Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Xu Gong once dominated Wujun, but ultimately faced defeat. With the fall of Xu Gong's power, half of the Wujun territory he once controlled fell to the Shanyue. The Shanyue quickly rose to power and launched a series of campaigns across the region, sweeping across like a storm, purging the aristocratic families that had once held sway. The once deeply entrenched and complex connections within Wujun were left helpless before the Shanyue's onslaught, rapidly disintegrating. This move, seemingly a mere territorial grab by the Shanyue, in reality resolved a persistent obstacle that had plagued Sun Ce and Ma Chao's control over the aristocratic families. However, the deeper implications of this move remain largely unknown.

When this news reached the various vassal states, they were all shocked. Aristocratic families were powerful and deeply rooted throughout the land, making it difficult to shake them. Yet, half of Wu County's territory had been wiped out. This shocking turn of events left the remaining aristocratic families in Wu County like frightened birds, terrified and filled with fear and anxiety, fearing that the Shanyue's influence would spread further, endangering their own interests and safety.

Meanwhile, Wang Lang found unexpected support amidst the chaos. While the Shanyue had apparently seized half of Wu Commandery, Wang Lang held onto the other half, becoming a crucial force in the fight against the Shanyue. In this critical moment, the aristocratic families, who had previously had a tenuous relationship with Wang Lang, or even considered him an enemy, began to change their tune. They knew that only by uniting around Wang Lang and fighting the Shanyue could they hope to survive. Consequently, the aristocratic families not only flocked to Wang Lang but also encouraged their young men to join the army, hoping to contribute to the fight against the Shanyue. These young men, filled with passion and determination, were eager to demonstrate their skills on the battlefield and defend their homeland.

Xu Gong's defeat should have been a disaster for Wu Commandery, but it unexpectedly strengthened Wang Lang's rule. Facing a common enemy, the previously scattered factions quickly united around Wang Lang, forming a formidable force. Wang Lang observed this sudden change, fully aware of the complexity and severity of the situation, but also understanding that it presented a rare opportunity. If seized, he might be able to carve out a new world amidst these turbulent times.

Wang Lang and Tao Qian of Xuzhou enjoyed a deep friendship, dating back to their early years. As the Shanyue launched a massive purge of the aristocratic families in Wujun, plunging the situation into chaos, Wang Lang keenly sensed an opportunity to seek external assistance. He knew that with his current strength alone, it would be difficult to completely resist the Shanyue. So, Wang Lang acted decisively. After consulting with the prominent families under his rule, they jointly sent a letter of assistance to Tao Qian.

In these earnest letters, Wang Lang and the prominent families detailed the atrocities perpetrated by the Shanyue in Wujun. They wrote that wherever the Shanyue advanced, the property of the aristocratic families was wantonly plundered, the lives of the clan members were severely threatened, countless houses burned down, and fields left barren. The once prosperous Wujun was now reduced to devastation. The Shanyue's brutal actions posed not only a challenge to the aristocratic families of Wujun but also a destruction of the entire traditional order.

The situation in Xuzhou is complicated, with various forces intertwined, forming a unique pattern.

As the Governor of Xuzhou, Tao Qian held considerable prestige, but his advancing age diminished his energy. While he could manage Xuzhou effectively, he struggled to expand territory and take the initiative. Tao Qian faced a difficult decision regarding his successor.

His two sons, the eldest, Tao Shang, and the second, Tao Ying, were both relatively mediocre in talent. The eldest, Tao Shang, possessed a moderate character and a peaceful demeanor. Well-read from childhood, his demeanor and manners exuded a refined Confucian elegance. This character and refinement endeared him to the aristocratic families of Xuzhou. In Xuzhou, the wealthy and powerful Mi family, as well as the powerful Cao family, particularly Cao Bao's clan, secretly supported Tao Shang, hoping he would become Tao Qian's successor and safeguard the interests of the aristocratic families.

The second son, Tao Ying, was more interested in military affairs than his elder brother. He enjoyed studying military texts and frequently interacting with military commanders. He gained the support of generals such as Zang Ba and Sun Guan. These generals, not from prominent families, were recruited by Tao Qian during his campaigns. They held considerable influence within the army, and because Tao Ying valued military affairs and shared their interests, they were willing to serve him, hoping to gain further opportunities once he assumed power.

Furthermore, a neutral faction existed in Xuzhou, led by Chen Deng and his son. Having operated in Xuzhou's Xiapi for many years, their influence was deeply entrenched, almost like their own private domain. They possessed extensive local connections and financial resources, holding a pivotal position in Xuzhou's political landscape. Strategic and far-sighted, Chen Deng and his son understood the enormous risks of taking sides in uncertain times. Therefore, they chose to remain neutral, refraining from taking sides between Tao Shang and Tao Ying, observing developments and aiming to maximize their own and their family's interests at the right moment.

These three forces, balancing each other, constitute Xuzhou's current delicate political landscape. Tao Qian, observing this complex situation, felt a surge of anxiety, knowing that every decision he made could affect Xuzhou's future, and choosing the right successor would determine its future.

That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the study of the Xuzhou Governor's residence. Tao Qian sat at his desk, a scroll of military treatise in hand, his eyes slightly narrowed, as if lost in thought. A personal guard hurried into the study, knelt on one knee, and presented a letter sent by Wang Lang. Tao Qian put down the military book, took the letter, and unfolded it. His expression instantly darkened.

As his gaze moved over the letter, Tao Qian's brow furrowed, his breathing quickening. "How dare Shanyue act so recklessly!" He slammed the table, causing the brush, inkstone, and ink to tremble. Some ink splattered onto the table. He stood up and paced back and forth in his study, cursing Shanyue's evil deeds, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.

Furious, Tao Qian immediately ordered the drums to be beaten, summoning his staff to the meeting. Soon, the meeting room in the Governor's Mansion was bustling with activity. Chen Deng and his son Chen Gui, the brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, and Cao Bao arrived one after another. These individuals represented prominent Xuzhou families, holding significant positions in the region. Seeing Tao Qian's gloomy expression, they couldn't help but feel uneasy, exchanging glances, wondering what had happened.

When everyone arrived, Tao Qian slammed Wang Lang's letter onto the table and shouted, "Everyone, look! What have the Shanyue done in Wujun? Such atrocities are a blatant provocation to our noble families!" Chen Deng was the first to pick up the letter. After quickly scanning it, he handed it to his father, Chen Gui, standing beside him with a solemn expression. The letter then circulated among the group, their expressions growing increasingly gloomy.

"Sir, the Shanyue are truly outrageous. How can Xuzhou tolerate their impertinence? We must dispatch troops immediately to bolster Xuzhou's prestige and protect the interests of our aristocratic families." Chen Deng spoke indignantly, his gaze fixed firmly on Tao Qian. Chen Gui nodded slightly, his expression showing approval.

"What Yuanlong said is absolutely right. If we don't get rid of the Shanyue bandits, there will be no peace for us aristocratic families." Mi Zhu also echoed, and Mi Fang on the side was also full of indignation.

However, Cao Bao frowned slightly, crossed his arms, and pondered for a moment before saying, "Sir, the Shanyue have been entrenched in Wujun for a long time, and their power is complex and intricate. Their strength should not be underestimated. Before we dispatch our troops, we must first understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the specific situation in Wujun. If we dispatch our troops rashly, we may encounter unexpected consequences. I hope you will reconsider."

Everyone was arguing fiercely, each arguing with their own opinion. Tao Qian stood in the hall, listening to the discussion, his brow furrowed, his gaze deep. In his mind, he was weighing the pros and cons of sending troops, wondering how he could both safeguard the interests of the aristocratic families and ensure the stability of Xuzhou in this conflict.

Everyone was still discussing, and the heated debate echoed in the conference room.

Chen Deng's eyes sparkled as he spoke passionately, "The Shanyue are now wreaking havoc in Wujun. This is a golden opportunity for Xuzhou to establish its prestige and expand its influence. If we can send troops to aid Wang Lang and defeat the Shanyue, we will not only demonstrate Xuzhou's power but also earn the gratitude and support of the aristocratic families of Wujun. In the future, Xuzhou will also have a greater say in Jiangdong. We must not miss this golden opportunity!"

Chen Gui nodded slightly, stroking his beard and adding, "My son is absolutely right. The Shanyue are so arrogant. If they are not curbed, their influence will spread and endanger the surrounding areas of Xuzhou. Xuzhou has always been based on benevolence and righteousness. Sending troops at this time is not only to safeguard the common interests of the aristocratic families, but also to uphold justice. It is justified and legitimate."

Mi Zhu also hurriedly agreed: "That's right. If we sit back and do nothing, Shanyue will become more and more powerful in the future, and the people in the surrounding counties will inevitably panic. If Xuzhou can stand up at this time, it will surely win praise from all parties and consolidate our position in Xuzhou." Mi Fang on the side nodded, his eyes full of anxiety.

However, Cao Bao's brow remained furrowed as he calmly retorted, "While what you all say makes sense, the Shanyue's strength should not be underestimated. Our understanding of the actual situation in Wu County is limited. If we rashly send troops and run into trouble, we will not only suffer heavy casualties, but could also plunge Xuzhou into crisis. Furthermore, the internal situation in Xuzhou is not entirely stable, so we should not act rashly at this time."

Tao Qian listened quietly to the arguments, his gaze sweeping across their faces as he weighed the pros and cons in his mind. He knew full well that the decision to dispatch troops or not hinged on Xuzhou's prosperity and disgrace, and no room for carelessness was allowed. At this moment, his two sons emerged in his mind: his eldest son, Tao Shang, though supported by a prominent family, lacked decisiveness; his second son, Tao Ying, while possessing military talent, lacked a solid foundation. Tao Qian's heart grew increasingly annoyed at this thought. He frowned slightly, raised his hand to signal silence, and slowly said, "Everyone's words are valid. This matter is of great importance. Allow me to consider it carefully."