Chapter 114: The Prime Minister of the Court and His Younger Brother Take a Fancy to Me

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“Child, these generals have long followed your father, winning countless battles. Now that they have gained some fertile land, what’s the harm?” Madam Wu urged with a look of sorrow. “Bofu, you are now the Chancellor. I know you desire sole power, but when your father was alive, he entrusted military command to these generals out of trust. Why must you take it back now?”

“Mother, since you mentioned Father, I will say this: Father passed away not long ago, leaving less than a hundred acres of land, yet these generals occupy a full thousand acres under the pretense of ancestral graves. But whose ancestors need so much land to rest on?”

“Please, Mother, do not meddle in your son’s affairs. Shangxiang is but a young girl; wouldn’t it be better to worry about finding her a good family? This vast territory, along with Father’s wishes, I will guard and fulfill myself!”

“Bofu—”

“Zhaoji.”

“Greetings, Mother. Husband, what do you call me for?”

“Mother feels weary today; I will send her back to rest.”

“Yes, please do.”

Madam Wu glanced at Sun Ce before being escorted out of the Chancellor’s residence.

Cai Yan rubbed Sun Ce’s shoulders. “Husband, you must be tired. Would you like to rest a while?”

The next day, at the Chancellor’s residence.

“Chancellor, the words of the Deputy Censor are not to be heeded lightly. The ancient laws have been passed down for a century. Changing them hastily will surely cause upheaval. Remember, Wang Mang’s reforms were too rapid, provoking the aristocracy to unite against him, leading to the fall of the Xin dynasty!”

“Do you compare me to Wang Mang?” Sun Ce narrowed his eyes with a smile. The minister speaking trembled, “Chancellor, I misspoke, please do not be angry!”

“Drag him away and administer fifty slaps.”

“Yes!”

“Chancellor, forgive me!”

Jiang Wen stood nearby holding a wooden paddle, calm and collected. The generals’ expressions were grim; Wu Jing’s was the most sour.

Zhang Zhao said, “Chancellor, though the official was rude, his words lack reason. With enemies closing in, we must secure the borders before stabilizing within. It is unwise to implement new policies now.”

“Chancellor! Chancellor!”

“What is it?”

“Report, Chancellor! Liu Bei has led his troops to surrender to Cao Cao!”

Jiang Wen raised an eyebrow but grew serious. Xuzhou had long been contested by fierce warlords. Cao Cao had just defeated Yuan Shao and was focusing on pacifying the north, while Lü Bu was still attacking Liangzhou.

Only our side had some leisure, but now with Liu Bei’s surrender, it was like a godsend for Cao Cao, freeing him to confront Yuan Shao and Lü Bu.

Naturally, this also affected the generals.

Now that Cao Cao’s power was greater, if we were to contend with him, Sun Ce would have to rely on these generals who held military command. No matter how talented Jiang Wen was, without troops, he was nothing!

Han Dang spoke, “I volunteer! While Cao Cao is busy pacifying the north, Liu Bei’s forces in Xuzhou are weak. We should take the initiative to attack Xuzhou. After capturing it, what Liu Bei can offer Cao Cao is mere words!”

“We also volunteer!” Quan Cong, Wu Jing, and the other generals stepped forward.

Jiang Wen pondered. Knowing Liu Bei’s character, Xuzhou was a prized territory. He had governed well for years and would never relinquish it willingly.

Xushu? No, though clever, Xushu would never entertain such a notion. My suspicion lies with him.

Kuai Yue said, “Chancellor, I believe our army should wait. Liu Bei commands troops in Xuzhou, governs them well, and is beloved by the people. He would never surrender lightly. This may be a ruse.”

Sun Jing commented, “I agree with Guanglouxun’s opinion.”

Sun Ce looked at Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu stepped forward, “I believe this is not a feigned surrender. Liu Bei, who claims descent from the Prince of Zhongshan Jing, is loyal to the Han dynasty. He desires to restore the Han, yet the Chancellor has massacred many Han loyalists. Liu Bei hates the Chancellor deeply but lacks the strength to retaliate, so he sought refuge with Cao Cao.”

“Hmph, nonsense,” Wu Jing said, “Even if Liu Bei were foolish and hated the Chancellor, would he feed his own rich land to a dog?”

Zhou Yu smiled faintly, “Liu Bei has great ambition and discernment, knowing what to prioritize. Some generals cannot comprehend this, so they judge by their own limited views, making themselves a laughingstock.”

“How dare you insult me before the Chancellor!” Wu Jing growled.

Lü Meng laughed, “The strategist only meant a certain general, not you. You stepped forward seeking insult; don’t blame him.”

“Silence!” Sun Ce ordered. Wu Jing wanted to retort but held back; Lü Meng smirked, enraging Wu Jing further.

“What do you advise, strategist?”

Zhou Yu bowed, “I think regardless of truth, we must strike Liu Bei. With Cao Cao newly pacifying the north and Liu Bei surrendering, if Cao Cao gains Xuzhou, his power will become overwhelming!”

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“Deputy Censor, do you have anything to say?”

Jiang Wen bowed, “I believe the Chancellor should first send troops to seize the remaining half of Jingzhou. Cao Cao’s forces are brave and cunning; Liu Bei’s surrender is certainly not a ruse.”

“You all heard that, didn’t you? It’s amusing coming from the Deputy Censor,” Han Dang laughed. “If you know Liu Bei’s surrender is sincere, why not attack him? Letting Cao Cao take Xuzhou is foolish. Deputy Censor, have you become so dazzled by Cao Cao’s defeat of Yuan Shao that you have mistaken him for your lord?”

“Ha ha ha, Han Dang speaks truth. I suspect these reforms are just a ploy to delay our campaign, giving other warlords a chance. If not for these blasted reforms, we would have already marched on Jingzhou!”

“Enough idle talk, all you say is nonsense,” Gan Ning sneered. “A while back, when the Chancellor wanted to send troops to Jingzhou and asked you to dispatch soldiers, everyone found excuses to refuse. Now you complain like women scorned in the street.”

“If you speak so recklessly, general, be careful or it may cost you your life!” Wu Jing’s expression turned cold as he glared at Gan Ning.

Gan Ning licked his lips, smiling, “Fine, shall we settle this with a duel? A fight to the death. I’m just itching for someone to kill!”

Wu Jing stared coldly but said nothing. Though he was evenly matched with Gan Ning, fighting a madman was too risky.

Lü Meng also felt uneasy. Zhou Yu looked at him for a response. Lü Meng said, “That guy’s steward once made a small mistake and came begging me for help. After agreeing to help, he killed the steward right outside my gate.”

Sun Ce looked at Jiang Wen, “Deputy Censor, continue.”

“Now that Liu Bei has surrendered, Cao Cao will surely send heavy forces to Xuzhou, arriving within three months. The question is whether we can defeat Liu Bei in that time.”

“Is three months not enough?” Sun Ce asked.

“I cannot say for sure, but attacking Jingzhou now is more prudent.”

Sun Ce fell silent. “Which general volunteers to lead troops to attack Xuzhou?”

“I, Han Dang, volunteer. I guarantee to take Xuzhou within a month. If I fail, I will offer my head!”

“How many soldiers?”

“I will lead seventy thousand.”

“Go gather troops from Lujiang and Shouchun.”

“As ordered!”

“Jiang Wen, Lü Meng, listen!”

“I await orders.”

“I temporarily appoint you as General Who Pacifies the South, and Lü Meng as Commander. You will lead forty thousand troops out from Chibi to attack Han Xuan. Depart in three days!”

“As commanded!”

“That will be all for today. Prepare for battle!”

“Yes!”

Wu Jing and Gan Ning exchanged looks and parted ways in front of the Chancellor’s residence. Huang Gai and Zu Mao saluted the generals and then rode back to their homes.

Wu Jing watched Jiang Wen walk away and asked the other generals, “Are we really just going to hand over Jingzhou? Such a great achievement!”

“What can we do? The Chancellor controls the troops. If we refuse to send soldiers, that is already the utmost limit.”

“What’s there to fear? Isn’t there a greater achievement right before us?”

Han Dang stroked his beard silently but knew this achievement was referring to himself. Wu Jing smiled. “General Han, you must take me with you. You can’t hog all the glory.”

“Of course. I will bring you along. As for Huang Gai and Zu Mao, let them retire in peace!”

At Jiang Wen’s residence.

In the west wing, Diao Chan’s room.

Everywhere, treasures and calligraphy filled the space.

Most prominent was Jiang Wen’s poem composed at Baiwei Inn.

Diao Chan’s delicate beauty was captivating; every smile and frown was exquisite. She stretched slightly, her slender waist graceful, long legs fair and translucent, skin like jade. Her voice was soft, “Master, this time you lead the army personally; surely you will return victorious.”

Jiang Wen smiled wryly, “I hope you restrain yourself a bit; I fear I might lose control.”

“Master, we are already husband and wife; why worry?” Diao Chan smiled and stood, “I will make tea for Master.”

She brought the teapot over and leaned close, the fragrance enveloping him. Little Shu quietly drew the curtain.

Jiang Wen grew uneasy. Diao Chan whispered, “Madam went to the Lü house to visit the child today. Master truly does not wish to...?”

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Lü Meng looked at Jiang Wen’s trembling hand, “Tsk, you claim to be so fierce, yet no children?”

Jiang Wen sipped water, “It’s not as simple as wanting it.”

“Passive? That’s unmanly.”

“I’m talking about children!”

Lü Meng grinned, “I have a recipe. Bull’s penis is a powerful tonic. Eat it and you’ll have more chances...”

“Get to the point!”

Lü Meng laughed, “No big deal. Just came to check on you and to warn: if you choose generals, never bring Gan Ning. Besides Bofu, no one can control him; even Taishi Ci is wary.”

“Such a fine warrior. Why not bring him along?”

“He fights well, but sometimes disobeys orders or even kills. When he goes mad, he might storm enemy lines, and then we’ll have to find him a grave.”

“Dinner, young master!” Tao’er entered, setting down a tray heavily: a bowl of thin porridge and pickled vegetables, smiling and nodding at Jiang Wen. Then she set a tray with a plump chicken and several side dishes for Lü Meng.

Jiang Wen laughed, “Tao’er, did you make a mistake?”

“Not eating?” Tao’er reached to take it back.

“I’m eating, I’m eating.” Jiang Wen smiled awkwardly, pressing down on the tray. Tao’er snorted and left the room.

Jiang Wen nibbled the pickled vegetables, eyeing Lü Meng’s chicken. Lü Meng chuckled, “Heh heh, Longsu, even you have your moments. But if it were my Lu Min, it’d be different.”

“You’re sure?”

“Lu Min is sensible, well-read, knows the virtues. By the way, do you know that Lord Qiao has two daughters?”

“Yes, the famed elder and younger Qiao, known throughout Jiangdong. Bofu and Gongjin once sought them but failed; they arrived in Xiangyang.” Jiang Wen frowned, sipping water.

“The younger visits Gongjin daily and gets along well with Leyao. Soon Gongjin will have another concubine. The elder still stays home. The younger is hopeless, but the elder...” Lü Meng laughed, “You catch my drift.”

“I don’t know Lord Qiao. Even if you ask me to be matchmaker, impossible. Besides, I think you should find another target.”

“Why? The elder Qiao is a national beauty, though a bit less than Diao Chan. It’s understandable if you look down on her, but I can’t forget her!”

“You forget a woman you see?”

“Hey Longsu, you underestimate me. If she’s ugly, I forget her fast!”

Before he finished, the door opened again. Lü Meng straightened. Tao’er entered with five-flavored preserved meat, “The kitchen had leftover ingredients, so I made this. Don’t want to waste.”

She placed it before Jiang Wen, then took Lü Meng’s dish away.

“Hey, I haven’t eaten yet. At least leave me the chicken leg!” Tao’er walked out. Lü Meng rolled his eyes, “Freshly made, so fast? You don’t think before speaking and take my chicken?”

“Fine, small dishes aren’t bad. Lately my mother keeps making chicken soup for Lu Min, saying with this one she’s brought a big fat baby to the Lü family, and I need to try for another. Lu Min can’t eat it all, so I do.” Lü Meng said, “If it weren’t for your wife making this, I wouldn’t even look at it.”

“No chicken? Want some preserved meat?”

“What do you think of my Longsu?”

“Matchmaker?”

“Of course.”

“I’m a rat fleeing through the streets in Xiangyang. If you ask me to be matchmaker, you’re doomed.”

“Well... I heard the elder Qiao is favored by Bofu’s brother. Now with these reforms, you’re at odds with them. More fleas, less itch.”

“Dogs can’t spit out ivory,” Jiang Wen said. “Forget elder Qiao; she belongs to the Sun family. You can’t compete.”

“Not afraid of Zhongmou either,” Lü Meng said.

“What about Bofu?”

“Bofu likes her?”

“Of course. Otherwise, why would he and Gongjin have gone looking for the second Qiao? It’s just that his brother stands in the way. Soon their tempers will flare, and it will begin. I’ve even thought of a name: the Chancellor of the court and his brother both fancy me.”

Lü Meng: “...”