Three Kingdoms: I am not Liu Bian

Chapter 268 Dong Zhuo: Do ​​you want to test the sharpness of my sword?

Dong Zhuo was pleased that Wang Qian and the others had greeted him upon his arrival, even though he had taken the initiative to greet them first, which put him at a disadvantage. However, the attitude of Wang Qian and the others towards him had clearly improved considerably.

This is also thanks to the stereotypes these scholars had about him. Who says that a rough and uncouth Liangzhou person can't be cunning?
Furthermore, if someone is not cunning, does that mean their friend Cai Bojie is also not cunning?

Although the Cai family of Chenliu had never produced even one of the Three Dukes during the Later Han Dynasty, they were an old and prestigious aristocratic family in the Central Plains, producing officials with salaries of two thousand piculs and nine ministers for generations!

As a true veteran scholar from the Central Plains, Cai Yong understood all too well what scholars cared about most!

Aside from fame and fortune, it's all about having a good reputation and saving face!
As the Left General, Dong Zhuo greeted them with his shoes on backwards and took the initiative to bow, giving these scholars ample face. What else did they need to put on airs for?
We've given them face and offered them a way out. If they don't appreciate it... do they really think this General Zuo, who's from Liangzhou, is a pushover?
Do you want to test the sharpness of my sword?
These scholars wisely accepted the situation and stepped down, since Dong Zhuo had treated them with such courtesy, they couldn't very well show their displeasure.

Moreover, he had finally been reinstated by the emperor after much difficulty. Even if it was for his own future and to gain Dong Zhuo's "respect for talent," he should know his limits.

In any case, their official position was the emperor. They were only temporarily serving as subordinates in Dong Zhuo's Left General's office. They were acting on the emperor's orders to assist Dong Zhuo in suppressing the Black Mountain bandits, rather than truly serving Dong Zhuo forever.

Once the courteous and respectful attitude towards scholars was met with a positive response, the atmosphere naturally became lively.

Dong Zhuo affectionately took Wang Qian's arm and they entered the main hall together, where a huge map laid out on the floor was prominently displayed before everyone's eyes.

However, this was the first time these scholars from the former General of Chariots and Cavalry's office had seen this map.

Maps, regardless of the dynasty or era, are extremely important strategic resources and are closely controlled secrets by the imperial court.

Let alone maps that are marked with detailed information, even maps that merely outline the contours of the thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty would not appear among the common people.

The painting before us not only depicts the mountains and rivers but also marks the garrisoned troops. Its level of detail is usually reserved for the emperor and a group of important officials, leaving all who see it for the first time breathless.

After all, even local prefectures and counties only have one map of their respective territories. Every year, each prefecture and county must send people to inspect the localities. At the end of the year, when the accounting officials come to the capital to report on the population, finances, and other data of each prefecture and county, they will also submit this updated map to the imperial court.

There was only one map of each prefecture, county, and county, and copies were not allowed. Even if the chief administrative officer of a prefecture, county, or county wanted to access it, he had to register the time and reason for using it.

Even if it's just damage or improper storage leading to mold, you'll be held accountable.

However, if there is any oversight or mistake in losing it, it would be a capital offense punishable by beheading!
This is why peasant uprising armies throughout history have often suffered utter defeats after leaving their hometowns. Once they leave their hometowns, they are completely lost, not knowing where to go, or even how far away the capital they want to attack is, or even where it is located.

Therefore, rebellion requires a large number of collaborators, which also led to the emergence of different local factions based on their regions.

Those with foresight would do one thing after conquering a city: go to the treasury to find maps and other registers of people. For example, Xiao He, the first chancellor of the Han Dynasty who assisted Emperor Gaozu in establishing the Han Dynasty, went straight to find these after conquering Xianyang. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for him to win back Guanzhong from Hanzhong later.

Although these scholars were talented and famous, they had little experience serving in local government, so this was the first time they had seen such a detailed map.

"I am a rough man, while you are all wise men of the Han Dynasty." Dong Zhuo looked around at everyone, his eyes gleaming, and bowed, saying, "The state has entrusted you with this task, and you must have some brilliant strategies. I would like to ask you wise men to teach me!"

Although Dong Zhuo treated him with courtesy and gave him plenty of face, perhaps because he had spent a long time with Liu Bian, an emperor who valued pragmatism, Dong Zhuo gradually changed from fawning over famous scholars to disliking those scholars who were all talk and no action and had a far-reaching reputation.

If you've observed proper etiquette, but lack talent, don't blame Mr. Dong for not giving you an important position.

The group exchanged glances, understanding the meaning behind Dong Zhuo's words, and each offered their own suggestions.

However, the result made Dong Zhuo secretly shake his head. Most of these people were not familiar with military affairs, and what they proposed was nothing more than a way to appease the people. Fan Zeng, the Left Sima of the former General of Chariots and Cavalry, Xu Liang, the Right Sima, and Wu Dang, the Acting Sima, were just ordinary officers who could only follow orders and had no insight.

"He Suigao is truly a dog meat that can't be served at a banquet!"

Although Dong Zhuo's expression remained unchanged, his contempt for He Jin deepened.

He Jin probably promoted his subordinates based on their reputation, using scholars with a reputation for virtue to make his position seem impressive, so that the General of Chariots and Cavalry's mansion would be full of talented people and that he, as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, would be popular.

Like a nouveau riche who suddenly becomes wealthy, they have little culture but like to pretend to be refined, spending their days playing music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and spouting classical phrases, thinking themselves elegant, but little do they know that they have already become the laughing stock of others.

As for He Jin, he was an ignorant fellow who had never seen the world and was fooled into thinking he was a fool by a group of scholars!

Every day, a group of so-called famous scholars gather in the mansion to talk big and discuss world affairs, as if the world is contained in their empty talk.

What? So, when I first entered Luoyang, I was also fooled by Yuan Wei and his men?
Nonsense! I have Bo Jie who truly treats me as a friend, what does He Sui Gao have to offer!
Fortunately, Wang Qian, the former chief clerk of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, was a talented man. Although he was not familiar with military affairs, he was good at managing the affairs of the government and allocating money and provisions. He could complement Li Ru and save Li Ru from complaining to him all day long about doing the work of three or four people for only one salary.

However, Dong Zhuo's gaze suddenly fell on a young man squatting on the ground in the corner, staring at the map for a long time without saying a word.

Such behavior indicates either a pretentious fool or a talented individual with profound knowledge and insight.

Dong Zhuo recalled the self-introduction when everyone bowed and greeted him. This person seemed to be called Kuai Yue?
Ignoring his image, Dong Zhuo squatted down, patted Kuai Yue's shoulder, and grinned, "Does Yidu have any advice?"

Kuai Yue was deep in thought when he was startled by the sudden tap. He turned his head sharply and saw Dong Zhuo's smiling face. He was so shocked that he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

Dong Zhuo thought his legs had gone numb from squatting for so long, so he personally helped him up.

After catching his breath, Kuai Yue's breathing calmed down again, but a hint of helplessness lingered in his eyes as he glanced at Dong Zhuo.

Anyone who is deep in thought and is then patted like this, and then sees a face that could "stop a child from crying at night" approaching with a grotesque smile that it thinks is "kind," would be startled. It would be a miracle if they didn't faint from fright.

Kuai Yue even felt that if it were the middle of the night, such a sight would probably frighten even ghosts and gods away.

“Your Excellency, I still need to consider this carefully.” Kuai Yue composed himself, squatted down again, and pointed to the Bingzhou area on the map, saying, “However, the places Your Excellency needs to focus on are in Jizhou and Sanhe, not in Bingzhou.”

Kuai Yue traced his finger across the three prefectures of Yanmen, Shangdang, and Taiyuan, which are located on the western foothills of the Taihang Mountains, and said, “My lord, look. The areas of Bingzhou affected by the Taihang Mountains are Yanmen, Shangdang, and Taiyuan prefectures. However, the Black Mountain bandits would not launch a large-scale raid on Bingzhou unless absolutely necessary.” “Firstly, Bingzhou has long suffered from the scourge of the barbarians, and its people are known for their fierce nature, mostly living in fortified villages for self-defense. The imperial court has also stationed four battalions of elite troops there. The Black Mountain bandits are ultimately just itinerant bandits, and they cannot withstand the sharp edge of the imperial army in a direct confrontation.”

Secondly, Bingzhou is barren; even if we plunder, how much will we gain?

Dong Zhuo suddenly asked, "What if the supplies being transported to the four camps in Bingzhou are hijacked?"

“That is our opportunity.” Kuai Yue traced the winding and rugged mountain shape marked on the map’s western foothills of the Taihang Mountains with his fingertips and said, “My lord, look, the western foothills of the Taihang Mountains are steep, the mountain roads are treacherous and difficult to pass through, and the Shangdang Highlands are an obstacle. Even if the Black Mountain bandits were to return to the mountains with a large amount of looted supplies, their movements would be slow and they would be very easy to expose their tracks.”

Kuai Yue used his palm as a knife, making a slashing motion, and said: "If those villains dare to do this, then it will be a golden opportunity for us to gather together and annihilate them!"

"The same applies to Zhuojun and Guangyangjun in Youzhou, located on the northeastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. Therefore, I personally believe that Your Excellency need not worry too much about the defenses of Bingzhou and Youzhou."

Kuai Yue became more and more agitated as he spoke, pointing to Hanoi Commandery and Ji Province, saying, "Hanoi is adjacent to Luoyang and is the northern barrier of Sili. Its people are prosperous, and the Taihang Pass and Zhiguan Pass both lead to Hanoi. Those traitors could use this to threaten the outskirts of the capital. This is something that must never happen."

"Therefore, it is necessary to send troops to guard key passes, build fortified positions to block them, stockpile crossbows, and set up beacon towers. Five hundred men are sufficient to garrison each pass of Taihang."

"Only the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains in Jizhou... have many small paths, making it difficult to block them. If the bandits break up and go down the mountain, then gather again to plunder, it will be difficult to defend against them. I have no good plan, and I hope you will understand."

After Kuai Yue finished speaking, he bowed to Dong Zhuo and awaited judgment.

Dong Zhuo nodded slightly. He and Li Ru already had a plan for the blockade of Taihang Pass and the defense of Hanoi Commandery, but he hadn't thought of the analysis for Bingzhou and Youzhou.

Kuai Yue's analysis of Bingzhou and Youzhou can be summarized in nine words: high investment, high risk, low return.

He hadn't thought about this issue before, but was too preoccupied with how to wipe out the Black Mountain bandits. He only considered the problem from the perspective of besieging the Black Mountain bandits, and even thought about whether he could borrow several hundred soldiers from each of the four camps in Bingzhou to help him suppress the bandits. However, he ignored the Black Mountain bandits' own logic of action.

In fact, if Dong Zhuo and Li Ru had stepped out of the perspective of suppressing bandits and instead thought about how to resist the Black Mountain bandits' raids, they would have quickly grasped the logic behind Kuai Yue's analysis. Moreover, Kuai Yue's words did not offer many highlights.

But the wisdom of the wise lies precisely in perceiving what others have not yet perceived.

Dong Zhuo's eyes gleamed with admiration, his face lit up with joy, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! This is truly a wise advisor the state has bestowed upon me!"

A strategist is someone who is wise and resourceful!
The term "brain trust" carries immense weight. Throughout history, those who have earned this honor include Chuli Ji of the Qin Dynasty and Chao Cuo of the Former Han Dynasty, all of whom have left their mark on history for their profound wisdom and strategic thinking.

Kuai Yue was secretly delighted. Given Dong Zhuo's status and position, this evaluation of him as a "strategist" was enough to be recorded in history. However, he still humbly replied, "Your Excellency's praise is too much for me to bear!"

“Come on, come on.” Dong Zhuo gripped Kuai Yue’s hand, gradually increasing the pressure.

Although Dong Zhuo's hands were extremely rough, with many calluses from years of holding weapons, which were quite uncomfortable, Kuai Yue felt that Dong Zhuo was a discerning person, unlike He Jin, who was just a butcher from Nanyang with only a hollow reputation!
Of course, these words could only remain unspoken.

No matter how incompetent, destitute, or disliked by the emperor, He Jin was still a member of the imperial family, the elder brother of the Empress Dowager, and the emperor's maternal uncle!

They are definitely not some drowning dog that they can trample on and beat!

After a moment's hesitation, Dong Zhuo bowed to Kuai Yue in a disciple's salute and earnestly said, "I wish to become your disciple... no, I wish to become your military advisor, and I humbly request your strategic guidance!"

This was a method the emperor taught him to manipulate scholars: when they boarded the ship, he should adopt a humble attitude and offer generous rewards; no one could resist being manipulated.

Dong Zhuo agreed with this, but just before he spoke, a question suddenly occurred to him... Did the emperor also manipulate him in this way back then?

Kuai Yue paused slightly, somewhat hesitant.

In fact, he preferred to serve Dong Zhuo indirectly as an official under Qin Jie, the governor of Ji Province. However, Dong Zhuo's attitude was so humble that he addressed him as "sir" and treated him with the respect due to a disciple. This sincerity made it difficult for him to refuse.

"I am but a man of limited talent and shallow learning, and though I am a despicable person, I am grateful that Your Excellency has not rejected me. I am willing to do my utmost to help Your Excellency wipe out the Black Mountain bandits for the country!"

Kuai Yue returned the greeting solemnly, but his words were perfectly measured. He accepted Dong Zhuo's appointment but also indicated that he was serving the emperor.

Dong Zhuo understood the meaning behind Kuai Yue's words, but he showed no sign of blaming him.

I am the Chancellor of Han... cough, I am the Left General of the court. Serving me is serving the Emperor. What is wrong with that?

Dong Zhuo looked at Kuai Yue as if he were looking at a beautiful woman, becoming more and more satisfied and pleased with him. He couldn't help but glance at Li Ru and give him a look that said, "Take a look and learn from me."

Li Wenyou, look how nicely others speak. Kuai Yidu calls me "Ming Gong" (Lord Ming). Why do you always call me "General"? Can't you learn from him?
Li Ru's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, then he turned his face away, too lazy to pay attention.

Back then, someone in Zuo Fengyi used sweet words to coax this down-on-his-luck scholar into becoming his military clerk. He even refused the imperial appointment as a doctor of the Imperial Academy, saying that he wanted to call him "General" for life and be his "Chief Clerk" for life. He lamented that if he didn't have only one daughter, he would definitely want to become his son-in-law!

Bah! You fickle old fool!
Li Ru often thought badly of Dong Zhuo in his mind, but it was nothing more than playful banter between the two of them.

Not just anyone is qualified to call someone "General"!

Even Li Jue, Xu Rong, and other former subordinates of Liangzhou addressed him either as "Lord Dong" or "General Zuo".

Aside from Dong Zhuo's relatives Dong Min, Dong Huang, and Niu Fu, only he could be addressed as "General".

(4087 words)
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P.S.: No extra chapters today, but I'll be posting a huge update on Twitter tomorrow!

(End of this chapter)