Chapter 108: Wang Lang’s Surprise Attack

Before Fuchun County.

Jiang Wen and Tao’er saw Lu Xun off and returned to their house. In the courtyard, bamboo steamers were stacked high, emitting plumes of steam. Li Er, Yang Wu, and a few others were busy feeding firewood into the stoves. Xiao Shu crouched nearby, warming herself by the fire.

Jiang Wen walked into the courtyard and said, "It’s getting cold. Remember to add more quilts to your beds at night."

"Greetings, Master," Xiao Shu and the others replied, bowing.

Jiang Wen looked at the rising steam and said, "You can take them off now. Be careful not to burn yourselves!"

"I’ll handle it," Yang Wu said, lifting a steamer and placing it on a wooden table nearby.

"Young Master, what is inside?" Tao’er asked with curiosity.

"Dumplings."

"Dumplings? Have you come up with a new creation, Young Master?"

The cooked dough was translucent and glistening, revealing the filling inside. Li Er and the others gathered around. "Master, what are these things shaped like crescent moons?"

"Dumplings," Jiang Wen said with a faint smile. "Xiao Shu, go fetch a dish of vinegar."

Xiao Shu went to the kitchen. "Master, here is the vinegar you asked for." She placed it on the table and stood by, waiting quietly.

Jiang Wen picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks while it was still steaming, dipped it lightly in the vinegar, and finished it in two bites. "Leek filling is simply delicious."

"I want to try, too!" Tao’er walked to Jiang Wen’s side, took his chopsticks, picked one up, dipped it in vinegar, and ate it. "It doesn't taste that good..."

Jiang Wen chuckled softly. "Go get some sauce."

Tao’er went to the kitchen, brought back a dish of sauce, dipped a dumpling in it, and ate it with a satisfied smile. "This tastes much better."

A horse pulled up at the gate, and a soldier dismounted. "Where is the County Magistrate?"

Jiang Wen poked his head out and walked toward the gate. "I am he."

"General Fenwu is about to march his troops into Kuaiji. He will pass through Fuchun, and he specifically instructed you to prepare provisions for the reception!" The soldier pulled a bamboo slip from his tunic. "Also, this is a letter from the General."

Jiang Wen took the letter and walked toward the study. "By the way, there are pork-filled ones over there. Tao’er, take six steamers into the house. You, Xiao Shu, and Diao Chan can eat those."

"Yes, Young Master."

"Don't just stand there, you all should eat, too."

"Yes, Master!"

"These things look quite nice!"

"Let me see how they taste! The dough paired with the leeks—it's truly delicious! I'll try dipping it in some vinegar!"

"Refreshing!"

"Leek filling is the best!"

"Nonsense, try a bite of the pork filling—that is real deliciousness!"

"When did you lose your sense of taste?"

Inside the study, Jiang Wen opened the letter. It was merely a message of greetings; Lu Meng would arrive in Fuchun in five days. Fuchun and Kuaiji were separated by the Zhejiang River. It wasn't far, yet it wasn't particularly close. Fuchun and the surrounding small towns would likely serve as the supply line. Yuhang and Qiantang were originally Wang Lang’s cities, but since Yan Baihu had started as a bandit and Wang Lang only wished to maintain peace, he had ceded those two cities. Now, he controlled Kuaiji and several other cities in the southeast.

"Young Master, is there a war coming?" Tao’er pushed the door open and asked hurriedly.

"Yes," Jiang Wen said slowly, putting away the bamboo slip. "Ziming is leading troops to attack Kuaiji."

"Are people going to die again?"

"Only after Jiangdong is pacified can there be a place of true peace."

Five days later, Jiang Wen, dressed in his official robes, stood outside the city gate, with Guan Guan standing beside him. As a prominent local gentryman, his power in Fuchun was greater than Jiang Wen’s. The grain and fodder in the city had to be mobilized by him, and the troops stationed in Fuchun were also under the command of the young master behind him; as a magistrate, he truly held little real power.

The sound of horse hooves was incessant, and a line of troops slowly appeared on the official road in the distance.

"Your subordinate pays respects to the General!"

"Commoner Guan Guan pays respects to the General!"

Lu Meng and the generals behind him dismounted and returned the salute to Jiang Wen. "Greetings, Magistrate."

Kua Yue’s expression held a hint of respect. Though Jiang Wen was currently like a dragon stranded in shallow water, he would eventually return to the sea. He had once soundly defeated him with a stratagem, and even now, the shadow of that defeat often haunted his dreams. As for Taishi Ci, Jiang Qin, and the others, they had been on many campaigns with Jiang Wen and naturally knew of his brilliance.

"Changsu, it has been a long time. I thought you would be moping in Fuchun, but looking at you today, you seem to have put on some weight," Lu Meng laughed as he returned the salute. He then pulled Jiang Wen aside and whispered, "How is it?"

"How is what?" Jiang Wen asked, confused.

"The kid, you’ve seen my kid, right?"

"Yes, bright-eyed and brimming with extraordinary spirit."

Lu Meng smiled proudly. "Among all of us, I was the fastest!"

"We are here for war, and yet the commander is talking about such things. Are you neglecting military matters?" Jiang Wen rolled his eyes.

"Hey, my rank is several levels higher than yours now; why are you still lecturing me?" Lu Meng said. "How about you?"

"What about me?"

"Don't tell me. How long have you and Tao’er been together? If you still haven't conceived, could it be... that you are impotent!"

"Nonsense!"

Jiang Wen kicked out at Lu Meng, but Lu Meng dodged with a laugh. Jiang Wen asked seriously, "Whose troops are you bringing for this campaign?"

"General Zu Mao’s and General Huang Gai’s. These two are truly loyal to the late Guanwu Marquis."

"After General Huang Gai awoke, he surrendered his military command without a word, and he has let bygones be bygones with Gongjin, even highly recommending him. General Zu Mao stayed at the tomb of the Guanwu Marquis for two months, and upon returning, he immediately handed over his military command as well."

"How many troops?"

"Fifty thousand!"

Jiang Wen smiled faintly and let out a long breath. Lu Meng smacked his lips and said, "The Guanwu Marquis had a total force of two hundred and thirty thousand. Bofu has only reclaimed fifty thousand; there are still a full one hundred and eighty thousand troops controlled by the other veteran generals!"

"No matter how many troops there are, they don't compare to having a force you truly control," Jiang Wen said. "Enough, it is inconvenient for you and me to discuss business at the city gate. Let's go into the city."

"Agreed."

Guan Guan stepped forward and greeted Lu Meng with a smile. "My Lord, the commoner has already prepared fine wine and delicacies in the city. Please, move inside."

"No need, I am going to the Magistrate’s residence today."

"Then these generals..."

Taishi Ci said, "Do not trouble yourself; we will naturally accompany the General."

At Jiang Wen’s residence, in the main hall, Lu Meng and the other generals took their seats. There was another important reason for coming to Fuchun to see Jiang Wen: how to attack Kuaiji. Jiang Wen took out a map of the immediate area and spread it on the floor, and the generals gathered around to observe.

"How many troops did you bring this time, General?" Jiang Wen asked, looking at Lu Meng.

"Over thirty thousand."

Kua Yue said, "Wang Lang does not have many troops. Although we only brought thirty thousand, we only need to attack with speed, and we will surely take Kuaiji quickly."

"On the contrary. Having lived in Fuchun for a long time, I know the Zhejiang River is wide and the visibility is clear. If a large army moves, they will certainly be discovered. Wang Lang is excellent at defending cities, and for a large army to attack Kuaiji, they must cross the river. Wang Lang only needs to guard the riverbank, and the army will not be able to land easily."

Lu Meng said, "Then, according to your opinion, Changsu, what should our army do?"

"Attack where he is unprepared and appear where he least expects. Ziming, you can send troops to drift slowly along the river; these will act as a diversion. Then, send the main army along the small paths outside Fuchun to circle behind Wang Lang. Upon hearing that the main army is on the small paths, Wang Lang will surely panic and dispatch troops to defend. At that moment, set an ambush outside the city. The reinforcements will surely be defeated, and thus you can advance and seize Dongyang City!" Jiang Wen said.

The generals exchanged glances. To be honest, this was a real battlefield. Anyone could talk, but Jiang Wen’s words felt somewhat impractical, giving the impression of "armchair strategizing." Because the battle had not yet begun, Jiang Wen’s words made them feel as if victory was already guaranteed.

Even though he was not in the royal court, could he still influence the entire world?

"Terrifying, truly terrifying," Kua Yue thought to himself.

"My Lords, the food is ready. Please come and eat!" Tao’er walked into the main hall and said with a pleasant smile.

"Thank you, Madam." The generals stood up and bowed. Jiang Qin sniffed the air. "To be honest, I’ve been smelling this fragrance for a while; it smells truly delicious!"

In the courtyard, two clay pots sat on a table. The personal guards, who usually stood nearby waiting for Jiang Wen’s command to grab food, were currently all staying in their own rooms.

Jiang Qin impatiently lifted the lid. The piping-hot spicy soup was bubbling, the fresh, spicy aroma filling his lungs. The other pot was colorful and looked succulent and flavorful.

"I’ve never seen this before, but it smells amazing!" Taishi Ci couldn't help but swallow his saliva, yet he maintained his composure. "General Jiang, please go first."

"No, no, how could we subordinates dare to move first? General Ziyi, you please go first."

"Yes, yes, if General Ziyi doesn't eat, we won't feel at ease!"

Inside the main hall, only Lu Meng and Jiang Wen remained. Jiang Wen did not move.

"Not eating? Or do you have some insights into my suggestion just now?" Jiang Wen asked.

"Insights? How could I? Do you know that ever since you predicted Cao Cao would defeat Yuan Shao, I’ve been tempted to worship you," Lu Meng continued. "Besides, there's no point in grabbing food with them. I know you’ll cook something special for me."

"There is none left; those were all the dishes."

"How is that possible? How could Tao’er let you go hungry?" Lu Meng licked his lips. "But it really smells delicious. I’m going to eat a whole pot later."

"I have already eaten with the servants of the household."

"Don't lie to me. We haven't seen each other in so long; shouldn't we be exchanging pleasantries, enjoying fine wine and delicacies, and then spending a wonderful night together..." Lu Meng laughed dryly. "Is there really none left..."

"What 'spending a wonderful night together'?" Jiang Wen spread his hands. "The household is poor; those were the last ones."

Lu Meng stood up and walked out of the main hall with a straight face.

In the study.

"The army will set off tomorrow," Lu Meng said. "One more thing—you’ve likely been worried about this: the Prefect of Wu Commandery is Zhu Zhi."

Jiang Wen remained silent, the lamplight flickering beside him. Lu Meng continued, "However, do not misunderstand. This Prefect is diligent in his duties and lives frugally. Although he has seized land, he hasn't done much of it."

"If he has already seized land, can he still be called frugal?" Jiang Wen said with a smile, shaking his head.

Lu Meng continued, "Zhu Zhi has a son who has been sickly since childhood, but Zhu Zhi dotes on him, even naming him Zhu Wansui—'Long Live'!"

"All the killing and land-grabbing over the years has been the work of this son. Zhu Zhi loves his son so much that he indulges him."

"How does Ziming know this?"

"Bofu’s uncle, Sun Jing, has long known about the affairs of these veteran generals. He has also read the 'Nine-Rank System' you wrote, and he asked me to bring these words to you."

"The prince who breaks the law is punished like any commoner," Jiang Wen said with a faint smile. "Back then, to appease the anger of the Cai clan, I devised a plan that forced the adopted son of the Guanwu Marquis to his death. He nearly killed me in the court. Now, once the Nine-Rank System is implemented..."

"If I am not mistaken, if Zhu Zhi wants to protect his son, he will surely fight me to the death. Not only that, other veteran generals might be involved in similar ways to Zhu Zhi. If they are to be punished, I wouldn't have enough heads to be chopped off. This is the message Sun Jing asked me to bring to you."

"Since Zhu Wansui is just a sickly person who won't live much longer, why ruin yourself for him?"

Jiang Wen was silent for a moment before saying, "I owe someone."

"What do you owe? Just pay it back and be done with it."

"Let's not talk about it. Ziming, you start your campaign tomorrow. I wish you a great victory and a triumphant return!"

"Since it was your strategy, it would be my fault if I didn't win a great victory." Lu Meng smiled. "But why don't you have children yet?"

"Why?"

"My child was just born; it’s a girl. If you had a boy early, you could arrange a marriage for them now," Lu Meng sighed. "Why are you so unmotivated?!"

Jiang Wen took a sip of tea, calm and composed. "These things cannot be rushed. Besides, it might not be a boy."

"That won't do. Let's make it clear tonight: before my daughter, Lü Yi, turns three, if Tao’er gives birth to a boy, then we are in-laws," Lu Meng said. "When the time comes, tell Gongjin or Bofu that they are already betrothed. If they want to marry into the family, they can be concubines."

"Instead of thinking about these things, you should focus on having a boy yourself," Jiang Wen said with a flat expression. "Go to sleep early. The guest room has been tidied up. You have to lead the army tomorrow."

"Fine."

The next day, the army assembled at the city gate. Jiang Wen and Tao’er stood beneath the city tower. Guan Guan and a young man were watching the army from inside the gate.

"Young Master, Jiang Wen has such a close relationship with these generals. I fear..."

"You didn't seem afraid when you said those things to him at the residence."

"I thought that since he was demoted to a magistrate, he would be shunned. Who would have known his influence was so high!"

"Hmph," Zhu Wansui snorted. "That’s not all. This man’s prestige in the army is even higher. My father told me that whenever he accompanies the army, the soldiers know that victory is certain. He followed Sun Jian for many years, and he has never lost a battle he participated in."

"Then, Young Master... if he is restored to his original position and decides to expose our affairs..."

"Then we'll see whose fist is harder. After all, if they investigate, it won't just involve us floating leaves; the hidden roots go deep into the earth."

"March!"

"Hya!"

The thirty thousand troops set off. Jiang Wen bowed once more and walked back into the city gate. He cast a slight glance at the crowd; Guan Guan and that young man had already appeared, and that young man was the very person he had seen when he first arrived in Shouchun.

Bofu now had military power. For Jiang Wen, this was the best news of all!