Chapter Fifty-Six: The Campaign Against the Yellow Turbans (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival)

In the end, Zhang Xiu agreed to all the conditions put forth by Deng Hong.

He would be stationed in Wan City, with several surrounding counties under his control, tasked with contacting the local Yellow Turbans and assisting Liu Biao in defending against the northern warlords, along with a few other minor requirements.

The terms of cooperation satisfied both sides: Zhang Xiu gained territory and a chance to recover, Liu Biao secured peace, and even Deng Hong and Shen Chen benefited. Only Zhang Ji, whose death had made the agreement possible, was left with nothing.

After their successful negotiation, Deng Hong took his leave, with Zhang Xiu personally escorting him back to Rang City.

The journey was filled with laughter and conversation—at least for now, things had turned out well for both parties.

The next day, Deng Hong bid farewell to the garrison commander Wen Pin and set out on the road.

Grandfather and grandson once again shared a carriage.

It was early spring in February, with a fine drizzle falling. A bamboo umbrella shielded them from the gentle rain.

In the distance, the roadsides gradually regained some life. Since the recent outbreak of fighting in Rang City, many villagers had gone into hiding.

But after Zhang Ji's death and the subsequent ceasefire, peace returned, and the villagers quickly hurried back to tend their fields.

Watching the farmers working through the drizzle, Deng Hong sighed, "It's fortunate that Zhang Ji was struck down by a stray arrow. Otherwise, who knows how many more of Jing Province's people would have been rendered homeless this time."

Shen Chen nodded in agreement. "Indeed. And we're also lucky that our Yellow Gate Pavilion is east of Nanyang, not near Wu Pass. If we had to face the Xiliang army with our current strength, we might have been wiped out, not even the chickens and dogs spared."

Deng Hong replied gravely, "You're right, Achen. In the past, I thought that since we'd already pledged ourselves to Governor Liu, there was no need to build up our clan's strength. But now I see, without soldiers at our command, we're but meat for the butcher in these turbulent times."

"Sixth Granduncle, you finally understand," Shen Chen said happily. In this chaotic age, not just commoners but even powerful clans risked sudden ruin. Men like Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Zhang Yang had seen countless prominent families destroyed. Without troops to defend themselves, how could any household hope to remain safe?

Yet Deng Hong still hesitated. "But, Achen, if we proceed as you suggest...wouldn't that be deceiving Governor Liu? If he finds out one day, he may hold it against us."

"Hold it against us?" Shen Chen stifled a laugh. "What's there to blame? Granduncle, don't forget, Granduncle's wife is still here. If Governor Liu has any complaint against the Dengs, let her talk to Lady Cai. The matter will be resolved. Besides, it's not really our doing—it's Zhang Xiu's orders."

Deng Hong considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, let's do as you say."

Thus, the pair returned, having accomplished their mission.

Escorted by Gan Ning, they made their way back to Xiangyang. Along the way, they promised Gan Ning that soon there would be war with the Yellow Turbans in Nanyang, and he would have a chance to prove himself.

By mid-February, Deng Hong was back at his residence in Xiangyang. This time, Shen Chen did not accompany him further, but returned to the academy to request a leave from Song Zhong.

After briefly assuring Lady Cai of his safety, Deng Hong bathed and changed before heading to the provincial governor's office.

Liu Biao, upon learning of his return, immediately summoned him to the main hall.

After Deng Hong bowed, and Liu Biao gestured for him to be seated, he took the seat to Liu Biao's right.

"Youshuo, how did it go?"

No sooner had he sat down than Liu Biao inquired about the outcome. Though the Xiliang army was not large and he was confident of victory, he did not wish to see his own army suffer heavy losses.

Deng Hong replied, "My lord, all went smoothly. The Xiliang force is now led by Zhang Ji's nephew, Zhang Xiu. He realizes he cannot advance or retreat, cannot return to Guanzhong, and in Nanyang, surrender is his only option. Thus, he is willing to submit to your authority."

"Excellent, excellent!" Liu Biao stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "It is thanks to your efforts, Youshuo, that Jing Province is spared the ravages of war."

Deng Hong clasped his hands. "I have done only a small service for my lord. Without your wisdom and virtue, the matter could not have gone so smoothly."

"Too modest, Youshuo."

Liu Biao could see Deng Hong's marked improvement. When he first arrived, he could barely recite the classics, but in a year and a half, he had grown composed and daring—a man of increasing capability.

Moreover, they were kin—Deng Hong's wife was Lady Cai's cousin's daughter, making Liu Biao his cousin-in-law.

Given this connection, and Deng Hong's achievements in persuading Zhang Xiu to surrender, Liu Biao thought of promoting him. But as Deng Hong had only entered officialdom less than two years earlier and was already a prefectural officer, further promotion seemed inappropriate. So, Liu Biao decided to reward him with gold, silver, and fine Shu brocade instead.

Just as he was thinking this, Deng Hong continued, "My lord, on the way, Achen and I discussed many things at length. During the negotiations with Zhang Xiu, I took the liberty of making some plans on my own. I hope for your forgiveness."

"Oh?" Liu Biao frowned slightly. "Tell me, what plans did you make?"

Deng Hong responded, "My lord, ever since the Yellow Gate Pavilion moved from Xuzhou to Xinye, its proximity to the Dabie Mountains has exposed it to frequent raids by the Yellow Turbans. Not just the Pavilion, but neighboring places like Huyang, Pingshi, Biyang, Wu Yin, and the bandits in the Gaoling Mountains to the northwest of Nanyang, all frequently menace the region, disturbing the peace of the surrounding towns."

"Indeed." Liu Biao nodded. "These remnants of the Yellow Turbans hide deep in the mountains, fortifying themselves in difficult terrain—easy to defend, hard to attack. Their numbers are like the hairs on an ox. Clearing them out one by one is a daunting task. This is a major headache for me."

Deng Hong smiled. "So, I conferred with Zhang Xiu and had him contact the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan, Runan, Nanyang, telling them he had defeated your army and seized Wan City, and inviting them to join him in taking Nanyang together. Then, at the critical moment, he would turn on them in battle and wipe out the remnants around Nanyang. What does my lord think?"

Let Zhang Xiu contact the Yellow Turban remnants around Nanyang? This plan sounded familiar.

Liu Biao pondered, then remembered—was this not the very strategy Kuai Yue had offered him four years ago, when he first came to Xiangyang?

Back then, Jing Province was far from peaceful—its cities and counties were held by local strongmen, organized as powerful clans, known as "clan bandits."

Before Liu Biao's arrival, all seven commanderies and a hundred cities in Jing Province were in their hands.

Strictly speaking, the great families of Jing Province had once been part of this group, only they were stronger and more astute. At first, they too ruled as mountain kings.

But after Liu Biao arrived, the clans recognized the legitimacy granted to him by the court and supported him in return for official posts.

Those who refused were lured into a trap by Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, and Cai Mao, and wiped out in a single stroke.

Thus, Liu Biao pacified Jing Province completely.

How quickly the years had passed.

He remembered that their method for eliminating the clan bandits was to summon them to a council, ostensibly to resist Liu Biao together, and then execute all their leaders.

Now Deng Hong's plan was remarkably similar. Just as Kuai Yue and his fellows had rallied the clan bandits in the name of resisting Liu Biao, so Zhang Xiu would summon the Yellow Turban remnants in the name of resisting Liu Biao, only to betray them.

Only now, the clan bandits had become Yellow Turban remnants, Zhang Xiu was another Kuai Yue, and Liu Biao remained himself.

For a moment, Liu Biao was filled with emotion. He looked at Deng Hong with deep approval and said, "Excellent! This is a most ingenious strategy. It reminds me of how, years ago when I arrived in Jing Province, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, and Cai Mao used this very plan to eradicate the clan bandits."

Deng Hong replied quickly, "Since coming to Jing Province, I have heard how your deeds are widely celebrated. Like the children of Shouling who studied at Handan, I thought that if I could rid you of the Yellow Turban remnants, it would ease your burdens."

"Well said," Liu Biao replied with satisfaction. "Your plan is exactly to my liking. Proceed as you see fit. I will inform Wen Pin and Zhang Yun to give you their full support."

"Thank you, my lord," Deng Hong said with a bow. "There is one more matter."

"Go on," Liu Biao said with composure. A subordinate who could relieve him of worries was the best kind.

"I believe," Deng Hong continued, "that letting Zhang Xiu garrison Nanyang is all well and good. But if we supply his troops with provisions from Xiangyang every year, it will always be problematic. Too little, he will resent us; too much, he may grow too powerful. I have devised another solution."

"Oh?" Liu Biao asked, "What solution?"

"I propose appointing Zhang Xiu as Prefect of Nanyang."

Appoint Zhang Xiu as Prefect of Nanyang? Liu Biao frowned. "What do you mean by this?"

Deng Hong smiled. "Our goal in accepting Zhang Xiu's surrender is to have him guard the gateway to Nanyang for us. But, as I said, if all his provisions come from us, he may grow greedy. It's better to give him Nanyang, or at least part of it."

"Not all of it? What do you mean?"

"I suggest," Deng Hong said, "that we give Zhang Xiu Wan City and several surrounding towns to govern, letting him manage civil affairs himself. In this way, all his military expenses will be borne locally, and we need not provide him with supplies. He can guard the northern part of Nanyang, while you, my lord, hold Caiyang, Fancheng, Deng County, and Zhangling as the shield for Xiangyang. Thus, the north will be secure."

"The Xiliang army is notorious for pillage—can they really govern the people?"

Liu Biao scoffed. "If they plunder the people again, Nanyang will be thrown into chaos."

Deng Hong replied, "Think about it, my lord. If he governs well, greater taxes are his reward. If he does poorly, the common people will migrate to Zhangling and other places. If need be, you can send your own magistrates to assist him in governing; that way, his expenses remain under our control. Even if he is criticized, he has only himself to blame for his lack of talent."

"Hmm," Liu Biao considered, then nodded. "'The Book of Han says: 'If one does not cultivate virtue, Zheng must bear the brunt.' You make a good point. I have already given him several cities; if he cannot govern them, it's his own fault. Even if he manages well, it's only a handful of cities—he won't grow too strong and will remain useful to me. Youshuo, this is an excellent plan."

Deng Hong demurred, "It is all thanks to your guidance, my lord. Since Achen and I arrived in Jing Province, we've realized how shallow our knowledge was in Xuzhou, and thus have studied hard. Whether at the academy or learning from you, we have gained much. The stratagem I devised earlier was inspired by your wisdom."

"Very good," Liu Biao praised him. "You have persuaded Zhang Xiu to surrender and now plan to rid us of the Yellow Turban remnants in Nanyang. I hardly know how to reward you."

"My lord's willingness to allow my clan to return to our ancestral home is already reward enough; I seek nothing more."

"I understand." Liu Biao pondered for a moment. "You may go now. I will first discuss this with Kuai Yue, and in a few days, you shall have my answer."

"Yes, my lord," Deng Hong replied, and withdrew.

...

While Liu Biao was still deliberating how to deal with the Yellow Turbans in Nanyang, in Yanzhou, Cao Cao was making his own plans.

Since the sneak attack by Lü Bu two years ago, Cao Cao had endured great hardship. At one point, he nearly sent his family to Jizhou as hostages to Yuan Shao, hoping for grain and support in return.

Fortunately, Cheng Yu's fellow villagers gave him their full support, and his supplies were replenished.

Last year, he finally rallied his forces, defeated Lü Bu, and reclaimed all of Yanzhou.

After a year of recuperation, Cao Cao's provisions were just barely sufficient for military needs.

In the first month of the year, he launched a campaign into Chen and Liang, squeezing Yuan Shu's territory.

Yuan Shu's appointed governor of Chen, Yuan Si, surrendered to Cao Cao, giving him control of both Chen and Liang.

Now, his next targets were Yingchuan and Runan.

These were not Yuan Shu's bases, but were occupied by large numbers of Yellow Turban remnants allied with Yuan Shu, threatening Cao Cao's rear.

Thus, at the start of the year, Cao Cao had already planned to deal with the Yellow Turbans.

In Dingtao County, Jiyin Commandery, within Cao Cao's Yanzhou Governor's residence—

Since Chen Gong's defection to Lü Bu in Xuzhou, and as Xun Yu was at home recovering from a cold, only Cheng Yu and Xun Yu were present in the hall.

Cao Cao glanced around the empty hall, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "How is Zhizai's illness?"

Xun Yu, who had visited Xizhi only yesterday, shook his head. "No improvement."

"He needs more medicinal decoctions," Cao Cao urged with concern. "He must not conceal his illness or avoid treatment."

"Thank you for your concern, General. I will urge him to take care," Xun Yu replied.

At this period in history, Xun Yu always addressed Cao Cao as "General," never as "my lord," even to his death—at most, "Lord Cao." Xun Yu always considered himself a servant of the Han, not of Cao Cao, and so in a sense, they were equals.

"Good," Cao Cao said, moving to the matter at hand. "Zhongde, Wenruo, I intend to march south against the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan and Runan. What do you think?"

Cheng Yu frowned. "Our supplies have only just become sufficient. Is it wise to campaign now?"

"Time waits for no one," Cao Cao sighed. "Yuan Shu has allied with the Yellow Turbans in Runan and Yingchuan. If we do not defeat them, we'll be threatened on all sides."

Xun Yu considered. "You're right. We must act now and destroy them one by one."

Cao Cao nodded. "I intend to lead the campaign to Runan myself. I leave Yanzhou in your hands."

"Understood," both replied, bowing.

For some time now, Cao Cao had campaigned east and west, always leaving these two to guard his home—this time was no exception.