Chương 184: "Scamming and Deception"

Du Ruhui was the first to speak, saying, "My lord, Lulong Fortress is the most suitable location!"

He stood up and walked to the map, pointing to a spot: "Lulong Pass is the border between Youzhou and the Wuhuan of Liaoxi, and has been an important border town since ancient times. Holding a meeting here to discuss border matters is perfectly legitimate. Qiuliju won't suspect anything—after all, both sides feel safe holding a meeting on the border."

Fang Xuanling added, "Our main strategy will be 'seeking peace and goodwill'! We'll send someone to tell you that Governor Liu doesn't want war and wants Youzhou and the Wuhuan to get along well. He's willing to open trade markets so their horses, cattle, and sheep can fetch good prices. We can even reduce their taxes and... send them a batch of grain for emergency relief!"

He paused, then chuckled, "That old bastard Qiu Liju is greedy; he'll definitely take the bait!"

Guo Jia clapped his hands and cheered, his eyes darting around: "Inviting only the Wuhuan from Liaoxi isn't enough! Invite the Wuhuan from Liaodong and Youbeiping as well! Just say you want to resolve all border issues at once, so everyone can benefit. Then we can wipe them out in one fell swoop, saving us the trouble of dealing with them one by one later!"

He grinned mischievously, "This is what our lord meant by 'wholesale price clearance, discounts for bulk orders'!"

Jia Xu squinted and said slowly, "They will definitely have concerns, fearing that we are setting a trap. We can be straightforward and allow them to bring some troops, and we will cover all their travel expenses and provisions! Just say, 'It's all for peace, so don't worry about bringing some people; we won't do anything underhanded.'"

He paused, then revealed a sly smile: "The few soldiers they brought are like child's play compared to our Xuanjia Iron Cavalry and the cavalry under generals like Zhao Yun and Lü Bu. Not to mention we also have Mingguang armor, horizontal swords, and composite bows."

Xi Zhicai laughed and chimed in, "That's right! Besides, our lord is the Governor of Youzhou and General of the Cavalry, his status speaks for itself! Inviting them to discuss border affairs in the name of the imperial court is perfectly legitimate. If they don't come, it would make them seem guilty. Then we'll have a reason to attack them later."

Xun Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully and added, "We can also add a clause—allow them to send representatives to Lulong Pass first to assess the situation and confirm its safety before the leader comes. This will further dispel their doubts."

Chen Gong added, "We must also add one more clause—a promise to protect their personal safety. As the saying goes, 'In times of war, envoys are not to be harmed,' let alone in peaceful talks. We guarantee with the reputation of the Han Dynasty that we will absolutely not engage in assassination, poisoning, or ambush..."

He spoke with utmost seriousness, but everyone understood the underlying meaning—he wouldn't do it openly, but secretly...

Xun You also said, "The provisions can be given in batches. Give a portion first to show sincerity. After the meeting and agreement are reached, give the rest. Let them feel... that they would be at a loss if they didn't come."

Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and others also offered their suggestions, and with everyone contributing their ideas, a "perfect" trap plan was formed.

Liu Ce became increasingly amused as he listened, and finally slammed his hand on the table, saying, "Alright! Let's do it this way!"

"The location is Lulong Fortress, plus these conditions—trade, light taxes, free provisions, permission to bring troops, and travel expenses covered... If Qiuliju doesn't come, he's a fool!"

"Our lord is wise!" the advisors echoed in unison, but in their hearts they were all thinking: This is no invitation to a meeting, it's a death warrant!

Liu Ce looked around at everyone and laughed, "You guys aren't strategists, you're practically experts at swindling and cheating! Each one more cunning than the last!"

Guo Jia said with a grin, "My lord, you flatter me. I learned all of this from you."

"Come on!" Liu Ce laughed and scolded, "How could someone as upright as me know such things?"

Everyone was trying so hard not to laugh that their faces turned red.

Liu Ce immediately made the decision: "Lu Bing, have someone quickly write three 'invitation letters'! The wording must be polite, and the benefits must be clearly stated so that people will be tempted at first glance! Once they're written, find a few eloquent people to send them to Liaoxi, Liaodong, and Youbeiping respectively!"

Lu Bing bowed and accepted the order, saying, "Rest assured, my lord! I will handle it perfectly!"

Guo Jia leaned closer and said in a cheeky tone, "My lord, should we prepare some 'special dishes' for them? Like the Mo Dao brand 'souvenirs' or the composite bow 'welcome arrows'?"

"Haha, that's a good idea!" Liu Ce laughed loudly.

"Let them know that not only is our Youzhou well-supplied with grain and vast territory, but our hospitality is also 'very special'! However... these 'gifts' should be given to them when they arrive; giving them away beforehand would give us away."

...

In the third year of Zhongping, late April.

Liu Ce's "invitation to peace" seemed to have grown wings and flew into the Wuhuan tribes of western Liaoning, eastern Liaoning, and Youbeiping.

The three invitations were similar in content, but they were all written with sincerity and full of benefits, which would tempt anyone who read them.

The general meaning is: Liaoxi... Qiuliju, the Wuhuan chieftain... under his command: Liu Ce, Governor of Youzhou, General of the Cavalry, and Marquis of Champion of the Great Han Dynasty, writes to Your Excellency.

"Respected Wuhuan Chief:" Liu Ce, Governor of Youzhou, General of the Cavalry, and Marquis of Champion, wrote to Your Excellency.

For many years, border conflicts have raged, and the people have suffered greatly. I, by order of the Emperor, govern Youzhou and deeply feel the harm caused by war. I wish to turn hostility into friendship with your esteemed tribe.

We cordially invite your esteemed leader to Lulong Pass from the first to the third day of the fifth lunar month to discuss border matters.

To show my sincerity, I hereby promise: First, the border trade will be reopened. Horses, cattle, and sheep from the Wuhuan people can be purchased at favorable market prices in exchange for fine salt, wine, ironware, cloth, and other goods from Youzhou.

Second, taxes will be reduced or exempted. From now on, when the Wuhuan tribes trade in Youzhou, the taxes will be halved.

Third, we will provide grain and fodder. If your esteemed troops come, we will first provide 50, 000 shi of grain and fodder to alleviate your immediate crisis.

Fourth, for safety reasons, your unit is permitted to bring a "appropriate number" of guards. Travel expenses and provisions will be fully covered by Youzhou.

Fifth, a representative can be sent to Lulong Pass to inspect the area first. Once it is confirmed that there is no problem, the leader can then arrive.

...

We hope your esteemed department will consider the plight of the people and come to discuss this matter. If successful, the borders will enjoy lasting peace, and the people will live in happiness.

April 25th, the third year of the Zhongping era of the Han Dynasty Liu Ce, Governor of Youzhou, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Marquis of Champion, bows deeply.

After the three letters were delivered, the three leaders of the Wuhuan tribes had a wide variety of reactions after reading them.

But they all ended up jumping into the same "pit".

...

The Wuhuan people of western Liaoning, Liucheng.

Inside the main tent, Qiu Liju held the invitation letter, his eyes shining as if he had seen gold.

He was in his forties, with a round face, wide mouth, and unshaven beard. He wore a fur coat and looked quite imposing, but in reality, he was cunning and treacherous.

"Hahaha!" He burst into laughter after reading the letter, spitting all over the table.

"That brat Liu Ce! He's really afraid of us! Trade markets, light taxes, free grain supplies! And this meeting at Lulong Pass... he's clearly trying to curry favor with us!"

He handed the letter to the generals around him: "Look at this, look at this! How generous these conditions are! Once the trade market opens, our horses can sell for three times the price! Free fodder, enough to feed our tribe for months! And tax reduction—although we didn't pay much tax to begin with, every little bit helps!"