Chapter 109: Preparing to Return to Xiangyang

“General, it’s not that I distrust that county magistrate, but what he said just feels off—there’s something strange about it, indescribably so. Besides, he’s only a county magistrate; how important can his words be?” Ling Tong sat astride his warhorse and spoke to Taishi Ci beside him. Unlike Jiang Wen, with whom he had fought before, Ling Tong did not know much about him.

“Don’t underestimate him,” Jiang Qin approached on horseback. “When he once strategized with the army, every battle was a victory. Many soldiers whispered that if this man commanded troops, he might be the next Han Xin!”

“Is he really that extraordinary?” Taishi Ci smiled. “A prodigy of such caliber is certainly no exaggeration, though I haven’t known this magistrate for long.”

Lü Meng hummed a tune, his expression relaxed. Kuai Yue beside him cautioned, “General, do not let your guard down. Though we now have a plan to strike the enemy, we must never underestimate them.”

Lü Meng smiled. “Of course I know that. Confidence in battle is one thing, but the key lies in command. What pleases me is something else.”

Kuai Yue nodded slightly. He acknowledged Jiang Wen’s brilliance but feared Lü Meng’s pride might cause him to underestimate the enemy on the battlefield. The supreme commander must never harbor such thoughts.

Yuan Shao’s greatest defeat was due to underestimating his foe. Because he despised Cao Cao, he refused to heed his strategist’s counsel.

“Are you feeling uneasy as the supervising officer?” Lü Meng asked.

“No,” Kuai Yue replied. “When the prime minister appointed me as supervising officer, I knew the general would come to Fuchun. Otherwise, we could have advanced from Qiantang to attack Kuaiji earlier. After this battle, I suspect the magistrate will be restored to his post.” Kuai Yue tightened his reins slightly.

“Bo Fu has entrusted me with thirty thousand troops. This is my first battle. I never liked studying and never imagined I’d become a general leading soldiers,” Lü Meng said solemnly. “So I must win this battle magnificently!”

“Enough! Order the army to camp here!”

—The residence of Wang Lang, Lord of Kuaiji—

Wang Lang tossed a letter aside. “All this time I’ve governed peacefully without ever sending troops to confront Sun Ce. Even during their campaign against Yan Baihu, I didn’t dispatch reinforcements.”

“Sun Ce’s ambition is to unify the realm. With Cao Cao’s resounding victory over Yuan Shao in Hebei, he must secure a stable rear,” Yu Fan, with his glossy black beard and broad stature, said cheerfully. “Sun Ce’s forces are known for their valor. After defeating Yuan Shu, they rested for months, morale steady. The city holds only fifteen thousand troops; we might as well yield to Sun Ce’s army.”

“Are you suggesting I abandon the city?” Wang Lang’s face grew cold. “That scoundrel Sun Ce defies the emperor and slaughters loyal officials. Even if I perish, I will never retreat. Order the troops to defend Kuaiji to the death!”

“Yes, my lord,” Yu Fan bowed respectfully.

—Thirty miles outside Fuchun, Zhejiang border—

Taishi Ci, Ling Tong, Jiang Qin, Kuai Yue, and Lü Meng gathered inside a tent.

Lü Meng studied a map. “Who among the generals is willing to lead troops at Qiantang to lure the enemy?”

“General, forgive my frankness,” Ling Tong said, “Our military’s bravery is well known. The prime minister recently defeated Yuan Shu, striking fear into neighboring lords. Wang Lang commands few troops and is more interested in comfort. Why not attack directly? Perhaps Wang Lang won’t resist and will surrender outright.”

Ling Tong saluted. “Although the magistrate’s wisdom is unparalleled, as you all say, if the ruse is discovered, and Wang Lang sallies forth, our army would be at a severe disadvantage, caught between advancing and retreating.”

Indeed, if Wang Lang knew Qiantang’s troops were a feint, he could seize it with one battle. Then even if Lü Meng occupied Dongyang, the situation would stalemate.

“I understand your concern. Be patient.” Lü Meng nodded and waved Ling Tong away. “Since you feel this way, I will entrust you with ten thousand soldiers. If Wang Lang fully fortifies the city, you create a loud commotion to convince him you are the decoy.”

“What if Wang Lang doesn’t defend, and I capture Kuaiji?”

“I won’t claim your merit; all credit goes to you!” Lü Meng said. “For safety, Jiang Qin will serve as deputy. You and Ling Tong will go together.”

“As you command!”

Ling Tong took the military token and left the tent. Outside, the army began to move. Lü Meng focused on the map as Kuai Yue said, “General, if Ling Tong is arrogant, he might lead the troops directly, which could be dangerous…”

“If I forbid him, he’ll harbor resentment and cause trouble. This is my first command; naturally, some are discontent. Wait for news. With Jiang Qin accompanying him, losses will be minimal.”

—The next day—

After dining, Lü Meng conferred with Taishi Ci and Kuai Yue inside the tent.

“Report: troop situation at Qiantang!”

“Read,” Lü Meng said calmly.

“The general led troops to Kuaiji overnight, but Wang Lang had already fortified the city. Fortunately, Lord Jiang’s deployment was sound, with losses of only over two thousand…”

“Hm. As Chang Su predicted, Wang Lang chose to resist to the end.”

Taishi Ci nodded. “General, shall we now proceed to check the Cha Du road?”

“No, wait a few more days. Let Wang Lang believe our forces remain at Qiantang. Ling Tong should act according to plan.”

—Outside Qiantang, Ling Tong’s camp—

Ling Tong brought medicine to Jiang Qin’s camp. “Here, let me dress your wound.”

“No need; it’s already treated,” Jiang Qin shook his head, his body wrapped in rough linen. “Just a minor injury; rest will suffice.”

“Thanks to your warning yesterday, the army’s losses were not worse. I owe you and the prime minister an apology,” Ling Tong nodded slightly.

“First, help the general capture Fuchun; regrets can come later!”

“I’ll arrange it immediately!”

—Kuaiji—

Wang Lang stepped outside his residence, gazing at the vast river before him. “With such a heaven-sent land, I, Wang Lang, will never lose to Sun Ce, no matter his thousands of troops!”

Yu Fan bowed. “My lord, although Sun’s army was defeated, they must not be underestimated. He will find other means.”

“So what? I have my ways to defend the city,” Wang Lang smiled. “Send orders to Zhou Xin to hold Dongyang; no need to send reinforcements here. Sun’s forces are weaker than I thought.”

Yu Fan complied and left, drafting a letter to Dongyang.

—Dongyang—

Zhou Xin read the letter.

“Sun Ce’s forces are large, but you only need to dig deep trenches and build high ramparts, holding the city without sallies. Within a month, the enemy’s supplies will fail, and they will retreat naturally.”

Xu Jing saluted behind him. “General, what did the lord write?”

“He told me to hold the city. He says Sun Ce’s troops are strong,” Zhou Xin tossed the letter aside. “I think Yu Fan wrote this—he can’t stand my ease.”

Xu Jing picked up the letter and read carefully. “The chief clerk makes sense; the general should heed his advice.”

“What advice? Recently, the lord repelled Sun’s army, killing over two thousand. Such opponents can hardly be called formidable. Besides, we’re tens of miles from Kuaiji. How could Sun’s army reach here?”

“Report! Enemy troops spotted on a small path several miles south of the city!”

Zhou Xin stammered, glancing at Xu Jing speechless. “Prepare to deploy defenses! Follow me!”

The army marched from Fuchun, racing to the western river mouth of Zhejiang. Lü Meng ordered the troops to cross immediately.

Outside Dongyang, soldiers repeatedly dug and returned soil. On the ramparts, Zhou Xin anxiously paced, scanning the distance.

—Kuaiji—

Wang Lang ate simple vegetables as Yu Fan entered anxiously. “My lord, Dongyang reports Sun’s forces made a surprise attack! They request urgent aid!”

“Kill!” Wang Lang roared.

Zhou Xin led his officers out the city gate, quickly engaging Taishi Ci. Taishi Ci drew his great sword and clashed with Zhou Xin on horseback.

Zhou Xin’s broad blade struck down. Taishi Ci raised his sword with one arm, bones aching, but pushed Zhou Xin back. Calm and composed, Taishi Ci whistled softly; his horse suddenly fled.

Though repelled, Zhou Xin knew he had the upper hand. How could he let this enemy escape? “You brat, where are you running?!” he shouted, chasing after him.

Unperturbed, Taishi Ci bent over his horse, reached back, grabbed a bow and arrow, and suddenly turned to shoot!

The arrow’s sharp tip was like a cold rain, chilling to the bone—a piercing chill from deep within.

Zhou Xin dodged hastily but was too close to Taishi Ci to evade. A sharp pain struck his waist as he fell from his horse.

Taishi Ci gave no quarter; Zhou Xin’s great sword sliced above his head, and he fell lifeless.

Lü Meng led his elite cavalry in relentless charges, devastating the enemy infantry.

“The commander of your army has been slain. Surrender now, and your lives will be spared!”

—Fuchun kitchen—

Jiang Wen stayed inside, helping Tao’er prepare pickled vegetables. Tao’er tasted one and nodded. Seeing Jiang Wen open his mouth, she fed him. “Young master, can’t you pick it up yourself?”

“You feed it better.”

“You’re a chatterbox!” Tao’er stuck out her tongue, smiling happily.

“Yes, this batch tastes better than the last. It really needs you, Tao’er,” Jiang Wen laughed, washing his hands.

“Of course. Though you know many odd dishes, you can’t beat my skills!”

“If I praise you, you’ll go to heaven!” Jiang Wen pinched Tao’er’s nose playfully.

Tao’er immediately wriggled free and grabbed at Jiang Wen’s beard.

“Ouch, that hurts! Mistress, let go!”

“Hmph!”

Jiang Wen rubbed his chin. “Why so naughty?”

“You never wrote me a poem! Sister got two—one at Xiangyang Station, one at Baiwei Inn.”

“That one was for you.”

“But you read it to sister!”

“Fine. Next time, when inspiration flows, I’ll write an eternal masterpiece.”

“You’re just full of empty promises!” Tao’er carried her bowl into the yard, then looked toward the city gate worriedly. “Young master, do you think Ziming can win?”

“Of course. Don’t underestimate him. Though he’s untalented now, he might one day become a pillar of the army and lead a nation’s military and politics!”

“Really that impressive?” Tao’er asked in surprise.

“When have I ever been wrong about you? Just like you—once a beggar, now so poised and graceful, a beauty anywhere.”

“That’s because I have good taste!” Tao’er retorted. “I chose the young master!”

“Master! Master! Report from Dongyang!”

“Ziming won,” Jiang Wen smiled and stepped forward, Tao’er stuck out her tongue behind him.

Jiang Wen took the military report from Li Er and read. “Wang Lang led troops to aid Dongyang but was ambushed by Ziming’s forces. Now they return to Kuaiji, but the city’s defenses are insufficient. Though Wang Lang resists fiercely, he cannot hold long.”

“Tao’er, tell the servants to pack for a journey,” Jiang Wen folded the letter. Tao’er asked, “Young master, are you going to Kuaiji to celebrate Ziming’s victory?”

“No, we’re returning to Xiangyang.”

“Are you giving up your magistrate post? If the court investigates neglect of duty, you could be executed! Besides, our family is poor. A few days more and we’d be broke.”

Jiang Wen scoffed. “Did you see that Dongpo pork at Baiwei Inn? One of my dishes already earns a fortune. If I wanted money alone, your master would be wealthy by now!”

“Then why not make money sooner? We’d be better off as merchants. Officials live in constant anxiety, running here and there—a real nuisance.”

“You don’t understand. Merchants fear officials. Sometimes, a small act by an official can crush a merchant,” Jiang Wen said.

Tao’er thought for a moment. “Then teach me how to make money. You be an official, I’ll be the merchant!”

“Business requires brains!”

“Isn’t selling good products enough? Like your Dongpo pork.”

“That’s just short-term profit. Haven’t you noticed more and more shops claiming to sell Dongpo pork? They just haven’t figured out the recipe yet.”

“Now Baiwei Inn monopolizes Dongpo pork. Only they sell it, setting prices as they please. But soon others will make it, and to attract customers, they’ll undercut Baiwei Inn. Then Baiwei Inn will lower prices to compete, and the market will fragment.”

“People choose the more affordable option; the taste only needs to be close enough.”

“Sauce is expensive. Maybe selling ten dishes doesn’t even cover the cost of one cup of sauce,” Jiang Wen explained. “So not all good things sell well, unless no one knows the recipe.”

“Then Baiwei Inn isn’t stupid. How could they reveal their recipe?”

“Is he the only one who can make Dongpo pork?”

Tao’er glanced at Jiang Wen, then laughed like a clear bell. “You’re so naughty, young master~”

“You want to profit off my creation and threaten me? I won’t just sit back!”