Yuan Shu’s wolfish ambitions were laid bare for all to see.
Kong Zhou, though a mediocre figure among the feudal lords, was not lacking in wits.
Sun Jian had used such a flimsy excuse as borrowing grain to eliminate Zhang Zi, and then, taking advantage of the situation, used the forged edict created by Cao Yin as a pretext to kill Wang Rui…
Although there were many reasons such as timing and sowing discord involved, it ultimately came down to conflicts of interest.
Yuan Shu’s ambitions were not small.
With the prestige of four generations of three dukes, taking control of Nanyang Commandery would not be difficult.
In the first year of Chuping, that is, 190 AD, the time for the heroes to contend for supremacy had not yet fully arrived, and the Han dynasty’s population base was still relatively substantial.
At this time, Nanyang Commandery had several hundred thousand households and over 2.4 million people, almost more populous than an entire province.
Looking across the empire, no other commandery could compare.
With such a populous great commandery in hand, Yuan Shu would lack nothing in terms of troops, tax revenue, or productive capacity.
In less than a year, Yuan Shu’s power would far surpass that of the various feudal lords.
The territory of Yuzhou under Kong Zhou’s jurisdiction bordered Yuan Shu.
With such a powerful neighbor at his side, one he could not afford to offend, he could only be ordered about at will.
Just thinking about it made Kong Zhou feel suffocated.
But he had still thought too simply.
If Tao Shang were to tell Kong Zhou now that Yuan Shu was not content with just Nanyang, and that his strategic goal was likely to straddle the three provinces of Yangzhou, Jingzhou, and Yuzhou to become the king of the south, Kong Zhou might sorrowfully want to commit suicide.
…………
“Worthy nephew, the world has already begun to fall into chaos.
Although Dong Zhuo is a great evil of the Han court, I and your father, in this turbulent age, fear that the most terrifying enemy may not necessarily be Dong Zhuo.” Kong Zhou’s heart seemed to stir with melancholy, and he sighed with deep emotion.
Tao Shang respectfully said, “Uncle’s spirit of thinking of danger in times of peace is admirable.
Now that Zhang Zi and Wang Rui are dead, Yuan Shu’s power is established, and he also has Sun Jian as his right-hand man.
What can we do?” Kong Zhou stood up and said, “Worthy nephew, I have a plan.
I wonder if it would work…
Your father, Tao Gongzu, has rendered many meritorious services to the court, and I, Kong, was also recommended into service by the famous scholar Fu Rong in my youth.
To put it plainly, the two of us are both pillars of the court!
In this time of crisis, why don’t our two families unite, form an alliance, and advance or retreat together to guard against future dangers?
What does worthy nephew think?” Tao Shang said in surprise upon hearing this, “Uncle can just write a letter to my father about this matter.
This junior is not in a position to decide.” Kong Zhou waved his hand and smiled, “I have never met your father, so how could I casually write him a letter?” Tao Shang raised an eyebrow, “Isn’t Uncle an old friend of my father?” “Cough, cough, cough~~!” Kong Zhou’s face reddened.
He had accidentally blurted out the truth…
This made things a bit awkward.
However, a famous scholar’s skin was thicker than ordinary people.
In just a few seconds, he recovered and smiled, “Worthy nephew doesn’t know this, but your father and I are…
soul friends!
Yes, soul friends!
We have been soul friends for a long time!
Although we are far apart, we admire each other.
Indeed, though we have never met face to face, we understand each other’s character.” Tao Shang had been casually acknowledged as a great-nephew, which left him somewhat displeased.
He sarcastically said, “How romantic.” Kong Zhou spoke with his eyes open while lying, “You are still young and don’t understand!
Famous scholars and worthy ministers are generally soul friends…
So calling me Uncle is no loss for you!” Tao Shang nodded as if suddenly enlightened, “Uncle and my father’s spiritual realm is truly beyond ordinary people.
Indeed, it is full of warmth and affection, with deep and continuous sentiments.
This little nephew is moved beyond words.” Kong Zhou chuckled, coughed once to cover his embarrassment, and said, “Worthy nephew, we’ve drunk about enough wine.
Today’s mood is quite good.
Why don’t you and I go take a look at the military camp of the Xuzhou army, so I can also see the splendid military bearing under Tao Gongzu’s command?
What do you say?” These words from Kong Zhou hit exactly what Tao Shang wanted.
He secretly gave Mi Fang a meaningful glance, and Mi Fang promptly clasped his hands and said, “There is no need for Inspector Kong to go inspect in person.
Allow Mi to return first, muster the most elite soldiers of our Xuzhou army, array them in formation outside the city, and then invite the Inspector to come and review them.” Kong Zhou laughed heartily, “Very well, then I shall trouble General Mi.
General, go ahead first.
Young Master Tao and I will follow shortly.” Mi Fang clasped his hands in acknowledgment, secretly returned another glance to Tao Shang, and went ahead to make arrangements.
After Mi Fang left, Tao Shang continued the previous topic with Kong Zhou, “Uncle, regarding the alliance between Yuzhou and Xuzhou, this little nephew will naturally report it to my father.
Uncle’s reputation is prominent, so this matter will certainly not be difficult.
However, in Uncle’s view, even if Xuzhou and Yuzhou unite, can we contend on equal footing with Yuan Shu and Sun Jian in the future?” Kong Zhou smiled bitterly and shook his head, “Not to mention Yuan Shu and Sun Jian joining forces; even either one of them alone would be enough to deal with the two of us.” Tao Shang smiled and nodded, “Therefore, allying our two sides is merely a lower strategy.
This little nephew actually has a method that might be more effective.” Kong Zhou’s expression brightened slightly, “What method does the worthy nephew have?
Feel free to speak.” Tao Shang said calmly, “In my humble opinion, Sun Jian is Yuan Shu’s subordinate, but he may not be truly loyal.
Although Sun Jian holds the post of Changsha Administrator, I have heard that because he forced the death of Jingzhou Inspector Wang Rui last year, Sun Jian, having killed a Han official, can no longer remain in Changsha.
It is said that the court has already appointed a new Jingzhou Inspector named Liu Biao and ordered Su Dai to take over as Changsha Administrator.
Sun Jian has nowhere to return and can only attach himself to Yuan Shu, but I believe that is merely a temporary measure.
Consider that he dared to attack and kill even his old superior; such a white-eyed wolf is capable of anything.” Kong Zhou blinked and said, “What does worthy nephew mean?” Tao Shang said calmly, “Sun Jian will arrive in Yingchuan in a few days.
Our two families can show weakness and express willingness to become Sun Jian’s subordinates.
Once Sun Jian gains the support of the Inspectors of Xuzhou and Yuzhou, it won’t take long before he is unwilling to remain under Yuan Shu.
If Sun Jian’s attitude remains unclear, we can find a way to submit to Yuan Shu instead and look for opportunities to sow discord.
As long as we make Yuan Shu feel that Sun Jian is a fickle person, how would Yuan Shu have the leisure to scheme against the two of us?” Kong Zhou looked at Tao Shang in astonishment, never expecting that such a plan of submission and sowing discord would come from the mouth of this young man who had just come of age.
“Worthy nephew, this plan may not be the righteous path; it does not resemble the style of a gentleman.” Tao Shang raised his eyebrows lightly, “Uncle, please speak properly.” “Cough, cough.” Kong Zhou coughed twice and said, “However, a gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall.
For some matters, one must turn a blind eye.” Tao Shang bowed deeply, “Uncle is wise!” “……” Tao Shang and Kong Zhou sat for the time it takes to drink three cups of tea before calling for carriages and horses and slowly heading toward the edge of the city.
Arriving at the side of the urn city, Mi Fang and Xu Chu had already led five hundred troops to the site.
These five hundred men stood in a row, each one looking as dried up as sick chickens, sparse and loose, not in proper formation.
Their clothing was missing pieces here and there; some even had their arms exposed.
Their bodies emitted a faintly detectable sour smell, looking just like scavengers who had escaped from the desert, with hardship and vicissitudes deeply etched on their faces.
It was truly desolate.
Kong Zhou felt a surge of pity and said in a low voice, “Worthy nephew, why have so many beggars suddenly appeared under the city?
These refugees look pitiful.
Later, no matter what, I must provide porridge and alms.” Tao Shang turned his head to those scavengers and said, “Why don’t you quickly thank Inspector Kong for the grain?” These pitiful scavengers, who could not look more wretched, all knelt on one knee: “Thank you, Inspector, for your grace in lending grain!” “……” Kong Zhou’s pupils suddenly widened.
He looked at Tao Shang in disbelief and said, “Worthy nephew, these people…
they couldn’t be…?” Tao Shang pointed at these five hundred men, who had been specially selected and somewhat embellished from the Yellow Turban surrendered troops by Mi Fang and Xu Chu, and said to Kong Zhou, “This is a crack unit I have just formed under my command.
Uncle may offer some evaluation.” Kong Zhou gave Tao Shang a deep look, then swept his gaze over this group of gaunt, sallow-faced beggar soldiers.
The corners of his mouth revealed a bitter smile.
He was beginning to doubt whether allying with the Xuzhou army was a good decision.
“Worthy nephew, the soldiers under your command are truly…
heroic in bearing!
Worthy nephew is able to train such elite troops; you are truly a hero…
It’s just that…” Kong Zhou pointed up and down at the attire on these soldiers and said, “Isn’t this appearance a bit too miserable?” A look of heavy sorrow appeared on Tao Shang’s face, and he sighed dejectedly, “Uncle, I actually didn’t want it to be like this either.
It’s just that these soldiers are different from the main Xuzhou troops.
This year, the Si River flooded and submerged large areas of fertile fields, leaving many disaster victims with nowhere to go.
The victims had no choice but to join the army to serve the country.
The problem is that Xuzhou is currently facing internal troubles and external threats, and besides the main provincial troops, there is really no extra armor or equipment to arm them.
Moreover, for this expedition, the main force’s grain supplies are only enough to barely fill the stomachs of these disaster soldiers.
Every time this little nephew thinks of this, my heart feels as if cut by a knife, yet there is nothing I can do…” Upon hearing this, Kong Zhou showed a few traces of sympathy and said, “Child, it is to your credit that you still have such a kind heart.
But regardless of whether these soldiers joined due to disaster, the officers and men of the three armies cannot have distinctions of status.
If this continues for long, won’t it easily cause mutiny?
How many soldiers under your command are in this kind of situation?” Tao Shang let out a long sigh, “At least four or five thousand, I suppose.” Kong Zhou nodded, “Worthy nephew, although Yingchuan is not considered a place rich in weapons and armor, there is still enough grain.
Additionally, my arsenal still has some old leather armor and weapons.
If you don’t mind, you may take them for use.
Consider it a bit of sincerity from this old man toward allying with your Xuzhou.” Tao Shang hurriedly waved his hands, “Uncle, how could this be acceptable?” Kong Zhou stroked his beard and said, “This old man has always been benevolent and kind-hearted; how could it not be acceptable?
Just use them freely.” Indeed, the child who cries gets the milk…
an unchanging truth through the ages.
Tao Shang clasped his hands toward Kong Zhou and said, “In that case…
many thanks, Uncle!” Turning his head, Tao Shang said to those Yellow Turban surrendered troops with extremely miserable appearances, “Why haven’t you expressed your thanks yet!” The five hundred men all knelt on one knee in unison and shouted with one voice, “Thank you!” Tao Shang frowned, dissatisfied, “Thank who?” “Thank you, Uncle!” The hand with which Kong Zhou was stroking his beard suddenly exerted force, involuntarily pulling out a large tuft.