Chapter 602

Liu Pan’s words was astounding and struck fear in others. It was clear that this vicious man did not want Liu Pan to live.

Zhuge Liang and Wen Pin were unrelated to each other and yet Liu Pan wanted to put them both together. Zhuge Liang defected but what does this have to do with Wen Pin? If anything, the Lumen Academy are the ones that should be held responsible. Meanwhile, the other officials from the Lumen Academy were silent. Normally, they do not even have any dealings with military officers.

Also, would Wen Pin be so stupid? If he had defected alongside Zhuge Liang, why would he return to Liu Biao and court death? Anyone who is calm could easily tell that Wen Pin was innocent. Unfortunately, Liu Biao wasn’t calm.

“Milord! Do not listen to the Second Lord’s words! General Wen Pin have always been loyal and devoted to Milord. How could be betray Milord!” Huang She spoke up for Wen Pin.

“Haha. How would anyone know the true nature of a person? Even that Zhuge Liang was recommended by Lord Pang. In the end, didn’t he betray Jingzhou?” Liu Pan continued to speak. Wen Pin had to die for blocking his way. Meanwhile, Wen Pin could only look at Liu Pan in confusion. He did not remember ever offending Liu Pan so why was the man trying to make life difficult for him?

“Milord! We are accused wrongly! We really did not know Zhuge Liang would defect! We admit that we were defeated and tried to obtain falsify our own merits but we had no intentions of betraying Jingzhou!” The other officers quickly told the truth in fear.

Unlike Zhuge Liang who has a powerful backing in Jingzhou, the officers didn’t. On top of that, their whole family was in Jingzhou. Liu Biao could not do much to Zhuge Liang but if these officers were proclaimed as traitors, their whole family would die with them. That was why all of them told the truth about what had happened at the Yangtze River. They were afraid that they would have been punished by Liu Biao for the losses so they quickly returned to claim some merits before Zhuge Liang for the purpose of reducing the punishment.

Their plan had gone well until Zhuge Liang suddenly defected.

“Woah!” The officers words caused an uproar. Falsifying merits was taboo in the army. No one would be satisfied if their hard work became someone else’s contribution. The generals glared at Wen Pin. If it was not because of Huang She pleading for Wen Pin’s case, the Huang Family’s generals would already condemn him.

Kuai Yue could not help but sigh at Zhuge Liang’s intellect. Zhuge Liang had been fooling them without anyone noticing up until he defected to Yangzhou. Now it was obvious that Zhuge Liang had set a trap for both Wen Pin and the Jiangdong Army.

“Why are you all still standing there? Drag them out and execute them!” Liu Biao was angry and did not want to hear Huang She’s pleas. He was deceived and would not have found out had Zhuge Liang not defect.

“Milord! Even if there is no merits, General Wen Pin has worked strenuously for you for many years. Please allow General Wen to atone for his mistakes!” Huang She knelt down.

“Pleae allow General Wen to atone for his mistakes!” The Huang Family’s generals followed Huang She’s lead and knelt down. As for the Lumen Academy officers, they also knelt down and begged for Wen Pin. This might be because Zhuge Liang had defected or for some other reason. Kuai Yue did not do anything as he knew that the moment he pleaded for Wen Pin, the man would be dead. However, as colleagues, he also did not want Wen Pin to die. So he signaled for the officials that followed the Kuai Family to plead for leniency as well.

“Father! It would be hard to appease the soldiers if we do not kill Wen Pin!” Liu Pan looked at the other officials resentfully. All of them were not giving him face at all. Wen Pin had falsified merits. This was a serious crime that Liu Pan fully intended on using to kill Wen Pin.

“If everyone is like General Huang, the army would have no confidence in us. Everyone will just falsify their merits!” Liu Pan sneered. Liu Biao was moved by those words.

“General Wen Pin! Say something!” Huang She looked at Wen Pin indignantly. Here he was pleading for Wen Pin but the person in question is just remaining silent. It was as though Huang She was the one facing execution. If it was not because Huang She did not want Liu Pan to obtain military power, he would not even have bothered pleading for Wen Pin.

“I have nothing to say. If the Lord wants me to die, I will die. But Milord, I want to say that I, Wen Pin, have never betrayed you!” Wen Pin said without fear. He was loyal and devoted. Had he wanted to betray Liu Biao, he would have long since defected to Cao Cao. Cao Cao would have definitely treated him well.

“Zhongye.” Liu Biao started to calm down. Had Wen Pin begged for forgiveness, Liu Biao would have believed that Wen Pin wanted to avoid responsibility. He would get angrier the more Wen Pin tried to defend himself. However, Wen Pin calmly asked for death. This caused Liu Biao to hesitate.

Seeing Liu Biao’s hesitation, Liu Pan quickly interjected. “Father! The Yangzhou threat is imminent! For each day this Wen Pin stays alive, it would be another day the army remains in discontent! How then could we defend against the enemy?”

“Milord! Wen Pin is our army’s general! The soldiers will lose morale if he dies. At that time, the happiest one would be Yangzhou!” Huang She advised.

“Men!” Liu Biao was weak after vomiting blood. He has already made up his mind and did not want to listen to these two argue.

“Milord! Please reconsider!”

“Father! The time to decide is now!”

“Men! Execute these people for falsifying merits.” Liu Biao ordered. Liu Pan immediately showed a cheerful expression.

“Except Wen Pin. Wen Pin is to be placed into prison until further notice.” Liu Biao added.

Huang She felt happy at this. Although Wen Pin did not end up commanding the troops, the fact that he was alive meant that there is a chance to turn things around.

“Milord! Thank you for not executing me.” Wen Pin himself did not want to die. Now that he found out Zhuge Liang had plotted against him, he wanted to go and find Zhuge Liang. He wanted to ask Zhuge Liang why he decided to betray Jingzhou.

“Thank you, Milord!” The other officers also thanked Liu Biao. This is because they were charged with the offense of falsifying merits instead of turning traitor. The punishment for the former was only their execution while the punishment for the latter would involve executing their whole family as well.

“Father!” Liu Pan was unwilling to give up.

Liu Biao waved his hand. “The army of fifty thousand must not be delayed. They must be ready within two months. All the weapons and goods within Xiangyang’s treasury is free to be used. My son will temporarily command the army.”

At this point, Liu Pan was satisfied. All he wanted was military power. Although he could not obtain the elites from the frontlines, he would be able to equip fifty thousand men with Jingzhou’s wealth.

All of a sudden, Liu Pan suddenly had a total of seventy thousand troops. He became the person with the strongest military power in Jingzhou. Even Huang Zu and Cai Mao together would not have as many soldiers as him.

“I grow weary. Let us end things here.” Liu Biao said. According to the doctor, Liu Biao was only debilitated. Although he vomited blood, this blood was congested blood. Not vomiting out that blood would have caused more problems in the future.

The doctor said vomiting this blood had its benefits but he also said that Liu Biao needed to rest and refrain from getting angry. If he were to keep getting angry, he could die from anger.

“This son respectfully sends off the Lord!” Liu Pan wanted to act filial but Liu Biao stopped him. There was too much pressure from Yangzhou so Liu Biao wanted Liu Pan to place a higher priority in forming an army.

After Liu Biao had left, Liu Pan stood up and smiled. “Young Lord Huang She. In the end, the military power still ends up in my hands!”

Huang She’s face was ashen. He saved Wen Pin to prevent Liu Pan from obtaining military power. Yet, Liu Pan still got it. “Do not be too happy yet! This is only temporary. After you train the fifty thousand troops, the one commanding them would not be you!”

“Hmph! Let us wait and see!” Liu Pan harrumphed. He himself felt uncomfortable that the position was only temporary. Liu Biao’s words had also made many other officers deluded.

Liu Pan and Huang She simply glared at each other before leaving.

***

The warship of the now Yangzhou Navy was on the Yangtze River. These surrendered ships all flew Yangzhou’s banner now.

Leading them was Lu Xun but their General was still Huo Jun. Li Yan was left behind at Lujiang. He was someone who preferred to govern rather than command troops. That was why Zhuge Liang had recommended him to Chen Gong. Chen Gong also gave Zhuge Liang face and handed over Shucheng to Li Yan. If Li Yan could do well, he would be sent to Yangzhou as they still had a shortage of people who could manage things.

Huo Jun looked at the hardworking Yangzhou Navy and was lost in thought.

“General Huo Jun. What are you looking at?” Lu Xun asked.

Huo Jun immediately reacted to the voice and cupped his fist. “General Lu.”

“No need to be too polite.” Lu Xun shook his head. Lu Xun’s position may be higher but he was less knowledgeable and experienced.

“General Huo. What are you so entranced with?” Lu Xun asked again.

“Me? I am looking at the Jiangxia soldiers.” Huo Jun replied.

“The soldiers?” Lu Xun felt it was strange. They were all under Huo Jun’s command initially so what was so interesting about them?

“I am wondering why they are working so hard. Besides that, look at their expressions. They have changed a lot.” Huo Jun was worried that the troops would be dissatisfied and rebel when they surrendered to Yangzhou. Yet, the soldiers became so enthusiastic. Were these really his men? Why do they have such a sense of belonging after only a few days?

“Haha. Zhongmiao is thinking about this?” Lu Xun looked for a place to sit and then said. “You said Zhuge Liang treats you well so you have to repay him well.” Huo Jun was only a gatekeeper at a small town. He was not even the gatekeeper of a place like Xiangyang. There, they would already be a commander of 1000-men. Yet, Zhuge Liang showed confidence in him and was willing to use him. That was how Huo Jun’s career advanced. This was why Huo Jun felt the need to live up to Zhuge Liang’s trust. He did everything he was ordered to do as best as he could. To Li Yan, Zhuge Liang was a superior but to Huo Jun, Zhuge Liang was his master and he, the servant.

“These soldiers have the same thoughts as you.” Lu Xun explained to Huo Jun.

“The same thoughts?” Huo Jun furrowed his brows. Zhuge Liang promoted Huo Jun simply because he was capable. But what ability do these soldiers have?

“Master Zhuge may have trusted you and had you promoted but in truth, he gave you something else.”

“What is it?” Huo Jun asked.

“Dignity.” Lu Xun said with a smile. “The dignity of a living person!” Lu Xun then stood up and pointed at the huge fleet. “We at Yangzhou also gave these soldiers the dignity of a living person!”

During these chaotic times, the soldiers were just a number to the generals and lords. For example, after Liu Biao lost his troops, his first thoughts were to gather more soldiers instead of recompensating the dead.

However, it was different in Yangzhou. Everyone’s name was registered. Everyone would get fertile land depending on the number of heads in their family. The whole family would profit from having one person in the family serve as a soldier. On top of that, the tax at Yangzhou was low. Besides that, the survivors in war are evaluated by merit. The ones that die are recompensated. Their names are also recorded in the Hall of Heroes.

Also, at other places, the disabled were expelled from the army and left to die. Some even kill the disabled soldier outright. However, at Yangzhou, a proper workplace is arranged for the disabled. For those that cannot work, they would recuperate at home. They would still be paid every month and the authorities at Yangzhou would take care of them.

From these services, the soldiers received dignity. They were no longer just numbers to be used. How could the soldiers not have a sense of belonging? On top of that, a part of the Yangzhou Navy was from Jiangxia anyway. The comradery allowed the surrendered soldiers fit in faster.

The soldiers would fight harder. Regardless of whether they live or die, the authorities would help out. The soldiers only needed to think about fighting.

“Is it worth it?” Huo Jun could not understand. Casualties cannot be avoided in war. How much money would be wasted on the many soldiers that perished? The amount spent to recompensate the dead would be a huge.

“Haha. The King of Shu said that even if we do not eat or drink, we would have to take care of the widows and orphans. These are our responsibilities!” Lu Xun replied.

Liu Mang’s method of doing things is actually common in the modern era. It is done in every country. In America, a soldier’s relief pay was more than the cost of advanced technology. That was why they are wiling to waste resources but not the lives of the soldiers. Yet, this ordinary system was seen as foolish in the ancient era. Yangzhou may not have suffered much losses but in total, there was still about a hundred thousand deaths. The relief pay for all of them was already enough to form another army of fifty thousand.

Only Liu Mang knew that they did really make any losses. While the relief pay would threaten Yangzhou financially, it would also give the soldiers a sense of belonging. The Yangzhou Army already has a sense of purpose. They knew why they fought and they could also leave their worries behind. That was most of Yangzhou’s ‘losses’ were deaths. Very little surrendered. The punishment for traitors were very serious. Not only do their land be taken back. They get marked as traitors for all to see. For the rest of their lives, they and their family would have no face to see others. Their family would also lose the qualifications to receive education. It was a cost that these soldiers could not afford.

The Yangzhou Army fought harder and could form armies faster. Generally speaking, only the ones that do not falter or retreat in battle, the ones that fought to the very end, were considered elites. Yet, the Yangzhou Army was just like this and their combat effectiveness was several times the strength of other armies.

“He captured the people’s heart?” Huo Jun was not a fool. He could tell that Liu Mang was literally showing the people benefits to keep them loyal.

“You can say that.” Lu Xun laughed.

“I understand.” Huo Ju finally understood why Zhuge Liang wanted to join the Yangzhou Army. The King of Shu has given the people a way to live. If anyone tries to destroy their livelihood, these people would definitely not stay quiet. They would not even need any orders to go against the enemy. It would be strange if such an army is not powerful.

“The enemy is attacking!” At the same time, Shiyang was in a panic. They may be a small county town but their stronghold was big. This is because they were a major road used by Jingzhou to send supplies Jiangxia. It was also an important passage on the Yangtze River.

Stationed at Shiyang was an official named Jiang Ye.

“Sir! Run quickly!” One officer called out to this official. A few days ago, they have already received message that the Jiangxia Army had defected to Yangzhou. They never expected the defected army to be here after only a few days. Warships could be seen all over the Yangtze River.

Zhuge Liang’s suggested to Chen Gong that they attack Jiujiang. They do not need to attack Jiangdong after leaving some troops at Jiujiang. The main force would then move on and attack Jingzhou. This is because Jingzhou is rich and Jiangdong is poor. They would not gain much from attacking Jiangdong. If Jiangdong had money, Sun Ce would have long since expanded his army. On the other hand, Jingzhou was rich. Even if Liu Biao himself was poor, the nobles were rich. Capturing Jingzhou would allow Yangzhou to have enough military expenses and provisions. It was definitely profitable. So, an navy of thirty five thousand set out with several hundred ships.

It was such a huge navy that this officer could not muster the courage the fight back.

“If you want to run, go and run by yourself! This official will protect this territory!” Jiang Ye replied.

Hearing this, the officer smiled bitterly. Yes, they had the responsibility to protect Shiyang. Even if he were to run back to Jingzhou, he would simply be treated as an example of a deserter. Even if he somehow escape punishment, he would lose his job.

“How about we surrender?” The officer suggested. If he surrenders, he would no longer need to worry about Liu Biao killing him in anger. In fact, the enemy may be happy enough to allow him to continue working.

“That’s right! Master Jiang, the enemy is too powerful! We should not fight against them!” Jiang Ye’s assistant also commented. None of them there wanted to die.

“Hmph! Surrender?” Contrary to their expectations, Jiang Ye harrumphed. According to the books, debts should be repaid accordingly. I am ashamed to even know despicable people like you who think of surrendering!”

“I…” The officer became depressed. What do you mean despicable? A wise man submits to circumstances. Furthermore, war will only bring suffering to the people. By surrendering, these people will be spared. Besides that, the officer was only suggesting this for Jiang Ye’s sake. Fighting back would mean death as Shiyang would not be able to defend themselves with only a few hundred men.

Even if Jiang Ye decide to run back to Xiangyang, the end result was still death. Might as well surrender. Yet, suggesting this made the officer a despicable person in Jiang Ye’s eyes.

“Then you fight alongside your servants. I will not accompany you!” The officer was angered after his good intentions was shot down. He no longer wanted to have anything to do with Jiang Ye. If Jiang Ye wanted to die, he could die alone. Once this officer leaves with the soldiers, Jiang Ye would have no choice but to defend Shiyang with his own servants.

“Wu Lin! Come back here!” Jiang Ye shouted.

“Oh? Did you finally understand?” Wu Lin sneered. If Jiang Ye continues to be stubborn, Wu Lin might just exchange Jiang Ye’s head for fortune.

“Sigh. Just come here.” Jiang Ye said again bitterly. Seeing this, Wu Lin thought that Jiang Ye was swayed by his words. Truthfully speaking, Wu Lin himself did not dare act alone as he was a high ranking officer from the Wu Family. His actions might cause Liu Biao to punish his family. On the other hand, if Jiang Ye were to take the lead, Wu Lin could pass that responsibility away to Jiang Ye.

“Sir. It is good if you finally understand!” Wu Lin smiled and approached to discuss about how to surrender. At this moment, Jiang Ye stabbed Wu Lin’s abdomen with a dagger.

“Yes, I understand. I cannot allow you to live!” Jiang Ye said coldly.

“You…! Jiang Ye! You dare treat me this way? Are you not afraid of the Wu Family?” Wu Lin looked at his own abdomen with disbelief.

“I am afraid but that was before today. Do you think I would still live after today?” Jiang Ye asked back. He who was a refined scholar now had a malevolent look on his face. The reason he changed like this was because he knew that he would not live. If he stayed, he would die but if he escaped, he would not have the face to see Liu Biao.

“Anyone else having thoughts of surrendering will join him!” Jiang Ye pushed the dagger deeper into Wu Lin’s abdomen as the man slowly lost his life.

The other officials no longer dared to speak as Jiang Ye was no longer gentle like before. Jiang Ye then cut off Wu Lin’s head. He ordered a housekeeper to hand Wu Lin’s head on the city gate tower to serve as a warning to others. He then ordered the rest to follow him.

Jiang Ye was quite skilled. Normally, the soldiers would rebel as a result of Wu Lin’s death but he managed to placate them.

“Is this all we have?” Jiang Ye asked.

“Master, this is all we have.” Shiyang may be small but because it was a strategic location, the city gate tower was very firm. Enemies would need to pass through Shiyang before they could enter Jiangling.

“Alright. I understand.” Jiangling said helplessly as he looked at his several hundred people. The soldiers and the servants together total about six hundred people. It was definitely not enough to protect Shiyang.

The soldiers could not be blamed. Though Shiyang was a strategic point, Jiangxia was the frontline. As a result, Shiyang has always known peace. The soldiers were mostly dispatched to the frontlines. Yet, these soldiers were now their enemies.

“Men! Follow me to meet the enemy!” Jiang Ye said to boost morale.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun received the information from a messenger. “Shiyang is not willing to surrender?”

“General. Shiyang’s county magistrate has chased our messenger back. They refuse to surrender.”

“They don’t want to surrender? How many soldiers do they have?

“Not even a thousand men.”

“They don’t even have a thousand men and they dare not surrender?” Lu Xun asked with interest. It would have at least be understandable if Shiyang had at least several thousand soldiers. Yet, they did not even have one thousand soldiers.

“Who is Shiyang’s general?”

“This subordinate does not know.” The messenger replied.

“Jiang Ye, Jiang Muyi.” Huo Jun spoke.

“Does Zhongmiao know this person?” Lu Xun asked.

“Not really.” Huo Jun shook his head. “But I know that he is courageous!” Jiang Ye had once reported Huang She for his behavior. At that time, the Huang Family were still Jiangxia’s local tyrant. Jiang Ye who was angered by Huang She reported this to Liu Biao. As a result, Liu Biao reprimanded Huang Zu.

“But so what if he is courageous? Pass down my orders! I want my troops stationed in Shiyang by night!” Though they sailed without stopping, they were also sailing against the current. So they arrived at Shiyang fairly late in the day. Lu Xun was already preparing to capture Shiyang to station the troops.

“Understood!” The war drums were hit and the ships advanced towards Shiyang.

“Kill, kill, kill!” The battle began and ended fairly quickly.

“Milord. I am unable to defend Shiyang. I am ashamed to meet Milord. We shall fall together with the city!” Seeing that the city had fallen, Jiang Ye fell into despair. He took out the dagger he killed Wu Lin with to try and commit suicide.

“Stop! Magistrate Jiang!” Huo Jun shouted as he climbed up the walls with Lu Xun. He also showed interest in Jiang Ye. Besides that, Jiang Ye has always been an honest man so Huo Jun wanted to spare the man’s life. Unfortunately, he was too late. Jiang Ye had already stabbed himself. His blood splashed out as he fell to the ground.

“Was it worth it?” Huo Jun looked at Jiang Ye and shook his head. Liu Biao was already coming to an end just like Yuan Shao.

“The city has fallen!” Shiyang has fallen. Jiang Ye has fulfilled his promise of dying with Shiyang.

“Men! Come and bury Magistrate Jiang.” Lu Xun looked at Jiang Ye and could not help but feel deeply moved. To die with the city. This action had reminded Lu Xun of his grandfather Lu Kang.

When Sun Ce attacked Wancheng, Lu Kang had the opportunity to surrender or escape. However, he stubbornly chose to commit suicide. That was why Lu Xun had a good opinion of Jiang Ye.

“Whose head is that?” Lu Xun then saw the head hanging on the city gate’s tower.

“That is County Officer Wu.” The subdued Shiyang defenders replied.

“County Officer Wu?” Lu Xun asked. Someone then explained that this person suggested they surrender. He was from the Wu Family in Jiangling.

“Oh?” Lu Xun initially had no interest in this traitor. He thought of just throwing the body away to the wilderness. Yet, it seems like he would be able to make good use of it.

“Men. Give this County Officer Wu a funeral. Give him some silk to wear and a proper burial as a Marquis.” Lu Xun ordered. His actions showed that Lu Xun was prepared to give the Wu Family relief pay.

“Is it worth it for just a county officer?” Huo Jun could not understand especially since the man in question was already dead. Even if the man was alive, letting him keep his job was already very good. Yet, Lu Xun wanted to give this dead man a title.

“Wu Lin himself is not worth it. However, it is worth it when the Wu Family is included.”