Chapter 1144

In the Southwest Five Commanderies, Shangyu and Hongde are currently the strongest. After the decline of the Dayu court, three warlords rose in these two commanderies, two of whom are brothers, though they maintain a superficial harmony while harboring inner discord.

After all, everyone's initial purpose in rising was to sit in that chair; whether they would later become generals or inherit hereditary titles is secondary. At the outset, who would willingly submit to another?

Thus, even brothers find it difficult to cooperate peacefully in their endeavors.

In these two commanderies, the elder brother, Wei Baoguo, who held office, had a firm grip and absolute control over Shangyu.

When the court showed signs of trouble, he immediately began mobilizing troops, gathering the local aristocrats, and after some negotiation, successfully raised an army of 130,000.

His younger brother, Wei Zhong, reacted somewhat slowly and only started recruiting troops after his elder brother's advice, eventually securing the three prefectures of Hongde Commandery.

The remaining four prefectures fell under the control of Zhuge Xun, the former Prefect of Xinhe Zhou.

It must be noted that Zhuge Xun raised his troops due to Wei Zhong's advice. They were classmates, later both appointed to the same commandery, and their private relationship was excellent—so much so that their children were betrothed.

In terms of relationship, these three are as close as can be, each closer than the last.

But since they raised their troops, they have become outwardly harmonious yet inwardly divided.

Although there have been no open hostilities on the surface, covert maneuvers are frequent.

Had Chen Wuji not suddenly marched north with his army, they might have already turned on each other.

With all forces counted, they total thirty thousand soldiers, but their strange and varied thoughts are impossible to guard against, and at times even defy scientific explanation.

Yet these three must thank Chen Wuji.

Because of Chen Wuji's strength, the three are now once again brothers, once again classmates, and at least for the time being, they should avoid fratricidal conflict or attacks among former classmates.

……

Xinhe Zhou.

This place is Zhuge Xun's old stronghold and also the alliance site of the current trio of friends.

It lies very close to Shangfang Commandery, with an actual distance of just over a hundred li. Previously, relying on the chaos of Shangfang Commandery's warlords, Zhuge Xun did not find this place unfavorable—indeed, he considered it a treasure land.

To the north lies the great river, to the west a rabble of disorganized forces, and to the south, the powerful Wei Baoguo is relatively distant, allowing him to plan peacefully: first take Shangfang and Jiannan Commanderies, then advance southward.

But now, gazing at the faintly visible mountain range of Shangfang Commandery, Zhuge Xun feels as if a blade is pressed to his neck—an extreme sense of insecurity.

What he once thought was a treasure land now seems to have become the gateway of the Wei brothers.

He has become the gatekeeper!

"Zhuge, no need to keep looking. No matter how long you stare, you won't scare Chen Wuji to death. Let's hurry and discuss—what should we do?" Wei Zhong's voice came from beside him, and he casually passed over a frozen pear.

This came from the north; eating it in this season is quite refreshing, reduces internal heat, especially after several days of rich fish and meat—one bite brings complete comfort.

Zhuge Xun ate a bite absentmindedly and sighed: "How could I not worry? Chen Wuji is simply too strong—he opened three fronts, won, and did so with terrifying speed."

"Now he has divided his forces into three routes to attack the Uyghurs. Given their performance last year, I see their destruction is not far off. In this war, Chen Wuji clearly seeks a swift victory—his three armies have all gone all-in."

Hearing this, Wei Baoguo, seated in the place of honor, grew somewhat angry: "General Zhuge, don't boost enemy morale and undermine our own prestige. I believe our army still has a chance. Chen Wuji has split his forces to attack the Uyghurs, so his rear must be empty. If we take Hezhou, everything can be achieved."

"Elder brother is getting impatient again!" Wei Zhong said.

"The intelligence from Jiannan Commandery says Chen Wuji still has over 100,000 troops stationed in Hezhou. In terms of troop numbers, we actually seem to have more than him, but elder brother, fighting Chen Wuji cannot be judged by mere numbers—he is a freak, and most of his men are veteran soldiers who have seen a hundred battles."

"They came from Nan Commandery, fighting battle after battle, big and small, while our troops have merely waved their swords and spears—this is not comparable."

Wei Baoguo grew furious upon hearing this: "Then what do you say we should do?"

"In my view, we should surrender—stop struggling." Wei Zhong said. "I truly do not want to suffer the fate of having my entire clan exterminated. Chen Wuji's actions in Shangfang and Jiannan Commanderies clearly show he is deliberately brandishing his sword at us. The wise surrender early; the unwise may face slaughter next."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Xun's expression shifted sharply, but after a moment, his face filled with inner conflict.

"Old Wei, don't you feel it's a pity to surrender?" he asked.

Wei Zhong waved his hand: "Naturally it's a pity, but his fist is bigger—what can I do even if I'm unwilling? Once Chen Wuji pacifies the Uyghurs, his first move will surely be to attack our two commanderies."

"My newborn son has just arrived—even for his sake, I should seek stability now. For my own ambition, I would have doomed the entire family—I would be the guilty one."

Wei Baoguo snorted heavily: "What nonsense are you spouting? I'm still alive here!"

"Elder brother, the great trend cannot be resisted!"

"We have fifteen thousand elite troops—what do we have to fear from him?"

"They have thirty thousand elite troops—only slightly more, and they also have more cavalry."

"..."

Wei Baoguo's anger flared from all sides as he pointed at Wei Zhong and cursed: "You wretched thing, how do you keep regressing the more you live? You've become such a coward—I see you shouldn't bother with anything else. Hand over your troops to me, and hurry back to your hometown to retire."

"Elder brother, if you want to return home, you must come with me. Besides, I don't want to go elsewhere—I just think this Xinhe Zhou is quite nice, and I've grown accustomed to living here." Wei Zhong said.

Wei Baoguo's eyes suddenly flashed with a dangerous glint: "You mean you want to drag me into surrendering to Chen Wuji?"

"Elder brother, after thinking it over, I truly believe this is a good choice." Wei Zhong advised.

"Silence!" Wei Baoguo shouted sharply, "Come here!"

Outside the door, no summoned guards appeared as he had arranged—only utter silence.

Wei Baoguo realized something was wrong, suddenly turned his gaze toward Wei Zhong, and demanded: "What are you trying to do? Where are my men?"

Wei Zhong chuckled: "Elder brother, this is my territory. You brought your guards hoping to kill us both without anyone knowing—but it's really not that easy. We are brothers born of the same mother—why must you be so ruthless?"