were like Qiao Zhen, even if they were under Qiao Yan’s command, they would only be assigned to positions like medical institute workers. These Qiao family members, who couldn’t see the profound implications behind their actions, might even rush to Ye City to show their loyalty, declaring they would never align with Qiao Yan, the usurper of the Han dynasty.

But when the promotions of Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting were placed before them, they couldn’t convince themselves to ignore it.

What does it mean to be one of the Nine Ministers at less than twenty years old?

Compared to Qiao Yan, who became the Grand Marshal at nineteen, those who legitimately reached the position of Duke or Nine Ministers were usually not so young.

The few exceptions who didn’t fit the age limit were either like Yuan Ji, the eldest son of the Yuan family from Runan, or Liu Qi, who was used to show favor to Liu Biao, a member of the Han imperial family. Otherwise, it would be someone like Xianyu Fu, who followed Liu Yu to Chang’an.

But Liu Qi’s position as Grand Coachman held no real power, and Xianyu Fu’s position as Commandant was diluted by Qiao Yan’s direct subordinates, making Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting, who had both status and real power, stand out even more.

They were not military generals but civil officials!

The room for exceptional promotion among civil officials was originally small.

These people, who didn’t dare to take any risks in Liang, would never have imagined that Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting had done far more for Qiao Yan than just their contributions in the final battle of Xuzhou. They also played a role in the standoff between north and south Xuzhou and the upheaval in Yang Province.

They wouldn’t think that while the sisters stayed in the army, they were risking their lives for a future.

They only thought—

If back then…

When Qiao Yan was campaigning in Yizhou, those in Chang’an hadn’t strained their relationship with her to this extent, and the Qiao family members hadn’t been expelled from Chang’an, with Qiao Yan establishing her own branch in Bingzhou, would they be the ones now among the Nine Ministers?

Perhaps not just stopping at the Nine Ministers.

The Han rule was that only the Liu family could be enfeoffed as kings. Qiao Yan, who founded the Da Yong dynasty, didn’t enfeoff her most important subordinates as kings. Did this mean the kingly titles would follow the previous dynasty, only given to those of the same surname?

When the imperial family was sparse and weak, such enfeoffments were even more necessary to quickly elevate their status.

What they missed might have been the chance to establish a kingdom as princes.

Even, there was another possibility.

Qiao Yan ascended the throne without heirs. If she adopted an heir from the imperial family to avoid the risks of childbirth, one of them could have been the future Son of Heaven or a close relative.

Wouldn’t that be much better than having only one person in Ye City while the rest languished in Yanzhou?

This more favorable possibility made everyone in the hall wear similar expressions.

When they looked at the few at the end, their eyes were filled with resentment, as if these people had stolen their immense wealth.

The youngest among them couldn’t hold back.

Back in Chang’an, he had been used as an example of incompetence by Qiao Yan, compared to “Yuan Feng.” Even though he later learned that Yuan Feng wasn’t a poor man who climbed to become a close minister of the emperor but Tian Feng from Ji Province, the humiliation he felt then still lingered.

He also couldn’t forget the beating he received from the clan leader when he was thrown out of Guanzhong and barely made it back to Liang, which made him lose face within the clan.

Now, they were blaming him for their lost fortune, which was utterly unreasonable!

“Don’t forget what the Da Yong Emperor in Chang’an said about us!” he suddenly broke the silence, but perhaps it was a case of either exploding in silence or perishing in it. His gaze no longer held the respect of a junior in the family but rather a sense of desperation. “She called us parasites born from peaches and plums. Parasites!”

“If any of us had supported her when she was still in Bingzhou, or held the rear for her when she campaigned in Liangzhou, even if we were mediocre, we would have been the first to share in her rise. It’s not just because of my arrogance that we ended up like this.”

“You blame me so easily, but why don’t you see that if someone in these years had stood by her when she was targeted by that so-called Minister Wang, or supported her policies, even if we were separate branches, we wouldn’t be completely disconnected. It’s because we were all too afraid!”

Afraid of what?

Afraid that Qiao Yan’s current wealth was just a fleeting cloud, ready to dissipate at any moment.

Afraid that if they tried to get close again, they would face her ruthless treatment, not only gaining no benefits but possibly losing their lives.

Even more afraid that even if they repaired the relationship, they would still be the most insignificant in the Chang’an court. Everyone knew Qiao Yan valued practicality and talent. When she was just the Grand Marshal, she wouldn’t use her power to benefit them.

“Shut up!” The clan leader at the head of the table slammed his cane, cutting off the young man’s words. “How dare you speak to your elders like this!”

“Why wouldn’t I dare… After all, the prosperous Chang’an has no place for me, and with my abilities, I can’t make a name for myself in Ye City,” he sneered. “Everyone here bears some responsibility. How dare you push it all on me!”

“If you really have the ability, go to Chang’an now. If you can’t persuade the Emperor, go cozy up to the Minister of Ceremonies and the Commandant. With the time you spend scolding me, you could have walked halfway down the Xiaohan Road!”

The clan leader had indeed considered going to Chang’an, but he was afraid that instead of gaining benefits, he would be judged by Qiao Yan as someone eager for quick success, severing the connection of the same surname. Hearing this from the younger generation, he was so angry that he swallowed the idea of a roundabout approach.

If Qiao Yan knew that the Qiao family in Liang could still engage in such infighting at this time, she would probably have to reassess them.

But the fact that these troublesome people didn’t claim royal status and jump in front of her, disrupting her excitement after replacing the Han dynasty, was somewhat a good thing.

However, if the Qiao clan leader had such self-awareness, it was likely because Qiao Yan had eliminated Wang Yun and others before her ascension, including Liu Yang.

Since being a member of the Han imperial family wouldn’t make Qiao Yan show mercy, what about them?

They weren’t like Liu Yu or Liu Xie, who had a history of offering the throne to Qiao Yan. Just because they shared the surname Qiao, could they really ensure that Qiao Yan wouldn’t kill them in a fit of anger?

They weren’t sure if others feared the consequences of killing noble family members, but Qiao Yan had already executed people in Liangzhou, Yangzhou, and Guanzhong. She wouldn’t have such concerns!

From the time Qiao Yan received the title of Marquis of Leping to now, nearly twelve years had passed, and they had made too many wrong choices.

Once the arrow is shot, there’s no turning back. Rather than hoping Qiao Yan would suddenly change her mind, they should directly align with the Ye court.

As this thought just began to form, he was visited by a special guest.

The visitor was from the Shouzhang Wang family.

He was straightforward. After being welcomed into the study by the Qiao clan leader, his first words were, “I came from Chenliu. Chen Gongtai met with Zhang Mengzhuo and told him that Cao Mengde is likely planning to bring Yanzhou and Yu Province under Da Yong’s rule.”

Having just caused a commotion in the clan due to Qiao Yan’s ascension, the Qiao clan leader’s expression changed.

But after considering his words, he replied, “Telling me this is of no use. My Qiao family has lost prefects and generals, and we’ve been separated from her by establishing our own branch. What ability do we have to interfere in the affairs of the province? Everything is decided by the Governor of Yanzhou.”

“If this defection leads to the unification of the world sooner, wouldn’t that be a good thing for us?”

“Not a good thing?” The Wang family member scrutinized his expression, making the Qiao clan leader look displeased and embarrassed before continuing, “I came here today and immediately told you something that shouldn’t be spread. Don’t you understand my sincerity?”

“If you insist on me being explicit, then I’ll give you a piece of advice.”

“If Yanzhou and Yu Province are to change hands in this manner, the credit will go to Cao Mengde. Tell me, how is your relationship with Cao Aman?”

The Qiao clan leader was speechless.

He wasn’t like the Shouzhang Wang family, who had mocked Chen Gong for raising provisions for Cao Cao and had a grudge with Cao Cao over Wang Fen’s death. But that letter sent to Ye City still existed. Who knew if Cao Cao would dig up old grievances?

His relationship with Cao Cao wasn’t good.

“Second, the Son of Heaven in Chang’an is clear in her likes and dislikes. If you go to Chang’an, will you gain favor or be suppressed to prevent trouble from your clan?”

This question was equally sharp. If Qiao Yan had any intention of reconciling with her clan, she wouldn’t have severed ties so drastically back then.

What was true then is true now.

With Qiao Lan, Qiao Ting, and Qiao Zhen, she wasn’t alone. The existence or absence of the Qiao family in Yanzhou made no difference to her.

Rather than having people try to climb up, it was better to nip it in the bud.

Whether they could even reach Chang’an was likely unknown.

“Third, do you think only your Qiao family would be suppressed by the Son of Heaven in Chang’an? If that were the case, why would someone as far-sighted as Chen Gongtai make such a choice?”

Indeed, why would Chen Gong do this?

If Cao Cao brought two provinces under Qiao Yan’s rule, with their past acquaintance, even if he couldn’t be enfeoffed as a General of the Chariots and Cavalry like those in the Ye court, he wouldn’t be treated poorly.

This would also set an example for Ye.

Surrendering to her was never too late, it seemed.

Cao Cao could keep his life and be granted titles, and as his chief strategist, Chen Gong, who had supported him all along, would also be well-treated.

But he chose to stab Cao Cao in the back at such a critical moment.

Putting himself in Chen Gong’s shoes, the Qiao clan leader couldn’t help but think that this wasn’t a desperate move out of loyalty to the Han.

But because he couldn’t accept the Da Yong dynasty brought by Qiao Yan.

“Chen Gongtai told Zhang Mengzhuo that the upheaval of the world should be done in a more orderly manner. Think about it.”

The Wang family member bowed to the Qiao clan leader as he spoke, “I’ve said my piece. If you’re willing to lend a hand, perhaps you can still achieve some merit. Besides, Cao Mengde has ruled Yanzhou and Yu Province for years, but he’s not Qiao Yeshu. Can he really not be defeated?”

Without waiting for the elder, whose mind was already in turmoil, to respond, the Wang family member left, leaving the Qiao clan leader alone.

He understood Chen Gong’s meaning.

With Qiao Yan’s rise, her coldness wasn’t just towards those who were once closely connected to her.








The clan, and the noble families who should have stood on the same front as her!

Cheng Yu rose to the rank of nobility, and neither Zhao Yun nor Qin Yu, who were among the Nine Ministers, came from noble families. The continuous promotion of knowledge dissemination and the discourse on prosperity also invisibly eroded the prestige of the noble families.

As she ascended to the position of the Son of Heaven, she no longer needed to impose restrictions on the noble families while offering them various benefits, as she did when implementing the alcohol restriction decree. Instead, with the centralization of armed forces in her hands, the hearts of the people formed an unstoppable force, giving her the capital to further suppress them.

The idea of the noble families co-governing the world with the Son of Heaven had already shown signs of impossibility in her case.

Thus, it was Yuan Shao’s subordinates who still had a chance to survive.

“Is Cao Cao… truly undefeatable?”

No.

Cao Cao’s power in Yanzhou is composed of several parts.

One part is his clan’s influence.

Compared to Qiao Yan, this part of the power is indeed formidable.

In recent years, rising stars like Cao Chun have demonstrated their strong talent for leading troops, not to mention the older ones like Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong. Cao Cao’s son, Cao Ang, is also no mediocrity.

Another part is the militia forces in Yanzhou, accumulated through the tuntian system after employing people like Zao Zhi and Man Chong.

This group is not small, but unfortunately, due to the approaching spring plowing, most of them are not by his side.

The last part is the followers Chen Gong helped him win over.

From the moment Chen Gong decided to betray Cao Cao, this group was likely no longer under Cao Cao’s command.

That’s not all.

When Cao Cao took office as the Governor of Yanzhou, Zhang Miao’s support allowed Cao Cao to rarely interfere in Chenliu’s affairs over the years.

As a result, Zhang Miao, Zhang Chao, Zhang Chao’s friend Zang Hong, and Bian Rang, who was also in Chenliu, formed a considerable force after enduring the pressures of natural disasters.

And Cao Cao is now in Chenliu Commandery!

If they bet on opposing Cao Cao at this moment and make a valuable contribution in this evenly matched confrontation, they would not be mistreated when Yanzhou is taken over by Yuan Shao.

Today, the turmoil caused by the noble families resisting Da Yong in Yanzhou could very well be the prelude to a united effort by the noble families across the nine provinces to restore the Han Dynasty. When that happens—

It will be the opportunity for the Ye court to counterattack.

“Father, this is too risky!” Hearing the Qiao clan leader’s plan, his son was startled and quickly replied.

“Risky? So what?” he coldly replied. “It was because of our previous hesitation that we ended up in this situation where we can’t enjoy our wealth. If we continue to wait and see, will we really wait until Cao Cao hands Yanzhou over to Qiao Yan and become the target of both Cao Cao and Qiao Yan’s purges?”

On the contrary, taking risks now could really gamble for a future.

Even if it doesn’t work out, fighting alongside these Yanzhou scholars would earn us some reputation. Even if we have to leave Yanzhou in the future, it’s not a loss!

He didn’t feel that he was hesitating when he should make a decision or making rash decisions when he shouldn’t. He only felt that the frustration of being scolded by his juniors was finally relieved!

Yes, this is the way to go!

“Do you believe that when they welcomed me to Yanzhou as the Governor, they said I was a nobleman with martial talent? Today, when they want to purge me, they will say that Cao Song, the old thief, bought the position of Grand Commandant with money but didn’t hold it for long. It’s indeed the stench of money that a eunuch’s adopted son could have. I, Cao Cao, am also no good, forming a stark contrast to the noble integrity of the scholars. They are righteously indignant and discerning in opposing me?”

Cao Cao shook the wine cup in his hand, looking at Cao Ang across from him.

At this point, he couldn’t help but let out a sneer, and Cao Ang replied, “Father, you don’t need to be so self-deprecating.”

But what Cao Ang wanted to say was more than just this. He wanted to ask why his father chose to say such things in such an environment.

Cao Ang’s gaze couldn’t help but fall to the ground, where someone was lying.

It was none other than Chen Gong.

When Cao Ang received Cao Cao’s message to bring wine and arrived, seeing Chen Gong knocked out on the ground and his father looking at him with an indescribable gaze, Cao Ang even doubted if he was hallucinating.

If it wasn’t a hallucination, how could he see Cao Cao knocking out his most trusted strategist?

But the soldiers guarding the tent a few steps away seemed completely unaware of what had happened inside. When they saw him bringing wine, they thought Cao Cao and Chen Gong were going to drink together and let him pass.

But what Cao Ang didn’t expect was to hear from Cao Cao that Chen Gong had betrayed him.

Even though Cao Ang deeply believed in his father’s ability to command troops, he had to admit that if this confrontation happened in Chenliu, they would face the situation Chen Gong described—they wouldn’t have a single soldier who could cross Chenliu’s defenses at the border of Yanzhou and Sili, successfully completing the plan to reach Luoyang.

Because his father never anticipated Qiao Yan’s ascension before this expedition and placed too much trust in Zhang Miao, who was like a brother.

As a result, Cao Cao’s direct forces in Chenliu were far fewer than what Zhang Miao and others could mobilize.

This meant that any move Cao Cao made, even mobilizing his other troops, would immediately provoke a siege from Zhang Miao and others.

But even in such a critical situation, Cao Cao’s years of experience ensured he wouldn’t panic.

Facing Chen Gong’s threats, perhaps it was this moment of conflict that made him decisively act on his previously hesitant decision. He directly used his early combat skills, grabbed a heavy object nearby, and smashed it on Chen Gong’s head, resulting in…

What Cao Ang saw when he arrived.

Then came Cao Cao’s recounting of the Cao family’s past.

“I’m not being self-deprecating; I’m analyzing the root of the conflict,” Cao Cao replied. “My efforts in Yanzhou over the years have made the people here remember who I am, but it’s probably not enough to stop those guys from digging up old grievances.”

He paused, downed the wine in his cup, and then said, “But they are too arrogant!”

Bian Rang, the famous scholar of Chenliu, was so arrogant that he caused Cao Cao endless troubles over the years, more than words could describe.

The noble families of Yanzhou, represented by the Wang family of Shouzhang, were not only uncooperative but also saw Cao Cao as a scourge.

And now, Chen Gong.

Chen Gongtai!

Cao Cao sighed inwardly, but his words seemed to continue the accusation of arrogance, with a hint of lightness in his tone.

“You see, Chen Gongtai’s arrogance has set a wrong example for us. If you want to scheme against someone, first, you must keep it secret and not be easily discovered. Second, if you’re going to confront someone, you must agree on a signal, like smashing a cup.”

Otherwise, it would end up like this.

Because he acted a step later than Cao Cao, giving him time to think about how to escape from Chenliu Commandery.

However, just informing Cao Ang so he could be aware when mobilizing the current camp’s defenders was far from enough.

Far from enough!

If it weren’t for the fact that the enemy’s strength in Chenliu Commandery was indeed overwhelming, Chen Gong wouldn’t have had the confidence to subdue him.

Cao Cao’s thoughts raced, and suddenly he had an idea. “Zixiu, do you have the courage to gamble with me?”

Cao Ang replied, “Father, you have the mood to joke about whether smashing a cup is necessary, teaching me a lesson with your extraordinary composure. Why wouldn’t I dare to fight for a way out with you?”

The double betrayal of Zhang Miao and Chen Gong couldn’t have left Cao Cao unaffected.

But his current demeanor only showed a calm sea, still hiding his true cards.

The slight panic in Cao Ang’s heart was temporarily suppressed by such a display.

“Good, you are indeed my son!” Cao Cao stood up, patted Cao Ang’s shoulder, and whispered in his ear, “After this, you don’t need to worry about anything. Once it’s discovered that Chen Gongtai is not drunk but knocked out here, you immediately take him hostage and secure the camp. If anyone interferes with your actions, kill them without mercy!”

“I need you to hold this camp for at least a day, and never let Zhang Mengzhuo’s people break through. With Zilian assisting you, it shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

Cao Ang estimated the distance between their camp and Zhang Miao’s forces and replied, “Not difficult!”

“Remember your promise. Within a day, I will bring reinforcements from Dong Commandery.”

After leaving those words, Cao Cao grabbed the wine pot on the table, took another swig, and without hesitation, lifted the tent flap and left.

To be precise, before appearing in front of the camp’s people, he slapped his face a few times, making it look like he was drunk.

But Cao Ang, who witnessed this, knew that Cao Cao was more清醒 than ever!

“Everyone, stop here!” Cao Cao pointed around and said fiercely to the soldiers looking at him, “You! Go get my horse! I must confront Zhang Mengzhuo and ask him why he’s sowing discord between me and Gongtai.”

“What are you waiting for? Go!”

Due to Cao Cao’s protection of the meeting place, no one present heard the conversation inside the tent, only assuming that Chen Gong had accidentally revealed something and used Zhang Miao’s provocation as an excuse to cover it up.

Being drunk often makes people impulsive, so Cao Cao’s decision to confront Zhang Miao didn’t seem impossible.

“What should we do now?” one of Chen Gong’s subordinates whispered to a colleague.

The other shook his head, “There’s no need to report this. Just have a few people follow him. He’s heading to Zhang’s territory; isn’t that like walking into a trap?”

If any conflict were to erupt now, Cao Cao might not return.

Then, having Zhang Miao take over this place wouldn’t be a bad development.

However, when Cao Cao arrived at Zhang Miao’s tent, his drunken antics became his best shield.

Without Zhang Miao’s explicit orders, no one could stop the Governor of Yanzhou, allowing him to dismount and rush into Zhang Miao’s tent.

Then, he immediately said, “You can’t doubt me!”

Before Zhang Miao could respond, Cao Cao grabbed his hand and dragged him out.

Zhang Miao, who was never decisive, was reminded of his early friendship with Cao Cao when dragged out of the tent.

This memory made him momentarily forget that Chen Gong had warned him when seeking him out: once a decision was made, it was better to kill by mistake than to let go, leaving no room for regret.

“Wait, Mengde, where are you taking me?”

Cao Cao’s loud reply made people suspect he was still drunk, “We’re going to Ye to see the Son of Heaven! The Cao family has plenty of money. I’ll buy another noble position to prove my loyalty to the Han Dynasty!”

“Come! Bring your people and follow me!”

Buying a noble position to prove innocence?

Cao Cao’s words left Zhang Miao full of questions.

Faced with such an absurd reason, how could Zhang Miao remember—

From Chenliu to Ji Province, one must pass through Dong Commandery, which Cao Cao had managed for seven years!