Mythical Three Kingdoms

With Zhou Yu’s pervasive perception, people like Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong, who have never witnessed such abilities and have no concept of hiding their spiritual talents, naturally were easily found by Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Regarding the duo of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong at first glance thought it was just a nobleman’s outing. Though there was no grand entourage, their aura was not one that ordinary people could imitate. Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong also came from aristocratic families, but unfortunately, during their youth, they did not possess such charisma.

”Are these the two?” Sun Ce asked curiously, stroking his chin. Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong didn’t seem particularly heroic; more like two little old men. In an era where the average life span was thirty, two forty-year-olds could already call themselves old men.

”Indeed, it’s these two.” Zhou Yu searched his mind for names that would match. After all, by now, famous figures across the land have appeared. Even if they were not officially employed, they already had their own reputations.

”They don’t look like it. They don’t look as handsome as you, nor as ugly as Shiyuan, not as arrogant as Gong Yuan, nor as long-faced as Ziyu, and not as stubborn as that guy.” Sun Ce scrutinized Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong from head to toe with a puzzled expression, and indeed, Sun Ce’s ministers were all quite characteristic.

The one Sun Ce referred to as ”that guy” was naturally Zheng Du, who absolutely refused to surrender, insisting on either being beheaded or staying in place, leaving Sun Ce helpless. Unresponsive to words, what else could be done? Capturing him only brought trouble. However, the good news was that his three suicide attempts had failed, and it seemed he had no current plans for further attempts.

”Those two are observing us.” Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong casually chatted, naturally noticing Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Speaking of which, with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu appearing together, even if they didn’t reveal their identities, their imposing presence would certainly make them the center of the world, starkly different from Liu Bei and Chen Xi, who could blend into a crowd without notice. Wherever these two stood, they were distinguished like cranes among chickens.

”Do not judge by appearances, Bofu. Those two across from us are genuine top-notch civil officials. Regardless of their particular strengths, taking them under our wing would greatly benefit us right now.” Zhou Yu rolled his eyes at Sun Ce’s comment, feeling speechless yet, upon reflection, seemed quite reasonable!

In reality, Sun Ce’s side currently lacked high-ranking officials adept at handling governance. Neither Zhou Yu, Pang Tong, nor Zhuge Jin were suited for this. The first two are battlefield strategists, and while Zhuge Jin could handle governance, he was not skilled in it. His strength lay in managing interpersonal relationships, which he used to unwieldingly achieve governance.

It was clearly a makeshift solution, but there was no alternative. Sun Ce’s retainers couldn’t produce effective civil officials skilled in governance, causing Zhou Yu’s personal involvement in development to become a primary reason for their current dire situation.

”What should we do? Go straight to the point?” Sun Ce asked. He had never personally invited anyone, as normally people suddenly pledged allegiance to him; such a situation was unfamiliar to him.

”We’ve already seen them, so let’s prepare gifts, investigate their backgrounds, and then visit them.” Zhou Yu laughed, acknowledging that they truly had no experience with such matters.

”Oh, so should we go back first?” Sun Ce raised an eyebrow and asked, ”What about Liu Xuande in the north; how should we handle it?”

”Let’s first clean up our internal issues, and then address it. Perhaps before long, Bofu, you’ll be granted a fief.” Zhou Yu laughed, saying no more.

Zhou Yu understood that with Sun Ce’s temperament, compromising and joining hands with Cao Cao was not something that could be decided quickly. The matter with Yuan Yao was something Sun Ce had been preparing to address with Yuan Shu, and Cao Cao was after all the executor.

”Don’t we need to set defenses on the river?” Sun Ce asked after executing Liu Biao and sending a decoy to Yongzhou, feeling elated and with a slightly improved intellect.

”No need. Liu Xuande needs to rest as well. Their territory has already expanded to its limit in a short time.” Zhou Yu responded indifferently. He had already set river defenses, but what Sun Ce was suggesting, heavy defenses, were in his opinion unnecessary.

”No way, they only deployed 150,000 troops to defeat Yuan Shao, and they also acquired many prisoners along the way. With Jizhou in their hands, without mentioning anything else, Yuan Shao’s forces should have been substantial at least.” Sun Ce looked at Zhou Yu in amazement; his intelligence had risen enough to prompt questions.

”You’re mistaken; they have even fewer troops now. Although the territory has grown, the places needing defense have also increased. More importantly, the demand for talent at all levels has surged. They’re seeking rapid resolution, aiming for one decisive battle to settle the world, to avoid breaking it.” Zhou Yu shook his head, feeling satisfied with the questioning Sun Ce; it was indeed progress.

”I don’t get it.” Sun Ce’s eyes glazed over, completely unable to comprehend what Zhou Yu was saying.

”The point is, their territory is vast, with many places to govern, requiring a lot of talent, but they don’t have enough people. The aristocratic families have people, but their demands are high, so briefly suppressing them is necessary. They need many people to govern these places, because the ability to reap post-war benefits gives war its meaning.” Zhou Yu patiently explained.

Seeing Sun Ce still confused, Zhou Yu felt a bit frustrated. Had he overestimated Sun Ce’s intelligence?

”Let me put it this way. The battle between Liu Bei and Yuan Shao caused minimal damage to the entire north, which is precisely what Liu Bei sought. If Liu Bei couldn’t manage this, the conflict would drag on, and with deserters and roving bandits appearing, the ensuing rule would be severely compromised.” Zhou Yu stated calmly, with a faint hint of admiration.

”In such a situation, the destruction of governance would be cataclysmic, so without assurance of stability, they won’t expand their territory. I estimate it will take about a year for them to fully gain control.” Zhou Yu speculated.

”How does this relate to not attacking us? Can’t they develop after the fighting?” Sun Ce perplexedly inquired.

”Because Liu Bei has grand ambitions. He currently has the strength to unify the land, but if the Feudal Lords unite, even if Liu Bei wins, it will take a long time, causing chaos for over five years. Neither we nor Cao Cao have Liu Bei’s ambitions.” Zhou Yu remarked with deep admiration.

”Five years, more than twenty million people in chaos, epidemics breaking out due to insufficient food and medicine, could lead to over ten million deaths. That’s a loss Liu Xuande cannot bear!” Zhou Yu’s eyes showed slight pity. ”He’s not aiming for a standoff, but for a thunderous strike, leaving us no room for resistance. For the Han Dynasty’s populace, that’s the greatest benevolence!” (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)