Chapter 859: Xu Tu Fang Wei Shang Ce

Li Ru was certainly capable; much of Dong Zhuo's rise was due to his efforts: poisoning the Young Emperor and Empress He, cultivating alliances with the party members to stabilize the situation, and relocating the capital west to Chang'an to avoid the warlords' sharp edge. Wang Yun devised the Linked Ring Scheme; Li Ru advised giving Diaochan to Lü Bu, but Dong Zhuo refused. Had he agreed, he might not have died so soon.

To say he saw through the Linked Ring Scheme is not entirely true—he merely understood Lü Bu's importance; Diaochan was merely a beautiful woman, and the weight of each was obvious. Moreover, he knew Diaochan was sent by Wang Yun. With suspicion in his heart, he offered counsel, but Dong Zhuo ignored him, and he had no recourse.

Thus, he understood perfectly the implication behind Dong Zhuo's words.

This was also something he had anticipated long before in the two hundred and fifty li journey, so now he had no hesitation and spoke directly.

"Your Excellency, Zhang Yang will feign allegiance, but we cannot stand idle. If Wang Ze seizes Yanmen, Chang'an is in peril. If he takes Bingzhou and then moves down to Hedong, he can strike the Three Auxiliaries in one decisive push—his troops are elite and battle-hardened, led by capable generals. Moreover, Wang Yan's martial prowess surpasses even Lü Bu's; if he personally leads an army against us, Chang'an will surely fall. Yet our own position is unstable: Chang'an must be garrisoned by a large force to prevent unrest, leaving no troops to block Wang Yan."

After outlining the severity of the problem, seeing Dong Zhuo's impatience, Li Ru proposed a solution: "Zhang Yang holds Henei; Yanmen is vulnerable. Your Excellency can order Zhang Yang to hold Yanmen Pass at all costs, denying Wang Yan any opening. This will also tie down Wang Yan, forcing him to split his forces in defense, preventing him from launching a full-scale assault on Bingzhou."

"For Bingzhou, Your Excellency can issue an edict to Liangzhou, bestowing favors upon Ma Teng and Han Sui, compelling them to mobilize and jointly oppose Wang Yan. Thus, the four factions will fight each other, mutually exhausting their strength. Your Excellency can then dispatch twenty thousand troops to drive the Bai Bo bandits northward. We hold our ground and watch the tigers fight, waiting for an opportunity to reap the benefits."

Zhang Yang holds Henei; only by relinquishing control of Yanmen Pass can we compel him to act as our guard. If we ourselves garrison Yanmen Pass, Zhang Yang will rely on Huguan to defend himself, and he will have nothing to do with us. But now, by opening Yanmen Pass, we grant Zhang Yang a larger territory. Such expansion he will not abandon—and as he grows stronger, he will inevitably clash with Yuan Shao.

Zhang Yang urgently wrote to pledge allegiance because holding Huguan alone is insufficient. If Wang Yan captures Yanmen and advances into Sili, bypassing Chang'an to strike directly at Henei, he will be in grave danger. Even if he acknowledges Yuan Shao as his elder brother, there is still Wang Yan to the north; if Yuan Shao sends troops, Wang Yan will march south. Zhang Yang has no options.

Wang Yan's ambition for Bingzhou does not concern Bingzhou alone—it draws a vast circle around Mount Taixing, encompassing everyone within it; one hair pulled moves the whole body.

They had no confidence in countering Wang Yan, but they were certain of Zhang Yang.

Dong Zhuo squinted, pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter: "I accept your son-in-law's strategy. Order Hu Zhen to lead twenty thousand troops and break camp at spring's arrival. You shall draft the edict granting favors—send it swiftly. Time waits for no one; Wang Yan's army is strong, and unforeseen changes may arise."

"Yes."

"Go now. I've recently taken a new concubine and am utterly delighted—do not disturb me unless it's urgent."

"Yes, Your Excellency. I take my leave." Li Ru bowed respectfully and withdrew, not lingering in Meiwu, and set out for Chang'an.

Dong Zhuo rubbed his lower back irritably—he had been indulging in nightly revelry since Wang Yun presented Diaochan. The Lord Chancellor was past his prime; his vigor had faded, no longer the dashing youth of old. In his restless, irritable state, he casually ordered the execution of a starving refugee who had been laboring over the fire…

Li Ru's discussion with Dong Zhuo did not surprise Wang Yan. It was a rational use of available conditions, a display of sufficient wisdom, a clear understanding of friend and foe—such a response was inevitable among the capable men of the Three Kingdoms.

As for Yuan Shao in Jizhou, no words are needed: once he discovers Liu Youzhou is empty, he will march north. This further strains Wang Yan's forces, preventing him from concentrating fully on a major assault on Jizhou. Zhang Yang, Ma Teng, Han Sui, and the Bai Bo Army are no trifles; though distance limits their ability to field massive armies, their combined forces still number over a hundred thousand. Even if the four factions fight among themselves without full commitment, they are sufficient to pin Wang Yan down.

Moreover, they have dispatched twenty thousand troops—if Wang Yan is careless, Dong Zhuo may gain an advantage. Thus, the situation in Bingzhou will inevitably become messy and chaotic.

Yet one point deserves notice: both Dong Zhuo and Li Ru directly called him "Wang Yan," never "Wang Ze." Wang Da had no knowledge of this; had he known, he might have felt some satisfaction.

Dong Zhuo was universally recognized as a rebel; to such a universally recognized rebel, there was no disdain—no one dared call him "Wang Ze." Indeed, perhaps Dong Zhuo even envied Wang Yan.

After all, Wang Yan dominated the north—he was a true earth emperor. He slaughtered powerful clans without mercy; more than half of the Lu family of Fanyang were exterminated. The Lu family of Fanyang was the luckiest; others, like the imperial Liu clan, though fallen, still bore imperial status, and many among them were wicked. Half of Liu Bei's branch was wiped out; the rest were reduced to mere individuals. The Qiu County Zu family, the Fanyang Li family, and countless other miscellaneous powerful clans—all were slaughtered.

To kill one family or surname, Dong Zhuo certainly had the courage—he had already destroyed much of Yuan's own clan. He had killed many other powerful families; without killing them, how could he afford food and supplies for his troops? But to kill as Wang Yan did—give him eight times the courage and he would not dare. Otherwise, why would he bother keeping Liu Xie around, wasting time bickering with court ministers? He could have killed them all.

The Fanyang Lu family was Lu Zhi's clan; during the Sui and Tang dynasties, among the Five Surnames and Seven Clans, Fanyang Lu was one.

Lu Zhi had previously opposed Dong Zhuo's deposition and elevation. Had not the ministers pleaded for him, he would have been beheaded on the spot. Later, when he fled, Dong Zhuo secretly sent assassins after him. When Lu Zhi returned to Liu Youzhou, Liu Yu was still in power; he hid in Shanggu. After Wang Yan marched south and sent troops into Liu Youzhou, he went to Ji County to advise Liu Yu.

But Liu Youzhou's civil and military officials were incompetent, their troops lacked morale. Despite many plans, no proper battle was fought before Wang Yan called for surrender. Lu Zhi's health had always been poor; the stress of Liu Youzhou's affairs hastened his death by a year. When Wang Yan arrived, Lu Zhi had already been buried by his Lu clan descendants in Fanyang.

Of course, they owned vast lands and many had committed evil deeds. When Lu Zhi died, he was buried in a simple earthen grave, no coffin, only a single robe. Even during Emperor Taizong of Tang, he was still honored with a tablet in the Confucian Temple.

His moral standard was high, but that did not mean his clan members were. On the other hand, Dong Zhuo secretly plundered imperial tombs—a fact widely known; perhaps Cao Cao took inspiration from Dong Zhuo, and tomb-robbing was already common among the people; Lu Zhi may well have entertained similar thoughts.

Of course, this is a malicious speculation—perhaps Lu Zhi truly understood everything.

Regardless, he was dead, and Wang Yan never met him. Regarding the Lu family's handling, Wang Yan gave no special instructions—just handle it normally. Judge by the reputation of local peasants, tenants, and household slaves: those with faults were assigned labor; those who died of cold or hunger within a year were deemed serious offenders; those with minor faults were given lighter labor, kept alive to work for several years; those without fault were relocated, redistributed land, and made to farm honestly, while also serving as senior teachers in schools—neither letting their resentment poison the young nor wasting learned men.

Carefully counted, though Wang Da had not personally led many battles, under his command, over ten thousand powerful clans, wealthy households, and landlords had been eliminated in Liu Youzhou and Liaodong alone. The Wuhuan, Xianbei, Fuyu, and Goguryeo need not be mentioned—killing while encroaching, one general's success rests on ten thousand bones; the foundation Wang Ba built was built on far more than ten thousand bones…

The world does not bend to human will. Cao Cao still suffered a crushing defeat against Heishan, absorbed many remnants to strengthen himself, and secretly dug up tombs. Because he never openly broke with Yuan Shao, and after seizing Jizhou, he wrote to reestablish contact, Yuan Shao appointed him Governor of Dongjun, granting him his own territory.

Liu Bei, who did not follow the original history by serving under Gongsun Zan as Governor of Pingyuan, instead attached himself to Tao Qian in Xu Province. The altered course would not revert; Gongsun Zan's bones had already begun to be glazed with porcelain—no words could change it now.

Liu Bei was highly valued by Tao Qian. During the coalition against Dong Zhuo, he had witnessed the prowess of Liu, Guan, and Zhang. After interacting with Liu Bei, observing his speech and conduct, he deemed Liu Bei a hero of the age, destined for great achievements.

But this was not the time for Tao Qian to flatter so desperately that he invited Cao Cao's invasion. Though frail, his health had not yet deteriorated to incapacity, so he merely admired and relied on Liu Bei—he had not yet handed over Xu Province.

Though Liu Bei was lost, unsure of where to go or how to begin, he was pleased by Tao Qian's trust, so he worked diligently for him. He and his two brothers led three thousand troops; within months, they cleared Xu Province of major rebel forces. He also recruited five thousand men, stationed them in Xiao Pei, and drilled them two hours daily.

Part of the grain expenditure was covered by Tao Qian, since Liu Bei was now his subordinate, and his troops were effectively Tao's. Moreover, Liu Bei's cleansing of Xu Province had, to some extent, revitalized it; Tao Qian did not mind providing grain. The rest was funded by Mi Zhu and other Xu Province families.

Tao Qian was ill, his sons incapable of governing. Liu Bei, both cultured and martial, had already drawn the attention of Xu Province's powerful clans. They were placing their bets, waiting for Tao Qian's death to install a new lord to navigate the chaotic world.

By now, Wang Ze held Liu Youzhou, Liaodong, and the steppe; Yuan Shao seized Jizhou; Yuan Shu dominated Huainan—each was consolidating territory, each had begun war. Even fools understood the situation.

Thus, powerful clans began investing—just as the Yanzhou clans welcomed Cao Cao, and the Jiangdong clans welcomed Sun Ce. The principle was the same: they needed someone to lead.

The Mi family was a renowned clan in Xu Province. Mi Zhu favored Liu Bei; with his help in networking and financing, Liu Bei rose swiftly.

Previously, Liu Bei had never carefully considered the issue of powerful clans. Nor had he foolishly believed his Liu family was supreme, that everyone would obey his every word, that the whole world was truly his land. But immersed in it, he had not seriously examined the Han or the powerful clans.

After his experience in Liaodong, understanding Wang Da's attitude toward powerful clans, having heard Wang Da's ruthless words, he now held grievances against them. Especially after traveling through Xu Province and deeply observing each family's conduct, he finally understood why Wang Yan was so brutal, why he exterminated them—they truly were a plague.

Yet now, many families were investing in him, and he felt exhilarated—a sense of sudden ascension. This overwhelming wealth had finally come to Old Liu. The feeling momentarily made him lose himself.

But upon deeper reflection, it was painful. Powerful clans were poison wrapped in sugar. Enjoying their benefits meant enduring their side effects. He had nothing now, and he did not wish to rebel against the Han under Wang Da's rule. With no foothold, he could only rely on their support. If he grew powerful, these men would control every position in his ranks—like parasites clinging to bone, impossible to eradicate.

Since the Qin, every ambitious emperor did no more than two things: strike against foreign tribes externally, and suppress powerful clans, aristocratic families, scholar-officials, and landlords internally. Achieving success in both made him a wise ruler; achieving success in one made him a restorer of the dynasty.

Because either achievement relieved pressure, expanded living space, and eased contradictions. Yet both caused suffering to the people: war demanded military funds; landlord resistance required mobilizing the populace, sparking internal warfare—neither was easy.

Liu Bei silently remained vigilant. He consciously imitated Wang Da's manner: in warfare, he was decisive; in all else, he acted gently, subtly, without revealing his intent…

At this time, the third pillar of the Three Kingdoms, Sun Ce, had just lost his father. Sun Jian, fighting Liu Biao, was killed by Huang Zu's arrows. Sun Ce inherited Sun Jian's old troops and continued serving as Yuan Shu's enforcer.

In this light, Liu Bei was far stronger than Sun Ce—he was an ally; Sun Ce was merely a hired hand; Sun Jian himself was the ally…

In March, Liu Youzhou had thawed. Though a late spring chill still lingered, it could no longer halt the arrival of spring.

That day, the General's Mansion in Jicheng was bustling again, decorated with lanterns and colorful banners. The staff were well-practiced—there was no choice; the General had many wives, and there was always at least one or two weddings each year.

Old Cai, who had been holed up in the Wenchang Pavilion in Liaodong, rarely came to Jicheng. Though Jicheng's Wenchang Pavilion was larger, more functional, and more splendid than Liaodong's, he had never visited it, despite having seen the blueprints and listened to the scholars who oversaw its construction.

In the General's Mansion, he met Wang Da, smiling broadly, yet his face twisted in a comical display of scowling and flaring nostrils.

Because today was the day his daughter entered the mansion—he could hardly be happy. Beside him stood his troublesome younger daughter, Cai Li. Though two years younger, she had been raised in the General's Mansion under Cai Yan's care.

Wang Yan paid no mind to Old Cai's scowling. He grinned shamelessly: "Your humble son-in-law greets my father-in-law." He even goaded him further.

Old Cai grew angrier, let out a cold snort, ignored Wang Yan entirely, and turned to enter the mansion.

Wang Yan laughed heartily, looked at the woman in bridal attire, head veiled, and ruffled Cai Li's hair: "Take your sister to the inner quarters."

Cai Li no longer had the boldness of her youth—or perhaps she still did, but now she understood the ways of men and women. Seeing Wang Yan, she blushed. When he touched her head, her face flushed crimson. She bowed slightly, quickly took her sister's hand, and followed Zhen Dao, who had come to greet them, toward the inner quarters.

Today, another new wife was taken—Cai Yan, the famed beauty. Wang Da, though experienced with women, was not overly delighted. But she was Old Cai's daughter; Old Cai's presence had been immensely beneficial. The flourishing culture under his rule owed much to Old Cai. He had forcibly taken two of his daughters; he must at least host two banquets to celebrate. And while at it, deliver a speech to unify their thinking.

This part requires special attention; it's not that old sayings are tiresome to repeat, but that not mentioning them at all is dangerous.

As usual, the General speaks, then everyone feasts—eating well and drinking heartily, all enjoying it thoroughly. As for the cooks of You and Liao, the best is the fat cook in the General's mansion; moreover, the General has taken a new wife, and every dish is substantial. All who came—high officials down to outstanding grassroots clerks, soldiers, and craftsmen—had never eaten so well.

General Wang is using this occasion to accomplish major goals. As for the high officials, no need to mention them; the grassroots clerks, soldiers, and craftsmen are the ones to watch—he selects them for his wedding or year-end banquet, to serve as role models. The General personally greets them, toasts them, and when they return home, the effect is guaranteed to be overwhelming.

So many people look forward to the General taking more wives—it's the most sincere blessing imaginable.

After the meal and team-building, just as Wang Yan was about to leave, Guo Jia stopped him.

Meeting Wang Yan's probing gaze, Guo Jia said: "General, Pingcheng has been secured this winter; now the ice melts and snow thaws, spring approaches, and Dong Zhuo and others will surely react. I predict Dong Zhuo will send few troops, but issue a forged imperial edict summoning Han Sui and Ma Teng from Xiliang to attack us."

Yuan Jian has traveled eight hundred li into the steppe over the past two years; less than a thousand li more and he reaches Liangzhou. Therefore, I believe that if Han and Ma indeed lead troops against us next spring, we could send Yuan Jian with the Elite Cavalry to strike a thousand li deep, seize their homeland, cut off their retreat, and thus crush them between two fronts—Han and Ma will fall in one battle, and Bing and Liang provinces will be firmly secured."

Wang Yan shook his head with a smile: "We can strike a thousand li deep to harass their homeland, slaughter the powerful clans, seize their wealth and grain, and force them to retreat—but we cannot seize their homeland. It's not that I lack the ability to ride across the land; it's that we lack grain and supplies. Moreover, if we take Bing and Liang provinces in one battle, who will govern them? If we don't slaughter the powerful clans, how can my Dao survive? How will the people endure their toil? How will the soldiers endure their battles?"

Guo Jia was still young, and once let loose, he grew reckless. He thought only of conquering the realm, overlooking many things. Did he, General Wang, not wish to secure the empire sooner? Who would choose slowness if speed were possible? What madness would drive him to use the people's lives to raise a host of enemies, only to torment them one by one?

Hearing the General's words, Guo Jia sighed: "I was too hasty and overlooked this."

"Slow, steady progress is the best strategy; advance step by step, and the realm will surely be won."

Wang Yan smiled and patted his shoulder, then turned and entered the inner quarters.

Over these past years, Cai Yan had lived happily in Liaodong, spending her days either reading, playing the qin, or practicing calligraphy. As she grew older, she was assigned as a teacher at the academy, teaching daily and living a full, fulfilling life. In seven years, she watched Wang Yan transform Liaodong into a prosperous and powerful land, and she had long been captivated by this man eight years her senior; she longed to see the day he achieved his triumph.

Hearing the door open, hearing the order for the maid to leave, hearing footsteps approach—swiftly, the veil was lifted, and she met those deep eyes.

As they say, a girl changes greatly in eighteen years; old Cai had distinctive features, but Cai Yan was truly radiant—these past few years, she had blossomed into something extraordinary, and Wang Yan found it most pleasing…