Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 135 Wenhe Worships the Lord

Inside the simple yet tidy hall of Guiyun Post Station, a brazier of charcoal fire dispelled the chill of the spring night. On a simple table were several dishes commonly found in military service and a jar of wine that, while not particularly expensive, was rich and fragrant. There was no music, no singing or dancing, only the flickering firelight and the faint snorting of horses coming from outside the window.

Chen Xing and Jia Wen sat facing each other, with Chen Wei standing to one side. Jia Wen's few remaining guards had been settled in other rooms of the inn, and their food and drink were being taken care of by designated personnel.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Chen Xing didn't rush to inquire about any military or political matters. Instead, he chatted with Jia Wen about historical anecdotes, geography, and local customs, occasionally mentioning the hardships and choices made since the founding of Xinghuo Fortress. His tone was calm, as if he were chatting with an old friend. Jia Wen was initially a little reserved, but as the conversation unfolded, he gradually opened up. He was knowledgeable and insightful, and his views were often unique and profound. Although his words still carried a touch of the sharpness and arrogance inherent in scholars, Chen Xing simply listened with a smile, nodding occasionally and interjecting only when the conversation hit the nail on the head. Clearly, he was not an uneducated, rough-and-tumble person.

This atmosphere of equal and sincere communication gradually melted away the last trace of resentment in Jia Wen's heart caused by being "forced" into the situation. He could sense that Chen Xing's respect and attention towards him was not entirely out of utilitarian "talent recruitment," but also stemmed from an appreciation and recognition of a "kindred spirit."

Slightly tipsy, Chen Xing watched the deepening night outside the window. He put down his wine glass and finally steered the conversation back on track. His expression turned serious as he looked at Jia Wen and said sincerely, "Mr. Wenhe, since you have decided to stay, you are now family. The current situation in the North seems promising; our Xinghuo Fortress has just conquered Heishan and is enjoying great prestige, but our foundation is still weak, and we are surrounded by powerful enemies. To the west, the internal strife in Xiliang is unresolved, and although its king, Han Sui, is preoccupied with his own affairs, we must be wary. To the north, there are the Hu tribes; although the Baiyang tribe has temporarily established friendly relations, their wolfish ambitions are unpredictable. To the east, there are forces like Panshi Fortress, whose attitudes are ambiguous and who have many connections with the southern powers. To the south… the Central Plains are in chaos, with numerous warlords vying for power, and sooner or later they will surely have designs on the north. Internally, the new lands await pacification, the military and civilians need stability, and everything needs to be rebuilt. I, Chen Xing, am unworthy, and whenever I think about this, I feel as if I are walking on thin ice, trembling with fear. May I ask, sir, what advice do you have for me?"

These words were frank, clearly stating the current advantages while also pointing out the internal and external troubles without reservation. Furthermore, the author's attitude of "seeking advice" showed great respect and expectation for Jia Wen.

Jia Wen set down his wine cup, his narrow eyes flashing with a calm and sharp light in the firelight, as if he had instantly transformed from a slightly tipsy scholar back into the shrewd and insightful "poisonous strategist." He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts, and spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but each word clear and incisive:

"My lord's concerns are very valid. Xinghuo Fortress has risen rapidly, like the rising sun, but its foundation is not yet solid, and it is surrounded by tigers and wolves, making it a perilous situation. However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined, and opportunity lies hidden within danger. In my humble opinion, if we wish to pacify the north and establish the foundation for hegemony, we should follow three strategies."

He held up one finger: "Firstly, the strategy is 'befriend distant states while attacking nearby ones, divide and conquer.' This is both an overt strategy and the fundamental one. Han Sui of Xiliang, after Ma Teng's rebellion, has suffered a severe blow, his internal forces are disaffected, and he is unable to look eastward in the short term. Moreover, he is preoccupied with both ends, making him a suitable ally, or at least maintaining neutrality. I can send envoys with generous gifts, ostensibly to establish friendly relations, but secretly to unite the forces within Xiliang opposing Han Sui, keeping them embroiled in internal strife and unable to attend to other matters. As for Panshi Fortress and other places to the east, they are like weeds on a wall; we can deal with them from one side." Show them military might, while simultaneously enticing them with benefits, promising them the advantages of trade and commerce, thus weakening their ties with the south and deterring them from rash actions. As for the northern Hu tribes, since the Baiyang tribe has already established friendly relations, deepen their control by exchanging salt, iron, cloth, and silk for their cattle, horses, and hides, selecting their strongest men as "loyal followers," using the Hu to control the Hu. At the same time, secretly send spies to incite conflict between the other small and medium-sized Hu tribes and the Baiyang tribe, causing them to restrain each other. As for the south… for now, feign weakness but not cowardice, delaying the inevitable.”

Chen Xing nodded repeatedly. Jia Wen's strategy had almost completely revealed the current situation and coping strategies of all the forces around Xinghuo Fortress. The core idea was to stabilize all sides, concentrate efforts on digesting internal problems, and at the same time use diplomatic means to create an external environment that was favorable to oneself.

Jia Wen raised his second finger: "Secondly, it is said, 'Winning hearts and minds is paramount; subduing the enemy without fighting.' This is both a conspiracy and a powerful weapon. Our lord has just conquered Black Mountain, his might shaking the northern lands, but the newly surrendered people are uneasy, and the existing powerful clans are secretly observing. We must implement a strategy of 'winning hearts and minds' from within. First, by leveraging the fairness of the 'Star Laws,' the openness of the 'Spark Test,' and the benefits of land reclamation and tax reduction, we can make the newly surrendered people truly feel the benefits of their allegiance and gradually win their hearts. Second, we should divide and rule the existing local powerful clans and leaders. Those who are compliant and talented can be recruited and given honorary titles; those who outwardly comply but inwardly resist and secretly collude..." Those who seek to exploit the opportunity of implementing new policies, surveying land, and collecting taxes should use the "Star Laws" as a weapon to find their weaknesses, punish them severely according to the law, cut off their wings, confiscate their illegal wealth, and use it to reward the army and care for the people. This demonstrates both swift and decisive action and a compassionate heart. Externally, they can emulate Chen Ping's strategy of sowing discord between Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng, secretly sending spies to spread rumors about potential enemies like those at Panshi Fortress, making their lord suspicious of their generals or causing internal factions to attack each other. They can also bribe their close advisors to influence their decisions. If they can cause them to lose their composure and collapse without a fight, wouldn't that be far better than resorting to arms?

This strategy further reveals Jia Wen's true nature as a "poisonous strategist." Domestically, he advocated a combination of firmness and flexibility, using laws and the prevailing trend to win over the people, and using political maneuvering and the law to suppress dissent. Externally, he suggested using various insidious yet effective methods such as sowing discord, bribery, and spreading rumors to undermine the enemy from within. Although the methods were not entirely honorable, in chaotic times, they were undoubtedly the lowest-cost and potentially most effective choice.

Chen Xing's eyes gleamed with admiration. He showed no disgust or rejection towards Jia Wen's "insidious" plan; instead, he revealed a thoughtful and admiring expression. In chaotic times, the struggle for supremacy is a matter of life and death. To subdue the enemy without fighting and reduce one's own casualties is true benevolent governance. Jia Wen's strategy suited his purposes perfectly.

Jia Wen raised his third finger, his tone becoming even more serious: "Thirdly, 'Strengthen the foundation and delay declaring kingship.' This is a long-term strategy and the right path. Although our lord has already dominated the north, the territory has expanded rapidly, the population has increased dramatically, and there are countless internal affairs to manage. Although the military is strong, it needs time to train and integrate. At this time, we must avoid being hasty and rash, and avoid being greedy for empty fame. We should emulate the wisdom of Emperor Gaozu of Han, who 'built high walls, stored up grain, and delayed declaring himself king,' and not rush to declare ourselves king or duke, lest we become too powerful and attract criticism. Internally, we should focus on developing agriculture and sericulture, building water conservancy projects, promoting improved varieties, and stockpiling grain; we should also encourage artisans..." "We will refine our weaponry and enhance our combat capabilities; we will perfect the Three Offices system, select and train officials to ensure smooth implementation of government orders; we will promote education, establish official schools in various counties, spread the Lord's ideals and the 'Star Laws,' and win the hearts of scholars throughout the land. Externally, we will follow the previous two strategies, advancing steadily and cautiously, step by step. When our foundation is solid, our army is well-trained and our supplies are plentiful, the people are loyal, and our internal affairs are clear, the enemies on all sides may have already fallen into disarray or can be divided. At that time, we may be able to pacify the north in one fell swoop and then contend for the world in the south! These three strategies, interconnected, are called the 'Three Strategies for Pacifying the North,' and are presented to the Lord as a token of my loyalty. I humbly request your wise decision."

After speaking, Jia Wen took out a scroll of silk written in neat small regular script that he had prepared beforehand, and respectfully presented it to Chen Xing with both hands. It contained a detailed outline of the three strategies he had just described, as well as some key points for their implementation.

The hall was quiet, broken only by the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire. Chen Wei stood to the side, his heart pounding. Although he wasn't good at strategy, he could tell that Jia Wen's three plans possessed both a strategic vision with a broad perspective and meticulous tactical arrangements. More importantly, they perfectly aligned with Xinghuo Fortress's current predicament and long-term goals, proving to be far from mere theoretical talk.

Chen Xing solemnly accepted the silk scroll, but did not immediately unfold it to examine it closely. Instead, he stood up and bowed deeply to Jia Wen.

Jia Wen quickly stepped aside: "My lord, this is a subject's duty..."

"Mr. Wenhe!" Chen Xing straightened up, his face filled with undisguised admiration and emotion. "These three strategies are all gems, each sentence hitting the nail on the head! 'Befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones, dividing and weakening them, is the key to stabilizing the situation; winning hearts and minds, subduing the enemy without fighting, is the secret to victory; strengthening the foundation and consolidating the base, delaying the pursuit of hegemony, is the foundation of a nation! Having these three strategies is better than having a hundred thousand soldiers! How fortunate Chen Xing is to have your wholehearted assistance!"

He returned to his desk, carefully put away the scroll, then personally poured Jia Wen a full wine cup, raised it, and said, "I will study your strategy carefully and implement it step by step. From today onwards, I request that you temporarily assume my post in the Censorate! You will oversee all officials, audit finances, investigate illegal activities, advise on military affairs, and be in charge of foreign intelligence and matters of sowing discord! Your position is equivalent to the Three Ministers, and you will be directly responsible to me! I hope you will not decline!"

The Censorate! This crucial position, established by Chen Xing long ago but lacking a head, wielded immense power yet easily offended many! At this moment, Chen Xing unhesitatingly entrusted it to Jia Wen, who had just offered his first strategy and had only recently submitted! This trust and esteem was beyond compare!

Jia Wen's body trembled slightly, and for the first time, a genuine look of emotion appeared in his narrow eyes. He knew the weight of the Censorate, and he understood even more the courage and trust that Chen Xing had placed in entrusting this position to him, a "newcomer" and a "poisonous strategist." This was not only an affirmation of his abilities, but also a symbol that he was truly regarded as a trusted confidant!

He took a deep breath, rose from his seat, straightened his clothes, and once again performed the most solemn courtier's salute to Chen Xing, his voice trembling slightly.

"Your subject, Jia Wen, obeys! I will devote myself wholeheartedly to serving my lord, overseeing both internal and external affairs, eliminating treacherous officials, and assisting in crucial matters, to repay your kindness and trust! I dedicate my life and heart to you, my lord, and I will have no regrets even if I die a hundred times!"

With Wenhe's worship of the Lord, the three strategies laid the foundation. Thus, this "poisonous strategist," renowned for his cunning and ruthlessness, finally submitted completely, becoming Chen Xing's sharpest and most secretive dagger, as well as a discerning mirror. A new pillar of strength was added to the core of Starfire Fortress's power structure.