Chapter 10, The Scheme of Deception

Thus, from the initial promotion of Huang Zhong to the current promotion of Huang Gai, he aims to create an impression of having a discerning eye. This way, when he promotes other historical figures in the future, the public will not feel it is unexpected.

As soon as he finished speaking, Han Xin noticed the unusual expressions on the faces of those present. He understood that such a sudden promotion of Huang Gai to the position of Colonel would cause discontent among some individuals

In the time that followed, Han Xin, apart from dispatching more scouts northward to investigate the military situation of the Han, maintained a consistent national policy. He entrusted the training of his cavalry to Huang Zhong.

However, the results often left him disappointed. Among the refugees, there were indeed some individuals who could read and write, as well as various craftsmen, blacksmiths, tailors, and others.

After strategically determining the methods to deal with Sun Jian, Han Xin inquired of Huang Zhong: "Han Sheng, how is the training of the Feiyu archers and cavalry progressing now"

Today, Han Xin's extraordinary wisdom and strategy are truly deserving of historical acclaim—he is the immortal military sage of the ages, which naturally heightens the importance placed on the future of the Great Qian.

Indeed, after Han Xin finished speaking, no one among the crowd had any opposing thoughts; they became eager and ready to take action.

If Cao Cao were to be subdued, not only would one gain the extraordinary talents of the great Emperor Wu of Wei, but also the brothers Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, along with a multitude of talents from the Cao family, would belong to him

In response to the phenomenon of enthusiastic enlistment, due to the age-reducing effect of the portal, Han Xin adjusted the age range for voluntary military service to between 18 and 35 years old

Liao Hua led a group of people to hold a strategically significant camp by the riverside.

Thinking of that magical portal, Huang Gai felt a surge of passion in his heart and secretly vowed to serve Da Qian diligently and contribute to its growth, so that Da Qian could quickly become stronger and conquer other divine gates during the end of the Qin dynasty

The same saying applies: whoever wins will take the position of the school lieutenant. In our Great Qian, we do not restrict the use of talent to a single standard; whoever has the ability will enjoy high status.

He addressed the crowd, saying: "The Han court does not focus on breaking the Yellow Turbans in the north, but rather first directs its attention towards us in the south."

Indeed, due to the current lack of warhorses, Huang Zhong currently commands only 1,000 Feiyu bow cavalry.

After greeting Huang Gai, Han Xin inquired with Liao Hua about the current situation regarding the recruitment of refugees and the training of the army

At this moment, he suddenly recalled that this war, at this time, was the best opportunity for him to subdue Sun Jian, Cao Cao, and others, and it was also his last chance

At this moment, Han Xin was contemplating the likelihood of successfully defeating and capturing Sun Jian, as well as the possibility of persuading the opposing side to surrender.

Therefore, although he disagreed with Huang Gai's strategy, Han Xin still gained additional inspiration from it.

In the later stages of the meeting, Han Xin and the others thoroughly discussed the distribution of soldiers under his command for defense.

At this moment, Han Xin finally gained a more thorough understanding of the ruthless means employed in ancient warfare

It is Your Majesty, Sun Jian is from Fuchun in Wu Commandery. Currently, he is in the north while his family is in Shouchun. We can capture his family to threaten him

He was fully aware that Huang Gai openly opposed Huang Zhong, yet he was wholeheartedly prepared to serve Da Qian and his emperor.

The Feathered Bow Cavalry, in his opinion, is the most suitable type of troops for Huang Zhong.

However, he is also powerless. Firstly, it is indeed a lack of manpower, and secondly, knowing that the other party possesses talent, yet still making them start from the bottom, is a sign of a problem in judgment in this competitive world

The meeting concluded, and everyone first went to the training ground to assess the quality of Huang Gai. In the end, as Han Xin had anticipated, Huang Gai triumphed over his peers and secured the position of Captain.

Your Majesty, this strategy is truly brilliant, surpassing expectations by tenfold. Moreover, this is an overt scheme; in this way, Sun Jian must acknowledge Your Majesty's intentions, while the Han court will undoubtedly harbor suspicions towards Sun Jian. Thus, with discord between the upper and lower ranks, defeating the enemy will be much easier

He himself, along with Huang Zhong, each commanding one thousand cavalry, engaged in skirmishes outside, seeking opportunities to break the enemy.

Han Xin ordered Huang Gai to lead the largest number of soldiers to defend the city of Wan.

However, it is not surprising that the younger Huang Zhong, who was ten years younger, had such confidence in his martial prowess when Lü Bu had not yet risen to fame as the number one in the world.

He devoted himself to domestic governance, spending almost every day at the riverside camp

Certainly, for a military general, the most direct method to counter criticism is through force

His concept is derived from Genghis Khan's cavalry. Historical records indicate that Genghis Khan, also known as Temüjin, relied on such troops to conquer the Eurasian continent, becoming invincible across the world.

The riverside camp built around the portal has currently become a transit point for refugees from all corners of the world

"Your Majesty need not worry. As the saying goes, when soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will cover it. I am willing to behead Sun Jian for Your Majesty." Huang Zhong stood up and said

At this time, Sun Jian and Cao Cao, among others, had not yet established their own regional powers, and it is likely that they did not possess significant ambitions.

Observing Huang Gai's confident demeanor, Han Xin felt very pleased. As time passed, the talent pool under his command gradually began to flourish.

Liao Hua's response exceeded his expectations, and he performed even better than what he had initially instructed, which greatly pleased Han Xin. He did not anticipate that Liao Hua possessed such talents in politics

Heaven does not disappoint those who are determined. Finally, on this day, when Han Xin arrived at the Recruitment Pavilion once again, the great sage he had been hoping for, a historical figure, finally made his appearance

When the crowd under the hall began to inquire, Han Xin continued: "This plan is a scheme of discord. We can bring the Sun family's old and young here, and then send someone politely to deliver them to Sun Jian's military camp. At that time, there will naturally be someone to deal with Sun Jian for us"

In their view, a man in the military should be like this: those who possess greater strength rise to power; if one cannot attain a high position, one can only blame oneself for lacking skill.

Finally, Han Xin shifted the topic to military affairs

With the provisions collected from the notorious aristocratic families during the recent campaign against the south, Han Xin ensured that the refugees who arrived in this area had enough to eat

By subduing Sun Jian, one would gain the services of the young overlord Sun Ce and the future Emperor of Eastern Wu, Sun Quan, as well as some of the current generals under their command, such as Han Dang and Cheng Pu

Upon hearing that the officials and soldiers were coming to fight, many people expressed their desire to join the army to help defend Da Qian

In the end, Han Xin thought for a moment but still did not agree to this strategy; it was not that he was pretending to be aloof, but rather that he had other considerations.

Han Xin then said: "Although I have made an exception to promote General Gongfu to the position of a military officer, he must also, like General Han Sheng, undergo scrutiny from everyone on the training ground. If you all have confidence in yourselves, you may step up and compete with General Gongfu."

Han Xin inhaled sharply, not only because Huang Gai proposed such a desperate strategy, but also because most of the other generals nodded in agreement after hearing it. Even Huang Zhong merely frowned without voicing any opposition.

In this way, Wancheng and the riverside garrison became mutually supportive strongholds

"Oh, the public announcement is coming quickly." Han Xin greatly admired Huang Gai's straightforward personality, which was unafraid of offending superiors

The flying feather cavalry mentioned by Han Xin is a special troop type he had Huang Zhong establish—archer cavalry

Even now, he visits the Recruitment Pavilion several times a day, hoping to encounter more talented individuals who wish to offer their services.

However, there is still a slight difference between these and the great sages and historical figures he anticipated

Observing Huang Zhong's confident demeanor, Han Xin found it quite difficult to remind him that Sun Jian was not to be trifled with, as Huang Zhong, unlike him, did not possess extensive knowledge of historical figures

He instructed Huang Zhong to gather those tall and strong soldiers with long arms who excelled in archery, so that he, the foremost archer of the Three Kingdoms, could teach them how to shoot arrows, and then ride on horseback to slay the enemy with bows and arrows

Just like when he used to play the Three Kingdoms game, his favorite and most anticipated activities were searching for treasures and talents

In the evening, Han Xin also acted on his words, hosting a banquet to welcome Huang Gai and to wash away the dust of travel. Such various courtesies made Huang Gai repeatedly express that a gentleman would die for a true friend

Moreover, Han Xin firmly believed that the value of troops lies in their quality rather than quantity. He wished for future renowned generals to establish their own specialized troops according to their individual requirements, and then accompany him to wage wars in other realms

Certainly, Han Xin also believes in fighting alone. Sun Jian would absolutely not be a match for Huang Zhong at this moment. However, compared to his martial prowess, Sun Jian's true strength lies in his ability to lead troops in battle

Huang Gai was sincerely convinced, just like the newcomers, regarding the Emperor of Da Qian, who was the Marquis of Huaiyin at the end of the Qin Dynasty. He was both skeptical and hopeful, and after the miraculous experience through the portal, his skepticism diminished while his hope increased

When at the camp by the river, Han Xin's favorite activity was to run to the Recruitment Tower at the camp gate

"Recently, intelligence has arrived indicating that General He Jin is overseeing the southern military operations. He has appointed Sun Jian as the vanguard, and the troops have already crossed Yuzhou. What good strategies do you all have to advise me on?"

Huang Zhong rose and said: "Your Majesty, with the assistance of the high-arched saddle and double-sided stirrups designed by Your Majesty for the Feiyu Bow Cavalry, the skills of our soldiers in horsemanship have improved rapidly, and they have now formed an army. However, as the soldiers charge into battle, they still appear somewhat disorganized."

Then Han Xin spoke: "Such a fierce warrior as Sun Jian is surely one who yields to persuasion rather than force; he is not easily subdued. However, thanks to the words of the public, I have come up with a plan."

One should propose strategies without adopting them oneself, and must not undermine others' enthusiasm.

Although Huang Gai was attending a meeting on Han Xin's side for the first time, he showed no signs of timidity. He confidently clasped his fists before everyone and said: "General Han Sheng possesses the courage that can withstand a thousand men; I, Huang, feel ashamed in comparison. Here, I am willing to accept the challenges from all my colleagues."

At a moment when Han Xin was unsure how to remind him, Huang Gai stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, General Han Sheng, one must not underestimate Sun Jian. Sun Jian is a fierce tiger of Jiangdong, having gained fame in his youth in the southeast. He is capable in battle and skilled in warfare. However, I have a strategy that can render him powerless."