Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3790 Pioneering Spirit to Open Up the Mountains and Forests

Once you leave Wuguan Road, the mountain terrain gradually becomes steeper.

It became even more difficult to walk.

Cai Mao pushed his helmet, which was sliding down, and wiped his sweat.

He was not young, and walking on such mountain paths was extremely physically demanding. If he hadn't had some background as a military general, his heart might have exploded right then and there!

Don't underestimate the height difference. Even the shortest of the Five Sacred Mountains can make someone who is not used to exercise feel like they are about to die halfway through.

"Rest...take a break..."

Although reluctant to admit it, Cai Mao couldn't help but speak up, causing the group to stop again.

There is no road here, and the official road is guarded by Cao Cao's troops, so they need to go around this section.

Cai Mao leaned against a rock, supporting his back, panting as he looked at the almost indistinguishable path he had walked along, winding its way into the dense primeval forest, whether he came from or went from there.

On both sides were towering ancient trees, blocking out the sun, with only scattered spots of light filtering through the layers of branches and leaves, casting ever-changing light and shadow on the ground covered with decaying leaves.

Difficult!

Especially for those who start a business again after middle age...

"Huff...huff..." Cai Mao gasped for breath, his mouth agape.

Was it embarrassing?
It's like working your whole life, covered in injuries, and then being told you you'll have to wait a few more years to retire, which is incredibly frustrating.

If it weren't for the conflict between Fei and Cao, Cai Mao might be enjoying his 'retirement' right now...

Oh, it should be 'retirement'.

After all, during the years he worked in Jingzhou, after surrendering to Cao Cao, he was considered "equivalent" to Cao Cao with Cao Cao's approval.

But now, it's all for nothing!
Cai Mao tightened his slightly crooked armor and caught his breath.

The air in the forest, thick with the scent of humus, served as a constant reminder that one should not linger in such a place.

Although there are fewer miasma and insects in autumn and winter, if you accidentally pass through a place infested with blood-sucking worms, they can suck you to death in just one night!
Cai Mao glanced at the more than one hundred private soldiers of the Cai family standing in front of and behind him.

This is all he has left.

Like Cai Mao, these private soldiers of the Cai family were exhausted, panting heavily, but like Cai Mao, they dared not loosen their clothes or take off their armor.

After all, there's no need to persuade the last one who wouldn't listen...

They all looked exhausted, their eyes reflecting both bewilderment at the unknown future and a hint of relief at surviving a disaster.

Cai Mao couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He looked up at the Wuling barbarians returning from afar and gave a bitter smile.

The Cai family head, who once dominated Jingxiang, now has to rely on these Wuling barbarians to sneak into this dark forest like mountain rats and gamble with an uncertain outcome.

This filled Cai Mao with an indescribable bitterness.

"What is it now?" Wu Lingman cast a disdainful glance, seemingly mocking Cai Mao and his soldiers as "weaklings."

Cai Mao took a breath and waved his hand, "It's nothing... I couldn't catch my breath just now... I'm feeling better now..."

"Then... General Cai, you must stay close this time..."

The leader of the Wuling barbarians, a burly man named Amuguo, turned around and spoke in broken Chinese.

He had dark skin, a lithe and agile physique like a leopard, a curved knife at his waist, and a short bow on his back, allowing him to move through the mountains and forests as if on flat ground.

He was flanked by several barbarian soldiers dressed in similar attire.

This was specially given to Cai Mao by Zhuge Liang through Sha Moke, to guide Cai Mao's surprise attack force to bypass Cao Cao's camp and infiltrate Jingzhou.

Cai Mao nodded without saying a word, and simply followed silently.

The path beneath our feet could hardly be called a path; it was merely a trail trodden by wild animals or a ditch eroded by rainwater.

Vines and thorns frequently snagged on the armor, producing a piercing tearing sound.

The forest was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of the group, the rustling of footsteps on decaying leaves, and the distant cries of unknown birds and beasts.

Cai Mao's thoughts drifted back to the time when the General of the Cavalry had been stationed in Shang County not long ago...

Zhuge Liang, the young man who once addressed Cai Mao as "Lord Cai," well, although he still occasionally calls him that now, the meaning behind it is quite different.

In Shang County, Zhuge Liang found him and spoke eloquently, his tone calm, yet every word struck the most vulnerable part of his heart.

"Lord Cai..." Zhuge Liang's eyes were clear and deep, as if he could see through Cai Mao's every thought. "Cao Cao burned Caizhou, intending to exterminate the Cai clan. This is the Cai clan's greatest hatred. Cao Cao's army has committed such an outrageous act that is universally condemned. If this grudge is not avenged... and you are willing to sink into oblivion, then the Cai clan's century-old foundation will be completely lost..."

Cai Mao wanted to slap him right then and there!
Caizhou was burned down, wasn't it because you led Cao Cao's army here?

However, Cai Mao also knew in his heart that this matter could not be entirely attributed to Zhuge Liang.

He was arrogant at the time...

However, despite his thoughts, Cai Mao couldn't afford to appear weak, so he retorted, "Why must Kongming speak so alarmingly? Back then, the Cao family came with the Emperor's decree, and my Cai family… well, let's not dwell on those old tales! Now, although the General of Chariots and Cavalry commands a stronghold in Guanzhong, his new policies… I fear they will not be a blessing for the gentry."

Cai Mao's words sounded somewhat unconvincing.

He had already learned of the contents of Fei Qian's "Letter to the Scholars and Commoners" through various channels. The clauses such as "equal land distribution, abolishing the recommendation system, and promoting the performance evaluation system" were like sharp blades, directly targeting the lifeline on which these aristocratic families depended for survival.

If one cannot obtain the same treatment as Cao Cao, and cannot accumulate military merits and acquire meritorious land under Fei Qian...

So what good can the Cai family possibly have in the future?

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, not directly refuting him, but instead changing the subject: "Lord Cai, do you know why Cao Ren went so far as to burn down Cai Prefecture? It wasn't because your army was strong, but because the Cai family still held considerable influence among the scholars and common people of Jingzhou. Cao Cao, holding the emperor hostage to command the other warlords, seems powerful, but his roots are in the north; in Jingzhou, he is truly a rootless tree. My lord, raising a benevolent army and implementing new policies throughout the land, values ​​the hearts of the people. If Lord Cai could seize this opportunity to return to Jingzhou, rally his former troops, and stir up trouble behind Cao Cao's lines… when the royal army marches south and Jingzhou is restored, Lord Cai will be the greatest contributor. At that time, not only will the Cai family regain its prestige, but they may also find a foothold within the new policies. My lord values ​​merit over lineage; even those from humble backgrounds are given important positions, let alone a prominent family like Lord Cai's."

Upon hearing this, Cai Mao felt a chill run down his spine.

He understood what Zhuge Liang meant...

If the Cai family, or rather Cai Mao, hadn't gone all out, would there have been no poor families left in Jingzhou?
Just like the local power that the Cai and Kuai clans could hold back back then, after Fei Qian takes over Jingzhou in the future, he will not be able to find a new person to replace him.

For example, Zhuge Liang standing before Cai Mao...

At that point, the Cai family will truly have no chance at all!
"A foothold?" Cai Mao pondered these four words, a pained expression on his face. "I fear that even if I regain Caizhou after the equal land distribution decree is issued, I will have lost all my land, just like those recommended for official positions, their careers ruined."

Cai Mao did not ask Zhuge Liang for any "guarantee" or "promise" because Zhuge Liang was only an official in the general's office, neither a "manager" nor a "lord," and could not possibly offer any conditions on behalf of Fei Qian.

The key point is that Zhuge Liang was also aware that Cai Mao knew this, so he naturally smiled very gently, even casually...

Cai Mao couldn't laugh.

He thought of his businesses in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, symbols of the wealth and power accumulated by the Cai family over generations. If he were to completely abandon them and start from scratch...

Cai Mao was reluctant to part with it.

Similarly, Zhuge Liang knew that Lady Cai was reluctant to part with her.

Therefore, Cai Mao had no choice but to take a gamble.

Zhuge Liang looked at Cai Mao, his gaze sharpening: "Lord Cai! The General of Chariots and Cavalry's new policies, though involving changes, are intended to eliminate long-standing abuses and strengthen the nation and its military. For example, the equal land distribution policy, while suppressing land annexation, still reserves a fixed amount of land for the gentry, not taking it all away; the merit examination system, while abolishing the recommendation system, opens a path for those from humble backgrounds to advance. If the sons of the gentry possess true talent and learning, why should they fear competing with those from commoner families? This is the inevitable trend; those who follow it prosper, those who oppose it perish! Lord Cai is a wise man; how can you sacrifice your principles for petty gains, or abandon new beginnings for the sake of clinging to the old ways?"

Cai Mao remained silent.

Zhuge Liang's words were like a cold knife, cutting open the cloak of his heart and exposing his fear and hesitation.

Cao Cao was indeed unreliable.

The facts have proven this.

So, can Fei Qian be relied upon?

Cao Cao had initially promised to ensure Cai's family a life of wealth and comfort in their old age, but not long after, he changed his mind, demanding that Cai's family pay more taxes, provisions, and manpower. Cai's wife, Cai Mao, gritted her teeth and paid, thinking that since they had already given so much, the sunk cost was too high. But what happened? Not long after, Cao's family was again demanding money, provisions, and manpower!
Then, although Fei Qian's new policies were harsh, after Fei Qian arrived in Guanzhong, there were very few instances of "changing policies in the morning and evening." Even when Lü Bu caused trouble in the Western Regions, he still managed to save his life, unlike Cao Ren who directly burned down Caizhou...

Well, at least it's a little better.

That day, what burned down was not only Cai Zhou's houses and manor, but also Cai Mao's remaining illusions about Cao Cao.

For Fei Qian, military merit is military merit. If he can truly obtain the "first merit", he will naturally have a "place to stand".

At this critical juncture for the family's survival, this possibility was like a drowning man grasping at a last straw. More importantly, Zhuge Liang revealed a thought deep within his heart that he himself was reluctant to admit: the Cai family had cultivated their power and influence in Jingzhou for generations, their branches flourishing and their branches spreading far and wide. How could they truly be willing to sink into oblivion and be completely abandoned? He, Cai Mao, had once been a powerful figure who commanded the Jingzhou navy and jointly ruled Jingxiang with Liu Biao! That feeling of commanding the winds and rains, though brief, was unforgettable.

Ultimately, with Zhuge Liang's analysis and the "protection" of the barbarian guides sent by Shamoke, Cai Mao made his decision.

Rather than accomplishing nothing in a safe place, it's better to fight to the death for the Cai family.

Also because of Cai Mao's own lingering ambition.

"Splash—"

Amuguo, who was leading the way, suddenly stopped and raised his hand in greeting.

The ranks immediately came to a halt, and all the private soldiers instinctively gripped their weapons tightly, nervously looking around.

Amuguo crouched down, carefully examined the ground, seemingly checking for footprints, then sniffed a clump of bushes before returning to Cai Mao and whispering, "General, there are Cao Cao's patrol soldiers... they just passed by... we need to go around them..."

Cai Mao's heart tightened. Had they almost turned back onto the official road and run into Cao Cao's patrol?

Or are we almost in the Jingzhou area?

Cai Mao had no idea what to say, but seeing what Amuguo said, he could only listen to it.

Even if Cai Mao had spent most of his life in Jingzhou, he still couldn't possibly be familiar with every mountain in the area. He might be somewhat familiar with the place if he were on the official road, but once he left the official road, he was completely lost. Apart from directions, he was even less able to navigate than these Wuling barbarians in front of him.

Cai Mao nodded, signaling Amuguo to lead the way.

The group quietly turned onto another, more secluded and difficult path.

Cai Mao watched the agile figures of Amuguo and the others, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

These Wuling barbarians, whom he once regarded as "barbarians," have now become his and his hundred-plus Cai clan members' support, their guides, the compass that directs their progress, and hold their "lives" in their hands...

The Wuling barbarians' survival skills and keen intuition in the mountains and forests far surpassed those of the Cai family's private soldiers who had long resided in cities.

Cai Mao thought to himself, "Isn't this a kind of irony?"
In times of chaos, the descendants of gentry families who passed down their knowledge of the classics sometimes had to rely on these "uncivilized people" to regain a glimmer of hope...

This detour took several more days.

After trekking continuously through the dense forest, enduring wind and rain, and sleeping in the open, food became scarce, forcing them to rely on hunting small animals and picking wild fruits to stave off hunger.

Cai Mao had never suffered such torment before.

He felt like his bones were about to fall apart, and blisters formed on his feet, which then burst, causing excruciating pain with every step he took.

Cai's private soldiers were exhausted and their morale was low.

but……

Whenever Cai Mao couldn't help but want to stop, or even had second thoughts, he would feel a chill in his heart when he saw the still agile figures of Amuguo and the others!
Cai Mao realized that this was Zhuge Liang's final warning to him!

If you don't advance, you will retreat!

Poor families, common people, even these Wuling barbarians...

If the Cai clan is not even as good as the Wuling barbarians, then is there any point in their existence?
Damn it, damn it!

Thinking of all this, Cai Mao could only grit his teeth and continue forward.

At night, they found a sheltered ravine to rest.

Because they were close to the target, in order to prevent Cao Cao's scouts from climbing up and seeing the firelight, they could only huddle together and rely on their body heat to resist the cold of the mountains.

Wrapped in an oilcloth, Cai Mao leaned against a large tree, gazing at the night sky fragmented by branches and leaves, lost in thought.

He recalled his privileged life in Xiangyang during his youth, a life of poetry, wine, and wide-ranging friendships; he remembered how, when his brother-in-law Liu Biao first entered Jingzhou, the Cai family had provided invaluable assistance, allowing him to command the navy and wield immense power; he recalled how, after Liu Biao's death, Jingzhou descended into chaos, and how he wavered between Cao Cao and Fei Qian, attempting to secure the greatest benefit for the Cai family; he recalled his eventual decision to surrender the province to Cao Cao, hoping to preserve his wealth and status, only to be met with suspicion, suppression, and even the burning of Caizhou…

One wrong step, one wrong step?

maybe.

In this era of global upheaval, powerful local families like the Cai clan, though seemingly prosperous, were actually walking on thin ice.

Attaching themselves to the strong is their survival instinct, but who is the real strong one?
It all comes down to their individual judgment. Every choice comes with enormous risks and costs. Family interests, personal ambitions, and the tides of the times intertwine, leaving people powerless and exhausted.

And now...

Cai Mao then thought of Fei Qian.

What exactly is the General of the Flying Cavalry, who rose to prominence in the north and now has the potential to sweep across the world, thinking?

Can his new policies really succeed?
If they really succeed, what will the world become?
aristocratic families...

Will they still be the same aristocratic families as before?
What should the Cai family do next?
Zhuge Liang's concept of "a foothold" sounds appealing, but how exactly does one establish a foothold?
Is it about handing over the family's centuries of accumulated wealth to adapt to a completely new and unfamiliar set of rules?
Cai Mao felt a wave of confusion and fear.

The fear of the unknown is often more tormenting than the known dangers.

"My lord, have some water." A guard handed Cai Mao a water pouch, interrupting his thoughts. "It was boiled earlier."

Cai Mao took the water pouch, drank a mouthful of the cold water, and became slightly more awake.

He suddenly froze, his gaze falling on the water bag.

"Cooked..." Cai Mao murmured.

Cai's personal guards, unaware of the situation, nodded somewhat blankly. "Yes, it was cooked last night... General, what's wrong?"

Cai Mao was silent for a moment, then said, "If... I mean if... this time it wasn't the Flying Cavalry... if we found a mountain spring to fetch water... would we have boiled it before drinking it?"

Cai's personal guards hesitated for a moment, then shook their heads and said, "No...we just forced it to drink..."

"Phew..." Cai Mao let out a long breath, handing the water pouch back. "Well, you should drink some too..."

The guards withdrew.

Cai Mao seemed to have figured out some things, and his gaze gradually calmed down.

The following afternoon, the forest ahead gradually thinned out, and the sound of flowing water could be faintly heard.

Amuguo climbed onto a towering rock, gazed at the scene for a moment, then slid down and said to Cai Mao, "General, after crossing this river ahead, if we travel southeast for another day, we can bypass Cao Cao's main passes and enter the vicinity of Xiangyang..."

Xiangyang!

Cai Mao's spirits lifted!
We're almost there!

"Good! Chief Amuguo, you've worked hard! This return to Jingzhou was entirely thanks to your guidance! I will contact my old subordinates in Jingzhou and reward you handsomely!" Cai Mao couldn't help but smile.

In response to Cai Mao's offer of gratitude, Amuguo simply nodded, his face expressionless: "General, you are too kind. This is an order from Chief Shamoke."

"..." Cai Mao blinked, unsure of what to say.

The group quickened their pace and headed towards the sound of water.

Soon, a river that was not wide but had a rapid current came into view.

The river water was clear, crashing against the pebbles on the riverbed with a splashing sound.

Amuguo commanded the barbarian soldiers to cut down trees and build simple rafts in preparation for crossing the river.

Cai Mao stood by the river, watching the busy crowd, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He silently adjusted his breathing, trying to calm his tense emotions.

Jingzhou, Xiangyang, Caizhou, I, Cai Degui, am back!

However, this risky infiltration into the vicinity of Jingzhou and Xiangyang remains uncertain, with the future and potential consequences difficult to predict.

Now that things have come to this, there's no turning back for him.

We can only continue along this thorny path, step by step.

For the sake of the Cai family, and also for his own remaining, restless ambition.

On that familiar homeland, let hope be rekindled, or...

From then on, the Cai family of Xiangyang ceased to exist...

(End of this chapter)