Chapter 98: The Strategist
Xiao Li swept a glance over Zhang Huai, his expression unchanged as he said, "You jest. That day's rescue was merely an act of chivalry. I am but a crude man, currently seeking livelihood, and hardly worthy of your words."
As he turned to leave, Zhang Huai's resolute voice suddenly came from behind: "Your journey, benefactor, is for Tongzhou, is it not?"
A sharp killing intent instantly radiated from Xiao Li. Seeing this, Zhang Huai wanted to say more, but suddenly felt a tightness in his throat. By the time he realized what was happening, he had already been dragged by the neck into a nearby dark alley.
The marketplace was bustling with people coming and going, lively and vibrant, with no one noticing the sudden disturbance.
"Who sent you?" Xiao Li's arm muscles bulged slightly with force as he locked his hand around Zhang Huai's throat, his gaze beneath the bamboo hat cold and sharp.
Zhang Huai struggled to pry Xiao Li's hand away, his face and neck already flushed crimson, gasping with difficulty: "No one sent me. I wished to follow you, benefactor, which is why I've been inquiring about your whereabouts all along..."
Xiao Li clearly didn't believe his explanation, his strong fingers tightening further. Zhang Huai's throat constricted even more, his eyes beginning to show whites.
Xiao Li coldly interrogated: "How did you know I was here?"
Zhang Huai struggled to speak in broken phrases: "Benefactor killed... killed the officers... Jinzhou will surely... surely dispatch... troops to investigate... I inquired about where the officers... were attacked... and traced my way... here..."
This explanation did account for how he had found this place. When Zhang Huai's eyes were already bloodshot from suffocation, Xiao Li released his grip on his throat.
After a bout of racking coughs while clutching his neck, Zhang Huai panted and continued explaining: "The officers' last attack was yesterday, not far from Jinzhou city. I reckoned that if benefactor wanted to enter the city to gather information, you would inevitably come to this marketplace. That's why I've been storytelling and fortune-telling here, hoping to encounter you again..."
Xiao Li interrupted him: "Weren't you going to Pingzhou? Why suddenly change your mind?"
Enduring the burning pain in his neck, Zhang Huai looked at Xiao Li and smiled brightly: "Benefactor has forgotten - this humble scholar can tell fortunes. After you saved me that day and directed me to Pingzhou, I cast a divination for myself. Going to Pingzhou yields an ordinary hexagram, but following you, benefactor, yields half auspicious and half ominous."
An unusual light ignited in his eyes: "Having wandered destitute all this way in search of an enlightened lord, I naturally refuse to be mediocre. Pingzhou might be a good destination, but under Princess Han Yang's command, talented scholars already abound. If I go there, I fear I'll have little chance to distinguish myself. Therefore, I wish to gamble - to follow you, benefactor, and see where this half-auspicious, half-ominous hexagram leads."
Xiao Li remained expressionless, waiting for him to continue. The light in Zhang Huai's eyes grew brighter as he said: "Pei Song is driving large numbers of refugees toward Jinzhou, and his troops stationed in Mozhou appear to be mobilizing again. I surmise he must have designated Jinzhou as the battleground against the allied forces of old Liang and Chen. You came here alone, benefactor, having already killed many Jinzhou officers before - clearly you're not here to join Pei Song."
Gazing at Xiao Li, he continued elaborating his deduction: "The valiant general Han Qi garrisoned here is Pei Song's right-hand man. But even if you killed him, benefactor, you couldn't command the tens of thousands of elite troops stationed here. Pei Song need only issue an order to dispatch another fierce general to take over. Therefore, I conjecture that from the very beginning, your objective wasn't Jinzhou, but Tongzhou adjacent to it."Xiao Li said, "There is no connection between these two matters."
Zhang Huai, however, smiled and said, "The seventeen counties under Tongzhou have been acting independently since Emperor Liang's reign, refusing to accept Tongcheng as the prefectural capital. After Pei Song seized power, Tongcheng was the first to switch allegiances like a fence-sitter, only to be outmaneuvered by Princess Han Yang, prompting Pei Song to send troops to suppress it. The other counties despise Tongcheng’s behavior—some are occupied by bandits who have declared themselves rulers, while others have seen uprisings by the common people. The forces there are a mixed bag. To focus on dealing with the allied forces of Old Liang and Chen advancing north, Pei Song is now trying hard to win over these counties. The death of a general in Jinzhou may not affect Jinzhou’s overall situation, but it could disrupt Pei Song’s momentum in rallying the counties of Tongzhou. Once these scattered forces in Tongzhou are united, they will become a sharp thorn in the heart of Great Liang. If you, benefactor, gain a reputation for killing a renowned Jinzhou general, establishing yourself in Tongzhou will be no trouble."
Xiao Li rested his knuckles on his elbow, his crossed arms allowing him to feel the outline of the dagger hidden in his sleeve. He replied coldly, "These are merely your speculations."
Zhang Huai’s smile deepened. "But I believe these speculations alone should suffice."
Xiao Li lifted his eyelids. "You overestimate my abilities. I don’t have the skill to kill that man surnamed Han."
He turned and walked toward the end of the alley. Seeing this, Zhang Huai hurried after him, saying, "It’s understandable that you are wary of me, but I am truly devoted to following you, willing to lay down my life…"
Unexpectedly, Xiao Li suddenly halted. If not for Zhang Huai’s quick reflexes, he would have bumped into his back.
Xiao Li tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp and indifferent, the line from his nose to his jaw stark and defined. He asked, "Even if I go to Tongzhou, you have no idea what my plans are. How dare you speak of following me?"
Zhang Huai sensed that Xiao Li’s words implied acceptance and grew excited. "I have given it thought. You, benefactor, are proud and unyielding. When I asked about the situation in Pingzhou earlier, you did not respond harshly, so I surmised that you hold no animosity toward Old Liang. You simply refuse to be ordinary and wish to carve out your own path. If you seize Tongzhou and then surrender when the allied forces of Chen and Liang march north, Princess Han Yang will undoubtedly regard you as a key official. By following you and serving Old Liang, I too would no longer be an unknown figure."
He paused, then fixed his eyes on Xiao Li. "Even if you have no desire to serve another and instead aspire to contend for power, I am willing to gamble alongside you."
Xiao Li’s expression remained unreadable. "I observe that you are eloquent and sharp-minded. With such talent, you could make a name for yourself anywhere. If you fear lacking connections in Pingzhou to secure a important position, I can write you a letter of recommendation."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Huai laughed. "I had wondered why someone of your abilities was not serving in Pingzhou, suspecting that the praises of their merit-based appointments might be exaggerated. Now I see that you must be a notable figure there. I appreciate your kindness, but though we have just met, our conversation today has shown me the grand ambitions in your heart. I beg you to allow me to follow you."
With that, he bowed deeply to Xiao Li once more.Xiao Li furrowed his brows at Zhang Huai, about to say more when he suddenly heard a chorus of bird calls. Looking up, he saw several White-feathered Sparrows flying across the sky.
His brow slightly furrowed as he withdrew his gaze and said to Zhang Huai, "You overestimate me. I, Xiao, have no grand ambitions. You should seek someone more capable."
Zhang Huai watched Xiao Li's tall figure disappear into the dark alley, his own brows knitted tightly. Then he too lifted his head to look at the sky.
The midday sun blazed fiercely as a swallow-feathered arrow struck the target under the scorching sun, its shaft quivering and startling the sparrows in the trees into flight.
Tong Que offered a handkerchief to Wen Yu to wipe her sweat, smiling as she said, "This servant only learned today that Your Highness is also skilled in archery."
Wen Yu handed the specially made mulberry wood bow to Tong Que, taking the handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her face. "In the past, my imperial parents indulged me in attending many of my royal brother's lessons. I've had some exposure to the six arts of gentlemen, including archery, though I'm not particularly proficient."
Military-grade bows were rarely something scholars could draw, so when the martial instructor at the academy taught archery, students mostly used training bows with reduced draw weight. Those from wealthier families would have bows custom-made to match their arm strength, minimizing the risk of injury and allowing better control of shooting technique.
Wen Yu's bow had been recently crafted by military artisans.
Seeing that Wen Yu had finished wiping her sweat, Tong Que presented a cup of plum juice cooled in well water. "Your Highness has been tirelessly handling government affairs day and night. Continuing like this will surely harm your health. Taking time to practice archery can help strengthen your body."
Just as she finished speaking, a maid hurried over, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, two envoys from Chen Kingdom request an audience."
Wen Yu's eyebrows lifted slightly, as if she had anticipated this. "Have them come over."
When Jiang Yu and Fang Mingda arrived in the courtyard, Wen Yu had already nocked another arrow on her bowstring. Unusually dressed in martial attire with her hair tied high, her usual dignified elegance seemed transformed into heroic vigor. Her gaze fixed on the arrow tip was cold and sharp. When the arrow flew from the string and struck the bullseye dozens of meters away, Fang Mingda, following behind Jiang Yu, felt his heart leap violently.
Under the sun-baked, cracked earth, a chill crept up his back.
Fang Mingda discreetly wiped his sweat with his sleeve. The Princess of Liang—no, she should now be addressed as Imperial Princess—no matter how stunning her appearance, seemed to him no different from floodwaters and fierce beasts.
Jiang Yu, observing Wen Yu's shot, slightly raised his eyes. With a hollow smile, he said, "Your Highness truly has refined tastes."
Wen Yu neither confirmed nor denied this, simply stating, "Just loosening my limbs in idle time."
Having crossed paths with Wen Yu multiple times, Jiang Yu knew she was no easy opponent and abandoned any intention of beating around the bush. He came straight to the point: "The 1.5 million dan of grain sent by our Chen Kingdom cannot possibly have discrepancies. There must be some misunderstanding."
Wen Yu rotated the ivory thumb ring she used to draw the bowstring, taking another arrow from the quiver. "This palace has indeed seen your Chen Kingdom's sincerity. However, the grain that passed through the checkpoint was genuinely short by 200,000 dan. I need to provide an explanation to the people and officials."
Fang Mingda wanted to speak, but Jiang Yu cut him off. Beneath his tightened archer's sleeves, the muscles of his forearm tensed, clearly revealing his anger. "200,000 dan of provisions is no small amount. If they were lost, the grain transport officers would have noticed along the way. This general humbly requests to personally verify the grain count."Wen Yu was intently aiming at the target when she cast a casual glance backward at the sound and said, "Commander Jiang is most considerate. In that case, the task of inspecting the provisions shall be entrusted to Commander Jiang and the registrar under my command."
Having lived over twenty years, Jiang Yu had never endured such humiliation. His handsome face clearly showed rising anger, but he ultimately suppressed it with what remained of his rationality. Stiffly, he clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, Princess. This general takes his leave."
Tall and long-legged, he strode away, with Fang Mingda, his plump body jiggling, trotting to keep up.
Wen Yu calmly resumed her aim. Tong Que, watching Jiang Yu's furious retreating figure, worriedly said, "Princess, by provoking the Chen envoy like this, this servant fears that on our journey to the royal court beyond the pass..."
Wen Yu's voice was cool and steady: "Tong Que, do you understand that sometimes constant concessions cannot achieve the desired outcome?"
Sunlight glinted coldly off the arrow, its sharp golden reflection in her eyes carrying an even deeper chill.
The arrow left the bowstring, transforming into a streak of light that thudded firmly into the bullseye dozens of meters away.
Wen Yu put away her bow, gazing at the sparrows startled from the trees and the clear azure sky, slowly stating, "All matters in this world are but acts of following the current. Chen's current humility is not due to their sincerity, but because the advantage now lies with us."
Jiang Yu strode swiftly along the corridor, his face dark. The hand resting on his sword hilt showed bulging veins, and his robes billowed from the heat waves rising from the ground.
Fang Mingda trotted behind him, wiping sweat from his face with his sleeve while glancing at Jiang Yu's expression and muttering indignantly, "Utterly outrageous! Utterly outrageous! This Han Yang truly holds us in contempt. She may disregard a minor official like me, but Commander Jiang, you are the Empress Dowager's own nephew..."
Jiang Yu abruptly halted, casting him a cold glare that immediately silenced him.
Looking out at the sun-baked bluestone pavement beyond the corridor, its heat almost palpable from afar, Jiang Yu barely contained his anger: "When I challenged the Pingzhou martial generals in the Military Camp, even after multiple consecutive victories, I couldn't force that young Xiao general to appear. Han Yang's current manipulation of provisions is meant to divert me."
Fang Mingda, quick-witted, narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and instantly grasped the underlying implications.
If the Pingzhou generals continued losing to Jiang Yu in combat, it would shame the Pingzhou Military Camp.
Although Fan Yuan, as the garrison commander, hadn't yet faced Jiang Yu, given his rank and seniority, Jiang Yu remained a junior. If the situation required the commander himself to intervene for a chance at victory, even a win would still disgrace Pingzhou.
Under these circumstances, diverting the provocative Jiang Yu with important matters was the optimal strategy.
Fang Mingda inwardly marveled at the cleverness of Wen Yu's scheme but maintained an outraged expression, fuming, "What a cunning tactic!"
Ignoring Fang Mingda's feigned indignation, Jiang Yu gazed toward the horizon: "That young Xiao general hasn't appeared for days, likely not within Pingzhou's borders. Where he has gone truly piques this commander's curiosity."Fang Mingda, however, was clearly troubled by another matter. After glancing at Jiang Yu several times and hesitating repeatedly, he cautiously remarked, "The Princess of Great Liang is no easy mark. Your previous offenses against her have left her with little goodwill toward you to this day. This cannot continue. The Empress Dowager ordered you to personally escort her precisely because she fears that once the princess arrives at the royal court and discovers His Majesty’s..."
"Minister Fang, mind your words."
Jiang Yu’s gaze toward Fang Mingda turned icy and grim in that instant.
Not daring to defy him too blatantly, Fang Mingda merely bowed his head and said, "Commander Jiang, you are aware that this is the Empress Dowager’s will.
Author's Note: Happy Children's Day, my darlings~
Leave a mark in the comments, and I’ll send Children’s Day red packets to everyone~
Special thanks to the little angels who voted for me or nourished me with nutrient solutions between 2024-05-25 02:38:39 and 2024-05-31 21:21:26~
Thanks to Chestnut's Girlfriend for throwing a shallow water bomb~
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