Word has come from the Eastern Region: Chu Fu, who was sent to escort provisions, suddenly vanished without a trace. Others, knowing that he came from a scholar-official family and had been appointed by the court, naturally dared not take it lightly. They immediately dispatched personnel to investigate thoroughly. However, news soon arrived that he had defected to Dian Wue’s side. Without delay, they sent people to verify the report, only to confirm that it was indeed true.
“…”
Wen Yanran looked at the information on the memorial, feeling that Chu Fu and his lot were quite adept at taking matters into their own hands.
Regardless of the truth, since all evidence now pointed to Chu Fu having betrayed the court, Jianping had to respond accordingly. At this moment, the Chu clan members still in the capital had already dressed in white at home to await punishment, quietly anticipating the Emperor’s judgment.
Chi Yi heard the Emperor laugh and say, “Bring me the memorials from the Grand Tutor and Minister Song.”
News of Chu Fu’s defection had already reached the capital. Both of these men were high-ranking officials in the court and were well aware of the Emperor’s temperament of executing people at the slightest provocation. Upon hearing rumors of Chu Fu’s defection, they were bound to come forward to remonstrate, if not to save the Chu clan, then at least to prevent the southern aristocratic families like the Cui clan from being implicated.
Fully prepared, Chi Yi selected the memorials and presented them. Their contents were as Wen Yanran had expected – they urged the Emperor to remain calm, emphasizing that Chu Fu’s foolishness was his alone and not worth destabilizing the broader situation. With the ongoing conflict on the front lines, they cautioned against expanding the repercussions too widely.
Wen Yanran set aside these memorials for the time being, refraining from issuing a response.
Chi Yi smiled. “In that case, the Grand Tutor and Censor-in-Chief Song will likely come to the palace again to remonstrate with Your Majesty.”
Wen Yanran replied casually, “Both ministers are no longer young, and with the recent snowfall, make sure someone looks after them properly when they come to the palace.” She added, “After they’ve made a few more trips, send someone to the East to persuade Minister Chu. Tell him that if he is willing to return, I am prepared to let bygones be bygones.”
After Chu Fu’s “defection,” the rebel forces in the East would undoubtedly watch Jianping’s response to determine whether his actions were genuine or feigned. Based on Dian Wue and his faction’s assessment of the court, the ruthless young emperor, upon learning that a minister had fled, would likely execute a few members of the Chu clan to make an example of them. By acting this way, Wen Yanran appeared temporarily swayed by her high-ranking ministers, deciding to continue trying to win Chu Fu back in the hope that he would return, which also explained why she did not immediately punish his clan members.
The army dispatched by Jianping to the East initially split into three, advancing separately along the left, center, and right flanks. The most ferocious assault was held back by Tao Jia, while Chen Ming and Shi Zhuhe advanced steadily, achieving significant successes. However, the road from here to Cheng Province was blocked by the Right Camp, standing like a tiger in their path. Tao Jia, Chen Ming, and Shi Zhuhe were forced to halt temporarily and gathered their forces near the Right Camp.
The cavalry sent to retrieve Chu Fu was also heading toward the Right Camp. They were already approaching the area but found their path blocked by the main Jianping forces ahead.
Shi Zhuhe was skilled in managing troops. He divided his soldiers into camps of a thousand men each, with clear boundaries spaced about half a mile apart. Banners fluttered above, and interconnected roads ran between the camps. Unless one carried explicit orders, no one was permitted to move freely between camps. From a distance, the well-defined and imposing fortifications inspired awe.
The emissaries wiped the sweat from their foreheads. “There are too many soldiers here. Let’s take a different route.”
Chu Fu remained silent, quietly observing the layout of the camps.
Little did the emissaries expect that this detour would last for several days, during which they found no passable roads. Their plan had been to bring Chu Fu to the Right Camp to contribute his efforts. While they succeeded in coaxing him to come, they now found themselves stuck outside the camps with no way to get through.
Finally, it was Chu Fu who spoke first. “How many troops are stationed in the Right Camp?”
One of the emissaries quickly replied, “Don’t worry. In the camp, we have at least over a hundred thousand combat-ready elite troops. If we include the militia, the number could reach around two hundred thousand.”
Chu Fu sneered. “As the art of war states, ‘If you outnumber the enemy ten to one, surround them.’ The army Jianping dispatched to the East amounts to only about a hundred thousand at most. How could they possibly have the Right Camp completely encircled?”
Though called a camp, the Right Camp was, in fact, a military fortress with high walls, strong fortifications, and an extensive area.
Upon hearing this, the emissary seemed to grasp something, his demeanor growing even more deferential. “Are you suggesting…”
Chu Fu stated with certainty, “At least six out of ten of the troops blocking the way ahead are conscripts and surrendered soldiers absorbed locally. No wonder they had to divide into separate camps.”
As he spoke, Chu Fu couldn’t help but inwardly admire the situation. Even with new recruits making up over half of the forces, they had managed to maintain stability within the camps. The young commanders the Emperor had sent east to suppress the rebellion were truly remarkable talents.
Seeing Chu Fu fall silent again after a few words, a soldier in plain attire took a waterskin from his waist and handed it over for him to soothe his throat.
This person was not part of the emissary and guard escort sent by the Eastern forces to receive Chu Fu. Instead, he was a personal attendant Chu Fu had brought along for his own safety. The emissaries understood that, having suddenly left his clan, Chu Fu would naturally feel somewhat uneasy and would likely want a trusted person by his side. Thus, they didn’t even bother to verify the attendant’s identity, fully demonstrating the Eastern side’s eagerness to recruit talent.
The emissary asked, “In your opinion, what should we do?”
Chu Fu replied, “Jianping’s forces are divided into three routes. While they are nominally under Tao Jia’s command, each route is actually led by a separate commander. Besides the central route, there are also troops under Shi Zhuhe and Chen Ming positioned on either flank. Since the forces are divided, there must be gaps between them.”
Chu Fu suggested they disguise themselves entirely as Jianping soldiers and move through the area where the left and central route camps intersected. As long as they didn’t appear suspicious, others would likely struggle to immediately identify them.
The emissaries had no better alternative. Though fearful, they had no choice but to follow Chu Fu’s advice. After changing their appearance, the group swaggered forward openly. Sure enough, Chen Ming’s forces mistook them for Tao Jia’s subordinates, while Tao Jia’s troops assumed they were Chen Ming’s men, so no one stopped them. Once Chu Fu and his party successfully reached the base of the city wall, they had someone call up to the defenders while displaying the prearranged signal. The defenders in the Right Camp first found the “messengers” accents somewhat familiar. Upon receiving the signal, they immediately realized the group’s true identity and sent people to hoist them up with a rope basket.
The person originally in charge of the Right Camp was the Pacification General, Sun Wuji. Compared to Zhang Ji, his temperament was far more fierce and bold. However, despite his fervor, he lacked the corresponding ability. When he discovered that Chu Fu had arrived, he was overjoyed and immediately went forward to pay his respects, addressing him as “teacher.” Though Chu Fu declined the title, Sun Wuji did not insist but continued to treat him with the courtesy due a mentor.
Sun Wuji led Chu Fu directly to his main tent and sought advice. “The Jianping rebels have the Right Camp tightly surrounded. Although we have ample provisions in the camp and can hold out, this cannot go on indefinitely.”
Chu Fu: “…”
In his view, this was already quite a viable strategy. The rebel forces occupied a fortified city with sufficient supplies. If Jianping were to launch a forceful assault, it would likely take them the better part of a year, if not longer, to capture it.
Seeing Chu Fu’s silence, Sun Wuji thought he was deep in thought and proceeded to share more about the situation in the Right Camp.
Although Sun Wuji considered Yu Gao’s approach somewhat weak, he ultimately complied with the latter’s request by gathering all nearby resources – such as food and weapons – into the Right Camp in advance. This made it difficult for Tao Jia’s forces to obtain supplies locally unless they resorted to large-scale plundering.
For armies on campaign with inadequate provisions, plundering locally was a desperate yet common strategy. Often, the defending side would preemptively relocate civilians from the conflict zone and dismantle their houses. This tactic, known as “strengthening the walls and clearing the fields,” was precisely what was meant here.
In this era, although Yu Gao could not be considered a first-class strategist, his standard, conventional methods had already caused significant difficulties for the imperial army.
Chu Fu asked, “Since the Jianping forces have surrounded the Right Camp, why haven’t they taken the opportunity to dispatch troops to Hengping?”
A cruel smile appeared on Sun Wuji’s face. “They did try. But every time they attempted to move troops away, I sent forces to pursue their rear guard, making it impossible for them to truly break free.”
The location of the Right Camp was far too strategically vital. If Jianping wanted to send troops from Gu Province to attack Hengping County in Cheng Province, they inevitably had to pass through this area. Moreover, during troop movements, provisions were a critical factor. Without being able to bring their supplies along, even if the army managed to bypass the Right Camp, their combat effectiveness would not last long.
Chu Fu cupped his hands in respect and said, “I have now grasped the situation here. However, having traveled for several days, I am truly exhausted. Allow me to discuss matters further with you tomorrow.”
Sun Wuji, understanding that Chu Fu was a scholar, nodded in agreement and immediately arranged accommodations for him.
Early the next morning.
Sun Wuji rose early and waited outside Chu Fu’s tent, instructing no one to disturb him, fully embodying the demeanor of a leader who honors and values talent.
When Chu Fu, having risen and washed, witnessed this scene, he indeed appeared somewhat moved. “General, why wait here? If you needed to see me, you could have simply sent someone to call for me.”
Sun Wuji replied, “How could I disturb your rest, especially after all your hardships?”
After exchanging pleasantries, the two ascended the city wall together.
They had risen early, but Tao Jia’s side was also up at dawn. After a night had passed, those outside finally realized who the people were that had slipped through the military formations the previous day. Several cavalrymen were now shouting outside the city walls, hurling insults at Chu Fu for abandoning righteousness for darkness and willingly degrading himself.
Chu Fu’s expression remained unchanged, though he glanced at the emissaries beside him.
One of the emissaries smiled apologetically. “It seems our journey was rushed, and we may have inadvertently left traces along the way.”
Under normal circumstances, from the moment Jianping discovered Chu Fu’s disappearance to confirming his whereabouts, it would have taken some time, especially since Chu Fu had not publicly declared his allegiance. The fact that Jianping reacted so swiftly could only mean one thing – people on the Eastern side had deliberately leaked his whereabouts.
In comparison, Sun Wuji and his ilk merely spoke grandly but were actually petty-minded, ultimately prone to suspicion and indecision, achieving little. Only Her Majesty, the emperor, was truly magnanimous and inclusive, a sovereign of vast tolerance.
Chu Fu said coldly, “Even if it was leaked, it hardly matters.”
Sun Wuji waved his hand, and immediately, thousands of arrows rained down from the city walls, forcing the cavalry to retreat. After a brief period of calm, someone from the Jianping camp approached again and proclaimed loudly, “Lord Chu, you have betrayed the Sovereign and descended into the ranks of traitors. Yet, in her benevolence, Her Majesty is willing to give you one chance. If you turn back now, Her Majesty is prepared to let bygones be bygones…”
This time, Sun Wuji didn’t allow the messenger to finish. Without firing a single arrow, he sent troops out of the city to seize the messenger’s head. The messenger, quick-witted, realized the danger and immediately turned his horse around, leaving the Right Camp soldiers grasping at thin air.
Chu Fu sighed. “General, there is no need for concern. Given the circumstances, how could I possibly waver?” After a moment of hesitation, he lowered his voice and added, “Most of my clan members are in Jianping. From the current situation, it’s only a matter of time before they fall victim to others. The only one left in the East is Chu Sui, that child. I hope you can look after her.”
Sun Wuji promptly agreed. As far as he knew, due to Chu Sui’s persistent refusal to pledge allegiance, Dian Wue had grown impatient and even considered executing her. It was only Yu Gao, mindful of his past camaraderie with Chu Sui, who had reluctantly stayed his hand. Now that Chu Fu had arrived, ensuring his niece’s safety was the least that could be done in his honor.
At this point, Chu Fu seemed somewhat disheartened. He left the city wall without saying a word and only spoke upon reaching the camp entrance. “I now have a strategy to defeat the enemy. I wonder, General, what you think.”
Sun Wuji was greatly astonished. His attitude toward Chu Fu was partly due to the latter’s status as a scholar-official and partly because Chu Fu had once served under the Marquis of Quanling. As long as Chu Fu was willing to stay, it would prove to the world the authenticity of their side’s “Marquis of Quanling.” Though Sun Wuji had hoped Chu Fu might offer some advice, he never expected the man to devise a strategy to defeat the enemy on the very next day after his arrival.
In the past, Sun Wuji had studied under Great Master Xuanyang and understood the principle of “spending a fortune to buy the bones of a fine horse.” At this moment, he silently resolved that even at the cost of sacrificing thousands of cavalrymen, he would follow Chu Fu’s strategy to demonstrate the sincerity of the Eastern side.
Chu Fu smiled faintly. “Over the past two days, I have been closely observing the formation and layout of the camps outside the city. Considering Jianping’s forces number only around a hundred thousand, with even fewer capable of cavalry combat, how could they dare to tightly besiege the Right Camp? This must be a ‘blossoming tree’ stratagem!”
Sun Wuji, not entirely foolish, asked, “Are you saying that there aren’t actually that many troops outside?”
Chu Fu replied, “The troops are there, but they are not combat-ready. Most of the soldiers Tao Jia and his commanders are using to fill their camps are newly absorbed surrendered troops or local militia and retainers from powerful clans. How could they be deployed flexibly? They are merely put on display here as a bluff. Otherwise, why do they retreat each time they attempt to advance to Hengping after being pursued by your forces, General?”
His meaning was clear: the Jianping army simply did not have the strength to besiege the Right Camp. Instead, they deliberately created the appearance of an overwhelming force to intimidate the Right Camp. If Sun Wuji was deceived into not daring to launch an attack, their opponents could calmly transfer their elite troops to the Hengping area.
Chu Fu said, “During my time outside these past few days, I have identified which areas are strong and which are weak in their positions. Though I cannot claim absolute certainty, I am at least fifty to sixty percent confident. I wonder if you, General, are willing to give it a try?”
Sun Wuji laughed heartily. “Since it is your strategy, how could I hesitate?”
He promptly deployed his officers and soldiers, directing them to act according to Chu Fu’s plan.
Another day passed when Jianping’s forces suddenly heard drums sounding from the opposing side. Simultaneously, all four gates of the Right Camp swung open, and four waves of cavalry surged out. Each wave comprised around three thousand riders, charging directly at the enemy outside the city.
By this stage of the conflict, it wasn’t only Jianping that saw new commanders of humble origins rising to prominence – the rebel forces also steadily produced numerous capable military leaders. When it came to leading small-scale cavalry assaults, they were not far behind Jianping’s commanders.
The cavalry’s advance was as fierce as tigers and as swift as dragons. Seeing the Right Camp dispatch troops, Jianping’s side immediately responded. After a series of engagements, the outcome was momentarily astonishing: of the four cavalry units from the Right Camp, only one was defeated. The other three achieved overwhelming victories, claiming nearly ten thousand enemy heads!
Inside the Right Camp, Chu Fu was apologizing to Sun Wuji, speaking with regret. “In the end, this battle still cost you two thousand cavalrymen. It is truly my failing.”
Naturally, Sun Wuji felt the loss of the cavalry, but he was even more delighted by the victories on the other three fronts. He laughed heartily. “What are you saying? If not for you, who knows how long this stalemate would have persisted without any breakthrough?”
Chu Fu smiled faintly. In truth, he hadn’t expected matters to unfold so smoothly.
The most skillful lies are often woven among truths. It was true that the Jianping army had absorbed a considerable number of surrendered soldiers. It was true that most of their camps were mere facades set up to intimidate. And his analysis of the situation was also true.
Following Chu Fu’s instructions, the four cavalry units were to launch full-force attacks upon deployment and were not to turn back unless the Right Camp sounded the retreat signal. The purpose was naturally to pin down the enemy, preventing them from swiftly reinforcing other attacked areas.
In the three lost battles among the four engagements, the losses on Jianping’s side consisted mainly of surrendered soldiers and retainers conscripted from powerful clans. On the Right Camp’s side, however, the losses were genuine elite troops.
Nevertheless, with a casualty ratio of ten thousand to two thousand, the Right Camp could still be considered a minor victor. Yet Chu Fu’s objective extended beyond the immediate outcome. He aimed to use this victory to deepen the enemy’s trust in him, laying the groundwork for future strategies.
In truth, as an advisor, Chu Fu possessed strategic ability, but performing as remarkably as he did now was largely thanks to his prior discussions with Ren Feihong.
“The major plan has been set.”
Within the Jianping army camp, Ren Feihong clapped her hands in delight and spread out a sheet of paper to write a letter to the Emperor.
To prevent the secret from being revealed, she would not commit the details of the strategy to writing, but she was confident the Emperor would not misinterpret it.
Because this was precisely the plan Wen Yanran had devised from the very beginning.
Chu Fu’s presence directly accelerated the plan’s advancement. Ren Feihong initially considered it a fortunate coincidence, but now she realized it might very well have been part of the emperor’s own calculations. Otherwise, among Jianping’s many idle officials, why would she specifically send him? Naturally, it was to lure the Eastern forces into taking the bait.
Wen Yanran, far away in Jianping, had no way of knowing Ren Feihong’s current thoughts. After seeing three consecutive defeat notifications from the system, she received a victory notification. Additionally, Wen Yanran noticed that her central prestige value had unexpectedly increased by another point.
…Where did this increase come from? Weren’t they still eight thousand enemy heads short?
Wen Yanran had not delved too deeply into the game’s mechanics and did not realize that different attribute values could influence one another. For instance, the confidence of notable ministers like Tao Jia, Ren Feihong, and Shi Zhuhe in the Emperor would affect the [Governance] rating, which in turn would influence [Prestige]. With the Emperor’s trusted ministers holding her in such high regard, the Emperor’s image naturally ascended further toward greatness and prestige.
