Chapter 53: A Move Higher Than Chess

  In order to let Ji Ling break through Guangling and cut off the dog head of his sworn enemy Tao Ying, Zhou Yu unreservedly told Ji Ling about his own experiences and insights gained from fighting against the Junzi Army, and put forward three good suggestions to help Ji Ling deal with Tao Ying.

  Zhou Yu put forward three good suggestions: First, he suggested that Ji Ling's crossbowmen be organized separately and formed into a cavalry crossbow army to deal with the Junzi Army.

  Second: A special team of archers was prepared to deal with the bamboo spear array of the Junzi Army infantry - of course, Zhou Yu also knew that Tao Ying's treachery would never be used on the front battlefield, but only in a special environment Suddenly, kill the enemy off guard, but to prevent any unexpected events, Zhou Yu still detailed the characteristics and tactics of the Junzi Army bamboo spear array to Ji Ling, suggesting that Ji Ling attach importance to this array and not repeat the mistake of Sun Ce's army.

  Third: Zhou Yu advised Ji Ling not to engage in a mobile war with Tao Ying, avoiding the strengths of the Junzi Army's mobility, and at the same time suggested that Ji Ling adopt a regular tactical approach of "one force breaking ten cleverness", focusing its main strength on the frontal assault of Guangling City, forcing the cowardly Tao Ying to face a decisive battle head-on, bringing into play the advantage of Yuan's military strength, and forcing Tao Ying to expose his fatal weakness of insufficient troops.

  Apart from this, Zhou Yu also actively offered the secret of the Junzi Army's horse archery to Ji Ling, and gave away the secret that Sun Ce had exchanged for nearly a thousand elite soldiers to Ji Ling for free. He even made a saddle with two rope loops in front of Ji Ling, helping Ji Ling's cavalry improve their charging ability and shooting efforts, further increasing Ji Ling's chances of winning and weakening the Junzi Army's advantage.

  After listening to Zhou Yu's introduction to the Junzi Army and his three suggestions, Ji Ling also saw Zhou Yu's handmade rope saddle, and as a seasoned veteran of the desert, he was overjoyed and extremely admired Zhou Yu's talent. On the spot, he proposed to vouch for Zhou Yu in front of Yuan Shu, wanting to keep Zhou Yu by his side as a military advisor to help him capture Guangling. However, Zhou Yu refused Ji Ling's kindness and begged him to take himself to Yuan Shu's presence, where he would plead guilty and expose Sun Ce's treacherous evil deeds.

  "Gong Jin, why do you have to go before the lord and ask for trouble?" Ji Ling also genuinely admired Zhou Yu and said: "In my opinion, it's not necessary for you to plead guilty in front of the lord. I'll vouch for you, and the lord will definitely pardon all your mistakes. After you help me take down Guangling, I'll put in a good word for you before the lord, and he'll surely give you an official position again. Why do you have to ride a prisoner's cart to Shou Chun to suffer?"

  "General, I appreciate your kindness, but I must insist on going to Lord Yuan's presence to apologize. It's not just for my own sake, there are important military matters regarding the five counties of Xuzhou that I must report to him in person. Please, General, don't hesitate to help me, take me to Shouchun and hand me over to Lord Yuan for his judgment."

  Seeing Zhou Yu insisting on taking the risk, Ji Ling did not force him too much and soon agreed to Zhou Yu's request. He sent someone to continue escorting Zhou Yu to Shouchun. At the same time, Ji Ling accepted Zhou Yu's request and wrote a letter to Yuan Shu, informing him that the Imperial Seal had been cheated away by Tao Qian, and also requested Yuan Shu to meet with Zhou Yu once, allowing Zhou Yu to explain the situation in person.

  In this way, under the angry roars of Cheng Pu and Huang Gai, Zhou Yu refused Ji Ling's good intentions and sat back into the prisoner cart. Under the escort of Yuan Shu's soldiers, he continued westward and returned to Shouchun in five days. After entering the city, Zhou Yu again fawned upon the officials sent by Yuan Shu to interrogate him, flattering them to the extreme, and followed their lead in heaping abuse and insults on Sun Ce, helping the officials of Shouchun to frame charges against Sun Ce and gaining the favor of Yuan Shu's trusted officials.

  Zhou Yu's efforts were not wasted. On the third day of being escorted back to Shouchun, Zhou Yu received news that Yuan Shu was about to summon him. After confirming the accuracy of the information, Zhou Yu again bribed the guards who had come to visit his family members, allowing them to permit him to bathe and change clothes, tidy up his appearance, wash himself clean from head to toe, and put on a brand new prisoner's uniform. He made every effort to create the best first impression for Yuan Shu. And indeed, when Zhou Yu, who was refreshed from head to toe, was brought before Yuan Shu, his outstanding appearance and elegant demeanor left a very good impression on Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu's tone of voice when speaking to Zhou Yu also became several degrees more gentle.

  "Are you Zhou Yu, the son of Zhou Gongjin?" Looking up and down at Zhou Yu's exceptional appearance, Yuan Shu asked curiously: "I've heard that you are a descendant of General Zhou, is this true?"

  "I report to Lord Yuan, this is indeed the case." Zhou Yu replied with courtesy: "My great-grandfather Zhou Jing Gong and my uncle Zhou Zhong both served as Marshals of the Imperial Court. Your esteemed father, Yuan Feng Gong, also had a close relationship with my grandfather, having served in the same court together. Therefore, I take the liberty to address you as 'Uncle' and humbly refer to myself as 'Junior'."

  "You are a descendant of a famous family, why would you follow Sun Ce's childish rebellion and betray me?" Yuan Shu asked sternly.

  "I deserve to die, I was confused for a moment and boarded Sun Ce's pirate ship by mistake. I helped him bully others, and now I should be put to death. Please, Lord Yuan, take pity on me because of my elder's sake and spare my life. I am willing to tie a straw rope around my neck and repay your great kindness." Zhou Yu quickly knelt down on both knees and kowtowed to apologize.

  In the so-called Sun Ce rebellion, Zhou Yu was just a half-hearted accomplice who joined halfway, and his crime did not deserve death. Yuan Shu knew this, and with Zhou Yu's meritorious service to atone for his sin and Ji Ling's letter pleading on his behalf, Yuan Shu had long since decided not to kill Zhou Yu. So Yuan Shu quickly made a concession, saying: "Alright, I'll spare your life out of respect for your grandfather Zhou Jingong, but you must answer my questions truthfully from now on. If you don't, don't blame me for being unforgiving!"

  "No, General Yuan, please be at ease. I will certainly speak without reserve and say everything that needs to be said." Zhou Yu replied respectfully.

  "It's better this way." Yuan Shu nodded solemnly, and then asked eagerly: "I heard that Sun Ce, the rebel thief, was deceived by Tao Ying, a child from Xuzhou, and had the imperial seal of Sun Jian stolen before his death? Is this true? And is the imperial seal real?"

  "Report to Lord Yuan, this matter is true. The jade seal was also obtained by Sun Ce's father in Luoyang during the Qin and Han dynasties as a national treasure." Zhou Yu replied truthfully and detailed the process of how Tao had deceived Sun Ce into giving up the national treasure seal. He then voluntarily reported to Yuan Shu what he had heard from Sun Ce about the origin of the seal, explaining that it was obtained by Sun Jian from the imperial palace in Luoyang. After Sun Jian's death, the seal fell into Sun Ce's hands. Fearing that Yuan Shu would seize it, Sun Ce repeatedly denied having the seal until a few days ago when Tao had tricked him out of it.

  "Sun Ce, you little boy, how dare you do this?" After hearing Zhou Yu's introduction, Yuan Shu suddenly became furious and slammed the table, shouting: "I treated you with great kindness and righteousness, but I didn't expect that you, a little thief, not only plotted to betray me, but also dared to secretly hide the imperial jade seal for yourself! If I don't dig up your grave and punish your corpse, it will be hard to dispel my hatred!"

  "What Lord Yuan said is absolutely right, Sun Ce's child is indeed guilty and deserves to die a thousand deaths. That Tao villain is also extremely detestable, he found out that the Imperial Seal was in Sun Ce's hands and knew that General Chen Feng would soon arrive, the seal would soon belong to Lord Yuan, so he set up this poisonous plan, cheating the seal from Sun Ce, snatching away this heavenly national treasure, even more deserving of death!"

  "Is Tao Ying a child?" Yuan Shu snorted, "You are just a pile of dry bones in the tomb, I will capture you sooner or later! Ji Ling has already led his troops to advance eastward. If Tao Ying doesn't hand over the imperial jade seal, my great army will trample on Guangling and take his head!"

  "Yuan Gong has forgiven the crime, but I, a junior, dare to say that General Ji Ling can easily conquer Guangling and capture Tao Ying's head is only a matter of time. However, retrieving the Imperial Seal of Transmission may not be so easy." Zhou Yu said, taking advantage of the opportunity.

  "What makes you say that?" Yuan Shu asked.

  "Please think carefully, Yuan Gong. The national treasure, the jade seal, is extremely precious. If Tao Ying's child were to obtain this treasure, wouldn't he be afraid that Yuan Gong would take it back?" Zhou Yu smiled and said: "Please think again, Yuan Gong. After Tao Ying obtained the jade seal, in order to prevent Yuan Gong from taking it back, wouldn't he quickly send the jade seal to Xuzhou to entrust it to Tao Qian? I'm afraid that by this time, the jade seal would have already left Guangling City. Even if General Ji Ling were to flatten Guangling City, he still wouldn't be able to retrieve that heavenly national treasure."

  Yuan Shu wants to pass the Imperial Seal, those who are slightly familiar with history know what this is about. Yuan Shu thought Zhou Yu's words were reasonable and thought to himself: "Guangling is where Tao Qian and I fought a decisive battle, the situation was extremely critical. If Tao's son got his hands on such a treasure, he definitely wouldn't dare leave it in Guangling City waiting for me to seize it, he must have already sent it back to the safest Xuzhou City. Even if Ji Ling captures Guangling now, he won't be able to retrieve the Imperial Seal."

  "Lord Yuan, please allow me to speak again. Zhou Yu observed the expression and saw that the time was ripe, so he flattered: "I think, Lord Yuan's family has produced four chancellors in three generations, accumulating virtues and merits, and has long been the heart of the people and the hope of the world. Moreover, the Yuan surname originated from Chen, Chen is a descendant of Emperor Shun, with earth inheriting fire, getting the next turn of fortune, if there is also a heavenly bestowed national treasure, the imperial jade seal in hand, wouldn't it be...?"

  Yuan Shu glanced at Zhou Yu and said calmly, "But the Imperial Seal has already fallen into the hands of Tao Qian's father and son. What can be done about it?"

  "Scoundrel, indeed has long had the heart of an emperor." Zhou Yu secretly cursed in his heart, but on his face was a relaxed smile. He cupped his hands and said: "Lord Yuan, actually it's not difficult for Lord Yuan to take back the Imperial Seal, I have a plan that can help Lord Yuan retrieve the Imperial Seal and also help Lord Yuan capture the five counties of Xuzhou."

  "Oh, is there such a wonderful plan? Tell me about it." Yuan Shu's spirit lifted.

  "I humbly obey General Yuan's orders." Zhou Yu happily agreed and hurriedly cleared his throat, saying in a loud voice: "The Imperial Seal of the State is the treasure of the Emperor. If it were not for someone as virtuous as General Yuan, it would be impossible to possess it. Tao Qian, father and son, have secretly occupied this seal and have already become the target of public criticism. Since this is the case, why doesn't General Yuan issue a proclamation throughout the empire, ordering all heroes to rise up and attack Tao together? The heroes of the empire will certainly respond enthusiastically and send troops to punish Tao. General Yuan can then lead the army of Huainan, attacking Pengcheng in one direction and destroying Pei in another, while also sending more grain and troops to support General Ji Ling, fiercely attacking Guangling. In this way, Tao Qian, father and son, will be unable to defend themselves from both front and back and will certainly be defeated. More than half of the land and people of the five counties of Xuzhou, as well as the Imperial Seal of the State, will also inevitably belong to General Yuan. Isn't this a wonderful plan?"

  If Yuan Shu had no desire for the land of Xuzhou, he would not have proclaimed himself the Marquis of Xuzhou and offended Tao Qian, nor would he have listened to Lü Fan's suggestion and sent Sun Ce to Guangling to take advantage of the situation. So when he heard Zhou Yu's plan, our Emperor Yuan Shu immediately applauded and said, "This plan is exactly what I wanted! Let's do it this way. I will immediately issue a proclamation to be spread throughout the empire, calling on all heroes to rise up and punish the rebels!"

  "Thank you, Lord Yuan, for adopting my humble opinion. With your virtue, once the proclamation is issued, all the lords of the world will surely rise up in response, far surpassing the lords' campaign against Dong Zhuo back then." Zhou Yu flattered with his mouth, but coldly sneered in his heart: "As soon as Yuan Shu's proclamation comes out, Tao Qian will be finished. I wonder what you can do? The first one to make an excuse to take action against you will probably be Liu Bei, the northern shield of Xuzhou."

  Zhou Yu's pleasant calculations had not yet been fully expressed when a person suddenly rushed into the hall, it was Yang Hong, the most famous flatterer under Yuan Shu's command. As soon as he rushed to Yuan Shu's face, he shouted with joy: "Your humble servant congratulates your lordship, congratulations to your lordship, what a happy event, a great happy event, a heaven-sent happy event!"

  "What makes you so happy?" Yuan Shu, who was thinking of how to spread the news about Guo Yu's jade seal, raised his head and asked curiously: "What is it that brings you joy?"

  "Congratulations, sir! Congratulations, sir! Xu State's Tao Qian and his son have sent an envoy to Shouchun to seek peace with you." Yang Hong deliberately paused for a moment.

  "Seek reconciliation? Tao Qian thinks he's beautiful!" Yuan Shu was furious: "His son Tao Ying invaded my nine rivers land, killed my nine rivers generals, and still dared to send an envoy to seek reconciliation? Quickly take down the envoy and behead him to show the crowd!"

  "My lord, please don't be impatient, let me finish speaking." Yang Hong smiled and said: "The envoy of Tao Qian's father and son not only brought a large number of precious gifts to my lord, but also brought a rare treasure - the imperial seal taken from Sun Ce's rebel hands!"

  "What?! Zhou Yu and Yuan Shu both exclaimed, then Zhou Yu's small face turned white in an instant, and his heart was left with only one thought, "Tao Qian, you treacherous thief, you still want to be one move ahead!"

  "Imperial Jade Seal?" Yuan Shu jumped up in surprise and loudly asked: "Is this true? Or is the rumor wrong?"

  "Absolutely true." Yang Hong said with a smile: "As soon as the Xu state envoy team arrived at the gate of Shouchun City, they publicly displayed the imperial jade seal, and the team wore red and colorful clothes, beating drums and gongs. Envoy Lu Su held the jade seal in his hands and walked into the city to present it to the lord. Therefore, including myself, countless soldiers and civilians of Shouchun have all seen the true appearance of the jade seal!"

  "Good!" Yuan Shu was overjoyed and waved his hand, shouting: "Immediately summon all civil and military officials, open the central gate, and declare the envoy from Xuzhou to come and pay respects!"

  "Yes, I'll go and do it right away!" Yang Hong replied loudly, turning his head and walking out.

  "General Yuan!" Zhou Yu called out, originally intending to advise Yuan Shu not to accept the jade seal, accepting it would only bring trouble. But as the words reached his lips, Zhou Yu quickly swallowed them back - hadn't he just been urging Yuan Shu to seize the jade seal? Now he was advising him not to accept the jade seal that Tao Qian had sent over, wasn't that slapping himself in the face?

  "What's going on?" Yuan Su had already shifted his gaze towards Zhou Yu.

  "Lord Yuan, in my humble opinion, the jade seal can be taken back, but seeking peace is not permissible." Zhou Yu gritted his teeth and changed his tone: "Xuzhou has just experienced Cao Cao's chaos, its vitality greatly injured, it is exactly Lord Yuan's heaven-sent opportunity to seize Xuzhou's five counties..."

  "Your Excellency, Your Excellency." Yang Hong, who had already left, ran back and took out a letter, apologizing to Yuan Shu: "Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I was too excited earlier and forgot something important. General Ji Ling sent an urgent message by fast horse, our scouts have discovered that Xu State's cavalry commander, Zang Ba, has made peace with Tao Qian and is once again under his command. He has personally led a large army south to reinforce the Guangling battlefield. They are currently in Xiaoxiang and will arrive at Guangling within ten days or so. General Ji Ling is worried that he cannot hold out alone and requests that you send reinforcements."

  Zhou Yu's face turned pale again, and in his heart he cursed Zhang Bao's ancestors for eighteen generations. This heaven-sent thief of Mount Tai, why did he reconcile with Tao Qian at this time? He even personally led the army to reinforce Guangling in the south. Isn't this trying to ruin my great plan?

  As expected, after hearing that Zang Ba and Tao Qian had made peace and were personally leading their troops south to reinforce Tao Ying, our cowardly Emperor Yuan immediately changed his mind. With a wave of his hand, he said: "Send a reply to Ji Ling, telling him to hold back his troops and not engage in battle with Tao Ying for the time being. Let's wait until I've negotiated with the envoy from Xuzhou before deciding what to do."

  Yang Hong agreed again and went down to make arrangements. Yuan Shu pointed at Zhou Yu and shouted: "Bring the man, first take Zhou Yu back to the large prison, and deal with him later."

  "Alright." The two guards responded, coming forward to escort Zhou Yu back to his cell. Zhou Yu had tried to maintain his composure, but under the immense shock of his defeat, he couldn't help but feel dizzy and stumbled as he stood up, falling in front of Yuan Shu. In his mind, only one thought remained: "Yuan Shu is a greedy and foolish man, strong but useless, no match for Tao Qian's cunning. He will surely be defeated by Tao Qian's treachery! Using his own sword to avenge Bo Pi would be difficult indeed!"

  After Zhou Yu was dragged away by the guards, it wasn't long before Yuan Shu's civil and military officials rushed to the council hall to accompany Yuan Shu in meeting the envoy from Xuzhou. A short while later, Lu Su, dressed in official attire from Xuzhou, held the Imperial Seal of Transmission on a square tray with both hands, and under the guidance of the guards at the Yuan mansion, walked into the council hall in big strides to pay respects to Yuan Shu, saying loudly: "Envoy from Xuzhou, Lu Su, greets General-in-Chief of the Han Dynasty, Lord Yuan. My master's son, Tao Ying, has two requests, and I hope that you will grant them."

  "What's going on?" Yuan Shu asked calmly.

  Lu Su brought the Imperial Seal of Transmission to Yuan Shu's face and said loudly: "First, I ask General Yuan to accept my lord's offer of peace and stop the war with Xuzhou. Second, I ask General Yuan to help my lord fulfill his promise and return this great Han transmission jade seal to the Han emperor!"