Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3672 The Candlelight Flickers Deeply, Tide Shatters the Hegemonic Plan

The night was as dark as ink, and the dew grew heavy as the night deepened.

Inside the post station in Wu County, Liu Bei sat alone under the lamp.

The probing questions from all sides at the banquet during the day still echoed in his ears. Sun Quan's impeccable politeness, the Jiangdong gentry's subtle yet veiled inquiries, and the calculations hidden beneath their respectful gazes all stirred his inner turmoil.

The swaying shadows of the trees outside the window added to the somber atmosphere.

Suddenly, a guard came to the door and whispered, "My lord, Chief Clerk Zhang requests an audience."

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then straightened his clothes, smiled, and nodded, "Please come in quickly."

Zhang Zhao was a man of special status. He was not a core member of Jiangdong, and although he was quite famous, he was a renowned scholar from Jiangbei, not from Jiangdong. At the same time, he was highly trusted by Sun Quan and managed the Sun family's finances and logistics, but he often clashed with Sun Quan because of his outspoken advice.

This important figure, burdened with numerous contradictions, remained silent at the banquet, yet was the first to arrive that night...

Whom does he represent?
What else do you want to talk about?
Footsteps echoed as Zhang Zhao slowly entered.

He had a lean face, gray hair and beard, wore dark casual clothes, and walked with a steady gait, exuding an air of refined elegance and composure.

He was followed only by an old servant, who carried a lacquer box.

"Lord Xuande, please forgive me for disturbing you so late at night." Zhang Zhao bowed respectfully, his voice calm.

Liu Bei returned the greeting, saying, "You flatter me, Chief Secretary. You are a pillar of Jiangdong, highly respected and virtuous, whom I have always admired. It is an honor to meet you so late at night! Please take a seat." The two then took their seats as host and guest, with Guan Yu standing behind Liu Bei, his hand on his sword hilt, silent as a deep pool.

Zhang Zhao waved his hand, instructing the old servant to present a lacquered box as a gift, and then opened it himself.

Inside the lacquered box were several scrolls of bamboo slips and a pot of fine wine from Jiangdong.

Zhang Zhao said, "This is just a small gift, hardly enough to express my respect. I've heard you have a fondness for classical texts, and this is a newly acquired fragment of the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. The wine is newly brewed from Wu, just enough to accompany our conversation."

Liu Bei smiled and did not refuse: "I am deeply grateful for your kind offer, Chief Secretary."

The drinks were poured, but both of them only took a small sip.

Liu Bei swirled his wine cup, his gaze fixed on Zhang Zhao. "Please forgive my bluntness… Chief Clerk, you have come here so late at night; surely you have something to instruct me?"

Zhang Zhao stroked his beard, his gaze calm, and slowly said, "I have come not for the sake of the Marquis of Wu, nor for the sake of the Jiangdong clan, but for the sake of the people of Jiangdong. It is because of the banquet earlier today, where I observed your demeanor and was deeply moved, that I have come to speak with you."

These days, if you don't constantly talk about the people or the world, you're practically invisible.

Liu Bei didn't reveal anything, but simply nodded slightly, "I'd like to hear your insightful opinion, Chief Clerk."

Zhang Zhao paused briefly, as if carefully choosing his words: "Lord Xuande was initially renowned throughout the land for his benevolence and righteousness. Later, he vied for supremacy with General Huo Qubing in Sichuan. Although… well, he didn't achieve complete success, he was able to assess the situation, maneuver effectively in Jiaonan, expand the territory, and pacify the barbarians—something no ordinary person could accomplish. Whenever I think of this, I cannot help but sigh at Lord Xuande's perseverance and deeply admire him."

Zhang Zhao spoke with great sincerity, which was certainly more genuine than the flippant tone of some people at the banquet. However, for someone of Zhang Zhao's age, it was a very simple matter for him to say the same things in a different way.

Liu Bei nodded again, "Chief Clerk, you flatter me. I am but a mediocre man, relying on the legacy of my ancestors to gain a false reputation. The affairs of Sichuan and Shu were the work of your exceptional talent, General Huo Qubing; I am ashamed to admit my inferiority. As for Jiaonan, I merely followed the orders of the central government, fulfilling my duty as a subject; how dare I claim any merit? To have survived in this chaotic world is already a great fortune."

Zhang Zhao's gaze narrowed slightly, clearly not entirely convinced. He changed the subject, his tone carrying a deeper meaning, "Lord Xuande is indeed a humble and benevolent man... However, in your view of Jiangdong today, how does it compare to Liu Jiyu of Sichuan in the past?"

Upon hearing this, the room suddenly fell silent!
Guan Yu's eyes narrowed instantly...

Zhang Zhao continued stroking his beard, seemingly oblivious to the murderous aura emanating from Guan Yu.

After a moment, Liu Bei smiled slightly, easing the awkward silence. "Why do you say such things, Chief Clerk? Lord Wu is wise and decisive, dominating Jiangdong, with numerous capable civil and military officials under his command. How can Ji Yu compare? Such words may invite criticism."

Zhang Zhao stared intently at Liu Bei and slowly said, "Ji Yu is weak and incompetent, unable to control his subordinates, leading to the separation of the prefectures and counties, and ultimately the loss of his foundation. Now, the situation in Jiangdong is such that it is surrounded by powerful neighbors from the outside, and internally..."

Zhang Zhao paused briefly, then said, "Jiangdong is indeed in danger of having strong branches and a weak trunk. Although Lord Wu is wise, it is not easy for him to consolidate power and make everyone in harmony, as if they were his own limbs. For example, Gu Yuantan is in charge of Jiangdong's finances and maritime trade; his influence has already deeply penetrated the prefectures and counties, extending to Jiaozhi. When you are in Rinan, you must know the benefits of its trade routes, and also the... difficulties of the journeys involved?"

Liu Bei suddenly had a toothache.

Zhang Zhao's words were so blunt, even bordering on treasonous, that it seemed he was directing his criticism at Gu Yong, pointing out how Gu Yong's immense power hindered Sun Quan and the potential conflict between Gu Yong and Liu Bei over interests in Jiaozhi. He was implying to Liu Bei that Gu Yong was a common obstacle for both him and Sun Quan at the moment...

But is it really that simple?
Liu Bei's mind raced. He realized that Zhang Zhao's words were partly a provocation, partly a test, and more likely a bait offered by Sun Quan's faction to facilitate cooperation.

After all, a person's buttocks are important, and the curtains covering their buttocks are even more important.

Liu Bei, of course, wouldn't allow Zhang Zhao to easily lift the curtain on his affairs, regardless of the pretext. Therefore, he pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Lord Gu is upright and prudent, a pillar of the state. While I was in Jiaonan, I followed only the orders of the General of the Cavalry, and all merchants and travelers followed the law, daring not to have any private dealings. As for the internal affairs of Jiangdong, I am merely a guest and dare not interfere."

Seeing Liu Bei's continued caution, Zhang Zhao refrained from further discussion and instead sighed, "What Lord Xuande says is quite true. However, I often think that when Emperor Gaozu established his dynasty, he relied on the strength of lords like Han Xin and Peng Yue to jointly defeat Xiang Yu. Now, Fei Ziyuan is eyeing the Western Capital like a tiger, and Cao Mengde is soaring in the Central Plains like an eagle, while the alliance between Sun Quan and Cao Cao is as precarious as a pile of eggs. If Jiangdong itself becomes divided and unable to unite its forces, wouldn't that be handing a powerful enemy a handle? This is what deeply worries me."

The Han Dynasty was a strange place, retaining some customs from the ancient Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. It even had a dual monarch system, a local clan political system, and various circles, both large and small, as well as people inside and outside those circles...

Logically speaking, since Jiangdong and Sichuan are currently at war, Liu Bei shouldn't be coming to Jiangdong. However, within the Han Dynasty, whether it's Jiangdong, Sichuan, Cao Cao, or Fei Qian, they are all under the banner of the Han Dynasty, so there are no legal issues regarding their interactions.

It was like the war between Fei Qian and Cao Cao, which could be considered a civil war or a struggle for hegemony among warlords.

Liu Bei, his gaze deep, replied, "The Chief Clerk's concerns are extremely valid. Although I am not talented, I understand the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' If Lord Wu has any requests, I will do my utmost within my power to repay the kindness of today's hospitality and to fulfill my duty as a colleague."

Liu Bei gave a very vague but reasonable promise: "to the best of my ability."

As for what can and cannot be done, the right of interpretation naturally belongs to Liu Bei.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhao glanced at Liu Bei and nodded.

Clearly, Zhang Zhao's probing tonight had partially achieved its purpose.

Even though Liu Bei repeatedly expressed humility and gave cautious answers, Zhang Zhao still discerned that Liu Bei actually harbored ambitions and was not indifferent to the current affairs of the Han Dynasty. At the same time, he also pointed out Gu Yong, a potential "common enemy," to Liu Bei on behalf of Sun Quan, and obtained a vague promise of support from Liu Bei.

This is enough to report back to Sun Quan...

As for other matters, Zhang Zhao did not want to discuss things too intimately with people he had only known briefly.

Detailed transactions or other matters cannot be determined upon first contact.

Zhang Zhao then rose to take his leave, saying, "Lord Xuande's words of wisdom have greatly benefited me. It is late, and I dare not disturb your rest any longer. I wish you all the best in your time in Wu Commandery."

Zhang Zhao's words had a double meaning.

Liu Bei also rose to see him off, saying, "Please take care, Chief Clerk. I thank you for your guidance, Chief Clerk."

After Zhang Zhao left, the post station returned to silence.

Guan Yu said in a deep voice, "Brother, Zhang Zhao is a man of sharp wit; every word he utters is pointed. His remark about Jiangdong resembling Liu Jiyu is intended to stir up your thoughts; his mention of Gu Yuantan seems like a ploy to use one enemy against another; his concern about external enemies is to advocate for the Sun family. We must be wary."

Liu Bei stood by the window, gazing in the direction Zhang Zhao had disappeared into the distance, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Zhang Zibu is a wise man, yet he is also a strategist for the Sun family. His words tonight were half true, half false; half reflecting the Sun family's intentions, half his own anxieties. However, his pointing out the benefits for the Gu family and Jiaozhi was not unfounded. Sun Zhongmou wants to use our strength to counterbalance the warlords of Jiangdong, especially the Gu family. This is merely a strategy to incite conflict."

If we compare the Han Dynasty to a large company, then the two presidents, Fei and Cao, are vying for the chairman's position. Liu Da'er, the manager of the Jiaozhi branch, thinks that President Fei's corporate culture and management policies are very good, and he also feels that he is not, or not yet qualified, to join the competition for the president's or chairman's position. However, this does not mean that Liu Da'er cannot aspire to the position of general manager of the Jiangdong region...

These are completely different things.

Sun Quan is considered one of the key figures in the Three Kingdoms period, a concept held by later generations. But what was Sun Quan to people in the Han Dynasty at that time?
What can it be considered?
There wasn't even a Battle of Red Cliffs.

Especially after seeing the numerous factions and unrest in Jiangdong...

Liu Bei smiled, "It seems this trip to Jiangdong was the right decision after all!"

Guan Yu said, "Brother, the waters of Jiangdong... are deep..."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "Then we'll see who ultimately drowns in this pool of water in Jiangdong!"

……

The next day, the sky was clear and the river breeze had subsided.

Sun Quan invited Liu Bei to ride together on a large ship to inspect the Jiangdong navy on the Yangtze River.

Banners blotted out the sun, and ships stretched for miles. Warships and battleships resembled giant beasts submerged in the waves, while smaller vessels moved like flying fish weaving through the water. The scene was truly awe-inspiring and majestic, awe-inspiring to the south of the river.

Standing atop the highest point of the warship, clad in black armor and a golden crown, Sun Quan, brimming with confidence, pointed to the vast array of troops on the river and declared with fervor: "Lord Xuande, this is the foundation upon which Jiangdong stands! Even with powerful enemies surrounding us, this navy is more than enough to secure this natural barrier, making our adversaries tremble in fear!"

Liu Bei understood the meaning behind Sun Quan's move. This deliberate display of military power served two purposes: firstly, to intimidate, including Liu Bei himself; and secondly, to demonstrate the profound strength and resources of Jiangdong, far surpassing the shallow influence of Liu Zhang of Sichuan. Simultaneously, it was an opportunity to boost his own prestige and suppress internal strife.

Liu Bei stood solemnly to one side, surveying the array of ships on the river. A look of genuine admiration appeared on his face. "Magnificent! The Wu navy is the strongest in the world! When I was a guest in Jingzhou, I heard of the advantages of Jiangdong's naval warfare! Seeing it with my own eyes today, I know the rumors are true! With such a mighty army, what fear is there of not being able to defeat a powerful enemy?"

Liu Bei spoke sincerely, praising repeatedly, as if he were completely overwhelmed by the grand scene.

Sun Quan laughed heartily.

However, despite his praise, Liu Bei's gaze did not linger long on the deliberately displayed elite troops of Jiangdong, but instead turned more towards the more hidden places...

Liu Bei was a veteran of the military; he understood that one couldn't judge a book by its cover, solely by the outward appearance of soldiers' armor and uniforms. One had to observe the finer details. If mere appearance could determine everything, what would be the point of war? Why not just send out a ceremonial guard and have a contest?

Beneath the seemingly perfect military might of Jiangdong before him, Liu Bei keenly noticed certain discordant details…

On the warship that burst out from the flank, several shirtless soldiers, wielding oars and controlling sails, moved with the swiftness of monkeys, running and leaping across the rocking deck as if walking on flat ground; they were clearly seasoned veterans.

However, they didn't charge out and weren't the focus of the inspection. On another warship further back, a dozen or so soldiers with halberds leaned against the parapet, trying their best to straighten their backs, but their faces were as pale as paper. Their hands gripped the crenellations tightly, their knuckles white from the effort, and their bodies trembled slightly with the rise and fall of the ship. Clearly, they weren't very good at swimming. Liu Bei suspected that these soldiers were newly recruited or forcibly conscripted farmers. After all, although their armor was new, it couldn't hide their inner weakness and lack of strength.

Moreover, on the river further away, amidst a simulated battle scene of hundreds of boats racing, a small boat responsible for perimeter security was slightly slow in changing formation, creating a tiny disconnect from the main formation and almost colliding with an adjacent vessel...

The Jiangdong navy seems promising, but the disparity in strength is vast, and it's a mix of veterans and newcomers...

Liu Bei withdrew his gaze and fixed it on the warships demonstrating their combat skills on the water. He praised them highly, saying, "Such elite troops move on water as if walking on land! It is truly breathtaking! I myself suffered greatly training a navy in Jiaozhi, and I know how difficult it is! I have come to Jiangdong specifically to ask Lord Wu for advice on these methods of training troops... I humbly request Lord Wu's guidance!"

"Haha, very well said, very well said!" Sun Quan smiled broadly. "Lord Xuande, you flatter me! This is simply the duty of soldiers to risk their lives to protect the borders and ensure the safety of the people!"

Sun Quan then issued a series of orders, with messengers waving flags and practicing naval attack and defense tactics.

In an instant, drums and horns sounded, and arrows rained down like locusts.

Of course, for the drills, headless arrows were used.

The ships crisscrossed and collided, creating an even more spectacular and intense scene.

The performance of those elite soldiers became increasingly impressive...

However, Liu Bei's peripheral vision was constantly drawn to the plight of the weak Jiangdong soldiers in the surrounding areas behind those drills.

After the military parade, Sun Quan seemed to be in high spirits as he returned home with Liu Bei.

During the journey, Liu Bei continued to shower Sun Quan with praise, commending the Jiangdong navy for its well-trained and decisive command, which delighted Sun Quan and made him laugh heartily.

However, when Sun Quan returned to the Wu Marquis's residence, dismissed his attendants, and left only Lü Meng and a few trusted confidants, the smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a grim expression and barely suppressed rage!

Bang!

Sun Quan slammed his fist heavily on the table, causing the writing brush and inkstone to jump. "Outrageous! Who?! Who sent those useless cowards who can't even stand properly to the ships for today's military review?! This disgraceful display has been witnessed by Liu Bei! How can I save face?! Where is the prestige of the Jiangdong army?!"

After a series of defeats, the Jiangdong navy was indeed facing a shortage of capable men.

However, this time, Huang Gai and Lu Su were specially sent back some elite troops from the front line to show off in front of Liu Bei. But unexpectedly, these elite troops did perform well and deserved extra chicken legs for dinner. However, the ordinary Jiangdong soldiers who were originally just background figures couldn't even stand firm and handle such a "simple" little matter!
How could this not infuriate Sun Quan?!
Although Liu Bei praised him from beginning to end, Sun Quan was well aware that Liu Bei was a seasoned veteran of many battles.

just in case……

No, they've even seen this 'weak' side of Jiangdong, isn't that...?

Sun Quan was so angry that his face turned purple, and he roared so loudly that it shook the house.

The thought that Liu Bei's sincere praise during the day was actually a sarcastic remark made him realize that his carefully planned display of military might was greatly diminished by these incompetent soldiers, and might even have exposed the weakness of the uneven quality of Jiangdong's troops!

How could this make him not angry?
Lu Meng, who was in charge of the military review, was also filled with shame and indignation. "My lord, please calm your anger! This subordinate will investigate immediately! We must find those who have neglected their duties and punish them severely!"

Sun Quan, panting heavily, his eyes flashing with cold light, said, "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! All troop mobilization documents, ship allocations, personnel rosters, and everyone involved—leave no one unchecked!"

Lu Meng accepted the order and set off, launching the most rigorous investigation with thunderous fury.

however……

When Lü Meng arrived with a thick stack of documents and several mid- to low-ranking officers in charge of dispatching, the results revealed a chilling sense of powerlessness to Sun Quan.

"My lord..."

Lu Meng's face was very grim. "This humble general...this humble general has repeatedly checked...the deployment of the participating ships and personnel for this review...all have followed standard procedures...there are no errors..."

"What? ! 』

Sun Quan's eyes widened.

Lü Meng unfolded the file and pointed it out to Sun Quan one by one...

"The personnel quotas and the ratio of new to veteran soldiers on each ship all conform to the regulations outlined in the 'River Defense Manual,' and there are no violations."

"The dispatch documents are complete, the seals are clear, and the issuance process is thorough..."

"The newly recruited soldiers are all from respectable families who are legally eligible for conscription in various counties and prefectures. Their names are clearly listed and their places of origin are verifiable. They are not temporarily conscripted to fill quotas..."

"As for the small boat that went disengaged during the drill... it was found that it was due to the helmsman suddenly becoming dizzy, which was an accident... its daily training records are all excellent..."

That's right, everything complies with the 'standards' and the 'procedures'.

The process is clear, the documentation is complete, and the responsibility is dispersed.

Based on these documents, it is impossible to find a specific person responsible for this "weak soldier" incident!

Because this is the "normal state" under the current system in Jiangdong!
Jiangdong employed a system of hereditary units.

Given the backdrop of years of warfare, the constraints imposed by aristocratic families, difficulties in replenishing troops, a limited number of elite soldiers, and the need to fill vacancies with new recruits, this phenomenon of a mix of old and new soldiers, of varying quality, was "normal." Therefore, the various files being reviewed this time were also "normal"...

As Sun Quan looked at the cold words and seals and listened to Lü Meng's report, the anger in his heart was gradually replaced by a deeper chill.

He understood that such a well-formed "file" could not have been produced by Lü Meng alone, nor could it have been decided by one or two minor officials in the army. In fact, if he were to investigate further, it was likely that some "big shot" would step forward to take the blame and bear the responsibility for everything.

Sun Quan took a long sip of Longjing Shrimp and realized that it wasn't made with Longjing tea leaves, but rather with pig's heart.

"Ziming, is there anything else you haven't mentioned?" Sun Quan asked.

Lu Meng nodded silently, then took out a document of "evidence" from his sleeve and handed it to Sun Quan.

Sun Quan looked down and saw that it was a troop deployment order from a military review. The seal at the bottom of the order was not some crooked or broken seal, but "General Yangwu"!
(End of this chapter)