Mi Zhu listed three points in his strategy and urged Tao Qian to join the alliance, but Cao Bao cited Zang Ba as the reason, asking Tao Qian to remain in Xuzhou to guard it.
Mi Zhu’s words were indeed reasonable, but Cao Bao’s words were not fabricated either.
Zang Ba was a native of Huajun in Taishan, a local of Xuzhou.
When he was young, his father was arrested for a crime.
Zang Ba led a dozen or so men and forcibly rescued his father from captivity, displaying the vigor and boldness of the Liangshan heroes in the famous work Water Margin who raided the execution ground.
This is generally how a underworld boss is forged.
Good news never leaves the house, but bad news travels a thousand miles.
Because of the feat of raiding the prison to save his father, Zang Ba’s fame spread far and wide, and for a time his reputation in Xuzhou was unmatched.
Every family’s father would use Zang Ba as an example at night to educate their children… “Learn from him how to be a son!” After Tao Qian took control of Xuzhou, he admired Zang Ba’s reputation and recruited him into service, appointing him as Cavalry Commandant and ordering him to suppress the Yellow Turbans in Xuzhou.
If it were an ordinary person who suddenly received an official position, they would be so happy they might fart with joy… The problem was that Zang Ba was not an ordinary person!
It made sense.
Those who raid execution grounds are generally unwilling to accept recruitment and pacification.
After Zang Ba assisted Tao Qian in defeating the Yellow Turbans, taking advantage of the fact that Tao Qian’s position in Xuzhou was not yet stable and he was busy consolidating internal affairs, Zang Ba seized the opportunity to station troops in Kaiyang.
He gathered forces with various bandits from Taishan, forming his own faction.
He expanded his territory and established independence, thus becoming a rival power to Tao Qian within Xuzhou, creating a situation of tripartite balance.
From a fugitive criminal to a powerful local strongman who could check the Xuzhou Inspector in less than two years, drawing high attention wherever he went—Zang Ba could be ranked as Xuzhou’s top internet celebrity at the time.
With such a person in Xuzhou, Tao Qian would indeed find it difficult to march west without unrest.
“Yes, Zang Ba does not obey this old man’s commands.
He has stationed troops in Kaiyuan.
We cannot fight him, nor can we subdue him.
We can only contain him… This old man truly finds it difficult to march west.” Tao Qian seemed to mutter to himself, yet also appeared to be explaining to everyone present.
Mi Zhu said, “Inspector, if that is the case, are you not afraid that Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu will take this opportunity to attack our Xuzhou?
In my lord’s heart, are the two Yuans perhaps easier to deal with than a mere Zang Ba?” “Ah~~” Tao Qian was thoroughly headache-stricken.
Mi Zhu’s words were also true.
Now it was impossible to advance or retreat; fighting properly wouldn’t work, nor would fighting half-heartedly… Heaven had not yet destroyed me, but was Heaven perhaps trying to squeeze this old man to death?
“Chief Clerk, do you have a good plan to break this deadlock?” At this moment, Tao Qian could not rely on others and had to rely on Mi Zhu.
Mi Zhu hurriedly replied, “General Cao’s words just now were very reasonable.
Neither you, Inspector, nor General Cao should leave Xuzhou.
In that case, why not entrust someone who can represent you to participate in the alliance?” Tao Qian nodded upon hearing this.
Through today’s analysis, he had more or less understood the situation of this expedition.
Although there were various drawbacks, Mi Zhu’s and Wang Lang’s words were those of seasoned statesmen.
No matter the difficulties, Xuzhou must contribute to this battle.
Being a mere bystander would maximize immediate interests, but Xuzhou’s future development was more important.
Therefore, Xuzhou must exert effort and show sincerity to the world and the various feudal lords.
“Chief Clerk, who do you suggest should represent this old man?” Mi Zhu cupped his hands and said, “It must be the eldest young master.” Tao Qian’s expression did not change, but Tao Shang, who was sitting and listening nearby, was startled.
Wait!
What’s going on?
I suggested that my cheap old man send troops to campaign against Dong, but I didn’t say I should go myself!
That’s actual fighting, are you kidding me!
My responsibility should be to strategize from a thousand li away, right?
Matters where one’s head is tied to one’s belt shouldn’t fall to me, right?
This is classic son-pitfall!
As soon as Mi Zhu spoke these words, everyone in the hall began whispering.
Cao Bao even showed a noncommittal, slightly sarcastic smile.
This was understandable.
Currently, only Tao Qian and Mi Zhu knew about Tao Shang’s changes.
In the eyes of others, the eldest young master was still a muddle-headed, incompetent, mediocre son of a noble family.
Mi Zhu ignored the discussions around him and said, “The Inspector and General Cao must stay to guard Xuzhou and cannot go on the eastern expedition.
If we send someone else, I fear the two Yuans will not see our Xuzhou’s sincerity, giving them an excuse to scheme against Xuzhou in the future.
Looking at everyone present, only the eldest young master is the Inspector’s own son and the legitimate eldest heir.
Only with such qualifications to go in the Inspector’s stead will we avoid giving others grounds for criticism.
Moreover, the eldest young master is nearly seventeen years old and has reached the age of capping ceremony.
The Inspector is getting on in years and labors every day.
It is not the way of filial piety for the father to toil while the son remains idle… For the future and for Xuzhou, it is time to let the eldest young master gain experience and share the Inspector’s burdens.” The corner of Tao Shang’s eye twitched.
This old fellow Mi Zhu… didn’t discuss it with me beforehand… Is this revenge for me borrowing money from him?
“Um… Father, this arrangement seems to violate ritual and propriety, doesn’t it?
I have never led troops, nor have I held any official position.
If I suddenly take command of an army, I’m afraid it will be hard to win people’s respect.” Mi Zhu smiled and said, “According to precedent, there is indeed no such example, but the current situation is special.
In today’s chaotic world, events are unpredictable and cannot be measured by ordinary reason.
It doesn’t matter if the young master has never led troops.
We can send other capable generals to command the army, while the young master serves as Supervisor of the Army.
This will ensure there are no problems.” Hearing this, Tao Shang felt somewhat relieved.
In his previous life, he had never even killed a chicken.
Asking him to suddenly lead troops and charge into battle was simply a joke… Being a supervisor was much better.
At worst, he could stay in the rear.
If something really went wrong, he could jump on a horse and run away.
People in ancient times were not stupid.
Could a modern person suddenly take command of troops and beat veterans who had spent their lives leading armies into fleeing in panic?
Everyone eats the five grains; no one is inherently stronger than the others.
Tao Qian stroked his beard, pondered for a long while, and slowly said, “Regarding this matter, allow this old man to think it over for now… Everyone may return to your duties.
Once this old man has considered it clearly, we will decide.” Seeing that Tao Qian could not make up his mind for the moment, the others rose and withdrew one by one.
Tao Shang and Tao Ying, being of the younger generation, left last.
Just as they were about to go, they heard Tao Qian call out.
“You two stay behind.” Tao Shang had already guessed that Tao Qian would keep the two of them.
Tao Ying, however, looked completely bewildered and confused.
“Did you two clearly hear what was said in the court discussion earlier?” Tao Shang and Tao Ying stood before Tao Qian, looking at each other in silence for a long time.
Then Tao Qian suddenly showed a warm smile and said, “Actually, after hearing so much, this old man also understands that sending troops to join the alliance is the best course.
It was only Cao Bao who used Zang Ba as Xuzhou’s internal threat as a reason not to want this old man to march out.
Mi Zhu then advised sending Shang’er in this old man’s place to join the alliance.
Regarding this… what thoughts do you two have?” Tao Ying still looked dazed and shook his head.
“In reply to Father, this child has no thoughts.” Tao Qian sighed deeply, his expression helpless.
“Said so directly… You really are straightforward.” With that, the old man turned to Tao Shang and said, “What about you?
What do you think of Mi Zhu recommending you for the alliance?
What is Mi Zhu’s true intention?” Tao Shang lowered his head.
In the visual blind spot where Tao Qian could not see, he quickly curled his lip.
Although he had been a bit startled when Mi Zhu suddenly recommended him earlier, after this short while, he had roughly figured out the key points.
“Family factional struggle.” Tao Qian’s spirits lifted.
He quickly pointed to the kneeling mat that had been laid down.
“Sit and speak.” Tao Shang’s knees were numb from kneeling all morning and he really didn’t want to kneel again… He didn’t know what kind of twisted psychology the Han people had, having buttocks but insisting on using their legs to kneel… “This is the place for court discussions.
This child dares not be presumptuous before Father.
Standing is fine.” Tao Qian didn’t understand why sitting would count as presumptuous, but he didn’t press the matter.
“If you want to stand, then stand.
Now tell me your thoughts.” Tao Shang carefully chose his words and said, “Although this child rarely participates in government affairs, through daily observations and what I saw earlier, I roughly understand some things.
For Father to firmly control Xuzhou, the main supports are Mi Zhu, Cao Bao, Zhao Yu, and Wang Lang.
Mi Zhu manages grain, Cao Bao manages the military, Zhao Yu handles registries, and Wang Lang manages officials.
The four each have their posts and balance one another, but in their hearts none respects the others.
They all want to gain more benefits and power for their own families.
Now that the world is in turmoil and the feudal lords are campaigning against Dong Zhuo, once troops are mobilized, it will inevitably affect the balance of interests among the four great families in Xuzhou.
Cao Bao does not want to send troops not because of Zang Ba, but because once the expedition begins, the situation in the army will change rapidly with every dispatch of troops and generals.
Important military positions can easily be seized by people from other families, which would weaken Cao Bao’s bargaining chips in Xuzhou.” Tao Qian let out a long breath.
Previously, when he had privately discussed the alliance against Dong with this eldest son, he had already felt the child was quite different from before, with much deeper thinking.
Yet he still had some doubts about this son’s abilities.
After today’s questioning, Tao Qian realized… this child had perhaps truly grown up!
Tao Qian stroked his long beard, looked seriously at Tao Shang for a moment, his eyes full of approval and relief.
“Good, good!
Then tell this old man, what is Mi Zhu’s purpose in recommending you to go on the expedition?” Tao Shang thought for a moment and said, “Mi Zhu’s thinking is not hard to guess.
Since Cao Bao does not want to move troops, he went along with it and recommended me to go in Father’s place to join the alliance and campaign against Dong.
He also petitioned for me to serve as Supervisor of the Army.
However, a supervisor does not command troops, so in the end there still needs to be a capable general to lead the army.
Cao Bao had already spoken fully in the court discussion and blocked his own path; I’m afraid he won’t be able to get involved in the command position.
Mi Zhu will certainly recommend one of his own people to Father to lead the western expedition.
In this way, the Mi family, which has always been in charge of money and grain, will have extended its hand into the military.
Looking at this move alone, Mi Zhu is somewhat more formidable than Cao Bao.” Tao Qian nodded.
“This is also what this old man is concerned about.
This old man is not afraid of Mi Zhu sending someone to meddle in military affairs, but if I agree to Mi Zhu’s request, I’m afraid I will offend Cao Bao for no good reason, which is truly not what this old man desires… My child, as the master of a province, this old man cannot afford to offend these subordinate families.
Only by maintaining balance is it the superior strategy.” Tao Qian’s words left Tao Shang quite unconvinced.
In principle, Tao Qian was right, maintaining balance between left and right was correct, but if one was afraid of offending people, then being the Xuzhou Inspector was truly too stifling.
The taste of being constantly checked and balanced by others was ultimately not pleasant.
In terms of intelligence, Tao Qian had no problems, but his shortcoming lay in his personality… This old man was somewhat soft.
“Father, balance is not wrong, but it is not necessary to always appease these few families.
Sometimes, Father could try provoking their relationships and positioning yourself in the middle to mediate.
Perhaps that would allow you to act with greater ease.” Tao Qian’s white eyebrows rose slightly.
“What does my son mean by this?” “Mi Zhu wants to extend his hand into the military.
Father might as well agree to him.
In return, you can also approach Cao Bao and arrange for someone from the Cao family to manage government affairs and assist in allocating money, grain, and logistics for this western expedition.
This way, it would be the Mi family managing the Cao family’s troops, while at the same time the Cao family’s people would reach into the Mi family’s grain supplies.
In this manner, they would check and balance each other.
Over time, they will inevitably see each other as enemies.
Once the two families become like fire and water, they will both rush to curry favor with you, Father, hoping to gain your support.
At that time, you can watch the two families fight while mediating from the center as the peacemaker.
Wouldn’t that be much more comfortable than constantly going back and forth appeasing them?” Tao Qian did not speak upon hearing this.
He only stared with his mouth agape in astonishment, looking blankly at Tao Shang, his eyes full of shock.
He had labored for a lifetime.
The older he got, the more he felt powerless.
Heaven blesses my Tao family, only today did he discover that the Tao family finally has a worthy successor!