Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3823 Although Zhou is an old state
On the banks of the great river in late autumn, the wind was exceptionally biting, carrying the dampness of the river and the earthy smell, which lashed the flags of the Shaanxi-Jin Cao army camp.

Inside the central command tent, the warmth provided by ordinary firewood seemed unable to dispel the heaviness permeating the air.

Xun Yu sat alone behind his desk, holding a military report that had just arrived. The report detailed Xiahou Wei's failed attempt to lure the enemy at Tongguan Pass, resulting in heavy losses.

Outwardly, Xun Yu still appears dashing and composed, but upon closer inspection, one can see that his slender fingers tremble slightly when holding the military report.

bad news.

Worse news.

I don't know when it started, but there's no good news anymore, only bad news.

Xiahou Wei's defeat was not unexpected for Xun Yu.

Xun Yu had previously sent someone to remind Xiahou Wei to be cautious, steady, and careful...

call--

Xun Yu let out a long breath and put down the military report in his hand.

Faced with an absolute disparity in strength, any scheme appears pale and powerless.

The cavalry's defenses were formidable, their response swift, and their weaponry superior—all of this silently testified to a fact he already understood but was unwilling to delve into.

A profound sense of powerlessness washed over me like a tide.

He closed his eyes, as if he could hear the dying screams of the Cao army soldiers below Tong Pass, and see Xiahou Wei's anxious and helpless face.

He knew that Xiahou Wei had done his best, even at the cost of his soldiers' lives, in an attempt to turn the tide of the battle, but the result was only to increase casualties.

This was not only a military defeat, but also a heavy blow to morale.

The heavy footsteps of night patrol soldiers and the clanging of armor outside the tent pulled him back to reality from his brief daze.

Xun Yu opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the flickering candlelight, his expression complex and weary.

"The Flying Cavalry... what will be their next move?"

Xun Yu's thoughts raced.

He carefully considered all the possibilities: the troops in Hedong, the reinforcements in Guanzhong, the direction of Jizhou...

The Flying Cavalry had many options, but our side could only passively guard these few crossings, waiting for a thunderous attack that might come from nowhere.

This situation, where he had lost all initiative, made this strategist, who was used to planning and strategizing, feel unprecedentedly frustrated and worried.

It's not that he can't see the bigger picture.

Cao Cao was more aware of his current predicament than anyone else.

Clans monopolized official careers, corruption was rampant, land annexation was severe, and the common people suffered greatly...

How could Xun Wenruo not know about these problems?

He reads the classics and cherishes the ambition to save the world. How can he turn a blind eye to the suffering before him?
He once thought there was still time, that he could wait for the wisdom of future generations, however…

Knowing where the problem lies and being able to change it are two different things.

Xun Yu's life, his ideals, and his beliefs were all closely intertwined with the Han Dynasty and the old order of co-governance by the aristocratic clans.

His expertise lies in how to reconcile and maintain balance within the existing framework.

He didn't think Fei Qian's approach was entirely wrong. On the contrary, he learned from various sources that the administration under the General of the Cavalry seemed to be more transparent, the burden on the people was reduced, and the promotion system based on merit rather than family background had indeed stimulated amazing vitality...

But that model is based on completely breaking the existing pattern!
That would be a completely different dynasty, a new world that he found unfamiliar and even frightening!

He could not accept such a disruptive change, which would mean the collapse of the traditions and beliefs he had upheld throughout his life!

So he could only stay here, at this Yellow River ferry crossing, struggling to keep this old ship from sinking, even though he knew the future was bleak.

"My lord." A trusted aide called softly from outside the tent.

Xun Yu quickly concealed all outward emotions on his face, regaining his usual calm and composed demeanor. "Enter."

A general entered to report on the situation of the patrols in the camp and the condition of the soldiers. He mentioned that some soldiers had some complaints due to the cold weather and the unfavorable situation in the battle, and their morale was low.

Xun Yu listened quietly, then calmly said, "Pass down the order: tomorrow the wine and meat will be doubled. Tell the soldiers that as long as they hold the ferry and repel the invading enemy, everyone will be richly rewarded; those who perform meritorious service will be generously rewarded with titles and honors!"

His tone was clear and certain, as if the great rewards were already within reach.

Upon hearing this, the general seemed to perk up a bit and accepted the order to leave.

Watching the general's departing figure, a barely perceptible bitterness appeared in Xun Yu's eyes.

The money is shining.

The rest was just food and drink.

As for the generous reward...

Ha ha.

This is nothing more than a common expedient measure, a promise made knowing it may be impossible to keep, but one that one has no choice but to keep.

How similar is this to his insistence on the old Han dynasty system, which he knew had many flaws?

Amidst utter devastation, they struggled to maintain a facade of brightness and hope, while their hearts were filled with powerlessness and sorrow.

Xun Yu walked slowly to the tent flap, lifted a corner, and a biting cold wind immediately rushed in, causing him to instinctively wrap his robes tighter.

In the distance, the great river flows ceaselessly in the night, while danger lurks in the darkness on the opposite bank.

Behind him lay a crumbling nation, the unfulfilled hopes of his soldiers, and a decline he could not reverse despite his best efforts.

As the night deepened, Xun Yu's solitary figure in the cold wind appeared exceptionally lonely and sorrowful.

Will our lord's plan work?

Xun Yu did not know.

Hoping to find a trap or ambush is clearly not the act of a wise person, but...

What can he do now?

……

……

On the other hand, inside the main camp of the Flying Cavalry, the morale was high.

Starting a few years ago, Fei Qian gradually shifted his focus to the strategic level. Correspondingly, his requirements for personnel also evolved from 'specific tasks' to 'like-mindedness'.

Fei Qian would especially consider officials like Jia Qu, who were in charge of civil affairs.

History is never a simple spiral upward.

An upward trend is neither inevitable nor linear.

The so-called "overall positive trend in history" is not simply about "social progress." In fact, this rather vague term is used to cover up a truth that ordinary people are reluctant to understand—

The reason for the "improvement" is not primarily due to "history," but rather to the ordinary people.

The people have a desire for things to improve, which is why we say that "history has generally been positive"!
However, while things are "rising" or "improving," it is highly likely that this comes at the cost of "decline" for another group or sector!
These asynchronous and contradictory aspects have existed for a long time.

Would certain groups be willing to lower their standards?
The rulers of feudal dynasties were keen to make the common people suffer. This was not only a necessity for governance, but also implied that if the common people did not suffer continuously, year after year, then they might become the ones suffering.

Of course, this kind of "suffering" is relative. It is possible that in the eyes of the rulers of feudal dynasties, the people under their rule had already escaped the chaos of war, had food to eat, and had houses to shelter them from the wind and rain, which was already quite good, at least much better than in a certain time or era, and so on.

However, the rulers of feudal dynasties never said or admitted that the unreasonable distribution system was the biggest contradiction and one of the root causes of the people's continuous suffering.

The economic foundation of most feudal dynasties was agriculture, so the core means of production was necessarily land.

Therefore, the distribution problem is primarily reflected in land allocation.

Extreme land annexation, heavy taxes and corvée labor, and a strict hierarchical system gave rise to a structural contradiction where "producers cannot eat, and eaters do not produce," which is the root cause of periodic social crises. When the inequality in distribution reaches a critical point, a large number of people at the bottom of society go bankrupt, and social reproduction naturally cannot continue, which will trigger large-scale peasant uprisings and ultimately lead to the downfall of the dynasty.

Therefore, regardless of the feudal dynasty, they all greatly disliked "mass gatherings".

On the other hand, why is it so taboo?
This explains why the rulers of feudal dynasties "never said or admitted" the truth, which is the essence of their ruling techniques.

The rulers do not acknowledge it not because they are ignorant, but precisely because they know it all too well.

To acknowledge this is tantamount to denying the legitimacy of one's own rule.

If one publicly admits that the problem lies in the "distribution system," it's tantamount to acknowledging structural problems and systemic injustices within the ruling class itself, which would directly undermine the foundation of the state. Therefore, most feudal dynasty rulers attributed problems to the corruption of individual officials, natural disasters, or even the moral failings of the populace, attributing poverty to individual lack of effort or fate rather than the system. Simultaneously, they shifted blame, finding scapegoats externally and instigating conflict between different groups internally.

Fei Qian was facing a task that was almost impossible to complete...

However, it is not that there is no room for theoretical experimentation or pathways.

Every founding emperor, to some extent, attempts to become a top-notch "institutional designer" and "political strategist," striving to correct problems from the previous dynasty or the dynasty before that.

Well, aside from the pigtail, the starting point for that system was to establish slavery, to better enslave the various ethnic groups of China, not to strengthen the country and enrich the people.

Therefore, Fei Qian's first step was to reshape the power base and build a core team loyal to institutional reform.

This is the premise of all reforms.

Of course, the prerequisite for all of this is power; without power, it's all just empty talk.

Fei Qian only began to implement sweeping reforms after he had led troops independently, expanded territory, and achieved meritorious service, and even after carving out the Xijing Shangshutai from Shandong and the Central Plains.

Fei Qian took each step of reform and improvement very steadily.

What he did first was not to force this or break that, but to break the information cocoon.

This allowed Pang Tong, and many others, to experience firsthand that there was a much wider world beyond the Han Dynasty in Shandong and the Central Plains.

Secondly, Fei Qian began to cultivate and promote people who could accompany him, and through the military academy, the promotion of high welfare in the army, and the control over the appointment and removal of key generals, he ensured the absolute loyalty of the core elite armed forces to him.

Finally, Fei Qian reached out and started making and cutting the cake again.

The cakes were indeed made, especially the one from Shanshan. People in Guanzhong and other places ate a lot of them, which is why the Guanzhong gentry fully supported Fei Qian's attack on Shandong.

Moreover, it was precisely because of the larger, external opportunity that Fei Qian was able to spare the energy to consider many other matters...

All of these things are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.

Otherwise, it will be troublesome.

After Guanzhong and other regions contributed manpower and resources to conquer Shandong and the Central Plains, what were they after? Wasn't it just to get a piece of the pie? But the Han dynasty's pie was only so big to begin with; cutting off a piece of Shandong and the Central Plains to feed Guanzhong and other regions—

People in Guanzhong and other places were dissatisfied because they cut too little, while people in Shandong and Central Plains were also dissatisfied because they cut too much.

Then Cao Cao will add fuel to the fire...

Therefore, from this strategic perspective, Fei Qian had to defeat Cao Cao's main force in one fell swoop. He could not allow it to survive, nor could he allow Cao Cao and Sun Quan to collude. Otherwise, even if he conquered Shandong and the Central Plains, there would still be problems with the pie.

Although Fei Qian mainly relied on cavalry, he was well aware that cavalry was not omnipotent. Even in the mechanized forces of later generations, they were helpless when entering some complex areas.

Cao Cao and Fei Qian are doing something somewhat similar; both are, to some extent, selecting their "teams." In the current situation, those who remain loyal to Cao Cao are basically his die-hard followers...

As Fei Qian, he naturally hoped that his generals would understand these things, but he couldn't say it outright.

Fei Qian's political group is now like a war chariot.

Fei Qian could indeed direct the direction, but the charioteer was not Fei Qian himself, nor could he be relied upon for every precise adjustment. When Fei Qian wanted to steer the chariot away from the original tracks of the Han chariots and turn in another direction, the accelerator and brakes were controlled by someone else, causing Fei Qian's commands to be transmitted in a fragmented manner.

Therefore, Fei Qian left Pang Tong in Ji Province and personally led the Battle of Heluo.

The tactical plans proposed by Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling were both correct, but they both had the same problem.

Huang Cheng was older, and perhaps he guessed some of Fei Qian's meaning, but he also couldn't say anything, so he declined.

Xu Chu, well, he's half real and half fake.

The tent was quiet for a moment, with only the soft crackling of the charcoal fire in the brazier.

Fei Qian finally turned his attention to Jia Qu.

"Liang Dao," Fei Qian said calmly, "you have long been in Bingbei, familiar with civil administration and military affairs. What are your views on the current situation in the Heluo region?"

Jia Qu stepped forward, first bowing slightly to Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling with a humble demeanor: "General Jiang's orthodox troops are formidable, using brute force to overcome cunning, like Mount Tai crushing an egg; General Zhu's unorthodox troops are daring and treacherous, catching the enemy off guard, like a butcher skillfully carving up an ox. Both your strategies are excellent, and I deeply admire them."

Jiang Jiong tilted his head back and laughed heartily, then waved his hand.

Zhu Ling laughed along, but her eyes darted around.

Huang Cheng stroked his beard.

Xu Chu remained standing solemnly to one side.

Jia Qu glanced at Fei Qian.

Fei Qian nodded slightly.

After easing the tension somewhat, Jia Qu abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming serious. "However," he said, "I have a question that has been lingering in my mind, a question I cannot answer. I would like to ask our lord to discuss it with you all."

Jia Qu bowed to Fei Qian, then walked to the hanging map, stretched out his hand, shook his sleeve, and then used his other hand to roll up his long sleeve, slowly tracing the Tongguan Pass, as well as the three places on the Yellow River: Shanjin, Xiaopingjin, and Mengjin...

"My lord, gentlemen... look at this map. Tongguan Pass and Shanjin form a strategic defensive line, while Xiaopingjin and Mengjin are interdependent... Cao Mengde is a seasoned warrior, cunning and unpredictable. How could he not know that the ambush at Tongguan Pass or the treacherous passes of the Yellow River and the Three Forts are insufficient to stop the overwhelming force of my cavalry? Sun Tzu said, 'He who knows when to fight and when not to fight will be victorious.' If he knowingly does what is impossible, why does he insist on doing it?"

Upon hearing this, all the generals in the tent showed signs of deep thought.

Jiang Jiong frowned slightly, as if something was amiss; Zhu Ling narrowed her eyes, her gaze gleaming; even Huang Cheng, who had been silent all along, raised his head, his eyes revealing approval.

Jia Qu continued, his tone gradually becoming more assertive, "I believe that Cao Cao's deployment at Tongguan and Hejin is not intended to block our army beyond the Yellow River and Luo River regions, but rather to warn our rear and delay our advance!"

Jia Qu stretched out his hand and gestured on the map of the Yellow River and Luo River region. "Tongguan and Shanjin can be regarded as the western gate of the Yellow River and Luo River region, while Mengjin and Xiaopingjin are the northern gates. Even if our army captures the northwest gate... Cao Cao's army still has the southern gate to escape to the Yellow River and Luo River region..."

Jia Qu's hand slid towards Taigu Pass and Yique Pass. "This area is mountainous, advantageous for ambushes but disadvantageous for cavalry... Therefore, I believe that the troops Cao Cao has stationed at Tong Pass and other places are his eyes and ears. They use the terrain to delay our advance, buying us time to maneuver!"

"Cao Cao's army spared no effort in building this defensive line, sacrificing the blood and flesh of their soldiers, to buy time for Cao Mengde's main force!" Jia Qu said, pointing to the location on the map. "Tongguan and the river crossing are both fortifications. Upon hearing our army's drums and horns, they will light beacon fires to warn their rear. Therefore, it will be easy for our army to break through this defensive line, but difficult to capture Cao Mengde. If our army is bogged down in the Tongguan Pass and entangled in the treacherous Sanjin Pass, even if we eventually conquer it, Cao Mengde will likely have already escaped like a rabbit, fleeing into the heart of Henan and Yanzhou to seek a last stand. At that time, although our army may gain the empty cities of Heluo, the war will be prolonged, Shandong will be in turmoil, and the people will suffer again. This is neither a blessing for the world nor what our lord desires."

Jia Qu turned to face Fei Qian, bowed deeply, and spoke earnestly: "Therefore, I believe the key to this advance lies not in how to break through Cao Cao's defenses at Tongguan and the river crossing, but in how to swiftly and decisively overcome their obstacles, strike at their vital points, and capture the kingpin to achieve victory in one decisive battle! If Cao Mengde is allowed to escape, even if we capture ten empty cities and seize mountains of spoils, we will not have achieved our goal and may cause future troubles!"

Jia Qu's analysis is well-reasoned and evidence-based, thoroughly dissecting the strategic intentions of Cao Cao's army beneath the surface of the Heluo battlefield, making them crystal clear.

The food was practically being fed to their mouths, and all the generals inside the central command tent naturally understood what was happening.

Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling both nodded, clearly agreeing with this view.

Huang Cheng stroked his beard and praised, "Liang Dao's words are those of a seasoned strategist, insightful in understanding the situation, and incisive."

Fei Qian's eyes flashed with admiration as he said, "Liang Dao's words resonate deeply with me! Breaking through an enemy formation is easy, capturing the king is difficult. Cao Mengde's use of Tong Pass and the Three Rivers as a barrier is intended to delay our army and preserve his own life; this is truly a shrewd and calculating move."

Fei Qian nodded to Jia Qu, "In that case, does Liang Dao have a good plan to respond?"

Jia Qu nodded slightly, then stretched out his hand and pointed to a certain spot on the map...

(End of this chapter)