Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Hidden Dragon

Sun Jian glanced at Jiang Wen, who stood to the side, and after a moment’s thought, asked, “It seems the Libationer has something to say. What is your opinion on this matter?”

At these words, Jiang Wen was taken aback for a moment. Yet, upon seeing Sun Jian’s expression, he knew that even if he had nothing to offer, he would have to come up with something.

With no other choice, Jiang Wen saluted Sun Jian, then moved to stand before the map, pondering in silence.

The assembled ministers watched Jiang Wen, each deep in thought and silent.

Once Jiang Wen made his decision, he bowed and addressed Sun Jian: “Yuan Shu’s claim to the imperial title has stirred great momentum. Now, with a force of a hundred thousand marching to attack Lujiang, and with Han Xuan and others joining him, Yuan Shu intends to achieve a swift and decisive victory.

“At this critical moment, there is no way to mobilize a larger force for defense; all we have are the forty thousand men stationed in Lujiang.

“In my view, we can meet Yuan Shu with a defensive strategy rather than an offensive one. Liu Bei of Xuzhou is already harassing Yuan Shu’s rear. Chancellor, you may bide your time—should Liu Bei prevail, Yuan Shu will surely retreat.

“But if Liu Bei does not succeed, you have, in recent years, implemented the policy of military farms, and in terms of supplies, Yuan Shu cannot compare with you. If he fails to gain victory swiftly, and as reinforcements arrive from all quarters, his army's morale will falter and they will be easily defeated!”

“Absolutely not!” Yang Biao and the other devoted ministers of the Han court stepped forward respectfully and said to Sun Jian, “How can the Chancellor sit and wait on the defensive? Yuan Shu is a rebel who has dared proclaim himself emperor; the world is watching. If we do not crush him quickly, would that not signal to all that we are inferior to Yuan Shu? Where then would the majesty of the Han court remain? We implore the Chancellor to rally the forces of the realm and execute this villain Yuan Shu at once!”

Yuan Shu’s declaration as emperor struck at the most intolerable nerve of the old ministers. They could not abide even a hint of rebellion; they cared nothing for the expenditure of men and gold, only that Yuan Shu must die—and swiftly!

Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue, and others remained silent in thought. Sima Fang and the other Han ministers muttered amongst themselves. These old retainers had not encountered Jiang Wen before joining Sun Jian and had never heard of his reputation. Naturally, his words did not weigh on their minds, and they could not understand why Sun Jian consulted this young man at all.

Yet Sun Jian paid no heed to the old ministers’ objections. He looked down at the other strategists, and seeing their silence, knew that Jiang Wen’s words likely mirrored their own thoughts.

Sun Jian nodded and said to Yang Biao, “I was appointed Chancellor by the Son of Heaven himself. For the Han, for the Emperor, I would give my life a thousand times over. Rest assured, gentlemen, Yuan Shu will be defeated!”

He then turned to Jiang Wen. “Continue, Libationer.”

Jiang Wen said, “As for Han Xuan and his cohorts, though Jiangling has but thirty thousand men, I do not see them as a real threat.”

Sun Jian narrowed his eyes. “Why do you say so?”

Jiang Wen addressed Sun Jian and the assembly, “Han Xuan and the others come up from Dongting Lake; their journey is long and their men and horses will be weary. Their eighty thousand troops were once the mountain bandits recruited by Liu Biao, and compared to the Chancellor’s seasoned soldiers, they are but a ragtag band. Moreover, these eighty thousand are not under a single commander, but divided among four, so the army cannot act as one.

“Though Lü Bu sends only twenty thousand this time, he is not to be underestimated. We must face him with caution!”

Sun Jian rose and looked upon his generals, his tone grave. “Whom does the Libationer propose I send to meet these enemies?”

Jiang Wen considered Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu. After a moment, he said, “Against Yuan Shu, I recommend sending the veteran General Cheng Pu. He has fought many battles and is both brave and wise—he will not lose to Yuan Shu.

“For Han Xuan and the rebel band, I nominate Military Advisor General Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu is a master of naval warfare, and in terms of strategy and learning, he surpasses even myself!

“As for Lü Bu, I request the General of Chariots and Cavalry. He is a valiant warrior, not inferior to Lü Bu in any respect. Lü Bu has but twenty thousand men; should our general face him, victory is assured!”

Jiang Wen saluted Sun Jian and, having spoken, withdrew to one side and fell silent.

“Are you all willing to accept these commands?”

“We are willing!” they replied in unison.

Once Jiang Wen and the others left the Chancellor’s residence, they divided into three groups.

One group was made up of the Han ministers, another of Sun Quan and the veteran generals, and the last of Sun Ce and his own followers.

Sun Ce turned to Jiang Wen and said, “My father consults you on every appointment. Why did you not recommend Gongjin to confront Yuan Shu? If you had insisted, he would surely have agreed.”

Zhou Yu adjusted his belt and laughed. “Don’t blame Changsu for this, Bofu. This is my own doing. The Chancellor now commands many fierce warriors and wise counselors. In terms of reputation within the army, I cannot compare to the veteran generals. If I were made commander against Yuan Shu, bypassing the veterans, it would breed resentment in the ranks and appear as if I were seizing power from them—and from the Chancellor himself. To have spoken as we did and not incurred his displeasure is already a blessing.”

Sun Ce bowed to Jiang Wen. “I am only frustrated with these old generals. I do not understand why my father has been so distant with me of late.”

Jiang Wen returned the salute and replied, “Though you and the old generals have had disagreements over the military farms, Bofu, you must keep your composure for the good of the state. This campaign against Yuan Shu is no small matter. A hundred thousand troops are not livestock to be dealt with lightly, and even if they were, it would take weeks to slaughter so many. You must remain prudent.

“As for the Chancellor, he is now a man of great rank and power, a lord among lords. Such a legacy must be passed on. He is surely weighing whether you or your brother should be his heir.”

The group arrived at Sun Ce’s mansion. Lü Meng took up a cup of water and drank deeply, visibly refreshed. “Soon we’ll be marching off to war again. There’s never a moment’s peace.”

“Is it that you cannot bear to leave the comforts of home, Ziming?” Jiang Wen teased.

Lü Meng smirked. “How could I compare to you, Changsu? I rarely get to come home, and even when I do, I’m called back out before half a day has passed. Lately, I’ve been sleeping at the Inspectorate. Are you trying to make my wife a widow in all but name?”

Jiang Wen turned to his desk. “These days I must keep a close watch on all officials. If any collude with the enemy, it will pose a grave threat to our forces. The true danger lies not outside, but within our own walls.”

Sun Ce paid little attention to their banter, kneeling on his mat in silence. To say he did not desire to be heir would be self-deception.

After a moment, Zhou Yu said, “I hear that in recent days, Zhongmou has often visited an elderly gentleman named Zhang Zhao, a scholar of great learning. Now that the younger and elder sons are vying for the succession, should this learned gentleman join Zhongmou, would that not be a disadvantage for us?”

Jiang Wen smiled. “There is no need for concern, Gongjin. It is true that this elder is skilled in the classics… But if it were not for the present turmoil, Bofu ought to seek out another man at once. He is a rare talent, unmatched in our time!”

Sun Ce was surprised. He exchanged glances with Zhou Yu and Lü Meng, then asked, “Who could possibly earn such praise from you, Changsu?”

“His name is Zhuge Kongming.”

Zhou Yu laughed. “Now that you mention it, Changsu, I recall hearing rumors that a man in town compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. I always took such boasts as a joke. Do you truly believe them?”