Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Art of Military Governance

Jiang Qin bowed to Jiang Wen and said, “I have spoken out of turn many times before. I will be more cautious in the future. Please do not take offense, Advisor.”

Jiang Wen returned the salute, smiling calmly. “When did you speak out of turn, General? Military deliberations are meant for everyone to express their views and speak their minds. We simply had a difference of opinion.”

Jiang Wen’s words eased Jiang Qin’s heart, and the surrounding generals showed looks of sincere contentment.

On the command platform, Sun Ce appeared somewhat weary. He spoke, “Our victory at Juqiao is entirely thanks to you, generals. I will report your achievements faithfully to the Minister of Works. Today, all of you may go and rest.”

The generals in the tent wore expressions of satisfaction, and as they were about to take their leave, Jiang Wen stepped out from the ranks, bowed to Sun Ce, and said, “Commander, I have something to report. I ask that the generals remain.”

The generals paused, all turning to look at Jiang Wen. Sun Ce, puzzled, asked, “Advisor, what else do you wish to report?”

“Please, Commander and generals, follow me outside the tent,” Jiang Wen nodded to Zhou Tai. “General Zhou Tai, please lead them over.”

Zhou Tai exited first, and Sun Ce and the generals followed Jiang Wen out.

Meanwhile, Su Bing and his brothers were tied up with ropes, guarded by six armed soldiers.

Yang Er swallowed nervously, glancing at the guards. He whispered, “Second Brother, are we really going to be all right?”

“Don’t worry,” Su Bing waved dismissively. “With your big brother here, what’s there to fear? I’m a general now. Once I’m clear, I’ll make sure that little brat pays!”

Su Bing felt a heavy gaze and turned to see Zhou Tai eyeing him coldly. Su Bing retorted, “What, are you finally going to release me?”

“Take them away,” Zhou Tai ordered the soldiers, and the twenty-some ruffians were marched toward the execution ground.

Su Bing looked at Zhou Tai ahead. “I’m warning you, you’d better let me go now. If not, when my big brother sees you, he’ll have your head!”

Zhou Tai ignored him, silently escorting Su Bing.

Sun Ce and the generals waited at the execution ground and watched as Zhou Tai brought over the group of prisoners.

Pushed forward by the soldiers, Su Bing’s anger erupted. “Be gentle! I’m the commander here!”

Zhou Tai stepped up to Sun Ce, saluted, and reported, “Commander, the prisoners are here.”

“Su Bing, Yang Er!” Sun Ce looked at Jiang Wen, unclear of the situation, but before he could speak, Gan Ning stepped forward. He saluted Jiang Wen, saying, “Advisor, these are my brothers. What law have they broken to warrant such treatment?”

“Big brother, that brat dared tie up our brothers—kill him for us!” Su Bing, seeing Gan Ning from afar, felt a surge of confidence and shouted loudly.

Hearing this, Sun Ce and the generals’ expressions soured. Much of the victory was owed to Jiang Wen, whose reputation had grown; now, he was being insulted before them.

Gan Ning’s own expression darkened, but his concern was to find out what law his brothers had broken.

Jiang Wen saluted Gan Ning and said, “General Gan Ning, these men took advantage of our army’s pursuit outside the city to rob and assault the townsfolk, some even attempting to violate women.”

Gan Ning was speechless. In their days as river pirates, such acts were common, and his men had become accustomed to such behavior. Now as generals, he knew the military law was strict, and he had warned his brothers countless times, but still, some had broken the rules.

Gan Ning bowed humbly, “Advisor, by military law, what is their punishment?”

“Military law demands execution.”

Gan Ning trembled slightly, his face pale. He saluted Sun Ce, then knelt, “I am willing to offer my battle merits in exchange. I beg you, Commander, spare my brothers’ lives!”

“What’s happening, Big Brother?” Su Bing, proud moments ago, now felt anxious seeing his brother bow to the advisor and even kneel. Could this advisor position be so powerful?

Sun Ce tried to help Gan Ning up, but Gan Ning remained kneeling, looking to Jiang Wen, who closed his eyes and did not respond. Sun Ce felt overwhelmed—how was he to decide?

Zhou Yu stepped forward. “Military law is unshakable. General Gan Ning, you have indeed rendered great service, but if merits can offset crimes at will, then any general who fights could let his men pillage the people without consequence. Battle merits should record a general’s honor, not be used this way. Please, rise.”

“I know my brothers are guilty, but I still beg the Commander to spare their lives. I am willing to exchange my merits!” Gan Ning knocked his head heavily on the ground, refusing to rise.

Sun Ce was deeply troubled. Gan Ning had just distinguished himself in battle, but to execute his brothers so soon was a hard decision.

Jiang Wen sighed. History records that Gan Ning was deeply loyal to his men, and it was indeed so.

But the law is blind to affection. Jiang Wen said, “Confucius said the law does not punish the masses, but military law is unwavering. General Gan Ning, you offer your merits; thus, I will only execute the ringleader. The rest will be flogged forty times. This is my greatest concession.”

Gan Ning looked up at Jiang Wen. “I beg the Commander to delay the execution by half an hour. I wish to speak with my brothers.”

“Go,” Sun Ce sighed. Gan Ning immediately rose and walked to Su Bing, and Jiang Wen watched as Gan Ning struck Su Bing down with a heavy fist, then turned away, unwilling to witness further.

Jiang Wen bowed to the generals. “Generals, military law is unbreakable. Please strictly discipline your men and do not let them violate the law!”

“We obey!”

Half an hour later, Sun Ce stood atop the execution platform, looking down at the gathered officers and soldiers. He called out, “We are an army of righteousness. We must not plunder property, kill civilians, or commit acts of lust. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with like this—executed and made an example!”

Su Bing’s face was swollen and bruised, his eyes reddened. Seeing the executioner beside him, he forced a bitter smile.

“Execute!” Jiang Wen commanded.

The blade fell, a head flew, rolling across the platform.

Gan Ning pushed a cart bearing a corpse shrouded in white cloth, leading it out of Juqiao.

Within the county official residence at Juqiao, the building was uniquely designed for Sun Ce’s use.

“After so many battles, I’m exhausted!” Lü Meng stretched, glancing toward the city gates. “Chang Su, Bo Fu, you executed Xingba’s brothers. Aren’t you worried that Xingba will…”

Jiang Wen spoke coolly, “The fault lies with those ruffians. If Gan Ning resents this and leaves, then he is no more than a petty man.”