Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 187 The Two Kingdoms United, Only Deng Zhi

Sun Quan knew that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi did not have the authority to decide the outcome of the Han-Wu alliance, so he sent Zhuge Ke to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the situation and use the continuation of the Han-Wu alliance to intimidate Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi in order to stop the Han army from advancing eastward and to create a time difference.

But he seemed to have some misunderstanding of the situation.

Now, the one facing the pressure from Cao Wei is not the Han Dynasty, but himself, locked in a stalemate with the Wei army outside Xiangfan.

It was he himself who needed to maintain the alliance between Han and Wu.

If the war between Sun Wu and Cao Wei had ended, then the Han Dynasty might still have to worry that the two sides might be secretly flirting.

Currently, there is absolutely no possibility of reconciliation between the two sides.

Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi have arrived at Xicheng. Sun Quan's tens of thousands of naval forces are determined to defend the Han River and keep Cao Wei out of the three commanderies, thus buying time for Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi.

With Cao Wei having lost Guanzhong, public opinion was in uproar, and it was impossible for them to abandon the three eastern commanderies and negotiate peace with Sun Quan at this time.

If Cao Rui were to be defeated first by the Han army and then by the Wu army, the public opinion in the Guandong region would be in turmoil, and Cao Rui's heart would certainly not be able to bear it.

If that's the case, then what does Liu Shan have to fear?

The army pressed directly to the foot of the western city.

Would Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi dare to make a move?

Does Sun Quan still have the strength to lead his troops into Xicheng?

"Does Your Majesty mean to use their own methods against them?" The Prime Minister stroked his beard and spoke slowly, understanding what the emperor intended to do.

In fact, the Prime Minister had thought of this method as soon as he finished reading the urgent report.

However, to implement this method, one must have the power of judgment and the responsibility to be held accountable, either by the Emperor of Han or by the Chancellor of Han in person.

As the Emperor had stated, if the Han dynasty were to take drastic measures that brought the Han-Wu alliance to the brink of collapse, then his brother and Bu Zishan would not dare to fail to consult Sun Quan.

By the time this request was made, the Han army had already reached the foot of the western city.

When the time comes, whoever can take Xicheng from Shen Yi first will have to rely entirely on their own abilities.

Liu Shan nodded:

"Prime Minister, as you know, I originally intended to personally go to the Western City after my eastern tour of Fengyi."

"At this moment, it's just Sun Quan causing a little trouble; it won't prevent me from personally going."

"I want to see if Sun Quan has the courage to break the alliance when I, Zhao, the cavalry commander, and Deng, the commander of the eastern army, arrive at the foot of Xicheng."

In the month or so since the recapture of Guanzhong, the Han Dynasty has been extremely busy.

The Prime Minister was in charge of overseeing the affairs of Chang'an, meeting with the powerful families and clans of Guanzhong, selecting and employing talented individuals from Guanzhong, and promulgating a series of military, political, and civil policies, including land equalization and household registration, and water conservancy projects, in order to ensure that the winter planting in October would not be missed.

Wei Yan, along with Wang Ping, Wu Ban, Meng Yan, and Ju Fu, captured Yaoguan Pass.

After capturing Yaoguan, they continued their pursuit of the fleeing enemy, following the Wei army into Shangluo.

After easily capturing Shangluo, they began to reinforce the city's defenses.

This military victory pushed the southeastern defense line of Chang'an beyond Yaoguan Pass, securing a valuable strategic buffer zone for Guanzhong.

Otherwise, relying solely on a single pass, the Han Dynasty would find it difficult to establish stable agricultural settlements near Chang'an.

The eastern route, towards Tongguan and Linjin.

Generals Zong Yu, Feng Hu, Yang Su, and Wei Chang were constrained by the natural defenses of the Yellow River and Tongguan Pass, and could only remain inactive.

While building shipyards on the Wei River, they also vigorously constructed defensive fortifications west of Tongguan.

The western route towards Liangzhou.

Generals Wu Yi, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi, constrained by the Han Dynasty's multi-front war, faced a severe shortage of laborers, draft animals, carts, and boats for transporting grain, forcing them to narrow their supply routes.

In the confrontation with Xu Miao, Guo Huai, You Chu and other generals, they were in a strategic defensive position.

There were several heated discussions within the Han Dynasty regarding whether to take Liangzhou first or the three eastern commanderies first.

Those who wish to take Liangzhou first have concerns and worries just as Sun Quan described:

Once the three eastern commanderies are captured, the border between the Han Dynasty and Cao Wei will be too large.

With multiple fronts to fight, the Han Dynasty faced immense pressure on its military equipment and logistics.

The saying goes, "If you prepare for the left, you will be weak on the right; if you prepare for the right, you will be weak on the left. If you prepare for everything, you will be weak in everything."

Without being able to digest Guanzhong and lacking the strength to advance eastward, seizing the three eastern prefectures would do more harm than good.

However, Liu Shan reached a consensus with the Prime Minister and Zhao Yun to first take the three eastern commanderies.

There is no other reason.

Since the Han dynasty had severed the connection between Cao Wei's Guandong and Liangzhou regions, Liangzhou was like a turtle in a jar, ready to be seized at any time.

With Sun Quan engaged in a fierce battle with Cao Wei at Xiangfan, Cao Wei had no time to attend to the three eastern commanderies. Therefore, now was the best time to seize the three eastern commanderies.

Somewhat radical.

But the opportunity is fleeting.

Because the road from Hanzhong to Xicheng County is more than 300 li long, the mountain paths are narrow and the water flows swiftly, making it easy to advance but difficult to retreat.

If we do not seize the city while Cao Wei is preoccupied with its westward expansion, and instead wait until Cao Wei recovers and is blocked at the city walls, the losses in grain, ships, and carriages alone could amount to several years' worth of national savings.

The state of the Han Dynasty as a small country with a small population has not changed. Every time a military campaign is launched, the cost must be taken into account. This means that if Xicheng is not captured this time, it will be difficult to have another opportunity to capture it before Jingzhou is recovered and the three counties can be attacked from both sides.

Once Xicheng is captured, the heartland of Hanzhong will be completely safe.

The Cao Wei army's advance into Xicheng required far more national strength than its advance from Tongguan.

Therefore, the country's defense pressure will not increase much; the heavy troops originally stationed in Hanzhong can simply be moved to Xicheng.

Apart from Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi, all the generals had already taken up their own duties. In the end, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi led an army of 20,000 to return to Hanzhong via the Baoxie Road and advance on Xicheng.

According to the plan, the march would take about 45 days, plus preparation time, for a total of about 50 days.

To avoid wasting time on a long and tedious march, Liu Shan stayed in Guanzhong and began his thirty-three-day journey to Fengyi.

Originally, I planned to return to Hanzhong after arranging things for Consort Zhang and Consort Yang, and I had plenty of time. But I never expected Sun Quan to cause trouble.

Secretary Lang Xi Zheng translated the words spoken by the Emperor and the Prime Minister into official rhetoric.

After it was written, it was handed over to the emperor and the prime minister for review.

Seeing that there was no problem, Liu Shan ordered Deng Zhi's son, the Imperial Seal Attendant Deng Liang, to bring the seal, which he then personally stamped onto the bamboo slips.

Secretary Lang Xizheng took the bamboo slip sealed with the emperor's seal.

First, they took out the purple clay reserved for the emperor and sealed the bamboo slips with the clay sealant.

He then took out another imperial seal from the brocade pouch at his waist and stamped it on the purple clay seal.

Finally, the person attached pheasant feathers to the sealed bamboo slips to show the extreme danger and urge them to move as fast as they could.

After receiving the urgent dispatch, Liu Shan summoned a cavalryman and gave him a few instructions.

After the tiger-rider fled with the feathered proclamation, Liu Shan summoned Fu Qian again:
"Gongquan, I'm sorry to trouble you to make this trip in person again."

"After you meet Zhao Cheqi and Deng Zhendong, tell them to sneak into the west city and calm Shen Yi's mind."

"As for Sun Quan's words, there is no need to pay attention to them. Continue to advance on Xicheng."

"If Wu's army blocks the road with their troops, we will find a way to bypass them."

"If Wu Jun dares to break the alliance first, tell Zhao Chariot Cavalry not to hesitate and fight him. I will arrive soon."

This is in case the letter gets lost on the way.

The Great Han Dynasty's post horses entered through the Baoxie Road, which stretched for hundreds of miles along plank roads, posing a risk of falling off cliffs and into the water for both people and objects.

Therefore, when Fu Qian escorted Consort Zhang to Chang'an, he did not take the plank road at all, but instead took a long detour via the Longdi Avenue.

Fu Qian dared not delay, and after accepting the order, he immediately took his leave.

The Prime Minister watched Fu Qian's departing figure and said:

"General Zhao and Deng Zhendong are both people who know what is important and are good at adapting to circumstances. They may have already sent someone to the west city to discuss with Shen Yi."

Liu Shan pondered for a moment and nodded, feeling slightly relieved.

The matter concerns the alliance between Han and Wu, so it requires seeking instructions, but appeasing Shen Yi does not. General Zhao and Deng Zhi are both experienced and prudent, and they cannot be intimidated by that brat Zhuge Ke. They will only take action when the imperial decree arrives.

It's possible that the army is already on its way to the west of the city.

With this thought in mind, Liu Shan looked at the Prime Minister:

"The situation is dire and cannot be delayed. Your Excellency, I will return to Chang'an immediately and go directly to Hanzhong tomorrow."

"I entrust all matters concerning Guanzhong to you, my lord. I hope you will take care of yourself."

The Prime Minister's deep gaze met the Emperor's eyes. After a moment of silence, he said, "Your Majesty has just returned to Chang'an and is about to embark on another long journey. You should take good care of yourself."

Since the start of his personal campaign, the emperor has been traveling tirelessly without a single day's rest, no wonder he feels the burden on his shoulders has lightened considerably.

...

Xicheng County.

Or, to put it another way, Weixing Commandery.

Cao Pi personally changed the name after Meng Da, Shen Dan, and Shen Yi surrendered the three commanderies.

Its capital, Xicheng, was located southeast of the Han River.

The Han River flows to the west and north.

The south and east sides are surrounded by mountains.

It is six or seven li long from north to south and more than ten li wide from east to west.

It resembles a stomach, accessible only from the top and bottom, through the narrow passage of the Han River that cuts through the mountains.

Although Wu Jun had 50,000 troops, he did not besiege the city. Instead, he deployed his 50,000 troops on the two north-south passages of the western city.

All the boats traveling on the Han River were also brought under the control of Wu's army.

Shen Yi's communication channels with the outside world were completely cut off by the Wu army commanded by Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi.

General Deng Zhi, accompanied by Zhuge Ke and other Wu people, sailed eastward and arrived at the isolated island of Xicheng.

When Emperor Zhaolie was seriously ill and bedridden, the Han-Wu alliance entered the negotiation stage, but by the time Emperor Zhaolie passed away, the alliance had not yet been concluded.

When news of Emperor Zhaolie's death reached Eastern Wu, Sun Quan began to doubt the strength of the Han Dynasty. He also wanted to take advantage of the Han Dynasty's weakness to advance westward against the current and plot to seize Shu. Therefore, he refused to meet with the Han envoy.

Deng Zhi understood Sun Quan's intentions, so he wrote a memorial himself and requested an audience with Sun Quan, saying: "I have come here today also to serve Wu, not just Han."

Sun Quan then met with Deng Zhi and said to him: "I sincerely wish to make peace with Han, but I fear that the ruler of Shu is young and weak, and the country is small and vulnerable. If Wei takes advantage of us, we will not be able to protect ourselves. This is why I hesitate."

Deng Zhi remained neither humble nor arrogant.

"The lands of the four provinces of the two kingdoms of Han and Wu, the Marquis of Wu was a hero of his time, and the Chancellor of Han was also an outstanding figure of his era."

"Han has the natural defenses of its strategic passes, and Wu has the natural barriers of the three rivers. Combining these two advantages, they are as close as lips and teeth."

"It is natural that one can either conquer the world or stand as one of the three powers."

"If Lord Wu were to submit to Wei, Cao Pi would either order Lord Wu to come to court as a minister or request the heir apparent to come to Luoyang as a servant. If he does not comply, Cao Pi would surely take the order to punish the rebels."

“If Wei attacks Wu, the Han will have an opportunity to take advantage of it and will surely advance eastward down the river. In that case, the land south of the Yangtze River will no longer belong to the Lord of Wu.”

After Deng Zhi explained the advantages and disadvantages to Sun Quan, he remained silent for a long time before finally severing ties with Wei and making peace with Han, sending Zhang Wen to report the situation to Han.

After that, missions between Han and Wu continued incessantly.

Deng Zhi frequently traveled to Eastern Wu.

On one occasion, Sun Quan said to Deng Zhi:

"If the world is at peace, wouldn't it be wonderful to have two rulers governing separately?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Zhi responded frankly:

"There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two kings on earth."

"If after annexing Wei, the Marquis of Wu did not fully understand the Mandate of Heaven."

"Then the rulers of Han and Wu each flourished their virtues."

"The ministers of Han and Wu each did their utmost to be loyal."

"The soldiers of Han and Wu each carried drumsticks."

"Then the war has just begun."

In other words, even after the allied Han and Wu forces destroy Cao Wei, the Han Dynasty will still fight against Wu.

Sun Quan was not angry when he heard this.

On the contrary, they greatly admired the Han envoy's frankness, saying that he was sincere and genuine, unlike those hypocritical and pedantic scholars who flattered and fawned.

In his correspondence with the Prime Minister, Sun Quan lavishly praised Deng Zhi, saying, "Of all the states that can unite, only Deng Zhi can."

This Han general, who had a very good relationship with Sun Quan, was on his way to Xiangyang to discuss with Sun Quan the ownership of the three eastern commanderies.

However, since it was already late, they stopped at the foot of the western city and met with Wu generals such as Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi for a talk.

“Deng Zhendong, my father is stationed here.” Zhuge Ke pointed to the large camp adjacent to the Han River.

“My father was in charge of military affairs in the Southern Camp, while the Right General was in charge of the Northern Camp.”

The Right General was Bu Zhi, while Zhuge Jin was the Left General, holding a higher official rank than Bu Zhi.

The ship approached the dock.

However, before Deng Zhi could even reach the shore, she suddenly sensed some commotion in the western part of the city.

A moment later, the city gate, which had been tightly closed, inexplicably opened.

Before long, a Wei army force of five or six hundred men emerged from the city gate, pushing grain carts filled with sacks of hemp and kudzu. The carts rolled southward.

After landing, Deng Zhi headed north and eventually encountered the Wei army transporting supplies outside the Wu army's camp gate.

People from the Han, Wei, and Wu kingdoms met here, and the scene was surprisingly harmonious; at least no one shouted for battle.

Deng Zhi stepped forward and reached out to touch the burlap sack on the wheelbarrow; it was clearly millet.

The Wu army officers and soldiers who received the military rations used pens, ink, and bamboo slips to count and record the grain harvest.

Deng Zhi glanced around at the expressions of the Wei people and quickly understood what they meant.

Wei Junke used a method to besiege the city for a hundred days without any rescue, thus avoiding harm to the families.

Now, the Wu people are besieging the western city but not attacking it, while Shen Yi is sending people to deliver grain to the Wu people, thus going in both directions.

Although Deng Zhi had never met Shen Yi, she knew a little about him.

A fence-sitter, a powerful figure.

Sending grain to Wu's army—the meaning couldn't be clearer.

We are at peace now. If your Sun Wu forces can besiege this place for a hundred days, then I might surrender to you. So what?

As for war, we will definitely avoid it if we can avoid it.

But if you, Wu Jun, really want to launch a strong attack, you bunch of weaklings who will go limp once you get ashore, you might not actually have the ability to take down my fortified city.

In short, delay it for as many days as possible.

This confirms the speculations of General Zhao and Deng Zhi:
—Shen Yi probably didn't know whether the two counties of Shangyong and Fangling downstream had actually been captured by Eastern Wu.

As for sending people to deliver grain to Wu's camp, besides showing goodwill to Wu's army, there was another meaning: to let Wu's army know that there was enough food in the city, so that Wu's army would not have any thoughts of running out of food in the city.

Looking at the city two or three miles away, Deng Zhi began to think about how to enter the western city and how to keep the governor of Weixing in check.

It should be noted that this Prefect of Weixing had, about half a year earlier, when Meng Da was constantly exchanging letters with the Prime Minister, taken the initiative to expose to Cao Wei that Meng Da had the intention to betray Wei and join Han.

Cao Rui did not believe it.

When Sima Yi attacked Meng Da, Meng Da also led his army to cut off the Shu Road to prevent the Han Dynasty from coming to the rescue, which caused considerable friction with the Han Dynasty.

It can be said that there was almost no possibility of reconciliation between him and the Han Dynasty.

But given the circumstances, the Han dynasty still arrived.

(End of this chapter)