My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

In April, Shuntian Prefecture is as deep as the sea of ​​spring.

With the imperial edict bestowing the marriage upon the emperor, the entire city was immersed in a strange and festive atmosphere.

In the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, everyone was talking about the upcoming grand wedding.

Grand Marshal Ji Xuanyuan will marry Zhen Mi, the daughter of the Zhen family, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, a traditional festival for marriage.

Even more noteworthy is that the emperor himself will officiate the wedding.

Throughout history, very few people have received this honor.

Meanwhile, personnel changes were also quietly taking place in the imperial court.

Zhen Yan, Ji Xuanyuan's future brother-in-law, was summoned to court by the emperor and appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Household, with a rank of two thousand shi (a unit of grain), ranking among the Nine Ministers. He was in charge of the imperial finances, food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and also oversaw the documents of the Imperial Secretariat.

When the news spread, it was clear to everyone that Ji Xuanyuan was gradually replacing key positions in the court with his own people.

That afternoon, in the plum garden on the west side of the imperial palace.

Inside the pavilion, a stone table and chessboard are set up, where black and white pieces are engaged in a game of chess.

Zhou Yu played white, Guo Jia played black, and Xun Yu watched from the sidelines.

"Smack."

Guo Jia placed a piece, his peach blossom eyes curving into crescents: "Gongjin, your chess moves are too orthodox, not cunning enough."

Zhou Yu smiled and said, "Brother Fengxiao is good at using surprise tactics, but chess is like warfare; the key is to combine the orthodox and the unorthodox."

Xun Yu stroked his beard as he watched the game of chess, and suddenly said, "Our lord appointed Zhen Yan to head the Imperial Household Department with the intention of securing the Ministry of Personnel. The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of imperial edicts and documents. If we hold them in our hands, then the issuance and disbursement of government orders will be entirely at our discretion."

Guo Jia didn't even look up: "More than that? The Minister of the Imperial Household manages the royal purse strings. Everything in the palace—purchases, rewards, repairs—goes through his hands. From now on, when the emperor wants to reward or punish someone, he'll have to ask our lord's brother-in-law first."

These words were quite blunt, and Zhou Yu coughed lightly: "Brother Fengxiao, be careful with your words."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Guo Jia said with a smile.

"There are only the three of us brothers in this garden. Besides, am I not telling the truth? Our lord is slowly replacing the court with his own people. Those old ministers who are just sitting around doing nothing will have to move out sooner or later."

Xun Yu pondered, "A change of leadership is necessary. Currently, most of the officials in the court are either remnants of the old regime from Luoyang or spies planted by various regional warlords. If this is not rectified, it will be difficult to enforce government orders, let alone revive the Han dynasty."

Just then, a guard hurried into the garden, bowed and said, "Gentlemen, the lord invites you to the East Warm Pavilion for a meeting."

The three exchanged a glance, then stood up and straightened their clothes.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion, Tian Feng and Ju Shou had already arrived.

Several rolls of military reports were spread out on the table. The top one, sealed with wax, was an urgent report sent by Ran Min from Shanggu by fast horse.

Ji Xuanyuan stood with his hands behind his back by the window. Hearing footsteps, he turned around and said, "You're all here. Please sit down."

The group took their seats.

Ji Xuanyuan pushed a military report onto the table: "Yongzeng sent an urgent report from Shanggu: the Xianbei Murong and Queju tribes have gathered nearly 100,000 people and are frequently harassing the Xianbei regime south of Tanhan Mountain. Due to internal strife, some tribes of the Southern Xiongnu have also begun to plunder the border."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Today we need to discuss one thing: should we defeat Dong Zhuo first, or quell the border troubles first?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the pavilion froze.

Guo Jia spoke first, gently waving his feather fan: "I believe we should first deal with Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo is holding onto the remaining power of the court and is entrenched in Chang'an. If we do not eliminate him soon, he will become a major threat once he recovers his strength. Although the border troubles are urgent, the Xianbei are divided between the north and south. Murong, Queju, and Tanhanshan and Lianbu are already mortal enemies. It would be better to let them wear each other down. We can send an elite force to be stationed on the border. With the prestige of the Jingnan Army, the Xianbei will not dare to launch a large-scale invasion southward."

Ju Shou shook his head: "Fengxiao, you are mistaken. Although Dong Zhuo occupies Chang'an, he has suffered two defeats at Hulao and Luoyang, and his elite troops have been lost. Yuwen Chengdu is still seriously injured and will not be able to make any progress in the short term. On the other hand, there are border troubles. Murong and Queju's 100,000 troops are watching us like tigers. If they join forces with the Southern Xiongnu rebels, the northern frontier will be in ruins in an instant. If you go on a western expedition at that time, the rear will be unstable and you will be hampered."

Tian Feng echoed, "I share your view. The Xianbei and Xiongnu are both mounted archers who come and go like the wind. If we do not quell the border troubles first, they will take advantage of our weakness and invade once our army marches west. The foundation of Youzhou will be in danger."

Guo Jia scoffed: "The Xianbei are short of food, and the Xiongnu are in internal strife. What kind of threat can they pose? Send Xiang Yu and Li Cunxiao with several thousand cavalry north to sustain themselves through war. Three months will be enough to sweep across the grasslands. Why send out our main force?"

"Fengxiao, do not underestimate the enemy," Ju Shou said solemnly.

"The grasslands are vast, and the tribes are scattered. It is easy to defeat them, but difficult to eradicate them. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty mobilized the entire nation and spent decades to drive out the Xiongnu. Now our army's focus is on the Central Plains. How can we get bogged down in the quagmire of the grasslands?"

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, and the debate intensified.

Zhou Yu, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke up: "Gentlemen, may I have a word to say?"

Everyone looked at him.

The young Zhou Yu had bright, shining eyes and a clear, melodious voice: "The campaign against Dong Zhuo and the pacification of the borders seem like two choices, but in reality... they can be carried out simultaneously."

"Oh?" Ji Xuanyuan raised an eyebrow.

"Gongjin, please explain in detail."

Zhou Yu stood up, walked to the map hanging on the wall, and traced it with his finger: "My lord, please take a look. Dong Zhuo is in charge of Chang'an. The remnants of the Xiliang army number about 150,000, but they are divided to guard Tongguan, Wuguan, and Sanguan. Only about 70,000 to 80,000 are mobile. If our army sends 100,000 troops, with Generals Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei as the vanguard, we can reach Tongguan within three months."

He then pointed to the northern frontier: "Regarding the border troubles, we can send a general, such as General Ran Min, to lead his troops and join forces with the Southern Xianbei tribe to attack Murong and Queju under the pretext of 'punishing the disobedient on behalf of the emperor.' This battle is not for annihilation, but only for deterrence. When the western front is deadlocked, we can then transfer troops northward as needed."

Guo Jia clapped his hands: "Excellent! Fighting on two fronts, but with a primary and secondary objective. The western front is the main offensive, while the northern front is a diversionary tactic."

Ju Shou frowned: "Are our forces too scattered? Although our army is strong, fighting on two fronts will put immense pressure on our supplies and manpower."

"Supplies are not a problem," Xun Yu said slowly.

"Last year, Youzhou had a bumper harvest, and the grain stored in the official granaries could supply an army of 200,000 for a year. As for the troops... the newly trained 50,000 Imperial Guards can stay in Shuntian to guard the emperor and the capital region. The Jingnan Army has now expanded to 80,000, which is enough for a western expedition."

Just then, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the pavilion.

"Report!"

A guard pushed open the door and knelt on one knee: "My lord! A scholar outside the mansion requests an audience, claiming to be... Jia Xu!"

"Jia Xu?"

Apart from Tian Feng and Ju Shou, Ji Xuanyuan, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, and Zhou Yu all stood up at the same time!

A look of surprise flashed in Xun Yu's eyes: "Why is he here?"

Guo Jia narrowed his peach-blossom eyes: "Isn't Dong Zhuo currently issuing a warrant for his arrest? Saying he's an 'insider'..."

Ji Xuanyuan took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart: "Please come immediately!"

Before long, a figure in a green robe slowly entered.

The man was about forty years old, with a thin face, three short wisps of beard, and eyes as calm as an ancient well, without any ripples.

He was wearing a worn-out scholar's robe and dusty cloth shoes, indicating that he had traveled a long way.

Yet his demeanor was composed and his bearing calm; he was none other than Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, who had quietly disappeared in Chang'an that day.

Jia Xu entered the pavilion, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Ji Xuanyuan's face. He bowed deeply and said, "This humble subject, Jia Xu, pays his respects to the Grand Marshal."

Ji Xuanyuan stepped forward to help him up: "Senior Brother Wenhe, there's no need for such formalities! Please sit down."

Jia Xu took his seat, and a maidservant served him tea.

Ji Xuanyuan said gently, "Senior brother has come a long way and has had a hard time. I have already heard about what happened in Chang'an. Dong Zhuo's accusation that you colluded with the enemy is absurd. Although you have a connection with Shuijing Manor, you have never met me before. How can there be any talk of 'secret communication'? This is clearly just a scapegoat for Dong Cheng's dereliction of duty."

Jia Xu picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then slowly said, "Grand Marshal, you are wise. I originally intended to live a quiet life in Chang'an, without seeking fame or fortune, but alas..."

He paused, a cold glint in his eyes, "Since Dong Zhongying cannot tolerate Xu, Xu has no choice but to find another wise ruler."

This was said in a very plain way.

Guo Jia suddenly laughed and said, "Brother Wenhe, are you... forced to choose a different path?"

Jia Xu glanced at him and nodded: "Junior Brother Fengxiao is right. I originally wanted to be a recluse, but the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Since Dong Zhuo insists on forcing me..."

He put down his teacup, his voice turning cold, "Then Xu can only go to his enemy's territory and repay him properly."

Ji Xuanyuan was secretly delighted, but he remained outwardly composed: "I am more than happy to have Senior Brother come to my aid, but... I wonder what Senior Brother's views are on the current situation?"

He then briefly recounted the matter that had just been debated.

Jia Xu listened quietly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "I have three strategies for the Grand Marshal to consider."

"Please speak, senior brother."

Jia Xu raised his eyes and slowly said, "The best strategy."

"In the name of the Emperor, we can issue an edict ordering the warlords Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Tao Qian, Liu Biao, and others to join forces to attack Dong Zhuo. After they send their troops, the Grand Marshal can then postpone the expedition under the pretext of 'urgent border troubles in the north.' Once the warlords of Guandong and Dong Zhuo are both exhausted, the Grand Marshal can then lead his army westward under the guise of 'mediation,' thus reaping the benefits. This strategy is the most effortless, but... it takes time, and the warlords of Guandong may not listen."

Xun Yu stroked his beard and pondered, "Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu each have their own ulterior motives; I fear it will be difficult for them to work together."

"A moderate strategy," Jia Xu continued.

"The Grand Marshal personally led the main force on the western expedition, but divided the troops into two routes. One route feigned an attack on Tongguan to attract Dong Zhuo's main force, while the other route took the Wuguan Pass to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an. At the same time, he ordered the northern border troops to join forces with the southern Xianbei and the Liaoxi Wuhuan to contain Murong and Queju. This strategy is sound and has a 70% chance of success."

Jia Xu was silent for a moment: "The worst strategy is... The Xianbei are short of food and the Xiongnu are in turmoil. We can send assassins to throw the diseased cattle and sheep into the streams and rivers of the grasslands, and then send merchants to import the diseased beef and mutton into the grassland tribes at low prices. In this way, in less than three years, three or four out of ten of the Xianbei and Xiongnu population can be eliminated."

"..."

The room was deathly silent.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou gasped, and Zhou Yu's feather fan stopped in his tracks.

Even Guo Jia put away his nonchalant smile and gave Jia Xu a deep look.

poison.

That's too toxic.

If this plan is implemented, the grasslands will become a living hell.

At that time, not to mention an army of 100,000, even a million archers would crumble in the face of the plague.

There is no need to mobilize a large army; a few loyal soldiers, merchants, and some infected livestock are enough to kill people invisibly.

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a long time before slowly exhaling: "Senior brother's strategy is a poor one... too contrary to the natural order, it should not be used."

Jia Xu nodded: "I also know that this strategy goes against the way of Heaven, so I have listed it as the worst strategy. However, in chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary, and in extraordinary times, extraordinary methods should be considered."

He paused, then added, "However, since the Grand Marshal is not going to use the worst strategy, then I suggest... taking a middle-ground approach and making some adjustments."

How can we adapt?

"The main force of the western expedition is not in a hurry to attack Tongguan," Jia Xu said, pointing to the map.

"First, take Hedong. Hedong is rich and prosperous, and it also has the benefits of salt and iron. If we get this place, we can be self-sufficient in food and supplies, and we can also threaten the flank of Chang'an. At the same time, send envoys to contact Ma Teng and Han Sui. They have a long-standing grudge against Dong Zhuo. If we can persuade them to send troops to contain him, Dong Zhuo will be in trouble on both sides."

A glint of light flashed in Ji Xuanyuan's eyes: "Senior brother's plan is brilliant."

He looked around at everyone: "What do you all think?"

Xun Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Wenhe's strategy is indeed a wise and prudent approach to governing the country. Taking Hedong first and advancing steadily will not only avoid the danger of going deep into enemy territory alone, but also allow us to accumulate strength."

Guo Jia, Zhou Yu, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou all agreed.

Ji Xuanyuan slammed his hand on the table: "In that case, let's decide on the middle strategy! First, take Hedong, then plan for Chang'an. Yongzeng will guard the northern border, uniting with Helian troops, focusing on defense, and deterring Murong and Queju."

He looked at Jia Xu and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "With the help of Senior Brother Wenhe, Xuanyuan is like having Zhang Liang. I wish to appoint Senior Brother as Grand Master of the Palace and keep him as a military advisor. I hope Senior Brother will not refuse."

Jia Xu rose and returned the greeting: "I, Jia Xu, will do my utmost to serve you."

After agreeing on the plan, everyone dispersed.

Only Ji Xuanyuan and Jia Xu remained in the pavilion.

Jia Xu suddenly said in a low voice, "Grand Marshal, I have something to say."

"Please speak, senior brother."

"Besides Dong Chengdu, Dong Zhuo also has Li Ru as his chief strategist. This man is resourceful and should not be underestimated. Moreover, the remnants of the Xiliang army are still fierce and brave. A direct attack would likely result in heavy casualties."

"When Xu was in Chang'an, he knew that Li Ru and Niu Fu, Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, were at odds. Perhaps... we could start from there."

Ji Xuanyuan's heart skipped a beat: "Sowing discord?"

Jia Xu nodded: "That's right. Niu Fu holds part of the military power. If he fights with Li Ru, the Xiliang army will be in chaos. At that time, we can take Hedong again and achieve twice the result with half the effort."

"Good!" Ji Xuanyuan clapped his hands.

"I'll leave this matter to you, Senior Brother."

Jia Xu bowed and said, "I obey."

When I stepped out of the East Warm Pavilion, the sun was already setting.

The sunset glowed like blood, staining the Shuntian City Tower crimson.