Chapter 90

Zhuge Liang kicked off the meeting this time. Since everyone had anticipated the goal, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of “it’s finally here.”

The room where we gathered was fully prepared to establish the strategy for the Northern Expedition. Basic writing tools, snacks, and tea were laid out for us to eat and drink in between.

In the center of the room, a large military map depicting the terrain was spread out, with pieces representing the armies of Wei, Shu, and Wu lined up beside it.

The bamboo scrolls and books filling the three walls were reference materials for this Northern Expedition plan. From household surveys to intelligence reports on Wei’s generals, military units, and past battles.

This was truly a space for the Northern Expedition, by the Northern Expedition, and of the Northern Expedition.

As I and Zhuge Liang took our seats at the table, Pang Tong spoke.

“First, I hope the Rear General will explain what he observed and heard during his condolence visit.”

Things that couldn’t be mentioned during the court meeting.

The fact that Yu Hye was a spy planted by Cao Biao.

The fact that Cao Biao, knowing the condolence delegation was spying, still summoned them to flaunt his national power.

The fact that the political chaos within Wei had been resolved faster than expected.

And among the information gathered through the condolence delegation, I mixed in some future knowledge I knew. For example, that He Xie, still unknown, was a talent not to be overlooked, and that Cao Biao coveted the throne.

“Yu Hye…”

Pang Tong was most interested in the spy sent by Cao Biao.

“Cao Biao covets the throne. *Cough*, I had a feeling.”

Fa Zheng, coughing slightly, focused on Cao Biao’s ambition for the throne.

“If He Xie is such a talent, it would be wise to hold off on the siege strategy.”

Huang Quan, specialized in strategy, paid attention to my evaluation of He Xie.

Each reaction revealed their unique traits. However, Zhuge Liang remained silent until the end.

Instead of voicing his personal opinions or interests, Zhuge Liang led the military discussion.

“The Rear General has accomplished a great task. The information gathered from entering enemy territory will surely be a great help in achieving our grand undertaking.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Then, it’s time to gather the wisdom and strategies of those gathered here, compile the scattered clues, and establish a grand plan.”

Pang Tong’s neat summary and direction-setting were met with nods and agreements.

Next, as if it was his turn to speak, Fa Zheng opened his mouth.

“First, we must set the goal of the Northern Expedition. I believe it should be Chang’an.”

Zhuge Liang’s words to Yu Xian were not empty, as Fa Zheng’s complexion turned pale. But despite his frail body, his voice carried a strong will.

Those who burn their will to the end, even knowing their death, shine brighter than ever.

His spirit, unbroken despite the pain of illness, evoked respect as a human being.

However, apart from respect, national affairs require objective opinions rather than personal views. Huang Quan raised his hand and pointed out Fa Zheng’s argument.

“I agree that Chang’an should be our top priority. But do you think Wei wouldn’t know that we value Chang’an?”

The premise shared by everyone here is the simultaneous advance from Jing and Yi provinces. The final stage of Zhuge Liang’s grand strategy, advancing together from Jing and Yi provinces.

From Yi Province, attack Chang’an through Hanzhong.

From Jing Province, attack Luoyang by crossing Yangfan.

Although Cao Cao moved the capital to Ye, rendering Chang’an and Luoyang no longer capitals, their symbolic significance remained strong. Wei couldn’t afford to lose either.

If one of them truly fell to Liu Bei, the world would recall the past history. The great undertaking of Emperor Gaozu of Han, who unified the world using Hanzhong as a foothold.

If that happened, would the conservatives and principle-oriented factions in Wei, who were losing power, remain silent? Absolutely not.

Armed with their beliefs, they would not yield even before Cao Wei’s sharp blades.

But Wei is not the Jin Dynasty, which fell into chaos during the Rebellion of the Eight Princes.

The current Wei is the strongest of the Three Kingdoms, with Sima Yi, Jin Jun, Jia Xu, and Zhong Yao, all trusted by Cao Biao, still alive and well.

The simultaneous advance from Jing and Yi provinces is something Wei has also calculated. Even if we attack Luoyang and Chang’an simultaneously, Wei would prioritize defending Chang’an.

“Marquis Wen (Zhang Liang’s posthumous title) once said, ‘Luoyang is militarily unfavorable and difficult to defend, but Chang’an is a natural fortress and fertile land bestowed by heaven.’ Everyone knows we aim for Chang’an.”

“Then, does Huang Quan suggest focusing on Luoyang?”

“No. We use both Chang’an and Luoyang as bait.”

In response to Pang Tong’s question, Huang Quan moved the pieces on the map while explaining.

“The Yi Province army heads towards Guanzhong via the Jigu Road, while the Jing Province army simultaneously advances north to attack Wancheng. Then, the Wei army will naturally think we are targeting Chang’an and Luoyang.”

It was a rather standard simultaneous advance. But Huang Quan’s hand didn’t stop there. He grabbed the piece with the “Ma” flag symbolizing Ma Chao and placed it on Tianshui.

“At that time, General Ma Chao will attack Yong Province.”

Pang Tong, listening nearby, moved a piece. Where he placed it was written “Jieting.”

“Simultaneously, we block Jieting, cutting off Yong Province from Wei. Attacking Jieting will surely catch the attention of the Yi Province army in Chencang.”

“Correct.”

The strategy Huang Quan proposed was strikingly similar to Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition.

At that time, Wei was complacent, thinking Shu was finished without Liu Bei, so even sending Zhao Yun alone was enough to lure them.

The current Wei is extremely wary of Liu Bei, so the scale of the lure must be larger.

However, using the grand strategy of simultaneous advance from Jing and Yi provinces solely as a lure to capture Yong Province was not cost-effective in terms of military provisions and resources.

“It’s a roundabout way. The gain isn’t worth the investment.”

“But it’s also the path with the highest chance of success. Considering General Ma Chao’s influence over the Qiang, the long-term value of capturing Liang Province will be even greater.”

As Huang Quan said, capturing Liang Province alone was not a loss. Considering the military horses we could obtain from Liang Province, the long-term value was significant.

But Pang Tong shook his head.

“I disagree with Huang Quan’s opinion.”

“Why is that?”

“What we desire is unification, not fragmentation like the Seven Warring States.”

As he spoke, Pang Tong quietly moved the pieces on the map. Most were placed on Jing Province, specifically on Sun Quan’s territory.

Pang Tong’s answer to Huang Quan’s question.

It was the existence of Eastern Wu, Sun Quan.

“If we defeat Wei and capture Liang Province, Sun Quan will surely point his sword at us again.”

“Didn’t the military prepare for that by having Sun Quan attack Wei?”

“Before the survival of a nation, small grudges can be set aside. Sun Quan and Wei joining hands will likely end with this Northern Expedition. If we win, that is.”

Sun Quan had betrayed us before. And only I and Pang Tong had predicted and prepared for that betrayal. Thus, Pang Tong’s words carried authority.

Pang Tong’s argument that Sun Quan would betray us again for the sake of power balance was highly credible.

“Therefore, we must become a wildfire. Uncontrollably spreading, expanding our territory, and scattering sparks across the land.”

So that even if Wei and Wu join hands to attack us, we can defend.

And so that we can seize the moment when the sparks within their ranks grow.

We must increase our weight.

Chang’an. We must capture that long-cherished land and take Guanzhong.

With Pang Tong’s added reasoning, Huang Quan couldn’t help but agree.

When Huang Quan, who had opposed Fa Zheng’s Chang’an strategy, cast his vote in favor, Zhuge Liang spoke.

“So, it’s Chang’an after all.”

After Fa Zheng, Huang Quan, and Pang Tong exchanged lengthy arguments, the conclusion was that capturing Chang’an was the paramount task of the Northern Expedition.

The main and supporting forces were decided. The Yi Province army advancing on Chang’an would be the main force, while the Jing Province army advancing on Luoyang would be the supporting force.

But how to make Wei perceive it the opposite way? That was the key.

And the solution Pang Tong proposed was simple yet significant.

“An imperial expedition.”

“But how dare we, as ministers, involve His Majesty…”

Huang Quan was startled by Pang Tong’s words. But Pang Tong remained calm, as if it were no big deal.

“His Majesty has already entrusted the full authority of the Northern Expedition to the five of us here. Excluding His Majesty from the grand plan is not to exclude him, but to present a strategy to achieve His Majesty’s grand undertaking. That is our duty and loyalty.”

If Liu Bei personally leads the Jing Province army, Wei would surely wonder if Luoyang is the main target.

The weight of an imperial expedition led by the king himself versus a mere general is worlds apart.

“But there is a concern.”

“What is it, Huang Quan?”

“They might focus on Chang’an and abandon Luoyang. If they gamble by trapping His Majesty in Luoyang and besieging him…”

Sima Yi or Jia Xu were capable of such a move.

The cunning old snakes coiled in Wei’s land were still sharp, and the grown tiger, trusted by its master, was ready to pounce at any moment.

There is no perfect plan in the world, but the worst-case scenario Huang Quan presented, no matter how low the probability, could not be overlooked.

As Pang Tong pondered, Fa Zheng spoke.

“It’s not a difficult problem.”

“Oh! I wish to hear the Chief Minister’s wise strategy.”

“If we fear them trapping His Majesty in Luoyang, then we must make them hesitate to even let His Majesty enter Luoyang.”

And as Fa Zheng continued, the room froze as if time had stopped.

“Let’s make Cao Biao ascend the throne.”