Chapter 405

Chapter 405

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms, Unification of the World Chapter 405: Those Who Know the Times

Book: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 405: Those Who Know the Times

However, before sentencing Yuan Shao, they should first wrap up the current situation.

Yuan Shao had something—whether it was a will to survive or sheer luck—that allowed him to escape from this place. Others were not so fortunate.

Especially those noble families from Yanzhou who participated in the relief operation for Chenliu. In the battle beneath Pingqiu City, or rather, the clash of three armies, they suffered heavy losses.

The dead are not worth mentioning. Guo Jia looked around at those who survived and noticed that, despite their fear of defeat, they still harbored some defiance towards Cao Cao. He couldn’t help but sigh, “General Cao’s control over Yanzhou still seems a bit lacking.”

For any ruler, having so many people conspire under their nose is a tragedy.

But Cao Cao had already moved past the initial shock of Chen Gong’s betrayal. He had a clear understanding of the irreconcilable interests between the noble families and himself and wouldn’t be provoked by Guo Jia’s words.

He calmly replied, “Are they opposing me or His Majesty in Chang’an? Can’t you see that, Governor Guo?”

“Of course, I can,” Guo Jia smiled. “So, General Cao shouldn’t mind if I quickly intervene in Yanzhou’s internal affairs, following His Majesty’s orders, and uproot all those involved, right?”

Cao Cao: “…”

Alright, so this is where he was waiting.

When it came to snatching credit, Guo Jia, despite his occasional laziness, had honed his skills competing with his ambitious colleagues. His rhetoric was still superior.

But after considering his own and his clan’s arrangements, Cao Cao decided not to fight for it.

He simply asked Guo Jia, “May I ask, what is His Majesty’s consideration regarding Yuzhou?”

Guo Jia replied, “Given the current situation, General Cao should cooperate and temporarily hand over Yuzhou’s administration to Yuan Yaoqing. After the involved parties are sent to Chang’an, His Majesty will reassign the officials for Yanzhou and Yuzhou.”

Yuan Huan, being from Yuzhou, could serve as the Prefect of Yingchuan, but becoming the Governor of Yuzhou clearly didn’t meet the residency requirements.

The final decision on the officials for this region would indeed be up to Qiao Yan.

For now, Cao Cao needed to brief Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren stationed in Yuzhou, as well as Li Gan and Yu Jin in Taishan County, and inform all regions of Yanzhou and Yuzhou about the current events, ensuring their cooperation with Guo Jia’s actions.

In the message Yuan Shao received, Cao Cao had intended to surrender to Da Yong, hence turning his blade inward and attacking Zhang Miao and others first. However, based on Cao Cao’s experience, he had narrowly escaped death.

Chen Gong had first contacted various forces, planning to eliminate Cao Cao, the Governor of Yanzhou, before he decided to defect. If not for Cao Cao’s timely escape, Man Chong’s competent response in Puyang, and Guo Jia’s arrival from Hulao Pass to Chenliu, persuading Cao Cao to surrender and cooperate, Cao Cao would have been the one imprisoned or even executed.

Whether it was Cao Cao’s soldiers, those “borrowed” from River North County, or the troops under Chen Gong and Zhang Miao, all could attest to this.

Even Yuan Shao had intervened in this operation, becoming the ringleader in uniting various forces against Cao Cao. In such a situation, Cao Cao’s defection was a victim forced by circumstances to surrender to Da Yong for survival, not some premeditated betrayal of the Han Dynasty.

Although Cao Cao’s rise to Governor of Yanzhou was closely tied to the support of Yanzhou’s noble families, led by Chen Gong, and Zhang Miao’s recommendation as Prefect of Chenliu, the agricultural and civilian benefits he and Zao Zhi achieved over the years were not mere empty promises.

In the face of such tangible achievements, the origins of Cao Cao’s governorship became less significant.

After Cao Cao finished drafting this convincing account, Guo Jia reviewed it and felt even more confident about fully controlling Yanzhou.

He ordered the manuscript to be quickly sent to Luoyang for printing, then turned to Huang Zhong and Xu Huang, instructing, “Generals Xu and Huang, when arresting people in Dongping and other places, follow His Majesty’s approach. Make sure to follow the family tree and don’t let any involved parties escape.”

Cao Ren, who had developed some goodwill towards Guo Jia for not having to apologize, was stunned upon hearing this.

Wait… Is this how Da Yong operates? So straightforward?

Guo Jia’s next words were even more direct, “Officials in Changyi and Juye who accommodated Yuan Shao and others during their journey should also be purged. If Yanzhou’s prisons can’t hold them, send all the living ones to Chang’an in prison carts. Chang’an’s prisons were renovated after His Majesty’s ascension and won’t run out of space.”

Cao Ren: “…”

While he understood that this was likely Da Yong’s Emperor making an example to deter others, and it didn’t much concern the Cao family—in fact, it was beneficial for them—hearing Guo Jia phrase it this way made him worry about his future conduct.

And it wasn’t just these negligent officials being sent to Chang’an in prison carts.

The noble families involved in this affair had expected to soon hear of Cao Cao’s death, with Yuan Shao taking over Yanzhou, and their own status and authority rising due to their correct stance. Instead, they faced a swift and decisive crackdown.

All those still breathing were packed into prison carts and sent towards Chang’an.

According to Guo Jia, these people didn’t qualify as “stubborn resisters” under His Majesty’s orders, but they could be considered “spoils of war” from the Yanzhou campaign. Their fate would be decided by the officials in Chang’an, under His Majesty’s judgment.

Regardless of how Yanzhou’s populace reacted, the people of Luoyang witnessed a grand spectacle.

A grand… procession of prison carts arriving from Hulao Pass, passing through Luoyang, and continuing west into the Xiaohan Road towards Chang’an.

Since Qiao Yan’s ascension, the people of Luoyang no longer feared her falling victim to Wang Yun and others’ schemes. With troops gradually replenishing Luoyang and Xun Yu having more freedom to deploy forces, they no longer needed to participate in the defense of Luoyang’s eight passes. Thus, they had more leisure to observe this unexpected event.

“What’s going on?” latecomers asked those at the front.

Perhaps due to the previous solidarity among Luoyang’s citizens, those who arrived earlier patiently explained, “The noble families of Yanzhou were dissatisfied with General Cao and His Majesty’s decision to promote books, thinking they were conspiring, so they struck first, intending to capture General Cao.”

“Who knew they would fail and instead be captured by General Cao and Governor Guo, sent to Chang’an for His Majesty’s judgment. It’s said many of these noble sons, eager to prove themselves on the battlefield, died in the fighting.”

The speaker shook his head in感慨, “What were they thinking? They ended up pushing General Cao, who was on their side, to defect to His Majesty.”

The latecomer replied, “If that’s the case, then General Cao has turned to the light. It’s a good thing he surrendered to His Majesty without a fierce battle.”

Some areas outside Luoyang’s eight passes, like parts of Henan Prefecture, were under Cao Cao’s control since Qiao Yan couldn’t reach them. Due to Luoyang’s reconstruction and population recruitment, some people from these areas moved into Luoyang.

Many of these people had once benefited from Cao Cao’s kindness and naturally didn’t want to see the two sides clash.

Now, the situation was developing in a direction everyone welcomed.

“Wait!” the latecomer suddenly thought of something and asked, “Does this mean Da Yong’s territory has gained another province?”

“More than that,” someone nearby replied, “Don’t forget, General Cao also controlled Yuzhou.”

So, Cao Cao’s surrender meant Da Yong’s territory had gained two provinces.

The already significant disparity of nine provinces to four had now become eleven to two due to the Yanzhou noble families’ farce.

Who wouldn’t say—

“The unification of the world is in sight!”

Even if the Han Dynasty’s remnants hadn’t completely vanished from their land, even if the Ye court could mount a desperate counterattack with their two provinces and one commandery, the tide of dynastic change was already unstoppable.

“I wonder what Grand General Yuan thinks about this,” the latecomer muttered.

Losing his last reliable ally in such a farce must have left him utterly frustrated.

Seeing the looks from those around him, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, I’m not sympathizing with him or planning to defect to Ye. Just感慨一下.”

“You’re late, so you missed some inside information,” someone who arrived earlier replied. “We’re not questioning your stance, but you missed a scoop. It’s said that Grand General Yuan was deeply involved in this Yanzhou incident, even personally present.”

“The latter’s hard to verify, but the former…” the gossip pointed ahead, “See that prison cart?”

The latecomer stood on tiptoe, trying to see where the person was pointing, but the crowd was too dense. He could only vaguely acknowledge seeing it.

The speaker, not expecting a clear view from such a distance, continued, “That’s Xu You, Grand General Yuan’s strategist. He was present when His Majesty received Xu Zijiang’s evaluation.”

“Think about it, what situation would lead to him being imprisoned here?”

Those discussing this had some understanding of the world’s situation.

Ye wasn’t too far from Luoyang, so some news inevitably reached them.

Xu You, while not as high-ranking as Ju Shou in Ye’s court and lacking real power, was undoubtedly the most trusted strategist under Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao’s attempt to win over Qiao Yan by returning grain was carried out by Xu You in Chang’an.

In recent years, Xu You rarely left Ye, always serving as Yuan Shao’s close advisor.

Unless Yuan Shao personally assigned him a task, there was no reason for him to go to Yanzhou.

This suggested Yuan Shao’s direct involvement in the Yanzhou turmoil.

Yet, this involvement didn’t secure control over Yanzhou and Yuzhou. Instead, it added another heavy blow to an already dire situation!

What was Yuan Shao thinking?

Beyond frustration, it must be regret!

Xu You, hearing the沿途民众’s speculations, a mocking smile flashed in his gloomy eyes as he curled up in a corner of the prison cart.

In his view, Yuan Shao wouldn’t feel regret. He was likely only angry.

Angry that Chen Gong and Zhang Miao’s plans were leaked to Cao Cao, giving Cao Cao and Guo Jia the chance to trap him.

Angry that the Yanzhou noble families were so incompetent, failing to launch an effective attack against Cao Cao’s forces despite joining forces with Zhang Chao and Zang Hong.

And angry that Cao Cao didn’t just take the beating and insults, choosing to surrender Yanzhou’s authority when Yuan Shao personally arrived, but instead mounted an effective counterattack.

Yuan Shao wanted everyone to follow his orders, swear loyalty to him, and give him preferential treatment as the last active political heir of the Yuan family. But he never considered that the premise of “a scholar dies for his知己” was that the lord truly treated his subordinates as知己!

Where in the world was there such a lord, who, when his subordinate had already plotted an escape route for him, not only didn’t share life and death but instead used his subordinate as a stepping stone!

Xu You once thought he understood Yuan Shao well, which was why he thrived under him.

But when Yuan Shao pulled him off his horse and fled alone, Xu You was sure he didn’t understand Yuan Shao at all.

What he least understood was how Yuan Shao could be so cold and heartless.

Comparing this to the mutual achievements between Cao Cao and his subordinates in Yanzhou’s actual battle, Liu Bei never abandoning Zhang Fei in Xuzhou’s battle, and the late Sun Ce’s broad-mindedness, Yuan Shao’s current status was undoubtedly tied to the era’s favoritism towards noble families!

Not to mention comparing him to Qiao Yan.

She was now Da Yong’s Emperor, no longer on the same level as Yuan Shao.

Xu You felt a bit dazed.

He vaguely understood why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao Yan wanted to promote public education and subtly suppress the noble families.

It wasn’t just to silence the outdated voices of “women can’t be emperors” that still lingered among the noble families.

Nor was it just to reward her loyal subordinates who had fought with her, elevating them above the noble families.

It was to prevent the current situation where三公代代相传, noble families filled the court, ensuring that arrogant and heartless people like Yuan Shao couldn’t rise to such high positions as they did in the late Han Dynasty.

The sunlight overhead, growing warmer with the approaching spring, made Xu Huang feel a bit dazed.

He seemed to vaguely understand why Qiao


In this uncovered prison cart, even the sunlight felt a bit too glaring. But when he realized his previous mistakes, the sunlight suddenly seemed more bearable, even dispelling some of the chill in his heart from falling from his status as a renowned scholar to this state. It was at this moment that he suddenly heard some commotion from a prison cart not too far behind him. Xu You turned his head toward the source of the noise and saw that the prisoner in the cart seemed unable to bear the fact that he had fallen to such a state and was now throwing a fit. When Xu You heard what the man was shouting, even though he didn’t know him before, he could now identify who he was. The man grabbed the bars of the cart and shouted, “Do you even know who I am? By seniority, your so-called ‘Your Majesty’ should call me uncle! I am the imperial uncle of the Son of Heaven of Da Yong! How dare you treat me like this!” Xu You: “…” This guy really knows how to inflate his own ego! He had seen shameless people before, but never someone this shameless! Who else could it be but someone from the Qiao family of Liang? At the foot of Pingqiu City, some members of the Qiao family had perished, and those who were unable to participate in the battle were rounded up by Guo Jia during the purge in Yanzhou and detained. When everyone gathered in Dongping Shouzhang, the ignorance of the Qiao family wasn’t so obvious, but now, when they were singled out, their actions were truly idiotic. How could such people, when trying to curry favor with Yuan Shao, completely forget about their powerful and reliable relative, and then, when their plans failed, shamelessly bring up that relationship again, hoping to get a pardon? Their flip-flopping was utterly foolish. If Xu You were Qiao Yan, he would probably wish these people would just disappear. Yet here they were, shouting, “Don’t you understand? I’m the Emperor’s relative! To insult me like this is to insult His Majesty—” “Shut up!” A piece of vegetable leaf flew from somewhere and landed right in the mouth of the Qiao family member, who was flailing about. “Everyone knows His Majesty separated from the family years ago. What kind of shabby relatives are you?” “Exactly,” someone chimed in. “If you’re being detained like this, it means you’ve broken the law. You should be dealt with according to the law. Why drag His Majesty into this?” “That’s right. If you really cared, being in Yanzhou, you should have been helping His Majesty solve problems and reclaim the territory. Instead, it looks like you were part of the Ye court’s attempt to take control of Yanzhou.” What kind of move is it to bring up Qiao Yan only when your life is on the line? If Qiao Yan hadn’t already kicked these so-called relatives to the curb, everyone here would have turned into Cheng Yu, ready to resort to violence to protect His Majesty’s dignity. “…Hey, give that vegetable leaf back. If you die halfway, you’ll claim we poisoned you on His Majesty’s orders.” That last comment was too much. The Qiao family elder, who had been trying to find a lifeline, couldn’t take it and fainted on the spot. “Quick, quick, get a doctor… No, don’t call Qiao Kezhang over. We don’t need them gaining another relative to cling to!” “I don’t know what the Qiao family was thinking. They pushed away the capable ones and kept the useless ones who can’t even read the room…” “Exactly. Let’s not waste time. If he really dies of anger, it’ll look bad for us.” Xu You, who had been feeling quite down, now felt a bit better after seeing someone even more miserable than himself. He slowly turned his gaze back and saw Chen Gong in the cart ahead also looking back. But on Chen Gong’s face, Xu You saw no sign of changing his stance, only disappointment that some people were not on the same path. But was Chen Gong’s “path” of martyrdom really the inevitable truth formed over thousands of years? With this heavy thought, Xu You was summoned to an audience with the Emperor shortly after arriving in Chang’an. Perhaps due to what he had seen in Luoyang, or perhaps because of Yuan Shao’s betrayal, his mood had undergone a drastic change. When he looked at Qiao Yan, he felt a bit dazed. Qiao Yan, however, spoke first, “It’s been years, Master Xu. Have you forgotten me?” Xu You quickly composed himself and replied, “Your Majesty, what are you saying? I just…” He just didn’t expect Qiao Yan to show him such respect. Qiao Yan was not short of strategists. Compared to Yuan Shao’s current situation, Qiao Yan had a far greater number of capable advisors, making Yuan Shao’s situation seem pitiful. The gap in power was already so vast that she didn’t need any intelligence from Xu You. She could simply rely on her strength to gradually swallow up the Ye court’s influence. Xu You couldn’t think of any use he could be to Qiao Yan. In such a situation, Qiao Yan could have easily executed him to further demoralize the Ye court. Yet here she was, addressing him as “Master Xu.” He thought this and asked it outright. Qiao Yan shook her head and replied, “If I were to evaluate you objectively, I would say you are greedy but not wise. Greedy in seeking wealth, unwise in trusting the wrong people. But as a strategist, the key lies in strategy. Since you pledged loyalty to Yuan Shao, you’ve made many astute judgments. In the battle of Yanzhou, you even helped Yuan Shao escape. Why belittle yourself like this?” If her initial praise had eased Xu You’s tension, her next words gave him a glimmer of hope. “Besides, I have two tasks for you to accomplish, so don’t think you’re useless.” “One is called ‘A wise bird chooses its tree, a wise minister chooses his master.’ It’s never too late to make this decision. But I want the difference between a wise ruler and a foolish one to be even more apparent. And to achieve this, only you, Xu You, can do it.” Xu You vaguely guessed what she meant and nodded, “Xu You is willing to serve Your Majesty.” With most of the thirteen provinces already under control, switching sides now still gave him a chance to make a name for himself. If he waited until the world was at peace to appear before Qiao Yan as a defeated general, he would have no future! Xu You wasn’t afraid of being labeled “greedy but not wise,” but he feared becoming just another commoner lost in the crowd. Since Qiao Yan was willing to give him a chance, he would take it! “The other is called ‘Not forgetting old favors.'” The phrase “not forgetting old favors” didn’t carry much sentiment in Qiao Yan’s tone. But Xu You didn’t care about that now. When he looked up at Qiao Yan, he saw the newly enthroned Emperor exuding an imperial aura. Though he understood what Qiao Yan meant, he dared not claim any gratitude. As Qiao Yan said, this was just about using his existence to complete a well-rounded tale. She continued, “Back at the Dingzhong Temple meeting, those who witnessed Xu Zijiang’s evaluation of me—that the young phoenix has a clear voice—have mostly passed away in the past two years. Han Yuanchang and Xu Zijiang are gone, and we can no longer see the glory of Luoyang and Chang’an. Chen Yuanfang is now the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, one of the Nine Ministers. Wang Zhongxuan has taken his father’s place in court, drafting documents for me. Bian Wenli died in Yanzhou, and I’ve ordered a grand burial for him in Junyi. That leaves only three people—” “The Prefect of River North County, Wang Gongjie; the Military Advisor of the Grand General’s Mansion, Chen Kongzhang; and you, Xu Ziyuan.” Wang Kuang, Chen Lin, and Xu You. These were the ones from the Dingzhong Temple meeting who were still on the opposing side. “Master Xu, please set an example for these two.” Qiao Yan paused, “Oh, I forgot. Wang Gongjie probably doesn’t need to be considered.” Xu You was stunned. What did she mean by Wang Kuang not needing to be considered? Was she saying that Wang Kuang had repeatedly provoked her, so even if she wanted to remember old favors, it wouldn’t be for someone like him? Or was she saying that after the battles in Yanzhou and Yu Province, River North County would soon be taken by her forces? Qiao Yan didn’t give Xu You a clear explanation. She simply had him settled in a place and provided him with paper and brushes. Remembering how Qiao Yan had once secured Tian Feng’s family, Xu You didn’t hesitate and immediately started writing, hoping to seize this chance to switch sides and secure his future wealth. Meanwhile, Qiao Yan dropped a bombshell in the court of Chang’an. “Why such expressions?” Qiao Yan’s gaze swept over the faces in the hall, her calm demeanor completely at odds with what she had just said. “I’ve already explained the situation in Yanzhou. The noble families there disobeyed the law, trying to seize power by pressuring the governor with private soldiers. If we don’t kill them, how can we set an example for the world?” “In the past, those from the four families of Liang Province who didn’t break the law or exploit the people were spared. The same goes for the four families of Yang Province. But the ringleaders must be executed. This is the bottom line. Or—” “Do some of you here share the same ideas as them?” What ideas? The idea of preventing Qiao Yan from further spreading education and knowledge throughout the land! Of course, there were such people in the provinces already under Qiao Yan’s control. They hadn’t dared to speak out before, but now she would make sure they wouldn’t dare to even think it after today’s events! “I’ll leave the investigation to the Ministry of Justice. Also, Minister Huang.” Huang Wan, suddenly called upon, looked up in surprise. Qiao Yan continued, “The Ministry of Justice falls under the Minister over the Masses, but Minister Cheng is from Yanzhou and shouldn’t be involved in this case. I’ll trouble you, Minister Huang, to oversee it instead.” Huang Wan wanted to say that if that were the case, then Qiao Ting, who served as the Minister of Justice, was also from Yanzhou. But he suddenly realized that due to changes in her family records, Qiao Ting was now considered a member of the Qiao family of Leping in Bingzhou. And with the Ministry of Justice under the imperial family, this trial of the Yanzhou noble families would further emphasize the Emperor’s will. Was Qiao Yan really insisting on having a high-ranking official oversee this to back Qiao Ting? No… that wasn’t it! She was clearly using him, Huang Wan, as a test to gauge the attitude of the noble families across the land! The Yanzhou families had already proven, through their disastrous failure, that Qiao Yan would not budge an inch in enforcing her policies. Her recent reclamation of two provinces further left no room for anyone to question her authority. If he were to go against the tide, he would only meet his end! After a moment of internal struggle, Huang Wan bowed and replied, “I will follow Your Majesty’s decree.” Meanwhile, Yuan Shao had just completed a grueling journey. Though he had managed to escape by swimming across the Ji River, he had no subordinates or horses left. How could he possibly make it back to Ji Province under such conditions? He didn’t carry coins with him, and in his earlier state of preparing for battle, he certainly didn’t have any on him. The only valuable thing he had was a jade pendant hanging from his neck. But if he tried to exchange it for money, he would be recognized immediately and captured by Cao Cao’s forces. He didn’t dare take such a risk. So he couldn’t even buy a horse and had to walk back. His clothes were taken from a farmer’s drying rack, and his food was whatever he could forage or catch in the wild. Thankfully, it wasn’t the dry season, or he might have died of thirst. What made Yuan Shao even more relieved was that when he started his journey, he was in Dingtao, which was just half a county away from Dong Commandery. No one would expect him to pass near Puyang and then cross the river to enter Wei County. When he finally saw the gates of Liyang, Yuan Shao’s nerves, which had been strained for over ten days, finally relaxed. If he hadn’t pinched his arm hard, he might have fainted on the spot. Fortunately, he managed to stand before the magistrate of Liyang County. Since this place wasn’t far from Ye City, the magistrate had seen Yuan Shao during his visits to the capital. But even so, when he saw this disheveled middle-aged man, he almost couldn’t believe it was Yuan Shao. How could the Grand General, who lived in luxury, look like he had aged ten years? Yuan Shao should have been in Ye City, not appearing here in such a state. But his voice and demeanor were unmistakable! The magistrate of Liyang quickly had Yuan Shao helped inside and cautiously asked, “Grand General, I heard that three days ago, Lü Bu attacked the borders of You and Ji Provinces again. Shouldn’t you be in Ye City right now?” Hearing this news, Yuan Shao’s already pale face turned a mix of green and red. The defeat in Yanzhou, the loss of Yanzhou and Yu Provinces, and this unprecedented, grueling journey had pushed Yuan Shao to the brink of collapse. And now, someone was launching an attack from the north of Ji Province. He slammed the cup of hot tea he had just been handed and roared, “How dare Lü Bu invade Ji Province again!” Was he cursing Lü Bu? Of course not. Who he truly hated was Qiao Yan. Qiao Yanshu, she was simply too much!