Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3896 Haste makes waste
The following day, Sima Yi went to the central command tent as usual to assist with handling official documents. His steps were steady, and he had temporarily suppressed the thoughts of the previous day, preparing to deal with the situation with his usual diligence and meticulousness, and to observe the developments quietly.

However, plans never keep up with changes.

When Sima Yi arrived at Fei Qian's central command tent, he unexpectedly discovered a figure...

The charcoal fire inside the tent kept the winter chill at bay. Fei Qian remained seated in the main seat, with Jia Qu, Du Ji, and other civil officials and advisors also in their respective places, just as before. The only difference was that a young figure had appeared to Fei Qian's left, near the map.

This is……

Zhuge Liang!
Why is he here?

However, when Sima Yi looked at Zhuge Liang again at this moment, he found that Zhuge Liang had completely changed!
Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang did not have much of a relationship; they only had a brief encounter in Chang'an, Guanzhong.

Intelligent people tend to pay more attention to other intelligent people, so Sima Yi would have at least some impression of Zhuge Liang, Wang Chang, and others...

However, the Zhuge Liang of today is vastly different from the one Sima Yi remembered.

At this moment, Zhuge Liang was neither wearing a brocade robe nor a turban; his hair was simply tied back with a wooden hairpin, and he was far from carrying a feather fan or a long crane-feather cloak. The gilded fan he usually held was nowhere to be seen. He wore a plain gray-black robe, covered with leather armor, and draped in a fur coat. The skin on his face and hands was also quite dark, showing a bronze hue from years of wind and sun, and there were faint old scars on the exposed backs of his arms and hands. He hardly resembled the frail scholar he once was.

He's practically a brute!
What surprised Sima Yi even more was that Zhuge Liang was not sitting upright like Jia Qu and Du Ji, but rather in a more relaxed state. He turned slightly to the side, pointed to the Jingxiang region on a map, and whispered something to Fei Qian. His demeanor was calm and composed, his eyes clear and focused. Even in the tense military tent, he possessed an aura of calming people.

Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Kongming...

He actually came all the way from Jingzhou and Xiangyang?
For some reason, Sima Yi suddenly felt uneasy, and even a strange sense of unease welled up inside him.

However, Sima Yi remained outwardly calm. After bowing to Fei Qian as usual, he nodded slightly to the people in the tent. When his eyes met Zhuge Liang's, the two of them nodded politely in greeting.

Their eyes met briefly, but they both seemed to have instantly weighed each other's importance.

Because official documents are delivered to Fei Qian's central military tent almost every hour of the day, there are no specific working hours; it's basically flexible and there are no strict requirements.

Fei Qian didn't stay in the central command tent all day. He often went to inspect various units of the military camp with Xu Chu. Therefore, Sima Yi and the others were unsure when they would see Fei Qian at the central command tent, so there was no concept of attendance tracking. It was normal for everyone to arrive a little earlier or later. Sometimes, when Sima Yi arrived at the central command tent, he was the only one there besides his guards.

Therefore, Sima Yi could not be considered late or delayed at this point...

Sima Yi returned to his seat, busying himself with the initial screening of the text, making simple summaries and annotations, while listening intently to Zhuge Liang's report to Fei Qian...

Soon, Sima Yi pieced together the key information from the intermittent conversation between Fei Qian and Zhuge Liang...

After helping to stabilize Xiangyang, Zhuge Liang learned that Yique Pass had been opened up. He then decisively traveled light and traversed the treacherous paths of Songshan Mountain, rushing to the pass day and night.

He not only brought information about the recovery of people's livelihood in Jingbei, the activities of the Jingxiang gentry such as Cai Mao and Kuai Yue, and the situation of Xu Huang's troops in Sichuan, but also talked about Liu Bei's current situation in Jingnan and the various movements of Sun Quan in Jiangdong in the recent period of time...

What shocked Sima Yi the most was that Guan Yu, under the pretext of "seeking an opportunity to defeat the enemy," led his troops north to attack Xinye, even at the cost of signing a "military pledge"!

And north of Xinye...

Sima Yi was momentarily shaken and began to ponder the matter. Unconsciously, he slowed down the pace of his reply.

"General Guan Yu was eager for battle, and I... was unable to forcefully stop him." Zhuge Liang spoke calmly about this matter. "His elite cavalry, if they moved swiftly and stealthily, might have been able to harass Xuchang. However... being deep in enemy territory, their reinforcements were difficult to obtain, and many variables could arise."

Zhuge Liang explained his considerations to Fei Qian.

Given Guan Yu's arrogance, it would be utterly impossible for him to assist Liao Hua in suppressing the local bandits and thieves in Jingbei. Guan Yu looked down on those petty thieves and would certainly not be able to persuade them; even if he did take action occasionally, it would likely be mostly negative.

However, leaving Guan Yu in Xiangyang would constrain Liao Hua and others, preventing them from successfully consolidating power in the northern countryside of Jingzhou and eliminating the remnants of Cao Cao's regime and bandits. Therefore, it would be better to bind Guan Yu to the north in the form of a "military order".

Of course, Guan Yu's northward journey would also bring many "variables," which Zhuge Liang also explained to Fei Qian one by one.

However, Sima Yi didn't care about Guan Yu at all; two words came to mind—

Xu County!
Sima Yi quickly connected the information brought by Zhuge Liang with the previous battle situation in his mind.

With Cao Cao's main force tied down at Sishui Pass, the defenses of the old capital of Xuchang were inevitably relatively weak.

Although Guan Yu's move was risky, if successful, even if it only caused panic and destruction, it would be a huge blow to Cao Cao's political symbolism.

More importantly, this means that new variables and opportunities have emerged in the hinterland of Yingchuan County, south of Songshan Mountain!

Almost in the blink of an eye, a plan gradually took shape in Sima Yi's mind...

Sima Yi quickly skimmed the document before him, summarizing and annotating it. He then picked it up along with other annotated documents from his desk, stood up, and walked over. After setting the document down, he feigned a sudden inspiration and bowed to Fei Qian, saying, "My lord! Kongming has brought news of victory in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and General Guan's northern attack on Xinye has stirred up Yingchuan. This is a golden opportunity to wipe out the remaining enemy forces at Songshan and open up the north-south border!"

"I have a request, however impolite..." Sima Yi walked to the map, pointing to the strategic location east of Yique Pass, where Mount Song and Mount Funiu meet. "The remnants of Xun's forces have retreated to Taigu Pass and Guiku Pass, stubbornly resisting due to their defensible positions, thus tying down the forces of my generals Jiang and Zhu. What they rely on is nothing more than the natural defenses of the mountains..."

Sima Yi emphasized, "If Xinye is in dire straits, and the news reaches Taigu Pass, Xun Wenruo will surely know that the heartland of Yingchuan is in turmoil. To protect its foundation, he will likely divide his forces and send most of them east to reinforce Yingchuan! At this time, our army can attack Taigu Pass and Guiku Pass, achieving twice the result with half the effort and breaking through in one fell swoop! Then, not only will the Songshan Pass be under our control, but the gateway to Nanyang will also be wide open!"

Sima Yi turned around, faced Fei Qian, and bowed respectfully. "I request permission to personally go to Yique Pass to assist Generals Yu Jiang and Zhu in attacking Taigu and retaking Guiku Pass! Firstly, I suffered a defeat at Guiku Pass before, and this trip will be a chance to avenge that defeat; secondly, if this route can be opened, Jingzhou and Luoyang will be connected, and Nanyang can also be secured. My lord can then connect the north and south, stabilize Jingzhou, and the entire situation will be saved! I humbly request your permission, my lord!"

Sima Yi's reasons were high-sounding: washing away the shame was a personal matter, while opening up the vital passage was for the public good. He also astutely seized the strategic window created by Guan Yu's actions, demonstrating exquisite timing.

After all, Sima Yi had previously stayed at the Guiku Pass in Taigu and was quite familiar with the terrain. It seemed reasonable for him to go and assist Jiang Jiong, Zhu Ling, and others in attacking Taigu...

However, Zhuge Liang, sitting to the side, glanced at Sima Yi's face with his clear gaze, but his gaze flickered almost imperceptibly.

Zhuge Liang speculated that Sima Yi's true objective was probably not limited to Taigu Pass and Nanyang...

Zhuge Liang saw through it, but he did not say anything to point it out.

Firstly, he was new to the position and it was not advisable for him to immediately confront his colleagues; secondly, Sima Yi's words did have tactical value; and thirdly...

Zhuge Liang believed that the General of the Cavalry at the head of the table was even more astute than he was.

As expected, Fei Qian listened quietly to Sima Yi's request for battle. His gaze first lingered on the map around Taigu Pass, Xu County, and Yingchuan for a moment, then slowly rose and landed on Sima Yi's face. "Zhongda's request shows a keen understanding of the opportune moment in battle..."

Fei Qian first affirmed, "Taigu Pass and Guiku Pass are indeed dangerous, but Xun Yu's troops are currently demoralized, short of supplies, and have suffered losses in Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Their resolve will inevitably waver, making this a truly opportune time to attack. Opening up the Songshan Pass and establishing contact with Jingzhou and Xiangyang is also of paramount importance."

Sima Yi was overjoyed, thinking his plan had succeeded.

Unexpectedly, Fei Qian's next words plunged Sima Yi into an icy abyss...

"Nanyang has recently been ravaged by war and is in a state of ruin. Although the Cai and Kuai clans have nominally submitted, they are not truly at peace. Furthermore, the fields are barren, and the people are impoverished… This place is strategically important, controlling the Central Plains to the north and bordering Jingzhou and Xiangyang to the south. It cannot be governed by anyone but a capable minister and competent officials." Fei Qian's gaze was calm and profound as he looked at Sima Yi. "Zhongda is familiar with the terrain of Songshan and Yique, and is also skilled in government affairs and meticulous in his thinking. After breaking through the pass, how about staying in Nanyang? Focus on pacifying the local people, attracting those who have fled, reforming the administration, restoring production, stabilizing the rear for our army, and connecting Jingzhou and Luoyang. This task is no less important than conquering cities and territories. I wonder if Zhongda is capable of undertaking this task?"

After capturing Taigu, the next step was to remain stationed in Nanyang?
Governing local areas?

Sima Yi's pupils contracted slightly. This was completely contrary to his expectations!

What he wanted was to maneuver on key battlefields and participate in the final battle that would determine the fate of the world, rather than dealing with refugees, local gentry, and money and grain records in the devastated Nanyang County!

Those things are important, but they are by no means the stage that Sima Zhongda craves at this moment!

Sima Yi felt a surge of intense resentment, as if the burning flame in his chest had been doused with a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguished, leaving him powerless to resist.

Can he say no?
Fei Qian has elevated the mission to a strategic level of "stabilizing the rear and connecting Jing and Luo," and has high hopes for him as a "capable minister and competent official"...

Saying no right now isn't hard; the hard part is what happens after you say no...

Sima Yi's mind raced.

Fei Qian's move was both an appointment and a constraint, perhaps even a test and a trial...

Resistance is futile and may even lead to more adverse consequences.

The brief pause of a breath or two felt incredibly long to Sima Yi. He finally forced himself to suppress his turbulent emotions, his face regaining its respectful demeanor, even forcing out a hint of gravity as if 'gratitude for the heavy responsibility,' and bowed deeply. His voice was steady but inevitably tinged with dryness: 'My lord… has entrusted me with this important task, how could I not do my utmost? Nanyang is a crucial location, concerning the overall situation. I will certainly govern it diligently, pacify the people, and restore vitality to repay your trust! However… being transferred to Nanyang, I cannot see you every day, which is also a regret.'

These words can be considered Sima Yi's admission, but they also carry a final, weak test to see if there is still room for maneuver.

Fei Qian seemed oblivious to the subtle probing, simply nodding. "Very well. After breaking through the pass, report back on the specific arrangements for the local settlements, and we can discuss them in detail. Military matters are urgent; Zhongda, you may go and make preparations now. There will be plenty of time in the future; we will meet again."

"Your subject takes his leave." Sima Yi didn't say much more, bowed again, and turned to leave the tent.

The moment he turned around, all the expressions on his face vanished, leaving only a deep calm, but his fingers clenched quietly in his sleeve.

The cold wind outside the tent was biting, blowing against Sima Yi's face, but it could not dispel the pent-up frustration and coldness in his heart.

His plans fell through, his ambitions were thwarted, and his fate of being relegated to the "rear" left the ambitious Sima Yi with a strong sense of suffocation.

However, he knew even more clearly that he had no other choice at that moment.

Governing Nanyang?

A cold glint flashed in Sima Yi's eyes.

Very well, let's see if this devastated land can become the foundation for Sima Yi's next move.

But the desire for the center stage in his heart, like the smoldering embers in a brazier, was still slowly burning.

……

……

Fei Qian's decision to send Sima Yi to Nanyang was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a comprehensive one based on multiple considerations.

The matter of becoming a captain had always been a thorn in Fei Qian's side.

While the main reasons for that crushing defeat were his greed for credit, recklessness, and stubbornness, could Sima Yi, with his wisdom, really not have found a more moderate way to dissuade him, or been unable to make more effective remedies afterward?
Sima Yi's reasons at the time, such as "putting the overall situation first" and "luring the enemy to linger," may have had some merit, but how much "selfish motive" was hidden beneath these "official matters"?
It's impossible for a person to be without selfishness.

Fei Qian also knew about this.

However, the saying "clear water has no fish" should not be used as a pretext for selfishness!

He understood all too well the mentality of strategists who possessed exceptional talent but viewed others as pawns...

To achieve the ultimate goal, or any kind of performance, certain costs can be calmly calculated...

Even if the price is the blood of my comrades...

Sima Yi's reasons for requesting to lead the troops this time were ostensibly plausible.

It's both about "avenging the humiliation" and "opening up key passages".

But Fei Qian saw through his true intentions almost instantly. What shone deep in Sima Yi's eyes was his desire and ambition for Yingchuan and Xuxian, the core battlefield that would soon determine the fate of the world!
Sima Yi wanted to participate in the final feast, seizing the greatest merit and political capital. Once again, he cleverly concealed his personal ambition under the banner of public service. How similar is this to his behavior in the "From the Beginning" incident, where he hid his desire for control over the situation under the guise of "considering the bigger picture"?

Capable, yet habitually treating others, even colleagues, as tools or pawns to achieve their goals; ambitious, yet adept at using logical or even noble reasons to mask their true intentions.

If such a person enters the core of decision-making too early, the potential harm caused by his thoughts and actions will far exceed that of ordinary arrogant and fierce generals.

Countless lessons from later generations have shown that once such sophisticated egoists enter the central core and seize power, their harm is often more profound and insidious.

These individuals typically possess high IQ and EQ, enabling them to accurately assess situations and understand the psychology of others. However, their core driving force is a highly instrumental rationality coupled with a hidden egocentrism. They excel at thoroughly utilitarianizing interpersonal relationships, viewing colleagues, subordinates, and even allies as calculable and replaceable resources and interests.

These individuals marketize, resource-ize, and quantify everything, then cloak their actions in the guise of "collective interest," making their true motives difficult to detect. Through institutional loopholes, linguistic maneuvering, or shifting of responsibility, they allow others to bear the negative impact while they themselves remain "innocent."

Therefore, Fei Qian placed Sima Yi in Nanyang.

On the one hand, Nanyang is indeed a strategically important location, connecting Jingzhou, Xiangyang, Guanzhong, and the Central Plains. Since the chaos caused by Yuan Shu, and after being contested by Cao Cao, Liu Biao, and others, frequent wars have ravaged the area, leaving the people destitute and everything in ruins. This place urgently needs a capable, shrewd, and flexible leader to govern it, restore order, appease the displaced people, and revitalize production, truly transforming it into a stable grain-producing base for the Flying Cavalry regime and a hub connecting the north and south.

Sima Yi's wisdom and political ability were more than enough to handle such a difficult task.

This is a real and important task, not something to be taken lightly.

On the other hand, this was also a period of "refinement" and "tempering" for Sima Yi.

He was transferred from the core central position at the forefront, where he could quickly gain military merit and political influence, and placed in a position that required patience, pragmatism, concern for the people's livelihood, and management of local affairs.

Governing Nanyang is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it is a long-term process.

Therefore, Fei Qian essentially placed Sima Yi into a system of long-term evaluation and retrospection. This involved examining not only the rationale behind his short-term decisions but also the actual consequences years after their implementation, using this as a crucial criterion for assessment. Through relatively mundane yet fundamental practical work, Sima Yi was tempered, allowed to witness the real hardships and needs of ordinary people, and experience the intricacies and difficulties of "governing a large country is like cooking a small fish"...

This not only allows them to utilize their talents, but also allows them to observe whether their will can remain loyal and diligent in the ordinary, and also avoids the negative effects of accumulating too many merits too early, which would force them to be neglected or cooked up.

As for the position of strategist who will replace Sima Yi now...

Fei Qian turned his gaze to Zhuge Liang, thinking to himself that Sima Yi was unusually calm today. Could it be because he had seen Zhuge Liang?

Is this an innate magnetic repulsion effect?
If Sima Yi hadn't offered to help attack Taigu Pass, Fei Qian would most likely have continued to observe the situation...

However, since things had already come to this, Fei Qian did not hesitate. He not only needed to relocate Sima Yi, but also to conduct a major personnel reorganization and adjustment in the entire Heluo region, Hedong region, and the surrounding areas...