Chapter 88: Lu Su Offers His Counsel: My Lord Should Take in These Four Women

Midday, within the Spring Valley commandery.

Sun Ce’s expression was dark and brooding. Ultimately, he could not restrain his anger and flung his sleeve, bellowing, “This infuriates me! There are actually dozens of repeating crossbows installed within that fortress.”

“If not for those repeating crossbows, that stronghold would have fallen into our hands with ease!”

The assembled generals were equally indignant. Those crossbows had repelled several waves of their assaults, and in the end, they had no choice but to withdraw, leaving behind hundreds of corpses—a fruitless endeavor.

“My lord, Ji Ling has been wounded by General Ziyi. Now he is like a startled bird; we can only choose another day for a full assault!” Yu Fan sighed.

It was a shame his plan had failed. Still, Ji Ling had lost two or three thousand men in this battle, leaving the defenses inside the fortress perilously thin.

“But how should we deal with those repeating crossbows on the ramparts?” Sun Ce’s tone betrayed his apprehension. The firepower was simply too fierce—dozens of men could unleash a storm equal to hundreds.

“My lord, I observed that the crossbow bolts are all nearly identical in size and thickness. It must be costly to manufacture, and there cannot be many bolts left inside the fortress,” Taishi Ci said in a low voice.

Sun Ce pondered briefly, then immediately commanded, “Lü Fan, Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Sun Ben, Jiang Qin, and Taishi Ci, tomorrow each of you will lead your troops to storm the fortress in succession. Do not give Ji Ling a moment’s respite!”

“Within three days, the fortress must fall!”

“Yes!” the generals replied in unison, their voices heavy.

——

The third year of Jian’an, late in the first month.

First, Cao Cao had sent Xiahou Yuan with several thousand men to assist Liu Bei at Xiaopei. Then Sun Ce besieged Ji Ling and the fortress at Spring Valley. After several days of fierce assaults, the fortress was on the verge of collapse.

Ji Ling was anxious and sent messengers to Shouchun multiple times, begging for reinforcements.

——

Shouchun, Commandery of Jiujiang.

At that moment, inside the commandery office, having heard the report in full, Chu Feng slammed the table and rebuked furiously, “That Ji Ling! He went to battle in defiance of orders, putting the fortress in peril—his crime is unforgivable!”

Lu Su frowned slightly and stepped forward. “My lord, what’s done is done. The urgent matter now is to find a way to deal with Sun Ce, not to dwell on Ji Ling’s transgressions.”

“My lord, what Zijin says is correct. The fortress anchors our position on the southern bank. If we lose it lightly, it will be difficult to cross the river again. We must find a way to support them,” Yan Xiang agreed, his tone grave.

“Ziyang, what do you think?” Chu Feng turned to Liu Ye.

“We must save him. Ji Ling is a chief general, widely respected. Although he disobeyed orders, he has earned merit by holding the fortress. If we abandon him, morale will surely crumble.”

“Moreover, the fortress is our gateway south. If we can maintain our hold, the regions of Danyang will soon submit,” Liu Ye replied, bowing deeply.

Chu Feng frowned and closed his eyes, considering. All three of his top advisors counseled sending aid.

After a long pause, his eyes opened.

“The fortress is already surrounded. Since you all believe I will send reinforcements, Sun Ce must think so as well and will certainly set a heavy ambush. If I act as expected, I’ll fall into his trap!”

“In that case, why not do the opposite?”

“The purpose of the fortress is to cross the river and move south. Now that we control the river, we can cross anywhere along its length. Why let Sun Ce lead us by the nose?” A sharp gleam shone in Chu Feng’s eyes.

“My lord, you mean to abandon the fortress?” Yan Xiang asked, frowning.

“Of course not. The art of war says: ‘Face the enemy with orthodox tactics, but win with surprise.’ If we abandon the fortress, Sun Ce will surely suspect something. Isn’t he waiting in ambush for me? Then let’s give him what he expects.”

Chu Feng narrowed his eyes, his tone low and cold.

“My lord... do you intend to feint east and strike west?” Lu Su’s eyes lit up as he asked.

Chu Feng nodded gravely. “Zhang Xun, Le Jiu, you two will lead eight thousand infantry, display my command flag, and pretend to march to the rescue. Remember—not a single man is to cross the river!”

“Yes!” the two replied.

——

“Gan Ning, Li Feng, you two will lead three thousand marines to the north of Wuhu, at the mouth of the creek. Feign a landing to reinforce the fortress. Remember, it’s only a feint—if discovered, retreat at once and do not linger in battle.”

Chu Feng looked at them solemnly.

“Yes!” they answered with a salute.

“Liang Gang, Chen Ji, you will accompany me,” Chu Feng continued, then turned to Zhao Fan. “Zhao Fan, you will come with me. When we land and fight, you will lead your men to block any enemy reinforcements.”

“Yes!” they all responded.

“Very well, go prepare,” Chu Feng ordered, waving his hand. The generals withdrew one by one.

Lu Su and Liu Ye lingered, thinking deeply, and only spoke after everyone had left. “My lord, from where do you plan to cross the river?”

“Wu Commandery, Dantu.”

Chu Feng rose and pointed at the map.

“Wu Commandery? My lord, that’s Sun Ce’s home base, heavily fortified. Crossing south from Dantu could be risky,” Liu Ye cautioned.

“The most dangerous place is the safest. All of Jiangdong’s attention is on the fortress and Niuzhu. Few will mind Dantu. Once we land, Dantu will be ours for the taking.”

“If Sun’s generals are slow to react, we’ll seize Wu’s territories while the local gentry, eager for Sun’s downfall, will support us.”

“Even if Sun’s men defend in time, we can establish a shipyard and fortify our hold on the south bank, and then, perhaps, advance on Qu’e,” Chu Feng said, his gaze fixed on the map.

He realized that more than a year’s study of military strategy had borne fruit. By considering both personalities and the situation, he was beginning to look the part of a commander.

“My lord, the plan is sound, but Dantu is built on the river’s edge and surely garrisoned. If we are attacked mid-crossing, losses will be severe. Even if we land, how will we take Dantu?” Lu Su pressed anxiously.

Dantu was the gateway to Wu Commandery. Sun Ce would never leave it undefended.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans.”

“Ziyang, you’ll come with me this time. Tell Yan Xiang that Shouchun is his to manage. Spring planting must be completed without a hitch. The granary is running low—we’ll be relying on this autumn’s harvest!” Chu Feng waved him off. Lu Su was simply too cautious. In war, there is no gain without risk; danger and opportunity go hand in hand—there is no perfect strategy.

“Yes,” Liu Ye nodded.

“Zijing, don’t worry so much. Sun Ce may be courageous, but he only took Wu Commandery two years ago and has made many enemies among the local clans. Wu is not impregnable.”

Chu Feng hinted at something.

Lu Su raised his brows, as if reading Chu Feng’s meaning—he intended to use the local gentry to help him seize Dantu? If so, it might just work!

“My lord, since you are so confident, I await your triumphant return,” Lu Su said with a bow.

“Zijing, the water camp at Niuzhu still needs your cooperation to guard the gate to the state. Make sure Huang Gai and Zhou Yu do not get any opportunity,” Chu Feng said sternly.

“My lord, rest assured.”

“You may go. And send for Qiao Rui—I have something to entrust to him,” Chu Feng said.

He had deliberately not assigned Qiao Rui to defend the city or to join the expedition. It was a gentle reminder, lest he become overconfident and collude with factions. Still, Qiao Rui was his father-in-law—family, after all. When support was needed, support would be given, but it was wise to keep him balanced, to avoid any doubts.

Of course, there was little to fear. Without Chu Feng, Qiao Rui was nothing; their fortunes were tied together. Still, some anxiety was expected during these times.

Lu Su hesitated, then spoke. “My lord, there is a matter I am unsure whether to mention.”

“Speak freely,” Chu Feng replied.

“My lord, every lord in the realm has heirs, so their ministers can serve in peace and the people have someone to rely on. General Qiao’s ambition, while perhaps misplaced, is ultimately for the sake of your legacy,” Lu Su said gravely.

A lack of heirs meant no successor. The battlefield is perilous, and if the lord falls, with no heir, everyone would have to find another master—how could they feel secure?

Everyone wants to leave themselves a way out.

Chu Feng frowned slightly. He understood the implication. On the battlefield, there are always deputies to take command if the main general falls. Yet he had no heir, so the unease among his people was natural.

“My lord, Zijing is right. You are a lord with thousands in your service. If you have no heir, how can you assure their loyalty?” Liu Ye added, bluntly.

“What do you propose?” Chu Feng asked.

“We humbly suggest, my lord, that you take more concubines to ensure your line endures. In this way, your foundation is secure, the people will rally, and your great cause will flourish,” Lu Su and Liu Ye said, exchanging glances and bowing deeply.

“!!!”

Chu Feng was a little embarrassed. He had been here nearly a year and still had only one wife. It was a bit shameful for a transmigrator, and now his subordinates had to urge him themselves.

“Ahem, well...”

Lu Su, mistaking Chu Feng’s hesitation for shyness, quickly said, “My lord, forgive my boldness, but I have already selected some candidates. General Qiao’s second daughter, Xiao Qiao, is exceptionally beautiful—she would be a worthy addition.”

Chu Feng raised his brows. Taking Xiao Qiao was a matter of time, but...

“Feng Fang, the former Inspector of the Capital, is also in Shouchun. His daughter, Lady Feng, is famed for her beauty and could likewise be taken as a concubine.”

“Lady Feng?” Chu Feng frowned.

He knew of her—both the Annals of the Nine Provinces and the Dianlun record her great beauty. She was taken by Yuan Shu, but later, out of jealousy, Yuan Shu’s other wives had her killed—a tragic woman.

But hadn’t her father already taken her as wife? Could his arrival have changed history, leaving her unwed?

“In Wu Commandery, Xu Kun is a powerful local lord. He has two daughters—one widowed, the other unmarried. Both are renowned for their beauty. You could send someone to seek their hands,” Lu Su continued.

Chu Feng gave Lu Su a strange look; he rattled off these names so fluently—clearly he had been paying close attention to this matter. What could he say to that?

“But the two Xu sisters?” Chu Feng muttered. He knew of one—Consort Xu, later Sun Quan’s second wife, her first husband being from the Lu clan.

The other was likely Sun Yi’s wife, a woman highly esteemed in history for her loyalty and courage—she avenged her husband, was decisive and wise, and was equally beautiful.

He hadn’t realized both were from the Xu family.

One married Sun Quan, the other Sun Yi—perhaps Sun Quan, upon inheriting Jiangdong, had taken them to win local support. It made sense.

“My lord, the Xu clan of Xu Kun is powerful. Though related to the Sun family, the gentry always act in their own interests. By marrying into the Xu family, you win their favor and encourage them to watch and wait—a double benefit,” Lu Su said, stroking his beard with a smile.

Chu Feng: “......”

“My lord, taking these four would be advantageous.”

“Feng Fang is a scholar; taking his daughter would show your openness and attract the learned from across the realm. Xu Kun is a local magnate; marrying into his family helps secure the region.”

“As for Qiao Rui, marrying his first three daughters is a warning, but taking Xiao Qiao shows your esteem—a perfect balance in governance.”

Lu Su’s tone was resolute.

Chu Feng pursed his lips. Goodness, was Lu Su being a bit too competent? He had even listed the political benefits of each beauty, without the slightest hesitation!

“Ahem, Zijing, your foresight far exceeds mine. I’ll leave this matter entirely in your hands,” Chu Feng said, clearing his throat. With such a worthy minister, how could he not put him to good use?

“My lord, rest assured. I will see it done. As for General Qiao, I will handle the explanations—there’s no need for you to meet him personally,” Lu Su replied with a smile.

He truly had worried himself to the bone trying to ensure his lord had an heir.

“Very well,” Chu Feng nodded.

As Lu Su and Liu Ye were about to leave, the city’s gate commander hurried in. “My lord, outside the city, Lü Bu has sent an envoy seeking audience. He brings two women with him, said to be the wives of Liu Bei!”

PS: Double-length chapter!