Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 3: Galloping Through Bingzhou, Troops Depart from Hedong Chapter 89: Enemies and Friends

The winter in Luoyang was no different from last year, yet it seemed to have some distinctions this year.

Liu Hong looked towards Qiao Yan, who was praying in the hall.

After the fire in Yutang Hall, he continued to collect funds under the pretext of repairing the palace. More than two years had passed, and Yutang Hall was still not fully repaired, so he still resided in Jiade Hall.

That was also where he had last received Qiao Yan.

But obviously, since this place was now the residence of the Son of Heaven, it was not suitable for such meetings. Hence, this meeting was held at Lantai.

This place, originally meant for compiling historical records, had been used as a study since Liu Hong moved to the Southern Palace. The bamboo shadows outside the window stretched into the hall through the open windows, elongated by the slanting sunlight into crisscrossing lines that extended all the way to Qiao Yan.

This slanting light also made her white clothes appear tinged with a hint of blood.

Zhang Rang dared not even breathe as he watched the scene before him.

Although he had long known that Qiao Yan was bold and fearless, he never expected to see her appear before Liu Hong in such a manner after three years away from Luoyang.

Who would dare to appear before the Son of Heaven in mourning clothes so inauspiciously!

These generations of emperors rarely attended the funerals of even the highest officials, clearly avoiding such taboos. Yet Qiao Yan, under the pretext of being summoned by the Son of Heaven, brazenly entered Lantai Hall dressed like this.

Especially, listen to what she had just said.

The White Wave Bandits disrupted Bingzhou, so she “unauthorizedly” sent troops to quell them.

The Xiongnu invaded Bingzhou, slaughtering the people of Guyang County, and she continued to “unauthorizedly” send troops to quell them, even taking the heads of the Xiongnu to the Southern Xiongnu to achieve a deterrent effect.

If everyone could act so arbitrarily, wouldn’t the order of the world be thrown into chaos?

Fortunately, she still knew that such military actions were indeed improper, so she came to Luoyang to report to Liu Hong. But halfway through her plea for forgiveness, she said:

“My grandfather’s tomb and ancestral temple are in Leping. As the Marquis of Leping, I should protect its peace. My grandfather had the ambition to safeguard the peace of the Han Dynasty, and I should take that as my responsibility.”

“Now, Bingzhou is unstable, and the people are uneasy. If the Xiongnu are allowed to act recklessly, invade from Guyang Road, break through Guanglu Pass, and enter through the Great Wall, the Southern Xiongnu will rise, ally with the Xiongnu to rebel, and the White Wave Bandits will see an opportunity to profit, encroaching on the southwest of Bingzhou. Then, both Bingzhou and my grandfather’s ancestral temple will be lost.”

“I am incompetent and could not prevent this beforehand. I could only kill all the Xiongnu, incite discord among the White Wave Bandit leaders, dismantle their forces, and use the heads of the Xiongnu to intimidate the Southern Xiongnu.”

“These oversteps were necessary. I feel guilty for betraying Your Majesty’s trust and favor.”

It sounded like a sincere plea for forgiveness.

But as soon as she finished, she shifted the topic—

“However, I beg Your Majesty to severely punish those who conscripted troops and re-establish the position of General of Du Liao to safeguard the peace of Bingzhou. Then, I need not wear mourning clothes to console my grandfather and Bingzhou.”

“The disaster in Guyang left few survivors, with no intact bodies and no descendants to offer sacrifices. It is truly the greatest tragedy.”

“…” Zhang Rang found it difficult to maintain a steady expression.

This Marquis Qiao is just too… too…

Zhang Rang couldn’t find the right words to describe Qiao Yan’s unrestrained, reckless, and overstepping behavior.

The only thing he could think of was that, if he remembered correctly, Qiao Yan had done the same thing two years ago, all for the sake of Bingzhou’s stability. She first restricted the actions of the Governor and the Prefect of Taiyuan, then took bold actions.

Yet, the punishment of house arrest Liu Hong imposed on her two years ago seemed to have had no effect. It hadn’t even been two months since her house arrest was lifted, and she showed no signs of learning from past mistakes.

The only difference was that this time, she wasn’t just writing a letter to plead for forgiveness—she came in person!

And she even brought a message for Bingzhou—

The situation in Bingzhou is so chaotic, although no troublesome consequences have arisen yet, if more personnel could be assigned as General of Du Liao to oversee the border military supervisors, it would prevent problems.

Such words… most of the time, wouldn’t come from someone coming to plead for forgiveness.

Zhang Rang cautiously glanced towards Liu Hong.

Although winter had not fully set in, the Son of Heaven had already added an extra layer of padding under his robes, making him appear robust and healthy. But his complexion was clearly not as good.

Fortunately, sitting at the head of the hall, his slightly dull complexion was hidden in the shadows, giving him an unpredictable appearance.

“General of Du Liao?”

Liu Hong rolled these four words around in his mouth. What he was thinking beneath his seemingly calm expression was known only to himself.

Three years had passed, and the eleven-year-old girl was now fourteen.

Apart from her height, which had grown like the surrounding bamboo, what didn’t surprise Liu Hong was her sharp eyebrows and eyes, like a finely honed blade, and the unbridled arrogance formed from her victorious battlefield experiences.

The cold had already entered Luoyang, and her white clothes added a frosty hue. Yet the aura emanating from her bones…

She had indeed become the raging fire she described in her letters, burning all who dared to set foot in Bingzhou!

She had not… not failed his expectations.

But when this thorn appeared before him, Liu Hong increasingly felt the illusion that he was aging and couldn’t help but wonder if such a lone general and loyal minister was still within his control, or that of his successor.

He withdrew his gaze slightly and read through Qiao Yan’s plea for forgiveness word by word, then picked up the report detailing her recent military achievements. This feeling grew stronger.

If she hadn’t come to Luoyang in person and he had received these two documents, he would have had to send someone to drag her into Luoyang.

But now…

After she finished speaking, she looked directly at him without hesitation, her face full of expectation for the Son of Heaven to take charge of Bingzhou, and the unyielding spirit of pleading for forgiveness yet refusing to repent.

What boldness.

What a Qiao Yanshu!

Liu Hong even found it somewhat amusing!

Comparing the recent war situations in Jizhou, Youzhou, Jingzhou, and Liangzhou, Bingzhou, though not acting according to regulations, at least hadn’t caused another fire.

In a sense, he was satisfied.

But this satisfaction obviously couldn’t be openly expressed.

Now he somewhat regretted sending Cui Lie to Bingzhou as its Governor.

That guy could say in court that he supported abandoning Liangzhou, so it was clear he wasn’t a man of great courage.

Thus, Liu Hong’s intention to indulge Qiao Yan was achieved, but his desire to rein in this wild horse was clearly not met.

But with fires breaking out everywhere, even if he wanted to deal with this now, he didn’t have the extra energy.

He only asked at this moment: “So, who do you think can be the General of Du Liao?”

Qiao Yan seemed to have already considered this position and answered without hesitation: “General Huangfu.”

“He won’t do.” Liu Hong quickly rejected this answer. “He has other arrangements.”

He did have some reservations about Huangfu Song’s military power, but fortunately, the battle against Liangzhou proved that Huangfu Song wasn’t invincible, slightly reducing Liu Hong’s wariness.

Now, the Liangzhou war was at a stalemate, with Ma Teng, Han Sui, and that bandit Wang Guo becoming increasingly arrogant, even breaking through from Liangzhou to the Sanfu region.

After Fu Xie’s death, Huangfu Song repeatedly petitioned to go to war. Liu Hong hesitated but finally decided to reinstate Huangfu Song.

Therefore, Huangfu Song couldn’t be the General of Du Liao.

But as soon as he spoke, he saw not disappointment on Qiao Yan’s face but a flash of joy.

This child’s usual sharpness was still at play, but considering her last audience with the Son of Heaven, it wasn’t surprising.

She clearly realized that since he said Huangfu Song wasn’t suitable for the position, it meant he hadn’t rejected the suggestion.

So, undeterred, she continued: “The General of Du Liao needs to oversee the confrontation with the barbarians in Bingzhou, requiring both bravery and military command skills. Previously, General Huangfu’s uncle held this position, and General Huangfu also has this ability, hence the suggestion.”

“But if Your Majesty thinks he needs other arrangements and can’t be placed in this position, what about Sun Jian, Sun Wentai? His loyalty and willingness to sacrifice were fully demonstrated in quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion. If he were made General of Du Liao, he could surely handle it.”

“He won’t do either,” Liu Hong denied. “In the Liangzhou war, he had minor victories but major failures. Still, he is indeed a talented man, now serving as the Prefect of Changsha after being transferred. With bandits causing trouble in Lingling, and Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang connected, I intend to have him lead troops from Changsha to quell the rebellion. It’s not suitable to move him elsewhere.”

Qiao Yan thought for a moment and asked: “What about Cao Cao, Cao Mengde?”

“I heard he previously had a reputation for strictness and integrity as the Chancellor of Jinan. Now he’s retired at home. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he served as a Cavalry Commandant. Though not as strong as Fu Nanrong or Sun Wentai, he has a knack for managing military affairs and discipline. He could surely handle this responsibility.”

Liu Hong didn’t affirm or deny this answer but after a moment of contemplation, slowly asked: “Why are you recommending people who had connections with you during the Yellow Turban Rebellion?”

Such words, implying nepotism, would have made anyone else anxious before Liu Hong.

But Qiao Yan could calmly reply: “Recommendations must be based on knowing the person’s talent and character before daring to recommend them before Your Majesty. Otherwise, if they only have a false reputation, recommending them would only lead to unworthiness. I deeply trust Your Majesty and must not do such a thing.”

After hearing her reply, Liu Hong was silent for a while.

Frankly, if this had happened a few years earlier, he would have thrown her into prison for such actions, or at least stripped her of her title as Marquis of Leping. She wouldn’t have been so comfortable discussing the General of Du Liao with him.

But times were different now.

Just as he had to reinstate the Provincial Governor System to deal with the current situation, such exceptions could be made.

Especially as he felt increasingly exhausted, and with Liu Bian, supported by He Jin, not to his liking, he knew he needed some special ministers.

And Qiao Yan’s answer at this moment undoubtedly satisfied him.

The people she nominated were those she deemed suitable, not some nobles from Luoyang.

But Cao Cao was also not feasible.

He was someone Liu Hong needed in a special position.

Years ago, he had intended to form an army under his direct command.

That Lingling rebel Guan Hu, calling himself “General Pingtian,” had angered him greatly. Fortunately, Zhang Rang understood his intentions and suggested that since the other called himself General Pingtian, why didn’t the Emperor call himself “General Wushang,” suppressing those rebels.

It would be best to form an army under this title to intimidate the capital region, showing the rebels that the current Emperor was both civil and martial.

Liu Hong knew this sounded childish, but he couldn’t deny that it reignited his ambition to form the Western Garden Eight Schools.

With such an army, even if he still relied on his in-laws for some matters, he could hand this army to a trusted person when necessary, as support for establishing the heir.

Now, the conditions for forming this army were ready.

Part of the wealth accumulated from selling official positions naturally went to his pleasures, and the other part could be used as military funds.

Specifically, funds for a private imperial army.

The only missing part, with Cao Song willing to donate money for a Grand Commandant position and Zhao Zhong suggesting selling the title of Marquis within the Pass, was almost enough.

Now, the only problem was how to carry this out without arousing others’ suspicions.

The imperial private army should remain just that, not a place for anyone to meddle. At most, due to Cao Song’s donation, he could consider placing the loyal Cao Cao within, but he couldn’t let noble families or that butcher He Jin interfere.

With such thoughts, his gaze towards Qiao Yan unconsciously softened.

Her coming to the capital might have brought him a very special opportunity.

Was it possible to use the selection of the General of Du Liao to draw from those who had failed…








Who will be selected as the captain of the Western Garden Army?

Liu Hong’s fingertips lightly tapped on the reports spread out on the table.

Qiao Yan came prepared, bringing not only the letter of apology, the report, and the petition from the people, but also a painting left on the stone wall by the Xiongnu after they slaughtered Guyang.

This was originally Qiao Yan’s proof to illustrate the brutality of the Xiongnu’s actions, but to Liu Hong at this moment, it carried another meaning.

Because the rubbing was not very clear, it looked like people were surrounding something in a pot, making him feel in an instant that this was his current situation.

From being the Marquis of Jiedu Pavilion to ascending to the throne, he used cruel officials and eunuchs to consolidate power in his hands.

But driven by his commoner mentality, he still believed that only when he held decisive power in his hands could he feel at ease. Otherwise, these noble families, relatives, and rebel forces everywhere seemed like enemies trying to take a bite out of him.

So even when selecting a private army, he had to be cautious.

He didn’t realize that because he had been staring at the rubbing for so long, and his expression showed a hint of empathy, Qiao Yan noticed something.

He then casually said, “Let me think about this matter. Cao Mengde isn’t suitable for this position either. Perhaps we can select someone from the army. You may leave now.”

Seeing Qiao Yan about to leave, he called out, “Wait.”

Liu Hong couldn’t help but pinch the bridge of his nose.

Distracted by the selection of the Western Garden captain, he almost forgot something.

Qiao Yan came to apologize, but he couldn’t let her off so easily.

If that were the case, everyone would follow her example.

Last time, she was confined for two years. This time, the trouble was even bigger, but the previous punishment method wasn’t suitable.

Nowadays, uprisings are frequent, especially since some rebel forces, lacking the ability to do anything original, are copying the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which happened over three years ago, and are using its banner again.

Although Qiao Yan’s debate with Zhang Jiao back then reduced their scale compared to what he expected, using Zhang Jiao’s rhetoric is still easier than inciting people with empty words.

If she were confined now, it might give those people an excuse, and in special situations, she might still be useful.

But she must be taught a lesson.

“Go to the Ministry of Works and convey my oral decree. During your time in the capital, you will receive guidance from the Minister of Works,” Liu Hong said sternly. “If there are any more such oversteps, don’t think I won’t punish you.”

Qiao Yan bowed and said yes, but as she lowered her eyes, a thoughtful glint flashed.

Something’s off…

Liu Hong’s reaction was different from what she expected.

Proposing to re-establish the position of the General Who Crosses the Liao River in Bingzhou was indeed a strategic retreat she and Guo Jia had agreed upon, but it didn’t mean she could erase the crime of擅自动兵.

Including what she and Cheng Li discussed before leaving Leping, this trip to Luoyang required careful steps.

But now, it seems Liu Hong is going easy on her.

Unless—her proposal to establish the General Who Crosses the Liao River恰好切中了他的什么盘算.

In the fourth year of Zhongping, or between the fourth and sixth years of Zhongping when Liu Hong died, what major event aligns with this?

Qiao Yan pondered but only showed a “ready to be taught” expression as she was led out by Zhang Rang.

Then, she was “escorted” by the imperial guards to the Ministry of Works.

The current Minister of Works is an old acquaintance from the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

After the rebellion in Qiantang was quelled, this general, who was then titled Marquis of Qiantang, was summoned back to Luoyang by Liu Hong.

Probably to prevent him from gaining too much military power again, Liu Hong promptly placed him in the position of Minister of Works, where he stayed for three years without moving.

Of course, moving was almost impossible. Although Cao Jie once served as Minister of Works, greatly reducing the position’s prestige, it was still the highest official in the inner court participating in governance.

This person is none other than Lu Zhi.

Seeing Qiao Yan suddenly brought over in such a state, even Lu Zhi, who considered himself well-traveled, couldn’t help but be stunned.

He hadn’t completely lost contact with Qiao Yan.

For example, before the great plague in the second year of Zhongping, Qiao Yan had written to him, reminding him to guard against infectious diseases. And after Qiao Yan was confined for coercing the governor, Lu Zhi wrote to her, advising her that while it’s good to be young and bold, she should still watch her limits.

Of course, from Qiao Yan’s perspective, Lu Zhi’s letter was more encouragement than warning, given that Lu Zhi himself was a man of both literary and martial prowess, with a strong backbone.

So when Liu Hong told her to come and receive guidance from the Minister of Works, she even suspected for a moment that Liu Hong wasn’t sending her for self-cultivation but to experience the typical expression of Han dynasty literati’s martial virtue.

As she guessed on her way here, after Qiao Yan reported her recent “achievements” in Bingzhou to Lu Zhi, this great Confucian scholar not only didn’t think she needed any moral education but instead clapped his hands and laughed, “Yan Shu, this is truly satisfying!”

Qiao Yan coughed lightly and whispered, “Master Zigan, be careful with your words.”

The imperial guards who escorted her here were still present.

Lu Zhi immediately straightened his face and said, “Since His Majesty has entrusted me, during your time in the capital, you will study the ‘Book of Documents’ with me.”

He then turned to the imperial guards and said, “Please inform His Majesty that I am aware of the mistakes Marquis Qiao has made. Since it was I and General Huangfu who recommended Marquis Qiao to His Majesty, I naturally bear the responsibility and will not let her act recklessly.”

Lu Zhi’s position as Minister of Works was an official title, and the “Book of Documents” he mentioned, also known as the “Shangshu,” records the official accounts of ancient feudal lords handling state affairs and their dialogues with ministers.

He even wrote a book during his tenure as Minister of Works, titled “Shangshu Zhangju.”

From this perspective, Liu Hong’s punishment was nominally correct.

Studying this would increase her wisdom in handling political affairs and submitting memorials, at least providing an external justification.

But here’s the thing:

When Lu Zhi taught disciples in his hometown, one of his students, Liu Bei, was quite daring, and another, Gongsun Zan, was currently leading troops against Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun in the Yuyang rebellion. Neither of them seemed like cautious individuals.

In Luoyang, everyone had their sources of information and mostly knew about this.

So the “punishment” had a rather微妙的意义.

Even after Lu Zhi led Qiao Yan into the inner courtyard, with the imperial guards gone, he praised her actions again.

After asking about her experiences in Leping over the past two years, he couldn’t help but stroke his beard and sigh, “With uprisings everywhere, mere knowledge of the classics isn’t enough to preserve one’s reputation unless you’re a talent like Zheng Kangcheng. The prefects killed by bandits are examples. Yan Shu, with her ability to fight tigers and kill barbarians, truly lives up to my past评价 of her.”

Lu Zhi hadn’t actually seen Qiao Yan training her subordinates or how she rewarded her soldiers.

The simplified version he heard was that Qiao Yan had eliminated two groups of bandits in Bingzhou, recruited them, and used them to奇袭 the Xiongnu. Thinking of his own past in quelling the Jiujiang rebellion, he felt her评价 as a Talent to Assist a King was well-deserved.

Although she was a woman, she was truly a capable talent who could save the Han dynasty.

It’s just a pity that she might never get the chance to start from a position of实权.

Perhaps Liu Hong sending her to study the “Book of Documents” also had this intention?

Lu Zhi couldn’t quite grasp Liu Hong’s thoughts.

The position of Minister of Works had greatly reduced authority in recent years, with only some advisory power, and whether it was heeded was purely a matter of luck.

When he heard Qiao Yan mention that she came to request the emperor to重新安排 a General Who Crosses the Liao River in Bingzhou to ensure有人统辖 against the Xianbei and Xiongnu, he couldn’t help but feel a bit envious, though he didn’t show it, only asking Qiao Yan about the住宿 of her随从 in the capital.

Since Qiao Yan was sent to study the “Book of Documents,” it would be better for her随从 to stay here to avoid any inconvenience.

“I only brought one personal attendant and one coachman. If they can be accommodated in the Ministry of Works, that would be great.”

Only two people indeed wouldn’t cause much trouble.

But what Lu Zhi didn’t expect was that while she said two, there were actually three.

When Qiao Yan chose the coachman before the trip, she paid special attention to selecting someone whose build was very similar to Guo Jia’s. When this person drove the carriage into the Ministry of Works’ stables and came to see her with Dian Wei, the face that looked up was none other than Guo Jia’s.

Seeing Qiao Yan’s almost playful punishment, Guo Jia examined the character “静” (calm) already written on the table and smiled, “It seems Marquis Qiao has passed a major hurdle today. You have a good grasp of the current emperor’s temperament.”

“No, you’re wrong,” Qiao Yan looked up at him. “In fact, after meeting him today, there’s been a slight change.”

But fortunately, it’s a change within可控范围.

From a后世 perspective, especially with today’s亲眼所见 as evidence, analyzing his words and actions, his明惩暗赏 of Qiao Yan’s actions only has one possible explanation.

He also accidentally said a few more words, mentioning “select from the army,” further confirming Qiao Yan’s judgment.

When she left the Lantai Hall, the有利的事情 she was considering for Liu Hong was precisely the opportunity to continue his centralization of power by selecting the General Who Crosses the Liao River, also趁机成立 the Western Garden Eight Captains that appeared at the end of Zhongping.

It must be said, this is indeed a good时机 for selection!

Bingzhou is a苦寒之地, and the General Who Crosses the Liao River is not a lucrative position, with her刺头 nearby, it’s hard to avoid a situation where arrows are forced upon the General Who Crosses the Liao River. If a selection is to be made, those who come will likely have no出身.

This无疑更符合刘宏的利益.

But this somewhat违背了乔琰原本的想法.

Her original plan was to first put herself in danger, provoke表态 from the forces in Luoyang, and then move further towards becoming Liu Hong’s孤臣.

Only this “孤”字 could allow her to谋夺更大的利益.

Now her处境 is too顺,反而麻烦了起来.

But… there’s still a抢救之法.

“Fengxiao,” as Guo Jia was still pondering the变数 Qiao Yan mentioned, he suddenly heard her call his name, “I need you to do something for me.”

“Since you invited me to Luoyang, I should be of some use,” Guo Jia bowed to her. “Marquis Qiao, just say the word, and I will surely accomplish it.”

“Please visit He Boqiu tomorrow and convey a message for me.”

Qiao Yan’s eyes were deep, and as Guo Jia looked at her, he saw the算计之色 beneath her smile. But in these times, if one doesn’t scheme, they only have death to look forward to. This demeanor反而让他心中安定不少.

Clearly, today’s audience with the emperor hasn’t affected her心态.

“He Boqiu is a Personnel Officer in the Three Excellencies’ office, but he is also close to the Yuan brothers and has a good relationship with the Grand General’s Mansion. I want you to tell him—”

He Yong and Yuan Shao were even宣誓过的盟友 during the Prohibition of Factionalists, making him the perfect person to convey the message.

“Tell him, there are no eternal friends or enemies. I have something I want to convey to Yuan Benchu through him. In the past, I coerced Governor Zhang Yi and offended their汝南袁氏. Now, I am returning the favor, expressing my intention to修复关系.”

The weight of this message can indeed achieve this目的.

She said word by word, “The Son of Heaven intends to use the selection of the General Who Crosses the Liao River as a幌子 to筛选直属禁卫军. If they want to安插他们的人手, now is the time.”

“However, I am not informing them without conditions. If the future General Who Crosses the Liao River has connections with them, they must not restrict my练兵之举 in Bingzhou! If they violate this, I can inform them today and make other arrangements tomorrow.”

Guo Jia was startled by this消息.

But he quickly realized that leaking this to Yuan Shao and others was undoubtedly the最优选择 for Qiao Yan. And with her conditions, it was even more likely to gain their trust.

He also saw Qiao Yan pick up a brush and write the character “变” (change) on a new sheet of paper, then slowly said, “Remind them of one more thing—”

“Even a dog will jump over a wall when cornered. Don’t push the current Son of Heaven too hard.”

He already feels like meat in a boiling pot.

Who knows what惊人之举 he might make… right?