With Kong Zhou’s grain and military equipment, the Yellow Turban remnants subdued by Tao Shang finally settled down and were formally incorporated into the Xuzhou army under Tao Shang’s command.
However, in the land of Yingchuan, this force gained another nickname, mockingly called the “Beggar Army” by the local soldiers and civilians of Yingchuan.
There was no way to avoid such a misunderstanding, the soldiers were sallow and emaciated, dressed in ragged clothes, and upon arrival they were immediately given alms of grain and weapons.
If that wasn’t begging, what was it…
Tao Shang, taking advantage of his stationing in Yingchuan, had Xu Chu urgently reorganize this Yellow Turban force and train them intensively.
These Yellow Turban remnants were primarily infantry, all equipped with long spears and round shields.
Although the weapons were leftover defective goods from the Yingchuan armory, they were still better than nothing.
After several days of training, a powerful feudal lord’s army finally arrived at the border of Yingchuan.
The Tiger of Jiangdong, the Administrator of Changsha and Marquis of Wuhuan, Sun Jian, led his capable subordinates including Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Zu Mao, Huang Gai, Zhu Zhi, and many others to Yingchuan.
Sun Jian was thirty-five years old this year, in the prime of his strength!
Looking across the current situation of the Great Han, there were several renowned veteran generals of a hundred battles.
Among them, Huangfu Song excelled in troop coordination with grand and majestic formations; Zhu Jun was skilled at winning with fewer numbers and repeatedly defeating rebels; Gongsun Zan was adept with cavalry, employing orthodox methods without resorting to deceit or trickery, yet he still dominated the northern lands and awed the barbarians.
But among these men, the one whose command was the fiercest, most violent, and most direct was none other than the one known as the Tiger of Jiangdong, Sun Jian!
Sun Jian grew stronger against the strong, excelled in direct clashes, defeated the demon bandits at Xuchang, fought the Yellow Turbans at Wan City, crushed Qu Xing in Changsha, and pacified the rebellion in Yichun.
No matter what powerful enemy or bandit he encountered, he would smash them with a fist until they were crushed to pieces!
Upon Sun Jian’s arrival in Yingchuan, Kong Zhou, Mi Fang, Tao Shang, and others all came out to welcome him, truly giving him ample face.
However, there was no other choice.
In this era where might made right, if one’s strength was inferior, one naturally had to lower one’s posture a bit.
One need only look at how, a few days earlier, this tiger-like fellow Sun Jian had passed through Nanyang; when talks broke down, he simply killed the Administrator.
Who would provoke such a person who acted without regard for consequences?
Tao Shang was quite interested in Sun Jian.
He very much wanted to see what this first generation of the “Sun clan, which has stood in Jiangdong for three generations”, the first heroic lord of the Sun clan, was truly like.
The rumbling sound of horse hooves and footsteps converged, advancing toward Yingchuan.
Tao Shang looked up.
Sun Jian’s vanguard formed a disciplined array, slowly advancing toward their side.
Tao Shang did not recognize the formation, but it looked orderly, arranged in a pentagonal shape across four ranks.
The central army consisted of cavalry advancing steadily, like stars surrounding the moon, tightly guarding the Sun’s great banner in the middle.
Behind Tao Shang stood Xu Chu.
Xu Chu observed for a long while before lowering his head and saying, “Heh heh, why bother forming up the vanguard while on the march?
At this pace, they won’t reach Luoyang even in eight hundred years.
It’s clearly a temporary formation just now, meant to show off their strength.” Tao Shang smiled.
“You’re looking at things with quite some perspective now.
Quite impressive.” Shortly after, the sound of a drum rose, and Sun Jian’s vanguard parted to open a wide path.
A group of leading generals rode straight forward.
There were about a dozen leading officers, but among them, Tao Shang spotted Sun Jian at a glance.
Sun Jian wore what appeared to be very heavy armor and was extremely tall!
He was the tallest person Tao Shang had seen since crossing over to the Eastern Han, aside from Xu Chu.
But unlike Xu Chu’s bear-like, rough-and-tumble demeanor, Sun Jian exuded a sinister and cunning aura.
Although he was known as the “Tiger of Jiangdong,” Tao Shang felt he was not a pure tiger, but rather a hybrid of tiger and wolf, ferocious with a trace of imperceptible slyness.
“Inspector Kong, it has been a long time!” Sun Jian, clad in armor, casually saluted Kong Zhou with a military greeting, his attitude clearly carrying some arrogance.
Kong Zhou dared not slack off and hurriedly returned the salute, smiling.
“I have long admired the great name of Wentai.
Seeing you today, you truly live up to the name of hero.
In all the world, few can stand shoulder to shoulder with Wentai’s bearing.” As an inspector of a province, speaking such words showed extreme humility, but Sun Jian seemed not to buy it at all.
Sun Jian stared intently at Kong Zhou and said slowly, “Inspector Kong, heroes across the realm have risen together to campaign against the traitor Dong.
Since you have already answered the call of the General of the Rear, why do you still station your troops here and hesitate to advance?
Lord Yuan is truly dissatisfied with your actions.” Behind Kong Zhou, the civil and military officials of Yingchuan who had come to welcome them could not help but show anger!
This Sun Jian was truly too arrogant.
As soon as he arrived, he pressed the Inspector aggressively.
He was merely the Administrator of Changsha; in terms of official rank, he was still below Kong Zhou.
How dare he be so rude?
Kong Zhou was also quite displeased, but Sun Jian had, in less than a year, successively killed an Administrator and an Inspector.
His momentum was unmatched for a time, earning him the infamous title of “local official killer.” Killing a border governor was as easy as eating beans for him.
No matter how hard Kong Zhou’s head was, it probably wasn’t much harder than those of Wang Rui or Zhang Zi.
Endure it, endure for now…
After all, one’s head was precious.
“You misunderstand, Wentai!” Kong Zhou shook his head heavily and sighed.
“I have held the post of Inspector of Yuzhou for less than a year.
Although I have the heart to serve the state, my strength falls short.
Within Yuzhou, there are two commanderies, four kingdoms, and ninety-seven counties.
At present, those who heed my commands number less than one-third.
That is why the advance has been delayed.
I hope Wentai will explain these difficulties to the General of the Rear on my behalf.
I would be deeply grateful.” The corner of Sun Jian’s mouth curled into a smile, but unlike the modest and gentle smiles Tao Shang often showed, Sun Jian’s smile was cold and chilling.
“The world is in chaos, and the state faces imminent peril…
In that case, if you cannot hold this post of Inspector of Yuzhou, why not yield it to a more worthy man?” These words were so heavy that even an idiot could tell they went too far.
The atmosphere in the area instantly became explosive.
Kong Zhou stood as if struck by lightning, stunned and speechless.
Several military officers behind him were indignant, seemingly on the verge of rushing forward to fight Sun Jian…
though they did not quite dare.
At that very moment…
“Administrator Sun is resolute and skilled in battle, renowned throughout the world.
We mediocre fellows, when it comes to the battlefield, how could we contend with Administrator Sun?
Advancing early would be pointless.
If we were to be defeated by Dong Zhuo again, it would only blunt the alliance army’s edge, which would be more loss than gain.” Tao Shang interjected at just the right moment, offering words of reconciliation amid the tense standoff between the two sides.
Sun Jian narrowed his eyes, turned his head, and saw a refined and delicate young man of weak-crowned age.
“Who are you?” Tao Shang cupped his hands and smiled.
“I am Tao Shang, Supervisor of the Western Expedition Army under Inspector Tao of Xuzhou.
Greetings, Administrator Sun.” “Oh!” Sun Jian nodded in realization.
“I remember now.
I heard that Inspector Tao is stationed in Xuzhou and cannot move lightly, so he specially dispatched his eldest son to join the distant campaign.
That must be you, young lord.
A young hero representing a provincial lord at the alliance at such a tender age?” “I dare not.” Tao Shang smiled.
“Before General Sun, I am but a weak-crowned youth.
How could I deserve the title of hero?” “Since you are not a hero, do not do heroic things!” Sun Jian scoffed, his words quite impolite.
“Inspector Tao is advanced in years and has grown haughty.
Even matters of serving the state are left to others.
Could it be that he looks down on us feudal lords and deems us unworthy of allying with him?” Mi Fang beside Tao Shang flushed red and opened his mouth to retort, but Tao Shang pulled his sleeve.
Tao Shang maintained his smile and said, “My father governs adequately, but in military affairs, how could he be compared to Administrator Sun?
When I left, my father specifically instructed that all military matters should follow the lead of General of the Rear Yuan Shu and Administrator of Changsha Sun Jian.
Only then can we punish the treacherous and restore the state.
Otherwise, we fear failure and becoming a laughingstock to the world.” Sun Jian swept a majestic gaze over Tao Shang, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
“A clever child who knows his limits.
But with just these few words of yours, you want to send Sun here to the front lines?
What?
You still want to observe from the sidelines and preserve your strength?” Tao Shang shook his head and smiled.
“Administrator Sun misunderstands.
I have said that if the Administrator has any orders, the Xuzhou army will not refuse.” Sun Jian nodded, then turned to Kong Zhou.
“And what is your intention, Inspector Kong?” Kong Zhou hurriedly said, “Kong knows nothing of military strategy and will naturally follow the lead of Lord Yuan and Wentai.” “Good!” Sun Jian said in a deep voice.
“Since I have your promises here, I will not shirk my duty either.
As for the campaign against Dong, Lord Yuan and Sun will advance with full force.
You two should do what you ought to do…
First, trouble Inspector Kong to prepare fifty thousand shi of grain and fodder for Sun and Lord Yuan each, as military supplies.
We can discuss further needs later.” “Fifty thousand shi each…
This…
That would be a total of one hundred thousand shi.” Kong Zhou’s face twitched strangely, seeming rather unwilling.
“Wentai, such a large amount of military supplies cannot be gathered at once.
Why don’t I first supply thirty thousand shi to your forces and Lord Yuan’s, with the rest to be made up later?” Sun Jian stepped forward, standing not far in front of Kong Zhou, and threatened, “No grain for me, but there is grain and weapons supplied to the Xuzhou army?
It seems Inspector Kong believes the main force against Dong Zhuo’s army should be the Xuzhou army.
Facing Lü Bu, Hua Xiong, Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and the others will also rely on the generals of the Xuzhou army?” Kong Zhou was rendered speechless by Sun Jian’s words.
He truly could not understand how the matter of his supplying grain and weapons to Tao Shang’s army had been learned by Sun Jian so quickly.
Tao Shang’s expression remained unchanged, but his heart suddenly shook…
After composing himself.
Tao Shang smiled at Sun Jian.
“Administrator Sun, please do not take offense.
The grain and weapons were merely lent to me temporarily by Inspector Kong because my troops’ supplies were insufficient.
If Administrator Sun wants anything, just take it from my forces.
I will certainly not refuse.” These words surprised even Sun Jian.
A trace of surprise appeared in Sun Jian’s eyes.
“Weapons and grain have already been distributed to the soldiers, and you want to hand them over to others?
Young one, can this win the loyalty of your men?” Tao Shang shook his head.
“Doing so naturally cannot win their loyalty, but I am only teaching my officers and soldiers a principle.” “A principle?” Sun Jian grew interested.
“What principle?” Tao Shang stared at Sun Jian and said word by word, “In great struggles, there is no respect for rank; killing superiors and bullying inferiors is unavoidable; when gentlemen fail to act as gentlemen, thieves cease to be thieves.” Sun Jian’s playful expression faded, his face gradually turning cold.
“What?
You are unwilling?” Tao Shang smiled and shook his head.
“No, I am very willing.
If the Administrator takes what was originally my army’s weapons and supplies, my soldiers will feel humiliation and shame, but this will also further fuel their desire to become a strong army.
Sometimes, what we lose may be only a small portion, but that feeling of humiliation will nurture our determination to grow strong.
One day, we will take back what we lost many times over from others, and while doing so, look down upon them.” At this point, Tao Shang paused before continuing, “Just as Administrator Sun has done to me today.” Upon hearing this, Sun Jian’s eyebrows rose.
He wanted to say something, but his lips moved without uttering a word.
After a long while, Sun Jian finally spoke.
“Aside from serving as Supervisor of the Xuzhou Western Expedition Army, what position does Young Master Tao currently hold in Xuzhou?” “I am a commoner with no office.” Sun Jian nodded.
“A commoner, eh…
Good.
This general will remember Young Master Tao!
The weapons Inspector Kong gave you, you may use them yourself.
It has nothing to do with me!
Sun disdains to pick up what others have left behind.” With that, he turned to Kong Zhou.
“Fifty thousand shi for my army, fifty thousand shi for Lord Yuan’s army, one hundred thousand shi of grain!
I ask Inspector Kong to prepare it as soon as possible and not keep us waiting too long.” With that, Sun Jian turned his head and shouted to the soldiers behind him, “Choose an open area and set up camp!” He did not even ask the host Kong Zhou’s opinion and directly chose a site to encamp on his own.
Even with Kong Zhou’s excellent self-restraint, he was so angry that his whole body trembled.
He was about to protest when Tao Shang came to his side, quietly waved his hand, and said, “Uncle, there is no need to be angry.
He wants one hundred thousand shi of grain.
Uncle, prepare two hundred thousand shi for him in return.” Kong Zhou was so shocked that his jaw nearly dropped to the ground.
“Yuan Shu and Sun Jian bully others too much, demanding one hundred thousand shi of grain from me in one breath, and I am to proactively give them two hundred thousand shi?
Nephew, do you also think your uncle is easy to bully?” Tao Shang shook his head.
Seeing that Sun Jian had already left them to arrange the camping, he said, “Today’s matter is not just about grain.
I will explain the details to you later.
For now, Uncle, just prepare it…
If Uncle trusts this nephew, I will get every single grain of these two hundred thousand shi back for you, with interest added.” Kong Zhou frowned upon hearing this, clearly not trusting this young nephew…
Kids these days are not honest at all, boasting with every word.
Tao Shang seemed not to notice Kong Zhou’s doubtful expression and smiled.
“Although Sun Jian is a military officer, he is not ignorant of the proprieties between allies.
His display of arrogance and tyranny today was clearly premeditated…
Uncle, rest assured.
I will help you deal with this bastard later.” ——————————————————————————————————————- Birth Name: Sun Jian Courtier’s Name: Sun Wentai