Chapter 128: Deployment of Naval Commanders

Anyone familiar with the power dynamics of the Three Kingdoms era understands the potentially dire consequences of such a situation. It is true that Huang Zu possesses no small measure of ability, but Gan Ning and Wen Pin are equally capable—and in certain respects, perhaps even superior.

In truth, the current state of the navy is a situation of Liu Xie’s own making. When he first took control of Jingzhou, he sought to curb the influence of the local clans and those who had been heavily favored by Liu Biao. He deliberately elevated men whom Liu Biao had neglected, with Gan Ning, Wen Pin, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan being the prime examples. However, Liu Xie now realizes that this shift carries hidden risks.

"But, Your Majesty, how should we reassign the three of them? Surely we cannot remove Huang Zu?" Zhuge Liang also sensed the gravity of the situation.

Liu Xie shook his head. "No, he cannot be removed from the Jingzhou navy."

There was a thought Liu Xie kept to himself: he viewed Huang Zu as more reliable than Gan Ning or Wen Pin. Huang Zu’s family roots were deep in Jingzhou, and he was unlikely to commit treason. The same could not be said for Wen Pin and Gan Ning. Gan Ning, in particular, had once been a bandit, much like Zhou Cang or Pei Yuanshao.

"Then, Your Majesty, how should they be deployed?" Zhuge Liang was at a loss.

Liu Xie fell into deep contemplation. Assigning the three of them was indeed a thorny issue. After a long silence, he took a deep breath and looked at Zhuge Liang. "Keep Huang Zu where he is. Let him command the two hundred thousand men of the Jingzhou navy alone."

"What!" Zhuge Liang was visibly shocked. "But Your Majesty, if he is left alone to command twenty thousand men, Gan Ning and Wen Pin will likely harbor resentment."

"I am well aware of that," Liu Xie replied calmly. "As for Gan Ning and Wen Pin, I have other uses for them. Though Huang Zu holds the navy, we have other forces at our disposal."

Hearing this, Zhuge Liang’s expression softened, as if he began to grasp Liu Xie’s intent. "Your Majesty, do you mean to reassign Gan Ning and Wen Pin? To send them to our key strategic military outposts?"

Exactly. That was precisely what Liu Xie intended.

"Indeed. Beyond the navy, we have one million four hundred thousand infantry. Setting aside Lu Bu’s thirty thousand cavalry, we have one million one hundred thousand troops remaining. Zhang Liao holds twenty thousand in Hanzhong, Liu Bei leads fifty thousand in Nanyang, and I have taken five thousand to Jiaozhou. Excluding those seventy-five thousand, we still have three hundred and fifty thousand infantry and supply troops. Let Wen Pin, Gan Ning, and Wei Yan command these remaining forces. And when the time comes for us to launch our campaign, they shall serve as our vanguard generals."

This was Liu Xie’s true plan. Wei Yan’s prowess was historically well-documented, and both Gan Ning and Wen Pin had proven their mettle after defecting to Jiangdong in history. Using them as vanguards was the perfect choice. Should a major mobilization be required, their coordination with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhang Liao would ensure total success.

"To think that one day I would find myself worrying over such matters," Liu Xie mused to himself. He recalled the early days after his arrival in this era. While things were difficult then, he faced far fewer administrative headaches. At the time, he only had Zhang Xiu, Hu Che'er, and Jia Xu—their interpersonal dynamics were simple to manage. Now, having reclaimed the throne and established a systematic dynasty, the sheer number of troops and generals made managing the relationships between his subordinates his greatest burden.

"Your Majesty, please set your mind at ease. Minister Jia Xu and I will monitor these matters closely. We will ensure that we share the burden for you," Zhuge Liang stated firmly.

Liu Xie trusted Zhuge Liang deeply. Among his current court, there were few who could truly share his burden. Zhang Xiu, Hu Che'er, and Jia Xu were among the first, and now, Zhuge Liang. As for others like Yuan Shu, they might serve the Emperor diligently, but one could never be certain of the loyalty of figures like Lu Bu or Liu Bei; they had only joined him because it served their own interests.

Liu Xie sighed heavily. He was beginning to understand that being an emperor in ancient times was no easy task. By his own estimation, being a commoner would be far happier—a life defined by simple necessities, free from the crushing weight of statecraft. But as for the current Liu Xie, the exhaustion was real. Every day was spent worrying over the fate of the realm. He finally understood the heavy heart of an ancient monarch.

"Very well, Kongming, you may withdraw. We must continue to develop as quickly as possible. In half a year, we shall begin our move."

Jingzhou, Yizhou, and Jiaozhou were now essentially stable. The image of Liu Xie as a benevolent ruler was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and his troops, grain, and armaments were all prepared. Yet, he still felt a sense of unease. Once the Battle of Guandu broke out, Cao Cao would surely emerge victorious, allowing him to absorb all of Yuan Shao’s resources. By then, Cao Cao’s power would grow so immense that even his own million-strong army might be threatened.

Since his own territories had reached the peak of their development, Liu Xie knew he had to act beyond his own borders—perhaps by interfering in the struggle between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

So, the days passed in Jingzhou. Jingzhou, Yizhou, and Jiaozhou became the most tranquil regions in the world. Elsewhere, however, there was no such peace. The conflict between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao at Guandu preoccupied the majority of the world, and Sun Ce of Jiangdong was waiting in the wings, looking for any opportunity to seize an advantage.