Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 248 Sun Quan's Joy Turns to Sorrow, Liu Shan Soars to New Heights

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

The red horse boats, used to transmit military intelligence from the front lines, nimbly weave through the gaps between thousands of sails on the river, maintaining a considerable speed even when going upstream.

After traveling about seven or eight miles from the battlefield, the Han emperor's flagship, the Yanwu, anchored in a harbor with calm waters.

The scouts on the red horse boat boarded the imperial ship and met the emperor and Grand Commander Chen Dao in the fifth cabin. After a brief greeting, they explained the military situation at the front to the emperor and the Grand Commander in detail.

"Pan Jun is at Yanyu Pass?" Liu Shan was not surprised by the military situation, but he did not expect Pan Jun to appear at the front line.

Fengche Duwei Fa Miao also frowned deeply and scoffed:
"Pan Jun is a truly ungrateful wretch who can never be satisfied with his kindness!"
"The late emperor treated him very well back then, but he pretended to be kind and surrendered to Sun Quan. He even offered up the military defense map of Jingzhou and helped the Wu bandits seize Jingzhou!"

"After turning against the Han, he became an enemy of the Han Dynasty several times!"
"To those in Jingzhou who cherish the Han dynasty, I wield my blade without mercy!"

"He was extremely obsequious to Sun Quan!"
"These hypocrites, these traitors and villains, should not be exterminated along with their entire families!"

Fa Miao lacked experience and his wisdom and strategy were inferior to his father's, but his personality was similar to his father's, both being vengeful.

Although they knew that Pan Jun was the hope of the gentry in Jingzhou, and that getting Pan Jun meant getting Jingzhou, they still did not want the court to follow the example of Emperor Gaozu pardoning Yong Chi's crimes and try to appease Pan Jun in the name of popular support.

Once captured.

Killing him wouldn't be enough to vent my anger.

Even executing nine generations of a family is not enough.

Liu Shan agreed with Fa Miao's words.

However… rationally speaking, Pan Jun represented countless Jingzhou scholars who had submitted to Wu. If Pan Jun's entire clan—ten generations…nine generations—were executed, it would inevitably cause those Jingzhou scholars who had surrendered to Wu with Pan Jun to live in fear, thus increasing the difficulty of pacifying Jingzhou.

It would be best to kill him amidst the chaos of battle.

Chen Dao glanced at Fa Miao, then observed the emperor's expression, and immediately understood. At the same time, the frustration in his chest dissipated somewhat.

He also hated Poon Chun to the core.

The humiliation of being defeated by an enemy is tolerable; one can curse oneself for being inferior and spur oneself to avenge oneself. But being betrayed by one's own people and causing the situation to collapse is truly hateful and cannot be forgiven without killing them.

Mi Fang, Fu Shiren, Pan Jun, and the like are all like this.

Previously, he had been filled with resentment, believing that since the emperor had the style of Emperor Gaozu, Pan Jun would most likely receive the same treatment as Yong Chi.

After all, mature politicians do not allow personal emotions and hatred to influence important decisions.

Upon realizing this, Chen Dao suddenly paused, then looked at the emperor who bore a striking resemblance to the late emperor in his youth, and chuckled to himself.

To avenge the loss of Jingzhou, the late emperor disregarded the opposition of his ministers and the political implications of launching a military campaign to punish the culprit. Now, Your Majesty does not wish to spare Pan Jun. Although this is unlike the actions of Emperor Gaozu, it is precisely the case that a son resembles his father. This is the style of the late emperor!
Liu Shan was unaware that Chen Dao was already plotting how to kill Pan Jun amidst the chaos of battle. He simply rose from the cabin, leaned against the railing, and looked eastward. After a moment, he turned back to Chen Dao and said:
"General Shuzhi, now that Anguo has made preparations, could we send a few large warships to venture into the Yanyu Shoal and test the effectiveness of Pan Jun's 'sinking cones'?"

"滟" refers to the light and shadow reflected in the rippling water.

"滪" refers to a huge rock protruding from the river.

"Shoal" refers to a dangerous section of a river where the water is shallow, the current is rapid, and the sand and stones are exposed.

These three words perfectly capture the hydrological characteristics of the Yanyu Beach, where the rapids and reefs intertwine.

This shoal is located one or two miles downstream from Yanyu Pass. During the flood season, the clusters of reefs are completely submerged below the river surface, and whirlpools and undercurrents are created by the reefs, making it a nightmare for boats.

After Chen Dao's death, Zhang Song's son, Zhang Biaodao, who was in charge of Chen Dao's military affairs, said:
"Your Majesty, Grand Commander, this spring the water is shallow and cold, and reefs have appeared on the river surface, greatly reducing the risk of ships hitting the reefs and sinking."

"But that scoundrel Pan Jun secretly sank iron spikes on this dangerous section of the river and set up a checkpoint upstream of this dangerous section."

Its purpose... is self-evident.

"He must have anticipated that once our great Han Dynasty could not overcome the muddy swamps in front of Yanyu Pass, he would definitely try to sail the boats downstream and land on that dangerous shoal."

"In this way, our Han Dynasty can take advantage of its numerical superiority to extend the battle line and thus weaken the Wu army's defenses."

“The iron cones that Pan Jun set up to sink into the river could be passed by small boats.”

"But warships, linked barges, and large fighting ships could sink upon contact..."

Upon hearing Zhang Biao's words and observing Zhang Biao's expression, Liu Shan smiled and asked:

"Does Boda have some brilliant ideas at his disposal?"

Zhang Biao was the son of Zhang Song. In his youth, he was famous at the same time as Cheng Qi, the son of Marquis Zhonggang Cheng Ji, and Yang Xi, who wrote "Ode to the Ministers of Shu Han". They were famous scholars in the middle and young generations of Sichuan.

When Zhang Biao saw the emperor ask the question, he did not immediately reveal his plan:
"Your Majesty, I do indeed have a small plan."

"But judging from Fa Fengche's expression, he seems to have some ideas as well. I dare not act rashly and try to show off my skills in front of Fa Fengche."

Upon hearing this, Fa Miao's expression slightly hardened.

Liu Shan then looked at Fa Miao and asked, "Does Han Zhuo also have good plans in his mind?"

Back then, Fa Zheng and Zhang Song welcomed the late emperor to Shu. Zhang Song was denounced by his elder brother Zhang Su, and Liu Zhang killed Zhang Song in anger. His son Zhang Biao was then placed in Fa Zheng's home, so Fa Miao and Zhang Biao knew each other since childhood.

However, both of them are strong-willed and can't stand each other, often arguing in public because of their differing opinions.

No matter how heated their arguments are, it doesn't stop them from visiting each other during festivals and paying respects to their ancestors together.

Fa Miao ignored Zhang Biao's "provocation," and instead bowed to the emperor, saying:
"His Majesty just said that we should arrange for several large ships to venture into the Yanyu Shoal and test the effectiveness of Pan Jun's sinking cones."

"It seems that His Majesty and the Grand Commander have already made plans for today's battle."

"Your Majesty possesses extraordinary talent and is adept at defeating enemies. The Grand Commander has fought countless battles and has a keen eye for strategy. I am but a theorist, and the strategies I can think of have already been devised by Your Majesty and the Grand Commander."

After speaking, Fa Miao glanced at Zhang Biao, then looked away.

Among the younger generation of the Han Dynasty, few have experienced war.

Fa Miao knew he lacked his father's abilities and had the good fortune to train alongside General Zhao in Xicheng, but had achieved nothing. He already knew the limitations of his own abilities.

Zhang Biao was summoned by the emperor a few months ago to serve as a court attendant. Now, on his first campaign, he naturally wants to make a name for himself in front of the emperor.

At this moment, he realized that Fa Miao was pointing out his "overestimation of his abilities," and he suddenly understood, bowing his head and not daring to speak lightly.

Ma Su was previously known for his knowledge of military affairs. He would discuss military matters with the Prime Minister from day to night, and everyone in Shu believed that Ma Su could succeed the Prime Minister. But what was his fate?
Seeing the expressions on Fa Miao and Zhang Biao's faces, Liu Shan slowly spoke:
"In this way, you two write down your plans on bamboo slips."

Even the most meticulous plan can have a flaw. Perhaps the strategy devised by me and the generals has some oversights, or perhaps your strategies are of some benefit to the army.

Liu Shan did indeed devise a plan with Chen Dao, Fu Kuang, Yan Yu, Fu Qian, and others.

However, the reason he kept Fa Miao and Zhang Biao by his side was to train these young people so that they could confidently and boldly participate in the military affairs of Guan Xing, Fu Qian, and others in the future.

Compared to talented but not necessarily loyal individuals, people like Fa Miao and Zhang Biao, who could be trusted, only needed to be of average or above-average talent to be cultivated as pillars of the state.

The Cao family and the Xiahou clan are the most typical examples.

Fa Miao and Zhang Biao looked at each other, and Chen Dao also gave them an encouraging look. The country lacked talent, and both of them were sons of loyal and righteous men. After all the elders had followed the late emperor, the heavy burden of the country would surely fall on their shoulders.

The two young men, Fa Miao and Zhang Biao, then took out pen, ink, and bamboo slips and began to write down their plans. Chen Dao also summoned his personal guards and issued the military orders he had signed.

Dozens of red-horse boats dispersed from the harbor where the "Yanwu" was docked. The military order signed by Chen Dao was quickly transmitted to every lieutenant and captain. Everyone was clear about their mission and ordered their soldiers to prepare for departure.

Before long, Liu Shan received two scrolls filled with writing from two young scholars, Fa Miao and Zhang Biao.

After watching.

He laughed and said:

"I never imagined that Han Zhuo and Boda would have the same idea. They really are worthy of having grown up together."

Seeing that the emperor showed no displeasure, Fa Miao and Zhang Biao relaxed somewhat.

But then the emperor encouraged them again:

"What you two wrote on the letter is similar in principle to the strategy implemented in the military order that General Shuzhi just signed, and it is quite commendable."

"In the past, Marquis Yi assisted the late emperor, enabling him to soar to new heights, a feat that cannot be replicated. Now, I also wish to employ wise and resourceful individuals to assist me."

"If you have any ideas or plans in the future, feel free to tell me. Even if they are wrong, it doesn't matter. I and the generals will take them as appropriate."

Both Fa Miao and Zhang Biao agreed.

After straightening up, Fa Miao hesitated, but finally mustered his courage and asked, "Your Majesty, if my plan is indeed similar to Your Majesty's, I have a doubt..."

"Han Zhuo speaks frankly." Liu Shan turned his gaze away from the warships—the Mengchong, Doujian, and Lianfang—that were setting sail on the Yangtze River, and looked at Fa Miao, gently raising his hand.

"At this crucial moment of beachhead assault, if our Han ships were to strike a cone and sink in the river, wouldn't... wouldn't that affect the morale of our troops?"

Liu Shan nodded and turned his gaze to Chen Dao.

Upon seeing this, Fa Miao and Chen Biao followed the emperor's gaze and looked at Grand Commander Chen Dao.

But Chen Dao's expression turned solemn, and he said:

"It should have some impact on morale."

"Our intention in abandoning the infantry and advancing eastward with the navy is to disperse Pan Jun's forces and cover Fu Gongquan's capture of Shenjian Pass on land."

"If there were no impact at all, why would Pan Jun be so determined to fight to the death with our Han Dynasty at Yanyu Pass instead of sending troops towards the mountains?"

"If there is no impact at all, how can Pan Jun be so sure that our Great Han is unaware of his plan to drown us in the river?"
"Otherwise, how could we have taken them by surprise and broken through the Iron Chain Pass in one fell swoop?"

Fa Miao and Zhang Biao seemed to be deep in thought.

Chen Dao summoned Yan Yu, the governor of Badong, and ordered Yan Yu to lead a thousand elite soldiers of the White Feather Army to protect the emperor and the Yanwu Emperor.

Then they raised the banner and boarded the second five-story warship of the Han Dynasty.

A strong wind blew up.

On the Yangtze River, within a range of more than ten miles, the Han navy, whose head and tail could not be seen from each other, sailed eastward in a mighty manner. The sound of the attacking drums came from the harbor where the Yanwu was located all the way to the front of Yanyu Pass.

Inside Yanyu Pass, Pan Jun heard the sound of drums and saw the Han army ships that had been stationary on the river for a long time, especially the tower ship with the character "Guan" on it, which now seemed to be heading downstream towards the concave part of the river. He was overjoyed.

… …

At this time.

Wuchang, the palace city.

The afterglow of the founding of the nation and the New Year celebrations has not yet faded.

The Taiji Hall was filled with a warm fragrance.

The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments were melodious and graceful.

Sun Quan, the newly enthroned emperor of Wu, was hosting a banquet for his officials.

Inside the hall, wine cups clinked, laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, and everyone's face was beaming with excitement and joy at the great victory over Cao Xiu and the ascension of the new emperor.

Sun Quan, wearing a twelve-tassel crown and dressed in black robes and crimson skirts, sat on his imperial couch, looking relaxed and at ease.

His face was excessively rosy, whether from being drunk, warmed by the stove, or with a beautiful woman in his arms.

The officials, including Lü Yi, Hao Pu, and Yin Fan, the Imperial Censor who had defected from Wei to Wu and was renowned for his talent as a prime minister, took turns offering flattering and celebratory words to the Emperor of Wu.

"Come! Drink! Let's get drunk together!" Sun Quan emptied his wine cup and shouted happily. Seeing his ministers raise their cups, he even started singing.

Even after the song ended, the enjoyment was still not over.

He then ordered his beloved general Ding Feng to perform a sword dance in front of everyone.

Ding Feng's sword dance was powerful and vigorous, and all the wise men applauded and praised him.

Sun Quan glanced around the Taiji Hall and saw a gathering of civil and military officials. He laughed heartily, his satisfaction evident in his words.

After Ding Feng finished his sword dance, Sun Quan pushed away the beauty in his arms and invited Ding Feng to sit and drink with him.

However, before Ding Feng could decline, a palace attendant rushed in from outside the hall, looking flustered.

He bypassed the banqueting officials and hurried to Sun Quan's throne, holding up a feathered proclamation and a silk scroll. He knelt down and announced, "Your Majesty, Pan Taichang from Wuxian has sent an urgent report from a thousand miles away!"

The music continued.

However, the smiles on the faces of Sun Quan and several ministers, including Lu Xun, Xu Sheng, and Ding Feng, suddenly vanished.

Sun Quan frowned, seemingly displeased at being disturbed by an urgent report at such an auspicious time.

He casually set down the golden goblet, took the silk handkerchief, and said, slightly drunk:
"It must be Pan Chengming coming to claim credit or complain again."

"He reported a few days ago that he had noticed something unusual about the Shu army."

"I have already granted him the imperial insignia, authorizing him with full authority... What else is there..."

Sun Quan's words came to an abrupt end.

The silk scroll had already been unfurled, and on it were familiar, hurried characters.

Sun Quan's gaze swept over them quickly.

The color drained from his face at a visible speed, turning from rosy to ashen.

The fingers holding the silk trembled slightly from the excessive force.

"boom!"

Sun Quan slammed his hand on the jade table in front of him.

The cups and plates are clattering!

The hall fell into a deathly silence!

All the musicians and dancers were so shocked that they stopped what they were doing and were at a loss for what to do.

The ministers' expressions froze, and they looked at Sun Quan with surprise and uncertainty.

"Liu Adou!!!"

Sun Quan's roar broke the silence; he practically spat out those words through clenched teeth.

The ministers stared intently, only to see that the emperor's forehead veins were bulging and his chest was heaving violently.

A moment later, Sun Quan threw the silk in his hand to the ground, stood up abruptly, and the tassels on his crown shook violently, making a chaotic sound.

The civil and military officials in the hall all paled, exchanging bewildered glances, wondering what exactly the military report had written that had caused the Emperor of Wu to lose his composure in such a state.

"I knew it! I knew it!"

"This son of a pig and a dog has no good intentions!"

"What 'Chengdu Revolving Army' and what 'Reign Change Ceremony'? It's all a conspiracy!"

General Lu Xun, the governor of Jingzhou, rose from his seat and strode forward.

He bent down to pick up the silk from the ground, quickly glanced at it, and remained calm and composed.

"I humbly beg Your Majesty to calm your anger." Lu Xun's voice was steady, carrying a calming power.

"This is a common tactic used by the people of Shu."

"To strike unexpectedly and catch the enemy off guard is the only way."

"The previous statement that I had returned to Chengdu was precisely a strategy to lower the guard of our Great Wu."

"Fortunately, Pan Taichang was insightful and took precautions in advance. He secretly deployed spies in all directions and held the passes firmly, which prevented the Shu bandits from succeeding in their cunning schemes."

“Observe the urgent report submitted by Grand Master Pan.”

"Although Shu has successively broken through the Xilin and Shiya passes."

"However, Yanyu Pass, Shenjian Pass, and Tiesuojiang Pass are all extremely dangerous and fortified, and their military preparations are sufficient. They can hold out against the Shu people for at least a month and a half."

"A month and a half is enough for my great Wu."

"Your Majesty, please issue an edict immediately, ordering all defenses in Jingzhou to procure provisions and military equipment."

His words were clear and logical, which immediately eased the panicked atmosphere in the hall.

Sun Quan, panting heavily, sat back heavily on the imperial couch, his gaze fixed on the front with a gloomy expression, and gritted his teeth as he said:

"What Boyan said, how could I not know it?"
"But I can't swallow this insult!"

"Your Majesty..." At this moment, General Xu Sheng, Marquis of Wuhu and General Who Guards the East, also stepped forward.

He was still recovering from serious injuries and his face was still somewhat pale.

But his eyes remained sharp as ever, and he clasped his hands in supplication.

"The Shu bandits are rampant. I request to lead an army westward."

"We will rush to the aid of Grand Master Pan and surely defeat the Shu army for His Majesty!"

Sun Quan glanced at him, took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed his anger, and waved his hand:
"Wen Xiang's body has not yet recovered, how can he move lightly?"

"It's alright, it's alright."

“Wu County has Chengming (Pan Jun) and Gongli (Sun Shao).

"Zigui has a type of fish called Zhoufang."

“Yiling has a righteous official (Zhu Ran).

"Fangling and Linju also have Wen Gui (Pan Zhang) monitoring Zhao Yun, which is enough to deal with the situation."

“Since Chengming has said that we can hold out for a month and a half, we can deploy our army at our leisure.”

His rationality gradually returned, and he began to calmly consider the overall situation.

Lu Xun nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"Your Majesty, Master Pan is very thoughtful, but I have another concern."

"Zhao Yun of Fangling was a veteran general of Shu, skilled in warfare."

"If the battle breaks out in Wuxian, it is hard to guarantee that they will abandon Fangling and take a risky strategy, trying to sneak through the mountain paths to harass Wuxian from behind."

"We must strictly order Yi Feng (Zhu Ran) and Wen Gui to strengthen the defenses in the Zigui and Xinling areas, paying particular attention to the mountain roads to the north, and absolutely not give Zhao Yun any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

Upon hearing this, Sun Quan's expression hardened, and he calmed down completely: "Boyan's concerns are absolutely correct! Lü Yi!"

Lu Yi, the secretary of the Imperial Secretariat who had been standing respectfully to the side, immediately stepped forward and said, "Your subject is here."

"Draft an imperial edict immediately!"

"Order General Pan Zhang to strictly guard Fangling and Linju, and send out many scouts to thoroughly investigate the mountain passes and valleys to the north!"

"If any Shu troops come from the direction of Fangling, no matter how many or how few, we must intercept and annihilate them, and not allow a single soldier to threaten the grain supply route back to Wuxian!"
"Issue further orders to all prefectures to quickly mobilize provisions and weapons, and dispatch 30,000 troops, from..."

His gaze swept across the generals, and he began to issue a series of orders quickly and clearly.

The festive atmosphere inside the hall had vanished, replaced by a tense and ominous feeling of impending battle.

Singing and dancing had long been retired.

Although the main hall was still brightly lit during the day, only the voices of Sun Quan issuing commands and the solemn sounds of his ministers accepting and responding to them echoed.

What was originally a grand banquet to celebrate the new year and the new emperor turned into a military conference to prepare for war.

The sudden outbreak of war on the western front was like a bucket of cold water poured over Liu Shan's head.

The drunkenness and merriment on Sun Quan's face had vanished, replaced by anger and coldness in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)