fake gentry

The maps of Wang Dun's shogunate were naturally the most standard available at the time.

The map was made of pieced-together silk, about ten feet long and wide, and it clearly showed everything from Youyan in the north to Jiaoguang in the south, from Bashu in the west to the sea in the east.

The mountains, cities, passes, and ferry crossings on the map are all marked with special colors.

Seeing Xie Hong staring at the map without saying a word, Wang Dun also felt a subtle curiosity.

He wanted to see if this sixteen-year-old boy had any real skills, or if he was just a smooth talker like other scholars.

Xie Hong carefully examined the entire map from beginning to end. He then slowly spoke: "The world is currently fragmented, and the greatest threat is none other than Shi Le. He occupies Hebei and is eyeing the Central Plains, ready to launch a full-scale invasion southward at any time."

He then moved his hand to the southwest: "The Cheng Kingdom occupies Yizhou. Although it has not yet invaded the east, it is a major hidden danger to the rear of Jingzhou."

He then pointed to Jiankang on the right side of the map: "The court relies on three things: the Duke of the Prefecture, Tao Yuanming's Jingzhou Army, and the refugee army north of the Yangtze River. Among them, Tao Yuanming's Jingzhou Army is the most important."

Wang Dun's expression immediately changed.

Tao Kan served as the governor of Jingzhou for more than ten years, managing the city to the point that people would not pick up lost items on the road and would not lock their doors at night. The Jingzhou army was the most elite army of the imperial court at that time, which was the predecessor of Huan Wen's Western Army.

In fact, Wang Dun's staff was the Western Staff, but that name did not exist at the time.

The reason for Wang Dun's change of heart was that Tao Kan went south to Guangzhou and took his elite troops with him.

But with Jingzhou and Jiangzhou in his hands, that was his greatest asset.

"The real predicament of the Duke's desire to launch a northern expedition lies in the fact that although you command a powerful army, you are trapped in Jiangnan, putting you in a dilemma. If you go north to attack the Jie Zhao, the other officials may not obey your orders. If you also carry out the purge of the court of corrupt officials, the refugee army in Jiangbei can form a pincer movement with Tao Gong, which can affect the whole situation. At that time, the Duke will surely be a sinner for all time."

Xie Hong looked at Wang Dun: "But if the Duke remains inactive... he may appear to be dominating the world, but in reality he will be trapped in a predicament, and the longer it drags on..."

There's no need to say the rest of that sentence.

Wang Dun was completely irritated.

There was no other reason than Xie Hong's few words completely exposed his current predicament. He and Qian Feng had plotted countless times in private, and the final result was exactly the same as Xie Hong's analysis.

So he only has two paths to take.

Either hand over power honestly and pledge allegiance to the court.

Either rebel.

But he made the same mistake as Cao Cao: he was suspicious.

"Now let's talk about the refugee army in Jiangbei." Xie Hong pointed to Yanzhou: "I once told Xi Zhonggong that Shi Hu's sword is aimed at Yanzhou. I dare to predict that Taishan County will be lost within a month. If Daohui Gong does not make plans in time, he will have nowhere to go. I have chosen two places for him to retreat to."

Xie Hong pointed to Hefei and Jingkou with his finger.

Wang Dun sneered, "Xi Daohui has lost Yanzhou, so there's nothing to fear."

Xie Hong shook his head, thinking to himself that it was precisely this kind of mentality of yours that allowed Xi Jian to reap a huge advantage. Without you as a stepping stone, how could the Xi family of Gaoping have risen to prominence?

Wang Dun looked at Xie Hong and asked, "Why not disregard Liu and Zhao?"

Xie Hong said calmly, "With Shi Le's rebellion, Liu Yao has lost two out of three, and is no longer a threat. Now he can only try to protect himself in the Guanzhong Plain. But I guarantee that within five to ten years, Liu Zhao will surely perish at the hands of Jie Zhao."

All eyes in the Taiji Hall fell on Xie Hong, each expressing their amazement.

This guy actually said that Liu Zhao would be destroyed by Jie Zhao?

He also predicted that Taishan County would fall within a month, and that Xi Daohui would have to retreat to Hefei or Jingkou.

How dare this child speak so recklessly?

Why was there not a trace of mockery on Wang Ahei's face?

Everyone then looked at Qian Feng.

Qian Shiyi was Wang Ahei's chief strategist, so why was he so distracted?

Could it be that... Xie's son's words were entirely accurate?

Lu Wan and the others naturally didn't understand military and national affairs, but they were good at reading people's expressions.

But Wen Qiao was skilled in both literature and martial arts. He understood every word Xie Hong said, and he understood far more than others.

Because he had stayed in the north with his uncle Liu Kun.

In an instant, Wen Qiao's soul seemed to take flight.

He already regarded Xie Hong as a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang, and he decided that he would return to Jiankang and, no matter what, advise the emperor to recruit Xie Hong's son and give him an important position.

Even a position as governor with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain) would not be excessive.

Xie Youyu, how did you raise such a prodigy?

Qian Feng suddenly spoke up: "Young Master Xie, is Liu Yao really that incompetent?"

Xie Hong sneered: "Those people only know how to slaughter and plunder, they have no heroic spirit whatsoever. It is only because the Jin dynasty is full of good-for-nothings that they can run rampant throughout the land. Otherwise, what could these clowns possibly accomplish?"

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly froze.

Liu Yao, who captured Chang'an and destroyed the Jin dynasty, how did you describe him?

What the hell do you mean the Jin dynasty has no one to serve?

Lu Wan and Wen Qiao were both ashamed and exchanged a glance.

They were renowned scholars and learned men.

Xie Fengzhi, we know you're very knowledgeable, okay? Please, don't drop the book bag.

You've even read "Lunheng" (Discourses Weighed in the Balance), you're amazing, good at summarizing, okay?

A full stomach and quick drink, deep thoughts and a desire to lie down, the belly becomes a pit of food, the intestines a wine sac.

We're all fucking good-for-nothings.

That's so apt.

A look of surprise flashed across Qian Feng's eyes, and she then asked, "Please discuss Shi Le."

Xie Hong said disdainfully: "Qiang Qu is a despicable fellow, but although he is unlearned, he is still quite bold and unrestrained, and possesses the talent to predict the enemy's moves and win battles without missing a single opportunity. He can be called a hero. However, he is clever but lacks decisiveness. He has the courage of a common man and the kindness of a woman. He is similar to the Duke of the County."

Qian Feng was utterly shocked and instinctively looked at Wang Dun. She saw that Wang Dun seemed to have turned into a statue, sitting there motionless.

Wen Qiao, Shen Chong, Lu Wan, and the others felt a chill run through their bodies, looking at Xie Hong as if he were a demon.

He said Wang Ahei was like Shi Le?

Xie's son has gone mad.

He can't be saved.

Xie Hong had an excellent understanding of the history of the Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties. Among the kings of the Five Barbarian Tribes, Shi Le was an extraordinary and ruthless hero.

Although he came from humble origins, he truly possessed extraordinary talent and strategic acumen.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Wang Dun suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter, the sound echoing throughout the hall.

"Young Master Xie, do you wish to test the sharpness of my sword?"

Xie Hong bowed slightly: "Your Excellency, to be punished for your words is hardly the mark of a wise ruler."

Wang Dun burst into laughter again, then slammed his hand on the table and said with a laugh, "Let's talk about Shi Hu."

Xie Hong blinked twice, looking disgusted: "Such a vicious wolf is not worth my judgment. Shi Le's use of Shi Hu was short-sighted, and he will surely die and his clan will perish. Shi Hu will surely disgrace the imperial artifact. He pretends to be a leopard but is actually a sheep, and he indulges his owl-like heart but is actually a wolf. In the end, he will only lose his life and his country, leaving behind only eternal infamy."

Wen Qiao suddenly spoke up: "Young Master Xie, where is Li Xiong from Bashu?"

Xie Hong turned to look at Wen Qiao, thinking to himself, "Are you not pretending to be drunk anymore?"

"Li Xiong is a humble and loving man. He can select virtuous and capable people and reduce taxes and levies. The people are probably rich and prosperous, but it is only because of opportune circumstances and relying on natural defenses. Moreover, he is content with his small corner of the country and is like a frog in a well."

Xie Hong suddenly became excited and shouted:

"I observe that the gentlemen of Jiangzuo are only concerned with maintaining their own territory and have no time to fight in the north. How are they different from Li Xiong? On the contrary, cruel and violent people like Shi Hu are able to run rampant in the Heluo region and dominate the area, causing the world to be darkened and the stench of the barbarians to spread everywhere."

Wang Dun remained noncommittal, saying, "I want to launch a northern expedition, yet you say it's difficult. If even I can't do it, who in the world can?"

Xie Hong rolled his eyes.

How dare you talk about the Northern Expedition?

Compared to the Northern Expedition, your King Ahei is only concerned with whether or not to rebel and become emperor.

Currently, there are many conflicts in Jiangzuo, and there are many complicated matters that require Wang Dun to oversee. The so-called Northern Expedition is nothing but empty talk and is merely a matter of political correctness. Xie Hong is very clear about this.

But there are some things he still has to say.

This is a rare opportunity; your chance to make a name for yourself depends on this final push.

"The reason why the Duke of the Prefecture is not successful is not in Wuchang, not in Jiankang, not in the world, but in the hearts of the people."

"Your Excellency is nominally a prime minister, but in reality a regional governor. I would like to offer you a word of advice."

"The royal cause cannot be confined to a corner of the country, and the Han and the traitors cannot coexist."

"Whether a man chooses to be remembered for good or for evil is up to the Duke to decide."

After Xie Hong finished speaking, he bowed slightly to Wang Dun and said, "The three questions have been answered. Whether you kill or release me is entirely up to you, Your Excellency."

After saying this, he flicked his sleeves and strode towards the outside of the hall, chanting loudly as he did so.

The shame of Yongjia has yet to be avenged.

When will the courtier hate it?

Driving a long chariot, we shattered the Helan Mountain pass.

Aspirations hungry for the Hulu meat, and laughed and thirst for the blood of the Huns.

Let's start afresh and rebuild our lost land.

Chaotian Palace.

Xie Hong's voice was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, creating a huge echo.

Everyone in the hall stared in disbelief as Xie Hong gracefully emerged.

What is he reciting?

It's neither poetry nor prose.

but……

His writing is magnificent, unparalleled in the world!

Xie Hong knew what was behind him without even turning around.

hum!

How about chest resonance?

Brother Anshi, now that I've become your elder brother, it's not wrong for you to accept Luo Shengyong from me, right?