Chapter 55 Return to Xuzhou

  If conditions permit, Tao Yingzhen is actually unwilling to leave Guangling immediately. Jiangnan is so good, the land is fertile and beautiful, the people are like jade, and the opponents are relatively weak. There are still big and small Qiaos, Sun Shangxiang and other beauties waiting in the boudoir who can be pursued and flirted with, deceived into bed to warm their feet. And there are Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai, Taishi Ci and others who can be recruited as loyal followers, and can be brought along as little brothers and lackeys. Deputy Director Tao is truly unwilling to leave.

  But it's not possible to stay either, the main population and economy of Xuzhou are in the north, and the strategic focus is also in the north. In a situation where internal and external troubles have not been eliminated, Tao Ying would not be able to stay in Guangling for a long time. So there was no way out, Deputy Director Tao had to put aside his thoughts of Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Sun Shangxiang and others, temporarily abandon his feelings for his children, and simultaneously put aside his desire for the rich land of Jiangnan and those fierce warriors. He honestly led the Junzi Army back to Xuzhou to solve that big pile of internal and external problems.

  Zang Ba's troops also retreated with Tao Ying, Zang Ba's main base was in Langya, and the northern part of Xuzhou, which was severely damaged, urgently needed Zang Ba's powerful and brave warriors to garrison. So after a trip to Guangling, Zang Ba still accompanied Tao Ying northward, together to solve those thorny problems. However, with this, Zang Ba, who had a strong sense of self-respect, and Tao Ying, who did not have a door threshold concept, quickly warmed up their emotions on the way north, and their relationship rapidly became intimate to the point of killing chickens and burning yellow paper.

  Lin Qing, disguised as a man, also returned to Xuzhou with the Junzi Army, but this little girl had a team of personal guards arranged by Zhang Yi, and she traveled in a carriage during the day and hid in her tent at night, not giving Tao any chance to get close to her. Deputy Director Tao, who had long wanted to severely punish Lin Qing according to the law, was furious but could do nothing about it.

  The hardships of traveling in the wind and sleeping under the dew were not just for one day. The Junzi army and the Zangba army first returned to the territory of Xiapi, and when they set out, Tao Ying was only a nominal commander-in-chief, while the actual commander-in-chief was Xun Yan. When Xun Yan heard the news, he personally led the civil and military officials of Xiapi out of the city for 30 miles to welcome Tao Ying's triumphant army. In the face of Xun Yan's flattery, Tao Ying, who was very cunning, would not be foolish enough to mock Xun Yan's sycophancy in person, so he also pretended to be polite and courteous, while asking about Tao Qian's health condition. When he learned that Tao Qian's illness had worsened further, Tao Ying, who had some affection for his uncle Tao Qian, couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

  "Sir, why don't you go first?" Zang Ba saw Tao Ying's anxiety and said proactively: "Your Excellency's army is all cavalry, and it will take only two days to return to Xuzhou. My troops are mostly infantry, which would only slow down your pace. Please go ahead, I'll follow shortly."

  Tao Ying was indeed worried about Tao Qian's illness, and after exchanging a few pleasantries with Zang Ba, he decided to lead the Junzi Army ahead, letting Zang Ba follow later. Then, Tao Ying invited Lin Qing, the little girl, to travel with him, but she had an outburst of her proud and spoiled temper, refusing to continue on the road with Tao Ying, insisting on staying in Xiapi City to rest for a night before leaving. Tao Ying couldn't do anything about it, and seeing that the little girl was also very familiar with Xu Gan, addressing him as "Uncle", he put his mind at ease, led the Junzi Army ahead, and set off first, hurrying towards Xuzhou, leaving Lin Qing, the little girl, gnashing her teeth in the carriage, throwing a tantrum, complaining that Tao Ying hadn't invited her to travel with him again.

  Zang Ba thought that Tao Ying would need two days to complete the 200-mile journey from Xia Pi to Xuzhou, which was a serious underestimation of the mobility speed of the Junzi Army. After leaving the sight of the people of Xia Pi, the soldiers of the Junzi Army immediately removed the rope saddles used for disguise and put on wooden horse stirrups, then changed horses without changing riders, and easily arrived at the outskirts of Xuzhou in just one day. Then, in a sparsely populated area, they hid their stirrups again and replaced them with rope saddles to confuse outsiders before remounting and rushing towards Xuzhou.

  Here is the translation:

  Now, let's talk about why Deputy Director Tao was so troublesome in changing the stirrups and saddles. In Tao's opinion, his Junzi Army would eventually be famous all over the world, and the secret of their horseback riding skills would definitely be explored by the enemy. Although it was unlikely to keep this secret for a long time, in order to prolong the secrecy as much as possible, Tao racked his brains to design the rope-made stirrups as a substitute. This way, not only did the enemy stop thinking about the Junzi Army's saddle secrets, but also made it difficult for the enemy cavalry to quickly imitate the Junzi Army's tactics.

  Because the soft rope stirrup is not only difficult to maintain a stable riding posture for a long time, but also very dangerous, especially on the battlefield. Once the cavalry falls off the horse and their ankle is entangled in the rope loop, it is difficult to quickly get up and move flexibly, and may be dragged to death or trampled to death by the warhorse. Therefore, Tao Ying generously showed the rope stirrup to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, and issued a strict order that the gentlemen soldiers of the army use the rope stirrup in public gatherings, and switch to safe and effective wooden stirrups when fighting alone. His moral character is so high and his style is so noble that it is worthy of praise.

  After a long time, the words returned to normal. In one day and one night, they marched two hundred miles. Tao Yingben thought it was impossible for anyone to come and greet him, but when he arrived at the ten-mile pavilion outside the east gate of Xuzhou, Tao Yingben was surprised to see Chen Gui and his son Chen Deng, the biggest local tyrants and landlords in Xuzhou, leading a team of followers waiting for him. When they saw their own flag, the servants of the Chen family were beating gongs and drums, preparing for a grand welcome ceremony to celebrate their triumphant return.

  "The young master returns triumphantly, and the old man and his son congratulate him." Chen Gui led Chen Deng to welcome him, and from a distance, he bowed his hands in respect and smiled, saying: "In the great battle of Guangling, the young master's military strategy was divine, defeating powerful enemies without suffering a single defeat, shaking the world with his might. It is truly a joyous occasion worthy of congratulations."

  "Han Yu Gong, Yuan Long brother." Tao Ying hastily dismounted his horse, solemnly returned the courtesy and said with a surprised tone: "I'm honored that Han Yu Gong and Yuan Long brother personally came to welcome me ten miles away, I really don't dare to accept this honor, I really don't dare to accept this honor."

  "You don't have to be modest, sir. You've returned triumphantly, so why wouldn't I come out to welcome you in person?" Chen Gui hurried forward to help Tao Ying up and curiously pointed at Lu Su beside him, asking: "Sir, please don't mind me, but I didn't see you when Master Tao set out. Are you the new military advisor that Master Tao has recently appointed, the famous Ru Zu Jing, Lu Su from Jiujiang?"

  "It is beneath me." Ruzi returned the courtesy and said with politeness: "I have long admired the great names of Lord Han Yu and Mr. Yuan Long, today I am fortunate to meet you, it is a blessing for three lifetimes."

  Chen Kui and Chen Deng hastily showed humility, while Tao Ying curiously asked: "Han Yu Gong, Yuan Long brother, how did you know that I would arrive in Xuzhou today? I didn't send any messengers to inform you of my itinerary beforehand?"

  Chen Gui and Chen Deng exchanged a smile, then Chen Deng cupped his hands to Tao Ying and said: "Sir, please don't be surprised. My family has set up pigeon posts in all five counties of Xuzhou. Yesterday at noon, after you left Xiapi, my family in Xiapi released a pigeon to inform me of this matter. I also guessed that you would be worried about Master's illness and would certainly hurry on the road, so today..."

  "Carrier pigeon relay? Indeed, it's a local snake! Old fox!" Tao Ying muttered to herself, but her face smiled and said: "So that's how it is, the carrier pigeon connection is so convenient and fast. It seems that I should also request my father to set up a pigeon relay in Xuzhou Wu Prefecture, which will facilitate the communication of urgent messages."

  "Pigeon training is not easy, and it takes time and effort. Rushing to establish a five-county pigeon post may take some time." Old Fox Chen Ke didn't even blink, and took the initiative to say: "If the young master doesn't despise me, I'm willing to send all 300+ pigeons from the five counties and 30 pigeon slaves to him. I hope the young master won't think it's too little and will graciously accept it."

  "So be it, then thank you, Han Yu Gong and Yuan Long brother." Tao Ying was overjoyed, hastily made a bow to thank them, Chen Gui and his son helped Tao Ying up together, holding hands and laughing loudly. Many things that couldn't be said out loud were also understood without being spoken. Lu Su, who had heard about the situation of Chen Gui's father and son from Tao Ying, was also smiling very happily, knowing that this old fox father and son finally understood the value of Tao Ying, and began to invest heavily in him.

  Tao Ying's relationship with Chen Gui and his son suddenly became much closer, and naturally, he couldn't help but walk shoulder to shoulder with them back to the city, chatting and laughing along the way for three or five miles. It wasn't until then that Cao Bao, Lü You, Qin Yi, Xu Fang, and other civil and military officials from Xuzhou arrived one after another to welcome him. They surrounded Tao Ying like stars around the moon, completely forgetting their initial cold ridicule and hot mockery when he set out on his expedition. They bowed and scraped, flattering and fawning over him, blowing his achievements in Guangling to the skies and elevating him to a god-like status. As for Vice Director Tao, who had grown accustomed to such scenes as early as the 21st century, he responded with ease, chatting and laughing with this group of sycophants as if it were nothing out of the ordinary, earning him even more praise for his composure in the face of flattery and ridicule.

  Of course, in the conversation with Xu Zhou's officials, Tao Ying naturally couldn't help but take the opportunity to find an answer. Taking advantage of his conversation with Cao Jiao, the chief general of Xu Zhou, Tao Ying suddenly grabbed Cao Jiao's hand and asked: "Uncle Cao, is your daughter well recently? Is she still as mischievous as before?"

  "This..."

  Cao Jiao was confused by Tao Ying's sudden question, and just as he was about to react, Tao Ji suddenly squeezed in and whispered, "Second brother, look quickly, Mi Zhu and Mi Fang brothers, they've also arrived."

  Tao Ying and Cao Jiao turned their heads to look, and saw that in the distance on the road, wearing official robes from Xuzhou, were Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, the two brothers, who were indeed hurrying towards them. From over a dozen zhang away, Mi Zhu couldn't wait to cup his hands and loudly shout: "Congratulations, young master, on your triumphant return! Mi Zhu's brothers have arrived late, please forgive us!"

  Miao Fang and Tao Ying Su's eight characters did not match, the smile on his face was so fake that even Tao Ji, a foolish young man, could easily see through it. He forced a smile, and with an even more forced gesture, he cupped his hands in greeting and said with a skin-deep smile: "Congratulations to the young master on his triumphant return, the Battle of Guangling was truly unexpected, your military strategy is indeed divine."

  Tao Ying smiled and was about to exchange polite words with the two brothers, when Tao Ji suddenly interrupted in a bad tone: "Yes, my second brother and I have successively defeated Lu Bu and Sun Ce in Guangling, and made peace with Yuan Shu, yet we still haven't died in battle. This must be beyond Cao Pi's and Cao Cao's expectations, and even more disappointing for you."

  The scene that was just bustling with excitement suddenly became quiet, Tao Ying's expression was awkward, and he glared at Tao Ji. The smiles on the faces of Mi Zhu and Mi Fang brothers froze instantly. The officials of Xuzhou who were present also quietly distanced themselves from the Mi Zhu brothers - especially Xu Fang, a famous scholar of Xuzhou who had helped the Mi Zhu brothers stir up trouble between the Tao merchants and the Tao Ying brothers, hastily hid behind Chen Ke's father and son, shrinking his head. Almost everyone thought to themselves: "This is a lesson, this is the consequence of standing on the wrong team, fortunately I didn't rush to take sides at first."

  "Third brother, don't spout nonsense." Tao Ying glared at Tao Ji again before turning back to Zou Zhu with a forced smile: "Assistant Commander, Lord Zou, my third brother was just joking, please don't mind him, it's just a joke, nothing more."

  The scene was awkward, and the smile on Tao Deputy Director's face, a high-achieving student from the School of Performance, was strained. The bitter smile on his face could be imagined, and he nodded even more stiffly, saying: "Young master, don't worry, I also know that Third Master is just joking and won't take it to heart."

  "I didn't..." Tao Ji Ben was about to explain that he wasn't joking, but fortunately Lu Su was by his side and pulled him back. Tao Ying was also afraid that if Tao Ji said something even more unpleasant, it would drive the Ma brothers crazy, so he quickly bowed to Ma and said: "General, I haven't seen my father for two months now, and I'm very worried about him. Forgive me, but I'll come visit your residence another day."

  With a dazed and confused nod, it took him a while to react, pulling Mo Fang aside to clear the way, allowing the officials of Xuzhou to surround Tao Ying like stars surrounding the moon as he passed by, chatting and laughing as they entered the city to pay their respects to Tao Qian. In his mind, only one thought remained, "How did I misjudge this Second Master earlier? If I had known he possessed such talent and ability, how could I have... Alas."

  Unlike the silent sigh, Miao Fang's eyes were filled with venomous glances. Miao Fang had never looked at Tao Ying in a good light, and now seeing Xu Zhou's officials isolating his brother under Tao Ying's leadership, Miao Fang's hatred and detestation towards Tao Ying naturally reached its peak. So as soon as Tao Ying and the others walked away, and the Junzi army was still passing by in front of Miao Zhu brothers, Miao Fang couldn't wait to nod at the Junzi army and whispered to Miao Zhu: "Brother, Lord Xuan De hopes we can figure out how Tao Ying's little general won the Guangling war. Otherwise, shall we use the old trick? Buy off a few fake gentlemen under Tao Ying's command, and we'll know everything."

  Miao Zhu lowered his head and didn't respond, his heart wavering. Miao Fang knew his brother better than anyone else, and seeing Miao Zhu's expression, he immediately understood that Miao Zhu was already shaken. He quickly whispered a warning: "Brother, we have no way to turn back now! Tao Ying and Tao Ji treating us brothers like this today proves they've long regarded us as enemies. If we don't take the initiative to strike first, we'll end up dying without even a burial ground!"

  Mi Zong's body shook, and he thought of his brother's past behavior towards Tao Ying. He also thought of his brother's explicit stance over the past half year, and finally nodded in agreement. In a low voice, he instructed: "Be careful with your actions, you cannot act directly under my brother's name. Arrange for some unfamiliar people to contact the Junzi soldiers and gather information about what Lord Xuan De needs. Also, write down today's events and the news that Tao Ying's child has returned to Xuzhou in a letter, and send it to Lord Xuan De via express horse."

  Miao Fang nodded, and a pair of triangular eyes full of resentment quickly turned to the Junzi army formation, and soon noticed the rope stirrup hanging from Junzi's saddle, as if in thought...

  ……………

  Less than two months had passed, and Tao Qian's condition had indeed worsened. With the support of Tao Shang and Cao Hong, he managed to come to the main hall of the governor's mansion to meet with the returning Tao Ying and his brothers. Seeing Tao Ying and his brothers rush forward to kneel and pay their respects, Tao Qian's pale and aged face revealed a relieved smile. Coughing and gasping for breath, he smiled with difficulty and said: "Noble nephew, Ying'er, get up quickly! You fought well in Guangling, your father is very satisfied, more than imaginably satisfied."

  "Thank you, Father, for your praise." Tao Ying sincerely bowed and thanked him, then sincerely admitted his mistake: "Father, please don't blame me. After I seized the Imperial Seal from Sun Ce's hands, I didn't present it to you in person, but instead privately handed it over to Yuan Shu, entrusting him to return the Imperial Seal to the Emperor of Great Han. I took matters into my own hands, please punish me, Father."

  The officials of Xuzhou were shocked and exclaimed, although some of them had heard rumors about the transmission of the national jade seal, they were skeptical and doubted that it was just a rumor. They didn't believe that Tao would have the audacity to immediately hand over the national jade seal, which he had finally obtained, now that Tao said it himself, the officials of Xuzhou were shocked and amazed, and some even cried out in surprise.

  Unlike the officials of Xuzhou, when Tao Yi heard these words, Tao Kui smiled instead. Coughing and smiling at the same time, he said: "Ying'er, don't be modest anymore. If you can deliver the Imperial Seal to Xuzhou and present it to your father, then our five counties in Xuzhou will truly have no peace forever. Well done! You have a long-term vision, with you around, even if I'm seriously ill this time, I can still close my eyes in peace."

  Tao Ying hurriedly became humble, while the civil and military officials of Xuzhou all shone with excitement in their eyes, resenting that they could not rush up to pay homage to Tao Ying immediately and establish their meritorious service. At this time, Tao Ying had already stood up under Tao Qian's repeated requests, and when Tao Ying paid homage to Tao Qian again, the two brothers couldn't help but hug each other and cry bitterly, with their fraternal feelings overflowing beyond words. The officials of Xuzhou present also nodded in secret agreement, feeling that Tao Qian was indeed lucky, having one son who was wise and capable, surpassing others, and another son who, although mediocre, had not a single bit of jealousy in his heart, thus avoiding the tragic fate of brothers turning against each other.

  Immediately afterwards, Tao Ying also introduced Ruzi to Tao Qian. Tao Qian was not ambiguous and publicly appointed Ruzi as the chief advisor of the military council, with a generous reward of gold, silk, and grain, and granted him a residence. Ruzi thanked him, and later Tao Qian ordered another heavy reward for the three armies' generals and soldiers, treating them to wine and meat. He also ordered the officials in the mansion to set up a banquet to welcome Tao Ying and Ruzi, with all officials attending. Everyone thanked him. However, Tao Qian himself was too ill to personally host the welcoming banquet for his son, and could only return to the back hall to rest with the support of Tao Shang and Cao Hong. Tao Ying also followed him, helping Tao Shang and Cao Hong to support Tao Qian back to his room.

  Tao Qian was escorted back to the rear chamber, and Tao Qian, fearing that he would be left out of the official banquet, urged the host, Tao Ying, to hurry to the main hall, leaving only Tao Shang by his side to serve him. Tao Ying had no choice but to bid farewell to Tao Qian and return to the main hall with Cao Hong. However, after leaving Tao Qian's room and reaching a deserted area, Tao Ying immediately asked Cao Hong in haste: "General Cao Hong, how is the situation? Have you made all the arrangements as I instructed?"

  "Everything is ready." Cao Hong nodded and replied in a low voice: "After receiving the young master's letter, I immediately made arrangements. The servants and doctors who have access to the lord's food and medicine are all being watched by special personnel. As per your instructions, we sent the lord's used prescriptions and medicinal dregs to the folk doctor for examination, but so far nothing unusual has been found."

  "Good job." Tao nodded in satisfaction and whispered, "In addition to paying attention to these people's behavior, we must also pay attention to their financial situation, especially those who have recently bought houses or land with expenditures that do not match their income."

  "Your Highness can rest assured, as long as it's these people who are involved, I will definitely be able to catch them." Cao Hong replied, then looked around cautiously and asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, should I arrange for a few more people to keep an eye on the Crown Prince's movements? The Master's food and medicine all have to go through the Crown Prince's hands, if the Crown Prince wants to harm the Master..."

  "It's not necessary." Tao Ying interrupted Cao Hong's words, shaking his head and saying: "Brother is not that kind of person, I cannot measure brother's noble heart with a petty mind."

  "But if that happens and you're still in Guangling, the biggest beneficiary would be the eldest young master." Cao Hong reminded hastily.

  Tao Ying shook his head firmly and said resolutely: "My brother and I are brothers of the same flesh and blood. I would rather not become the governor of Xuzhou in the future, nor will I ever suspect my brother half a bit, let alone do anything to wrong him!"

  With a stern expression, Tao Ying refused Cao Hong's suggestion and patted Cao Hong's shoulder, saying: "General Cao, I know you have good intentions, but in this city of Xuzhou, there are only two people I absolutely do not suspect. One is my brother, and the other is you. You and my brother are both members of our Tao family, and I believe that neither you nor my brother would ever do anything to betray my father. Therefore, I hope you can be like me and avoid those internal conflicts and fratricidal struggles, which will only bring pain to our loved ones and joy to our enemies."

  When Cao Hong heard Tao Ying's heartfelt words, he was so moved that he almost shed tears. Excitedly, he made a fist and said to Tao Ying: "Thank you for your trust in me, I will not disappoint your expectations. Please rest assured, if someone is really playing tricks on the master's worsening illness, I will definitely catch him."

  Tao Ying nodded in satisfaction and instructed, "General Cao, you go to the main hall to greet the guests first, I'll change into some clothes and come over." Cao Hong responded and hastily rushed to the main hall. Tao Ying also returned alone to his own room, which he had not lived in for a long time, and called over his personal maid to help him change clothes.

  Tao Ying's personal maid, Ali, was a household slave born into the Tao family. Her whole family worked as servants in the Tao household, and because she had a bit of beauty, Vice Director Tao brought her from the laundry room to serve him personally. Usually, apart from serving Vice Director Tao's daily needs, she also had an important task - to warm his feet. As Vice Director Tao's personal attendant, Ali was both delighted and shy when they reunited after a long time, having been ravished by Vice Director Tao many times before. She obediently helped him change clothes and shoes, her small face still flushed with fever.

  "A Li, I sent someone to deliver a message to you, did you receive it?" Vice Director Tao asked with a smile while stroking the slender maid's body with his demonic claws.

  The poor girl Ali nodded, and said in a low voice: "Received, according to the young master's instructions, my father, mother and brother are all secretly keeping an eye on the crown prince and General Cao Hong, but so far no abnormalities have been found."

  "Good boy." Tao Yingshen nodded in approval, and at the same time, he reached into Ali's arms and gently stroked a small white rabbit. With a sly smile, he whispered: "Be careful to keep it secret, not a single word can be leaked out. Once everything is settled, I will take you as my concubine, and your parents and family members can also enjoy the blessings."

  The poor girl's heart was in full bloom, and with a soft cry, she shyly yet happily nestled into Deputy Director Tao's arms, panting continuously.