Chapter 0006: None are virtuous

Tao Qian did not understand how sitting could be considered overstepping, but he did not intervene much: "If you want to stand, then stand. Now, please share your thoughts"

Mi Zhu regarded the discussions of others as inconsequential and said: "The Governor and General Cao must remain stationed in Xuzhou and cannot lead an eastern expedition. If we send someone else, I fear that the two Yuans will not see our sincerity in Xuzhou and will use it as a pretext to plot against us in the future. Looking around at everyone, only the eldest son is the biological son of the Lord and is also the legitimate heir. With such qualifications, he should represent the Lord at the alliance meeting, so as not to give others a reason to speak ill of us. Moreover, the eldest son is about to turn seventeen, which is the age for the coming-of-age ceremony. The Lord is getting older and works hard every day, while his son remains idle; this is not the way of filial piety... For the sake of future plans and for Xuzhou, it is time to let the eldest son gain some experience and share the Lord's burdens."

Wait a moment! What is going on? I suggested that the cheap old man send troops to deal with Dong, but I never said I wanted to go myself! That would be going to war, are you kidding me!

Mi Zhu outlined three points of strategy and requested Tao Qian to attend the alliance meeting, but Cao Bao used Zang Ba as a reason to ask Tao Qian to remain in charge of Xuzhou

With a sudden surge of spirit, Tao Qian hurriedly pointed to the kneeling couch and said, "Sit down and speak."

"My dear driver, do you have any good strategies to break this deadlock?" At this moment, others cannot be relied upon, and it is still necessary to depend on Mi Zhu.

Mi Zhu cupped his hands and said: "Only the eldest son can do this."

Mi Zhu hurriedly said: "What General Cao just mentioned is indeed very reasonable. Both you and General Cao should not leave Xuzhou. In that case, why not delegate someone who can represent you to participate in the alliance meeting, what do you think?"

Tao Qian let out a long sigh. The last time he privately discussed the issue of forming an alliance against Dong with his eldest son, he felt that the child was different from before, with much deeper thoughts. However, he still had some doubts about his son's abilities. But upon asking today, Tao Qian realized... this child may have truly grown up

Upon hearing this, the merchant felt somewhat relieved; in his previous life, he had never even killed a chicken, and the idea of suddenly leading troops into battle was simply a joke

Tao Qian raised his eyebrows slightly and said: "What does my son mean by these words?"

Father, maintaining balance is not wrong, but it is not always necessary to appease these families. Sometimes, it may be more effective for you to try to sow discord among them, positioning yourself as a mediator, which might allow you to navigate the situation more adeptly

The potter's knees had gone numb from kneeling all morning, and he truly did not wish to kneel any longer... I really do not understand the perverse psychology of the people of the Han Dynasty, who would rather kneel on their legs than use their behinds...

Tao Shang had just guessed that Tao Qian would keep the two of them, while Tao Ying appeared completely bewildered, unable to make sense of the situation

You two stay behind

Who should be appointed to represent me in this matter of driving?

Good deeds do not leave the door, while bad deeds travel a thousand miles. Zang Ba's reputation soared due to his heroic act of rescuing his father from prison, making him unparalleled in Xuzhou for a time. Every household's father would use Zang Ba as an example to educate their children at night, urging them to learn how to be a good son like him

The potter lowered his head and quickly curled his lips in a visual blind spot where Tao Qian could not see.

Such a person in Xuzhou, Tao Qian indeed cannot proceed with his western expedition in peace

Zang Ba was a native of Huajun in Mount Tai, originally from Xuzhou. In his youth, he was captured due to his father's crimes. Leading a group of about ten men, Zang Ba forcefully rescued his father, displaying the same vigor and determination as the heroes of Liangshan in the classic work 'Water Margin' when they stormed the execution ground.

From an exile to a powerful figure who could restrain the governor of Xuzhou in less than two years, wherever he went, he attracted significant attention. Zang Ba was undoubtedly the top internet celebrity in Xuzhou at that time

Family Feud

Seeing that Tao Qian was unable to make a decision at that moment, everyone gradually stood up and withdrew. Tao Shang and Tao Ying, being of a younger generation, were left to the end. Just as they were about to leave, they heard Tao Qian call out.

Tao Qian nodded and said: "This is also my concern. I am not afraid of Mi Zhu sending people to interfere in military matters, but if I agree to Mi Zhu's demands, I fear I will offend Cao Bao for no reason, which is certainly not what I desire... Child, as the governor of a province, I cannot afford to offend these families under my command. The only strategy is to maintain balance, which is the best approach."

Did you all hear clearly what was said at the recent court session

Tao Qian's expression did not change; instead, it was Tao Shang, who was sitting beside him, that was taken aback

As soon as Mi Zhu spoke these words, the entire hall was filled with whispers among the crowd. Cao Bao even revealed a noncommittal smile, tinged with sarcasm.

Mi Zhu smiled and said: "According to convention, there is indeed no precedent, but the current situation is special. In today's world, events are unpredictable and cannot be measured by common logic. It does not matter that the young master has not led troops before; he can appoint other capable generals to command the army. The young master can oversee the military in the capacity of a supervising officer, which will ensure that there are no issues"

Mi Zhu said: "My lord, if this is the case, should we not fear that in the future Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu will take this opportunity to attack our Xuzhou? In your heart, are the two Yuans not easier to deal with than a mere Zang Ba?"

After Tao Qian took control of Xuzhou, he, admiring the renowned reputation of Zang Ba, invited him to serve in his administration, appointing him as a Cavalry Commandant and ordering him to eliminate the Yellow Turbans in Xuzhou

Tao Qian's words left Tao Shang feeling quite unconvinced. Logically speaking, Tao Qian was correct; maintaining a balance was indeed not wrong. However, if one is overly concerned about offending others, then the position of the Xuzhou governor seems rather pitiful. Ultimately, the feeling of being constrained by others is not pleasant at all

Shouldn't my responsibility be to strategize from a thousand miles away? Matters that can be handled with common sense shouldn't fall to me, right? This is a typical case of setting up one's own son!

Having said that, the old man turned his head towards the potter and said: "What about you? What do you think of Mi Zhu's recommendation for you to form an alliance? What is Mi Zhu's true intention?"

The corner of the potter's eye twitched a bit, and that old rascal Mi Zhu... didn't even discuss it with me in advance... Could it be that he is taking revenge for my asking him to lend me money?

It is no wonder that, regarding the changes among the陶商, the only ones currently known are陶谦 and糜竺. In the eyes of others, this eldest son is still merely a foolish and ineffectual young master, lacking in any remarkable qualities.

Mi Zhu's words are indeed reasonable, but Cao Bao's words are not mere fabrications

Mi Zhu wishes to extend his hand into the military, and his father might as well agree to him. Later, he can also seek out Cao Bao to arrange for the Cao family to manage political affairs and assist in the allocation of resources and logistics for this western expedition. This way, it would be as if the Mi family is in charge of the Cao family's troops, while at the same time, the Cao family is also managing the Mi family's provisions. In this manner, they would mutually restrain each other, and over time, it is inevitable that they will develop a discord. The two families would become irreconcilable, and they would undoubtedly compete to flatter you, hoping to gain your support. At that time, you could observe their disputes and mediate as a peacemaker, which would surely be more comfortable than having to constantly appease them.

If one were to serve as a military supervisor, it would still be somewhat acceptable, as at least one could hide in the rear. In the event that something truly goes wrong, it would not be impossible to mount a horse and turn to leave.

Tao Qian stroked his long beard and looked at Tao Shang earnestly for a while, his eyes filled with approval and satisfaction

The merchant Tao thought for a moment and said: "It is not difficult to guess Mi Zhu's intentions. Cao Bao is unwilling to mobilize troops, so he devised a plan to recommend me to represent my father in the alliance against Dong, and also petitioned for me to be the supervising general. However, the supervising general does not command troops; ultimately, there must be a general who can lead the army. Cao Bao has already said too much in the court discussions, effectively sealing his own fate. It seems that he cannot interfere in the command of the troops. Mi Zhu will inevitably recommend someone from his own faction to lead the western expedition. Thus, the Mi family, which has always been responsible for managing finances and supplies, will extend its influence into the military. Judging by this maneuver alone, Mi Zhu is somewhat more formidable than Cao Bao."

Although he was somewhat surprised to suddenly hear Mi Zhu recommend himself, after a short period of time, he has generally figured out the key to the matter.

Tao Ying still had a blank expression on his face and shook his head: "Returning to my father, the child has no thoughts."

Having toiled all my life, the older I get, the more I feel overwhelmed. May heaven bless the Tao family; today I have finally realized that the Tao family indeed has successors!

However, Tao Qian suddenly revealed a warm smile and said: "In fact, after hearing so much, I also understand that sending troops to participate in the alliance is the best strategy. However, Cao Bao does not wish for me to send troops, citing that Zang Ba is a hidden danger in Xuzhou. Mi Zhu has also advised that you, Shang'er, replace me to attend the alliance. Regarding this... what are your thoughts on the matter?"

If an ordinary person were to obtain an official position without any effort, they would be overjoyed to the point of exuberance... However, the issue is that Zang Ba is not an ordinary person

Um... that... father, this arrangement seems to contradict the principles of propriety, doesn't it? I have neither commanded troops before nor held any official position; suddenly taking command of an army might be difficult to gain the support of others

The merchant Tao pondered over his words and said: "Although the child rarely participates in political affairs, through daily understanding and keen observation, he has a general idea of the situation. His father must firmly control Xuzhou, and the main reliance lies with Mi Zhu, Cao Bao, Zhao Yu, and Wang Lang. Among them, Mi Zhu is in charge of grain, Cao Bao oversees the military, Zhao Yu manages the records, and Wang Lang is responsible for the officials. Each of the four holds their respective positions and maintains a balance among themselves, yet in their hearts, none truly submits to the others. They all seek to gain more benefits and power for their own families. Now that the world is changing, with the lords rising against Dong Zhuo, once military action is taken, it will inevitably affect the balance of interests among the four prominent families in Xuzhou. Cao Bao is reluctant to deploy troops, not because of Zang Ba, but because once the campaign begins, the situation on the battlefield can change rapidly, and key military positions can easily be seized by members of other families. This would weaken Cao Bao's leverage in Xuzhou."

After Zang Ba assisted Tao Qian in defeating the Yellow Turbans, he took advantage of Tao Qian's unstable position in Xuzhou to consolidate internal affairs. Seizing the opportunity, he stationed troops in Kaiyang and gathered forces with the bandits of Mount Tai, establishing his own faction. He expanded his territory and became independent, thus forming a tripartite balance of power with Tao Qian in the Xuzhou region.

It is understandable that those involved in robbery generally do not wish to be pacified.

Alas, Tao Qian was thoroughly troubled. Mi Zhu's words were not without merit; nowadays, there is neither advancement nor retreat, and it is impossible to fight well or poorly... Though the heavens have not yet perished me, do they not wish to force this old man to his end?

Tao Qian sighed deeply, his expression one of great helplessness: "You speak so directly... you are indeed quite straightforward."

Ancient people were not foolish; generals who led troops every day, how could you modern individuals, upon returning, defeat them so easily? Their experience in commanding troops has not been lost. Everyone consumes the same grains, and no one is inherently superior to another

Indeed, Zang Ba does not heed my orders; stationed in Kaiyang, he neither engages in battle nor submits to surrender, leaving me with no choice but to restrain him... It is indeed difficult for me to launch a westward expedition. Tao Qian seems to be speaking to himself, or perhaps sharing his thoughts with those present.

Tao Qian stroked his beard, pondered for a while, and slowly said: "As for this matter, allow me to think it over for the time being... You all may return for now and attend to your duties. Once I have thought it through clearly, I will make a decision in due course."

Regarding intelligence quotient, Tao Qian is not lacking, but he does fall short in terms of character... This old man has a bit of a soft side.

This is generally how a gang leader is forged

Tao Qian listened to these words and nodded. Through today's analysis, he had come to understand the circumstances surrounding this expedition. Despite various drawbacks, the words of Mi Zhu and Wang Lang were indeed those of seasoned statesmen. Regardless of the difficulties, Xuzhou must engage in battle. Remaining a bystander would only maximize immediate benefits, but the future development of Xuzhou is of greater importance. Therefore, Xuzhou must exert effort and demonstrate sincerity to the people of the world and the various lords.

The potter Shang and the potter Ying stood before Tao Qian, gazing at each other in silence for a long time

Well, well! Then tell me, what is the purpose of Mi Zhu recommending you to go to battle?

This is the place for court discussions; the child does not dare to overstep in front of the father and will stand quietly.

Tao Qian, upon hearing this, said nothing; he merely opened his mouth in surprise, staring blankly at Tao Shang, his eyes filled with astonishment