The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 405 The old fox is still an old fox after all; as always, he is adept at manipulating people's hearts.

In the late spring of the eleventh year of Zhangwu, the Yi River outside Langya City was overflowing with peach blossoms.

Zang Ba was wiping his sword under the crabapple tree in the general's mansion when he suddenly saw Wu Dun rush into the courtyard.

The sound of the jade pendants at the waist clashing against the armor startled the tree petals into falling.

"Brother, disaster is imminent!"

Wu Dun threw the silk onto the stone table and knelt down, saying:
"The imperial court has appointed Zhang Wenyuan as the governor of Qing and Xu provinces, and he will arrive soon!"

The words just fell,

Sun Guan then trampled the fallen petals on the ground, his iron boots covered in fresh mud, and ran in to bow:
"Twenty years! Since the second year of Xingping, His Majesty has granted us permission to guard Qing and Xu."

"Reclaiming wasteland, controlling floods, and suppressing the Yellow Turbans—all of this is now treated like discarded worn-out shoes!"

Zang Ba ran his fingertips across the sword, his brow furrowed in discontent.
"Wen Yuan was a righteous man of his time. During the Battle of Hefei, he led eight hundred elite warriors in a bloody battle against the Wu army."

"I don't think he'll necessarily make things difficult for us once he arrives in Xuzhou."

"righteous?"

Wu Dun frowned and said in a deep voice:

"Back when we were fighting against Yuan Shao, it was only after three days of bloody battle at Langya that we managed to hold onto our base in Xuzhou."

"To buy time for the Cao-Liu allied forces at the Guandu front."

"Today, the imperial court issues a mere edict, and they want to take away my soldiers?"

Sun Guan, standing to the side, sneered:

"Could it be that you really want to imitate the fish on the chopping board?"

"I have already ordered 30,000 soldiers in the Yishui camp to prepare for battle."

"With just my brother's nod, Langya Road will be sealed off immediately!"

"No one from the imperial court is allowed to enter."

"Fool!"

Zang Ba threw his sword onto the table, put his hands behind his back, and angrily said:

"To intercept an angel is treason!"

"Have you all forgotten the old story of Prime Minister Li's purge of Xuzhou?"

Just as everyone was arguing, suddenly the sound of horses' hooves tearing through the cloth was heard, and the scouts tumbled off their horses.

"General Chang... General Chang Xi intercepted and killed Zhang Liao's advance envoy in the East Sea and has sealed off the county border!"

Upon hearing this, the entire courtyard fell into a deathly silence.

Wu Dun suddenly stepped forward, grabbed the scout by the collar, and questioned him:
"How many people were killed?"

"Ten...twelve light cavalrymen, their heads hung at the west gate of Tancheng."

Upon seeing this, Sun Guan suddenly drew his sword, cut off the crabapple branch, and shouted:

"Since things have come to this, we might as well go all the way and mobilize the entire Mount Tai army!"

"This is outrageous!"

"He's gone mad!"

Zang Ba kicked over the stone table and cursed:
"Chang Xi, you brute, have sought your own death. Are you all to be buried with him?"

"Gao Shun's elite troops are only three hundred li away from here!"

“The court was prepared for this long ago. Once we rebel, it will confirm our treasonous status.”

"At that time, the imperial court can gather troops from all over the country to jointly suppress us!"

Wu Dun roared with bloodshot eyes:

"Having lost military power, does my brother intend to follow the example of Tao Qian's former subordinates, bowing and scraping to the envoy from Luoyang every day?"

As dusk deepened, Zang Ba spotted the old soldier on guard duty outside the courtyard—

That was his personal guard who had been with him for twenty years, and he still had the arrow scar on his forehead from the campaign against the Yellow Turbans.

Finally, he picked up the broken teacup and said, word by word:

"Order: All fortresses in Langya must remain firmly in their posts and not venture out. Anyone who dares to use force will be executed."

"In addition, prepare a hundred fast horses and take salt from the East China Sea and Langya inkstone to Luoyang to apologize."

"Brother!"

“If you want to rebel,” he snapped the broken branch in his hand, “you may leave, and I will bind myself and plead guilty.”

……

Banners fluttered in the Yishui camp.

Zang Ba stood on the command platform with his hand on his sword, looking down at the thirty thousand soldiers below.

Sun Guan and Wu Dun strode over, their armor clanging loudly.

"Brother!"

Sun Guan lowered his voice, "Are you really not going to reconsider?"

"Chang Xi has killed the imperial envoy and rebelled, taking control of the East Sea."

"The envoy's head is displayed at the gate of Tancheng; there is no turning back now!"

Wu Dun also chimed in from the side:

“We all have a past relationship with Chang Xi, and the court will surely regard us as accomplices.”

"Moreover, Zhang Liao will be arriving soon, and we are in a difficult situation to explain ourselves."

At this point, he suddenly saw Zang Ba's piercing gaze and dared not speak further.

After a long while, Zang Ba stroked his sword and sighed:

"We gathered at Mount Tai in the past to seek survival in this chaotic world."

"Now that we have submitted to the court, how can we continue to act rebelliously?"

He turned and stared at his two sworn brothers, "If you wish to rebel with Changxi, I will not stop you."

"But if we meet on the battlefield one day, swords and spears have no eyes."

"If you wish to uphold the duties of a subject, then come with me to welcome the angel."

Sun Guan and Wu Dun looked at each other sadly.

After a long silence, Sun Guan cupped his hands and said:

“Since my elder brother is unwilling to rebel, I will follow him.”

Wu Dunyi bowed deeply:
"I, your younger brother, am also willing to follow you, elder brother."

Zang Ba was overjoyed and took the hands of the two men, saying:

"He is truly my brother!"

"Quickly muster the troops and head to the border of Xuzhou to welcome Governor Zhang."

Three days later, the elite troops of the Yishui Battalion were all dispatched.

Upon reaching Pengcheng, a cloud of dust suddenly rose, and a troop of black-armored cavalry pressed in like a dark cloud.

The leading general, dressed in red robes and silver armor, wielding a crescent-shaped halberd, was none other than Zhang Liao, the newly appointed Governor of Qing and Xu provinces.

Zang Ba led his generals to prostrate themselves on the left side of the road:
"We, your humble servants, respectfully welcome the Commander-in-Chief!"

Zhang Liao reined in his horse and said coldly:

"Where is this governor's envoy?"

“Reporting to the Governor,” Zang Ba bowed his head in embarrassment, “the angel was killed by Chang Xi, and his head is displayed in Tancheng.”

“In that case,” Zhang Liao said, pointing his whip directly at Zang Ba, “you are all former subordinates of Mount Tai, and according to the law, you should be punished together!”

The generals were drenched in sweat and lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to look up.

The spring sun shone brightly, making the armor gleam, but it couldn't penetrate the chill in everyone's hearts.

Zang Ba bows again:

"We, your humble servants, are willing to atone for our crimes by performing meritorious service!"

Zhang Liao remained silent for a long time, then asked:
"Chang Xi has a sworn brotherhood with you all, would you really dare to make a move?"

Zang Ba raised his head and said:
"Although Changxi is a brother, Your Majesty is in fact your sovereign and father."

"Though the tyrant is crude and vulgar, he still knows the great principles of loyalty and filial piety!"

"I am willing to abandon my brothers and follow my lord and father."

Having finished speaking, he unfastened his sword and presented it with both hands.

"I am willing to be the vanguard and punish the traitors!"

Zhang Liao finally dismounted and helped Zang Ba up:
"General, you are truly a righteous man!"

He then took the imperial staff in his hand, saying, "The court has granted me the authority to act as an imperial envoy."

"This governor hereby orders that Zang Ba be appointed as the vanguard in the campaign against the rebels."

"Lead the troops of the Yishui Battalion to conquer the East Sea immediately!"

That night, torches blazed like dragons in the Yishui camp.

Zang Ba led 30,000 soldiers from the Yishui Camp to Tancheng, where they saw banners densely covering the city walls.

Chang Xi, clad in black armor, stood on the city tower, surrounded by archers on either side.

"Brother Changxian!"

Zang Ba rode out alone, declaring, "The imperial court has treated us with boundless kindness; why then do we plot rebellion?"

Changxi laughed loudly upon hearing this:

"Brother Zang, have you not heard the saying, 'When all the birds are gone, the good bow is put away'?"

"When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked?"

"If Han Xin had listened to Kuai Tong's advice back then, the disaster at Weiyang Palace would never have happened!"

"Although Lord Xuande treats us kindly now, once the world is at peace, how can he tolerate us, the heroes of Mount Tai?"

"Now that the imperial court has appointed Zhang Liao as the governor of Qing and Xu provinces, isn't that just a way to force us to hand over our military power?"

"In this world, surrendering military power is tantamount to crippling oneself and becoming a sitting duck!"

As mentioned before, when Liu Bei revived the Han Dynasty three times, he did not immediately reclaim the military power of many local generals.

Because most of the retainers at the end of the Han Dynasty were clan retainers, that is, private retainers.

Therefore, taking back military power is not something you can do simply by saying one word.

Secondly, the country was not completely pacified at that time, and Liu Bei still needed the support of these local warlords.

Therefore, the armies under the command of figures like Zang Ba and Chang Xi were all trained and cultivated by themselves.

When they heard that the imperial court wanted to take back military power, they naturally felt resistant.

However, Zang Ba chose to back down, but Chang Xi, fearing he would follow in Han Xin's footsteps, chose to start an uprising in the East China Sea.

"absurd!"

Zang Ba brandished his whip and pointed at the city, saying, "Your Majesty is a benevolent and virtuous ruler. How could you follow the example of Emperor Gaozu and execute meritorious officials?"

“Brother, open the city gates immediately. For the sake of our sworn brotherhood, I will plead with the angels on your behalf.”

Changxi suddenly drew his bow and nocked an arrow:
"If that's the case, then let this arrow answer you!"

At the sound of the bowstring, the wolf-tooth arrow grazed past Zang Ba's helmet and disappeared into the ground.

Zang Ba drew his sword and roared angrily:

"The traitor is wicked! All troops, heed my command—attack the city!"

War drums thundered, and siege ladders rose up everywhere.

The soldiers of Yishui Camp surged toward the city wall like a tide, only to see logs and stones rolling down the wall like rain.

Hot oil was poured out, and screams of agony filled the air.

It turns out that Changxi had been operating in the East China Sea for several years, and had not only raised the city walls.

Furthermore, numerous hidden holes were installed between the city walls, allowing crossbow bolts to be fired from three sides.

The fierce battle raged until sunset, leaving the city walls littered with corpses.

Zang Ba had no choice but to sound the retreat. He studied the map under the lamplight in his tent, his brows furrowed.

Chang Xi, however, was convinced that the East Sea, backed by the ocean, had the advantage of fish and salt production.

With his own fortifications built up over the years, he was confident he could hold out for three to five years.

At that time, the imperial court will certainly not hold a grudge against him; if the court takes a step back, he will take a step back as well.

Let the East China Sea return to the embrace of the imperial court.

He can still be the King of the East Sea.

At least, that's Changxi's current plan.

The following day, Zhang Liao arrived at the camp on light cavalry.

Seeing that the siege had failed, he said that Zang was domineering:

"Qingxu is a strategic location; it cannot be besieged in one city for too long."

"I have already obtained the assistance of Wang Xiu, the governor of Qingzhou, and Sun Qian, the governor of Xuzhou."

Several days later, at the governor's residence.

Wang Xiu, holding the household register, sighed:

"Donghai County has more than 20 salt fields and a long stretch of fishing ports. Changxi's grain reserves can last for three years."

Sun Qian added from the side:
"Furthermore, trade routes are open in all directions, and caravans deliver supplies every day."

Zhang Liao pondered for a moment, then struck the table and said:
"If that's the case, then we should sever their bloodline!"

"Immediately issue the order: seal off the entire East China Sea region, and prohibit the import and export of salt, iron, rice, and grain."

"Anyone who secretly colludes with Chang Xi shall be executed on the spot!"

Once Zhang Liao issued his military order, the two prefectures of Qing and Xu immediately became as attentive as if they were one's own limbs.

The governors of Xuzhou and Qingzhou both cooperated.

Logically speaking, Zhang Liao only commanded the armies of Qing and Xu provinces and had no say in local government policies.

However, the East China Sea is out of control, and Chang Xi is plotting a rebellion, which could escalate into a major conflict.

Those two local officials may also lose their jobs.

Therefore, the two officials would definitely cooperate actively with Zhang Liao's proposed blockade policy.

After the imperial edict was issued,

At every strategic pass, watchtowers over ten feet high were erected day and night.

A black flag flutters in the wind atop the tower, bearing the large character "Zhang".

The coastal salt fields were all taken over by government troops, the fires in the salt fields were extinguished, and the salt workers were temporarily relocated to Langya.

Inside Langya Port, Mi Wei, the Prefect of Xuzhou, personally oversaw the operation.

This state official, who started his career as a merchant, inherited his father's business.

He was standing at the dock with an abacus, registering the merchant ships that were originally heading to the East China Sea one by one.

"Chen's salt boat carries 300 shi of salt, which is then diverted to Xiapi."

"Two thousand catties of fish were caught in Zhoushan and sent to Guangling."

Each time an order was given, a copper bell on the desk would ring softly, and the clerk would immediately draw the mark with a vermilion brush.

A merchant from Donghai knelt down and begged:

"My lord! My family is all in Tancheng..."

Mi Wei sighed:

"Don't worry, we will compensate you double after the rebellion is quelled."

He then ordered that a hundred bolts of official silk be given as a gift, and the merchant left weeping.

Within ten days, the blockade became even tighter.

Zhang Liao devised an even more ingenious plan, ordering the construction of nine layers of earthen ramparts along the Shu River.

Three hundred archers were stationed at each fort, and anyone attempting to cross at night was driven away with fire arrows.

At one point, Changxi's generals led their elite troops in a desperate breakout, finally reaching the third layer of fortifications.

They were riddled with fire arrows and turned into pincushions, and the grain carts were burned to ashes in the wilderness.

Within Tancheng, a crisis is gradually emerging.

On this day, Changxi patrolled the city and saw a disturbance in the market.

It turns out that the price of rice has risen to 1,000 coins per dou (a unit of dry measure), and the price of salt has increased tenfold.

An old woman held an empty bag and cried out:
"We only managed to get twenty grains of salt in three days, and my grandson's legs are swollen like pillars!"

Chang Xi angrily summoned the grain official, only to find the granary clerk trembling on the ground:

"Although the salt warehouses are full, the people have no rice to exchange for salt."

"The army is also lacking in fruits and vegetables, and the number of soldiers with bleeding gums is increasing daily..."

Even more deadly was the blockade of sea routes.

The Liaodong caravan, which was originally scheduled to arrive on the 15th of each month, is currently being inspected at Langya Port.

The ship owner, a man surnamed Kim from Goguryeo, worried that his cargo would be stuck with him, and at one point tried to bribe an official in secret.

But Mi Wei, who was in charge of the operation, said seriously:

"In the past, my family abandoned our vast fortune to follow the Emperor. Were we seduced by the stench of money?"

Therefore, the bribe money was confiscated, and private silk was used to subsidize the caravan's losses.

While the people of Qing and Xu were united, the people of Donghai County were restless and undercurrents were surging.

In the dead of night,

Some civilians attempted to escape by lowering themselves down the city wall, but were captured by soldiers on night patrol.

The search revealed that he also possessed a letter written in blood, which read:

"Chang Xi is wicked and has brought suffering to our people."

The soldier reported this to Chang Xi, who was furious and immediately beheaded him.

Unexpectedly, the garrison at the West Gate mutinied the following morning.

Although the rebels were quickly suppressed by the army, Changxi discovered that the rebels all wore white cloth on their sleeves—the very insignia of Zang Ba's followers from back then.

He was shocked to discover that some of Zang Ba's former troops were already in the city, secretly colluding with the Han army outside.

Meanwhile, a good show was unfolding inside Zhang Liao's tent.

Wang Xiu, the governor of Qingzhou, personally escorted over thirty cartloads of bamboo slips:
"This is the land and household registration of Donghai County in recent years. Please take a look, Governor."

Zhang Liao flipped through the pages for a moment, then suddenly pointed to a certain page:
"Where is the 'Chang family's 800 mu salt fields' mentioned here?"

Wang Xiu replied:
"As ordered by the Governor, it has been taken over by General Zang's department."

"That's wrong!"

Zhang Liao threw the book on the table and declared, "Immediately change the guard to Qingzhou soldiers, and distribute half of the salt profits to the displaced people."

Zang Ba was shocked upon hearing this, and immediately bowed in submission:

"The Governor's impartiality is deeply appreciated, and on behalf of the people of the East Sea, we bow in gratitude!"

Just as they were discussing matters in the tent, a report came that Chang Xi's messenger had been captured.

The silk scrolls found during the search turned out to be destined for Goguryeo in the northeast.

Because the port of Quxian in the East China Sea is an important outlet to the sea.

Trade with Liaodong was very frequent.

Changxi also accumulated some connections with people in the Goguryeo and Buyeo regions of Northeast China.

Seeing that the Qingxu region had imposed a complete blockade on the East China Sea, they decided to break through from the sea.

Zhang Liao read the book and sneered:

Even a cornered beast will fight.

He then ordered the messenger to be generously rewarded and released.

Zang Ba was puzzled:

"Why did the commander-in-chief allow the enemy to escape?"

Zhang Liao stroked his beard and said:
“I have heard that Changxi is suspicious by nature. Now that the envoy has returned unharmed, he must suspect that he is a spy.”

"This is a strategy to win hearts and minds."

Sure enough, news of the execution of the strategist came from Tancheng that very night.

As the soldiers guarding the city walls looked towards the smoke rising from the chimneys outside, their eyes shifted from hunger to struggle—there, millet porridge was being cooked, and the surrender slogans of Zang Ba's former subordinates drifted on the wind:
"Return home and eat your fill; let bygones be bygones!"

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, swept over the continuous military camps, and Zhang Liao's golden armor shimmered in the setting sun.

The famous general from Bingzhou gazed at Tancheng in the twilight and whispered to Zang Ba:
"At dawn tomorrow, the surrender will be completed."

Behind them, dozens of large pots were simmering rice porridge.

The aroma of porridge mingled with the sea breeze, silently seeping into that lonely, hungry city.

So,

Chang Xi was trapped in Tancheng for more than a month. He saw that the granaries were running out and the salt warehouses were full but not enough to feed him.

That day, he sat alone in the government office, with two silk scrolls on his desk.

One was an invitation from the King of Goguryeo in the northeast.

He expressed his great admiration for General Chang and said that if he were willing to come to Wandu, the King of Goguryeo would certainly extend a warm invitation.

One was a petition signed and written in blood by starving people in the city.

They all begged Changxi not to oppose the court and to surrender quickly.

Just as they were hesitating, they suddenly heard a commotion on the city wall.

Looking up from the tower, one can see Zhang Liao in golden armor on a white horse, patrolling his camp at the foot of Sangong Mountain.

“My lord, look,” the general pointed, “Zhang Wenyuan always comes to inspect the camp at 9 am, and today he rode alone to within two miles of us.”

Chang Xi stared intently, only to see Zhang Liao reining in his horse on the high slope, his gaze like lightning shooting straight at the city tower.

When their eyes met, Zhang Liao suddenly raised his whip and pointed it to the sky, as if he had something to say.

Chang Xi was greatly shocked and hurriedly asked those around him:

"How many arrows have the army been expended recently?"

The quartermaster knelt and replied:
"Following the order to conserve resources, only 700 arrows were fired yesterday, less than 30% of the usual amount."

Changxi stroked the stack and sighed deeply:

My secret thoughts have been seen through!

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a rider suddenly sped out of the camp, reaching the city walls and shouting:

"Governor Zhang said, 'The Emperor's edict has arrived. General Chang, do you dare to come out of the city to receive it?'"

Chang Xi hesitated for a moment, then replied that he would not see her.

That night, Changxi tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, when he received an urgent report from his personal guards:

"Zhang Liao rode alone to the ancestral temple on Sangong Mountain, saying that he wished to pay homage to the general's late father!"

Chang Xi was greatly alarmed and hurriedly led ten horsemen out of the city.

When the moon was at its zenith, Zhang Liao was indeed seen dressed in blue robes and a white crown.

Beneath the ancient pine tree in front of the independent ancestral hall, three sticks of incense burn on the altar, their fragrance wafting gently.

"Why has the Governor come here?"

Chang Xi drew his sword and shouted sharply, while the warriors behind him drew their bows, ready to fire.

Zhang Liao calmly poured three cups of wine:
"I have come here to offer my condolences to General Chang, whose son will today be remembered for his loyalty and righteousness."

After speaking, he pushed a scroll of silk over.

"This is His Majesty's personal edict of amnesty. If you don't believe me, General, do you not believe the Emperor's decree?"

Changxi unfolded the scroll and examined it closely. He saw that the cinnabar jade seal was so red it seemed to drip with moisture, and the text detailed his past military achievements.

Changxi was sweating profusely when he suddenly saw his old mother's figure emerge from the shrine, weeping:
"My son! General Zhang personally delivered rice to our home yesterday. Are you still so stubborn?"

It turned out that Zhang Liao had already sent people to bring Chang Xi's family to the mountain shrine.

As dawn broke, Changxi threw his sword to the ground, prostrated himself, and wept, saying:
"Xi is willing to surrender! He only begs the governor to protect all the soldiers and civilians in the city!"

Zhang Liao helped him up and laughed heartily.

"Prepare ten thousand shi of grain carts to wait at the west gate!"

They then joined hands and climbed Mount Sangong together.

Then, a hundred grain carts were pushed out from the Han army formation, with baskets overflowing with white rice.

Upon seeing this, the city's garrison soldiers abandoned their weapons and shouted.

At noon, the gates of Tancheng were opened.

Chang Xi, dressed in plain clothes and carrying thorns, led his officials to kneel and welcome him on the left side of the road.

The turmoil in the East China Sea was thus quelled.

As for the handling of Changxi.

In response, Zhang Liao first summoned Zang Ba to his military tent.

As the candlelight flickered, the golden-armored commander, holding his imperial staff, spoke:
"I have been ordered to oversee Qing and Xu provinces. Now that the East Sea has been pacified, I shall return to my post in Xiapi."

"Chang Xi and his followers are all to be dealt with by the general."

After speaking, he took off the blue ribbon and silver seal from his waist and placed them on the table.

"This is the seal and ribbon of the Chancellor of the Eastern Sea. The general may decide for himself."

The implication was clear: you can decide how to deal with Changxi yourself!

Because our Emperor is a benevolent and wise ruler, and considering Chang Xi's many years of military achievements, and because he surrendered voluntarily.

They certainly won't make things too difficult for him.

However, his rebellion did indeed have a negative impact on the country.

His Majesty has not yet given a reply to this.

Zhang Liao also stated that his mission was complete, and since his headquarters was in Xiapi, he would not linger in Tanxian any longer.

You can decide what to do with Chang Xi yourself!

The soldiers outside the tent were delighted upon hearing this, and Sun Guan clapped his hands and laughed:
"Lord Wenyuan is truly magnanimous! We should hold a banquet for Changxi to calm his nerves."

Wu Dun then ordered his men to bring him fine wine from Mount Tai:
"Old brothers reunite, let's drink for three days straight!"

"Hahaha!"

Zang Ba remained silent, his knuckles tapping the table heavily.

Suddenly he got up, took the seal and ribbon, and went straight to Changxi's residence.

But Changxi saw his old friend drinking with his generals, and after a few rounds of drinks, he raised his cup to welcome him.

"Brother Zang! Lord Wenyuan has already granted me permission to atone for my crimes through meritorious service..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zang Ba suddenly threw the official seal to the ground and shouted sternly:

"Left and right men, take them down!"

The guards rushed in at the sound of the alarm, and immediately the cups and plates were left in disarray.

Sun Guan was startled awake from his drunken stupor:

"What do you mean by this, brother?"

Wu Dun hurriedly tugged at Zang Ba's sleeve:

"Now that Chang Xi has surrendered, he should be sent to Luoyang to await Your Majesty's judgment!"

Zang Ba swung his sword, severing the sleeve of the robe with a sound like cold iron.
"Have you not heard of the meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals?"

"Those who surrender after the siege will not be pardoned! This is an established law by Emperor Gaozu. How can we abandon public duty for private reasons?"

After speaking, he turned and stared at Chang Xi.

“Brother, please don’t be offended; this is the law.”

Chang Xi staggered backward, laughing bitterly:

"Well done, Zang Xuangao! We didn't say that when we swore our oath at Mount Tai back then."

“Lord Kuang Wenyuan told me with an imperial edict that as long as I am willing to surrender, my sins will be pardoned.”

"You are openly defying the imperial edict; are you also plotting a rebellion?"

"shut up!"

Zang Ba suddenly struck the table with the hilt of his sword, causing the candlelight to flicker wildly.

"Precisely because of our past relationship, I must personally uphold the Dharma!"

After speaking, he summoned the historian inside.

"Today's events must be recorded in detail."

Subsequently, Zang Ba ordered his men to escort Chang Xi to the seaside for execution.

Chang Xi, dressed in white with his hair tied up, addressed Zang Badao:
"My wife and young son..."

“They must be regarded as their own children.”

Zang Ba took off his scarlet cloak and draped it over his old friend's shoulders, saying, "You can go now without worry."

As the executioner raised his blade, Zang Ba suddenly stepped forward again:
"Wait a minute!"

He personally took the ghost-headed sword, tears streaming down his face:
"Brother, may you rest in peace. We will mourn you every year."

Where the blade flashed, blood stained the Yi River crimson.

Zang Ba personally killed Chang Xi.

Upon seeing this scene, all the generals covered their faces, unable to bear to look.

Zang Ba held the severed head and bowed facing north:

"Your subject Zang Ba has strictly followed the law and executed the traitorous general Chang Xi!"

Having said that, he tore his battle robe to cover his severed head and shouted sternly:
"Give him a grand burial; anyone who dares to treat him with disrespect shall be executed!"

That night, a torrential downpour began, and Zang Ba sat alone before Chang Xi's tomb.

When Sun Guan arrived, he saw that the man's hair was frost-white and he was clutching half a jade pendant in his palm—the very token of their sworn brotherhood at Mount Tai.

"Brother, why do you do this? Why do you do this to yourself?"

Sun Guan choked up and could not speak.

"Didn't the imperial court say that Chang Xi should be dealt with leniently?"

"His Majesty, considering the merits of our Taishan generals over the years, does not intend to pursue this matter further."

“Changxi could have lived, but my brother regrets killing him.”

"Wouldn't that make us a laughingstock?"

"...I have no regrets. Killing him was not my wish, but I was forced by circumstances."

Sun Guan was taken aback and asked:
"What do you mean by that, elder brother?"

Zang Ba gazed at the sea and roared:

"Today I kill my friend to uphold the law; in the future, history will judge me!"

A thunderclap ripped through the sky, illuminating the tear tracks on his face as clearly as if they were carved by a sword.

The news of the victory in suppressing the rebellion in Donghai and the news of Chang Xi's death were sent directly to Luoyang by express courier, which travels 600 li.

On this day, Liu Bei was playing chess with Li Yi at Lingyun Terrace in the North Palace.

Suddenly, the Chamberlain strode over, his blood-written memorial in a brocade box still bearing the salty tang of the sea breeze.

"Zang Xuangao actually executed Chang Xi privately?"

Liu Bei placed a white piece on the board, and the game immediately became a stalemate.

Li Yi lightly tapped Chang Xi's letter of surrender with his feather fan:
"Your Majesty, please look at this phrase: 'I am willing to serve under Lord Zang like a dog or a horse'—"

“His heart never belonged to the Han, but to Zang Ba.”

On the night Chang Xi surrendered, he was worried that he would be punished after returning to Luoyang.

Therefore, he chose to stay by Zang Ba's side.

But to his utter surprise, the one who wanted to kill him the most was Zang Ba.

Suddenly, a commotion was heard outside the palace. It turned out that the envoy from Xuzhou had rushed to the capital and presented Zhang Liao's secret memorial.

Liu Bei unfolded the silk and examined it closely, finding the handwriting as vigorous and powerful as a halberd:

"...When Ba killed Xi, the sea turned red and did not recede for three days."

"However, military law is strict and cannot tolerate personal feelings."

After reading it, Liu Bei threw down his card and sighed deeply:
"If Chang Xi is truly loyal to the Han, why doesn't he come directly to Luoyang to see me?"

"His choice to die was truly ordained by fate!"

The grand court ceremony was held the following day.

As expected, an imperial censor stepped forward and vehemently rebuked him:

"Zang Ba has been known for his ruthless killing of surrendered generals; he should be stripped of his rank and punished!"

Of course, the officials also had reasons to impeach Zang Ba.

That is, Zhang Liao went to persuade Chang Xi to surrender with a document from the imperial court.

It was made clear that as long as one realized their mistake in time, the imperial court would not punish them.

Zang Ba killed him, but where is the dignity of the imperial court?

Seeing this, Liu Bei gave Li Yi a wink.

At the meeting, Li Yi stepped forward and announced:
"Your Majesty, last year Changxi levied fish and salt taxes at twice the normal rate, and now Zang Ba has distributed all of his wealth to the people."

Then he took out another account book and showed it to the public.

"This is a secret letter from Changxi to the Goguryeo people, which was fortunately intercepted by General Zang."

Liu Bei suddenly rose, his red ribbon and jade belt sweeping across the imperial desk:
"Preach my will!"

Liu Bei's voice reverberated through the ceiling as he loudly proclaimed:

"Zang Ba was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Qing and Xu, and his annual fief was increased by three thousand households."

"The youngest son of the Chang family of Donghai is also granted the title of Marquis of Guannei, and shall be supported by the Langya Prefecture."

Amidst the astonishment of the entire hall, Li Yi stepped forward to explain:
"Have you gentlemen not seen Zang Ba's memorial requesting to have his rank reduced by three grades?"

The ministers then understood the emperor's meaning:

The execution of Changxi clarified the law, the reward of Zangba brought peace to the people, and the care of orphans demonstrated benevolence.

The emperor's methods were truly a triple win.

In the drizzling rain of late spring, a new imperial edict was delivered from Luoyang in a red chariot.

When Zang Ba knelt to receive the imperial edict, the East China Sea was experiencing a high tide.

He placed his general's seal and ribbon before Chang Xi's tomb and poured wine as a libation.

"Brother, do you see? The Emperor's wisdom is as bright as the sun and moon. Only today do I understand the way of being a Han subject!"

Amidst the roar of the waves, a young man dressed in mourning clothes suddenly appeared; he was Changxi's son.

Zang Ba removed the imperial-bestowed Qilin armor and draped it over his shoulders:

You need not take the blame for your father's mistakes.

"One day on the battlefield, we shall embark on our journey together."

The boy wept and bowed before leaving, leaving two lines of footprints, one deep and one shallow, on the beach.

From then on, Qing and Xu were well-governed, and merchant ships resumed operations.

Fishermen often see Zang Ba sitting alone on the cliff of Sangong Mountain.

A seagull dropped a fish in front of the tomb, which the locals all said was the reincarnation of Changxi coming to offer sacrifice.

Not to be discussed.

……

It was midsummer, and the ice-covered palace in the Deyang Hall of the Northern Palace in Luoyang was icy and imposing, yet it could not contain the emperor's fury.

The bamboo slips that Liu Bei threw down shattered on the dragon pillar, startling Mi Fang so much that the tassel on her crown fell off.

"What a fine example of 'canal transport losses'!"

Liu Bei stepped over the scattered account books.

"Xuzhou transports 300,000 shi of grain annually, yet reports indicate that 120,000 shi have been eaten by rats and insects?"

"Could it be that all the rats in the Eastern Sea are as big as pigs?!"

It turned out that they were taking advantage of the opportunity to reclaim local military power, especially the military power in Xuzhou.

While everyone's attention was focused on Chang Xi's rebellion, Li Yi ordered Jiang Wei, who had been lying in wait in Xuzhou, to thoroughly investigate the corruption in Xuzhou.

Corruption cannot be eradicated, it can only be restricted.

When Li Yi was in charge of Xuzhou, he consistently fought against corruption and promoted integrity, so the political scene in Xuzhou at that time was relatively clean.

However, with the rise of the military merit class and the expansion of Liu Bei's territory, the administrative system became bloated.

This also gradually led to the proliferation of corruption in Xuzhou.

Li Yi has already begun investigating the matter and has now completely reclaimed local military power.

He took this opportunity to rectify official corruption.

Mi Fang, then serving as the Pingzhun Commander of the Central Plains, was drenched in sweat, his court robes soaked through, and his voice trembled as he spoke:

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty will immediately investigate this matter thoroughly."

Previously, after the Liaodong smuggling case broke out in Xuzhou, Mi Fang was already overwhelmed with cleaning up the mess left by her subordinates.

Now that the corruption problem in Xuzhou is suddenly being investigated, it's going to be tough for him, the Central Plains Equalization Magistrate.

"A thorough investigation?"

Liu Bei suddenly bent down and picked up the account book, the pages fluttering down.

"In the second year of Zhangwu, 200,000 coins were allocated for the construction of the Guangling River to purchase bluestone, but yellow earth was used instead—"

"How did the Prefect of Guangling handle this at that time?"

Li Yi, who was standing below the steps, quietly picked up the memorial:
"Your Majesty, the harm of corruption is like a festering sore."

"In my observation, the anti-corruption campaigns of past dynasties have mostly failed due to officials protecting each other."

"Even if we send people to investigate thoroughly, we cannot guarantee that the investigation will be complete."

Liu Bei hated officials who were inactive and those who preyed on the people.

His eyes suddenly lit up:
What plan do you have?

"I have already ordered Jiang Wei to go to Xuzhou to check the accounts, and I further request that Pang Tong be transferred to take charge of criminal justice."

"To investigate the case together with Jiang Boyue."

Jiang Wei was a man of integrity and discernment, and he knew what was important. So he was sent to temporarily take over the finances of Xuzhou.

Pang Tong was strict in enforcing the law and was incorruptible. He was sent to take over the criminal law of Xuzhou.

With this arrangement,

One of them is in charge of the judiciary and is responsible for arresting people.

One person is in charge of finances and is responsible for auditing accounts.

Li Yi presented the scroll in the blue bag.

"Even so."

"If high-ranking officials are involved in the case, it may be necessary to use force to break through the network."

Liu Bei tapped his knuckles on the chair and asked softly:

Where is the blade?

"Forty candidates for official positions were selected from the camp. They were all from humble backgrounds and had no connection with the powerful families of Xuzhou."

Li Yi unfolded the roster, saying, "Whenever a corrupt official is verified, a substitute official will fill the vacancy."

"In this case..."

Li Yi's lips curled slightly. "Those who investigate cases will be granted official positions; how can they not exert themselves to the utmost?"

"What do you mean, my dear minister?"

"...have them cooperate with the investigation, and arrest any official found to have committed corruption on the spot."

"Then we select people from these reserve officers and directly assign them to fill vacancies."

wonderful!
Wonderful!

Upon hearing Li Yi's suggestion, Liu Bei clapped his hands excitedly.

Send reserve officers to assist in the investigation, and once the case is solved, they will be directly appointed to fill the vacancy.

One can imagine how motivated these people were when investigating the case.

Are officials still protecting each other?
Even if I have to dig three feet into the ground, I will find out your crimes and get rid of you corrupt officials!
Using human nature to attack human nature.

Li Yi remains as adept at manipulating people's hearts as ever!
(End of this chapter)