sovbooks Chapter 1480 Liaodong and Liaoxi
Chapter 1480 Liaodong and Liaoxi
Chapter 1480 Liaodong and Liaoxi
In November of the fourteenth year of Yanxi, in the study of the Grand Marshal's residence in Chang'an.
The silver-boned charcoal in the charcoal brazier was burning brightly, crackling from time to time.
The Right Lady walked briskly, and when she pushed open the heavy oak door, she brought in a gust of cold wind from the twelfth lunar month.
"News has come from Liaodong..."
Before she could catch her breath, she placed the secret report, wrapped in tanned sheepskin, on Grand Marshal Feng's desk.
Feng Da Sima was pressing down several documents about the progress of the new policies in Hebei with a paperweight when he heard this and looked up.
He reached for the secret report, unrolled the parchment, and said, "Tell me in detail."
The Right Lady took a deep breath:
"The pseudo-Wei state captured Xiangping in ten days, and Gongsun Xiu committed suicide by burning himself. Sima Zhao... crossed the sea to seize territory and succeeded."
Upon hearing this, Grand Marshal Feng paused for a moment, then continued to unfold the parchment and examine it carefully.
After reading it, he read it again to make sure nothing was missed, then looked up and asked:
"Has it been verified?"
Zhang Xingyi walked to the charcoal brazier, warmed his hands by the fire, and replied upon hearing this:
"The conclusion was only presented after being cross-verified by three chief clerks from the secretariat, following reports from both Qingxu and Youzhou."
"This is the most detailed one. There are two other copies in the secretariat, and the content is similar."
“Ten days…” Feng Yong repeated the number, stood up, and looked at the huge map hanging on the wall.
“And another thing,” the Right Lady said, having warmed herself up by the fire, as she pulled a scroll of paper records from her sleeve.
"Sima Zhao allowed the Xianbei Buyao tribe to reside in Liaoxi Commandery, permitting them to graze their herds and open border markets."
She walked to Feng Yong's side, pointed her finger at Xiangping on the map, and then gestured towards Xi'an Ping, Lelang, and Daifang:
"The four commanderies of Liaodong all fell into the hands of Wei."
Then he pointed to Liaoxi Commandery, saying, "Sima Zhao's move kills two birds with one stone: he gains territory, appeases the Xianbei to secure the border, and then uses the Xianbei to separate us."
After speaking, the Right Lady looked at Grand Marshal Feng with a somewhat solemn expression: "This man's schemes are ruthless and decisive; we should reassess the danger he poses."
The study was quiet for a moment, with only the dripping of water from the water clock. Suddenly, Grand Marshal Feng smiled.
The laughter was soft, yet it made the Right Madam frown: "What are you laughing at?"
“I laugh at you, Madam,” Feng Yong turned and picked up a celadon teacup from the table, taking a slow sip of tea. “Others may fear the Xianbei, but I do?”
“That’s not the point,” the Right Lady frowned, reminding her, “The point is that Sima Zhao took Liaodong in just one month!”
"By placing the Xianbei in Liaoxi, we are actually guarding the border for Sima Zhao. If Youzhou launches a military campaign, Liaodong can respond in time."
"Sima Zhao's move, though seemingly a loss of a prefecture, was actually a well-thought-out scheme."
Feng Yong gently placed the teacup back on the table with a crisp "tap," then turned back to look at the map.
Finally shook his head:
"Sima Zhao is a mediocre man. To take Liaodong in a month is a truly ruthless and decisive plan, something that Sima Zhao could never have accomplished."
"My lady, does that stone cannon mentioned in the secret report look familiar to you?"
Zhang Xingyi was taken aback.
She looked familiar, of course.
"Yang Yi." She uttered the name with great reluctance.
Grand Marshal Feng nodded:
"After the Prime Minister's death, Yang Yi fled to the puppet state of Wei with the blueprints for the stone cannon. But over the years, I have repeatedly attacked the puppet state of Wei, and I have never seen Sima Yi use this weapon."
"Even after Sima Yi's death, there was no news of any stone cannons in the army of the pseudo-Wei side."
"If I hadn't personally witnessed Yang Yi's escape back then, I would hardly have been able to be sure whether Yang Yi actually took the cannon blueprints with him."
Feng Da Sima spoke slowly, seemingly lost in memories.
After a long while, his gaze finally returned to the map:
"The expedition across the sea to Liaodong was arduous, and Liaodong was remote. The Gongsun family had managed it for generations, and the city was strong and the food was plentiful."
"If we attack using conventional methods, it will be a protracted and costly war. Only by using ingenious weapons to break through the fortified city and achieving a swift victory can we seize the territory before the rest of the world can react."
"This strategy requires three things: first, knowledge of Liaodong's strengths and weaknesses; second, a naval force capable of crossing the sea; and third, a powerful weapon capable of breaching the city in ten days."
The true strength and weakness of Liaodong can be investigated; with patience, it can always be found out.
In its early years, in order to deal with the Eastern Wu's northward expansion and its contact with the Gongsun clan in Liaodong, the pseudo-Wei established a naval base in Qingxu.
As for siege weapons...
"It can only be said that Sima Yi was indeed a person who was extremely patient, but who could also strike swiftly and decisively once he discovered an opportunity, giving his opponents no chance at all."
"Think back to Meng Da back then, wasn't it in the same way that Sima Yi captured the city, beheaded him, and sent his head to Luoyang?"
The charcoal fire crackled softly in the study.
The Right Lady finally realized what was happening, a look of realization flashing in her eyes:
"So... this wasn't Sima Zhao's scheme? It was Sima Yi's dying plan? In other words, Sima Yi had already formulated the Liaodong strategy before his death?"
"All Sima Zhao has to do is choose a suitable time to carry it out."
Grand Marshal Feng shook his head, a thoughtful expression on his face:
"I think that preparations for attacking Liaodong may have already begun during Sima Yi's lifetime."
"One of his purposes in taking the false emperor to Pengcheng was perhaps to secure Liaodong as his rear base."
The Right Lady then asked, "I have another question: since Sima Yi already possessed stone cannons, why didn't he use them earlier in the wars in the Central Plains?"
"Given the power of the stone cannons, the pseudo-Wei state might not have been defeated so swiftly by the iron cavalry of the Han dynasty..."
Fifteen years!
If Sima Yi truly possessed such a powerful weapon, why didn't he bring it out sooner?
It's truly puzzling that the pseudo-Wei regime only used this item to cross the sea and conquer Liaodong when it had nowhere left to retreat.
Grand Marshal Feng turned his head and smiled meaningfully:
"Who knows? Anyway, Sima Yi is dead, and nobody knows what he was really thinking."
Seemingly unwilling to discuss this matter further, Grand Marshal Feng suddenly asked:
"My lady, why do you think Sima Yi chose Liaodong?"
Lady Right pondered, "Liaodong is remote, easy to defend and difficult to attack; acquiring it could provide a foundation. Moreover..."
"And what?"
"Furthermore, Liaodong and Qingxu are separated by the sea. Is Sima Yi... leaving the Sima family a way out across the sea?"
"If the Central Plains cannot be defended, then retreat to Liaodong, hold the sea, and wait for the opportune moment."
Grand Marshal Feng nodded slowly:
"Therefore, Sima Zhao sent Lu Yu to Chang'an, asking me not to launch any military campaigns against Qing and Xu for two years, seemingly to sow discord between Han and Wu..."
"In reality, it's a race against time to seize territory. What he wants is to take over Liaodong within these two years."
As for what happens after taking Liaodong, if we can defend Qing and Xu provinces two years later, we will do so; if we can't, we'll retreat to Liaodong...
That was a brilliant idea.
It must be said that Sima Zhao, or Sima Yi, had indeed taken everyone by surprise with their scheme.
Grand Marshal Feng stared at the map, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Not only that! Not only that!"
The right lady asked in confusion, "What do you mean, 'not only'?"
"Sima Zhao's acquisition of Liaodong as a rear base has far-reaching implications," said Grand Marshal Feng, circling the two provinces of Qing and Xu with his finger.
"My lady, consider this: if our Han dynasty were to conquer Qing and Xu, or even if the two-year agreement were to expire and Sima Zhao were to abandon Qing and Xu and leave, what would the Wu kingdom think?"
After saying that, Feng Da Sima found it even more interesting.
"Hmm?" The Right Lady was initially puzzled, but after glancing at Qing Xu who was encircled, she suddenly understood and her eyes widened instantly.
If Sima Zhao retreats to Liaodong, then only the states of Han and Wu will remain in a standoff in the Central Plains.
At that time, the Han Dynasty had been recuperating for two years and was at the height of its military might.
Wouldn't that be...
The Right Lady blurted out: "Han and Wu are at war?!"
She then looked at Grand Marshal Feng: "Shouldn't we attack Liaodong first?"
Grand Marshal Feng shook his head, a smile on his face, a smile tinged with admiration:
"If it weren't for Sima Yi, before he led his remaining troops to retreat from Hebei, he allowed the barbarian cavalry to plunder Hebei, and he also dug the Zhang River to block the pursuing troops..."
"Even if the imperial court exempts Hebei from taxes for three years and makes every effort to restore people's livelihood, it will only be barely enough to stabilize the situation and allow taxes to be collected again."
“If we were to conscript laborers for a distant expedition to Liaodong, the people of Hebei would not be able to afford it. According to custom, we would have to wait at least three more years—in total, six years.”
Why wait another three years?
Because in an ordinary family, a young adult can save up enough food for a year's worth of rations in three years.
But whether it was the burly soldiers sharpening their swords, the officials in the court, or even the honest fat Liu who was about to complete the Three Revitalizations, none of them were willing to wait a moment longer.
Therefore, the only option is to first wage war against Eastern Wu.
Sima Zhao could then prolong his life in Liaodong for another two, three, four, or five years.
but……
But so what?
No matter how ingenious the conspiracy, it is nothing but a trivial trick in the face of the overwhelming trend of the times.
"Sima Yi..." the Right Lady murmured the name softly.
I didn't think much of it before, after all, I had always been defeated by my own Ah Lang.
Looking at this man's posthumous strategy now, I realize it is indeed somewhat...
He glanced at Feng.
Does it have the flavor of deep planning and foresight?
Feng Yong noticed her gaze, his back stiffened slightly, and he quickly pretended to be engrossed in studying the map, even softening his breathing.
I feel a persistent, dull pain in my kidneys.
"My lady, after you return, keep a close eye on news from Liaodong." He coughed lightly and said seriously:
"I always felt that Sima Yi's elaborate scheme couldn't be that simple."
"Understood." Fortunately, the Right Lady made no other move. She turned to leave, then stopped and looked back. "By the way, those stone cannons... does our ordnance battalion have any better ones now?"
Feng Yong nodded expressionlessly, his gaze still fixed on the map, as if to say, "This is a military secret."
Seeing his reaction, the Right Lady assumed it concerned military affairs under the Left Lady's control and thus declined to elaborate.
He gave a soft hum and ultimately turned and left.
“By the way,” Feng Yong’s voice came from behind, “Have Tian Guorang (Tian Yu) come to see me.”
Zhang Xingyi didn't stop walking; she simply raised her hand to indicate that she understood, and then went out.
-
About half an hour later, steady but slightly heavy footsteps came from outside the study.
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, General Tian Yu has arrived."
"please."
The oak door was gently pushed open, and an old man slowly entered.
He was dressed in a dark blue casual suit, with a worn-out lambskin coat over it. His hair and beard were as white as the first snow in the border region, and his face was deeply lined with wrinkles, all traces left by the years.
Although his back was slightly hunched, his steps remained steady.
Tian Yu stopped three steps inside the threshold, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Tian Yu greets the Grand Marshal."
Feng Yong had already risen from behind the desk and quickly stepped forward to help him up, saying, "Master Tian, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."
He led Tian Yu to a seat on a mat next to the charcoal brazier, and personally picked up a copper kettle from the red clay stove, poured a cup of warming drink with ginger slices and maltose, and handed it to him.
"It's freezing cold, and Master Tian is quite old, yet I've asked him to come despite the cold. Thank you for your trouble!"
Feng Yong spoke gently, but his gaze carefully examined the old man in front of him.
Tian Yu accepted the gift with both hands, expressed his gratitude, and repeatedly said he didn't deserve the thanks given to Grand Marshal Feng for his hard work.
The warmth of the cup seeped through his palm, but he didn't drink it immediately. Instead, he looked up at Feng Yong.
Under the candlelight, the renowned Grand Marshal was in his prime, his brows bearing the imposing air of someone long accustomed to high office, without the gloomy, calculating demeanor one might expect.
But then Grand Marshal Feng asked in a gentle voice:
"Is Mr. Tian settling in comfortably in his residence in Chang'an? If there are any inconveniences due to the hasty arrangements last year, please let me know."
Tian Yu put down the porcelain cup, cupped his hands, and said:
"Grand Marshal Lao is very concerned. The residence he has been granted is near the East Market. The house is spacious, the servants are plentiful, and there is even a cellar for storing ice, so it is not too hot in the summer."
"For a veteran who has surrendered to receive such generous treatment is already beyond the bounds of propriety."
“The East Market is noisy; I don’t want to disturb your peace and quiet,” Feng Yong said, taking a lacquered food box from under the table and pushing it in front of Tian Yu.
"These are candied orange peels that were just sent from Sichuan. They are warm in nature and good for the lungs. You may try some."
Tian Yu thanked him and took one.
The candied orange peel is golden and translucent, coated with glistening sugar icing, and has a soft, chewy, and sweet taste.
Grand Marshal Feng then asked, "How is your daily life?"
"Rise at cockcrow, practice a set of Five Animal Frolics, and then eat a bowl of porridge and two eggs."
Tian Yu answered meticulously, "After a short rest in the afternoon, I read some military books and strategies—although my old eyes are failing, fortunately my grandson is there to read them to me."
When asked about his daily life, Grand Marshal Feng didn't mention anything else, simply assuming that he was concerned about the veteran general.
Tian Yu was an experienced and shrewd man. He knew that even if he had a past relationship with the late emperor, as a surrendered general, it would be impossible for him to easily step into the heart of the Han Dynasty's power.
Although Grand Marshal Feng spoke fluently and appeared calm, he knew that things might not be so simple.
So he took the initiative to ask:
"Grand Marshal, you are very busy with many affairs. I imagine you have summoned me here for more than just these trivial matters. Is there something important you wish to do?"
Feng Yong smiled, sat down opposite him, and reached out to stir the silver-bone charcoal in the charcoal brazier, sparks crackling and flying up.
"It's nothing important, I've just heard of your great reputation for a long time, but we've never had a chance to talk about it in detail."
He said in a relaxed tone, "You have been stationed in Youzhou for many years, and your prestige has shaken the northern frontier. The Xianbei and Wuhuan people are terrified when they hear your name and yearn for you. Therefore, they want to see your demeanor."
Tian Yu remained silent for a moment, then slowly drank a sip of hot soup.
The spiciness of the ginger and the sweetness of the maltose melted in his throat, but they couldn't dispel the doubts in his heart.
"Old matters are not worth mentioning." He put down his porcelain cup, his voice calm. "I am now just an old, surrendered general. I am already deeply grateful to the Grand Marshal for not abandoning me and for granting me a house to live in."
Feng Yong looked into the old man's still clear and bright eyes.
There was no despondency or resentment in it, only a clear-headed understanding gained through hardship, and a trace of undiminished vigor.
He was a little speechless.
The original plan was to send Tian Yu to Youzhou as the General Who Guards the North, to use his past prestige to pacify the border counties, intimidate Liaoxi, and prepare for the future conquest of Liaodong.
This old man has been operating in Youzhou for many years and is familiar with the geography and people. The Xianbei tribes also respect his name, making him the best candidate.
but……
Grand Marshal Feng's gaze swept over Tian Yu...
He hesitated.
Tian Yu is already eighty years old.
The journey to Youzhou is a long one, a thousand miles away, and the weather is freezing cold.
If something goes wrong along the way...
The study fell silent for a moment.
After a long while, Grand Marshal Feng sighed softly.
“Actually…” he began, but then paused, shaking his head, “It’s nothing. I invited you here today just for casual conversation.”