Chapter 77: My Lord, Liu Bei Must Be Eliminated Without Delay!

Watching Liu Bei’s departing figure, Guo Jia furrowed his brows and spoke in a low voice, “My lord, Liu Bei is a man of great ambition, and Guan and Zhang are both courageous and resourceful. None of them are the sort to remain subordinate for long. He must not be allowed to live when he ought to be killed!”

“Fengxiao, now is the time to make use of talented men. Liu Bei has come to us because of our reputation, and his benevolence and virtue are widely known. If I were to kill him, what would the heroes of the realm think of me?” Cao Cao waved his hand, his appreciation for talent overwhelming him once more.

“But, my lord—”

“That’s enough. Liu Bei is indeed gifted. I will appoint him as Governor of Yu Province and Left General, and grant him several thousand troops. Since he prides himself on righteousness, I believe he will not betray me.” Cao Cao’s eyes grew deep and contemplative. He understood well the advantages and dangers of using Liu Bei, but his love for talent, coupled with the pressing need for capable men, prevented him from harming him.

“Besides, it’s time to take Xuzhou as well!” The depth in Cao Cao’s gaze revealed his intentions. Guo Jia did not say more, knowing that it was enough for his lord to be aware of Liu Bei’s potential threat. With Zhang Xiu’s strength in Nanyang now greatly diminished, it was indeed time to move against Xuzhou. He suspected his lord wanted to use Liu Bei to test Lü Bu’s strength; the expedition against Lü Bu was likely not far off.

———

In the second year of Jian’an, at the beginning of December, Liu Bei took up the post of Governor of Yu Province, returned to Pei to gather scattered troops, retook Xiao Pei, and stood in opposition to Lü Bu. Chu Feng returned to Shouchun, having relocated about three hundred thousand people, settling them all in Jiujiang Commandery, which, fortunately, had suffered from a dwindling population and many vacant homes.

These three hundred thousand settlers helped compensate for the loneliness and decline of the local populace. Along the banks of the Niuzhu garrison, perhaps due to Chu Feng’s influence, both sides tacitly agreed to a ceasefire, confronting each other across the river.

Sun Ce stationed his troops at Niuzhu, fortified the banks of the Yangtze, and built shipyards at Zhenze—also known as Lake Tai—in Wu Commandery, training his navy in preparation for renewed conflict next year and the recapture of control over the river.

Throughout the Han Empire, perhaps because of the bitter winter, all factions chose to lay down their arms, focusing instead on recruiting troops or preparing for spring plowing. At last, a hint of life returned to this ravaged land.

———

In Shouchun, within the headquarters, upon his return, Chu Feng’s first priority was to reward merit and service. Chen Ji and Hua Xin were honored for their defense of the city; though Lu Su, Gan Ning, and others had not accomplished much, they managed to stifle Huang Gai, earning credit.

Furthermore, Zhao Fan, Xu Chu, and several others also received commendations, mostly in the form of gold, silver, fine cloth, or grain—gifts Chu Feng dispensed generously. After all, few possessed the lofty integrity of the rustic master Zhuge; no one wants to follow a leader who only promises empty rewards. Everyone wants their share of meat.

Clear rewards and punishments inspire achievement in every division.

After distributing the rewards, Chu Feng looked at his assembled officers and said, “Gentlemen, though we have won a small victory by chance, we cannot afford to be complacent. Until Sun Ce is removed, Jiujiang will not be at peace. Have any of you devised a strategy?”

“My lord, Sun Ce is strict in his command, righteous in his conduct, and his soldiers are willing to fight to the death. Direct confrontation is unwise. I believe the key to defeating Sun Ce lies within his own ranks,” Lu Su replied, stroking his beard in a deep voice.

“What do you mean?” Chu Feng frowned.

“My lord, although Sun Ce’s reputation is considerable, the Sun clan’s origins are humble. In governing Eastern Wu, Sun Ce has offended many local noble families. We might secretly communicate with one or two, combining internal and external efforts,” Lu Su explained.

He had studied Sun Ce closely during the recent battles; among the four great families of Jiangdong, Sun Ce currently only enjoyed favor with the Zhu family, and his ranks were filled mainly with Jianghuai men, not locals of Jiangdong.

“This method is worth trying. Yan Xiang, you are from Danyang; I entrust this matter to you!” Chu Feng ordered.

“Yes, my lord,” Yan Xiang replied.

“However, while internal assistance is valuable, the gentry in this realm are not the sort to act without clear benefit. We cannot place too much hope in them; consider it one of several preparations,” Chu Feng added.

“My lord, Sun Ce lost most of his ships in the last battle and is urgently building new ones. Now, the thousand-mile Yangtze is no obstacle for you,”

“If so, my lord, you might catch him unawares—feign an attack in the east, strike in the west. Send a force across the river to establish a stronghold in the south. If we hold the riverbank fortifications, then come spring, crossing the river will be no concern.”

“At that time, all you need do is advance with the main army, capturing cities and strongholds along the way. Local supporters will surely respond. Sun Ce will have no choice but to abandon Niuzhu and retreat to Wu Commandery. Then, with internal and external cooperation, our success will be assured.” Liu Ye, twirling his beard, spoke with a gentle smile.

“Ziyang’s plan is excellent!” Chu Feng nodded at once.

Marching infantry from Yuzhang to the front lines was too far; if a camp could be established south of the river ahead of time, Sun Ce would lose sleep.

It must be remembered that in later times, Cao Cao was unable to cross the river because the only northern entrance, Chaohu, was controlled by Eastern Wu, forcing the armies of Wei to focus their attacks on Ruxukou.

“My lord, as far as I know, south of Wuhu, in Spring Valley County, there is a fort abandoned by local gentry not far from the great river. Sun Ce now uses it to station the Qu division and guard the Yangtze.”

“If we can seize this fort, our prospects are bright. However, how to occupy it unexpectedly still requires careful thought,” Liu Ye continued.

At this, Zhao Fan stepped forward, cupping his fists. “My lord, I request permission to lead my troops and capture the fort!”

“Good. Lu Su and Gan Ning, you are to fully support Zhao Fan, drawing Sun Ce’s attention,” Chu Feng declared in a clear voice.

Such operations are best suited for special forces,

———

Firstly, these men are well-equipped and skilled in concealment,

Secondly, the fort’s narrow confines will greatly enhance the effectiveness of repeating crossbows and other equipment.

“Yes!” both men replied.

“Ji Ling, when Zhao Fan succeeds, you are to cross the river at once with your troops. No matter what, you must hold the fort to the death. If you retreat, bring me your head,” Chu Feng said, looking at Ji Ling.

For reputation, Ji Ling was well known in Jianghuai, making him the ideal choice to defend the fort.

“Yes!” Ji Ling responded proudly.

“My lord, this time you slew Xiahou Dun and relocated the people of Chen to Shouchun. I suspect Cao Cao bears a grudge. You must be vigilant!” Lu Su could not help but remind him.

Chu Feng nodded. The road from Xuchang to Shouchun was flat and unobstructed; if Cao Cao truly wished to attack, he would have only the Huai River to rely on for defense. With this in mind, he immediately ordered,

“Zijing, send more agents to infiltrate Ruyang. Also, build beacon towers along the Huai River. If any movement from Cao’s army is detected, use the beacons to send word; strike them before they finish crossing!”

The generals all nodded, finding the plan sound.

“In addition, pay close attention to people’s livelihoods, household registration, and farmland. Prepare well for next year’s spring plowing,” Chu Feng said, waving his hand.

“Yes!” the officers replied.

“That’s all. You may all withdraw.”

As everyone departed, Chu Feng stretched lazily. The past days had worn him out; he hadn’t slept well, constantly busy with endless tasks.

Fortunately, these efforts brought in new population, grain, and several thousand county troops—all strong young men.

Now, with the winter deepening, he could finally rest and use this time to distribute shipbuilding blueprints and manufacture warships.

There was also the matter of distilling yeast and papermaking, both of which he needed to study—he hadn’t had time before, but now he could finally see what they were.

Most important of all, he missed the Great Bridge.

They say a brief separation is better than a newlywed’s honeymoon. All the best!