Chapter 46 Arrival in Jiangzhou

Standing on the multi-decked warship, letting the wind blow through his hair, Zhang Erlang felt a swell of joy. He had never expected that the newly appointed Governor Liu would personally lead the expeditionary force this time.

Rumors on the outside always claimed that Governor Liu was a man of gentle and benevolent character, unversed in military affairs. Yet, with the outbreak of the rebellion in Bajun, Governor Liu had actually taken personal command of the punitive expedition, displaying a remarkably resolute and decisive disposition.

Since Governor Liu possessed such a resolute demeanor, and given his reputation for treating the scholars of Shu with utmost courtesy—regardless of their noble or humble origins, entrusting them with responsibility solely based on talent—things bended favorably.

Furthermore, he had heard from Li Mou a rumor regarding Colonel Gan. Before being appointed as the Chengxiang of Shujun, Colonel Gan had been a prominent chieftain in Bajun, roaming far and wide across the commanderies.

If Governor Liu was capable of employing even such lawless chieftains as colonels, then his own carefully laid plans this time might yield even better results.

Raising his head to gaze at the bright moon hanging high in the sky, with the crisp breeze brushing against his ears, he felt that this campaign was bound to have a favorable outcome.

***

Zhang Su was writing furiously at his desk, occasionally pausing to deliberate over his phrasing. It was not until late into the night that he finally finished the tasks at hand.

With no one else around, he cast aside all formalities, stretched his back, and let out a sigh of relief.

Then, casting his gaze toward his younger brother, who was lying half-reclined on the bed reading a book, he said with a hint of envy, "Ziqiao, you certainly have all the leisure in the world."

Hearing this, Zhang Song lowered the book that was shielding his face, revealing a distinctly plain and unadorned countenance. Stroking his chin, he replied, "Elder Brother, I am merely a commoner without official rank, so naturally I am at leisure."

"As the Merit Officer of the Provincial Governor's Office, deeply valued by Governor Liu and laboring on his behalf, you ought to shoulder more of the burden."

Hearing his younger brother's playful retort, Zhang Su joked back, "Then you had better enjoy this period of idleness while it lasts. Sooner or later, Governor Liu will have you working to the bone as well. Look at this expedition; the Governor even went out of his way to instruct me to bring you along, saying he intends to entrust you with heavy responsibilities."

Zhang Song scratched his head, voicing the puzzlement that had been lingering in his heart, "Elder Brother, as you can see, I have no acquaintance with the Governor, nor do I possess any renown throughout the commanderies. Since I am merely a commoner, how did Governor Liu ever happen to single me out?"

"Could it be that you, Elder Brother, put in a good word for me before the Governor?"

"Perish the thought. I certainly did not speak on your behalf before Governor Liu, and to be honest, I am somewhat puzzled by this myself." Zhang Su recalled the moments before their departure for Bajun.

Liu Zhang had suddenly said to him, *'Jungiao, I hear you have a younger brother of considerable talent, eloquent and quick-witted. On this journey to Bajun, bring your brother along; I have great use for him.'*

Shaking his head, he answered his brother, "Perhaps Governor Liu simply caught wind of your name from somewhere."

"It's just that the military situation has been intensely critical of late, leaving the Governor with no spare time to summon you. Give it a few days, and all will be well."

"Perhaps," Zhang Song replied, covering his face with the book once more. The truth would inevitably come to light sooner or later, so there was no need to rush over a day or two.

***

Jiangzhou City.

Upon entering the city, Liu Zhang did not immediately hold a military council. Instead, he first granted an audience to Meng Biao, a man of letters and renowned personality in Bajun, along with the heads of the Cheng and Shangguan clans, two prominent families of Jiangzhou.

"We are deeply indebted to Master Meng for your tireless efforts this time," Liu Zhang said, showing ample respect to Meng Biao, who had traveled extensively on his behalf.

He then heaped praises upon Meng Biao, saying, "Assistant Administrator Wang once remarked that Master Meng is capable of serving as a provincial official to rectify regional affairs when advancing, and capable of acting as a commandery governor to bring prosperity to the common people when retiring. You are truly a man of extraordinary talent."

"Having been blessed with the privilege of meeting you today, I shall endeavor to draw ever closer to your esteemed counsel."

Upon hearing this, Meng Biao offered the customary deferential polite refusal, saying, "To receive such unmerited praise from Assistant Administrator Wang fills me with profound shame."

"Master Meng need not be overly modest. Once the rebels in Bajun are pacified, I shall naturally record your merits and bestow rewards," Liu Zhang replied with practiced courtesy, projecting the image of a ruler who valued worthies and honored scholars.

He then turned his attention to the heads of the Cheng and Shangguan clans of Jiangzhou, praising them: "That both clan leaders were able to uphold your duties as subjects and refuse to be led astray by rebellious outlaws is a true testament to your unwavering loyalty."

"Once the Bajun rebels are pacified, your merits shall likewise be recognized and rewarded."

The heads of the Cheng and Shangguan clans cupped their hands and bowed in gratitude.

Having placated the local elites, the next order of business was the military council.

Liu Zhang took his seat at the head of the chamber, while Wu Ban stood solemnly to the side, resting his hand upon the pommel of his sword.

The assembled civil and military officials had already taken their respective seats according to their official ranks.

Gao Pei took the initiative to speak, reporting to Liu Zhang the latest intelligence received.

"Colonel Deng has sent word that he has secured White Emperor City and the Kuimen Pass, and has dispatched scouts to probe the movements of Jingzhou. They report no signs of Jingzhou mobilizing troops in response; thus, the eastern flank can be considered entirely secure."

"Colonel Leng has proceeded to Dianjiang to garrison the stronghold, and word has also arrived from him stating that he has successfully repelled an assault by the rebellious Bai clan. Dianjiang is as secure as Mount Tai, and there is no need for concern."

"Furthermore, the Prefectural Commandant of Linjiang, Yan Yan, has sent a message reporting that he placed under arrest the magistrate Xie Yuan, who intended to defect and rebel, and successfully repelled the Xie clan—a prominent family that attempted to seize Linjiang by force."

Liu Zhang nodded as he listened. Hearing the name of Yan Yan, the Commandant of Linjiang, a smile naturally surfaced on his face.

Yan Yan was exceptionally famous. In the future, he would hurl furious defiance at the fierce Zhang Fei, who led an army to seize Yizhou: *'You villains have no sense of propriety, unlawfully invading and seizing our province! In this province of ours, there are only generals with severed heads, not generals who surrender!'*—driving the fierce Zhang Fei into a towering rage.

Perhaps Yan Yan's military capabilities did not quite match those of top-tier commanders, but his loyalty was absolute and of the highest order.

And loyalty was precisely what Liu Zhang needed most at present.

After Gao Pei finished reporting on the situations at Kuimen and Dianjiang, Liu Zhang inquired, "What is the enemy's strength and current disposition? Where have they retreated to?"

Gao Pei cupped his hands in report and said, "After suffering setbacks, the three major clans of Xie, Bai, and Yang have all retreated to Liangping County. At present, the various rebel factions have converged upon Liangping and are no longer dividing their forces to raid the surrounding districts."

This was favorable news for Liu Zhang. Since the rebel forces were no longer roaming wildly about, the threat to the common folk of Bajun was considerably diminished. His overarching vision for Bashu was to treat it much like Liu Bang's Guanzhong—serving as his unshakeable foundation.

With such a secure base of operations, even if he were to experience a defeat or two in future campaigns elsewhere, he would still be able to regroup and gather his strength.

Moreover, dealing with a concentrated rebel force was far more convenient; there was no need to chase them across the countryside. They could simply march straight toward the rebel stronghold and strike a decisive blow.

The Registrar, Huang Quan, pondered for a moment before speaking up, "My Lord, with White Emperor City and Kuimen now secure, even if the forces of Jingzhou harbor any designs and attempt to push upstream against the current of the river, they will be utterly powerless to do so. The eastern flank requires no further anxiety."

Liu Zhang nodded, signaling his brother-in-law Huang Quan to continue.

"If the rebel army were scattered on raiding expeditions, they would pose a considerable hazard. But now that their spirit has been broken and they have gathered together in Liangping, the threat is greatly reduced." Huang Quan's assessment aligned completely with Liu Zhang's: a concentrated rebel army was vastly preferable to one scattered in flight.

He then offered his counsel, "Our main army should now press forward in formation. While the enemy's morale is shattered and frozen with fear, we must crush them in a single stroke and pacify Bajun."

Wu Yi stepped out from the ranks in agreement, "My Lord, Registrar Huang's words are entirely correct. We must take advantage of the enemy's dread and uncertainty regarding their next move to advance and exterminate these rebels."

At that moment, a messenger reported his arrival from outside and stepped into the hall, announcing, "Cheng Ji, the Magistrate of Hanchang, has sent word that the rebels are using gold, silk, and Shu brocade to entice the Cong people in the vicinity of Hanchang. Already, one or two thousand Cong people have been subverted by the rebels and have defected to Liangping."

Having delivered the message, the messenger bowed and withdrew.

*Cheng Ji.* Liu Zhang felt a surge of delight. Here was yet another paragons of unwavering loyalty.

In history, during the time of Liu Zhang, Cheng Ji served as the Magistrate of Hanchang. When Pang Xi, the Administrator of Bajun, demanded that Cheng Ji provide Cong warriors to serve as his private troops, Cheng Ji flatly refused. Even when Pang Xi threatened him with the life of his son, Cheng Ji, Cheng Ji remained utterly unmoved.

Later, after Liu Begin entered Shu and launched a campaign against Wu, Cheng Ji followed him and fought to the death when cornered by pursuing forces of Wu—a true embodiment of loyalty and valor.

As a native of Langzhong County in Bajun, situated right amidst the territories of the Cong tribes, Huang Quan possessed some familiarity with the Cong people. He stepped forward and stated, "The Cong people are skilled in warfare and particularly fierce and untamed. In former days, Emperor Gaozu utilized their strength to secure Guanzhong. Although their numbers are small at present, they cannot be taken lightly."

"It is of no consequence," Liu Zhang said indomitable, displaying an air of utter nonchalance. "They are merely a mob of rabble. Even if there are fierce and valiant fighters among them, it will avail them nothing."

Liu Zhang cared little about the presence of Cong warriors within the enemy ranks. The powerful clans of Bajun routinely recruited fierce Cong tribesmen into their private retinues, which was precisely why he had brought along two thousand fearless Green Qiang warriors, while also laying a crucial contingency plan of his own in Liangping.

Worst comes to worst, he still had Gan Ning and his personal retainers. Lü Meng had once remarked, *'Among the fierce generals of the world, men like Gan Ning are exceedingly difficult to find.'*

What did these untamed barbarians matter? Even if they possessed a degree of savage bravery, how could they ever compare to the men of Han?

At this thought, Liu Zhang rested his hand upon his sword, rose to his feet, and issued his final decree: "Gather all commanders and assemble the host! We march for Liangping!"

"Our first stop shall be the decisive battle; a single engagement shall settle the fate of Bajun!"