Chapter 54: The Blank Decree and the Venomous Strategist Jia Xu

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"Yesterday, I intercepted a personal letter from Sun Ce to Cao Cao. With this in hand, I doubt Liu Biao will be able to refuse!"

Chu Feng chuckled as he spoke.

He had already considered his bargaining chips for the negotiation. First, salt. Jing Province produced little salt and had always relied on imports from Yangzhou, Jiaozhou, and even Yizhou.

Second, cloth armor.

Liu Jingxian was a keeper by nature, and sturdy armor was of utmost importance to him. Now, the cloth armor under his jurisdiction had already reached its third iteration. He could easily use the most inferior first generation as an item of exchange.

Third, the situation itself.

The three elements complemented each other; Liu Biao would not turn a blind eye.

"My lord, what did Sun Ce write in his letter?" Yan Xiang asked eagerly, curiosity brimming in his voice.

"What did he write, you ask? Haha, let me fetch the letter and see," Chu Feng replied with a light laugh. He rose and took a sheet of paper from the table.

The paper was slightly yellowed, new, and completely blank.

Chu Feng held it up and, looking at the pristine sheet, explained, "Sun Ce says that Liu Biao and I are nothing but insignificant pests, to be eliminated. He claims in the letter that he has already joined forces with Liu Zhang of Yizhou."

He continued, "The letter further states that after he captures Yuzhang, he will have Liu Zhang advance east through Fishbelly Pass, sail down the Yangtze, and seize Jiangling directly, cutting off their retreat. Sun Ce himself will take Jiangxia, while Cao Cao will lead his troops to capture Nanyang and march straight for Xiangyang and Fancheng. They’ll attack from three fronts, dividing the eight commanderies of Jing Province among themselves."

Having finished, Chu Feng clicked his tongue in admiration and sighed, "Look at that—see how ruthless Sun Ce is? Colluding with Cao Cao and Liu Zhang to carve up Jing Province."

Lu Su: "……"

Liu Ye: "……"

Yan Xiang: "……"

All three were men of wisdom, and now each seemed lost in thought, gradually breaking into smiles.

Behind Chu Feng, Xu Chu rubbed his eyes. The paper was still blank, not a single character written upon it. He scratched his head and said, "My lord, there’s nothing on this paper!"

At his words, the entire assembly burst into laughter.

Lu Su stroked his beard and said with a laugh, "General Xu, that’s exactly right! Because it’s blank, we can forge whatever contents we please. This blank page is worth a thousand words!"

Liu Ye clasped his fists and smiled, "My lord, this is a masterful plan. Liu Biao is ever the cautious guardian. Should such a letter reach him, he’ll be more anxious than any of us, without the need for further persuasion!"

Yan Xiang raised an eyebrow, "My lord, it’s easy enough to imitate handwriting, but without the official seal, Liu Biao may yet be suspicious!"

"Isn’t this just the solution?" Chu Feng took a seal and stamped it directly onto the paper. The mark read ‘General of the Restored Han.’ He had long since arranged for craftsmen to carve seals for all the various regional lords’ offices.

"Heh, my lord’s foresight is unparalleled," the others remarked with wry smiles and shakes of their heads. With this in hand, Liu Biao might truly sell them ships—after all, everyone knew Cao Cao had already formed a public alliance with the Sun family.

Given such ties by marriage,

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It was hardly strange for a letter like this to exist.

What’s more, Cao Cao had attacked Nanyang earlier in the year; Sun Ce coveted Yuzhang. Their intentions were clear. To ally with Liu Zhang and partition Jing Province was not implausible.

"My lord, since we depart tomorrow, have you decided from where we’ll journey to Jing Province?" Lu Su inquired.

"If we sail upstream along the Yangtze, ships will be slow, and it’ll be easy to expose ourselves. We’d also have to pass through Huang Zu’s territory—unwise. I plan to take a boat westward down the Huai River into Nanyang,"

"Passing through Zhang Xiu’s domain to enter Jing Province. Moreover, Zhang Xiu is subordinate to Liu Biao, but Liu Biao is stingy with military supplies and stifles his development. I imagine Zhang Xiu knows Liu Biao won’t accomplish great things!"

"Passing through Nanyang gives us an opportunity to befriend him. Who knows, he might bring his army over to our side in the future," Chu Feng explained. Zhang Xiu had initially wanted to surrender, after all.

And two years later, before Guandu, he did surrender.

Most importantly, Zhang Xiu had Jia Xu under his command—a man whose cunning was comparable to Xun You and Xun Yu, a strategist of unmatched foresight.

One of the top five minds of the Three Kingdoms!

The only pity was that Jia Xu valued his life above all.

A sly old fox, forever seeking self-preservation. History proved that in serving his own interests, Jia Xu was unrivaled. To ascend to the Three Excellencies as an outsider and retire unscathed was truly remarkable.

"My lord, Zhang Xiu is Liu Biao’s henchman and hails from the wilds of Western Liang. I fear he may not treat you with due respect," Yan Xiang said gravely.

"I am merely paying a visit; it won’t come to that."

"Enough. My mind is made up. Xu Chu, you and the Tiger Guards will accompany me this time," Chu Feng ordered.

"Understood!" Xu Chu nodded.

"Chen Ji, you will lead five thousand troops. March by day, hide by night, and establish camp at Pengze. When I arrive by warship, be ready to take Yuzhang. Mobilize Yuzhang’s forces and create an opportunity for Zhao Fan," Chu Feng instructed after a moment’s thought. If ships were to be procured, then surprise was of the essence; they would seize Yuzhang in one stroke.

"Yes, my lord," Chen Ji responded.

"Zhao Fan, you’ll lead the war camp to Lujiang and Xunyang. If you have the chance, cross the river and infiltrate the seat of Yuzhang Commandery. When our army confronts the enemy north of the Yangtze, lie in wait, and seize Yuzhang at the opportune moment."

"From the time the standoff begins, you have only seven days. If you can’t take it, withdraw your men—I’ll launch a direct assault," Chu Feng said sternly to Zhao Fan.

"Understood," Zhao Fan replied with a nod.

Hearing Chu Feng’s arrangements, Lu Su nodded repeatedly. The lord’s recent study of military texts had not been in vain; this feint was a stratagem none would foresee.

Humble and eager to learn, truly a wise ruler.

"Enough, go and make your preparations! In my absence, Lu Su will oversee all civil affairs in the city, with Liu Ye and Yan Xiang assisting him."

"Military affairs will be managed by Qiao Rui."

With his words, the assembly dispersed to their duties. Chu Feng reviewed a few more documents. Though the drought in various regions had not abated, it was at least under control for now.

All that remained was to await the next year.

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With these thoughts, Chu Feng returned to his residence.

As he was to set out on a long journey, he thought it only proper to bid farewell to Lady Da Qiao. As for Xiao Qiao, she hadn’t visited since her last misstep; perhaps she was still embarrassed.

Ah!

Can I really be blamed for this?

———

The next day, Chu Feng set out with his men.

Traveling from Shouchun to Nanyang was rather convenient—one only needed to pass north through Lujiang, that is, Runan, then via Biyang, to reach Wancheng, the seat of Nanyang Commandery.

However, Zhang Xiu was stationed at Rang City, south of Wan.

———

Several days later,

At the governor’s mansion in Rang County.

Zhang Xiu was practicing archery in the rear courtyard when a gate officer rushed in, calling out, "My lord, a group has arrived outside the city. Their leader claims to be Chu Feng and requests an audience."

"Chu Feng? From the lands of the Yangtze and Huai? What brings him here?" Zhang Xiu frowned slightly and then said, "Go, escort him into the city. Also, summon Wenhe to the mansion."

"Yes, my lord," replied the gate officer.

Before long, Jia Xu arrived first. He cupped his hands to Zhang Xiu and asked, "My lord, for what matter have you summoned me?"

"Wenhe, there you are. Chu Feng from Shouchun wishes to pay his respects. I have but a few thousand soldiers—what business could he possibly have with me?" Zhang Xiu asked in confusion.

"Chu Feng? You’ve agreed to meet him?" Jia Xu’s eyes narrowed as he spoke in a low voice.

"I have," Zhang Xiu replied.

"Alas, my lord, Chu Feng is pushing you into the fire pit! Last year, when we surrendered to Cao Cao, though we were victorious, Liu Biao was already displeased."

"Now, though it is Chu Feng who seeks you out, to outsiders it will appear as if Zhang Xiu is about to defect to Chu Feng as well," Jia Xu sighed, somewhat helpless.

"What should we do, then?" Zhang Xiu asked urgently.

"We cannot afford to offend either Liu Biao or Chu Feng. Since the meeting is arranged, we cannot refuse. Let us sound him out and see what he wants," Jia Xu said with a frown.