Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 233 He shall be condemned by all under heaven and punished by all within the four seas.

After Liu Biao finalized his strategy to attack Yuan Shu, the entire Jingzhou region sprang into action, and preparations for war accelerated dramatically. Xiangyang was bustling with carriages and horses, and officials of all ranks lined the streets. Messengers carrying imperial credentials traveled day and night to various prefectures, and documents ordering troop deployments flew in all directions like snowflakes.

These envoys were tasked with informing, appeasing, and befriending various forces to ensure that Jingzhou would have no worries about its rear when Liu Biao led his army eastward.

One of the envoys was Yi Jiyi, an old acquaintance of Yan Yi, and his mission was to discuss with Yan Yi the details of the military deployment.

The alliance between Liu Biao and Yan Yi to attack Yuan Shao was not simply a matter of Yan Yi sending troops; there were many details that needed to be discussed between the two sides.

For example, the behemoth that was the Jingzhou Navy would set off from Jiangxia before the Jingzhou Army set off, advance eastward along the Yangtze River, enter the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, blockade the various ports, ferry crossings and water fortresses under Yuan Shu's control, and cut off the Yuan army's water transport.

However, for such a large navy to sail down the river and carry out long-distance raids over thousands of miles of water, the transfer of food supplies and the replenishment of military provisions became urgent problems to be solved.

Therefore, Liu Biao needed to utilize several ferry crossings within Yan Yi's sphere of influence as transport hubs for the Jingzhou navy's supplies.

Even when necessary, Yan Yi was required to directly supply the Jingzhou navy with food and other military supplies.

Therefore, Liu Biao once again dispatched Yi Ji, the "splurging boy," to Qiantang.

The flower hall in the backyard of the Yan Mansion in Qiantang.

Outside the hall, the snow had just cleared, while inside, charcoal flames flickered in the four corners of the hall, and gilded incense burners emitted fragrant smoke. The warm smoke created a hazy glow on the snow outside the carved windows.

Yan Yi sat in front of several plum trees and personally poured Yi Ji a cup of pepper wine.

Pepper wine is a type of wine brewed with Sichuan peppercorns, and it is believed to have warming and cold-dispelling effects. Because Sichuan peppercorns were quite precious and considered a luxury item in that era, pepper wine was sometimes used to entertain distinguished guests.

Besides being consumed, pepper wine also has other medicinal uses. For example, Hua Tuo often used pepper wine to disinfect and relieve pain before performing surgery on some dignitaries.

"Uncle Ji, I can agree to all the requests made by the Lord. However, my army is also in dire need of supplies. I wonder what kind of compensation the Lord can offer me?" Yan Yi raised his cup and drank with Yi Ji.

The two were already quite familiar with each other, and there was an unspoken understanding between them, so they spoke very directly.

Yi Ji tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp. He felt a warm current slide down his throat and into his stomach, instantly dispelling the lingering chill in his body: "Your Excellency is willing to disburse the third installment of funding for the development of maritime trade in the South Seas ahead of schedule."

Yan Yi had no hope for this funding, so its return was an unexpected joy.

He had originally planned to sell another batch of grain to alleviate the immediate crisis. Now, with this money, he could prepare more provisions for next year's war. The people in the cities under his jurisdiction could also get through this harsh winter in peace, and the Qiantang navy could even add two hundred more warships.

"In addition, Your Excellency is willing to pay double the ferry tax to use the seventeen ferries on the south bank of the Yangtze River. In the event of a shortage of food and military supplies, you are willing to purchase them from me at double the market price. All that is required is that you ensure there are no problems with our army's logistical supplies," Yi Ji continued.

The terms were already quite generous, and Yan Yi guessed that Yi Ji had directly revealed Liu Biao's trump card, so he did not make any more demanding requests. After a moment's thought, he agreed.

Liu Biao truly lived up to his reputation as a timely helper, always generously providing assistance during his most difficult times. With this unexpected windfall, he could make more thorough preparations for the war the following year.

Knowing Liu Biao's next plan, Yan Yi's defensive pressure on the Yangtze River was greatly reduced. That same day, he ordered the Qiantang Navy to move 90% of its warships to Qiantang Port to defend against a possible attack by the Kuaiji Navy.

"Master Ji has come from afar, how can you leave in such a hurry? In two days, His Majesty's envoy will arrive in Qiantang, and Master Ji should stay to witness the ceremony." After finishing discussing business, Yan Yi's expression became even more gentle.

Yi Ji was slightly taken aback, his eyes widening: "Is it about the investiture?"

Yan Yi couldn't hide his joy and laughed heartily, "Ji Bo's information network is indeed excellent. That's right, His Majesty has officially appointed me as the Prefect of Danyang, and the envoy has come to deliver this decree."

"This is truly a joyous occasion. Congratulations, young master! Oh, no, forgive my poor pronunciation, I should address you as Lord Prefect!"

Yi Ji smiled broadly, his heart filled with envy. He rose from his seat, bowed, and offered his congratulations.

Throughout the Han Dynasty, prefects were truly powerful regional officials. As Chen Shou said, "Prefects each controlled their own territory, and although they followed the imperial calendar, they were in reality no different from the rulers of various states." Especially in this chaotic era, the prefect's authority within a prefecture was almost indistinguishable from that of an emperor.

Moreover, Yan Yi's appointment as Prefect of Danyang was personally bestowed with the imperial seal and ribbon by the Emperor, and he was entrusted with the imperial authority. Compared to the position of Wu Jing, which Yuan Shu usurped, the difference was like heaven and earth.

Yan Yi rose from humble origins in the mountains to become a prefectural governor, not only achieving a meteoric rise himself, but also allowing the Yan family to shed their stigma of bandits. From then on, their mansions were adorned with ceremonial gates, transforming them into a distinguished and powerful clan, a true metamorphosis.

This phenomenon could only occur in a chaotic world where imperial authority was lost and the ruler was weak while his ministers were strong.

"Such a joyous occasion! Even if the young lord orders me to leave, I will shamelessly stay and ask for a few cups of the imperial wine before I depart."

Yi Ji readily agreed to Yan Yi's earnest request to stay. Given the circumstances, even if he returned to Xiangyang, Liu Biao would send him again to offer congratulations. Why bother going back and forth like that? He wasn't some beast of burden; why would he bother traveling such a long distance?
Yan Yi was in high spirits when he heard the good news, so he immediately ordered people to spread the word and set up a banquet to entertain Yi Ji.

Two days later, the envoy arrived in Qiantang.

Whether it was Emperor Xian's favor towards Yan Yi, or the bribes Yan Yi offered that pleased Li Jue, the envoy sent by the Han court this time was none other than Li Huan, the Chamberlain.

The Attendant-in-Ordinary was a close attendant to the emperor, holding a low rank but wielding considerable power. In the Former Han Dynasty, the Attendant-in-Ordinary position was often an honorary title, but in the present dynasty, it has gradually become a fixed official position with a fixed number of five.

The position of Attendant-in-Ordinary was usually held by scholars, relatives of the emperor, or confidants of the emperor, and Li Huan was clearly not among them.

This man was Li Cui's cousin and one of Li Jue's spies used to monitor Emperor Xian. Historically, when Li Cui and Guo Si had an internal power struggle and made peace, Li Huan went to Guo Si as a hostage, which shows that he held a high position within the Li family.

To show his respect for the angel, Yan Yi led his civil and military officials to personally go to the North Gate to greet him.

Li Huan's procession was quite impressive. At the head of the procession were four fierce warriors holding up official badges, followed by a double-shafted chariot with drums and trumpets, and behind that chariot were twenty Imperial Guards. Further behind was a magnificent carriage pulled by four large horses, with over a hundred halberd-wielding elite soldiers guarding it on both sides with unwavering eyes.

"This humble official pays his respects to Attendant-in-Ordinary Li!" Yan Yi slowly lifted his robe, making a gesture as if to bow.

Ignoring the fact that the stools and benches had not yet been set up, Li Huan jumped down from the carriage and steadily supported him with both arms, a kind smile spreading across his face: "The imperial edict has not yet been proclaimed, why should Lord Yan be so formal? Today, let's address each other as brothers."

No way! This man before me commands tens of thousands of elite troops and is poised to one day pacify Jiangdong. He's far superior to that puppet in Weiyang Palace. Even if I were arrogant, I wouldn't dare accept his kneeling in public.

Yan Yi steadied himself and a warm smile bloomed on his face. He said enthusiastically, "My humble abode has prepared a small feast to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. Please!"

The two men held hands as they boarded the carriage together, chatting and laughing as if they were old friends.

The civil and military officials, some in carriages and some on horseback, followed slowly behind the imperial carriage. Many cursed inwardly, "What a load of rubbish, an angel! He's just a sycophant!" A quarter of an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of the Yan residence. The imperial attendant respectfully lifted the curtain, and after Yan Yi and Li Huan exchanged pleasantries, Li Huan alighted first.

The mansion gates were already wide open. The two arrived at the foot of the steps and ascended them together. The east side was for the host, and the west side was for the guest. Yan Yi took the east steps, and Li Huan took the west steps.

After entering the mansion gate, they bowed and yielded to each other three times before heading to their quarters.

That night, Yan Yi hosted a grand banquet at his residence, gathering his civil and military officials along with prominent figures from the city, all to welcome Li Huan. The banquet was filled with delicacies, toasts were exchanged, and the guests and hosts drank merrily until dawn.

After the banquet, Li Huan was slightly tipsy. Once all the guests had left, he staggered, grabbed Yan Yi's arm, and asked through his drunken, blurry eyes, "Lord Yan, do you also wish to be enfeoffed as a marquis?"

Yan Yi knew perfectly well the purpose of his visit. He ordered someone to help him to a side room to rest and assigned two beautiful maids to serve him. He then went to his study to handle official business for two hours. It wasn't until late at night that Li Huan sent someone to invite him, and only then did he stroll over.

Tomorrow is the day the imperial edict will be proclaimed; if Li Huan wants to sell his official position, he should do so tonight.

After entering, Yan Yi dismissed his attendants, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Li Huan had sobered up, his face showing some weariness, but his spirits were high. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he suddenly sat up straight, took out three scrolls of imperial edicts sealed with purple clay from his sleeve, and asked bluntly, "I have brought three imperial edicts with me on this trip. I wonder which one Your Majesty wishes me to read?"

Yan Yi feigned ignorance: "What do you mean by that?"

Li Huan placed the three imperial edicts on the table one by one, pointing to them: "The one on the left is the edict appointing you as the Prefect of Danyang. I have already taken care of it for you, so you can rest assured. The one in the middle grants you the rank of General, allowing you to lead expeditions. As for this one, not only does it confer the previous two titles, but it also adds the title of Marquis, and you are allowed to establish a temple to worship your ancestors."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Yan Yi with an eager expression, like a vendor in a vegetable market.

Originally, he didn't need to do this personally, but Yan Yi has risen rapidly recently, and even Li Jue has paid close attention to him, so he was asked to make this trip.

With Emperor Xian's return to Luoyang imminent, the court's practice of selling official titles has reached a fever pitch. Any official rank can be sold as long as you can afford it. Of the proceeds, Li Jue takes ninety percent to replenish the army, and the remaining ten percent is used to raise funds for Emperor Xian's return.

Yan Yi sighed inwardly and asked, "What do I need to give in return?"

"The rank of general of the Three Dukes is 1,000 gold; the rank of general of the Second Rank is 500 gold; the rank of general of the Miscellaneous Rank is 100 gold. The rank of county marquis is 1,200 gold; the rank of township marquis is 800 gold; the rank of pavilion marquis is 400 gold; and the rank of marquis within the pass is 100 gold. Those who do not have enough cash can pay with grain, silk, or warhorses at market price."

Li Huan began his introduction with practiced ease, making no attempt to conceal the greed in his eyes: "In my humble opinion, nothing more than the title of General of the Cavalry with its gold seal and purple ribbon is sufficient to display the young lord's majesty. Nothing more than the title of County Marquis with a fief of a thousand households is sufficient to bring glory to the young lord. Before his departure, my elder brother specifically instructed that the young lord is a distinguished guest of our Li family and can enjoy a 10% discount."

Yan Yi sneered inwardly. He knew all too well the sorry state Emperor Xian had been in on his return journey east; a single bag of rice could probably be exchanged for a noble title. If he were to actually spend money to buy a gold seal, purple ribbon, and a fief of a thousand households, he would truly be ridiculed by the entire world.

In his opinion, he had no interest in any of those so-called generals or marquises. If his next plan could be successfully implemented, these so-called official positions and titles would be worthless.

However, Li Huan still has some value to be used, so we can't let him leave empty-handed.

After a moment's hesitation, Yan Yi feigned reluctance: "This year's frequent wars have greatly depleted the treasury. I'll just buy a general with a minor title and a marquis within the pass."

Li Huan was slightly taken aback, looked at Yan Yi in disbelief, and his face showed deep disappointment.

When Yan Yi bribed Li Jue for the position of governor of Danyang, he was very generous, leading Li Jue to believe that he had found a fat sheep. However, Yan Yi turned out to be so stingy.

If he had known he was such a poor wretch, he would have entrusted the task to someone else. Now he has wasted several months of his time.

Yan Yi saw the disappointment and dissatisfaction in his eyes, and said with a faint smile, "Mr. Li has come from afar and must be tired from the journey. I feel very uneasy about this, and have prepared a small gift. I hope Mr. Li will accept it."

Li Huan forced a smile: "Young Master, you're too kind."

Yan Yi casually picked up a candlestick from beside the table and shook it a few times.

Shortly after, footsteps echoed in the courtyard outside. Four bodyguards carried two exquisitely carved nanmu wood chests into the room, put them down, and quickly left.

Yan Yi reached out and opened the lids of the two boxes: "This is just a small gift, nothing special."

The moment the box lid was opened, a burst of golden light shot out, dazzling Li Huan's suddenly wide-open eyes.

Inside the larger box, newly cast gold ingots were neatly stacked together, each engraved with the inscription "Danyang Official Casting". When illuminated by candlelight, they cast flowing gold spots on the wall.

The smaller boxes contained items such as pearls, rhinoceros horns, and agarwood.

Li Huan glanced at the box of gold and saw that it alone contained at least three hundred taels of gold. His attitude immediately changed, and he said with a beaming smile, "Young Master, your generosity is beyond words! From now on, please don't hesitate to ask for anything you need. No matter how difficult it may be, I will do my best to help you!"

What he said was from the bottom of his heart. No matter how many official titles and ranks were sold, the money would all go into Li Jue's pocket. At most, he would take a small share and leave Li Jue with the impression that he was capable. But what Yan Yi was giving him was going into his own pocket.

“You flatter me, Mr. Li. I am only giving you this gift today because I admire your noble character,” Yan Yi said with a slight smile, seemingly casually. “I happen to have a few old friends in Chang’an. If you have some free time in the future, Mr. Li, please take care of them.”

Li Huan yawned and patted his chest, saying, "Your friend is my friend. Rest assured, Your Highness, I dare not speak for other places, but in Chang'an, there is nothing I cannot accomplish, and no one I cannot protect."

"In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Li. It's getting late, Mr. Li, please get some rest. I'll come to bother you again tomorrow."

Yan Yi observed his expression and then got up to take his leave.

After leaving the side room, he frowned and paced alone in the quiet mansion, looking preoccupied. After a long while, he returned to his bedroom and ordered someone to summon Yin Li.

Yin Li rushed over and found the room empty except for Yan Yi. His expression immediately turned solemn, and he stood respectfully in attendance.

"Have you finished with the assassins I asked you to arrange the other day?" Yan Yi asked in a deep voice, his expression unusually solemn.

Yin Li solemnly said, "Everything has been arranged. As instructed by the young master, we have specially selected the sons born to the lady's wet nurses and raised them in the mansion from infancy. These twelve children drink Yan family water and eat Yan family millet, so there is absolutely no problem with their loyalty."

Yan Yi nodded slightly, remained silent for a long time, and then slowly said, "Let them infiltrate Chang'an first. As for what happens next, wait for my orders. Remember, do not tell anyone about this, including my mother."

He was walking on thin ice because the risks involved were simply too great. If exposed, he would be condemned by the entire world and punished by all.

This matter was the assassination of Emperor Xian, Liu Xie!

(End of this chapter)