Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

With Xun Yu's agreement, Ma Chao finally felt relieved. He knew that once this "talented advisor" made up his mind, he could manage the people's livelihood and government affairs in Guanzhong perfectly—the implementation of military farming, the operation of educational institutions, and the allocation of government treasury funds—with Xun Yu around, he wouldn't need to put in any more effort.

On the eve of his departure, he came to Xun Yu's residence again. This time, the door was open, and Xun Yu had changed into a plain official robe. He was sitting at his desk checking the rosters of the military farms in various places. When he saw Ma Chao come in, he stood up and cupped his hands: "My lord, rest assured, I have already had the seeds for spring planting counted, and the regulations for the allocation of grain and fodder at the post stations in various places have also been drafted. We will definitely not miss the farming season."

Looking at the pile of documents on the table, Ma Chao smiled and said, "With you here, I am naturally at ease. I entrust the affairs of Chang'an to you."

Xun Yu nodded: "My lord, your journey to Qiao County and Jiangdong is fraught with danger, so you must proceed with caution."

“I’ve noted it down.” Ma Chao patted his shoulder. “When I return, I will discuss the long-term plan for Guanzhong with you in detail.”

The next morning, carriages and horses were already prepared at the east gate of Chang'an. Dong Bai, Zhen Mi, Zhang Fubao, and Gongsun Rou were ready to go. Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu stood at the front of the formation, with ten thousand Xiliang cavalry behind them. Dian Wei led five hundred elite cavalry to guard the flanks, while Xu Shu and Lu Su were making a final check on the map.

Ma Chao mounted his horse and glanced back at the majestic city of Chang'an. On the city walls, Xun Yu, Zhang Qiying, Cai Wenji, and others stood in the distance, their figures clearly visible in the morning light. He raised his hand and waved: "Let's go!"

The sound of horses' hooves rose, wheels rolled, and the procession slowly departed Chang'an, heading east along the Wei River. The early spring wind carried the scent of earth, and the willow branches along the roadside had sprouted tender buds. Occasionally, farmers would be busy on the ridges of the fields, but upon seeing the procession, they would stop and bow, their eyes filled with awe and anticipation.

Xu Shu rode up to Ma Chao's side: "My lord, Xun Yu's willingness to come out of seclusion is no less than gaining a good general. With him stabilizing the rear, we will have no worries about our rear on this journey."

Looking at the road ahead, Ma Chao smiled and said, "Wenruo's talent goes far beyond stabilizing the rear. He understands the people's livelihood, knows their hearts, and can see through the crux of this chaotic world. With him around, the foundation of Xiliang can be laid even deeper."

Lu Su also said, "Our lord's opening of the library and implementation of the military farm system have already touched the foundation of the aristocratic families. Now that Xun Yu, a man of outstanding prestige, is in charge, it can both appease the gentry in Guanzhong and benefit the poor. It is truly a win-win strategy."

When the army reached Tongguan, the general guarding the pass came to report: Zhang Liao's army had passed Hangu Pass and was approaching Luoyang. The counties and prefectures along the way surrendered without resistance, and the progress was going smoothly.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was even more pleased: "Wen Yuan has indeed lived up to expectations. Send down the order that he need not rush to attack the city, but first clear out the bandits around Luoyang, pacify the people, and wait until the foundation is solid before attacking the passes."

The wind outside the pass grew stronger, causing the banners to flutter wildly. Ma Chao reined in his horse, gazing at the eastern horizon, where his son awaited him, old grudges needed to be resolved, and the unpredictable variables of this chaotic world. But at this moment, his mind was clear—with Xun Yu anchoring the rear, Zhang Liao clearing the way ahead, and capable ministers and fierce generals accompanying him, he was prepared for whatever the journey might hold.

"move on!"

The sound of horses' hooves rang out again, with a firm rhythm, heading straight towards Qiao County.

The humid sea breeze of Nanhai Commandery, carrying a salty smell, lapped against the warships lined up along the shore. Sun Quan stood on the deck of his flagship, gazing at the vast, misty sea in the distance, the command flag he gripped tightly fluttering in the wind. Behind him, generals such as Lü Meng and Lü Dai wore puzzled expressions, the sweat stains on their armor reflecting the midday sun, making them appear even more scorching.

“My lord,” Lü Meng couldn’t help but step forward, cupping his fists and asking, “the heartland of Jiaozhou is already within our grasp, and Shi Xie has sent envoys to surrender. We could have taken advantage of the situation to subdue Lingnan. Why have you suddenly turned your ships around and are heading towards that desolate island in Yizhou? You’ve gathered a hundred warships and prepared provisions for a whole month. What is the purpose of all this mobilization?”

Lü Dai echoed, "Even if we don't take Jiaozhou, we still need to secure our homeland in Jiangdong. Ma Chao is eyeing us covetously in Xiliang, and Cao Cao and Lü Bu are fighting each other in the Central Plains. If we abandon land and sail overseas now, I'm afraid..."

Sun Quan turned around, his youthful face devoid of its usual impatience, replaced by an almost melancholic calm. He looked at his generals and slowly spoke: "Do you think Nanhai Commandery is a permanent place?"

Lu Meng was taken aback: "Our lord has just conquered this place, the people have submitted, and the provisions are plentiful..."

“Sufficient?” Sun Quan interrupted him, his voice trembling slightly. “A month ago, when news of Ma Chao’s sweep across the grasslands reached the South China Sea, who among you could sleep soundly at night?”

The deck fell silent at those words. Everyone remembered the urgent report from the north: the Xiliang cavalry had trampled the Xianbei royal court, slaughtered millions, and brought the entire grassland under Ma Chao's command. Such ruthless methods chilled even the most battle-hardened generals.

“Ma Chao can even flatten the grasslands, would he take Jiangdong seriously?” Sun Quan’s gaze swept over the generals. “If such a figure were to set his sights on someone, how could Jiangdong or Jiaozhou possibly stop him?”

Lu Meng frowned: "We could go to Yizhou... but that island is deserted and shrouded in miasma. Even if we take it, what can we do there?"

"Make a way out." Sun Quan's voice was resolute. "Nanhai Commandery is too close to the Central Plains. If Ma Chao marches south, he can arrive in a month. Yizhou is far overseas, separated by oceans. Even if he has a million iron cavalry, do you think he can cross the sea to come here?"

He pointed to the distant sea: "If we take Yizhou, we will have a place to stay. If we really have no other choice in the future, we can take our troops and people across the sea. It's better than being chased and beaten on land."

“But…” Lu Meng wanted to say something, but Sun Quan stopped him by raising his hand.

“I know you don’t understand,” Sun Quan said, gazing at the rising sails of the warships, “but in these chaotic times, survival is more important than anything else. Issue the order: set anchor in three days, target Yizhou!”

With a wave of the command flag, a hundred warships gradually raised their sails and slowly sailed towards the unknown distance under the scorching sun of the South China Sea. The sea breeze was still humid and hot, but it could not dispel the heaviness in the hearts of the generals—they may not understand their lord's profound plans, but they could feel the oppressive aura emanating from Xiliang, which, like an invisible net, had quietly enveloped this sea area.

Sun Quan had only one thought in his mind: Ma Chao, if you can conquer the grasslands, I will carve out a place for myself at sea. In this chaotic world, no one can easily swallow anyone else.

Sun Quan stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the gradually clearing coastline of Yizhou. The sea breeze, carrying a salty smell, brushed against his face. Behind him, the fleet of ships led by Lü Meng and Lü Dai stood in neat formation, their sails obscuring the sun.

"Pass down the order: land at noon." Sun Quan's voice carried through the messengers to all the ships. "Lu Meng will lead the left army to attack the east gate, Lu Dai will lead the right army to flank and cut off their retreat, and I will personally lead the central army to take the palace. Remember, kill as few innocent people as possible, and just take the palace."

The midday sun scorched the deck, and the sound of the landing horn pierced the sea. Lü Meng took the lead, personally leading his armored soldiers to charge across the shallows. Although the guards at the east gate fought back fiercely, throwing sharpened bamboo spears and stones, they could not stop the iron hooves of the Jiangdong soldiers. In less than half an hour, the city gate was smashed open, and the defending troops scattered like a tide.

Taking advantage of the high tide, Lü Dai's right wing secretly sailed around to the bay behind the capital of Yizhou. The defenses here were already weak, and the soldiers climbed ashore on the rocks with almost no resistance. They quickly took control of the mountain road leading out of the city—the King of Yizhou had no way to escape.

Sun Quan personally led his central army straight towards the palace. The palace was built on a small hill, constructed of coral stones and rammed earth. Though not magnificent, it was quite sturdy. The palace was guarded by the King of Yizhou's personal guards, who wore rattan armor, wielded short swords, and charged fearlessly, attempting to use their flesh and blood to block the Jiangdong army.

"No need to linger in battle." Sun Quan waved his hand, and the archers behind him unleashed a volley of arrows, raining down on the guards. Although the rattan armor could block some swords, it couldn't withstand the sharp arrows, and the guards fell one after another. Soon, the palace gates were smashed open, and Sun Quan led his personal guards into the palace, where he saw the King of Yizhou huddled beside the throne, clutching his crown, his face deathly pale.

“We’ve taken them down.” Sun Quan stood on the steps of the palace, watching the royal family members and ministers being escorted over one after another, and then glanced at the gradually calming chaos in the city—although the Jiangdong soldiers had brought the situation under control, they did not burn, kill, or loot; they simply collected weapons and registered the population in an orderly manner.

----

Three days after capturing Yizhou, Sun Quan stood by the docks of Yizhou. The city walls, built of rammed earth, were not small. Although the streets were simple, they were orderly. The market was filled with seafood, coconuts, and some rough pottery. Several officials wearing feathered hats were registering goods coming and going with bamboo slips. It was clear that this was a well-ordered place.

“General, look at this city wall,” Lu Meng patted the mud wall beside him, several pieces of plaster falling off in a rustling sound, “There isn’t even a decent stone. It’s far inferior to the county town in Jiangdong.”

Lu Dai chimed in, "That's right. Most of the people live in bamboo houses, and bricks and tiles are rare. To call it a kingdom is, in my opinion, more like a large tribal alliance. You brought so many ships and horses, it's really..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the "making a mountain out of a molehill" look in his eyes was unmistakable.

Sun Quan didn't reply, but strolled to the edge of the market. An old woman was exchanging seashells for salt with a vendor. She wasn't alarmed by the arrival of these outsiders, but simply looked at them curiously. At the street corner, several children were playing with small wooden boats, their hulls adorned with simple patterns, giving them a certain charm.

“Look at those boats,” Sun Quan said, pointing to several dugout canoes moored on the shore. The hulls were dug very neatly, and fish patterns were carved on the bow and stern. “They can move steadily in the waves, so the craftsmanship is not bad.” He then walked to the official who was registering the goods and saw that although the characters on the bamboo slips were crooked, they were still clearly legible. The slips recorded “thirty dan of fish catch” and “five jars of coconut wine”, and the information was well-organized.

“It is backward, but not barbaric.” Sun Quan turned around and looked at Lü Meng and the other man. “Look at these streets, they are straight and orderly, built according to regulations; look at this registration system, it is well-organized. It’s like a child who has just learned to walk, it may not look remarkable, but its structure is correct.”

Lu Meng pursed his lips and didn't refute further, only shaking his head at the low bamboo house. Lu Dai walked over to the children playing with the boats, picked up the wooden boat, weighed it in his hand, and snorted, "The workmanship is alright, but it's too childish."

The setting sun cast its golden glow on the city's outline, gilding the rammed earth walls. Yizhou was indeed simple, lacking ornate carvings and painted beams, and the air was thick with the salty smell of the sea. Yet, the scattered bamboo houses, the orderly markets, and even the wooden boats in the children's hands exuded a down-to-earth vitality. It was not prosperous, but it was by no means a "barren land."