Chapter 126: The Diplomatic Mission

Numerous soldiers were busy reclaiming fields on the barren mountains. Liu Xian stamped his feet in exasperation, while Xing Daorong, observing this display of utter disregard for his own standing, could not help but feel a surge of irritation.

Xing Daorong fell silent for a moment, then suddenly looked toward Liu Xian, his face brightening as he said, "My lord, I have a plan. Would you be willing to assist me?"

Liu Xian’s brows furrowed in anger as he looked at Xing Daorong. "As long as it leads to the defeat of Jiang Wen’s army, I will assist you!"

"Your subordinate has a ruse of feigned surrender!"

In Qiyang, the eastern mountains were draped in dense vines and creepers, with clouds swirling amidst the verdant peaks. The river wound its way through the landscape, its currents tossing foam like pearls, while fish darted through the clear waters below.

Jiang Wen, accompanied by Jiang Wan and Liu Min, led his troops to this vantage point. Looking down, they took in the vast expanse of the mountains, the foothills below teeming with soldiers planting crops.

Spring outings were a common pastime for scholars and gentlemen alike.

"Teacher, with such terrain, if an ambush were laid, one would surely find it impossible to escape," Liu Min said, taking a small step forward. He caught a glimpse of the steep drop, shrank back in fear, and remained unsettled.

Jiang Wen chuckled from the side. "You are not the only one who thinks so."

Jiang Wan bowed respectfully. "Teacher, has something happened?"

Jiang Wen pushed aside the weeds blocking their path. "Recently, rumors have spread within Qiyang city of discord between the commander and his lord. Xing Daorong has been advocating for opening the gates to surrender, and because of this, Liu Xian has severely punished him."

"Is that not to be expected? That Liu Du, frankly speaking, possesses only a single commandery and one city, while you, Teacher, hold three entire provinces!"

"Liu Min, watch your tongue! What do you mean 'Teacher'? You refer to the current Prime Minister!"

Liu Min looked apologetic and immediately bowed low. "This student spoke out of turn; I beg Teacher’s forgiveness."

"Excessive speech inevitably leads to error," Jiang Wen said with a calm expression. "Remember this: as my student, you will inevitably make enemies in the imperial court. Never give others a handle to use against you, lest you be framed."

"Teacher’s instruction is well-taken."

Jiang Wen stopped to rest on a nearby rock, with Jiang Wan and Liu Min standing respectfully behind him. "The difference between three provinces and a single commandery is obvious. In terms of provisions, manpower, and equipment, Liu Du is no match for our army. However, that does not mean he will simply surrender. When the Qin state’s iron cavalry swept across the world, there were still many loyal subjects of the Wei state who resisted to the death."

"This is merely a ploy to deceive our army. For now, we shall ignore it and wait to see how it develops." Jiang Wen stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant city.

In the Jiang Wen military camp at Qiyang, Jiang Wen set aside his chopsticks as Huang Zhong entered with a solemn expression. "My lord, more news from Qiyang: today, Xing Daorong was whipped fifty times by Liu Xian."

Jiang Wen smiled and nodded. "I understand. Old General, please take some rest; you have not slacked in your duties these past few days. Tell me, would you care to join me for a meal?"

Huang Zhong bowed and said, "Your subordinate has already eaten at his own quarters. My lord, I fear Xing Daorong now harbors a heart of rebellion. Why not send someone to turn him?"

Jiang Wen lowered his head, lost in thought as he gazed at his meal. Huang Zhong stood silently to the side, his rugged muscles hidden beneath his armor, resembling an indomitable god of war. Seeing Jiang Wen’s expression, he did not disturb him.

"Issue the order for the troops to relocate the provisions. Move the grain stored on the eastern mountain to a position five miles to the rear, and leave the empty camp as it is."

"Your subordinate obeys!"

"Summon Jiang Wan."

Shortly after, a spirited young man walked into Jiang Wen’s tent. "Your student greets Teacher. I wonder why you have summoned me?"

Jiang Wen turned to face Jiang Wan and said, "Are you willing to go into Qiyang city to turn Xing Daorong to our side?"

Jiang Wan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Whatever Teacher desires, this student will surely follow."

"Take this letter and deliver it to Xing Daorong after you see him." Jiang Wen picked up a bamboo tube from the desk. "You are more quick-witted than Liu Min. I am entrusting this to you. Although I suspect they are laying a trap, I cannot guarantee I am right. If I am mistaken, your life will be at risk. Knowing this, do you still wish to go?"

"This student has no fear," Jiang Wan said with a light smile, bowing. "Teacher will never be wrong; I trust you."

Jiang Wen nodded. "Be careful in everything."

Jiang Wan took the bamboo tube, nodded, and departed after a final bow.

As Jiang Wan rode his horse toward the city, the soldiers on the walls, already on high alert, immediately leveled their bows at him. "Who goes there!"

"I am a messenger sent by Jiang Wen. I have matters to discuss with your general!"

"Go and report to the general immediately."

At the residence of Xing Daorong in Qiyang, a servant was applying medicine to his back, while Liu Xian stood nearby, frowning in disgust. "General, can you truly deceive this Jiang Wen?"

"My lord, rest assured. Having observed the situation of both armies, I am certain I can make Jiang Wen take the bait!"

"Master, there is a messenger outside the city gate asking to see you!"

Xing Daorong frowned slightly. "Refuse him!"

"He says he is a student of Jiang Wen."

"A student of Jiang Wen!" Xing Daorong attempted to climb up in his excitement, but the pain in his back caused his face to contort, and he was forced to lie back down.

Liu Xian’s face also lit up with joy. "I shall hide nearby!" Liu Xian stepped behind a screen.

"Open the gates!"

Escorted by soldiers to the entrance, Jiang Wan stood before the mansion holding the bamboo scroll, his expression solemn but devoid of fear. A servant emerged from the gate. "My master invites you inside."

Jiang Wan followed the servant through quiet paths until he reached Xing Daorong’s quarters.

Entering the room, Jiang Wan looked at Xing Daorong, who was lying prone on the bed. "I am Jiang Wan, a student acting on my teacher’s orders to visit you, General."

Xing Daorong, seemingly unbothered by being seen in such a state, said cryptically, "I wonder what message Jiang Wen has for me?"

Jiang Wan offered the bamboo tube. "This is what my teacher wrote, and he instructed me to deliver it to you!"

Xing Daorong signaled to his attendants, who brought the tube forward. After opening it and extracting the scroll, Xing Daorong held it in his hands, staring at the complex characters. "Uh... this... I..."

Jiang Wan closed his eyes slightly to hide his amusement; the attendants nearby also struggled to keep quiet. Jiang Wan spoke up, "If you wish, I can read it aloud to you on behalf of my teacher."

"Yes, yes, that would save me the trouble."

Jiang Wan took the scroll and read: "The General’s martial prowess is extraordinary; slaying foes is as effortless as reaping grass, and pacifying enemies is like clearing a wasteland. Your talent is unparalleled in this age. However, your lord is unenlightened, lacking wisdom and ability. Having heard of your current plight, I have taken the liberty of writing this letter to propose that you join us, and I shall petition the Prime Minister to bestow upon you the title of 'Unrivaled'."

"My teacher has developed an appreciation for your talents and cannot bear to see you suffer such humiliation. Therefore, he wrote this letter to ask if you would be willing to defect to him."

"Ah, ah..." Xing Daorong had been floating on air, but upon being reminded by Jiang Wan, he regained his composure. "I am truly flattered. I never imagined your teacher held me in such high regard. But, as you can see, I am currently bedridden with injuries; even if I had the heart, I lack the strength. Why don't you return for now? Once I have recovered, I will surely send someone to make contact."

Jiang Wan bowed respectfully. "In that case, I thank you, General."