Chapter Twenty-Nine: Preparing on Both Fronts

Over the next few days, Shen Chen spent all his time at the Prefect’s residence. He and Zhuge Liang poured over classical texts from dawn till dusk, discussing astronomy, geography, and the intricacies of traditional studies. What astonished Shen Chen most was Zhuge Liang’s keen interest in the art of the Eight Trigrams. He often pored over the Book of Changes, debating its meaning with Shen Chen. The trigrams, and the theory of yin and yang governing all things, fascinated him—perhaps this was why, in later years, he would devise the Eight Formations Diagram.

Zhuge Liang also showed an affinity for the art of omen interpretation, which involved observing climatic changes—a practice akin to forecasting the weather. Those who studied it could predict the coming days’ climate and make judgements accordingly. Strangely, however, Zhuge Liang seemed indifferent to the art of mechanical invention. When Shen Chen broached the subject, Zhuge Liang appeared unmoved. Shen Chen began to suspect that the rumors of Zhuge Liang’s enthusiasm for inventions were unfounded. On further reflection, he surmised that Zhuge Liang’s youth and parental constraints inclined him toward the classics rather than mechanical pursuits. In those times, inventiveness was often deemed a “crafty art” and not held in high esteem, and artisans had little social standing. It was only natural that Zhuge Xuan, Zhuge Liang’s father, would discourage such interests in his son.

By early September, Shen Chen had taken up residence at the Prefect’s mansion. During this period, Zhuge Xuan frequently came to test Zhuge Liang’s learning and, at the same time, instructed Zhuge Liang, Shen Chen, and Zhuge Jun in the mysteries of the Confucian classics. Each time, Shen Chen’s ability to infer and articulate his own interpretations left Zhuge Xuan deeply impressed. Judging him a prodigy, Zhuge Xuan invited him to stay and accompany his nephews.

This was an age when Liu Bei’s casual remark about making an umbrella from a tree in the courtyard was seen as a sign of future greatness; when Kong Rong’s selfless act of offering the larger pear to his elder brother marked him as a talent blessed by heaven. In such an era, Shen Chen’s independent understanding of the classics set him apart from ordinary prodigies.

Moreover, Zhuge Xuan had heard from Deng Hong that Shen Chen had once predicted Cao Cao’s actions, which astonished him even more. He was convinced that Shen Chen would achieve great things in the future, and that the company of Zhuge Liang and Zhuge Jun could only benefit them all.

This period also saw the rapid deepening of Shen Chen’s friendship with Zhuge Liang. The two spent their days immersed in study, composing essays and poems, and even inventing the game of chess, which they played daily for amusement.

More than ten days passed, and by mid-September, Deng Hong finally secured a deal with a merchant who would take them by boat west to Jing Province. This was no small feat, for trade along the Yangtze during the Han dynasty was concentrated between Jing Province and Sichuan. Jing Province—later known as Hubei—was the crossroads of nine provinces. With the Central Plains in turmoil, merchants found it difficult to conduct business elsewhere, so their sphere of activity was largely confined to Jing. The Southlands, prior to the great migrations at the end of the Western Jin and again in the late Northern Song, were not prosperous; their population and commerce were meager.

Thus, merchants traveling between Jing Province and the Southlands were rare, though not nonexistent. Lü Meng’s famous crossing of the river in plain clothes was accomplished by disguising his troops as merchants to surprise Jing Province. Now, with deep autumn upon them and winter approaching, it was especially hard to find merchants traveling from the Southlands to Jing. Fortunately, Deng Hong had some luck—a fleet from Sichuan had shipped a load of Shu brocade, timber, and medicinal herbs to Jing, then traveled east to purchase local porcelain, sea salt, luminous pearls, peacock feathers, and rhinoceros horn for their return journey.

Stopping at Chaisang for a few days to buy more goods, they were noticed thanks to Zhuge Xuan’s notification to the local magistrates, who were on the lookout for merchants. The Yangtze does not flow through Nanchang, but Nanchang is part of its water system, with the Gan River running north into Lake Pengli—later called Poyang Lake—which connects to the Yangtze. Thus, it was convenient to enter the Yangtze system from Nanchang. By late September, the merchant sent men south along Lake Pengli to the Gan River dock outside Nanchang. The boats were not as large as one might imagine, just ordinary hard-sailed vessels about seventy feet long and ten feet wide, capable of carrying over two hundred people.

There were more than ten such boats; since cargo occupied much of the space, and the lower decks were filled with rowers, each boat could only carry a little over a hundred passengers. The elders from Huangmen Pavilion numbered over a thousand, requiring more than ten boats to transport them all to the Chaisang dock.

When the merchant’s fleet arrived, the elders of Huangmen Pavilion began to gather their belongings. They moved some supplies onto the boats as dusk fell, preparing to depart the next day.

That evening marked Shen Chen’s last day with Zhuge Liang. They neither studied, nor played chess, nor discussed the mysteries of the heavens and the earth. Instead, they played the qin.

Yes, Zhuge Liang loved to play the qin and was fond of music. Yet, more often than not, it was Zhuge Liang who played while Shen Chen listened, especially on rainy days, when the autumn rain drummed softly outside, and the wind tapped at doors and windows.

Under the eaves, the two boys knelt in their wide robes upon woven mats, listening to the rain drop through the forest, the leaves, and gently caressing the jade zither. The serene and graceful mood was intoxicating, putting their hearts at ease.

Both cherished this moment.

As the setting sun sank toward the horizon, Zhuge Liang’s playing suddenly faltered; he could not continue.

Shen Chen sighed and said, “Brother, your playing is scattered and chaotic. It seems your heart cannot find peace.”

Zhuge Liang pondered a moment. “You are ever perceptive, brother. Why do you think my heart is restless?”

Shen Chen smiled. “You were playing ‘High Mountains and Flowing Waters’—a piece that should evoke the grandeur of Mount Tai and the vastness of rivers. Yet your rendition was tinged with melancholy. Perhaps ‘The Water Spirit’s Lament’ would be more fitting tonight.”

“No one knows me better than you, brother,” Zhuge Liang replied with a sigh. “You are leaving for Jing Province tomorrow. I do not know when we’ll meet again.”

Shen Chen said, “Though the world is vast and the road long, those who care for one another will surely meet again. As long as we hold each other in our thoughts, it may not be long before we are reunited.”

Zhuge Liang nodded gently. Being with Shen Chen was not only comfortable, but also brought the rare pleasure of having his thoughts understood without words. Was this not like Boya meeting Zhong Ziqi, seeking a kindred spirit through music?

As they spoke, Zhuge Xuan entered the courtyard, hands clasped behind his back. The rear courtyard was the family’s quarters, where Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Jun, and their two sisters lived. Normally, Zhuge Xuan was occupied with official duties and only visited during lessons or to rest. His sudden appearance, with brows furrowed, piqued Zhuge Liang’s curiosity.

“Uncle, has something happened?” he asked.

Zhuge Xuan sighed. “I have just received word that the court has appointed Zhu Hao as my successor as Prefect of Yuzhang. He has already reached Qu’e in Wu Commandery, and visited Inspector Liu Yao. Liu Yao has written to me, instructing me to prepare for the handover with Zhu Hao.”

Shen Chen turned to Zhuge Liang. “It seems we won’t be apart for long after all. Now we can go to Jing Province together.”

Zhuge Xuan was puzzled. “Do you also think I should leave Yuzhang?”

Shen Chen replied, “Uncle, you truly should, for Yuzhang is a place of contention. Yuan Shu and Liu Yao are at odds. Having been recommended by Yuan Shu, you are a thorn in Liu Yao’s side. Zhu Hao’s first move upon reaching Yang Province was to seek out Liu Yao, hoping to use his troops to drive you out.”

Zhuge Xuan’s brow furrowed. “It’s not that I covet this high office, but since coming south from Xu Province, I’ve seen nothing but hardship. If the Zhuge family cannot find a place to settle, I fear…”

Shen Chen counseled, “That is all the more reason to go to Jing Province. It is peaceful and prosperous, untouched by war. You have old ties with Liu in Jing. Once there, you can leave behind these disputes, secure your family’s future, and consider your next steps. Remaining in Yuzhang will only lead to bloodshed when Liu Yao’s army arrives.”

Zhuge Xuan considered this carefully. Had any other child offered such advice, he would have dismissed it. But Deng Hong had spoken of Shen Chen’s accurate predictions regarding Cao Cao, and indeed, Shen Chen had led his clan to safety in Mount Niqiu, evading Cao Cao’s massacre. The facts spoke for themselves; perhaps his counsel was worth heeding.

He knelt on the mat with the two boys and said, “Your words have merit. But tell me, between Yuan Shu and Liu Yao, who will prevail?”

“Uncle,” Shen Chen said, smiling, “you wonder if, by siding with Yuan Shu, you might continue as Prefect of Yuzhang should he defeat Liu Yao.”

Zhuge Xuan flushed, his thoughts laid bare by a mere child. “Liu Yao is upright, but I only wish for our family to have a place to call home.”

It was a matter of interest. Zhuge Xuan was reluctant to relinquish his post, recommended by Yuan Shu. Yet Yuan Shu and Liu Yao were at odds—Liu Yao, appointed by the court as Inspector of Yang Province, was based in Shouchun and should have governed all Yang. Yuan Shu, having seized Shouchun, created an irreconcilable rift between them.

Now, having accepted Yuan Shu’s appointment, Zhuge Xuan was Liu Yao’s adversary. In his heart, Zhuge Xuan hoped Yuan Shu would win, allowing him to remain Prefect and raise his four nieces and nephews in peace.

But Shen Chen knew this was impossible. “Though Yuan Shu seems powerful, when I was in Shouchun, I saw he is all show and no substance. He detains the Three Excellencies, seizes the imperial envoy’s seal, and usurps the seat of government—he already holds the Son of Heaven in contempt. I fear it won’t be long before he proclaims himself emperor. To follow him is a road to ruin.”

“Proclaim himself emperor?” Zhuge Xuan’s face went pale. He shook his head. “Surely not. Even Yuan Shu would not dare such a thing.”

Shen Chen smiled. “Whether he does or not, I guarantee that if Liu Yao sends troops to help Zhu Hao seize Yuzhang, Yuan Shu will not send soldiers to aid you. His ambitions lie in Xu Province, not the Southlands. At best, he and Liu Yao will merely guard against each other, and your situation will grow perilous. Better to plan ahead.”

Zhuge Xuan replied noncommittally. He had asked Shen Chen who would win, Yuan Shu or Liu Yao. Shen Chen’s answer was that though Yuan Shu was stronger, he had no interest in the Southlands and would not focus on Liu Yao. Thus, if Liu Yao attacked, Zhuge Xuan could not withstand him. The crux was that Zhuge Xuan believed Yuan Shu would help, while Shen Chen believed he would not.

Noticing Zhuge Xuan’s expression, Shen Chen said, “I know you may not believe me, uncle. Here’s what I suggest: Liu Yao will soon send troops to aid Zhu Hao. You could write to Yuan Shu, asking for reinforcements, and at the same time write to Liu Yao, expressing willingness for an amicable handover. Then all will become clear.”

Zhuge Xuan frowned. “What do you mean?”

Shen Chen smiled. “If Yuan Shu sends troops, you can resist Zhu Hao with force. If he does not, and you have already agreed to a peaceful transition, Zhu Hao will not make things difficult. This is a strategy with two safe outcomes.”

It was, indeed, the best of both worlds.

After a moment’s thought, Zhuge Xuan nodded and said, “Well said.”