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

Chapter 413 The Zhuge Clan Will Eventually Rise, Young Lin Becomes Zhuge Liang's Disciple

Meanwhile, Sun Quan and his ministers discussed their plan to submit to Liu Bei.

However, this act of submission did not mean that Sun Quan intended to surrender the entire country to Liu Bei.

Rather, Sun Quan simply felt that Yizhou was too poor and weak, and that it would be difficult to obtain supplies from the Central Plains.

It will still be very difficult to develop.

Therefore, Sun Quan's purpose in submitting to Liu Bei was actually to hope to establish trade relations with the Central Plains and obtain supplies from the mainland.

As for submitting to the emperor and paying tribute, enduring such trivial matters as "humiliation" was nothing to Sun Quan.

After all, Sun Quan in history was the famous "King of Wu of the Great Wei".

What's so special about being called a subject?
As long as Yizhou retains its autonomy, it won't be difficult for it to launch a counterattack against the Central Plains once it develops.

Once the agreement was reached, Sun Quan immediately prepared some gifts.

He sent another messenger by sea to meet King Liu Yong of Wu.

He hoped to reach a reconciliation with Liu Bei through Liu Yong.

Sun Quan was allowed to pay tribute to the Han Dynasty as a "vassal king".

Sun Quan still held high hopes for the success of this matter.

On the one hand, it was because Liu Bei was kind and compassionate, and wouldn't be so heartless.

On the other hand, the Celestial Empire has always considered it an honor for all nations to pay tribute to it.

Refusing tribute from a small overseas island nation would make the emperor appear to have a very narrow mind.

This matter is destined to be ridiculed, whether viewed by those involved or by posterity.

Therefore, Sun Quan was quite confident about this matter.

The harbor of Yizhou was filled with sails and masts, and the waves crashed against the shore.

Sun Quan stood on the dock, watching the envoy ship set sail.

The ship carried Liu Bei's letter of surrender, as well as tribute gifts to the Han Dynasty.

Yizhou is famous for its ten bushels of pearls, five trees of coral, and one hundred catties of agarwood.

"The journey to Jianye is fraught with unpredictable turmoil."

Lu Fan whispered behind Sun Quan.

Sun Quan had a far-sighted vision:

"Since Liu Yong has shown goodwill, he will not make things difficult for the envoy."

"If we can gain access to the Central Plains, Dong'an and Yizhou will have a reliable base."

However, what they didn't know was that King Liu Yong of Wu already had other plans in mind.

After a half-month voyage, the ship finally arrived at Jianye Port.

The Wu King's palace was magnificent, a world apart from the simple palace in Dong'an.

Liu Yong sat in a side hall, dressed in a red royal robe, with a square face and broad forehead.

There was a depth in his brows that was beyond his years.

He listened carefully to the envoy from Yizhou's account, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table.

"Does the Duke of Donghai wish to submit to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, pay tribute, and form an eternal alliance?"

Liu Yong asked slowly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

The messenger prostrated himself:
"...That is indeed the case."

“My lord wishes to abdicate the throne to avoid using the taboo name of the King of Wu.”

"Submit the title as bestowed by the Han emperor."

Liu Yong smiled and ordered his men to bring him silk, brush, and ink.

He immediately wrote a letter and handed it to the messenger.

"You shall return to Dong'an and deliver this letter to the Duke of Donghai."

"As for lowering the table..."

Liu Yong pondered for a moment, then said, "After I have read it carefully, I will present it to Luoyang."

After the messenger left, Liu Yong walked alone into the back garden.

The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, but he had no heart to appreciate them.

He took out Sun Quan's letter of surrender and read it repeatedly.

The letter was written with earnest words, expressing a willingness to pay annual tribute of grain, fodder, and warships, in order to preserve the ancestral temple.

However, Liu Yong frowned, harboring other intentions.

He thought of his younger brother, Liu Li, the King of Yue, whose fiefdom was located just behind him.

Emperor Liu Bei favored Liu Li greatly, not to mention that he also had a father-in-law who was the prime minister.

If this continues, Liu Yong will inevitably be controlled by others.

Although he was the King of Wu, he was constrained at every turn; what if one day his brothers turned against each other…

If I fall into the hands of this younger brother, how can I possibly survive?
"Strong reinforcements from the East..."

Liu Yong muttered to himself, a sharp glint in his eyes.

The following day, he summoned the envoys from the Eastern Barbarians again.

“I already know of Zhongmou’s sincerity.”

"However, the current situation is extraordinary."

Liu Yong said slowly, "My father is getting old, and most of the affairs of the court are handled by Chancellor Chen."

"If this memorial reaches Luoyang directly, it may be criticized by the court officials, which could lead to serious problems."

The foreign envoy's expression changed slightly:

"What is Your Highness's intention?"

Liu Yong looked directly at the other person:

“I can negotiate on Zhongmou’s behalf, but Zhongmou must first show his sincerity.”

He paused for a moment, looked at the envoy, and said with great interest:
“I may privately appoint Zhongmou as the King of Dongyi, grant the two countries trade relations, and agree that their navies shall not invade each other.”

"When the time is right, we will submit a memorial to the court for formal investiture."

The foreign envoy was astonished upon hearing this:

"This... to exchange them in private is probably against etiquette."

Ok?
Liu Yong sneered:
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

"If Sun Zhongmou truly intends to submit, why would he care about empty fame?"

"Although the King of Dongyi is not officially appointed by the court, with my seal as proof, Dongyi can be assured of safety."

"Otherwise, my great Han navy would have more than a million men, just by giving the order."

"In an instant, Yizhou can be wiped out."

"At that time, not only you, but even your lord Sun Quan will be reduced to dust."

This……

The barbarian envoy was speechless.

Although Yizhou received seeds, farming tools, and relatively advanced production technology from Sun Quan.

But it is only just beginning, and its national strength is far behind that of the newly established China.

Seeing that the envoy from Yizhou was still hesitating, Liu Yong said again:

"Your lord has just suffered a defeat and needs to rest and recuperate."

“If we open up trade, the products of Yizhou can directly enter the Central Plains. Wouldn’t that be better than paying tribute every year?”

The envoy pondered for a long time, and finally bowed:

"Your Highness's considerations are thorough; I will return to report to my lord immediately."

Three days later,
The barbarian envoy boarded the ship and returned home, carrying Liu Yong's secret letter and the seal of the Eastern Barbarian King.

Before his departure, Liu Yong personally saw him off.

"I hope Zhongmou will not betray my kindness today," Liu Yong said meaningfully.

The envoy bowed solemnly:
"My lord will surely be grateful for Your Highness's kindness."

"The Eastern Yi and the King of Wu will forever be as close as lips and teeth."

Watching the sails disappear into the distance, a smile appeared on Liu Yong's lips.

The trusted clerk approached with a worried expression:
"If Your Highness were to bestow a royal title privately, and the court were to find out..."

"The consequences would be unimaginable."

Liu Yong's gaze was deep:

"The imperial court? My father only cares about the Prince of Yue; has he ever truly cared about me?"

He turned to look westward, "Liu Li is behind me, like a thorn in my side."

"Now that we have Sun Quan's assistance, we will have a way out should anything happen in the future."

“But Sun Quan is a fickle man, and we should not trust him too easily.”

Ha ha……

Liu Yong chuckled lightly and said coldly:
"Power is based on mutual benefit."

“Now I grant him a legitimate business relationship, and he will provide me with a way out and reinforcements.”

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone got what they needed?"

Inside the Yizhou Palace, the sea breeze wafted through the carved wooden windows, bringing with it a salty, damp atmosphere.

Sun Quan sat upright at his desk, listening attentively to the messenger's report.

"Oh? Liu Yong actually bestowed a royal title privately?"

Sun Quan stroked his beard and pondered, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"This kid seems to have quite a bit of ambition."

Lu Fan, who was standing to the side, chuckled upon hearing this:

"My lord, Liu Yong's private bestowal of titles clearly reveals his ulterior motives."

"What we seek is nothing more than to establish trade relations with China and acquire its products."

"What does it matter whether Liu Bei bestows the title upon him or not?"

"By taking this opportunity, we can seize Liu Yong's weakness, which will surely be useful in the future."

Sun Quan was overjoyed and clapped his hands, laughing:
"Ziheng's words are very insightful!"

“Since Liu Yong dared to exchange gifts privately, he would certainly not dare to make a fuss if something happened to him in the future.”

"I accept this title of King of Dongyi!"

Half a month later,
Three Dongyi merchant ships arrived at the port of Wu, laden with rare overseas treasures such as glass and pearls.

Also arriving at the same time was Zhang Wen, Sun Quan's special envoy, who brought a formal letter of credence to Liu Yong to sign a trade treaty.

Inside the Wu King's Palace, the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air as a grand banquet was in full swing.

Liu Yong and Zhang Wen raised their glasses and drank together, chatting happily.

The King of Dongyi instructed his ministers to convey the following message:

"The Eastern Yi and the King of Wu will forever be like lips and teeth, never turning their backs on each other."

Zhang Wen raised his glass and said.

Liu Yong laughed loudly:

“Excellent! From this day forward, there will be no restrictions on the travel between Wu and Jiangdong merchant ships, so that we can achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.”

Just as the banquet was in full swing, a servant outside the door announced:

"Chancellor Zhuge Jin requests an audience."

Liu Yong frowned slightly, then quickly regained his composure.
"Please invite the Prime Minister to take his seat."

Zhuge Jin entered the banquet hall and saw the Wu officials and the Yizhou envoys drinking and chatting happily. His face immediately darkened.

After the banquet, Zhuge Jin requested an audience with Liu Yong in his study.

"Why didn't Your Highness report to the court first when you started trading with Sun Quan?"

Zhuge Jin bluntly advised him, "Although Sun Quan has been defeated, his wolfish ambitions have not been extinguished."

"To associate with them is to risk nurturing a tiger that will turn out to be a menace."

Liu Yong scoffed:
"...The Prime Minister is overthinking it."

"Opening up trade with foreign countries and allowing commerce to be conducted is a privilege granted to me by the imperial court."

Even Prime Minister Li encouraged opening up to the outside world, but was concerned about foreign countries coming to China to trade.

"I certainly have the right to act expediently."

"Moreover, trade with the Eastern Yi can increase the national treasury's revenue."

"Why not do things that benefit the people?"

Zhuge Jin shook his head and earnestly advised:

“Sun Quan’s situation is special. He was an enemy in the past, and although he now submits to the emperor, his intentions are hard to fathom.”

"Your Highness should at least inform the court and see what the court's plans are."

"Only then can we trade with them."

"Otherwise, with the wealth of China, ironware, refined salt, and timber will flow into Yizhou."

"It's possible that the Sun family might make a comeback in the future."

At this point, Liu Yong finally lost his temper and angrily said:
"Prime Minister! I am, after all, a prince."

"If you can't even make a decision on such a small matter on your own, then you're really too pathetic!"

"Does this mean we have to consult Luoyang and watch the court's expression on everything?"

"Am I a prince or a governor of a province?"

"Your Highness!"

Zhuge Jin knelt down and pleaded, "It is not that I wish to restrain Your Highness, but this matter concerns national policy."

"Sun Quan is cunning. If he takes this opportunity to infiltrate our dynasty, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Liu Yong turned away with a flick of his sleeve:

"Prime Minister, there's no need for further words! My mind is made up."

"Trading with the Eastern Yi is more beneficial than harmful."

"If the court blames me, I will bear the full responsibility!"

Zhuge Jin looked up and saw Liu Yong's resolute back. Knowing that further persuasion was futile, he could only sigh deeply.
"Your Highness, I only hope that you will not forget the weighty trust His Majesty has placed in you, and that you will take good care of yourself."

After Zhuge Jin left, Liu Yong slowly turned around, a shadow passing over his eyes.

How could he not know the risks of associating with Sun Quan?
However, considering that Liu Li was watching him closely from behind, and that his father favored his youngest son, he had no choice but to make preparations early.

"Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Jin, all you know is loyalty to the emperor and love for your country."

"But little did they know that the affairs of the imperial family were always cruel."

Liu Yong muttered to himself, stroking the jade pendant from the Eastern Barbarians that Sun Quan had given him.

The next day,

Liu Yong summoned Zhang Wen specifically, showered him with gold, silver, and silk, and privately instructed him:
“Report back to the King of Dongyi, my sincerity is as clear as heaven and earth.”

"I hope that if I need your help in the future, I will not forget our promise today."

Zhang Wenxin understood immediately:

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly convey Your Highness's kind intentions."

"The King of Dongyi will not break his promise."

Watching Zhang Wen's fleet sail away, Liu Yong stood on the shore, letting the sea breeze blow his robes.

He knew he had embarked on a dangerous path.

But in order to avoid being controlled by his younger brother, he had no other choice.

The sea and sky blend into one, stretching endlessly.

Just like the future situation, it is unpredictable.

Liu Yong's ambition, like a sword drawn from its sheath, is difficult to retract.

That night,

Inside the Prime Minister's residence in Wu, candlelight flickered.

Zhuge Jin sat alone at his desk, his brows furrowed.

King Liu Yong of Wu and Sun Quan strengthened cross-strait communication.

He knew that if this matter were exposed, not only would the King of Wu suffer a great calamity, but he, as the prime minister, would also be implicated.

Thinking of this, he picked up his brush and dipped it in ink.

He wrote a secret letter to his son, Zhuge Ke, who was still serving as a cavalry commander in the Yue Kingdom.

The letter detailed the King of Wu's secret dealings with Eastern Wu.

Zhuge Jin worried that his family would be implicated in the future.
Especially his younger brother, Zhuge Liang, who is very likely to succeed Chen Deng as the third Prime Minister.

He is currently leading troops in Guanzhong, accumulating seniority and military merits.

If their family runs into trouble in Jiangnan, it will leave a political stain.

This will definitely affect Zhuge Liang's career in the future, since passing the political review is very difficult.

Zhuge Liang was the one with the greatest hope of strengthening the Zhuge family and realizing its great revival.

Therefore, Zhuge Jin had to find a way to secure a future for himself and his younger brother.

Of course, reporting it to the imperial court was impossible.

That's like setting off your own time bomb.

I should write a letter to my son.

In the capital of Yue, Zhuge Ke received a letter from home.

Upon opening and reading, it was found to be a [secret letter].

It reads "To Zhuge Jin, addressed to Zike".

Zhuge Ke unfolded and read it, and saw that the book briefly stated:
"Dear Ke'er:"

“My father observed the stars at night and saw that the Purple Star was dim and that a guest star had invaded the Dipper and Ox constellations. He was very worried.”

"Having observed the unusual movements in the court, I had no choice but to write a secret letter to inform you."

“The King of Wu secretly communicated with Yizhou and used thirty ships to carry silk, salt and iron in exchange for pearls, rhinoceros horns and ivory to Sun Quan.”

"He also privately cast a gold seal for the King of Dongyi and sent Zhang Yi, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, to bestow it upon him."

"This matter was kept secret from the imperial court, and tribute was intercepted for its own use."

“My father repeatedly advised me, saying: ‘In the past, Gongsun Shu usurped the title of emperor in Shu, and Emperor Guangwu was furious and punished him. Now, if we privately enfeoff a deposed emperor, wouldn’t that be handing over power to Luoyang?’”

Wang Jing retorted, "The affairs of Jiangdong should be decided by themselves; why should the Northern Court interfere!"

"My second uncle leads troops in Guanzhong, and my third uncle, Zhuge Dan, serves as a court official. Our clan has branches all over the country."

"If the King of Wu fails, the Zhuge family will surely suffer the same fate."

“In the past, Shen Pei’s clan was exterminated in Ye City, and Xun Yu’s line died out in Chengdu, both because they were involved in the struggle between the imperial clans.”

“I have secretly sent twelve servants to my villa in Jingzhou, where they hid gold and silk in the walls and placed boats on the Yunmeng Marsh.”

"When you are a cavalry commander in Yue, you should secretly cultivate good relationships and not openly associate with Wu."

"We should make more contact with Shi Xie of Jiaozhi, who controls Lingnan, and the court is wary of him."

"If things get urgent, we can pretend to be patrolling the border and follow the Li River to Cangwu."

"In the thirteenth volume of Sun Tzu's Art of War in my home, there is a nautical chart of the islands in the East China Sea."

"There are fields to cultivate and harbors to anchor in the area."

Tears streamed down my face as I wrote this, and I only wish that Heaven would bless Zhuge Liang.

"Be careful and keep it secret; burn it immediately after reading it."

"His father's courtesy name was Jin."

After reading it, Zhuge Ke was greatly alarmed.

He paced around the room for a long time before finally deciding to consult with his friend, Chen Tai, a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate.

“…Master Xuan, this matter is of utmost importance.”

"What should I do?"

Zhuge Ke showed the secret letter to Chen Tai, and was filled with worry.

After reading the letter, Chen Tai's expression turned solemn:

“Yuan Xun, this matter is of utmost importance.”

"In my opinion, we should report this to His Highness the King of Yue immediately."

Zhuge Ke hesitated and said:

“My father was still serving as prime minister in the state of Wu, and the King of Yue and the King of Wu had always been at odds.”

"If Your Highness uses this as an excuse to cause trouble, I fear it will also bring disaster upon my father."

Chen Tai said solemnly:
"You and I know His Highness the King of Yue's character best."

"Although Your Highness is at odds with the King of Wu, you are not the kind of person who would kick someone when they are down."

"If we wait until things happen and become passive, it is better to take the initiative to report it, which may protect your father."

The two looked at each other for a long time, and Zhuge Ke finally made up his mind:

"Very well, then we shall do as Xuanbo says."

Inside the Yue King's residence, Liu Li was reviewing memorials.

Upon seeing the two men requesting an audience, he put down his brush:
"What brings Yuan Xun and Xuan Bo here at this time?"

Zhuge Ke knelt down and presented a secret letter:
"I have received a letter from home; it is of great importance."

"I dare not conceal it, so I have come to report to Your Highness."

Liu Li read the letter carefully, his expression gradually darkening. After a long while, he sighed softly:
"Brother Wang's actions are truly foolish."

He then said to the two of them:

"This letter is temporarily kept by me. You should not make a fuss about it and should pretend you know nothing about it."

Zhuge Ke said with concern:

"Your Highness, my father..."

Liu Li raised his hand to stop him from speaking:
"I know that Prime Minister Zhuge is loyal to the country."

"I have my own plans for this matter, and I will make sure that the Prime Minister is not implicated."

He paused and then said:
“Yuan Xun’s filial piety is commendable, but this matter concerns the national dignity, so please remember to keep it a secret.”

The two men kowtowed in agreement.

After they left, Liu Li sat alone in the hall.

He reread the secret letter, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Brother Wang, you are colluding with Eastern Wu. Isn't this like raising a tiger to cause trouble?"

He muttered to himself, tapping lightly on the table with his fingers.

"However, if we expose this now, it will inevitably lead to infighting among brothers and harm the foundation of the nation..."

"If Father finds out, it will be bad for both of us."

Liu Li sighed.

He knew that his father was a man who valued brotherhood very much.

If I were to report my second brother, it would be out of a sense of justice.

But it's inevitable that they'll be kicked when they're down and have their reputations damaged.

My father certainly wouldn't want to see this.

After pondering for a long time, Liu Li put the secret letter into a hidden compartment and summoned his trusted guard:

"Keep a close watch on Wu's merchant ships, and report any unusual activity immediately."

The guards took the order and left.

Liu Li looked out the window; dusk was deepening.

He knew that the storm had just begun.

Meanwhile, his elder brother is gradually heading towards a dangerous abyss.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Ke returned to his residence, still feeling uneasy.

Chen Tai comforted him, saying:
“Since the King of Yue has made a promise, he will certainly do everything in his power.”

"The most urgent thing is to write a letter to the Prime Minister and tell him to be cautious in all matters."

"Do not participate in the affairs between the King of Wu and the Eastern Yi."

Zhuge Ke sighed deeply:
"That's all we can do. I hope my father can understand my good intentions."

……

Let me talk about two things.

In the Luoyang Palace, Liu Bei sat on the throne, a look of satisfaction on his face.

Your Highness, Jiang Wei has just returned to the capital from Xuzhou, weary from his journey.

"Boyue's trip was to purge corruption in Xuyang and rectify official conduct."

"The people's praise brings me great comfort."

Liu Bei stroked his beard and laughed, "He truly deserves to be the first top scholar in our dynasty's imperial examinations."

Jiang Wei bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty has given you too much praise."

"This is my duty, and I dare not claim credit for it."

Liu Bei turned to Li Yi, who was standing to the side:

"Ziyu, Boyue was promoted by you. You truly have a keen eye for talent."

Li Yi humbly returned the greeting:
"Your Majesty, I was merely leading the way."

"Master leads me in. Cultivation depends on the individual."

"Boyue is intelligent and diligent, which is why he has achieved what he has today."

Liu Bei nodded, then suddenly said to Jiang Wei:

"Boyue, Zhuge Kongming is currently overseeing the army in Guanzhong to defend against Cao Wei."

"I wish to send you to assist me. Are you willing?"

Jiang Wei knew this was an opportunity Liu Bei had deliberately given him to accumulate military merit, so he immediately knelt on one knee:

"Your subject is willing to go! I will do my utmost to assist the Commander-in-Chief and live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

"good!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and said, "In that case, I hereby appoint you as Protector of the Army."

"We will set off for Guanzhong tomorrow."

"I accept the decree!"

Jiang Wei bowed again and left.

After Jiang Wei left, Liu Bei couldn't help but sigh.

Liu Bei greatly admired this kind of down-to-earth and hardworking young man.

Why did Liu Bei dislike Ma Su?

In fact, Liu Bei did give Ma Su a chance in history.

That is, Liu Bei once sent Ma Su to quell a rebellion in the southern region.

As a result, Ma Su made all sorts of excuses and refused to go.

Because Ma Su felt that someone as talented as him might not be able to return from there for a long time.

Going there would definitely waste my talent and youth.

On the other hand, what about staying in Jingzhou?
With Zhuge's doting and high regard, and the pleasant climate of Jingzhou.

That's a very promising future.

This incident greatly disappointed Liu Bei with Ma Su.

I felt that this young man was not reliable at all.

That's why he said he was exaggerating and shouldn't be given important responsibilities.

Who quelled the rebellion in the south?
It's Li Yan.

At that time, Li Yan volunteered to go and quell the rebellion, and he quelled it very quickly and did a very good job.

This explains why Liu Bei groomed Li Yan as Zhuge Liang's successor.

He was even one of only two ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor.

Of course, it's a pity that Li Yan eventually became blinded by power.

He failed to live up to the high expectations that Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang had for him.

"...Jiang Wei is a calm and capable young man."

"His composure and humility are truly rare qualities."

Liu Bei sighed to Li Yi.

Li Yi smiled:

"...Your Majesty's wise judgment."

"Although Boyue was young, he possessed a maturity and composure beyond his years."

"What is even more commendable is that he has the world in his heart and is truly a pillar of the nation."

Liu Bei had a far-sighted vision:

"Let him gain experience on the front lines, accumulate military merits, and learn the art of warfare."

"Given time, they may very well become pillars of the nation."

He then sighed softly, "The court needs such young and promising talents right now."

Li Yi seemed to be deep in thought:
"...Your Majesty has put a lot of thought into this."

"However, the war in Guanzhong is tense, and Cao Wei is eyeing us covetously. Boyue's journey here..."

Liu Bei waved his hand and laughed:

"With Kongming here, I am at ease."

"Moreover, although Boyue lacks experience in battle, he is exceptionally intelligent and will surely adapt quickly."

He got up and walked to the window.

"The great Han dynasty will eventually be handed over to these young people."

The afterglow of the setting sun shone into the hall, casting a long shadow of Liu Bei.

Li Yi stood quietly to the side, understanding in his heart that His Majesty was making plans for the future.

the next morning,

Jiang Wei donned his armor and led a troop of elite cavalry out of the west gate of Luoyang, heading straight for Guanzhong.

On the city wall, Liu Bei and Li Yi stood side by side, watching the procession depart into the distance.

"Ziyu, do you think Boyue might be able to shoulder important responsibilities in the future?"

Liu Bei suddenly asked.

Li Yi bowed and answered:

"Your Majesty, a fine sword is forged through tempering, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold."

"Boyue is a rough gem; tempered on the battlefield, he will surely become a great man."

Liu Bei smiled and nodded.

His gaze still followed the departing dust and smoke, as if he could already see the hope for the future of the Han Dynasty.

……

In the Guanzhong Plain, the spring chill lingers.

Jiang Wei arrived at Zhuge Liang's camp, weary from his journey, only to find banners fluttering and the army in perfect order.

He couldn't help but secretly admire the governor's strict discipline in commanding the army.

When Zhuge Liang heard that Jiang Wei had arrived, he personally went out to greet him.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two men began to discuss important military and national affairs.

"Boyue, what do you think should be our priority in the current situation?" Zhuge Liang asked, his feather fan waving lightly, his eyes piercing.

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment, then answered loudly:
"Looking at the Guanzhong Plain, one sees fertile fields stretching for thousands of miles."

"However, after years of war, the people's livelihood has been devastated."

"If we want to conquer Western Shu, we must first consolidate our foundation."

"Food and supplies are the lifeblood of the army. We should vigorously develop land reclamation and stockpile grain and fodder."

A look of approval flashed in Zhuge Liang's eyes:
“Excellent! This is exactly what I wanted.”

He then sighed:

"Unfortunately, the army is short of manpower, and the land reclamation project is progressing slowly."

Jiang Wei cupped his hands and said:
"Although I am not talented, I grew up in Tianshui and am familiar with the terrain of Guanzhong."

"If the Governor does not abandon me, I am willing to share his burdens."

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed:
"Having Boyue is like a fish finding water!"

Jiang Wei was recruited as a granary official to oversee matters related to military farms.

The following day, Zhuge Liang personally inspected the Guanzhong region with Jiang Wei.

The fields were barren and the people looked pale and sickly.

Jiang Wei couldn't help but frown:

"If the people's livelihood is like this, how can we support the army?"

Zhuge Liang then asked:
"This is a major concern of mine. Boyue, do you have a good plan?"

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment:

"Given the poor state of the water conservancy here, we should first repair the canals and weirs and divert the Wei River for irrigation."

"Then we will divide our troops to cultivate the land, both farming and defending it."

"Alternatively, refugees can be recruited, granted land and exempted from taxes, and taxes can be levied after three years."

Zhuge Liang clapped his hands in approval:
"Boyue is indeed a great talent!"

He immediately appointed Jiang Wei to take full charge of the land reclamation affairs.

Therefore, Jiang Wei worked day and night, first supervising the army and civilians to repair canals and build dams.

During the spring drought, Jiang Wei personally visited the construction site and shared the hardships with the soldiers.

In just over a month, the irrigation canals and weirs were repaired for a hundred miles, and water was diverted to irrigate the fields.

"Please take a look, Commander."

Jiang Wei pointed to a newly reclaimed field, "This is a newly established military settlement, where soldiers take turns cultivating the land."

"It will not interfere with training, and it can also produce enough food to be self-sufficient."

Zhuge Liang nodded and smiled.
“Bojo has made excellent arrangements.”

Before Jiang Wei arrived, Zhuge Liang had already laid the foundation for military farming in Guanzhong.

With Jiang Wei's assistance, Zhuge Liang was able to work more efficiently and free up a lot of energy and time.

Not long after,

The Guanzhong Plain was already a landscape of crisscrossing fields and full granaries.

Caravans traveled back and forth along the Silk Road, and markets flourished.

One day, Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei climbed to a high place to enjoy the view.

The wheat fields of Guanzhong rippled in the breeze, and merchants and travelers came and went in droves.

“Look, Peter,”

Where Zhuge Liang pointed with his feather fan, "What was once a barren land is now a fertile field stretching for thousands of miles."

"This is all thanks to you!"

Jiang Wei bowed and said:
"This is the result of the governor's strategic planning; I was merely following orders."

Zhuge Liang shook his head and smiled:
"No need to be overly modest."

"Guanzhong is now self-sufficient and does not need a lot of aid from the court."

"This is the foundation for our conquest of Wei!"

Just then, Fei Yi came to report:

"Governor, the latest grain and fodder statistics show that the grain reserves in Guanzhong are sufficient for two years!"

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed:
“Excellent! In this way, we will have no more worries about the rear when we attack Wei.”

Night came,

Standing alone in the field, gazing at the starry sky, Jiang felt a surge of emotion.

"Boyue has a refined taste."

A gentle voice came from behind me.

Jiang Wei hurriedly turned around and saw Zhuge Liang approaching under the moonlight. He quickly bowed.
"Grand Commander..."

Zhuge Liang waved his hand and laughed:
"When we meet in private, there is no need to address each other by official titles."

Jiang Wei then changed his words and said:

"Sir, are you here to stargaze as well?"

Zhuge Liang looked up at the sky, his feather fan waving lightly:

"The starry sky is brilliant, as if it were emerging from within."

"Boyue, do you know that within the Purple Palace Enclosure, the Emperor Star is dim, while the General Star shines brightly?"

Jiang Wei observed closely and indeed saw that the Emperor Star's light was faint, while the General Star shone brightly beside it.

I couldn't help but sigh:

"The celestial signs are a warning; could it be that something is amiss in the Central Plains?"

Zhuge Liang nodded:
"The same applies to celestial phenomena and human affairs."

He turned to look at Jiang Wei, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"I entered officialdom at a young age and have experienced many ups and downs."

"Seeing Boyue is like seeing myself as a young man."

Jiang Wei bowed and said:
"How dare I compare myself to you, sir?"

Zhuge Liang sighed softly:
"Since the incident involving Ma Su, I have not taken on any more disciples."

"However, after observing him these past few days, I have come to see that Boyue is both talented and virtuous, and that he cares deeply for the common people..."

He paused, then asked solemnly:
"Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Jiang Wei was overjoyed upon hearing this, and immediately straightened his clothes and knelt down in obeisance:
"Sir, you are a man of great talent, and I have long admired you!"

"Now that I have been favored, how could I dare to disobey?"

After speaking, he immediately performed the ritual of three kowtows and nine prostrations.

Zhuge Liang accepted the greeting with a smile and helped Jiang Wei up.

"Now that you have entered my school, you should know my teachings:"

"A general should have the well-being of the people in mind and not put personal gain first."

"Your disciple will remember your teachings!"

Zhuge Liang took out two scrolls of silk from his sleeve:

"This is the culmination of my life's work: the Twenty-Four Chapters of Military Strategy and the Eight Trigrams Formation Diagram."

"I now pass this on to you; I hope you will study it carefully."

Jiang Wei received it with both hands, feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

Upon unfolding it, one finds that the military strategy section is filled with battle tactics notes personally annotated by Zhuge Liang.

The diagrams in the "Formation Diagrams" section detail the intricacies of the eight formations.

"Master, this Bagua formation diagram..."

Zhuge Liang pointing with his feather fan:
"This formation is arranged according to the eight trigrams, with the eight gates of Rest, Life, Injury, Block, View, Death, Shock, and Open changing in a cycle."

"In the past, when we fought against Sima Yi in Chencang, we used this very formation to defeat him decisively."

Jiang Wei observed it carefully and felt that it was full of profound mysteries:
"I am dull-witted and fear I will not be able to grasp its essence."

Zhuge Liang laughed and said:
"When I first created this formation, it took me three years to complete it."

"You may first learn the changes of the three gates of rest, life, and injury, and proceed step by step."

So the master and disciple sat down on the ground, and Zhuge Liang personally gave instructions:

"Look at this gate of life. It seems like a dead end, but in fact, it hides a chance for survival."

"The art of war lies not in displaying strength, but in creating momentum."

As the night deepened, the Milky Way faded.

When Zhuge Liang explained the subtle points, Jiang Wei felt as if he had been enlightened.

Many of the doubts and difficulties of the past have suddenly become clear.

"Using troops is like treating an illness; one must know the exterior and interior, the strength and the weakness."

"Governing a country is like cooking a fish; one must know the proper heat and timing."

Zhuge Liang earnestly instructed, "If you ever command a large army in the future, remember this:"

"A skilled warrior is not angry; a good victor does not contend."

Jiang Wei respectfully agreed:

"This disciple will certainly follow the master's teachings and keep the well-being of all people in mind."

As dawn broke, Zhuge Liang rose:

"...That's all for today."

"There is plenty of time in the future, and I will teach you in detail."

Holding the two scrolls of military treatises, Jiang Wei watched Zhuge Liang's departing figure, his heart surging with emotion.

He knew that from now on...

I bear not only the expectations of my master, but also the hopes of all people.

Zhuge Liang walked in the morning light, a smile on his lips.

He finally found a successor to whom he could entrust his life's learning.

The great Han dynasty has found a worthy successor.

Since then,

When the night was deep and quiet, the master and apprentice would study military strategy and deduce battle formations.

Jiang Wei made rapid progress, not only mastering the changes of the Eight Trigrams, but also being able to draw inferences from one instance to another and put forward new insights.

Zhuge Liang often said with satisfaction:
"The student surpasses the teacher; my path is not lonely!"

In times of chaos, many talented individuals emerge.

A true sage must not only be well-versed in military strategy, but also understand the unpredictability of human nature.

The journey for the master and apprentice is still long.

……

(End of this chapter)