Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3791 Anger in the room, lust in the market

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the river surface with a melancholy orange-red.

Cai Mao and over a hundred of his private soldiers, led by Amuguo, a guide from the Wuling barbarians, crossed the river silently like ghosts and set foot on the land within Jingzhou.

This is the foothills of the Jing Mountains, where the terrain gradually softens. Although the forests are still dense, scattered fields can be seen, and wisps of smoke rise from the distant mountain valleys. Compared to the oppressive tension at Wuguan Pass, this place seems to offer a much-needed respite, but it is also permeated with a sense of desolation and ruin, as if the land had survived a catastrophe.

Amuguo and his Wuling barbarians had essentially completed their mission. Instead of staying behind to venture deep into the heart of Jingxiang with Cai Mao, they led Cai Mao and the others through Cao Cao's blockade and then quietly retreated back into the vast mountains, just as they had come.

Cai Mao watched their disappearing figures, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

These Wuling barbarians, whom the Cai family once looked down upon, have now become his guides on his return to his homeland. The vicissitudes of life are truly unpredictable.

Once back in Jingxiang, the Cai family and others became noticeably more active.

After all, they are the local bigwigs; their ancestors have lived here for generations.

After determining their direction, Cai Mao and his party found a manor.

The manor was not large and had obviously been ravaged by war; the houses showed signs of burning and much of the land was abandoned, but it could still provide some shelter and a limited supply of food.

The owner of the manor is not surnamed Cai, and on the surface has no connection with the Cai family whatsoever. However, in reality, this manor was separated during Cai Feng's generation and prepared as a "nest for cunning rabbits"...

Cai Mao gazed at the scene, speechless for a long time, unsure whether he was lamenting the current state of the Cai family or reflecting on the foresight of his ancestors.

When the manor owner saw Cai Mao and his entourage arrive in such a disheveled state, he was not only shocked but also overcome with grief. From him, Cai Mao learned more about the current situation in Jingzhou.

Indeed, some of Cao Ren's troops were transferred north to participate in the Heluo campaign, reducing the number of Cao troops remaining in Jingzhou and weakening their control. They mainly huddled in a few core cities such as Xiangyang, Fancheng, and Xinye, as well as the passes along the main land and water routes.

For places like this remote manor, Cao Cao's army only symbolically stationed a few soldiers in the surrounding counties to collect grain and maintain superficial order, but was unable to effectively control them.

After a brief rest at the manor, Cai Mao couldn't wait to get started.

He knew that he and his hundred-odd men alone could not accomplish anything.

To stir up trouble in Jingzhou, it is necessary to unite with other local forces that still have influence. The primary target, naturally, is the Kuai brothers, who once shared power with the Cai family in Jingzhou and are now similarly in a precarious situation…

……

……

Kuai's Fortified Village.

Although this place is slightly more intact than the surrounding dilapidated villages, it cannot hide the scars left by the war.

The brothers Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue sat facing each other in the study, with the swaying bamboo shadows outside the window casting dappled light and shadows inside.

On the table, a plain silk name card and a modest gift list stood out conspicuously...

Cai family.

Although it was not explicitly named that it was Cai Mao, who else could have acted in such a manner, using both the etiquette of the gentry and the white silk name card?
"Cai Degui...wasn't it rumored...that he actually sneaked back to Jingzhou?"

Kuai Yue stroked the name card, his tone filled with disbelief and astonishment.

Of course, the simple silk name card and the formal greetings are quite ordinary now, a far cry from the pomp and circumstance of the Cai family head in the past, but the meaning behind them is still immense.

Kuai Liang said in a deep voice, "The courtesy is meager, but the intention is treacherous. They fled north, and now they return, which is tantamount to betraying Cao. Now, Prime Minister Cao is campaigning in the north of Luoyang, Cao Zixiao is stationed in Xiangyang, and we have the brave general Cao Zidan by our side... Cai Degui's appearance at this time is undoubtedly an attempt to drag the Kuai family down with him..."

The two brothers exchanged a glance and fell silent.

Jingzhou is now in a state of turmoil.

Cao Cao's main force marched north to contend with General Fei Qian in the He-Luo region, leaving Cao Ren, who remained behind, to struggle alone. Jiangling, originally a vital stronghold in southern Jingzhou, fell under the fierce attack of the Sichuan army under General Fei Qian's command. Cao Zhen's forces were forced to retreat, and the defense of Jingzhou was stretched thin, significantly weakening Cao Cao's control over the region. Local fortified villages defended themselves, and bandits rose up everywhere. The Kuai family's farmland and shops around Jiangling had already been almost entirely lost in the years of protracted warfare, and now they were confined to this remote manor, their former glory gone.

Kuai Liang pondered, "Cai Degui dared to risk making contact, he must have something to rely on. Although this person says... well, perhaps we can glean some insight into his true intentions..."

Kuai Liang didn't reveal whose account was being used, but Kuai Yue knew the answer, his eyes gleaming: "Brother's words are also reasonable. The situation is currently chaotic; gathering information from more sources provides more room for maneuver. However, the meeting place must be chosen with utmost caution, kept within our control, to prevent any traps."

Ultimately, the Kuai brothers decided to take the risk and meet. They chose an abandoned post station near Xiangyang, on the banks of the Han River, as their meeting place. The location was secluded, easily accessible by land and water, making it convenient to set up spies and also to escape quickly.

……

……

When the news reached Cai Mao's temporary residence at the small manor, his confidants were immediately in an uproar.

"Master! This is surely a trap! Although Kuai Zirou and Kuai Yidu have a past with me, they also harbor many grudges! Now they are in two separate places... They are still under Cao Cao's command. If they set a trap to capture you and hand you over to Cao Cao's army, we will all be doomed! It would be better if I, the acting master, went to investigate!"

A seasoned and prudent confidant knelt down and pleaded.

The meeting place was close to Xiangyang, but far from Cai Mao's residence. Putting aside whether there was an ambush at the meeting place, just the journey there and back was risky...

Moreover, the closer they got to Xiangyang, the tighter Cao Cao's army's control became.

Cai Mao's expression was solemn, and he raised his hand to stop more people from trying to dissuade him.

How could he not know the dangers of this journey?
After Caizhou was burned, he defected from Cao Cao's camp and returned to Jingzhou, which was undoubtedly a dangerous move.

Moreover, the Kuai brothers were no saints either. When Liu Biao came to Jingzhou, they betrayed a traitorous clan member with just a few words to advance their own careers. Not to mention the countless unsavory grudges that remained between the two families during their rivalry with the Cai clan…

In the face of the survival of a family, what is the value of so-called old friendships?
However, Cai Mao was even more aware of his current predicament.

A hundred or so private soldiers, hidden in the mountains and forests, might seem like a decent number of men, but to think they could accomplish anything significant was nothing short of a pipe dream.

The Cai family's foundation in Xiangyang, Jingbei, has been destroyed, and their remaining forces are undoubtedly under Cao Ren's close surveillance. To stir up trouble in Jingzhou, contain Cao's army, and support the General of Chariots and Cavalry, it is essential to rely on local powerful clans like the Kuai family, which still possess potential influence.

This was a gamble, a gamble that the Kuai family was also dissatisfied with the status quo, and a gamble that their worries about the family's future outweighed their fear of the Cao family.

"My mind is made up." Cai Mao's voice was hoarse but firm. "The Kuai family are not fools; do they not know that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold? The fire at Caizhou may burn the Cai family today, but who knows if it won't burn the Kuai family tomorrow? This journey is not only for the survival of the Cai family, but also to find a way out for the gentry of Jingzhou. If we retreat out of fear of danger, we will be sitting and waiting for our deaths."

……

……

On the day of the meeting, the sky was overcast, and a bleak wind blew across the river. The abandoned post station was dilapidated, with weeds growing among the crumbling walls, and only the sound of the river lapping against the shore could be heard. In a relatively intact thatched hut, Cai Mao finally met the long-lost Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue. Both of them had lost a lot of weight, and the dignified air they once had as honored guests of the prefecture had been replaced by weariness and vicissitude, but their eyes still retained the prudence and shrewdness unique to the gentry.

The river breeze rustled the robes of the three men. Cai Mao greeted Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue with polite bows and pleasantries, but in reality, each of them was on edge.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Kuai Yue's expression suddenly darkened, and his words became sharp: "De Gui is now a wanted criminal by Prime Minister Cao, and he has secretly come here to invite my brothers to meet. Could it be that he intends to emulate Zhang Yi's deception of Chu, using his silver tongue to seduce my brothers into committing treacherous acts, and then present my head to you to claim credit under your command?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. Kuai Liang remained silent and watched coldly from the side.

Cai Mao felt a chill run down his spine, but slowly said, "Seeing you today feels like a lifetime ago. I have long heard the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals: 'The great affairs of the state are sacrifice and war.' Yet, looking at Jingzhou today, Cao Cao is preoccupied with the north, so where are the sacrifices? Who will lead the war? In the past, King Zhuang of Chu aspired to the Central Plains, how powerful he was! But if he did not improve his internal affairs, to be close to the virtuous and keep away from the wicked, then even with the marshes of Yunmeng and the natural defenses of the Yangtze and Han rivers, he would still have been annexed by Qin. In the past, our Jingzhou region was a thousand miles of fertile land, with a hundred thousand armored soldiers, enough to dominate the southern lands. Alas… it is truly lamentable. Even today, we are adrift and destitute, our property withered… As for the matter of Caizhou… if the ruler is unwise, the scholars will not support him; if the scholars do not support him, then even though the land is vast and the people numerous, we will ultimately become food for others!"

Cai Mao paused, his voice turning sorrowful, "When Cao Cao marched south, how generously he treated my Cai family! He promised to preserve our ancestral temples and share wealth and honor. Yet, a single fire at Caizhou burned away all those empty promises! My fate today is a warning to you both! If Jingzhou were reduced to ashes, the Cai family would certainly perish, but how could the Kuai family… possibly escape unscathed? How much of our Jiangling legacy remains?"

Kuai Liang frowned slightly, and Kuai Yue's expression also changed.

Kuai Liang pondered for a moment, then stroked his beard and said slowly, "De Gui's words, though reasonable, are not without merit. As the Book of Changes says, 'A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the opportune moment.' We are merely law-abiding citizens, like flickering candlelight; how can we compete with the bright moon? Although Prime Minister Cao is looking north, his influence remains, and his forces still exist. To act rashly is not the way to protect our families; it would only invite annihilation. Only the weak can overcome the strong..."

Kuai Liang's response was cautious, even somewhat pessimistic, clearly indicating his doubts about Cai Mao's intentions.

Seeing Kuai Liang's conservative attitude, Cai Mao knew that without offering a more compelling bargaining chip, he would find it difficult to persuade him. So, he changed the subject, lowering his voice slightly: "How cowardly Yi Du is! Without Han Xin's desperate battle with his back to the river, the Zhao army would not have collapsed. This was all due to taking advantage of the situation and employing a surprise attack strategy. Now, Cao Mengde's main force is trapped in the He-Luo region, locked in a stalemate with the General of Chariots and Cavalry—this is truly a golden opportunity! Although I am not talented, I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If the gentry of Jing and Xiang still cling to the idea of ​​waiting for the right moment, sitting idly by and watching the outcome, I fear that once the dust settles in the north, they will all become fish on a chopping block, at the mercy of others! At that time, even if they wished to emulate Fan Zhongyan and sail the Five Lakes, it would be impossible!"

Cai Mao's words turned the tables, revealing his sharp edge.

Although Cai Mao is now taking greater risks than the Kuai family, he is also more imposing in terms of momentum.

Kuai Yue flicked his sleeves and said, "Brother Degui, your heroic spirit is admirable. However, Su Qin and Zhang Yi, though skilled in diplomacy, relied not on empty words, but on the strength of the powerful Qin or wealthy Qi behind them. Now, you wish to emulate the ancients, but where will your troops come from? Where will your provisions come from? Where will the hearts of the people be? Moreover, your Caizhou is already scorched earth; my Kuai family's Jiangling foundation is also seven or eight tenths gone. Like a tree without roots, or water without a source, though we wish to stir up waves, we fear our strength is insufficient, and we will only suffer utter destruction. Let this matter not be mentioned again."

Upon hearing this, Cai Mao couldn't help but smile, his tone shifting to a condescending admonition: "My two brothers, haven't you heard the saying 'It's never too late to mend the fence after the sheep are lost'? We both know the current situation in Jingzhou. To the north, there's Zhuge Liang of Wuguan Pass and the Five Streams Barbarians; though temporarily defeated, their spirit remains undiminished. To the west, there are Liao and Li of Fangling, defeated but not discouraged, poised to strike again. To the south, the Sichuan army has already occupied Jiangling, watching with predatory eyes. If these three forces move, it will be like arrows being fired simultaneously. If, within Jingzhou… hehe, another rallying cry is heard, even if Cao Zixiao possesses extraordinary abilities, he will find it difficult to prevent Jingzhou from falling! This is precisely the opportune moment to establish merit and preserve our clan!"

Kuai Yue snorted coldly and retorted, "Brother Degui, you speak so lightly! Zhuge Xin suffered a crushing defeat at Wuguan Pass, losing both soldiers and generals; Liao and Li also abandoned their troops and armor at Danjiangkou! Do those battered armies still have the strength to advance further? Are you trying to deceive me with these empty words, hoping to use the last vestiges of our Kuai clan to pave the way for your own success? When the mission fails, you can simply leave, while our Kuai clan will be utterly destroyed!"

Upon hearing this, Cai Mao couldn't help but sneer: "Why does Yidu bother to change the subject? What Yidu is worried about is certainly not the remaining strength of Zhuge Liang and Liao Li. Do we need to explain the current situation of the Generalissimo's Army?"

After exchanging glances with Kuai Liang, Kuai Yue asked, "If we consider Brother Degui's opinion, what are Yue's concerns?"

Cai Mao laughed loudly, "What worries Yidu is that under General Fei's new policies, the land holdings of aristocratic families are restricted, and their official careers are altered, which may damage the foundation of the Kuai family! Why use empty words to cover up your real concerns?"

When Cai Mao saw through his scheme, Kuai Yue was speechless for a moment, and Kuai Liang also looked embarrassed.

After a moment of silence, Kuai Liangfang said slowly, "Since Brother Degui has already spoken frankly, we will not mince words either. The new policies of the General of the Cavalry are indeed like thunder to the gentry. If they are followed, where will our ancestral wealth and the foundation of our generations of officialdom be placed? This is truly our greatest concern."

Seeing that the time was ripe, Cai Mao's expression softened, revealing a hint of worldly wisdom: "I shared your concerns when I first arrived in Shang County, Wuguan. However, after spending several days there, what I saw and heard left a deep impression. In the past, whether under Liu Biao or Cao Mengde, a place like Shang County, a hub of military activity, would have been plagued by merchants being stranded, the people displaced, and soldiers filled with resentment. Yet, under your command, while the army in Shang County is disciplined, the marketplace remains undisturbed. Merchants continue their trades, and the common people live peacefully. Although the soldiers may have their grievances, military discipline is strict, and there has been no disturbance to the people. This is something I have personally witnessed, and it is not an exaggeration."

Cai Mao glanced at Kuai Liang, then at Kuai Yue, and said in a deep voice, "Yidu's concerns are understandable. However, Yidu should also know the saying, 'Those who follow the Way receive much help, while those who stray from the Way receive little.' In the past, Tang ruled the world with only seventy li of land, and King Wen subdued the feudal lords with only a hundred li of territory. Did they necessarily rely on superior military strength or abundant grain? What they relied on was the hearts of the people! Now, the Cao family is in Jing, their oppressive rule is like a tiger, their soldiers like wolves, and the people are resentful, exchanging glances in the streets. This is precisely what Mencius meant when he said, 'Jie and Zhou lost the world because they lost their people.' General Fei Gong, the Grand General of the Cavalry, advocates benevolence and righteousness, and implements new policies, attracting the attention of the world. His subordinate, Zhuge Liang, has also reached out to me, wishing to help the people of Jingzhou to recover their lost land and rebuild their homes. Is this not the Way? Is this not assistance?" As for provisions, although Mao is down on his luck, not all of Cai's former officials and followers in Jingzhou and Xiangyang have dispersed. In a hasty effort, he might be able to gather several hundred brave men. Moreover, in the region between Jing and Han rivers, are there not loyal and righteous men who yearn for peace and are weary of war? If we rise up and rally the people, uniting all sides, we can defend our strategic positions, secure external support from the General of the Cavalry, and appease the hearts of the people. What need is there to fear that our great undertaking will not succeed? Even if we face temporary difficulties, it is far better than sitting idly by and waiting to be destroyed, allowing our ancestors' legacy to be utterly ruined!

Cai Mao, observing the thoughtful expressions of the Kuai brothers, continued, "As for the future of the gentry, I have inquired about it in detail. Although the policies of the General of the Cavalry suppress land annexation, they do not completely eliminate the path for the gentry. The Huang family of Miannan is skilled in craftsmanship and is highly valued by the General of the Cavalry, so there is no need to elaborate. Take the Zhen family of Hebei, for example, who excels in commerce. Now, they have re-established their business in Chang'an and are extremely wealthy! And then there is the Sima family of Henan, who migrated to Hedong. They should have been impoverished, but now they enjoy a superior position due to their profits from mining and metallurgy! And so on, needless to say! It is clear that under the new policies of the General of the Cavalry, if the gentry only know how to cling to their land, their future is indeed bleak. However, if they can adapt to the times, whether by engaging in various crafts, developing trade routes and commerce, or controlling the advantages of mountains and rivers, they may very well create a new future and achieve new glory!"

A long silence fell over the hut.

The river wind whistled through the broken window.

Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue exchanged glances, their expressions shifting uncertainly.

Cai Mao's words were undoubtedly highly tempting and inflammatory, but they were also fraught with uncertainty and risk.

To what extent can the support of the Flying Cavalry be secured? How much local power can be consolidated in Jingzhou? If the uprising fails, the Kuai family will face utter ruin. However, continuing to rely on the Cao family, which is clearly unreliable and declining, or remaining inactive in this chaotic world, would also leave the Kuai family with a bleak future.

After a long silence, Kuai Yue finally sighed, "Brother Degui's words were like thunder, prompting deep reflection. However, this matter is of great importance, concerning the survival of our clan, and we must be extremely cautious. As the Book of Documents says, 'Only by being prepared in all things can one avoid trouble.' Since you have plans, you must also be prepared. We need time to carefully plan, contact our old subordinates, and investigate the situation before making a decision. Today's meeting will determine the method of communication and exchange of information. We will discuss further steps when the time is more opportune. What do you say?"

Cai Mao shook his head and smiled, "If that's the case, you two may leave..."

Kuai Liang frowned. "Brother Degui, what do you mean by this?"

"I have heard it said, 'Deep plowing is easy to weed, but if plowing and weeding are not done at the right time, there will be no harvest.'" Cai Mao stared at the two men, "This is the 'right time'! Why wait? Are you waiting until there is 'no harvest' before you lament and regret? I have already finished lamenting Cai Zhou; I wonder when you two intend to lament?"

Things can change in the long run. If things can't be settled this time, are we going to have to keep wasting time?
Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue exchanged glances, then lowered their voices, "Brother Degui, I don't know..."

Cai Mao also lowered his voice, and the three heads huddled together, doing this and that.

It remains to be seen whether these three, working together, can surpass Zhuge Liang's strategic wisdom. However, they are undoubtedly the most inept cobblers in Jingzhou at present. Whether they can mend, cut, or carve patterns depends on their skill...