Chapter 115

At the first court meeting after ascending the throne, Liu Bei’s primary concern was undoubtedly the enfeoffment of Sun Quan as the King of Wu.

Cao Pi had granted Sun Quan the title of King of Wu, which Sun Quan accepted. This suggested that the old grievances from Pang Tong’s strategy of “killing two birds with one stone” at Hefei had been buried, and the alliance between Wei and Wu was rekindled.

The betrayal had shattered the trust between the two sides, but Liu Bei’s sense of crisis was strong enough to cover it up.

Pang Tong, now the Grand Commandant, had anticipated this outcome and was the first to speak.

“Sun Quan’s defection was a foregone conclusion. However, despite the surrender of Marquis Sihyeon, the internal purges in Wei were swiftly concluded, which is concerning.”

Marquis Sihyeon was a title Liu Bei had granted to Hahu Mu upon his ascension.

Excluding the royal family, the title of Marquis was the highest rank, and there were only three such marquises in Shu-Han at the time.

Apart from Hahu Mu, the other two were Marquis Yangcheon Yu Piao and Marquis Qingyi Sanggeo, who had been the first to petition Liu Bei to ascend the throne. They were highly respected figures, though their practical abilities were lacking.

It was rumored that Mi Zhu had also been offered the title of Marquis but refused, likely due to the lingering guilt over Mi Fang’s betrayal.

In any case, such a high position was granted to Hahu Mu. Even Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, and my father were only second-class marquises.

This was an extreme display of favoritism. Compared to Hahupa, who had risen to the rank of General at Gogi, this title held no real power but was a significant honor.

Although a major purge of the Xiahou clan was expected, Cao Pi surprisingly and coldly executed only the necessary parts.

The descendants of Xiahou Dun were allowed to continue, except for the youngest son, and the marriage with Princess Qinghe was annulled.

The entire Xiahou clan, including the dangerous Xiahou Yuan lineage, was transferred from the front lines against Shu to the Liaodong and Huainan regions. Even Xiahou Shang, Cao Pi’s close friend and a capable man, could not escape the court’s scrutiny.

Hahu Mu’s actions, which could be considered treason, were severe enough to warrant the extermination of his entire clan.

Cao Pi’s treatment of his relatives was clear from the case of Zhao Hong. However, it seems Cao Pi still took care of those he favored.

Cao Pi had a habit of pushing forward those he liked, despite objections. Hahu Mu was one of them, and it was unclear if this incident would change Cao Pi’s tendencies. Perhaps his affection for Xiahou Dun balanced things out.

“People don’t change easily.”

Moreover, there were likely objections from those around him. A major purge of the Xiahou clan would have been seen as suicidal.

The fact that Cao Pi immediately attempted an alliance with Sun Quan after internal reorganization showed the immense impact of losing Guanzhong. Even Cao Pi took the situation seriously and acted decisively.

“Hua Xin, Wang Lang, Zhong Yao… Talents that could be counted among the best in the land are wasting their abilities for Cao’s cause. What a pity.”

Liu Bei lamented, mentioning the top officials of Wei, excluding Jia Xu, who had assisted Li Jue and Guo Si.

Wei’s ability to quickly recover from continuous defeats and prevent chaos was due to these individuals.

If there were issues with Cao Pi, it was that these men, favored by him, were able to fully utilize their talents.

“Your Majesty, once Cao stabilizes his internal affairs, he will inevitably turn his attention outward. Although we have won many battles and expanded our territory, Wei’s strength is still formidable, and we must prepare quickly.”

Pang Tong tactfully mentioned that Wei’s strength was not to be underestimated, but in reality, Wei was still the strongest of the three kingdoms.

Before the groundbreaking advancements in science and technology, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, population was synonymous with national power. However, the gap had significantly narrowed.

Modern admirers of Wei and Cao Cao often claim that Cao’s unification of the world was certain after the Guandu Campaign, and that Wei’s national power accounted for over 90% of the total at the end of the Three Kingdoms period. However, this is a misunderstanding.

Historical records from when Jin unified the Three Kingdoms show a population ratio of roughly 10:45:25.

Wei’s national power was only about 50-60% of the total.

While having over half of the total might seem significant, it does not mean Wei could launch overwhelming material offensives.

Considering the population growth rate in ancient times, the current situation wouldn’t differ much.

And these figures are from the original history where Shu lost Jingzhou, and Wei still held Nanjun and Hefei.

With the current situation where Shu has gained Yongyang and Guanzhong beyond Hanzhong, and holds Jingzhou and even Yangfan, the power ratio is roughly 5:7:3.

Of course, Shu-Han is 5, Wei is 7, and Eastern Wu is 3.

“Wei is still disgustingly large. Even after losing everything west of Tong Pass and Yangfan, they still have this much…”

Those managing internal affairs would surely know what I know.

Although the momentum makes us feel stronger, anyone who can analyze coldly would realize that Wei still has immense potential.

They couldn’t concentrate their forces due to Eastern Wu, Liaodong, ethnic minorities, and internal security. However, once allied with Eastern Wu, the situation changes.

Listening to Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang stepped forward and said:

“First, we need to send an envoy to Sun Quan to understand his intentions.”

“Didn’t accepting the title of King indicate Sun Quan’s intentions? Or if Sun Quan was swayed by the title, should we also grant him a title to win him over?”

“As Your Majesty said, Sun Quan’s heart may have already left us. Since Cao Pi has abandoned the grudge over Hefei, it will be difficult to prevent their alliance.”

Pang Tong knew this and immediately advocated preparing for their attack.

“However, we still don’t know how aggressively Sun Quan will oppose us. With Cao and Sun allied, we will be at a numerical disadvantage. Determining Sun Quan’s willingness to fight and appropriately distributing our troops will be key to our defense.”

“The Prime Minister is right. Who should we send as an envoy?”

“Deng Zhi is eloquent and bold, making him a suitable choice. He is currently in Chang’an for official duties, so the timing is perfect.”

Thus, Deng Zhi’s dispatch was decided.

Given the urgency, Deng Zhi departed for Jiangnan immediately after the court meeting.

From Chengdu to Xiliang, and now from Chang’an to Jianye (Wu’s capital), Deng Zhi’s travels were relentless.

While Deng Zhi’s situation was unfortunate, things were also moving rapidly on our end.

Zhao Yun, already guarding Tong Pass, was reinforced by my father, and the massive reorganization of official positions led to overnight handovers to minimize operational gaps.

Zhuge Liang, also the Governor of Yi Province, returned to Chengdu, but Liu Bei remained in Guanzhong. Despite many objections, Liu Bei’s resolve was firm.

With Zhang Fei heading to the front lines to block the enemy, Liu Bei insisted on staying to oversee Chang’an and Guanzhong.

The hope that Sun Quan would remain neutral allowed Liu Bei to stay in Chang’an despite opposition.

Wei Yan moved to Shangyong to support both Xingbei and Guanzhong, while Ma Chao, after defeating remnants of Wei in Xiliang, regrouped his forces to counterattack. Preparations for the enemy’s attack were steadily made.

Meanwhile, Deng Zhi returned. Rushing back with hollowed cheeks, Deng Zhi brought the worst news.

“Sun Quan said that if we return all the hostages and recognize his authority as King of Wu, he would willingly submit to us.”

“…He would abandon his own son to oppose us.”

Sun Quan had sent his second son, Sun Lue, as a hostage after the defeat in the Jingzhou campaign.

With only two sons, sending one as a hostage would have made the succession precarious. Sensing the danger, Sun Quan quickly had a third son, Sun He, born earlier than in the original history. Thus, he could now afford to sacrifice one son.

“We will have to face both Wei and Wu simultaneously.”

Liu Bei muttered bitterly.

Just as it seemed that the unification of the land was within reach after capturing Guanzhong, a crisis loomed. A crisis that could result in the loss of Guanzhong and Jingzhou, the core territories.

It was natural for Liu Bei’s face to darken. Despite Shu-Han’s tremendous growth, the combined strength of Wei and Wu was twice that of Shu-Han.

The only consolation was the geographical advantage.

Just as orders were given to my father, Zhao Yun, and Guan Yu to block Wei, discussions now turned to who would block Wu.

Having discussed this before, the court atmosphere was relatively lighter compared to when dealing with Wei.

It seemed that the matter would be concluded with some reinforcements added to the existing plans.

I tried to remain silent, but this time, I had to speak.

“Your Majesty, may I humbly offer a suggestion?”

“Of course, speak.”

“With all due respect, the generals under Sun Quan are not to be underestimated. The frontlines against Sun Quan will be in Nanjing and Nanzhong, and our current forces seem insufficient to block them.”

Lu Xun and Zhu Yan are among the great generals of Wu, inheriting the lineage of Wu’s Grand Commanders. Although they didn’t shine much during the Jingzhou campaign, I knew how dangerous they were.

Liu Bei dismissed my concerns.

“Feng Shu, the Governor of Xingnan, is capable of leading an army. Lu Xun was blocked by Wei’s generals, wasn’t he? Feng Shu should be able to hold Lu Xun. And Li Hui, the Governor of Neihang, has shown no military talent, but after discussing with him, he has tactical insights. With the two wings you boast about by his side, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Feng Shu, commanding the troops in Nanjing, and Li Hui, managing the seven armies in Nanzhong.

As Liu Bei said, Li Hui had Ma Chong and Zhang E, whom I had sent to Zhuge Liang during the southern campaign. And to reach Nanzhong, one must pass through the treacherous Jiao Province, so there’s little to worry about.

The concern lies with Xingnan, likely the main front. Although Liu Bei, who has a good eye for talent, considers Feng Shu exceptional, I can’t see him surpassing Lu Xun.

“Your Majesty, as you know, I met Zhou Yu in my youth.”

“Zhou Yu… I remember him. He had the audacity to ask for my daughter-in-law, didn’t he?”

“…I have personally met Lu Xun when he was a prisoner, and he is comparable to Zhou Yu.”

“What? You say Lu Xun is comparable to Zhou Yu?”

The mention of Zhou Yu’s name drastically changed Liu Bei’s demeanor.

Zhou Yu. How could one forget that name? If he hadn’t been severely injured during the Nanjun campaign, if he hadn’t died young and lived until now, could Liu Bei have come this far?

Bringing up the name of the unparalleled genius who once looked down upon the land, Liu Bei became extremely serious.

“Then who do you suggest we send to Xingnan?”

“Guanzhong already has over half of our troops stationed there. Have the Wei Governor who returned to Hanzhong support Xingnan.”

“Hmm… Alright. With Yi De, Zhao Yun, Ma Mengqi, and you in Guanzhong, there’s no shortage. I will order Wen Zhang to go to Xingnan.”

“I am deeply grateful.”

With that, the urgent fire was extinguished.

In Guanzhong: Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and O Yi.

In Jingzhou: Guan Yu, Ban Jun, Wei Yan, and Feng Shu.

In Nanzhong: Li Hui, Ma Chong, and Zhang E.

“With this lineup, even if Wei and Wu attack together, focusing solely on defense, we can hold them off.”

The reversal of alliances and the simultaneous counterattack. Though difficult, as defenders, relying on natural defenses and fortresses, we have a chance even against numerical inferiority.

However, Wei’s counterattack had only just begun.