The victory at Guangling was a significant triumph...
Outnumbered and outmatched!
Chen Deng appeared quite pleased and continued to dispatch men to search for any Jiangdong soldiers who had not yet boarded their vessels.
Subsequently... he ordered their heads to be severed, preparing to hang them at the gates of Guangling City, so the people of Xuzhou could witness the fate of those who dared to march north.
In addition, this served as a warning to his unfriendly "new neighbor," Liu Bei, Liu Xuande.
In fact...
Urgent dispatches regarding the battle and its reports had already been sent.
However... that evening, after enjoying a few drinks, Chen Deng felt his thoughts flowing like a spring and couldn't resist picking up his brush again: "Your subordinate, Chen Deng, Governor of Guangling..."
He wrote with great earnestness, detailing how he utilized Lu Yu's "name," Lu Yu's nonexistent "strategem pouch," to boost the morale of the three armies!
How he deployed his forces, how he divined Sun Quan's intentions.
All were clearly laid out in a letter intended for the Grand Minister's mansion.
He also wanted to give Grand Minister Lu some advance preparation.
It wouldn't do for his battle report to credit Grand Minister Lu as the primary contributor to the victory, while Grand Minister Lu remained completely unaware – that would be a huge embarrassment!
After finishing in one go, Chen Deng took another sip of wine, feeling even more at ease…
He subconsciously called out to his servant: "Bring some snacks!"
Hearing this, a servant presented a pile of fruits and pastries. Chen Deng casually picked one up and took a bite, then put it down with dissatisfaction, adding another sentence to his letter. Aloud, he recited: "I am happy today, bring some raw fish slices that this Governor favors."
Chen Deng had a great fondness for fish... and even more so for raw fish!
Little did he know, as the words left his mouth.
The official stepped forward and replied: "When Grand Minister Lu left Xuzhou previously, he specifically gave instructions that Governor Chen has an old ailment and cannot consume any food related to fish! Those who disobey and prepare fish for Governor Chen will be executed on the spot by Grand Minister Lu's order, with their entire clans implicated!"
As these words were spoken...
Uh…
Is it that serious?
Chen Deng looked up abruptly at the official. Under the piercing gaze, the servant remained composed, still holding the plate of fruits. There were no raw fish slices, nor even any cooked fish!
It seemed that with Lu Yu's command, the servant felt neither fear nor disrespect, maintaining a proper balance of deference and firmness.
Chen Deng immediately recalled the scene when Lu Yu had ordered Yang Xiu to treat him.
The large basin of small red worms spat out from his mouth was vivid in his memory!
Suddenly, he burst into laughter: "Good, these are the soldiers of our Xuzhou! We protect Xuzhou for Young Master Lu, and you protect Governor Chen's health for Young Master Lu! Wonderful, hahahaha, wonderful!"
With that said, Chen Deng picked up the fruit he had bitten into earlier and began to eat it.
Indeed, the more he ate, the tastier it became.
Heh heh… This further reminded Chen Deng that Young Master Lu's kindness to him was not just a matter of patronage, but also a matter of saving his life!
"Haha…"
He chuckled again and Chen Deng continued to write, this time with a vigorous flow of the brush…
"Jiangdong has recently suffered defeat, however... Sun Ce will never rest. The great army of Jiangdong will surely advance north soon. But the county of Jiangling in Xuzhou is as impregnable as a fortress; Grand Minister Lu need not worry! Chen Deng is untalented, yet he dares to assert that Guangling is safe! As long as the people are here, the city will be here! I hope Grand Minister Lu will attack Xiapi City soon and eliminate this troublesome ailment!"
Others write letters requesting troops or provisions... especially from a lonely city like Guangling!
Yet, Chen Deng's letter conveyed only four words: "Please rest assured!"
If four more words had to be added, they would be: "The tower stands, as do the people."
Admittedly... this great victory against Sun Quan had undoubtedly bolstered the confidence of this Chen family scion...
It also seemed to have revealed a method to defeat the enemy.
Yes, creating something from nothing.
How effective this tactic was!
Simply by packaging his own formulated strategies as Lu Yu's "ingenious stratagem pouch," the defending troops' morale would soar, their spirits would be as high as the clouds, and thus the soldiers of Xuzhou would naturally be invincible!
Finally finishing the letter, while drinking, Chen Deng looked at his masterpiece, shaking his head and humming, quite pleased with himself. "Wonderful, wonderful!"
In this letter, what he truly wanted to convey between the lines was a single sentence: I, Chen Deng, have not failed to live up to Grand Minister Lu's patronage!
Taking another gulp of wine, he felt refreshed!
Suddenly…
Chen Deng smacked his forehead.
Oh dear…
"How could I forget this?" Chen Deng hurriedly called out: "Bring the White Rainbow Sword captured from Sun Quan! Send it along with this letter to the Grand Minister's mansion in Xudu! Seven hundred li urgent dispatch!"
As everyone knows… Sun Quan was both talented in literature and martial arts, with wide-ranging interests.
In Jiangdong, during his leisure time… he would either hunt tigers or forge swords!
He forged six precious swords, named "White Rainbow," "Purple Lightning," "Bixie," "Meteor," "Qingming," and "Baili," which were even recorded in the "Records of Ancient and Modern Swords."
Having captured "White Rainbow," one of the six swords in this battle, Chen Deng had a bold idea: to send it to Grand Minister Lu…
Grand Minister Lu would surely be able to make great use of this sword.
Haha…
With this thought, the servant took the sword and letter and was already far away. Chen Deng let out another laugh!
…
…
Outside Wujun City, Mount Dantu!
The news of the great defeat at Guangling had not yet arrived. At this moment, Sun Ce was still immersed in the illusion that his two younger brothers were victorious, especially given their tenfold numerical advantage!
This was achieved without the support of the four great families of Wujun and the four great families of Kuaiji.
It was almost as if he had mobilized more than half of the Sun family's forces.
Of course, Sun Ce had not been idle either…
After today's hunt, he planned to lead the remaining twenty thousand troops to reinforce Guangling City in Xuzhou. Speaking of hunting, this Little Hegemon of Jiangdong was quite different from the Blue-Eyed Brute of Jiangdong!
Both hunting tigers…
Sun Quan had invented a "Tiger-Hunting Chariot," with extremely strong external protection to prevent tiger attacks. Inside, Sun Quan would wield a heavy crossbow and shoot arrows through a small opening – safe, stable, and efficient, a precursor to the modern tank.
But… Sun Ce was different.
If he encountered a tiger, he would directly confront it head-on, embodying the spirit of his father, Sun Jian, who was known as the "Tiger of Jiangdong."
Moreover, because he rode his horse swiftly, his personal guards could barely keep up. Therefore, let alone hunting tigers, he dared to duel any bear that appeared in the suburbs of Wujun City, on Mount Dantu!
Indeed… this time during the hunt on Mount Dantu…
As expected, just as it began, Sun Ce's entourage could no longer be found, not even his personal guards could keep pace.
Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong exchanged glances and shook their heads. Zhang Hong had repeatedly reminded Sun Ce to pay special attention to his own safety and not to lose sight of the bigger picture due to minor carelessness!
Yet, Sun Ce would agree verbally but never truly listened. Every time he got into action, he would charge ahead, leading the way!
Beside Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong, Yu Fan, the patriarch of the Yu family, the foremost of the four great families of Kuaiji, also repeatedly shook his head. Speaking of him, this patriarch of the Yu family was also extremely famous in Jiangdong.
He was a multifaceted talent, encompassing the roles of scholar, strategist, diplomat, mystic, physician, master of the spear, and champion long-distance runner.
Speaking of his specialties…
In the past, when Sun Ce was pacifying the Shanyue tribes, his soldiers had all been dispatched, leaving only Sun Ce and Yu Fan.
Coincidentally, shouts of battle from the Shanyue echoed from all directions, and coincidentally, the two had only one horse.
Yu Fan told Sun Ce to get on the horse. Sun Ce then asked what to do if Mr. Yu had no horse. Unexpectedly, Yu Fan patted his legs and said he could run three hundred li in a day. Thus… one rode the horse, and the other ran, managing to get away. The most remarkable thing was that Yu Fan's running speed was not slower than the horse!
But today…
Sun Ce was having too much fun hunting, running so fast that even the "champion long-distance runner" Yu Fan couldn't keep up!
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
Two arrows were shot, but they missed the agile wild rabbit. Sun Ce galloped after the rabbit, his retinue already long gone. Without realizing it, he entered a thicket of trees on Mount Dantu.
Just then…
With a "whoosh," three people emerged from the bushes. These three leaped up almost simultaneously, all holding bows and arrows.
Hmm…
Sun Ce was startled. However… always confident in his own unparalleled martial prowess, even when three people inexplicably appeared before him, he paid them no mind and showed no excessive caution. He merely reined in his warhorse and asked loudly.
— "Who are you?"
— "Reporting to our lord, we are soldiers of General Cheng Pu, here to hunt rabbits!"
As these words were spoken, Sun Ce felt something was amiss.
But being straightforward and lacking in guile, he immediately asked: "I know all of General Cheng Pu's soldiers, why haven't I seen you before?"
With that said…
Without any hesitation, he shot down one of them on the spot.
The other two, seeing that their deception had been revealed, raised their bows and arrows towards Sun Ce as he shot.
Sun Ce's martial arts were superb, but at such close range, in a direct exchange, he was caught off guard, while they had made ample preparations.
With a "whoosh"…
An arrow struck Sun Ce's left cheek!
"Ah…"
A scream of agony!
As this sound escaped, Sun Ce's guards rushed to his aid. Upon seeing their lord injured, they immediately charged at the two assassins.
"Want… want them alive!"
Sun Ce, clutching his face as blood streamed down his cheek, roared.
Before long, the guards apprehended the two assassins. The "champion long-distance runner" Yu Fan also arrived and immediately demanded: "Who ordered you?"
"Hmph…" With a cold snort, the two assassins exchanged glances. One assassin left five words: "We are the three retainers of Xu Gong!"
The other assassin then let out a loud roar to the heavens.
— "The Sun family is doomed!"
Subsequently…
The two simultaneously bit their tongues and committed suicide!
For them, this assassination was a predetermined death from the moment they decided to act!
However… the problem of food for the other retainers of Xu Gong had been resolved, the hope of overthrowing the Sun family had appeared, and they could also avenge Mr. Xu as they wished, dying without regret!
"You…" Yu Fan still wanted to speak.
But at this moment… "Ah…" Sun Ce let out a long cry. Perhaps due to excessive bleeding, even this iron-willed man was starting to falter!!
"Quick… quick… take our lord back, summon the imperial physician, summon the imperial physician." Yu Fan cried urgently…
"Report… report…"
Precisely at this moment, a scout delivered an urgent report. "Great defeat at Guangling, the second and third young lords have lost over twenty thousand troops and more than ten warships… the whereabouts of both young lords are… unknown!"
What?
In extreme pain, Sun Ce froze completely. "Ah…," a heart-wrenching howl followed, and then, the Little Hegemon of Jiangdong tilted his head and fainted dead away!
This… this…
At this moment, let alone others, even Yu Fan was astonished and at a loss…
His expression, if translated to the pre-transmigration era, would be a very trendy phrase: It's over, Barbie Qed!
…
…
…
On a quiet afternoon with sparrows chirping, sunlight dappled the serene lakeside. This was Shen Ting Ridge, located near Kuaiji Commandery…
This tranquil lakeside also possessed a beautiful name – Immortal Lake!
At this moment, beside Immortal Lake…
At a stone table.
Lu Xun and Chen Gong were playing chess. Although it was said they were playing chess, in reality… the two were chatting and laughing.
"Mr. Chen, your talent is indeed remarkable… the influence of these retainers of Xu Gong is considerable. I did not expect them to be able to strike a fatal blow and wound the Little Hegemon Sun Bofu!"
After Lu Xun finished speaking, he made his move.
In terms of schemes, if Lu Xun was considered a minor schemer, then Chen Gong could be called a seasoned schemer.
"Hahahaha…"
Chen Gong made his move without hesitation, reciting as he did: "Sun Ce's assassination was within expectations. However, what exceeded my expectations was that Guangling City actually held. Heh heh, these second and third young lords of the Sun family seem to be all fame and no substance!"
Hearing this.
Lu Xun didn't rush to make his move. Instead, he waved his hand. "Mr. Chen, my elder brother specifically mentioned that this Blue-Eyed Brute of the Sun family is not good at leading troops, but he excels at employing talented individuals and governing. Moreover… his greatest ability is his art of checks and balances, which is entirely different from the oppressive deterrence of the Little Hegemon of Jiangdong over the various great families!"
Hearing this. Chen Gong paused…
He seemed somewhat incredulous. "Did Young Master Lu really say this?"
"Indeed," Lu Xun nodded.
Chen Gong hesitated for a moment, and then lost interest in playing chess. He stood up abruptly, clasping his hands behind his back.
Speaking of the art of checks and balances… it was a profound study. Those who could master this art were no ordinary individuals!
Of course, if anyone else had mentioned Sun Quan's art of checks and balances, Chen Gong would not have paid it any mind. That Blue-Eyed Brute of Jiangdong practicing "checks and balances"? A joke! What did he know about checks and balances?
But since it was Lu Yu who said it…
It warranted particular attention.
Chen Gong paced back and forth for a moment, then spoke: "Then… now that Sun Ce has been assassinated and is bedridden, to ensure the stability of the Sun family's rule, Empress Wu will inevitably support someone again to preside over the major affairs of Jiangdong."
This…
Lu Xun's eyes blinked. From Chen Gong's words, he sensed a different implication.
However, he still reminded him.
"This Blue-Eyed Brute of the Sun family may not be good at leading troops, but he is skilled at winning hearts. His three younger brothers, Sun Yi, Sun Kuang, and Sun Lang, cannot compare to him!"
"I know this! Thus, most of the Jiangdong families will support this Blue-Eyed Brute of Jiangdong, right?" Chen Gong nodded, then paced back and forth again before suggesting: "However, this third young lord of the Sun family may not be without a chance?"
What did this mean?
Lu Xun's eyes flickered… and he immediately countered: "Mr. Chen, what do you mean?"
Chen Gong replied without hesitation: "The Lu family can support the third young lord of the Sun family!"
"I heard that Sun Yi's martial prowess is inferior to Sun Ce's, and his strategic thinking is inferior to Sun Quan's. He is a mediocre individual. If he were to rule Jiangdong, the Sun clan's disintegration would come even faster!"
Heh…
Indeed, Lu Xun found this line of thinking rather unconventional.
With Sun Ce now bedridden… the biggest problem facing the Sun family would be their inability to control the various great families of Jiangdong.
And Sun Quan could resolve this crisis through his art of checks and balances.
Sun Yi… Heh heh, forget it. His martial prowess was like a younger brother's compared to Sun Ce, and his prestige couldn't possibly support Jiangdong. If he became the ruler of Jiangdong, he would inevitably need… a powerful family to assist him, to help him suppress other families.
Then… the Lu family…
With this thought, a glint flashed in Lu Xun's eyes!
However, there was a problem: the current Lu family only had money, no power, and was still far from entering Jiangdong's core circle! How could this be resolved?
"Mr. Chen…" Lu Xun continued to ask, "The current Lu family doesn't have much influence! To… support Sun Yi to become the lord of Jiangdong seems… difficult!"
With that said…
Lu Xun looked at Chen Gong with immense anticipation.
Unexpectedly, Chen Gong waved his hand. "It's not difficult, not difficult at all! Hahahaha…"
Saying this, Chen Gong let out a hearty laugh.
It almost seemed like he was being deliberately mysterious.
This…
Lu Xun was somewhat puzzled.
Chen Gong stroked his beard. "If it were solely up to the Lu family, it would be absolutely impossible. But… we still have your elder brother! With his help, then… entering Jiangdong's core circle? Wouldn't it be as easy as turning your hand?"
Hoo…
These words made Lu Xun pause. "Mr. Chen, you mean?"
"Haha…" Chen Gong was still laughing, but at the same time, he cast his gaze towards the direction of north of the Yangtze River. "At this juncture, what if the Cao army moves south? Sun Ce is assassinated? Jiangdong has recently suffered defeat! Facing the southward advance of the Cao army… which of Jiangdong's great families? Which family will step forward to meet the challenge? And which family can turn the tide?"
This…
So that's how it is!
Lu Xun, being quite intelligent.
When Chen Gong reminded him to this extent, he understood immediately.
"The four great families of Wujun and the four great families of Kuaiji already opposed the northern expedition. Now… it is even more impossible for them to march north to meet the enemy, and the Sun family, having recently suffered defeat and with low morale, cannot resist the enemy either… At that time, it will be the Lu family's opportunity to shine!"
Lu Xun spoke, his heart unable to help but flutter.
"Then… as long as my elder brother gives the order, and the Cao army suffers a few defeats, appearing to be beaten by the Lu family, then… the Lu family will have restored face for the Sun family, and also repelled the southward advance of the Cao army, thus rescuing the collapsing situation and supporting the tottering edifice. With this, the people of Jiangdong will be grateful, and the Sun family will also be eternally indebted!"
"At that time, all of Jiangdong's troops and powers will flock to us… and the Lu family will have sufficient say in the succession of the Sun family heir!"
"Haha! Exactly!" After hearing Lu Xun's words, Chen Gong burst into laughter.
He found this Lu Xun very much to his liking…
This kid… is inherently sinister!
He smiled and sat down again, tossing a chess piece. "At that time, your Lu family will have money, grain, merit, power, popular support, and troops! In such a situation, who will be the puppet in Jiangdong? And whose word will be law?"
Hoo…
Lu Xun let out another sigh.
Chen Gong's strategy… is brilliant… truly brilliant!
"Lu Xun kneels to thank Mr."
With a "pat," Lu Xun knelt down. He was wholeheartedly impressed and convinced by Chen Gong.
Chen Gong quickly helped him up.
"Don't thank me. This foundation was laid in advance by your elder brother. Without this foundation, our plans would be nothing more than the moon in the water, flowers in the mirror. Even a clever woman cannot cook without rice, hahaha!"
"You should consider yourself fortunate that your Lu family has such a good elder brother. Your good days are yet to come!"
Upon mentioning the last sentence… especially the words "good days," Chen Gong felt a surge of emotion.
Others might not know, but only he knew Lu Yu's true identity.
Relying on the relationship between the Lu family and the Cao family…
Heh heh…
Aren't the Lu family's good days ahead?
…
…