Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3850 Useless

Sometimes, Fei Qian would ponder, what exactly is power?
If power is nothing, then why have so many people throughout history and across the world flocked to it, seeking rent or selling it?

Is it a Ponzi scheme similar to musical chairs, or some kind of "sunspot project" where willing participants take the bait?
But now, as the General of the Cavalry, Fei Qian, through practice and reflection, has gradually come to understand the root of power, or perhaps more accurately, its origin closer to its essence...

Power originates from violence and ends in violence.

This is perhaps the most primal truth.

When Fei Qian first arrived in this world, he struggled to survive in the humiliation of the North, fought bloody battles in the Yin Mountains, and formed alliances in Guanzhong. Every step he took was accompanied by swords and bloody sacrifices.

Without the sword hilt firmly held in his hand, and without soldiers willing to die for him, any ambition or advanced idea is just a castle in the air.

Violence is the cornerstone of power, the axe that paves the way, and the ultimate deterrent that makes all rules respected and obeyed.

Fei Qian never doubted this, and never relaxed his control over military power and the construction of the army.

But does power stop at violence?
Or, can violence alone make power last, solidify it, and even create the "new Han" he envisions?

Obviously not.

Just like the events involving Sima Yi and others.

The second urgent report, sent from Luoyang, was laid out on the table in front of Fei Qian.

The report also revealed Sima Yi's tendency to be greedy and impatient for quick success, as well as his "clever" substitution of the beams and pillars.

The report was written by Du Ji, and Zao Zhi also provided supplements and endorsements.

The wording is rigorous and objective, but between the lines, Fei Qian can sense Zao Zhi's hidden doubts and scrutiny.

Fei Qian also faced the same problem.

What should be done if someone is incompetent?
Yes, it should be sculpted.

But with this one cut, you might carve a beautiful piece, or you might ruin it.

Every organization will encounter problems during its operation; this is an unavoidable trial-and-error cost in any large organization.

The key lies in how to handle the consequences of such a mistake and how to assess the response of those involved.

Sima Yi's response...

Worth pondering.

Sima Yi sent out messengers to warn the enemy, and then led his cavalry northwards without hesitation, giving a seemingly plausible reason...

Did Sima Yi save him?
It seems they've been saved.

But no actual rescue was carried out.

From a purely military perspective, this might be a more advanced form of "proactive response," but Fei Qian saw far more than that.

What he saw was Sima Yi's precise weighing of options.

Going all out to save Conglai would naturally demonstrate camaraderie with his comrades and loyalty to the Flying Cavalry system, but the risks were enormous, and it could cost Sima Yi himself.

If one fails to provide aid or provides only a perfunctory aid, one will be branded as heartless and indifferent, making it difficult to gain a foothold in the military environment that values ​​camaraderie.

Sima Yi, however, found a clever balance in it.

They sent people, issued warnings, and fulfilled their notification obligations.

Then, under the pretext of a higher-level "strategic mission," they left the most dangerous quagmire and turned to the main force of the cavalry, which seemed to have unknown risks but actually had "greater benefits," returning to Fei Qian's direct command, making it easier for them to demonstrate their own value.

If Sima Yi had always managed to escape by sheer luck, he would have served as a warning; if he had never died in battle, his strategic vision of "going north to welcome the emperor" and his choice to preserve his own life would be understandable, and he would be less blamed.

This is not simply a matter of being afraid of death or taking shortcuts.

This is a sophisticated calculation that strives to maximize personal value and minimize risk amidst complex power structures and potential risks.

Or rather, this is Sima Yi's answer to the question of power. It is an almost instinctive "system adaptation" of Sima Yi, or individuals like Sima Yi, in the face of the ever-growing and more complex power structure and organization established by Fei Qian.

This can also be called 'path optimization'.

So how many Sima Yis are there now, or in the future?
Perhaps some wise men are laughing again, but the question is, how many times in the thousands of years since Fei Qian came to power have he actually put it in a cage, instead of using clever words and feigned sincerity to maximize his personal interests?

Yes, it has been impossible for thousands of years. Can Fei Qian succeed?
So nothing in the world is difficult if you're willing to give up?

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang shouldn't have shouted so loudly; wouldn't it have been simpler to just give up?
Why not just abandon the imperial examination system in the Tang Dynasty? Wouldn't it be simpler for poor families to find their own way?
Since none of the people before us succeeded, the people who come after us don't have to do it either, isn't that simple?
Can't the laws of our ancestors be changed?

Fei Qian actually underwent a period of 'system adaptation' and 'path optimization'...

When Fei Qian first came into this world, he was also full of thoughts of "individual heroism".

Thinking that with his vision that surpassed his time, he could recruit famous generals and talented people, his domineering aura would shake everyone, and they would bow down in reverence. Then, everyone would work together to rebuild the world.

Fei Qian did indeed attract many people, but for various reasons. Some were drawn by shared ideals, some by mutual interests, some by initial alignment of ideologies, and countless others, like before, were simply willing to serve him for greater future benefits, more hope, and more tangible favors…

But to unite these diverse forces, gathered together for various reasons, into a single, cohesive force directed towards a grand goal that transcends personal grievances, regional barriers, and even immediate interests, and to establish a fairer, more efficient, and more revitalizing system for China…

Relying solely on personal charisma, brotherhood, or shared interests is far from sufficient and unsustainable.

(Liu Da Erduo strongly agrees.)
Therefore, power
After violence lays the foundation, a more sophisticated system is needed to allocate, check and balance, and guide resources.

Clear rules are needed to define rights and obligations...

A shared vision is needed to unite people...

It is also necessary to provide relatively fair upward mobility channels and risk avoidance mechanisms for individuals within the system...

Sima Yi's choice precisely exposed the gap between old-fashioned personal relationships and emerging institutional rules, and also demonstrated the survival wisdom of highly intelligent individuals who instinctively seek the optimal strategy under the new rules.

Was Sima Yi wrong?

wrong.

But is it so wrong as to be completely unforgivable?

not necessarily.

Fei Qian thought about it calmly, without getting angry or disappointed.

On the contrary, he felt a profound realization.

He recalled the resistance he encountered when he promoted literacy in the army and the imperial examination system; he also recalled the local powerful families' outward compliance but inward resistance under the equal land distribution and noble land regulations; and he recalled the local officials who wavered between the new policies and the old customs, sometimes leaning left and sometimes right...

Sima Yi is simply one of the more clever and subtle examples.

Could we replace everyone in the 'team' with those hot-blooded men who only know how to shout 'loyalty,' who are completely selfless, and who have a strong sense of personal loyalty?
Yes, but the risks are enormous.

This kind of "pure" loyalty is indeed precious, but it is also fragile and difficult to replicate and expand.

In most cases, they are people with their own agendas, limited loyalty, a willingness to utilize their talents within the new framework, and a desire to maximize their personal interests...

Therefore, Fei Qian must ensure that the direction of his political structural improvements is largely consistent with the direction of healthy development of the individuals within it.

Ordinary people are the masses.

Sima Yi, and others, were always part of the "masses."

So, how do we do that?
A more comprehensive legal framework is needed to define the boundaries of power and make the cost of abusing power for personal gain extremely high.

With more transparent assessment and supervision, the merits and schemes of figures like Sima Yi can be seen and evaluated.

By providing broader career advancement opportunities and platforms, smart people can realize that working hard in accordance with the rules yields greater and safer long-term benefits than scheming and speculation.

Furthermore, it is essential to continuously reinforce collective goals and ideals that transcend personal grievances, so that "building a new Han Dynasty" is not merely a slogan, but internalized as a value pursuit recognized by at least some of the elites.

It's easier said than done; none of it is easy...

On the contrary, killing is the simplest thing to do.

Fei Qian rubbed his temples, knowing he could never return to the state of a transmigrator who could act on impulse and vengeance based solely on passion and loyalty.

The stage he built with his own hands grew larger and larger, with more and more actors and increasingly complex plots.

He is the protagonist, the director, and the most important rule-maker and maintainer.

Power does indeed originate from violence, but to prevent power from easily ending in another act of violence, it is necessary to build a system of institutions on the foundation of violence, ignite the guiding light of ideals, and constantly adjust that delicate and complex balance.

This road was much longer and more difficult than he had initially imagined.

As the player wielding the chessboard, what he must continuously contemplate and revise is the very rules of this grand game. This is the most arduous transformation he, as a time traveler, must complete as he moves from a 'personal hero' to a 'foundational figure of the system.'

Jade that is not carved cannot become a useful object.

……

……

As dusk settled, the cold wind whipped up the withered yellow grass on the desolate Heluo Plain, making a howling sound, like the wailing of countless wronged souls.

Cao Cao, wearing a crown and a cloak, sat on a rock.

The wind whipped at the gray hair peeking out from beside his crown, making it dance incessantly, much like his chaotic and unsettled thoughts. Although the Battle of Xin'an had yielded considerable results, the subsequent developments were far less favorable.

Old Cao is good at winning in chaos.

There is no doubt about that, but the problem is that if the opponent doesn't panic, Cao has nowhere to start.

Old Cao led his elite troops, lying in ambush in the hilly woodlands south of Luoyang City, a terrain known for its undulating terrain and excellent concealment. They had been lying in wait for nearly two days, like venomous snakes patiently awaiting their prey, their cold eyes fixed on the direction leading to Xishan and Luoyang City.

An anxious wait filled the air.

Sometimes, people can't accept getting old, but they have no choice but to accept it.

The body's response to reality reveals the marks of time.

Refusing to grow old is the inextinguishable fire of the soul; accepting old age is the compassion and wisdom conveyed by the body.

Cao Cao's figure, in the light and shadow of dusk, resembled a frozen statue.

He gazed toward Luoyang, as if trying to pierce through the twilight and distance to see the hesitant generals in the city, to see them finally unable to restrain themselves, opening the city gates, sending reinforcements, and crashing headlong into the death trap he had meticulously set.

Just like his surprise attack on Xin'an, the besieged Conglai tribe in Xishan is the bait that Cao Cao has laid out.

Cao Cao understood the camaraderie and loyalty within the General Cavalry, but he also knew that at times, such camaraderie and loyalty could become shackles. He knew that Luoyang would inevitably face a difficult choice between "saving" and "not saving," and he even hoped that Zao Zhi or someone else would realize this, and then, in the struggle of "having no choice but to save," ultimately take a gamble with a glimmer of hope...

This would make Cao Cao feel more at ease.

Losers always hope that others are even more unsuccessful than them.

It's like when the results are released, you always hope that someone did even worse than you.

Time passed slowly, but the expected reinforcements from Luoyang never arrived.

The plea for help wasn't delivered?
impossible.

Xun Yu sent someone to inform him that the letter requesting aid had indeed been delivered into Luoyang City.

Could it be...?

Cao Cao frowned slightly.

This is not normal.

The cavalry was not a cowardly army, and Zao Zhi was not a person without responsibility.

Or has something happened in the city?
Or has something unexpected happened again?
Cao Cao suddenly had a bad feeling, as if some danger was approaching.

Just as Cao Cao's suspicions began to grow and he felt uneasy, a Cao army scout, looking panicked, rushed up the hillside from the side. His face was covered in muddy lines from sweat. Upon seeing Cao Cao, he hurriedly knelt down and reported...

"Prime Minister! Enemy troops spotted!"

Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat, then he was overjoyed. "How many troops have been dispatched from Luoyang? Who are their generals? How many infantry and cavalry are there?"

The scout swallowed hard, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Reporting to the Prime Minister... no, not Luoyang City..."

Cao Cao's smile instantly froze.

The scout lowered his head, not daring to look at Cao Cao. "Prime Minister, it's from the northwest... we've spotted cavalry moving, kicking up dust... they're heading west..."

"Westward?" Cao Cao was stunned. "How many troops?"

"About a thousand riders..." the scout reported.

"Who will lead the army?" Cao Cao asked again.

The scout lowered his head even further, "It's dark, I... I can't see clearly..."

Cao Cao took a sip of his roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and couldn't hold back any longer.

But what can we do?

Cao Cao's originally elite scouts were gradually lost in repeated clashes with the Flying Cavalry.

Scouts these days...

It's not entirely bad, but it falls short in many aspects.

It's not that we can't see clearly, but rather that we dare not get close, so naturally we can't see clearly. Of course, not daring to get close isn't entirely without its disadvantages; at least it ensures our survival as we return to deliver the message, doesn't it?
But this news is not good news!

Northwest direction?

That wasn't a rescue mission for those who had come from elsewhere, nor was it an army from within Luoyang City; it was a branch of the Flying Cavalry Army coming from the northern ferry crossing!

Since it was a branch of the Flying Cavalry that came from the northern ferry, why didn't they go to rescue Conglai or contact Luoyang City?

The cavalry did not conceal their whereabouts, which meant they were in a hurry. But what were they in a hurry to catch?
So, with such a grand cavalry procession, was Fei Qian perhaps planning to use this cavalry as bait?
If this cavalry force is the bait, then what fish is Fei Qian trying to catch?
In an instant, all the clues connected in Cao Cao's mind!

The fact that Luoyang City remained inactive was not out of cowardice, but because it may have already seen through his scheme and may even have made contact with the north bank!

This suddenly appearing cavalry force had a clear objective: not to go to Luoyang, nor to rescue Cong Lai, but to lure him out of the Heluo region!

This is Fei Qian's plan to turn the tables and cut off his retreat, completely locking his elite force in the Heluo region!
"Well... well done, Fei Ziyuan!"

Cao Cao practically spat out those words through clenched teeth, his facial muscles twitching slightly. He realized he had once again fallen into the predicament of being the one to strike first. He had painstakingly laid an ambush here, waiting for his prey to come to him, but he hadn't expected that the main force of the prey had already quietly circled around behind him, baring even sharper fangs!
The way of war is to combine the orthodox and the unorthodox.

Who can always anticipate the enemy's moves and never make a mistake?
It's often a competition of who makes fewer mistakes and who can seize opportunities when the other makes a mistake!

Clearly, this time, it was Cao Cao who made the mistake.

He became greedy for credit after a small victory...

He underestimated the resolve of the Luoyang garrison commander, and even more so, he underestimated Fei Qian's decisiveness and ruthlessness in deploying troops!

Frustration, anger, and exhaustion surged into Cao Cao's heart like a tide.

The Battle of Heluo has gone from initial ambition to a passive stance, as if every step has been calculated by the other side.

Cao Cao slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, all his emotions had subsided, leaving only calmness and rationality.

Fortunately, it's not too late.

But we can't delay any longer...

"Issue the order..." Cao Cao's voice remained calm, "All units must remain concealed, without revealing any activity... After nightfall, quietly break camp and retreat to Yique Pass!"

"Uh?" Dian Wei asked involuntarily upon hearing this, "Then... my lord, are we not attacking Luoyang anymore? What about Xishan?"

Cao Cao smiled, shook his head, and said, "Luoyang... Xishan... are no longer the priority! The most urgent task is to hold Yique Pass and ensure a smooth retreat!"

It's just a small fish, practically worthless.

Dian Wei didn't quite understand what Cao Cao meant, but he did whatever Cao Cao said.

This at least put Cao Cao's mind at ease somewhat...

Night fell as expected, like a huge black velvet cloth covering the earth.

Cao Cao led his elite troops, men gagged and horses hoofed, and under the cover of night, they quietly withdrew from their long-hidden positions, heading south towards Yique Pass.

The journey was silent, save for the dull thud of horses' hooves on the mud and the suppressed breathing of the soldiers.

It seems like another cycle has begun.

When Cao Cao's army marched into the Heluo region, they were full of ambition.

When Cao Cao led his troops to launch a surprise attack on Xin'an, he was equally imposing and dignified.

After a night of forced march, just before dawn, the outline of Yique Pass finally came into view.

The banners of Cao Cao's army were still flying on the wall, which made Cao Cao, who had been on edge the whole time, breathe a slight sigh of relief.

At least, there's still a way out.

However, just as Cao Cao arrived at the pass and before he even entered Yique Pass, a fast horse rushed out from inside the pass like a madman. The rider tumbled off his saddle and scrambled to Cao Cao's horse, his voice hoarse with extreme fear...

"Prime Minister...Prime Minister! An urgent dispatch from Jingbei...Jingbei! Xiangyang...Xiangyang has fallen!"

Like a thunderclap, it exploded in the darkness before dawn!

Cao Cao swayed violently and almost fell off his horse!
He snatched the military report, his fingers trembling slightly from the force.

He didn't need to look closely; the messenger's desperate expression and the words he screamed said it all.

The war situation in the north, particularly in the Heluo region, is unfavorable, and the foundation in Jingzhou in the south is crumbling!
At this moment, even a powerful figure like Cao Cao could not help but show a look of shock and disbelief on his face.

He held the military report, which seemed to weigh a ton, and gazed at the imposing walls of Yique Pass before him, yet he felt as if the ground beneath his feet was crumbling inch by inch.

"Jingbei...is lost too..."

Cao Cao muttered to himself, his voice filled with an unprecedented desolation and weariness.

(End of this chapter)