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

Chapter 426 Shu Han also needs its own generals and ministers.

In autumn, the maple leaves in Luoyang are already turning red and the chrysanthemums are turning yellow.

In the cabinet office, Zhuge Liang was writing furiously at his desk, his brow furrowed with deep worry.

"Prime Minister, all officials have arrived."

The attendant reported in a low voice.

Zhuge Liang put down his pen, straightened his clothes, and slowly walked towards the council hall.

Inside the hall, important officials such as Liu Ye, Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and Ma Liang sat on either side.

Upon seeing Zhuge Liang enter, they all stood up respectfully.

Li Yi was sitting next to the duty room.

He closed his eyes and rested.

He came here only to listen in and not to participate in the political discussion.

Of course, Li Yi came to listen in because the proposal was quite important.

Zhuge Liang glanced at Li Yi before speaking slowly.

"Please be seated, gentlemen."

Zhuge Liang took his seat in the main seat and glanced at everyone.

"What we are discussing today is a strategy to blockade the economy of Sichuan."

"As you all know, although Cao Wei was defeated, it still possessed the land of abundance."

"In addition, when Cao Cao was alive, he captured a large number of people from Guanzhong and Henan and brought them to Shu. His foundation was deep and could not be destroyed in a day."

"Now I intend to cut off their economic lifeline, causing the wealth of Sichuan to dry up and collapse without a fight."

Mi Zhu stroked his beard and pondered:
"Sichuan is located in a remote western region, and its resources are naturally scarce."

“If we cut off their trade routes, we can indeed achieve the effect of subduing the enemy without fighting.”

"However... this move will also harm the interests of merchants in the Central Plains."

Mi Zhu was originally a merchant, and he knew very well that trade with Shu should be completely cut off.

How many people's interests will be harmed?

Mi Fang also chimed in:

“...Brother is absolutely right.”

"Shu brocade and sugar are both popular in the Central Plains. If a blockade is imposed, it may cause dissatisfaction among the business community."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly:
"I have considered this proposal many times."

"However, for the sake of the early unification of the world, this pain must be endured."

He unfolded the case file and methodically introduced it to everyone:

"I have also drafted the following prohibition:"

"First, goods from the Central Plains are strictly prohibited from entering Sichuan, especially ironware and grain."

"Second, the sale of Shu brocade, salt, sugar, and other similar products to the Central Plains is prohibited."

"Third, strictly investigate border smuggling; those who violate this rule will be treated as traitors."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Ma Liang coughed lightly:
"Prime Minister, if this order is carried out, the people of Shu will likely suffer collateral damage."

"At that time, I don't know how many people in Sichuan will starve to death."

Because when Sima Yi governed Shu, he forcibly developed the Shu brocade trade while neglecting agricultural development.

Meanwhile, when Zhuge Liang was in Jiaozhou, he took advantage of Cao Pi's weakness for sugar.

They deliberately leaked the sugarcane frosting technology and then allowed large quantities of sugarcane from Lingnan to flow into Sichuan at low cost.

This is to promote the development of the sugar industry in Sichuan.

Therefore, the State of Wei accumulated a great deal of wealth through Shu brocade, sugar, and its already developed well salt trade.

But in ancient times, it was an agrarian society.

People eat for food.

Once a complete economic blockade was imposed on Sichuan, prohibiting any goods from flowing into the region.

Therefore, the highly developed Shu brocade and sugar frosting of Sichuan could not be immediately turned into food.

That would really starve people to death!
With the limited resources of the state of Wei, industrial transformation could only be achieved temporarily.

However, the development of agriculture in ancient times required transformation on an annual cycle, which inevitably involved a long period of painful adjustment.

This was precisely the strategy Zhuge Liang had been planning for a long time to destroy Shu.

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly and sighed deeply:

"How could I not know of Ji Chang's worries?"

"However, Cao Wei occupied Shu for more than 20 years, using the resources of Shu to support its army and horses."

"If the root cause is not addressed, the war will drag on and the casualties will be even greater."

"This is a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils."

After a day of heated debate, the bill was finally passed at sunset.

Zhuge Liang personally used the seal and said in a deep voice:
"This order shall be promulgated immediately throughout the land, and all checkpoints shall strictly enforce it."

Ten days later, in Chengdu.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Central China has issued an economic blockade order!"

The newsboy ran along the street, his voice filled with despair.

Zhou Renzheng, a Shu brocade merchant, was negotiating with merchants from the Central Plains in a teahouse when he heard the news and his teacup fell to the ground with a "clatter".

"Brother Zhang, is this...is this really true?" Zhou Ren asked the merchant opposite him in a trembling voice.

The merchant surnamed Zhang shook his head with a wry smile and took out a notice from his pocket:
"The documents just arrived this morning."

"From this day forward, not a single piece of Shu brocade may leave Sichuan, nor may goods from the Central Plains enter Sichuan."

Zhou Ren snatched the notice, his hands trembling:
"What...what should we do?"

“I have three thousand bolts of Shu brocade stockpiled in my warehouse, all of which were ordered from the Central Plains.”

Before the words were even finished, a commotion arose downstairs.

Merchants flocked to the street, only to see a group of Wei soldiers posting prohibitions.

"It's over! It's over!"

Old salt merchant Zheng Yu collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down his face.

"My Zheng family has been in the salt business for three generations, and now...where are we going to sell all this salt?!"

In Yizhou, the most valuable economic resource is actually salt.

Because of the existence of well salt, Yizhou had a very large profit in the salt industry.

Meanwhile, Yizhou has "fire wells" which serve as natural gas wells.

This led the people of Shu to start using natural gas wells to boil salt very early on.

This salt-making method is low-cost and effective.

Previously, the Central Plains had not completely blocked the outflow of goods from the Shu region.

The aim was to encourage the people of Sichuan to shift their industries to high-profit sectors such as handicrafts and sugar production.

Because once trade reaches a certain scale, the Central Plains will be sealed off.

It would be difficult for Sichuan alone to process so many goods.

Of course, the trade war itself is a double-edged sword.

It harms the Shu region, and it also harms the Central Plains.

But the Central Plains are a vast and resource-rich land, and can withstand this wave of losses.

But the situation in Shu was difficult to predict due to its small size.

A roar suddenly erupted from the crowd:

"Where is the imperial court? Why isn't it taking any action?"

"Where is General Deng Ai? Quickly, please summon General Deng!"

In chaos,
Zhou Ren returned to the shop dejectedly, only to find his employees gathered in the courtyard, all looking ashen-faced.

"Boss, the order from Jiangnan...do we still need to ship it?"

The shopkeeper asked cautiously.

Zhou Ren gave a bitter laugh:

"Send it? How can we send it? All the checkpoints will be cracking down hard; this is going to kill us!"

at the same time,

Inside the Chengdu Prince's Palace, Deng Ai and Sima Zhao were also having an urgent discussion.

"The Qi people's plan is vicious, truly vicious!"

Deng Ai slammed his fist on the table and stood up, saying, "The resources of Sichuan depend on the Central Plains. If the trade routes are cut off..."

"Within a year, both military and civilian supplies will be in dire need!"

Sima Zhao pondered for a moment and said:

"...General, do not worry."

"Although the roads to Shu are difficult, they are not necessarily impassable."

“We can send someone to contact the Qiang people and ask them to pass through the northwest to trade with the grasslands and western countries.”

"I'm afraid that distant water can't quench a nearby fire!"

Deng Ai paced anxiously. "The most urgent task is to stabilize public morale."

"You may immediately report to the King and issue the order:"

"From this day forward, all Shu brocade and frosting sugar will be purchased by the government; private price reductions are strictly prohibited!"

Wang Chang, the garrison commander of Tongguan, summoned his subordinates and solemnly said:

"The imperial court has issued an order to strictly investigate merchants and travelers from this day forward."

"Anyone found smuggling goods from Sichuan will have their goods confiscated and be imprisoned!"

The lieutenant hesitated and said:
"General, the bustling trade routes of the past are now suddenly blocked, which may cause trouble."

Wang Chang said sternly:
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

"I have received a secret order that anyone who secretly communicates with the Shu region may be executed first and reported later!"

the next morning,

Chaos indeed broke out at Tongguan Pass.

Dozens of caravans blocked the gate, their anger rising upon hearing the ban.

"Why are we being suddenly banned from doing business legally?"

A merchant who traded Shu brocade protested loudly.

"These goods represent a huge investment; if you're going to confiscate them, you might as well kill us!"

The defending soldiers drew their swords, and the atmosphere became tense.

Wang Chang ascended the gate tower and proclaimed loudly:

"Gentlemen! It is not that I am heartless, but that this is the policy of the state."

"The Han and the traitors cannot coexist; engaging in trade is tantamount to aiding the enemy! I hope you all understand!"

A commotion erupted below.

Some merchants knelt down and begged, while others angrily destroyed their goods.

Some even attempted to force their way through the pass, only to be captured on the spot by the guards.

Similar scenes were playing out simultaneously at various passes.

Wuguan Pass, Sanguan Pass, Hangu Pass...

The once bustling trade route fell into dead silence overnight.

Inside the Luoyang Merchants' Guild Hall, all the merchants gathered together, each with a worried expression.

"President Li, you have to think of a solution!"

Silk merchant Zhao Kui said anxiously, "Shu brocade has always been a bestseller in the Central Plains. Now that it's out of stock, how are we going to explain this to our old customers?"

Chairman Li sighed deeply:
"The imperial court's orders are strict; who dares to disobey?"

"but……"

He lowered his voice, "Although the land route is cut off, we may be able to travel by water..."

"No!"

An old man nearby quickly intervened, saying, "I've heard that warships are already patrolling the waterways. Anyone caught smuggling will be executed without mercy!"

"But gentlemen, I heard from people in the palace that the first round of the ban will be in effect for a full three months."

"Our inventory is dwindling every day. If this continues, we'll all go bankrupt!"

Another member of the association, Zhao Kui, pounded the table and sighed deeply.

Because Li Yi encouraged national economic development, he specifically established official decrees such as the Pingzhun and Junshu decrees to manage the national trade routes.

As a result, private businesses spontaneously organized chambers of commerce to coordinate trade routes.

But non-governmental organizations certainly can't touch the iron fist of the state.

Zhou Ming, the youngest businessman in the room, suddenly lowered his voice:
"I have heard that Zhang Tao, the nephew of Zhang He, the deputy general of Tongguan, recently purchased a mansion in Luoyang and spent lavishly."

Everyone was startled when they heard this.

The experienced and prudent shopkeeper, Mr. Li, stroked his beard and said:
"What do you mean by that, my dear nephew?"

Zhou Ming glanced around at everyone, his eyes gleaming:
"The border general's salary is limited, where does he get so much money?"

There must be something fishy going on here!

"If we... follow the example of those who came before us..."

"No!"

Manager Li said urgently, "The imperial decree is strictly enforced; how can it be violated?"

"Moreover, have you not heard that a new official makes three bold moves upon taking office?"

"Since taking office, Zhuge Liang has been eager to achieve political results."

"His blockade of goods in Sichuan was one of his methods."

"If we bribe the border general right under his nose and openly oppose the court's policies, wouldn't we be courting death?"

Zhao Kui, however, seemed to be deep in thought:
"However, if the trade routes are cut off, we will also face certain death."

"Besides, Zhang Tao is General Zhang He's nephew."

"General Zhang is at the height of his power in the court, and almost no one dares to offend him."

"Perhaps... we can test the waters a bit."

The crowd looked at each other, and finally fell silent.

Three days later,
At the back gate of the Tongguan garrison commander's residence, Zhou Ming arrived to see Zhang Tao carrying two heavy wooden boxes.

"General, this is freshly picked tea from Jiangnan, brought especially to present to you."

Zhou Ming bowed and smiled.

Zhang Tao glanced at the wooden crate and sneered:

"Speak frankly, Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Ming leaned closer and whispered:

"I only ask that the general do me a favor and allow my caravan to pass through the border at night."

"I am willing to offer 30% of the profits from each cartload of goods as a tribute to the General."

Zhang Tao pondered for a moment, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table:
"How dare you bribe an official of the imperial court!"

Zhou Ming calmly opened the wooden box, revealing a dazzling display of silver:
"This 300 catties of silver is just a deposit."

"If the general agrees, there will be a greater reward in the future."

Zhang Tao's gaze lingered on the silver box for a long time before he finally waved his hand:
"At midnight tonight, at the north side gate."

……

One month later, in Chang'an.

Jiang Wei was inspecting military affairs when a secret messenger presented him with a letter from Zhuge Liang.

The book states briefly:

“Boyue writes: I have recently heard that border generals are accepting bribes and indulging in personal corruption. This trend must not be allowed to continue.”

"I hereby authorize you to investigate this matter with full authority and ensure that the wicked are eradicated."

"Be careful, be very careful."

Nothing stays secret forever, and news of the border smuggling eventually reached Zhuge Liang's ears.

After reading it, Jiang Wei's expression suddenly darkened:
"Send the order! Gather five hundred soldiers and proceed to Tongguan immediately!"

Inside Tongguan City,

Zhang Tao was having a banquet at his residence when he suddenly heard a commotion outside the door.

Who is making noise outside?

Zhang Tao shouted, his eyes glazed with drunkenness.

Before he could finish speaking, the door burst open with a loud bang.

Jiang Wei led his armored soldiers in, his eyes flashing like lightning:

"Zhang Tao! Do you know your crime?"

Zhang Tao was mostly sober, and forced himself to remain calm:
"General Jiang, what makes you say that?"

Jiang Wei threw down an account book:
"This is a detailed list of your bribes: 3,000 catties of silver, and 27 instances of smuggling merchant caravans!"

"With witnesses and physical evidence presented, how dare you still try to deny it?"

Zhang Tao collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down his face.
"General, spare my life! I was confused for a moment."

"Just for the sake of my uncle Zhang He..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Wei interrupted him sharply:

"I am here today on the orders of Prime Minister Zhuge to dismiss you from your post and investigate you."

"Now that the evidence is conclusive, let alone the fact that your uncle is Zhang He."

"Even if we invited Grand Marshal Zhang, it wouldn't have made a difference!"

After saying this, he ordered his soldiers to forcibly take Zhang Tao away.

No matter how much Zhang Tao cried and shouted, it was to no avail.

Three days later,
The market in Tongguan was packed with people.

Zhang Tao and four other generals who accepted bribes were escorted to the execution ground.

Jiang Wei personally oversaw the execution and loudly proclaimed:
"The border guards have received great favors from the nation."

"How dare he accept bribes and indulge in personal gain! His crime deserves death!"

"He will now behead him and display his head to the public as a warning to others!"

A flash of blade, blood splattered on the execution ground.

The soldiers watching were all terrified.

Subsequently, Jiang Wei thoroughly investigated the businessmen who had offered bribes.

The gate of the Zhao Clan Chamber of Commerce was surrounded by soldiers.

"Zhou Ming! Come out and stand trial!"

Jiang Wei shouted sternly.

Even as Zhou Ming was being escorted out of the Chamber of Commerce, he maintained his composure.
"General Jiang, we are conducting business legally. What crime have we committed?"

Jiang Wei sneered:

“Legitimate business practices? Bribing government officials and engaging in illegal smuggling.”

"Is this also legal?" Zhou Ming suddenly shouted:

"How are you soldiers any different from bandits? You're clearly trying to seize our property!"

The merchants took the opportunity to create a commotion:
"The soldiers are robbing us!"

Jiang Wei's gaze turned cold:
"Stubborn to the end! Guards!!"

"Take down all these unscrupulous merchants! Confiscate their goods and revoke their business licenses!"

The officers and soldiers responded and stepped forward to arrest the man.

Zhou Ming struggled and shouted curses:

"Jiang Wei! You've cut off our escape route; how is that any different from murder?"

"Are these the loyal ministers of His Majesty the Holy Ruler?"

Jiang Wei was furious. He strode forward and grabbed Zhou Ming by the collar:
"Listen up, all of you! Prime Minister Li has always valued commerce."

"Taxes were reduced and trade routes were opened, which is why you are where you are today."

"Now that the country is in dire need, it is the time for you to serve your country."

"How dare you commit such an outrageous act!"

He released his grip and looked around at the merchants:

"From this day forward, this is the fate of anyone who engages in illegal smuggling!"

Zhao Kui knelt down and begged, crying:

"General, please have mercy! We know we were wrong!"

Jiang Wei's expression softened slightly:

"If he can redeem himself through meritorious service, he may be given a lighter sentence."

"Are you all willing to assist the imperial court in monitoring commercial activities in Shu?"

The merchants looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally kowtowed one after another:
"I am willing to obey the general's orders."

at the same time,

News of Zhang Tao's execution spread like wildfire throughout Luoyang.

Inside the residence of the General of Chariots and Cavalry who conquered the west.

Upon receiving the devastating news, Zhang He's jade ruyi shattered instantly.

"Jiang Wei, you brat! How dare you speak like this!"

Zhang He, his beard and hair bristling, slammed his palm on the table, causing the teacups to jump wildly.

"When I followed Prime Minister Li in his campaigns, he was still in his mother's womb!"

The generals below the hall fell silent, trembling with fear.

Although Zhang He's nephew Zhang Tao was not his biological son, he was someone Zhang He had personally promoted.
Being publicly executed by Jiang Wei is tantamount to slapping the face of this founding veteran.

As the old ministers of Liu Bei's reign gradually passed away from illness.

There are very few military generals in the court who can keep Zhang He in check these days.

Therefore, Zhang He was practically a national treasure in the Han Dynasty.

Many ministers treated him with great respect.

However, without being notified, Zhang He had his nephew killed by Jiang Wei.

This was a disgrace to him.

Of course, if you want to delve deeper, you can indeed say that Jiang Wei acted impartially.

However, in officialdom, it's not as simple as saying "there are laws to follow" to allow you to kill people at will.

For example,
For the powerless emperor, it meant that "the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people."

For the emperor who held real power, the principle was that "the Spring and Autumn Annals have great principles, and the law does not apply to those of high status."

Legal provisions can only constrain ordinary people.

For high-ranking officials and nobles, there is a flexible set of standards.

He cautiously advised the soldier:

"...General, please calm down."

"Zhang Tao's acceptance of bribes and indulgence in personal gain are indeed violations of national law."

"shut up!"

Zhang He glared angrily, "Even if he is guilty, he should be taken back to Luoyang for trial."

"How could Jiang Wei arbitrarily use the death penalty?"

He pondered for a moment and then summoned his trusted lieutenant, Hao Zhao:

"Bo Dao, go to Chang'an immediately and tell them that you have been ordered by the Ministry of War to inspect the border affairs."

“Take good care of Jiang Wei, I want to have a look.”

"Let's see what this brat, who's barely out of his skin, has that he dares to kill my men!"

Hao Zhao looked troubled:

"General, Jiang Boyue is, after all,..."

"Ok?"

Zhang He's gaze was like lightning.

Hao Zhao hurriedly bowed:

"The last general takes command!"

Inside the General's Mansion in Chang'an,

Jiang Wei was reviewing official documents when a personal guard suddenly reported:
"General, General Hao Zhao from Luoyang has arrived outside the city. He says he has been ordered by the Ministry of War to inspect the border."

Jiang Wei put down his pen and frowned slightly:

"Hao Bodao? Zhang He's trusted deputy... He arrived quickly."

He straightened his clothes:

"Open the middle gate to welcome guests."

Hao Zhao led more than ten personal guards in with an air of superiority.

Seeing that Jiang Wei had only brought two civil officials to greet him, he was displeased and deliberately raised his voice:
"General Jiang, you have quite the airs! I am here on a mission from the Ministry of War to conduct an inspection. Why do you not come out of the city to greet me?"

Jiang Wei, neither humble nor arrogant, cupped his hands and said:

"...General Hao, please forgive me."

"I was too busy with border affairs to greet you from afar."

"And may I have a look at the Ministry of War documents you mentioned, General?"

Hao Zhao was taken aback. His trip was originally Zhang He's private mission, so why did he have a document from the Ministry of War?

He could only offer a weak defense:

"I am acting on General Zhang's orders!"

Jiang Wei smiled slightly:
"In that case, General Hao, please go to the post station to rest first."

"We will receive you after Wei has finished dealing with his urgent military affairs."

Hao Zhao was furious:
"Jiang Wei! You have shown contempt for your superior!"

"Don't dare."

Jiang Wei remained calm, saying, "But this is a strategically important border region, where laws and regulations must come first."

"I regret that I cannot comply with your request to conduct an inspection without proper documentation."

Hao Zhao was furious, but then he saw that all the soldiers around him had their hands on their sword hilts and their eyes were piercing.

He had no choice but to suppress his anger and said:
"Very well! I'd like to see how long you can remain so arrogant!"

that night,

Hao Zhao secretly inspected the defenses of Chang'an and found the checkpoints heavily guarded.

The night patrol soldiers were in high spirits and couldn't help but nod in approval.

The next day,

Jiang Wei invited Hao Zhao to observe the military exercise.

On the drill ground,
More than 10,000 soldiers were in perfect formation and obeyed commands in unison.

Hao Zhao deliberately made things difficult for him:

"I've heard that General Jiang is skilled with the repeating crossbow; could you demonstrate?"

Jiang Wei took the crossbow and fired ten arrows in quick succession, each hitting the bullseye a hundred paces away.

Then he said:
"General Hao is a veteran who has fought on the battlefield for many years, and can be considered Wei's senior."

"I dare to ask for your guidance."

Hao Zhao took the crossbow and fired several shots, all of which hit their mark.

However, he secretly admired Jiang Wei's martial arts skills.

At the evening banquet, Hao Zhao said again:
"I heard that the General has been cracking down on smuggling recently. I wonder if it has been effective?"

Jiang Wei took out a roll of account books:
"Since March, we have seized contraband worth 200,000 taels of silver."

"The total amount of Jingyuan coins exceeds thirty million."

"Thirty-seven officers and generals involved in the case were dealt with."

"The atmosphere at the border has been greatly improved."

Hao Zhao reviewed the account books and found that the records were detailed and the evidence was conclusive.

Even Zhang Tao's crimes were listed clearly, which made one sigh:
"General, your enforcement of the law is as firm as a mountain; I admire you."

"But... Zhang Tao is, after all, General Zhang's nephew..."

"The general killed so hastily. If he ever becomes an official, he should at least try to save face in everything he does."

Jiang Wei, however, said solemnly:

"...the law is not the same as the value."

"Zhang Tao's crimes are well-documented and irrefutable. If he is not severely punished, how can the public be convinced?"

"Although I respect General Zhang, I dare not let personal matters interfere with my official duties."

Hao Zhao remained silent for a long time, then raised his glass and said:

"General, you are truly a national hero!"

Ten days later, Hao Zhao returned to the General's Mansion in Luoyang.

Zhang He asked urgently:

"How was it? Did you manage to stump that brat Jiang Wei?"

Hao Zhao shook his head and sighed:

"General, Jiang Boyue is strict in disciplining his troops and enforces the law rigorously. He is truly a pillar of the nation."

"Zhang Tao's case... he certainly deserved his punishment."

Zhang He's expression changed drastically:

"Even you're speaking up for him?"

Hao Zhao knelt on one knee:

"...This humble general dares not."

"However, when observing Jiang Wei's military and political governance, he always upheld justice and fairness."

"The soldiers of Chang'an were all deeply moved and impressed."

"If we were to lose such a good general because of personal grudges, it would not be a blessing for the country."

He took out the border defense map given to him by Jiang Wei:
"This is a border defense strategy personally drawn by Jiang Wei. Please take a look, General."

Zhang He unfolded the map and saw that the markings were detailed and the defenses were meticulous.

He even improved the Longxi defense system, which he had managed back then, to the point that it was now impeccable.

As he looked at him, his gaze gradually softened.

"This child... is indeed talented."

Zhang He frowned, but the anger on his face did not subside.

Seeing that Zhang He's anger had not subsided, Hao Zhao carefully poured a cup of tea and said softly:

"...General, please calm down."

"After all, Jiang Wei is Zhuge Liang's personal disciple, so we should give him some face."

"Humph!"

Zhang He pushed the teacup aside, "Don't try to intimidate me with Zhuge Liang! How many years was he prime minister?"

"When I was fighting alongside Prime Minister Li, he was still growing sugarcane in Lingnan!"

Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the mansion.

The steward scrambled into the hall, his voice trembling as he reported:
"General! Prime Minister Li's carriage has arrived outside the mansion gate!"

Zhang He's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly stood up:
"What? Prime Minister Li has arrived?"

"Quick! Open the main gate to welcome them!"

He hurriedly straightened his clothes and whispered to Hao Zhao:

"The Prime Minister is usually a recluse, so his presence today must be for important matters."

The mansion gates were wide open, and a simple blue sedan chair was seen parked in front of the steps.

Li Yi, with his white hair and beard, slowly walked out, supported by his attendants.
Although he wore only an ordinary cloth robe, he exuded an imposing aura without being angry.

"I was unaware of Your Excellency's presence. I have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

Zhang He bowed respectfully, showing none of his previous arrogance.

Li Yi smiled slightly:
"...Junyi, there's no need for such formalities."

"I have come uninvited and have disturbed you."

"Your Excellency is too kind! Please take a seat!"
Zhang He personally led the way and led Li Yi to the main seat in the main hall.

A maidservant served fragrant tea. Li Yi took a small sip and slowly said:
"...Good tea."

"How has Junyi been lately?"

Zhang He replied respectfully:

"Thanks to the Prime Minister, all is well."

"What wind blew the Prime Minister here?"

Li Yi put down his teacup, his expression gradually becoming solemn:
"To be honest, I have come here to ask Junyi to intervene and coordinate the investigation of a smuggling case at the border."

Zhang He's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive:
"If Your Excellency commands, I will do my utmost."

"So good."

Li Yi nodded. "This case is of great importance, and only a seasoned and prudent general like Junyi can handle it."

"I hope you will work closely with Kongming and the cabinet to thoroughly investigate this case."

"...This subordinate understands."

Zhang He nodded respectfully.

Li Yi stood up:

"In that case, I won't bother you any longer."

After saying that, he lifted his clothes and got up to leave.

Zhang He hurriedly tried to persuade him to stay:

"It's a rare occasion for the Prime Minister to come; why not have dinner before you leave?"

"A new chef from Jiangnan has arrived at our residence."

Li Yi waved his hand and laughed:

"...Thank you for your kind offer."

"However, the family has already prepared a meal. I have always disliked wasting food, so I will not trouble them any further."

After seeing Li Yi off,
Zhang He returned to the hall with a solemn expression.

Hao Zhao asked in confusion:
"General, Prime Minister Li has come all this way just to say these few words?"

Zhang He sighed deeply and slumped down.

"Bo Dao, Bo Dao, don't you understand?"

"The Prime Minister is specifically warning me about Zhang Tao's matter."

He pointed to the teacup that Li Yi had just used:
“What is the Prime Minister’s status? If you wish to discuss official business, you may summon me to your residence.”

"Today you personally come to my door and say these seemingly insignificant things."

"In reality, it was to prevent me from making things difficult for Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei."

Hao Zhao suddenly realized:

"I see! Then... how does the general plan to deal with this?"

Zhang He remained silent for a long time, looking at his cold nephew, who had transformed into a warm vision of fame and fortune.

He finally let out a bitter laugh:
"Since the Prime Minister has spoken, Zhang Tao's death is just that—death."

"Issue my order: Starting tomorrow, coordinate with all efforts to investigate and prosecute smuggling cases."

"besides……"

He paused:

"Prepare some top-quality tonics and send them to Jiang Wei in Chang'an."

"It is said that... I saw that he was working hard for the country, so I specially gave him this to nourish his body."

Hao Zhao understood:

"Understood, sir. I will take care of it immediately."

Three days later, at the General's Mansion in Chang'an.

"Report—General Zhang from Luoyang has sent someone to deliver gifts."

Jiang Wei opened the gift box and found top-quality ginseng, deer antler, and other tonics, along with a letter written in Zhang He's own handwriting:
"To General Boyue: I have heard that you are guarding the border."

"Having worked tirelessly day and night, I have prepared this small gift to express my gratitude."

"I will do my utmost to assist in this smuggling case and jointly safeguard the nation."

"Handwritten by Zhang Junyi".

After reading it, Jiang Wei smiled and said to those around him:

"...General Zhang is indeed a man of great principle."

"Send word to send back a fine horse from the Western Regions, saying it is for Wei's request to learn military strategy."

After the attendant left to carry out his orders, the lieutenant asked curiously:

"General, Zhang He was making things difficult for you the day before yesterday, why is he doing so today?"

Jiang Wei gazed towards Luoyang and said softly:

"It is truly a blessing for the country to have such a discerning and insightful minister as Prime Minister Li in the court."

Since then,

Zhang He indeed assisted the investigation with all his might, and the smuggling activities along the border were greatly curbed.

This subtle power struggle between the general and the minister has become a little-known but beloved story in Luoyang.

Of course, the biggest beneficiary in this case was none other than the young general Jiang Wei.

He not only established his authority by killing Zhang Tao.

He also established a close friendship with Zhang He, a founding general of the Qing Dynasty, despite their age difference.

……

(End of this chapter)