Chapter Thirty-Nine: Advancing the Troops

Lush green leaves formed a dense canopy as the trees flourished within the four-cornered manor. In the courtyard, four men practiced Tai Chi. Lü Meng, having heard that this art could prolong life, had diligently studied its forms.

A soldier entered, saluted Sun Ce, and reported, “Honorable Commander, General Gan Ning returned to his camp last night after burying his brother.”

Sun Ce nodded. “You may go.”

Jiang Wen, having just finished his movements, slowly withdrew his fists. Sun Ce looked at him and sighed. “This is bound to leave a barrier in his heart.”

“Xingba knows military law. He is fully aware of his fault this time,” Jiang Wen replied calmly. “If you think such a minor error could turn his heart against you, then you underestimate Xingba.”

“Even so,” Sun Ce shook his head, “I still can’t rest easy. Though the world teems with talent, few are truly fit to serve the Sun family. If a commander like Xingba were to leave, it would be a grave loss to our army!”

Zhou Yu, eyes closed in repose, spoke from nearby. “If that is your concern, Bofu, send five hundred shi of grain to Xingba. If he accepts, all is well; if not, then visit him in person.”

Lü Meng exchanged a glance with Sun Ce, then asked, puzzled, “Gongjin, why does accepting the grain mean all is well, but refusing it means something is wrong?”

“If he were an upright, incorruptible minister, he might refuse a gift from his lord. But Xingba is different—he once lived as a river pirate, and would never turn away a well-meant gift. If he refuses it, his anger must be truly great.”

Sun Ce nodded and summoned two soldiers, instructing them to deliver the gift.

The four entered the house and spread a map across the table. Zhou Yu said, “Our army has occupied Juchao. Once we cross the Yangtze, we’ll reach Niu Zhu, where Liu Yao’s troops are surely stationed.”

Sun Ce nodded. “Zhang Ying fled across the river with several thousand men and now holds Niu Zhu. All of Liu Yao’s forces are gathered there. If we win, we’ll take Jianye.”

Lü Meng agreed. “While morale is high, we should strike swiftly. Leave a thousand men to guard Juchao, and cross the river tomorrow with the rest!”

Zhou Yu nodded. “In war, speed is vital. We should seize Niu Zhu at once.”

Sun Ce summoned his aides. “Send word to all generals: ready armor and horses at once. The army marches tomorrow!”

That night, at Gan Ning’s residence in Juchao, several men lay on their beds, each having received forty blows. Gan Ning tended to his brothers’ wounds with fine medicine. Gou Li gritted his teeth. “Brother, let’s leave this place. It’s no place for us. Second Brother was executed for nothing! Aren't you angry?”

“Yes! All we did was take a few things. In the past, we left no survivors, but now we only seize supplies and spare lives. That’s already a great concession. Yet he ignored your pleas and killed Second Brother outright!”

Gan Ning sat on an empty bed. “The Commander values me greatly and has given me high rank. Many lords vie for power in this land, but how many have shown me such trust and honor? If I were to leave now, I’d be a true traitor and ingrate.”

Jiang Wen arrived at Gan Ning’s residence and bowed. “General Gan Ning, Adjutant Jiang Wen requests an audience.”

“An adjutant here to see me?” Gan Ning rose at once, his expression complex.

His brothers’ pent-up anger erupted. In their eyes, it was this very adjutant who had brought about their misfortune and Second Brother’s execution!

Gan Ning glared at them. “Stay here. I’ll speak to him outside.”

Jiang Wen stood in the courtyard, his hands tucked into his sleeves, gazing absentmindedly at the bright moon.

“Your subordinate greets the adjutant,” Gan Ning said with a smile, bowing. “It’s late, sir, and you’re not yet abed. Why have you come?”

Jiang Wen returned the bow. “General Xingba,” he began, “I understand the bond between brothers, and regret the wrong done to you yesterday.”

Gan Ning replied, “What wrong? My brothers were at fault.”

Jiang Wen nodded. “Tomorrow the army marches forth. General Xingba, you should remain here and rest a few days. You needn’t join the campaign.”

“You suspect I’ll turn traitor over this?” Gan Ning’s tone sharpened. “If that’s what you think, sir, then you’ve misjudged me. Forgive me, but I refuse! The hour is late—return to your rest. I won’t see you off.”

Jiang Wen smiled. “The Commander’s gift of grain—did it meet with your approval?”

Gan Ning, a little impatient, said, “Naturally, I’m grateful for his kindness. The grain will feed us well for many days.”

“Very good, then. I’ll take my leave.”

In the year 195 AD, Cao Cao defeated Kong Rong of Beihai, seized Qingzhou, and then marched on Langya. Tao Qian, forced to retreat, lost Langya to Cao Cao, and his army fell back to Xiapi, where a stalemate ensued. Lü Bu, meanwhile, broke through Anding, led forty thousand men to Wancheng, and clashed with Sun Jian…

Niu Zhu, situated along the Heng River, was a water city. Sun Ce reviewed a military report and asked Zhou Yu, “Do we need to send reinforcements?”

“The distance is too great,” Zhou Yu replied. “If we retreat now, all our efforts these past months will be wasted. Besides, Lü Bu has Cao Cao to the north. Now that Lü Bu has seized Xuchang and Chenliu, Cao Cao won’t let it stand. Lü Bu will have to withdraw soon enough.” Then, turning to an attendant, Zhou Yu asked, “How many days since the adjutant set out with the grain?”

“Advisor, it has been a month.”

Zhou Yu nodded. “The grain should arrive soon.”

In the distance, the city’s fortifications stood firm. After the battle of Juchao, Liu Yao was terrified of Sun Ce and had not dared to leave the city these many days.

Sun Ce had considered attacking the city, but the gates were impregnable.

“Can you read?” Zhou Yu asked a messenger.

“I was fortunate to study for a year, sir.”

“Good,” said Zhou Yu, handing him a thousand coins and a bamboo slip. “Memorize what’s written here, then disguise yourself and slip into Niu Zhu. Keep a hundred coins for yourself and distribute the rest among the beggars inside. Teach them to sing the poem written on the slip.”

The messenger bowed. “At your command!”

“Go now.”

Zhou Yu smiled faintly as he gazed at the city, orchestrating victory from afar.

In the grand hall at Moling, Liu Yao grew ever more anxious as he read the military reports. With twenty thousand men at his command, he had not fought a single battle in three months, and feared Xue Li might seize power for himself.

Liu Yao summoned a soldier and handed him a bamboo slip. “See that this is delivered to Xue Li without fail.”