Chapter Thirty-Seven: Relinquishing Military Power Over a Cup of Wine

A short while later, in the rear courtyard of the Yuan residence.

Chu Feng strode in, calling out cheerfully, “Father, Generals Zhang Xun, Liang Gang, and the others have returned with their troops. They said they especially wished to come see you.”

The assembled men saluted in unison, “My lord.”

Yuan Shu, in these past days, had finally begun to recover from the agony of losing his son. Though his spirit was still diminished, at least he could once again distinguish right from wrong. As for Chu Feng’s usurpation, Yuan Shu was furious, but as the days passed, his anger slowly ebbed. What could he do? However one looked at it, Chu Feng was still his son.

Zhang Xun and his companions had come, clearly to demand an explanation. Yuan Shu had already lost one son; he did not wish to lose another. If he signaled for them to threaten, Chu Feng’s position would be precarious indeed.

“Rise, all of you. Earlier, Xiao Feng devised a plan to retreat in order to advance, so the emperor—I—could not show myself. Now that you are all here, I shall speak plainly.”

“Chu Feng is my eldest son. After Yuan Yao learned of his identity, he first dispatched assassins to kill him, and, failing that, sent Ji Ling against him. Afterward, it transpired that Chu Feng slew Yao.”

“Yuan Yao’s death was deserved.”

“From this day forward, you are to follow my son Feng. My heart is willing but my strength is spent; I shall retire here. That is all.” With these words, Yuan Shu’s figure seemed more hunched as he departed.

Just days ago, he had reigned as a regional emperor, yet in the blink of an eye, Chu Feng had stripped him of power. The ancients said, “A tiger does not eat its cubs,” but now that things had come to this, what could he do?

Should he struggle with his own son?

If he won, Chu Feng would die; if he lost, he himself would perish. What would be the point of that?

“This…” The generals hesitated.

“My father is weary. Gentlemen, let us attend the banquet together.” Chu Feng glanced at Yuan Shu’s retreating back; perhaps this was what it meant to be a parent—ultimately, forgiveness prevailed.

“My…lord, there’s no need for a banquet. Over twenty thousand soldiers remain outside the city. We should settle them, assign posts to guard the main routes, and secure Shouchun,” Zhang Xun said, leading with a salute.

The other generals nodded in agreement.

“Gentlemen, now that you have returned, how can we not shed our armor and drink heartily together? Besides, I shall rely on you much in the future. If you depart now, the world will say I am remiss in hospitality!” Chu Feng laughed lightly.

“But, my lord, the armored troops outside…”

“Qiao Rui, take the generals’ tokens and go outside the city to help them settle their men. Today, I wish to drink three hundred cups with the generals!” Chu Feng’s laughter rang out boldly.

Within Shouchun, there were just over ten thousand soldiers, while outside lay twenty thousand more. How could he feel at ease? Especially since Zhang Xun held great power—should he harbor thoughts of rebellion, Chu Feng’s fate would be sealed.

“This…” The generals exchanged uneasy glances; Chu Feng was making it clear he did not trust them.

---

Zhang Xun frowned. He felt both respect and awe for this eldest son whom he was meeting for the first time. Though his military authority had been curtailed, he harbored little resentment.

Instead, he took off the tiger tally at his waist and handed it over, as did the others, and Zhang Xun smiled heartily: “Since my lord is in such high spirits, I shall drink three hundred cups with you!”

With that, the group departed amid laughter.

To the side, Lu Su watched Chu Feng’s retreating figure and sighed, “He gives up the military authority with laughter—our lord is indeed shrewd. General Zhao, your path to glory is not far now!”

“Sir, what makes you say that?” Zhao Fan asked in confusion.

“First, he appoints those closest to him, then the worthy. Our lord has no kin; you were personally promoted by him and are his trusted confidant, so you will be valued. As for Qiao Rui, he earned favor with the lord thanks to Lady Qiao.”

Lu Su spoke with feeling.

“All right, General, go guard the lord. I’ll accompany Qiao Rui to oversee the troops and prevent unrest. It's also time to send letters summoning the various counties and states to meet our lord!” With these words, Lu Su strode off.

---

The next day, on the bed.

Chu Feng slowly sat up, his head still foggy—clearly he had drunk too much the night before.

Yet there was good to it; Zhang Xun, Liang Gang, Le Jiu, and the other commanders were loyal and sociable. In later days, apart from Zhang Xun's retreat, all the others died in battle, loyal to the end.

Beside the bed,

Lady Qiao woke with a start, exclaiming, “Husband, you’re awake! I’ll go prepare breakfast.”

Chu Feng caught her hand, frowning affectionately at her; exhaustion showed on her beautiful face, inviting pity. “Stayed up again last night? Next time, you mustn’t do that.”

Lady Qiao lowered her head.

“All right, go rest in bed. With the army newly settled, I’ll find some porridge in the camp and familiarize myself with the troops, then restore discipline.”

Chu Feng said solemnly.

“Husband, Master Zijing came by earlier and asked me to inform you that the forces inside and outside the city have been reorganized under control. He also sent for Liu Xun and Zhong Ying, among others.”

“Oh, and Master Zijing said the craftsmen’s camp and the women’s weaving division have all been properly relocated for your peace of mind.”

Lady Qiao spoke hurriedly.

“I understand. Help me dress in armor. I must hold the military power in hand, and the Yuan army must be reformed,” Chu Feng replied with gravity, donning his armor and heading straight for the camp.

He knew the Yuan army was all appearance—tens of thousands, but in truth, mere wine-bags and rice-buckets. Cao Cao’s few thousand elite could easily defeat them; keeping so many men was just self-deception.

He must reduce the army, streamline for efficiency, keeping only those fit for battle and supplementing with others.

---

Lujiang, Wan City.

In a side hall, several men gathered.

The envoy from Cao smiled and said, “General Liu, Yuan Shu is dead, his son has usurped the throne and rebelled, and there is much unrest in the army. Now is your chance to avenge Yuan Shu.”

“Besides, you and Lord Cao are old acquaintances; with his assistance, crushing them will be as easy as squashing an ant. My master said that as long as you secure Jiujiang, you will be appointed Governor of Yangzhou.”

“Then, this land between the Yangtze and Huai rivers will be yours to command and respect, General Liu! My master asked me to bring these modest gifts as support.”

With that, he waved his hand and opened the boxes.

Several wooden cases revealed jewels and treasures, gold and silver ornaments. Liu Xun, always greedy, was immediately tempted, especially as he truly harbored ambitions of independence.

“Is Yuan Shu truly dead?” Liu Xun’s heart stirred.

“Indeed. Chu Feng has sent reports stating he personally killed Yuan Shu and Yuan Yao.”

“But…” Liu Xun hesitated.

“General, there is no ‘but.’ Chu Feng now controls both military and civil affairs, and has already executed Chen Lan and Lei Bo for treason, seeking to consolidate power.”

“You command your own territory and tens of thousands of brave troops; Chu Feng must surely fear you. The summons for you to return to Shouchun is probably already on its way.”

“Consider this, General: if you return to Shouchun, will you survive? Since he has placed you in peril, why not strike first, raise the banner of righteousness, and march against him?”

“He is but a mere youth, hardly your match. In short: if you return, you die; but if you raise the army, you live!” The Cao envoy fanned the flames, laying out the benefits and risks.

Liu Xun narrowed his eyes and said solemnly, “Lord Cao speaks true. For the sake of consolidating power, Chu Feng has killed the innocent. I shall raise the banner and strike against him.”

“Please report to Lord Cao that I am willing to join his command, and will soon march against Chu Feng.”

“Haha, I will certainly relay your words, General. But why wait? Why not strike tomorrow, before Chu Feng can establish himself?”

“At that time, Yuan Shu’s commanders will not wish to fight to the death—they will turn their coats, Chu Feng will surely fall, and you will triumph.” The envoy from Cao smiled and advised.

“Very well, I will gather my troops and march tomorrow!” Liu Xun nodded, believing Chu Feng to be nothing but a child—defeating him would be easy.

“Allow me to congratulate you in advance on your imminent victory!”

PS: Out on business today, only one update!