Chapter 504

Jingzhou would be selling provisions to Yangzhou. As there were a lot of provisions being bought, they were to send two hundred thousand provisions for the first and second month and then the last one hundred thousand provisions for the third month. Mi Zhu would be the one handling the payment.

Mi Zhu’s intervention made the merchants in Jingzhou dumbfounded. He sorted out all the different grains by type and somehow only need to pay two thirds of the original price. The Jingzhou merchants could not intervene this time as their backers such as Liu Biao and the Pang Family had switched sides. Wang Kang even helped facilitate the process to make the provisions get sent out faster.

Everyone had a united front. Even the Cai Family joined in to help. The only one that was absent is the Huang Family.

Although Mi Zhu was devious, he was not too excessive in his requests so he ran into little trouble. After all the grain all belonged to Liu Biao so the officials in charge of selling it weren’t too meticulous with the pricing.

The provisions were quickly loaded onto the ship where it would be transported to Yangzhou through Xinye. This is because of the war at Jiangxia.

Liu Mang kept himself busy forming more alliances in Jingzhou. Some of the alliances were sworn as blood oaths while others are just written in letters.

Now the Kuai Family was led by the Kuai Family with the Cai Family and the Lumen Academy as auxiliary. The representatives of the alliance was obviously Liu Biao and Liu Mang. As Liu Mang had his seal, they were able to make a written pledge.

“From today onwards, the Heavens shall bare witness!” Liu Biao was older and was also the ruler of Jingzhou so he had to preside over the speech.

“My Jingzhou and nine counties will work together with Yangzhou!”

“My Yangzhou and five counties will work together with Jingzhou!”

“”We will help defend each other. To attack the other is to violate the alliance and the culprit will be punished by the Heavens!”” The two said together and followed through with the rest of the ritual such as killing a rooster, then drinking wine mixed with its blood and exchanging documents.

“Ooh!” The nobles and the common people cheered. Having an ally during this chaotic times was much better than having another enemy. The common people cheered would be able to work in peace, not knowing of the might of the Lu Bu’s Army. On the other hand, the soldiers cheered knowing that they have a reliable ally to fight against Sun Ce.

Liu Biao and Liu Mang exchanged cups, starting the feast. With this alliance, Yangzhou’s biggest problem was solved. They could now gather the strength to deal with Cao Cao when the time comes.

Lu Bu had also sent a general over as Chen Gong needed someone to execute Lu Bu’s plans. The taciturn Gao Shun was unsuitable for the job and Zhang Liao was busy reigning in the Xiliang Cavalry so the he could only send Zang Ba.

“Little Lord.” Zang Ba greeted Liu Mang. At Kaiyang, Liu Mang pleaded leniency to Lu Bu for Zang Ba. That was why Zang Ba was not executed. Liu Mang then spoke well of Zang Ba when they attacked Mount Tianzhu which is why Zang Ba now commanded his troops instead of being a vanguard under Lu Bu.

“N!” Liu Mang nodded. With Zang Ba around, he has three generals and would be able to do some things easier.

They all ate and drank to their hearts content. Cai Mao’s expression was terrible but Liu Mang still gave him face by offering him a few cups. Besides that, Kuai Yue’s incitement helped Cai Mao see Liu Mang in a more positive light, allowing Cai Mao to at least welcome Liu Mang with a smile.

Once the banquet was over, Liu Mang got on a carriage and went to a separate courtyard in Xiangyang. There, he greeted Lady Cai who had been waiting for him. “Milady. I apologize more making you wait.”

“Sit.” Lady Cai replied without complaining even though she had been waiting for more than half a day. This is because she knew that Liu Mang was attending a banquet while she left early with the excuse of visiting her parent’s home. “Is the alliance successful?”

Liu Mang nodded and took out a scroll. This was the document saying that they have allied and had the seals of both. Liu Mang wanted to hand it over to Lady Cai but she shook her head.

“Milady. You have showed great kindness to Yangzhou. I will thank you on behalf of all the citizens in Yangzhou.” Liu Mang spoke the truth. Without food, the people will starve and Liu Mang would need to execute some drastic measures.

“What do you plan to do next?” Lady Cai asked.

“Next, it would be time to settle old debts.” Liu Mang said with killing intent. Someone had been plotting against him before he even arrived in Jingzhou. Now it was time to return the favor.

“Who is first on your list?” Lady Cai asked again as she looked at Liu Mang longingly. A person with Liu Mang’s appearance and status was the ideal husband. She wished she could have met him earlier. She eventually kept her unrealistic thoughts in check and reminded herself that they could only work together for each other’s benefits. Liu Mang needed provisions while Lady Cai wanted her son’s position in Jingzhou to be firm.

“The first person is within the Jiangxia Army!” Liu Mang narrowed his eyes as he recalled how Pang Tong and Huang She tried to have him killed at the river. The one that was sent to attack him was Huang Ri, Huang Zu’s nephew.

“I see, this is Jiangxia.” Lady Cai stated. This could not be done if Huang Ri was Huang Zu’s subordinate in Changsha but Huang Ri was working in Jiangxia whose army was controlled by the Cai Family. 

“Then I will have to thank Milady.” Liu Mang replied and then took a blank military scroll and wrote on it with Cai Mao’s name. The military edict written by Liu Mang stated that Huang Ri was Jiangdong’s spy and will be executed as a warning to others.

“Huang Ri?” Lady Cai frowned when she read this. She did not really want to have any association with the Huang Family who were also influential in Jingzhou.

“Yes, it is Huang Ri.” Liu Mang saw Lady Cai hesitate and reminded her that when Liu Zong succeeds the throne, the Huang Family would be forced to comply or be destroyed anyway.

“This is the first person. For now, Huang She cannot be touched but that man that must die.” Liu Mang added as he narrowed his eyes. Killing Huang She meant making enemies with Huang Zu. Cai Mao would definitely not agree to this. Even if Liu Biao were to get involved, the gains would not outweigh the losses.

After Liu Mang sent out the letter, the letter eventually reached the hands of General Wen Pin at the army camp. Zhuge Liang was beside Wen Pin and had been discussing with Wen Pin about Jiangdong’s movements. They had been caught unprepared by the sudden and constant attacks.

When Wen Pin received the letter, he frowned. He had recently received a letter from Liu Biao saying that the provisions will come at a fixed date. Yet here was a second letter. The contents of the letter made Wen Pin furrow his brows.

“General. Is something wrong?” Zhuge Liang asked.

“This is problematic. Military Advisor Zhuge, take a look at this.” Wen Pin handed the letter to Zhuge Liang who then read and understood the problem.

For someone at the rear to claim someone as a spy was a slap to the face to those unaware working at the frontlines. There was also the fact that the accused was part of the Huang Family and the command had the Cai Family’s seal.

“This Cai Mao really thinks the Jiangxia Army belongs to him! Does he expect me to kill an officer just because of a military order? What a joke!” Wen Ping said angrily. This was an entirely unrewarding task. Killing Huang Ri meant offending the Huang Family. Sparing Huang Ri meant offending the Cai Family. As for Huang Ri being a spy, he believed it was simply an excuse. A very terrible excuse.

“Huang Ri, Huang Ri.” Zhuge Liang repeated the name as he recalled the person. Zhuge Liang had good memory which allowed him to do many things personally. Dumb people gets defeated by smart people while smart people gets defeated by their own teammates. Zhuge Liang handled many things personally as he did not want to be done in by his own allies.

After thinking for a while, Zhuge Liang had a thought and asked Wen Pin about Huang Ri’s identity. He learned and confirmed from Wen Pin that Huang Ri was part of the Huang Family and had the ability to command a warship.

Zhuge Liang then asked if Huang Ri had been dispatched to Xiangyang earlier than the others. Wen Pin confirmed it. Wen Pin allowed it to make it easier for the others to receive the warship and supplies.

“Good! Men! Arrest Huang Ri. If he resists, kill him!” Zhuge Liang immediately ordered.

“Military Advisor Zhuge! What are you doing?” Wen Pin was stunned. The Cai Family was obviously using them to do their dirty work. Regardless of who they sided with, they would offend someone. Why would Zhuge Liang rush to offend others?

“Haha. General Wen, I am just following orders.” Zhuge Liang replied. Zhuge Liang had a good impression of Liu Mang and been keeping an eye on him so he knew that Liu Mang had been attacked. However, he did not know the identity of the culprit. When Zhuge Liang realized this command was Liu Mang’s handiwork, he decided to help out Liu Mang. On the other hand, the Huang Family was insignificant to him so he did not care about offending them at all.

A soldier then entered the tent and reported to Zhuge Liang that Huang Ri resisted arrest and was killed.

****

“What? Liu Biao and Liu Mang formed and alliance?” The civil and military officers in Jiangdong exclaimed.

“Are you sure about this?” One of the old generals, Han Dang Han Yigong, asked the messenger irritably as he grabbed the messenger.

“General Yigong. There is no need to be rude. Withdraw!” Zhou Yu frowned and said to Han Dang.

Han Dang quickly withdrew as he both feared and respected Zhou Yu. When he attacked Liu Biao without permission, he helped Lu Bu escape. This angered Sun Ce. Zhou Yu was the one that pleaded for his life.

“It is true.” The messenger replied. “Everyone in Jingzhou already knows about it. Liu Biao and Liu Mang even swore an oath.

“How could this be? Are Liu Bei’s men all worthless? Wasn’t Pang Tong known as the Fledging Phoenix? How did he fail to prevent this?” Huang Gai was exasperated.

Sun Ce had sent many people, including those from Mount Shan, to Yangzhou. Those from Mount Shan were extremely powerful to the extent that Sun Ce had to leave behind tens of thousands of elites to protect Jiangdong every time he went out on expedition. Sun Ce sent these people to Yangzhou in hopes they revolt when they run out of food. However, Jingzhou had an abundance of food. With Jingzhou’s food supply, Yangzhou would flourish and become powerful instead.

“Milord. Now that Jingzhou and Yangzhou have allied, would they join forces to attack us?” Huang Gai asked with worry. It would be problematic if Yangzhou were to send reinforcements to the Jiangxia Navy.

“Do they have a navy? Even if they do, those people probably can’t swim!” Han Dang said with disdain.

“General Yigong. Do not underestimate Yangzhou’s troops.” Zhou Yu shook his head while everyone thought Han Dang was a moron. This is because they had fought against Liu Mang’s navy before and lost very badly.

Zhou Yu who could not figure out Yangzhou’s foundation did not dare to be careless even with the advantage of numbers.

“The Yangzhou Army will not help them.” Another person stated.

“Who is this?” Sun Ce looked at the youngster with distrust.

“Bu Zhi! Withdraw!” Huang Gai said to the youngster indignantly.

“Bu Zhi?” Zhou Yu looked at the youngster. The youngster looked weak and had calluses on his hands. He looked like someone from a humble family who had suffered quite a lot.

“This person is my book servant which I brought with me when I came in a hurry! I hope Milord would forgive him!” Huang Gai cupped his fist. Huang Gai found Bu Zhi when he searched for someone who could help him write things down. Huang Gai was getting old and forgetful so he needed that help. As the meeting was sudden and urgent, Huang Gai ended up taking Bai Zhi along with him.

“Bu Zhi is innocent. Withdraw.” Sun Ce seldom had good temper but allowed Bu Zhi to leave.

Bu Zhi listened and started to leave with a disappointed expression before Zhou Yu suddenly stopped him.

“Wait! Your name is Bu Zhi right?”

“General Huang Gai’s book servant Bu Zhi greets you.” Bu Zhi cupped his fist and replied.

“Where are you from? Why did you come to Jiangdong?” Zhou Yu asked. He could tell that Bu Zhi was not from Jiangdong based on his dialect.

“I am from Linhuai. I came to Jiangdong avoiding the chaos of war.”

“Linhuai?” Zhou Yu furrowed his brows. They had only just lost that place. “Are you perhaps a descendant of Yang Shi, a senior official during the Zhou Dynasty?”

“Yes.”

“Hm? How did you end up in this state?” Zhou Yu could not understand. The Bu Family who were descendants of Yang Shi should have been very influential. Even the Bu Family in Jiangdong were also influential. Sun Quan was also going to take Lady Bu as his wife. However, Bu Zhi seemed as though he had suffered more than the common people.

“The Bu Family of Huaiyin are the Bu Family of Huaiyin while I am myself.” Bu Zhi’s reply resounded powerfully as everyone else furrowed their brows. The Bu Family at Jiangdong were influential so they had plenty of people trying to get close to them. However, Bu Zhi seemed to hate the Bu Family.

“Good! Good!” Zhou Yu applauded. He was the only one who reacted differently.

“A man should abandon his family’s influence and rely on himself!” Zhou Yu believed that Bu Zhi would not have ended up in such a miserable state if he had relied on his family name. He would have become an officer instead of an attendant.

“Since you said all that, I will give you a chance!” Zhou Yu added. “If you can explain why Yangzhou would not attack us alongside Jingzhou, I will recommend you to become a military officer. I will also make you a noble, as Jiangdong’s Bu Family instead of Huaiyin’s Bu Family! If you are unable to explain why, you will carry the guilt of speaking out of turn!” Zhou Yu knew that Bu Zhi would be talented and was competitive. Otherwise Bu Zhi would have already died several times with his recklessness.

“I understand. If I fail to convince everyone, I will hang myself.” Bu Zhi replied. He had suffered in silence all this while, waiting for such an opportunity. If he failed to obtain this opportunity, he might as well die. Even his vengeance would be hopeless.

“Good! Now explain for us to hear!”

And so, Bu Zhi gave his explanation. First of all, the two armies cannot be commanded under one authority. Yangzhou had too many secret weapons while Jingzhou had the bigger army. Neither side would allow the other to gain authoritative control of the operation.

Second, if they were to fight separately, they would indeed win. However, deciding which side gains ownership of Jiangdong’s territory would become a problem. One side would become dissatisfied regardless of the outcome. One side obtaining the territory would also mean exposing the other side to danger. For example, the alliance was formed because Jingzhou had the Yangtze River protecting them from Yangzhou. However, if Yangzhou were to obtain Jiangdong’s territory, they would easily be able to cross the Yangtze River. On the other hand, if Jingzhou were to obtain Jiangdong, they would have sufficient power to crush the weakened Yangzhou Army.

Third, they still had Liu Bei to worry about.

“Are you saying we should ally ourselves with Liu Bei?” The officers asked respectfully. They no longer looked down on Bu Zhi.

“No.” Bu Zhi shook his head. “Liu Bei is like a wolf. If we ally ourselves with him, we may end up like Lu Bu, Cao Cao, and Zhang Xiu!” Liu Bei’s terrible reputation was Liu Mang’s contribution. The whole world now knows that Liu Bei was a traitorous scum worse than Cao Cao. The nobles themselves were happy for Liu Bei’s bad reputation so they did not stop the news from spreading.

“Then how do we control them?”

“It would be difficult to ally ourselves with Liu Bei when we are separated by the river. Even if we could, it is only a mental relief. It would not support us in any way. Liu Bei also needs provisions that we would be unable to deliver to them.”

Besides that, Liu Bei was also lacking in provisions and had a smaller army. If Liu Bei were to fight against Yangzhou, he would lose.

“What is there to say if Liu Bei is going to be defeated?” Sun Ce asked.

“Haha! Liu Bei lack provision but there is someone with plenty of provisions!” Bu Zhi laughed.

“Jingzhou?” One person muttered and then shook his head. If Jingzhou and Yangzhou have allied, they would not sell provisions to Yuzhou.

“Cao Cao?” Zhou Yu muttered a different answer.

“As expected, you have good insight.” Bu Zhi said admiringly to Zhou Yu.

“Impossible!” Huang Gai and Han Dang could not believe this. “Liu Bei cheated Cao Cao, killed his general, and caused Cao Cao to lose face! Why would Cao Cao give Liu Bei provisions? Don’t talk nonsense!”

“No. There is certainly a possibility!” Zhou Yu laughed indifferently as he looked at Bu Zhi with admiration. “Cao Cao is ambitious. He could even forgo his son’s death. What else can he not do?” Zhou Yu praised. Normal people would immediately go after Zhang Xiu but Cao Cao abandoned Nanyang to deal with Yuan Shao instead. Yuan Shao was powerful but he was not the one who started hostilities. Cao Cao attacked Yuan Shao first because he wanted to catch Yuan Shao unprepared.

“Cao Cao have defeated Yuan Shao in the North but he had not yet fully pacified the region. If Liu Mang defeats Liu Bei, Liu Mang would gain control of the Central Plains. This is something Cao Cao would not want. That is why Cao Cao would let go of his hatred and support Liu Bei.”

“Then what should we do?” This was the question in everyone’s mind. Yuzhou and Yangzhou can go kill each other. What should Jiangdong do in the meantime?

“Milord! We should quickly attack and conquer Jingzhou!” Huang Gai and Han Dang proposed. The two believe that since they could not obtain the Central Plains, they should attack Jingzhou to prepare for Cao Cao’s arrival.

“No! We cannot fight Jingzhou on such a large scale right now.” Bu Zhi shook his head. “Right now, we should be strengthening our forces.”

“Bullshit!” Han Dang yelled angrily. “If we don’t take Jingzhou now, are we going to wait for it to fall to Cao Cao?”

“General Han Dang, those are good words.” Bu Zhi smiled and replied indifferently rather than take offense to Han Dang’s words.

“Milord. Our army currently has the advantage but if we win, we would win tragically.” Bu Zhi stated. While Sun Ce may have sneered at Bu Zhi to be inexperienced before this, he now agreed to Bu Zhi’s statement. Wen Pin and Zhuge Liang’s appearance also caused the situation to change. Sun Ce believed that they could win but perhaps at the cost of more than half their army.

Besides that, Yangzhou was powerful even before this. If Jingzhou and Jiangdong were to kill each other, Yangzhou would be the one reaping the benefits. They would be able to finish off Jiangdong easily.

“General Han Dang’s words are correct. We wait for Cao Cao to go South. That would be the most opportune time to take Jingzhou!” When Cao Cao goes South, Liu Bei and Liu Mang would bear the brunt of the attack and become too busy to take opportunity of Jingzhou and Jiangdong’s battle.

“Good! From today onwards, we will reorganize our military! No one is approach Jiangxia without my order!” Sun Ce ordered, moved by Bu Zhi’s words. Cao Cao going South may be a crisis but it was also an opportunity.