Has the Han Dynasty been restored today?

Chapter 94 Making Friends

Chen Zhi sighed softly: "So, what do you two generals want to say to me? Do you perhaps disagree with the imperial court's decision to send troops to Liangzhou and want me to dissuade you?"

Wu Ban shook his head and said, "That's not the case. We two certainly support the court's strategy, but today we wanted to speak with Fengzong. There's no problem with heading west into the Qiang region, nor is there any problem with advancing into Liangzhou. It's just that the court's attitude towards Sima Yi is wrong!"

"Is it only permissible for the imperial court to attack Liangzhou, but not for Wei to attack Hanzhong and Wudu? Preventing Sima Yi from launching a large-scale military campaign is certainly not a problem, but if he does come, Wudu and Hanzhong are not unfamiliar places. If we want to fight, we can win! Not only do we not need to fear him, we can also try to lure him into attacking!"

Wu Yi stroked his beard and said, "That's exactly what we mean. We're worried that the court has lost its morale after the Prime Minister's death and won't dare to confront Wei head-on. The Wei army's only advantage is its cavalry, but Wudu and Hanzhong are both mountainous areas. Using infantry to subdue cavalry is the right way, and it's also the Han army's strength. There's no need to fear Wei!"

"I have learned much from your teachings." Chen Zhi stood up and bowed to Wu Ban and Wu Yi respectively. "I will certainly report your wise words to the Emperor verbatim!"

"Allow me to pay my respects to the two generals!"

Having said that, Chen Zhi picked up the wine cup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

Although it's noon, drinking a little won't interfere with afternoon activities, as long as you don't drink excessively.

Chen Zhi had roughly understood what Wu Yi and Wu Ban had said.

In short, in the view of Wu Yi and Wu Ban, Sima Yi was a civil official who led troops. He first rose to the high position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat in Wei, and then served as a commander-in-chief in an important position outside the capital, unlike Zhang He, who was a veteran general with many years of experience. Battle strategy was not his forte; Sima Yi's strength lay in leading generals in coordinated battles from the position of an important court official.

That's why Wu Ban commented that Sima Yi was inferior to Zhang He.

This is understandable, as Zhang He had served as a general for over forty years, and Wu Yi, Wu Ban, and others had always valued him highly.

In addition, as Wu Yi just pointed out, Sima Yi's mind was primarily on politics when he fought battles; he was waging political wars. If we also consider Chen Zhi's own understanding of Sima Yi's history, and the lifespan of Emperor Cao Rui of Wei—

Sima Yi already held the positions of Governor-General of Yong and Liang and Grand General, with no room for further advancement. Any major battle would only bring political uncertainties to him. From a political standpoint, Sima Yi would never intentionally launch a preemptive attack on Hanzhong.

For Sima Yi, the best course of action would have been to transfer his power in Yongliang to the central government as soon as he sensed that Emperor Cao Rui of Wei was nearing the end of his life.

If so, could we take more significant actions in Liangzhou? And try to win over the Qiang and Hu peoples more?

Listening is beneficial. Chen Zhi needs to understand the situation between the two countries from the perspectives of Fei Yi and Jiang Wei, and also needs to listen to the ideas of these veteran generals.

After a few drinks, the conversation naturally shifted from grand matters to personal future prospects.

Wu Yi casually asked, "Fengzong, I wonder if His Majesty has made any different arrangements for us after moving to Hanzhong?"

Chen Zhi said, "His Majesty has highly praised the two generals. They deserve to be rewarded for their merits. Please wait patiently for good news."

Wu Ban laughed heartily: "How could we not believe what Fengzong says? You got married in Chengdu, and we were in Hanzhong and didn't even have time to prepare gifts for you—"

"General, please don't be so polite," Chen Zhi quickly replied. "Your family already sent gifts when I got married, and I am deeply grateful for the gifts from your esteemed elders."

Wu Ban said, "I'll send you gifts later. But speaking of which, when do you plan to bring my granddaughter into your household? Does Minister Fei permit it?"

Chen Zhi smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Since you have spoken, it is acceptable to say it is autumn."

"Fei Pu She is indeed a remarkable man." Wu Ban raised his wine cup again: "Feng Zong, let's drink another full cup!"

However, since it was lunchtime, they didn't drink too much while eating and chatting, and Chen Zhi then took his leave.

Upon returning to Mianyang, Chen Zhi had barely sat down in his duty room when he heard another knocking on the door.

"Please come in!"

Chen Zhi gave a greeting, and the door was immediately opened from the outside, allowing a high-ranking official to enter. Upon closer inspection, Chen Zhi recognized the man as Liu Min, the newly appointed Vice Minister of War.

"Minister Chen, I hope I am not disturbing you?" Liu Min smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. "May I come inside for a chat?"

Upon seeing Liu Min's face, Chen Zhi immediately stood up and said with a friendly smile, "Minister Liu, it's been a long time. Please take a seat."

"Okay." Liu Min nodded with a smile, then closed the door quite comfortably, found a seat and sat down, not at all awkward.

Chen Zhi cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask what business Minister Liu has with me?"

Looking at this young minister who was more than twenty years younger than himself, Liu Min felt a mix of emotions. The last time he saw him, he was just an imperial censor, but now he was already a high-ranking official with a salary of two thousand piculs of grain. How quickly he had been promoted!

However, Liu Min's expression remained unchanged, still smiling: "It is so. I heard that Minister Chen has returned from his mission to Wu. Minister Xu of the Ministry of War asked me to inquire with Minister Chen about the military situation of Wu's expedition last year and the results. The Ministry of War should also have some information about it."

"I see." Chen Zhi nodded and replied directly, "Last year, Wu launched a three-pronged attack, and Sun Quan personally led 100,000 troops to Hefei—"

Chen Zhi spoke slowly, and Liu Min listened while occasionally interjecting with questions.

Only after finishing his statement did Liu Min let out a long sigh: "Wu has launched military campaigns for two consecutive years without any success. It seems unlikely that Sun Quan will be able to send troops again!"

Chen Zhi nodded: "That's right. That's why when General Zong and I went on our mission, we persuaded Sun Quan for a long time. Sun Quan also agreed to maintain our alliance with our dynasty, saying that if our dynasty sends troops again, we can make an agreement with him in advance, just like when Prime Minister Zhuge was alive."

"That's good then." Liu Min stroked his beard, paused for a few moments, and then asked, "When Minister Chen went to Wu, did he hear about the movements of Wu generals Pan Jun and Pan Chengming?"

Chen Zhi feigned ignorance, knowing full well what was going on: "Why did Minister Liu ask about this person?"

Liu Min chuckled: "Pan Chengming is my cousin, and also Jiang Lingjun's cousin. Minister Chen, you may not know this, but Jiang Lingjun's mother, Pan Chengming's mother, and my mother are three sisters. They live far apart and rarely keep in touch, so I'm asking Minister Chen about it—"

"I see! My apologies, my apologies." Chen Zhi replied, "When I was in Jianye, I heard Hu Weize, the Wu Kingdom's Attendant-in-Ordinary, say that General Pan received the authority of a general from the Wu ruler a few years ago and has been campaigning against the Wuxi barbarians in Jingnan—"

After chatting for a long time, Chen Zhi finally saw Liu Min off. Before leaving, Liu Min repeatedly expressed her gratitude for the information Chen Zhi had brought.

Liu Min—When Chen Zhi first arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, he was talking to Yang Yi in the back hall. Taking advantage of the chaos, Liu Min fled to Wu Yi's camp and incited Wu Yi to support Jiang Wan and overthrow Yang Yi.

That being said, they are all colleagues. Although Liu Min is somewhat opportunistic and has put on quite a show today, Chen Zhi has no need to make things difficult for him.

Ultimately, whether it was Wu Yi, Wu Ban, or Liu Min, they all had some intention of forming a friendly relationship because of Chen Zhi's status as a close advisor.

Chen Zhi was young and had been promoted too quickly. To secure his position, he needed to maintain good relations with Liu Shan and make further contributions.

This campaign into Qiangzhong presents an excellent opportunity. I should seek a position to accompany the army into battle.

Therefore, Chen Zhi and Jiang Wei were truly kindred spirits!