Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne? Volume 2: At the Foot of Taihang Mountains, A Small Test of Skill – Chapter 59: The Fragrance of Mulberry Tree Catkins

From the book: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 59: The Fragrance of Mulberry Tree Catkins…

The recommendation of a Governor of Bingzhou by the Yuan Clan of Runan was something Qiao Yan found quite understandable.

Even though the period of the failed eunuch purge, Dong Zhuo’s entry into the capital, and the chaos across the land had not yet arrived, Yuan Shao had already befriended Xu You and He Yong in Runan during the Prohibition of Factionalists, quietly waiting for the right moment. It’s hard to say whether his later statement to Cao Cao, “Hold the Yellow River in the south, block Yan and Dai in the north, unite the Rong and Di tribes, and march south to contend for the world,” had already taken shape at this time.

This might also be a view supported by some within the Yuan Clan of Runan, a family of four generations of high officials.

Under the standard practice of powerful families investing in all directions, taking a couple of steps forward in development isn’t surprising.

Even if the last part about “marching south to contend for the world” might need rephrasing, for the Yuan Clan now, it’s more about seeking self-preservation through military strength in chaotic times, but the general idea remains the same.

When the Provincial Governor System was reinstated, the position of Governor of Ji Province went to the famous Han general Huangfu Song. So, excluding Ji Province, the next best option aligning with Yuan Shao’s statement would be Bingzhou.

Moreover, in an environment not considering “contending for the world” but “protecting vital interests,” Bingzhou is even more suitable than Ji Province.

This also explains one thing.

In the fifth year of Zhongping, Zhang Yi died, Bingzhou fell into chaos, the Xiongnu invaded several commanderies, and in the sixth year of Zhongping, Han Fu, a disciple of the Yuan Clan, took over as Governor of Ji Province.

He also became the person Yuan Shao turned to after fleeing Luoyang.

Regardless of the reasons, the final fact is what Qiao Yan sees now: the Governor of Bingzhou, Zhang Yi, has close ties with the Yuan Clan of Runan.

This is bad news because, from the incident involving Zhang Liao, Zhang Yi doesn’t seem like a competent governor with full authority but more like a “disciple” following the Yuan Clan’s lead.

Whether the idea of sending Zhang Liao to serve in Luoyang was due to Yuan Shao’s desire to gather talents or Zhang Yi’s attempt to curry favor with the Yuan Clan—

If he behaves like this in this matter, he might do the same in other matters in Bingzhou.

And since Yuan Shao escorted him to Bingzhou, considering Yuan Shao officially entered Luoyang’s political stage in the fifth year of Zhongping when Liu Hong formed the Eight Commandants of the Western Garden, between the spring of the second year of Zhongping and the fifth year, he could fully take on the responsibility of guiding Zhang Yi.

In other words, her actions in Bingzhou need to consider not just competing with Zhang Yi but also with Yuan Shao!

Yuan Shao, now only in his thirties, hasn’t reached the point of being outwardly lenient but inwardly jealous, allowing infighting among advisors and disputes among heirs, making him not an easy opponent to deal with.

Especially since her appointment as Marquis of Leping offended the Yuan Clan, and on the way from Ji Province to Luoyang, she somewhat ignored Yuan Shao while trying to get along with Bi Lan.

But the good news is—

Yuan Shao can’t leave Luoyang for now.

He’s currently in He Jin’s Grand General’s Mansion, offering strategies, at most escorting Zhang Yi here under the guise of protection, getting a rough feel of Bingzhou’s situation.

But once messages need to travel between Jinyang and Luoyang, coupled with Yuan Shao’s tendency to delay decisions on major matters, discrepancies with the current situation are inevitable.

Unless Zhang Yi has the ability to foresee the future—which is obviously impossible.

On the other hand, Qiao Yan now knows he’s here, which gives her room to maneuver.

Yuan Shao, currently riding away from Jinyang, still regrets not being able to recruit that brave young general, unaware that Qiao Yan is pointing at him from a distance, asking Wang Yang, whom she also invited, “Do you know who that person is?”

Wang Yang had wanted to ask why Qiao Yan looked slightly odd upon seeing the departing team, and now seeing her pointing at a helmet-covered back of a head, he also looked puzzled.

“Marquis Qiao, please enlighten me.”

“That’s Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu, son of Yuan Zhouyang, Minister Coachman of the Yuan Clan of Runan,” Qiao Yan said calmly, but to Wang Yang, it was like a bolt from the blue.

From her expression, he knew she wasn’t lying.

And her statement, “Now that I know who’s coming, I have a plan,” immediately bidding him farewell, made Wang Yang uneasy.

He sent people to check at the next post station whether the leading officer was indeed from the Yuan Clan, while also pondering how to deal with it if it really was Yuan Shao.

Zhang Yi’s stance is important to Qiao Yan and also to the Wang Clan.

If Zhang Yi is indeed a disciple of the Yuan Clan of Runan and the Governor of Bingzhou, this is purely bad news for him.

Compared to Qiao Yan’s situation, the unfavorable circumstances he faces are much clearer!

Unlike their cooperative relationship with the Tang Clan, this is an external powerful family.

However, the interests in Bingzhou are limited. Unless Zhang Yi can achieve a win-win cooperation like Qiao Yan did with Hero’s Wine and Mulberry Bark Clothing, he can only be here to snatch a share.

In the Wang Clan’s previous plans, after Wang Rou secured the position of Protector-General of the Southern Xiongnu, his brother Wang Ze would be transferred from Prefect of Dai Commandery to Prefect of Yanmen, consolidating the family’s power within Bingzhou.

But if Zhang Yi is supported by the Yuan Clan of Runan, the situation changes.

The Governor’s authority to promote and impeach officials within Bingzhou can easily disrupt the Wang Clan’s plans when the Yuan Clan wants to extend their influence.

Moreover, compared to the small Leping, the barrier formed by Yanmen, Wuyuan, and Xihe commanderies in Taiyuan has greater value for intervention.

Qiao Yan can ignore it after confirming Zhang Yi is a disciple of the Yuan Clan, but Wang Yang cannot!

He considered the possibility of teaming up with the Tang Clan to trip Zhang Yi, but compared to the Tang Clan, Qiao Yan’s previous performances made her a more valuable ally.

But before that, he should discuss it with Wang Rou and Wang Ze.

He glanced in the direction Yuan Shao left, feeling a headache coming on.

Fortunately, it’s now spring in Jinyang, and after the harsh winter, he has fewer concerns, allowing him to focus.

“Using Zhang Liao’s service to the provincial government to reveal the Yuan Clan’s schemes, Marquis Qiao has made a big profit,” Xi Zhicai commented. “Plus, Zhang Liao has little goodwill towards Zhang Yi, leaning more towards protecting his hometown, and feels grateful for Marquis Qiao’s support, potentially becoming a valuable ally in the future.”

“A strong dragon doesn’t suppress a local snake. The Yuan Clan of Runan will face not just Leping but also the Wang Clan of Jinyang and the Guo Clan of Yangqu, local bureaucratic families. That’s the second profit,” Qiao Yan replied.

She and Xi Zhicai exchanged glances, seeing the ease in each other’s eyes, and smiled.

Without knowing the opponent’s background, it’s easy to feel constrained, but knowing their backing, no matter how formidable, allows for alliances and gradual undermining, much better than blind guessing.

“Additionally, Marquis Qiao can focus more on planning Leping’s spring plowing and procurement. Strengthening oneself is the opponent’s disadvantage. That’s the third profit,” Xi Zhicai added.

“So, in your view, what does Leping lack now, with grain, salt, and clothing?”

Qiao Yan looked at Xi Zhicai, seeing his gaze fall on the Wang Clan’s winery by the street, and couldn’t help but twitch her lips. “Don’t overthink it, it’s definitely not wine.”

“No, no, I’m not looking at the wine, but the jug,” Xi Zhicai laughed, feeling he might have left too deep an impression of a wine lover on the Marquis.

But he was genuinely offering advice.

He continued, “Marquis Qiao previously mentioned incorporating three thousand Black Mountain Bandits into Leping’s household registry in August. But in my view, to make them feel a sense of belonging to Leping, there needs to be a transition.”

“Please elaborate.”

Xi Zhicai pointed to the pottery shop next to the winery. “Marquis Qiao’s first step was to treat the Black Mountain Army as soldiers. At this stage, unified meals are fine, especially to survive the harsh winter with scarce clothing and food, saving lives is the top priority.”

“But to transition those registered from captives of Leping to citizens of Leping County, from forced labor to following Marquis Qiao’s lead, the second step requires sufficient household items—steamers for cooking, pots for stewing, ladles for soup, jugs for wine. With all these, returning home after work, they naturally feel more attached to Leping.”

Xi Zhicai paced slowly, lowering his voice. “Of course, with households, there must also be kitchen knives and firewood knives. With more registered population under Marquis Qiao, it’s natural to prepare more.”

“…Is the latter what you really meant?” Qiao Yan coughed lightly, also lowering her voice. “I think firewood knives with longer blades are more useful, especially since Leping needs to prepare mulberry tree bark for the coming winter, and spring transplantation, expansion, and cutting all require them. But using the increased population as a reason makes it less suspicious.”

She even made a detour to Changzhi in Shangdang on her way back to Leping from Jinyang for this.

Of course, before leaving Jinyang, Qiao Yan met Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang again.

Since Zhang Liao took up the position of Military Officer, equivalent to a significant official position within Bingzhou, he started using the courtesy name prepared for him by his family.

Liao means distant, so his courtesy name is Wen Yuan.

“Military Officer Zhang Wen Yuan, sounds quite versatile in both civil and military affairs,” Qiao Yan remarked, looking at the young man’s attire with appreciation.

Seeing Zhang Liao somewhat awkwardly scratching his head, she added, “Wen Yuan, don’t feel burdened. I’ve said before, I only provided the opportunity. Whether you can seize it is up to you.”

True, Zhang Liao knew not everyone could handle bandit suppression, but being able to contribute to border affairs at least four years earlier was crucial for him.

He clasped his hands and bowed to Qiao Yan. “Even if Marquis Qiao says so, if there’s anything Zhang Liao can help with in the future, without harming Bingzhou or superiors, Liao will surely do it for Marquis Qiao.”

That promise was enough.

“I trust Wen Yuan’s integrity,” Qiao Yan nodded in response.

Turning around, she saw Zhang Yang had packed his bags, ready to leave with her.

Qiao Yan had already heard from him about his decision to follow her to Leping, but not wanting him to regret it, she suggested he delay the decision.

But now, the impression of the new Governor of Bingzhou pieced together from Zhang Liao’s words, compared to Qiao Yan, made Zhang Yang feel—

Working under him might turn into two not-so-smart people hurting each other, better to follow Qiao Yan!

As for career prospects…

“Anyway, you Zhang Wen Yuan are now a notable military officer in Bingzhou. If it comes to fighting those guys from Tanhan Mountain and you’re short on people, I’ll ask Marquis Qiao for a longer leave,” Zhang Yang said casually, putting an arm around Zhang Liao’s shoulder, showing the spirit of rushing a thousand miles to support a brother.

He then turned to Qiao Yan, asking, “Marquis Qiao, is that okay? If you really take me in, just deduct it from my salary when I take leave.”

Qiao Yan couldn’t help but laugh.

If all Bingzhou generals were like these two, it might not be a bad thing.

Besides, Zhang Yang has a place in her Leping, so there’s no need to restrict his friendship with Zhang Liao.

Qiao Yan replied, “Why not? But Leping’s rule is, if you take leave outside of rest days, your salary is deducted double. Don’t end up with no salary left supporting Zhang Wen Yuan. The county office provides meals, but only one a day.”

Xi Zhicai remembered Leping didn’t have such a rule, but considering Leping’s rebuilding, with only people like Lu Yuan coming to Jinyang on official business during rest days, and no one taking leave on workdays, if Qiao Yan had such a rule before, he wouldn’t have seen it.

But most likely, it’s a rule Qiao Yan just made up…

Thinking of her previous teasing about the standard wage definition, Xi Zhicai felt even more so.

But Zhang Yang, unaware it was a joke, laughed and said if that’s the case, Zhang Liao should cover the deductions.

Zhang Liao: …Somehow feels like he’s been set up.

But seeing everything going smoothly, being young, he felt the road ahead was clear, and Zhang Yang also found a good place, so he agreed.

After the brothers’ farewell, Zhang Liao watched Zhang Yang leave Jinyang with Qiao Yan.

From Jinyang to Changzhi, they had to cross the Taiyue Mountains, passing through Yushe and Wuxiang counties.

Qiao Yan rode slowly, accompanied by Xu Fu and Xi Zhicai, observing the scenery along the way.

With Zhang Yang as escort, though not taking the trade route between Leping and Jinyang, Xu Fu was less worried about bandits.

But his relief was short-lived as the sight of Shangdang beyond the mountains made him anxious again.

This January…





The great plague did not spread to Bingzhou, but the bitter cold of winter claimed more lives than just the elderly, women, and children on Yunzhong Mountain. As spring began, the seasonal changes made it the most vulnerable time for the elderly to fall ill and pass away. Passing through Yushe County, Xu Fu saw many households hanging white funeral banners, a stark contrast to the usual spring planting season, filled with a somber and desolate atmosphere. However, through the governance of Leping, Xu Fu knew that many changes were hard-won and not simply solved by sending surplus mulberry bark clothing and food from Leping County.

He suddenly had a somewhat improper thought: if Marquis Qiao were to take control of Shangdang County, which belongs to Leping, could this place also prosper like Leping? Or perhaps, not just Shangdang, but the entire Bingzhou? After all, Qiao Yan’s abilities far surpassed those of Governor Zhang Yi, who had to obey the Yuan Clan of Runan. But such thoughts were treasonous, so he kept them to himself, watching as Qiao Yan gazed at the fields and villages, sighing as she looked toward the county city.

It wasn’t until they approached Changzhi, the administrative center of Shangdang, that the situation improved. Changzhi, meaning “long-lasting peace,” shared a naming tradition with Leping. Although the scenes along the way were filled with the sorrow of life and death, Qiao Yan could see that Guo Yun, the Prefect of Shangdang, was not without talent, but limited by the times, he could only do so much. If not for this, the farming they saw along the way wouldn’t have been so smooth.

When Qiao Yan visited him, Guo Yun’s conflicted expression lightened the mood. It was no surprise, as he had never formally met Qiao Yan but immediately thought of the letter that had cost him 50,000 dan of grain. He feared she would propose using the Black Mountain Bandits to build trade routes or, worse, that the bandits had escaped. If the bandits fled, Qiao Yan, the Marquis of Leping favored by His Majesty, might not be punished, but he, the Prefect of Shangdang, would surely suffer, even if he was from the Yangqu Guo Clan.

He even considered transferring to Yanmen, where he felt more comfortable with flatland warfare than mountain battles with bandits. Unbeknownst to him, the Wang Clan of Jinyang was also eyeing his position. However, when Qiao Yan only requested permission to settle “reformed” bandits and purchase some tools, he breathed a sigh of relief. But when she mentioned the number of hatchets and kitchen knives needed, he was puzzled. “Do we need so many?”

With his military experience, Guo Yun suspected that with so many hatchets, Leping could form an army of five to six thousand. “It’s necessary,” Qiao Yan replied, leading him aside. She explained that while feeding the bandits might prevent rebellion, it was better to find them work and provide grain as relief. She had partnered with the Tang Clan of Jinyang to produce mulberry bark clothing, employing nearly ten thousand bandits. Now that winter was over, the demand for the clothing had waned, but Leping, near the Taihang Mountains, could engage in mountain-based industries, hence the need for hatchets.

Guo Yun knew about the mulberry bark clothing, as he had purchased some from Jinyang. However, with spring arriving, the clothing was no longer needed, and even if he could buy some at a low price, it wouldn’t cover Shangdang. The Tang Clan’s sales were mostly directed to border regions like Yunzhong, Shuofang, and Wuyuan, so he couldn’t compete. He asked Qiao Yan, “How do you plan to ‘live off the mountains’?”

Qiao Yan explained that she had the bandits dig for yam tubers and plant them in the mountains, while also seeking help from Luoyang craftsman Bi Lan to design mountain irrigation tools. The irrigation devices required wood, and the yam cultivation needed many hands, keeping the bandits busy until July or August. Guo Yun nodded, realizing the need for so many hatchets.

However, he couldn’t replicate Qiao Yan’s methods, as she had started preparing since last winter, and he had no source for yam tubers. He asked for other suggestions, and Qiao Yan proposed planting peas. Although peas were not a staple crop, she explained that intercropping peas with wheat could increase income, as Leping had developed a pea-based sweet wine and would buy the surplus. Additionally, peas contained compounds harmful to locusts, potentially reducing locust plagues.

Guo Yun agreed, and with his cooperation, Qiao Yan’s plan to purchase thousands of hatchets proceeded smoothly. As they prepared to leave, Guo Yun privately asked if Cai Yong, who was staying in Leping, would accept a few students, mentioning his three-year-old son, Guo Huai. Qiao Yan, recognizing Guo Huai as a future famous general of Cao Wei, was taken aback. “Your son is three? Goodbye!” She wasn’t running a kindergarten!

As they returned to Leping, Qiao Yan felt a sense of accomplishment seeing the orderly fields, even though the yams had yet to sprout. The lively atmosphere in the county, especially near the county office, was palpable. The smell of steamed mulberry tree catkins filled the air, and even Cai Yong, usually reserved, was eagerly awaiting the dish. Qiao Yan teased him, “Master Cai, your legs are faster than the young ones!” Cai Yong paused, realizing he had indeed rushed ahead of everyone else, just a step away from the plate of steamed catkins.