Chapter 7, Jia Xu and Gao Shun

Gao Shun's face was already as red as a piece of cloth. To be honest, he knew that without accurate intelligence on the enemy, the chances of a successful ambush were extremely low. However, Gao Shun, seeing that Zhang Liao, who was in a much lower position than him, could achieve fame in battle, could not help but voice his thoughts, merely hoping to attract Dong Zhuo's attention.

"General Gao, just say the word, and I will certainly grant permission." Kang Peng thought to himself, is he asking me to let him form the ambush unit? Hurry up and say it, I will definitely agree

"Excellent," Li Ru said with great joy. "Prime Minister, our army has achieved a great victory today. I suggest that we execute Yuan Wei before the banquet to boost the morale of our troops. Additionally, we should send Yuan Wei's head to the rebel Yuan Shao to unsettle his forces..." Li Ru hesitated to continue, as he noticed that Dong Laoda was looking at him as if he were an idiot.

Gao Shun's face flushed, "This humble general is unaware."

Indeed," Jia Xu said淡淡地. "Yuan Wei's family attempted to sneak out of Luoyang City at night and was captured by the patrolling soldiers. A letter from Yuan Wei to the governor of Shouchun, Yuan Shu, was found on him, detailing the situation in Luoyang and the military affairs of the Chancellor. Yuan Wei holds the position of Grand Tutor, and General Dong Chong did not dare to make a unilateral decision, so he temporarily detained Yuan Wei's family and ordered a young man to escort Yuan Wei here, awaiting the Chancellor's disposition.

Jia Xu calmly withdrew his hand from Kang Peng's, saying, "The Prime Minister has overpraised me. What virtue and ability does Jia Xu possess to dare receive such commendation from the Prime Minister?"

At this moment, Li Ru approached and greeted the scholar, saying: "Greetings, Mr. Wenhe." The scholar smiled and returned the greeting to Li Ru, yet he continued to gaze at Kang Peng with a gentle smile.

At this moment, the suggestion of a low-ranking general caught Kang Peng's attention. He stood about seven feet tall, had a square face, and exuded a stern and imposing demeanor. He proposed to launch a surprise attack on the coalition's granary, causing the enemy to fall into disarray without a fight, making it easy to defeat them. Kang Peng pointed at him and asked, "What is your name?"

"Mr. Wenhe, you have finally arrived; I was just about to send someone to invite you." Knowing that this person would be one of his powerful assistants in the future struggle for supremacy, Kang Peng immediately dismounted and warmly grasped Jia Xu's hand, saying: "With Mr. Wenhe's arrival, I have no worries!"

Jia Xu also smiled, "The Prime Minister is already well aware, why bother to ask Jia Xu again?" Kang Peng laughed heartily, thinking to himself that this guy is indeed one of the top strategists of the Three Kingdoms, as it seems he has already guessed what I was thinking.

Kang Peng suddenly realized that this middle-aged scholar was actually Jia Xu, a top military strategist in the Three Kingdoms, comparable to Zhuge Liang, Guo Jia, and Sima Yi! Moreover, his schemes and plots were not only on par with these super cunning figures of the Three Kingdoms, but his malicious and despicable tactics far surpassed them! Unfortunately, the several warlords he served, whether it was the great Dong Zhuo, or later Zhang Xiu and Cao Cao, all showed him great respect, but lacked sufficient trust and reliance on him. If Dong Zhuo had been willing to adopt Jia Xu's strategies, based on the size of Dong Zhuo's army and the combat effectiveness of his soldiers, combined with Jia Xu's ruthless and lethal schemes, it would have been hard to say who would win or lose in the coalition against Dong Zhuo. Unfortunately, the several warlords he served, whether it was the great Dong Zhuo, or later Zhang Xiu and Cao Cao, all showed him great respect, but lacked sufficient trust and reliance on him. If Dong Zhuo had been willing to adopt Jia Xu's strategies, based on the size of Dong Zhuo's army and the combat effectiveness of his soldiers, combined with Jia Xu's ruthless and lethal schemes, it would have been hard to say who would win or lose in the coalition against Dong Zhuo.

If it were in the past, everyone would certainly have scolded Gao Shun for being absurd, as a mere subordinate dared to intervene in matters of the Prime Minister. However, today everyone believes that Dong Laoda has changed his ways, and that his display is actually intended to promote Gao Shun, so everyone remains silent, watching how Dong Laoda will handle the situation

Li Ru laughed heartily and said: "Well, you little deputy, you do not know the location of the allied forces' granaries, yet you come to propose a surprise attack. Do you expect our army to search for them one battalion at a time?"

Jia Xu inwardly cursed Dong Zhuo for truly causing himself trouble, thinking, didn't you also guess it? Just explain it yourself and it would be fine. However, the inquiring gazes of the crowd made the usually low-key Jia Xu feel very uncomfortable, so he had no choice but to explain: "Yuan Shao is a narrow-minded petty person. The military provisions during chaotic times are related to the fate of the entire army. With Yuan Shao's temperament, how could he possibly entrust the military provisions to outsiders? If my guess is correct, then the granary must be with Yuan Shao's younger brother—Yuan Shu, the governor of Shouchun!" The military provisions during chaotic times are related to the fate of the entire army. With Yuan Shao's temperament, how could he possibly entrust the military provisions to outsiders? If my guess is correct, then the granary must be with Yuan Shao's younger brother—Yuan Shu, the governor of Shouchun!

Is this guy an idiot? Kang Peng asked himself. How could Li Ru, the first civil official under Dong, not see such a good opportunity right in front of him? No wonder Dong died such a miserable death. Kang Peng shifted his gaze to Jia Xu, wanting to see his reaction, but found that Jia Xu's sharp eyes were also looking at him. Kang Peng then smiled and said: "Mr. Wenhe, what do you think?"

Kang Peng smiled as he interrupted Li Ru, who continued to mock Gao Shun, and said seriously: "General Gao, you may not know the location of the military granary, but I do!" Isn't it right there with Yuan Shu? The Romance of the Three Kingdoms states it very clearly

"May heaven bless me, and may no one disturb me, allowing me to think of some strategies alone, so as not to reveal any flaws to others," Kang Peng prayed in his heart. Although today's events at Hulao Pass went relatively smoothly, Kang Peng was still aware that his actions were certainly not those of the former Dong Laoda. Kang Peng just wanted to find a quiet place as soon as possible to organize his thoughts and consider how to cope with the changes that might occur in the future. Although today's events at Hulao Pass went relatively smoothly, Kang Peng was still aware that his actions were certainly not those of the former Dong Laoda. Kang Peng just wanted to find a quiet place as soon as possible to organize his thoughts and consider how to cope with the changes that might occur in the future

The crowd was astonished, all eyes fixed on Kang Peng, but only Jia Xu remained unfazed, merely smiling as he observed the reactions of those around him. Jia Xu's expression happened to catch Kang Peng's attention, who was troubled trying to find an excuse to explain how he knew about the coalition's intelligence. Kang Peng immediately passed the ball to Jia Xu, saying, "Not only I am aware, but also Mr. Wenhe knows. Mr. Wenhe, would you care to elaborate?"

Kang Peng finally managed to suppress this group of sycophants and said to General Gao Shun: "General Gao, you are already aware of the location of the granary, but who do you think I should send to lead the attack on the granary?"

Kang Peng did not blink an eye, "Li Ru, obey the order, distribute the military rations to the common people and let them return home."

That person spoke loudly: "I am Gao Shun, a general under Lord Wen."

After three rounds of drinks, Kang Peng stopped the crowd's overwhelming flattery, raised a glass and said: "Gentlemen, although our army has achieved a small victory, it has not harmed the morale of the chaotic forces. Moving forward, I hope you all can offer your strategies on the direction our army should take."

Gao Shun felt a surge of hot blood rushing to his head, and immediately turned over to kneel down, "Please grant this humble general one thousand cavalry. If I do not burn the enemy's supplies to ashes, I will take my own life to apologize to the Chancellor"

Soon, the banquet was fully prepared, but Lü Bu was still tending to his beloved steed, Red Hare, and had not yet joined the feast. Kang Peng arranged for Zhang Liao to take the position of chief military officer on his left, while Jia Xu occupied the chief position among the civil officials. Although Li Ru was technically the head of the civil officials, he had always held Jia Xu in high regard and thus took his seat below Jia Xu without any complaints, and the others also took their respective seats.

"Yuan Wei? Is he not the uncle of the rebel army leader Yuan Shao? The current Grand Tutor," Kang Peng asked in surprise. Kang Peng clearly remembered that before coming to Hulao Pass, Dong Laoda was worried that Yuan Wei would collude with Yuan Shao, and had wiped out Yuan Wei's entire family without leaving a trace. How is it that Yuan Wei is still alive now? Could it be that the records in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms are incorrect?

Kang Peng nodded in satisfaction and said, "General Gao makes a valid point; I share the same sentiment. But do you know where the granary of the disordered army is, General Gao?"

Kang Peng and Jia Xu exchanged pleasantries, after which Kang Peng invited Jia Xu to take a seat in the conference hall, while the other officials found their respective seats according to their ranks. Jia Xu then saluted and said: "Today, I have come at the behest of Lord Dong Chong, the brother of the Prime Minister, to escort Yuan Kui, who has been in collusion with the rebel forces."

Jia Xu's subtle movements did not escape Kang Peng's keen observation. Kang Peng understood that the rumors about Jia Xu looking down on Dong Laoda were indeed true. However, he was not the cruel and tyrannical Dong Laoda. Regardless of the means, he had to firmly tie Jia Xu to his war chariot. Even if he could not utilize him, for the sake of his grand ambitions, he could not allow others to use him either. Although the intent to kill had arisen, Kang Peng still wore a smile on his face, saying, "Indeed, indeed, Wen He is too modest." This was a skill Kang Peng had honed during his school days. Even when he committed wrongdoings, he had to keep Jia Xu firmly tied to his war chariot. Even if he could not use him, for the sake of his grand ambitions, he could not allow others to use him either. Although the intent to kill had arisen, Kang Peng still wore a smile on his face, saying, "Indeed, indeed, Wen He is too modest." This was a skill Kang Peng had honed during his school days. When he was scolded by teachers, Kang Peng would pound his chest and sincerely apologize, believing that a true hero does not suffer immediate losses. After turning around, he would find his friends from the streets to give that unfortunate teacher a good beating. Then, he would feign concern by buying some fruit and visiting the teacher in the hospital, thus earning the reputation of caring for the teacher while avoiding any suspicion of his involvement.

Kang Peng was immensely impressed; he knew that the granary was with Yuan Shu because there are records from later generations. However, this Jia Xu was able to deduce it solely through analysis, a skill he himself did not possess. After Jia Xu's explanation, everyone suddenly understood, and immediately a flurry of compliments came flying towards Kang Peng, elevating Dong Laoda to the status of a reincarnation of Zhang Liang, a rebirth of Chen Ping, and declaring that even the undefeated war god Wu Qi would surely suffer defeat if he encountered Dong Laoda. As for Jia Xu, he only became aware of it after being reminded by Prime Minister Dong.

Good! Kang Peng struck the table in front of him with his palm, causing cups and bowls to fly in all directions. "I will give you three thousand cavalry to launch a night raid on Yuan Shu!" Kang Peng paused for a moment and then continued, "When General Gao returns victorious, I will also appoint you as the General of the Town Army."

Some proposed to press the advantage and pursue the enemy relentlessly, not giving the coalition forces a moment to catch their breath. Others suggested sending troops to the Sishui Pass to join forces with Li Jue and Guo Si for a decisive battle against the main coalition forces. There were also those who advocated for a steadfast defense of the Hulao Pass and Sishui Pass, waiting for the enemy to retreat naturally once their supplies ran out, aiming to achieve victory with minimal losses. Opinions varied widely, each presenting unique strategies.

However, Gao Shun was not referring to the matter of the vanguard. "Prime Minister, in order to prevent the chaotic army from obtaining supplies, all the people around Hulao Pass have been gathered into Hulao Pass. Now that the enemy has retreated, I humbly request the Prime Minister to allow these people to return home to farm, so as to avoid the fields becoming barren and the people having no food and clothing in the coming year"

Gao Shun! Kang Peng's mouth almost twisted from laughter, Gao Shun! A general who embodies bravery and loyalty, not only is he formidable in battle, but he is also one of the few generals in the Three Kingdoms who can be counted on one hand for his ability to lead troops. The elite troops he trained, the Xianzheng Camp, are truly remarkable; whether facing the Danyang soldiers from Xuzhou, the soldiers from Qingzhou, or the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, encountering the Xianzheng Camp only means one thing: fleeing for their lives. Unfortunately, Gao Shun was too upright, lacking flexibility, and died a foolish death due to his blind loyalty to Lü Bu, falling victim to the alliance of the Big-Eared Thief and Cao A-man. Now that Kang Peng has encountered him, should he let this opportunity slip by?

Kang Peng made a promise, laying the groundwork for Gao Shun's advancement. However, Gao Shun seemed ungrateful, bowing and saying: "Prime Minister, I do not seek promotion; I only ask for one matter from the Prime Minister."

Kang Peng and Jia Xu shared an unspoken understanding, while others were completely at a loss. However, given the tyrannical power of Dong the Great, no one dared to inquire. At this moment, Kang Peng issued an order: "Temporarily detain Yuan Kui, and do not allow any mistreatment. Prepare a banquet and reward the three armies generously"

Heaven may truly be displeased with Kang Peng. Kang Peng was eager to return to his quarters, but just as he arrived at the entrance of the hall where Dong Zhuo's army was holding a meeting at Hulao Pass, a refined middle-aged scholar approached him. With cupped fists, he greeted, "The Chancellor is indeed wise; with today's actions, the eighteen warlords will undoubtedly collapse. " Kang Peng was astonished to find that the guards did not stop this scholar from approaching him; instead, they saluted him. It seemed that this scholar was certainly an important figure in Dong Zhuo's army, but who could he be?

"Yes." The crowd responded in unison.

Everyone was taken aback; usually, discussions were dominated by Boss Dong and his few trusted confidants, but today he actually asked for their opinions politely. It seemed that Boss Dong had truly changed his ways. Although everyone had their doubts, they were still pleased that Boss Dong could show them respect. Suddenly, the atmosphere at the banquet became lively, with each person racking their brains to make a good impression in front of Boss Dong.