Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Xianhe, it’s been a long time, can you still recognize my voice?” A hearty laugh came from outside. Jian Yong was first taken aback, then suddenly remembered who this person was, and burst into laughter as he opened the door.

After the door was opened, they saw a scholar dressed in simple elegance standing at the doorway, a gentle smile on his face, exuding the demeanor of a cultured literatus.

”Chief Secretary, it’s been a while,” Jian Yong greeted Yi Ji with a smile, then poked his head out to glance outside, signaling Wuu Anguo to keep watch, before carefully closing the door.

”Phew, it’s really not easy to make a trip here,” Yi Ji let out a long sigh, after all, he was officially a minister under Liu Biao, and coming to Xiangyang, now occupied by Yuan Shu, was a considerable risk.

”Why did you suddenly come over? This is Xiangyang, and if you’re caught, no one will be able to save you. Liu Jingsheng doesn’t even have the strength to counterattack Jingbei, let alone hold Jingnan,” Jian Yong said in a lowered voice, as if afraid of being overheard, though with Wuu Anguo outside, there was really no need to worry.

”Eh?” Yi Ji was slightly surprised. The last time he and Jian Yong attended the Mount Tai alliance, he understood that Jian Yong was a diplomatic talent, not one for strategy.

”This, cough cough, after so much exposure at Mount Tai, I’ve gained some understanding of the overall situation,” Jian Yong, noticing Yi Ji’s surprised look, didn’t hide anything and said without any embarrassment.

”Mount Tai is indeed a magical place,” Yi Ji said with a sense of emotion, ”I think I’ll have the chance to go there again.”

A gleam of sharpness passed through Jian Yong’s eyes, but it disappeared the next moment, unnoticed by anyone.

”I came this time at the request of our Lord. What you said before is true—Jingnan is vast with sparse population, beset with fierce animals and insects, and plagued by rampant Barbarians, draining a lot of my Lord’s energy. Though Kuai Yidu strategizes, the situation is irreversible,” Yi Ji did not hide any of Liu Biao’s circumstances.

”Is it that bad?” Jian Yong clicked his tongue. He had heard from Jia Xu and Li Youu during casual conversations that Liu Biao, even if he shone with the brilliance of a heroic leader, even if Kuai Yue was a talent without equal, even if Huang Zhong’s abilities were top-notch, it would still be difficult for him to reach Jingbei!

Liaoo Li, Gu Yong, and Yuy Fan, though not as clever as Kuai Yue in their schemes; Jiangh Qin, Wen Pin, and Dong Xi weren’t as brave as Huang Zhong, but they had ten times the supplies compared to Kuai Yue, ten times the provisions of Huang Zhong. They didn’t even need to fight—just watch Huang Zhong and Kuai Yue deplete their food supplies in frustration and retreat.

With the stability and ample supplies of troops and grain, Wen Pin and Gu Yong had no pressure to outlast their opponents with ease.

”The population in Jingnan is too low, and with Han and Barbarians living together, the locals are unruly and tough to manage. The Wu Creek Barbarians still clash with my Lord from time to time. Although they’re not versed in Military Strategy, taking advantage of the terrain, Kuai Yidu also doesn’t have a good solution,” Yi Ji said helplessly. The combat power of the Wu Creek Barbarians was considerable.

Speaking of which, these so-called Wu Creek Barbarians and Shanyue actually belonged to the Han People, only they were mountain dwellers, living in remote areas, in poor and treacherous conditions known for Crafty People. Naturally, their Combat Power in mountain warfare was formidable.

As for Huang Zhong, his strength was indeed formidable, and by now, the Wu Creek Barbarians all knew that encountering Huang Zhong meant either surrender or a fight to the death. The problem was how many could Huang Zhong kill on his own? Having suffered several defeats, the Wu Creek Barbarians had become somewhat restrained, but they still occupied a vast expanse of territory. As for how to subjugate these people, at least up to now, Kuai Yue had not thought of any strategy, only left to slowly drag things out.

”Forget it, let’s not talk about these matters. I mainly came for two things. One is that I hope you can take Huang Hansheng’s son to Mount Tai for medical treatment,” Yi Ji said to Jian Yong, the expression in his eyes clear for Jian Yong to see, which couldn’t help but surprise him.

Perhaps also noticing the surprised look in Jian Yong’s eyes, ”This was my suggestion to General Huang, and initially, General Huang disagreed. However, in the end, out of desperate concern for his son, he agreed to it. But from now on, there will be no Huang Xu; Jingnan has already announced his death,” he added.

Jian Yong took a deep breath, marveling repeatedly at Yi Ji’s tactics. Such a hero as Huang Zhong was actually persuaded by Yi Ji. Though the inevitable factor of Huang Xu’s doomed fate played a part, the implications of Yi Ji’s achievement were self-evident.

”At this, Yong expresses his gratitude on behalf of General of the East to Chief Secretary,” Jian Yong bowed deeply. Although he had long noticed Yi Ji’s great affection for Liu Bei, he had not revealed it due to his position as a minister of Liu Biao, and he had not expected such a significant gift this time.

”Xianhe must also be careful. Whether this matter succeeds depends on the child’s fate,” Yi Ji had already made his words very clear, leaving Jian Yong to be cautious, ”However, please don’t feel too much pressure, Xianhe. General Huang was willing to announce his own son’s death in Jingnan; you understand what this implies. Even if it does not succeed, I still have a sixty percent confidence.”

Jian Yong nodded but trusted Hua Tuo’s medical skills so much that he wasn’t too worried. However, Yi Ji’s words did indeed relieve Jian Yong a great deal, and he hadn’t expected that Yi Ji could actually connect with Huang Zhong.

”Rest assured, with Physician Hua in Mount Tai, as long as one is not yet dead, there is definitely hope for recovery,” Jian Yong said with utmost confidence. Yi Ji also nodded. If it weren’t for Hua Tuo’s renowned reputation, Huang Zhong would not have agreed to his proposal, knowing that although Zhang Zhongjing could not cure him, he at least kept Huang Xu alive until now.

”Let’s talk about the other matter. This is the real reason I came here. Military Advisor Kuai has asked me to inquire when you will make your move on Yuzhou,” said Yi Ji seriously.

”I do not know,” Jian Yong shook his head. Chen Xi and Jia Xu would occasionally propose attacking Yuzhou, but it was clear that no real action had been taken, and until now, it’s been all talk; instead, they are heavily engaged with Yanzhou.

”My Lord Liu Jingsheng hopes to form an alliance with the General of the East to support together the Han Dynasty’s restoration and to expel the dark shadow the Yuan Family has cast over the Han Dynasty,” Yi Ji spoke, ”Both our lords are Han Imperial Kinsman and bear no conflicts. Moreover, Jingsheng has long admired Lord Xuande.”

”I cannot decide on this matter, but I can take the message to my Lord, Liu Xuande. Whether it is accepted or not, you will receive a reply, but I believe the chances of agreeing to this are quite high,” Jian Yong decided after a brief contemplation, feeling it was better not to reject it outright.

”Many thanks, Xianhe,” Yi Ji nodded, speaking his thanks. Compared to Jian Yong, who was purely a diplomatic talent, Yi Ji had his understanding of the grand situation of the world. Now, with Liu Biao situated in Jingnan and even though not the strongest, he had the natural barrier of the Yangtze River. It was difficult to capture the Jingbei Plains, but more than sufficient for defense.

Should they leave Jingnan and enter the Jingbei Plains, the situation might not be favorable, which was why Yi Ji suspected that there might be some hidden malice in Kuai Yue’s planning. However, Kuai Yue had also made the risks clear, and with Liu Biao still making such a choice, Yi Ji found it difficult to persuade otherwise. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to Qidian ) to cast your recommendation vote or monthly vote. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)