Chương 177: Simple, Few People, Quick Hands

The council chamber of the governor's residence.

The atmosphere was serious.

Liu Ce sat in the center, with his core strategists, including Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Jia Xu, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Xun Yu, sitting on either side, each with a solemn expression.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard has discovered," Liu Ce placed a secret report on the table, "that Zhang Chun, the Prefect of Zhongshan, and Zhang Ju, the former Prefect of Taishan, are colluding with Qiu Liju, a Wuhuan leader from Liaoxi, planning to launch a rebellion after the autumn harvest when supplies are plentiful. Their target is Jicheng. What strategies do you all have?"

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.

"Zhang Chun? He dares to rebel?"

Guo Jia frowned and said, "This person has a decent reputation in Zhongshan County, I didn't expect..."

Xi Zhicai analyzed, "They must have seen that the rebellion in Liangzhou was not yet quelled and the court was weak, so they harbored rebellious intentions. Qiuliju of the Wuhuan has repeatedly violated the border and has long harbored rebellious thoughts. It is not surprising that the two colluded."

Jia Xu squinted and said, "Raising an army during the autumn harvest... the timing is good. Supplies are plentiful, and the weather is suitable. If they succeed, Youzhou will be in grave danger."

Liu Ce asked calmly, "What ideas do you all have?"

Guo Jia was the first to react, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "My lord, this is easy! We can use a divisive tactic!"

Xi Zhicai nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right. Zhang Chun and the Wuhuan are merely using each other; they are not a united front. With just a little provocation, their alliance will surely break!"

Jia Xu stroked his beard and said slowly, "The strategy of sowing discord is indeed feasible, but the method must be carefully considered. Being too deliberate will only arouse suspicion."

Next, the strategists began to display their unique talents and demonstrate their political acumen.

Guo Jia pretended to lightly wave his feather fan and said, "My lord, this matter is not difficult. I have three strategies: First, we can make a show of force to lure the enemy into making an early move. We can spread the word that the court is going to transfer the Youzhou army to Liangzhou to quell the rebellion. When Zhang Chun hears this, he will surely think that Youzhou is undefended and will raise an army ahead of schedule—at that time, we can wait in comfort for the enemy to tire themselves out."

"Second, sow discord and break their alliance. The alliance between the Wuhuan and Zhang Chun is merely based on mutual interests. We can send someone to infiltrate the Wuhuan tribe and spread rumors that Zhang Chun's promise to share wealth with the Wuhuan is a lie, and that he actually wants to use the Wuhuan as cannon fodder. We can also promise the Wuhuan leaders that if they remain inactive, we will reward them handsomely afterwards. In this way, the alliance will break down on its own."

"Third, we will ambush and intercept their elite troops. After Zhang Chun raises his army, there are only a few routes he will take. We will set up an ambush in advance to target his vanguard. As long as we win the first battle, the morale of the rebel army will collapse."

Xi Zhicai continued, "Zhong adds three more strategies. First, use the enemy against the enemy: contact other Wuhuan tribes, promise them benefits, and incite them to attack Qiuliju. Second, defend key passes: strengthen the defenses of Yuyang, Youbeiping, and other places to wear down the rebels' morale. Third, leave room for maneuver: promise that those Han Chinese who participate in the rebellion will not be punished if they surrender, thus dividing and weakening them."

Jia Xu calmly replied, "Both of your strategies are brilliant. I would like to add three more: First, cut off his wings: send elite troops to raid Zhang Chun's stronghold in Zhongshan, thus severing his foundation. Second, utilize the refugees: spread rumors that Zhang Chun intends to abduct refugees and enslave them, causing the refugees to turn against him. Third, feign surrender and lure him to his death: send someone to feign surrender to Zhang Chun, then assassinate him at the opportune moment."

After the three finished speaking, the other strategists also offered their suggestions, which generally revolved around the same tactics: "sowing discord," "setting ambushes," and "dividing the enemy."

In no time, all sorts of ideas and schemes came up in the council hall.

Liu Ce listened, his expression unchanged, but inwardly he thought: These strategists are all truly talented. If we really follow their plan, Zhang Chun will probably have a hundred ways to die.

But he had his own plans.

"Well," Liu Ce said slowly after everyone had finished speaking, "your strategies are all brilliant. Allow me to consider them before making a decision."

Meeting adjourned.

The group exchanged bewildered glances—the lord had already adjourned the meeting? They hadn't even decided on a strategy yet.

But Liu Ce had already gotten up and left.

...

Back in his study at the Liu residence, Liu Ce sat alone, lost in thought.

It's not really thinking—it's more like having a mini-drama playing in your head.

Suddenly, a "ding" sound rang out—not a system notification, but the sound he imagined. It was as if a door had been opened and three little figures had jumped out.

The three little people started chatting as soon as they came out.

Young Li Shimin (stroking his beard): "This is simple. Just two words—hold a meeting."

Little Xiang Yu (grinning): "It's really simple! Just three words—treat me to dinner!"

Liu Ce and Li Shimin exchanged a glance, and then...

"Pfft, hahaha—" The two burst into laughter at the same time.

Young Li Shimin (teasingly): "I remember someone 'invited me to dinner,' but it seems they didn't succeed?"

Xiao Liu Ce (also jokingly): "Historically, someone set up a trap at Hongmen Banquet, but the other person escaped. Aside from the other party not showing up or being weaker than them... it seems like you're the only one who failed, right?"

Little Xiang Yu (glaring): "You two are talking nonsense! It's because I didn't want to kill him! Otherwise, he would have been dead long ago!"

Young Liu Ce and young Li Shimin suppressed their laughter as they watched young Xiang Yu perform.

Little Xiang Yu (enraged): "What are you laughing at! What do you suggest we do then?"

Li Shimin (earnestly): "The strategies of those advisors were all ingenious, but too complicated. True political maneuvering focuses on 'power' rather than 'scheme.' The simpler the strategy, the less flawed it is, and the more effective it is. The more sophisticated and complex it is, the more likely it is to fail."

Xiao Liu Ce (nodding): "Complex power struggles have too much uncertainty. The more people involved, the greater the chance that orders will be distorted as they are passed down. Especially for plans that require meticulous execution... there can't be too many steps; it's best to complete them within three rings. Otherwise, it's just a thankless task."

Little Xiang Yu (scratching his head): "What do you mean? Speak like a human!"

Xiao Liu Ce (explaining): "It means: the plan should be simple, the few people who know about it should be few, and the action should be quick."

Li Shimin (the young emperor) added: "The most crucial step is—don't just sit at home waiting for news, get involved yourself! If you don't personally handle things thoroughly, who will dare to take the blame for you?"

Little Xiang Yu (grinning): "You two are making it too complicated. If you ask me, just lead the troops and charge straight in, chop that brat Zhang Chun down. All that talk about the Thirty-Six Stratagems and Seventy-Two Transformations is just fluff. When it really comes down to it, there's only one word—'Charge!' Charge in and just do it!"

Young Li Shimin (shaking his head): "A reckless view. However... sometimes the simplest method is the most effective."

Xiao Liuce (summarizing): "So true political maneuvering boils down to three points: the plan must be simple, few people must know about it, and the action must be swift."

The three little figures reached a consensus, nodded, and then disappeared with a "whoosh".

(Li Shimin, Prince of Qin: "False political maneuvering: Ten years of planning for this day, I am the true Crown Prince of Tang! Real political maneuvering: Eight hundred it is!") Liu Ce opened his eyes, a smile spreading across his lips.

He has made his decision.

In his eyes, Zhang Chun's rebellion was nothing more than a farce by a clown.

"The plan should be simple, known to few, and executed quickly," he repeated softly.

Let's do it that way then.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the western sky.

There are still a few months until the autumn harvest.

There's enough time.

"Zhang Chun, Zhang Chun," Liu Ce sneered, "don't disappoint me."