Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 232 The Storm Rises in the Three Provinces

"Young Master, Xu Gong and Wang Lang's actions are extremely ambitious; we must be on guard."

Xu Zhao spoke with a solemn expression, the flickering candlelight reflecting on his face, making his worry even more pronounced.

Yan Yi's gaze shifted back and forth between the bamboo slips and his face, a hint of hesitation creeping into his heart.

As the saying goes, when soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it. Xu Gong and Wang Lang's schemes will be dealt with as they come. However, the matter of persuading Xu Zhao to submit has now taken a turn for the worse.

Since Xu Gong and Wang Lang intend to unite the counties of Jiangdong to deal with him, they will undoubtedly try their best to win over Xu Zhao, who possesses considerable strength. At this critical juncture, Xu Zhao could easily play both sides, reap the benefits, and even seize the opportunity to expand his power. Would he willingly abandon his hard-earned foundation and submit to another at this time?
Yan Yi pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "In your opinion, how should I respond?"

Xu Zhao seemed to have already considered this question, and said without hesitation, "With the young lord's reputation and military prowess today, if he were to raise his arms and call for action, he would surely attract a large following, enough to rival Xu Gong and Wang Lang. At that time, it is still unknown who will emerge victorious."

The alliance between Xu Gong and Wang Lang was quite intimidating to the people of Jiangdong, given that they controlled the two most powerful prefectures in the region. Moreover, with the backing of Liu Yao, the governor of Yangzhou, and the Han emperor, they were widely regarded as the legitimate power in Jiangdong.

In contrast, Yan Yi, who came from a powerful family and was a bandit, had a much weaker foundation, having risen to power in less than a year.

Even though Yan Yi's military prowess is at its peak, Xu Zhao only believes that Yan Yi has the strength and potential to challenge Xu Wang and his companion, but the outcome is still uncertain.

Yan Yi observed Xu Zhao's expression for a long time, two thoughts clashing fiercely in his mind.

One thought was to persuade Xu Zhao to submit, and the other was to subdue Xu Zhao on the spot and force him to comply.

The timing for implementing the first method seems premature. The second method has a higher probability of success, but it will inevitably have unpredictable effects on the stance of other forces in Jiangdong.

Yan Yi slowly loosened his clenched fist, finally giving up his plan to immediately subdue Xu Zhao. He decided to first stabilize the internal situation, unite all forces that could be united, and do everything in his power to deal with Xu Gong and Wang Lang.

If either Xu Gong or Wang Lang is defeated, the vast Jiangdong region will be within easy reach.

“In that case, I will do as you say, and proceed with this matter as soon as I return to Qiantang.” Yan Yi stood up and bowed deeply to Xu Zhao: “I will remember your kindness in telling me this in the dead of night, and I will repay you handsomely in the future.”

Xu Zhao quickly stood up to return the greeting, his expression sincere: "I have known your father for many years, and we are like brothers. I will do my best to help you."

His decision to take sides early was a reluctant one. Yuhang is located between Yan Yi's and Wang Lang's spheres of influence, and if the two sides go to war, he will inevitably be dragged into it. Rather than reacting passively, he might as well take the initiative and place a bet.

Yan Yi first helped him sit down before taking his own seat. Changing the subject, he smiled and said, "I have captured quite a lot of military equipment in the battles this year. If you don't mind, I will choose a day to send someone to deliver it to you in the form of ten thousand soldiers. I hope you will accept this small gift."

Xu Zhao was overjoyed and rose to bow, saying, "Young Master, I am deeply grateful for your generous gift."

It was late at night, but neither of them felt sleepy. They discussed various details of their collaboration by candlelight in this simple dwelling. The candlelight finally went out at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM) the next morning.

Back at the camp, Yan Yi yawned and instructed Si Qing beside him, "Zi Yue, take 10,000 sets of weapons that our army doesn't want and send them to Xu Zhao in five batches. Send two batches before the battle and three batches during the battle."

After giving his instructions, he rushed into his tent, covered his head, and went to sleep.

Two days later, Yan Yi led his troops back to Qiantang.

During this period, the situation in Jiangdong became even more turbulent. First, news of the execution of the two traitors, Zhou Bo and Dian Chao, spread far and wide, striking fear into the hearts of the bandits in Jiangdong. Then, the summons from Wu County stirred up trouble, causing unrest and constant anxiety among the people.

On the eastern foothills of Kuocang Mountain lies Baoduzhai in Funiugang.

Chief Du Ye sat on the wolf-skin mat at the head of the 'Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness', his hands trembling slightly as he carefully examined a scroll of bamboo slips, his rugged, dark face filled with barely suppressed ecstasy.

Du Ye was the leader of more than a thousand mountain bandits. In the Kuocang Mountains, which stretch for hundreds of miles, his power was no more than that of a small band of bandits. He was bullied by Zhou Bo and Dian Chao for many years.

However, just two days ago, the two mountains that had been pressing down on him suddenly collapsed, and he fell to Yan Yi's blade.

To his even greater surprise, Wang Lang, who had never taken him seriously before, surprisingly sent an order to grant him the official title of "Zhenxi Xiaowei" (Commander of the Western Garrison).

Although this official position was nominal and not publicly recognized, its benefits were undeniable: Baoduzhai would no longer be subject to attacks by the Kuaiji Army, and it would also receive a certain amount of money and grain subsidies from the Fuchun Treasury every month.

The only drawback is that Baoduzhai needs to be conscripted by the Kuaiji Army to fight alongside them in wartime, or to guard the pass on the eastern foothills of Kuocang Mountain for the Kuaiji Army when the enemy invades.

The messenger sent by Wang Lang bluntly told him that this enemy was Yan Yi, whom Xu Gong and Wang Lang regarded as a traitor.

Yan Yi!

When Du Ye heard this name, he was terrified. Even powerful figures like Zhou Bo and Dian Chao were wiped out like chickens and dogs; his own meager strength was probably not even enough to fill the gaps between their teeth.

However, under Wang Lang's coercion and enticement, he didn't dare to refuse. Both sides were powerful figures he couldn't afford to offend, so he had no choice but to agree first and grab the benefits that were offered to him.

As for what happens next, we can only take it one step at a time.

Unlike Du Ye, who was forced to accept the "amnesty," Zu Lang, who dominated western Danyang, received a surrender order that was full of flattery. Wang Lang first used Liu Yao's name to send him the seal of the governor of Danyang, and then explained the principle of mutual dependence, promising many benefits and strongly inviting him to join forces against Yan Yi.

"Xu Boqian and Wang Jingxing are merely prefects; what right do they have to appoint me as the Prefect of Danyang? If I accept, I will truly become a laughingstock!"

Zu Lang rode on a chestnut horse, watching with a smile as his eldest son, Zu Hong, drew his bow and shot a roe deer. His tone was full of disdain as he turned his head to talk to his subordinate, Xu Yu, beside him.

He is forty-one years old this year, the same age as Yan Baihu, but his energy and spirit are better than Yan Baihu's, and he still has the ambition to expand his territory.

"Excellent archery skills, young master, you are truly a divine archer!" Xu praised Zu Lang in advance, then said respectfully, "Wang Lang is just a pedantic scholar, he is not even worthy to carry the shoes of the commander-in-chief. However, Yan Yi's power is growing day by day, and the saying 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' is not an exaggeration."

Zu Lang withdrew his gaze from Zu Hong, who was riding towards the deer, and sighed, "The Yan family has a son who is like a tiger, but my son is nothing but a pig or a dog."

Xu Yu dared not respond to this question, and said in a low voice, "When tigers fight, one of them will surely be killed. Why doesn't our lord follow Bian Zhuang's strategy of killing the tiger? Wait until they are both injured, then enter the fray with your halberd and reap the benefits."

Zu Lang tapped his palm lightly with his riding whip and nodded, saying, "Ji Xia's words are reasonable, but this timing is quite difficult to grasp." His territory encompassed seven cities, far surpassing that of Xu Zhao and his ilk. Moreover, his domain was strategically located, with no formidable enemies besides Yan Yi. He also controlled the large cities of Wanling and Chungu, boasting superior geographical location, resources, and population.

Wanling was the capital of Danyang Commandery and its largest city, with a population of nearly 100,000, making it prosperous and wealthy. Chungu was the premier copper-producing area in Jiangdong. These two cities alone provided him with a large amount of money and grain each year.

Therefore, under the current circumstances, Zulang not only faces no external crisis, but is also in an excellent position to expand his power. Zulang's ambition is to play both sides and broaden his territory.

"The wind is strong outside the woods, Father. Please move to the woods to rest your horse. Let me roast this roe deer meat, and we can drink together to keep warm." Zu Hong carried the bloody roe deer in one hand, put away his bow, and dismounted.

Zulang was quite satisfied with his son's filial piety, a smile spreading across his broad beard. As the mountain breeze swept by, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't seen his second son, Zuyu, for many days, and asked while urging his horse on, "That boy Zuyu, why haven't I seen him for more than ten days?"

Zu Hong had been waiting for this very sentence. His eyes darted around, and he pretended to be nonchalant as he said, "My second brother has recently become infatuated with a young woman named Bu Lianshi. I heard he chased her all the way to Qiantang. I've been busy practicing riding and archery lately, so I don't know much about it."

Zu Lang initially dismissed it, but then suddenly realized what was happening and roared, "This beast! Is he trying to drive me crazy? Send men to bring this rebellious son back to me at once!"

Right now is a time when he and Yan Yi could fall out at any moment. If his son goes to Qiantang, wouldn't that be like a lamb being led to the slaughter?
Zu Hong lowered his head, a ruthless glint of triumph flashing in his eyes, and said respectfully, "Father, do not worry, I will go to Qiantang immediately and bring my second brother back."

Zulang was so angry that his beard trembled. Damn it, what sins did he commit in his past life to have given birth to two such idiots?

"Don't go." He suppressed his anger and turned his gaze to Xu Yu: "Ji Xia, you go there yourself and bring that unfilial son back."

Xu Yu bowed and accepted the order.

The conflict between Yan Yi and Xu Gong and Wang Lang not only had a profound impact on Zu Lang, but even Zhuge Xuan, who was far away in Langya County, could not escape it.

Zhuge Xuan had already agreed to take up the post of Prefect of Yuzhang, but hesitated due to the chaos in Jiangdong. Now, upon hearing of the conflict between Yan and Xu, he was even more inclined to back down.

The waters of Jiangdong are getting muddier the more they are stirred up; only those who are good at swimming can wade through them.

The north wind howled, dark clouds gathered, and a heavy snow fell. In an instant, the mountains and valleys were covered in white, except for the plum blossoms that stood proudly against the cold.

Zhuge Xuan was repeatedly urged on by envoys from Yuan Shu and Liu Biao, and he was so bothered that he decided to take his sons and nephews to go out in the snow to find plum blossoms and temporarily escape the hustle and bustle.

Zhuge Liang was fourteen years old at the time and also accompanied his uncle.

Although he was a young man not yet fully grown, he already possessed the bearing of a bamboo and cypress. His plain linen robe was slightly oversized, yet it could not conceal his refined and aloof air.

The snowflakes clung to his clothes, yet he remained unmoved. The young man, standing with his hands behind his back under the plum tree, resembled a traditional Chinese ink painting, already showing glimpses of the elegant demeanor he would later display as a scholar with a feather fan and silk turban.

"Uncle, Liu Biao's conquest of Jingzhou in those years was due to nine major factors. First, he possessed the imperial insignia of the Han court, making his claim legitimate. Second, as a descendant of the Prince of Lu, his lineage was noble. Third, the previous governor, Wang Rui, had died at the hands of Sun Jian, leaving Jingzhou without a ruler. Fourth, with Dong Zhuo's chaotic rule and the world's attention focused on Luoyang, Jingzhou was able to maintain its precarious peace. Fifth, powerful clans such as the Kuai and Cai families provided strong support. Sixth, Lord Biao's strategic planning and extraordinary methods were crucial. Seventh..."

Zhuge Liang walked to Zhuge Xuan's side, followed his gaze to the plum blossoms in front of him, and began to speak in a gentle and detailed manner.

He was precocious at a young age, displaying remarkable talent beyond his years. He read widely but was not bound by literal interpretations, and often had unique insights into astronomy and rain forecasting. The strategic acumen he displayed in conversation secretly amazed Zhuge Xuan, who gradually became accustomed to seeking Zhuge Liang's advice on various matters, both to gain a broader perspective and to intentionally hone and cultivate his nephew.

With each word Zhuge Liang spoke, Zhuge Xuan couldn't help but compare Liu Jing's situation to his own, and the more he thought about it, the more disheartened and alarmed he became.

"The title of Prefect of Yuzhang was usurped by Yuan Shu, and its legitimacy has been lost. The prestige of our Zhuge clan is limited to Qi and Lu, and it is difficult to reach Wu and Chu. Moreover, Yuzhang is adjacent to Yan Yi's stronghold, and his military might is within reach. Going there is not only like walking on thin ice, but also because the Yue tribes are rampant and the powerful are isolated, I am afraid it is not a good choice to establish an enterprise."

Zhuge Liang meticulously analyzed Zhuge Xuan's disadvantageous situation, pointing out each and every one of them. Out of consideration for his uncle's feelings, he refrained from comparing him to Liu Biao.

Zhuge Xuan sighed deeply, suddenly recalling Liu Biao's cunning and ruthlessness, and admitted that he was no match for him.

When Liu Biao first arrived in Jingzhou, he followed the strategy of "those who govern in times of peace should first be benevolent and righteous, and those who govern in times of chaos should first be resourceful and cunning," and hosted a banquet for the leaders of fifty-five clans of bandits, killing them all!

The ruthlessness of their methods is astonishing.

Zhuge Xuan knew he didn't have Liu Biao's methods. Although he was quite fond of the position of Prefect of Yuzhang, he also knew the principle that "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." In the end, he suppressed his desires and decided to politely decline the offer of Yuzhang.

A few days later, news of Zhuge Xuan's refusal to serve in the government reached Shouchun and Xiangyang, infuriating Yuan Shu and Liu Biao, who cursed loudly and frowned deeply.

However, in their fury, neither of them had the mind to dwell on Zhuge Xuan's matter, because a new war was rapidly brewing in the two provinces of Jing and Yu, and the situation was no less critical than the struggle between Yan and Xu.

This battle was the struggle between Liu and Yuan.

After receiving Yan Yi's promise to send troops, Liu Biao quietly accelerated his preparations for war. Meanwhile, Li Jue, who was far away in Luoyang and harbored a grudge against Yuan Shu, was eager to see things escalate. In order to dismantle the Guandong alliance, he, on the advice of his strategist Jia Xu, forced Emperor Xian to secretly issue an edict to Liu Biao, ordering him to attack Yuan Shu.

Driven by multiple factors, Liu Biao began preparations for the campaign against Yuan Shao, partly by choice and partly by necessity. Troops were frequently mobilized throughout Jingzhou, and convoys carrying provisions and equipment clogged the official roads. The streets and alleys were abuzz with talk of the impending battle.

Yuan Shu was extremely anxious and personally urged all regions under his jurisdiction to strengthen their military preparations. Upon hearing of Yuan Shu's movements, Liu Biao, unwilling to let his hard-won opportunity slip away, also hurriedly prepared his armor and troops. The war between Yuan Shu and Liu Biao was imminent.

However, the chaos in Jiangdong still cast a shadow over Liu Biao's mind. In order to ensure that Yan Yi would send troops as agreed, Liu Biao ordered Cai Mao to go to Qiantang to assess the situation.

Yan Yi was eager for Liu Biao and Yuan Shu to clash, hoping it would create a favorable external environment for him to pacify Jiangdong. Under Cai Mao's repeated questioning, he repeatedly patted his chest and promised that he would send troops as agreed. He also stated that the 12,000 elite troops stationed in Moling were prepared specifically for the campaign against Yuan Shu.

Cai Mao was less deceived by Yan Yi than he was convinced by himself. This was because Cai Mao also hoped that Liu Biao would seize Huainan while Yuan Shu was weak, so that the Cai family could profit from it.

Despite receiving Cai Mao's affirmative reply, Liu Biao remained skeptical of Yan Yi's promise to send troops. He secretly contacted Tao Qian again, strongly urging Tao Qian to join him in sending troops.

Tao Qian was terminally ill and had entrusted all his affairs to Liu Bei. Thus, the two members of the Han imperial family began to collude.

Eager to expand his prestige, Liu Bei, upon seeing the emperor's edict, privately promised to assist him if conditions permitted.

With no more reservations, Liu Biao finally decided to wage war against Yuan Shu.

(End of this chapter)