Chapter Thirty: Deng Doing What is Right as a Thief

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  "Whoever says that there are no geniuses in the Three Kingdoms period, I definitely cannot agree. I feel that Li Houxu is at least a military genius."

  Years of military command have given him a vision that far surpasses that of the ordinary soldier of this era. His strategic insight is in no way inferior to mine, a person from two thousand years later.

  To be honest, although I haven't carried a gun or fought in battles, I've read so many military reports, battle records, and watched movies about military actions that are always featured in the newspapers. I've also followed the analyses and discussions of various experts.

  At least by now, my military vision has reached a super level. The technical discussion on paper is absolutely at the expert level.

  Never having eaten pork, the sight of a running pig is quite common! As for why paper strategists always fail, it's because Zhao Kuo was too self-opinionated and couldn't listen to differing opinions, thus losing touch with reality.

  Having become a complete dogmatist, how can such a person not fail?

  But I am different, I have the most advanced theory and the most humble and broad-minded attitude. I humbly ask for advice from my assistants, and we discuss each other's opinions and views on a matter.

  I respect them and take them as teachers. Seriously study the situation with them and analyze the impact of various forces in this world on the future direction of history.

  Whether it's Zhou Yu or this Li Xiaoru in front of me. (As for Zhang Hong, he was taken in by Old Sun Ce, and I haven't seen him since I arrived. He is still waiting for my news in Jiangdu, mainly waiting for me to have my own territory).

  Because I still have a lingering fear of the heroes and wise men of this Three Kingdoms period. Because they were portrayed too much in literary works throughout history, all of them are on a ghostly, divine, or demonic level. You say, aren't you afraid of ghosts?

  Alright then, he'll go find you tonight. Haha.

  "The devil is actually right next to us, in our hearts!"

  The topic has gone off track a bit.

  After listening to Li Xiu's words, Sun Ce's eyes finally lit up, and he smiled at him: "Military advisor, your meaning is that we send our own troops to be mountain bandits, but not really be mountain bandits."

  Li Xiaoru also burst out laughing: "Master is indeed brilliant! Wen You is exactly right. As long as we send a capable general to lead, and establish a foothold in Jiangdong."

  "In the view of Wen Yuansheng, among the vast lands of China, only the Jiangdong region has no powerful local warlords. Therefore, this is the most suitable place for our still relatively weak army to start its great undertaking."

  "In this way, we can secretly develop our base while gathering the strong and capable people from among the refugees and mountain bandits. And with strict military training, make them into crack troops."

  Wait until it has a certain scale, then let him use the name of Jiangdong to lead troops, sweep away other mountain bandit forces around, gather their soldiers, seize their grain and grass, and kill the disobedient mountain bandits.

  "At the same time, it can also connect with local gentry and rural officials. Then continue to train new recruits. And then proceed to the next step of expansion."

  In this way, one can have his own foreign aid.

  Two of them clear some obstacles for us in advance which are inconvenient for us to deal with.

  Three can win the hearts of the people of Jiangdong for use, until a certain day when the opportunity is ripe. The lord only needs to cross the Yangtze River, raise his arm and shout, and the scholars and civilians of Jiangdong will surely gather together. Why worry that Jiangdong will not be settled and the world will not submit?

  "Brilliant strategy! How clever, truly ingenious! You've hit the nail on the head! Pacifying Jiangdong will be your greatest achievement!"

  Sun Ce said with joy.

  This is simply the rural areas surrounding the city, Li Xiu's version, and now as long as the leader who was sent to be the bandit chief manages well! Jiangdong will definitely be meat on Sun Ce's chopping board.

  Sun Ce and Zhou Yu only wanted to find an opportunity to break away from Yuan Shu in order to vigorously develop their own strength, everything was based on the premise of Yuan Shu's support.

  But I didn't think that if Yuan Shu didn't give his support, what would happen. And now it seems that he really doesn't want to give it to them. After Li Xiu's explanation, the Jiangdong army can start building its own base immediately.

  One plan is passive waiting for others to give, and one is active taking.

  It's clear at a glance! This is the biggest difference between a master and an apprentice. With a similar plan, as long as an experienced old hand adds some finishing touches, the effect will be absolutely worlds apart.

  Of course, from this point on, it cannot be said that Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are not as good as him. After all, the two of them only roughly set a direction, and everything had to wait until Sun Ce's territory was determined before carefully discussing and proceeding. However, they did not consider that one party would also renege on their account.

  This also shows that Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are still inexperienced, not careful enough in their consideration of things, too tender! These people, each one is a crafty old hand, believing them is no better than believing a sow can climb a tree.

  Li Xiaoru still smiled faintly and said, "Master, you don't have to praise Wenyu too much. I just thought of it from the plan you mentioned yesterday, mainly thanks to your own efforts! I just picked up some scattered ideas."

  "For now, the most important thing is to gain Yuan Shu's trust, and it would be best if he could voluntarily give us a piece of land. Only then can we develop more advantageously. After all, with open and honest development, many unnecessary troubles will be reduced."

  And it can be beneficial for our development in every way.

  It can serve as an excuse.

  Secondly, it can gain a foothold in Yangzhou.

  "One day in the future we will take over Jiangdong and make it possible for both places to support each other, making development easier. The benefits are numerous."

  "It's just that at the moment, regarding Yuan Shu's debt issue, it's not easy to handle. If you complain too much, you'll definitely annoy him! But if you ignore it, you're afraid he'll say you're too good at hiding your true feelings and being even more cautious towards Master."

  "After some thought, he continued: 'Just let him go up once, and then it's up to his arrangement. Don't pressure him too much, or I'm afraid you'll only get the opposite effect!'"

  Sun Ce nodded in agreement, saying: "The military advisor has considered everything thoroughly. I thank you, Bo Yu! I will follow the military advisor's arrangements. However, for now, those who go to Jiangdong to open up must have superior martial arts skills and be more intelligent than others."

  However, our army currently has many brave generals, but lacks strategists. Without a clear territory, few scholars like Military Strategist who have vision and can see the good in me would come to join us. What should we do about this? Who should be sent to do this task?

  Li Xiaoru couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "I was also forcibly brought here by you, okay?"

  "Wen You is still not familiar with the subordinates under the main lord. This matter can only be arranged by the main lord himself first, and then adjusted later according to the situation. As for Wen Ren's strategist, it's also impossible to rush, just wait patiently, and take the opportunity to recruit some when possible."

  Sun Ce thought for a long time. It seems that he can only follow the military advisor's plan and arrange it first, then adjust it later.

  As for the people who were going to be bandits, Sun Ce first thought of Lü Meng's brother-in-law Deng Dang.

  During this period of contact, Sun Ce felt that he was quite brave and resourceful. Moreover, he was familiar with mountain warfare, and his own martial arts skills were not bad either.

  Let him use Zulang's mountain stronghold as a base, and let Zulang and his men cooperate with him. This should lead to a pretty good development prospect. Moreover, it can also strengthen control over Zulang and his men. Zulang and his men are capable of defending what they have, but not enough to open up new prospects. Sun Ce initially only thought of using them to gather information.

  It's him, but I don't know if this person called 'Deng Dang' (it would be even more appropriate if his surname was Zheng) who has become a mountain bandit can still do the right thing.

  Sun Ce turned his head and said to Lü Meng: "You go call your brother-in-law over here, I have an important task for him to do!"

  Lü Meng was overjoyed and said, "My lord, can you let Zi Ming take on this important task? It would be a good opportunity for me to gain some experience. In the future, I can also take charge of things independently and share your worries!"

  Sun Ce laughed and said, "You like being a mountain bandit? That's good, but for now you're still too young. Wait until you grow up some more, then I'll let you go be a mountain bandit again! Hurry up and call your brother-in-law over!"

  Lü Meng's face fell: "My lord, can't you not let my brother-in-law become a mountain bandit? Otherwise, if my sister finds out, her husband will be in trouble again. A good military officer becoming a bandit, that would cause big trouble at home!"

  Sun Ce laughed: "You little brother-in-law is really good. You're very good at helping your sister's husband speak! Don't worry, I won't let your sister's husband become a real mountain bandit."

  "You also heard what the military advisor and I said earlier! Just tell your family that your brother-in-law is just a vanguard officer I sent to pacify Jiangdong. They won't even have time to be happy, how can they cause trouble?"

  Lv Meng was stunned: "Indeed, the lord is truly wise and resourceful, I understand now! Thank you, my lord, for giving my brother-in-law a great merit. I'll go call him right away, haha! The vanguard who will conquer Jiangdong! My brother-in-law will definitely be delighted when he hears this!" After finishing speaking, he hastily ran out of the tent.

  Sun Ce and Li Xiaoru exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads in bitter smiles. This Lü Ziming was extremely intelligent, but after all, he still lacked knowledge and experience, and needed to be trained properly!

  This way he can take on more responsibilities in the future. When he comes back, he must start reading military books. Also, his brother-in-law's whereabouts arrangement cannot be randomly told to others, otherwise it may harm him.

  Lü Meng suddenly shivered while running and wondered, "Who's thinking of me? It must be my sisters at home who are thinking of me. I'll have to go back and see them when I have time. I'm a bit homesick too!"

  Soon, Deng Dang arrived at Sun Ce's military tent.

  Sun Ce entrusted him with his mission, most importantly hoping that he could select a part of the strong and sturdy ones from among the thieves to undergo training in mountain warfare. Lü Meng seemed to have already told him about the situation, and there was no sign of hesitation on his face, which made Sun Ce even more optimistic about his abilities and prospects.

  Finally, Sun Ce instructed: "Deng Zhi, you are alone in the enemy camp, so be careful with everything. If there's anything, ask Zu Lang to cooperate."

  Don't take risks lightly. If you encounter something that you really can't solve, go to Danyang to find Zhou Yu, Zhou Gongjin, to help you. Remember, remember! The hope of our army pacifying Jiangdong is all on your shoulders."

  Deng said with a big stride: "I, Deng, have taken note of everything! I follow the master to build a career! Since the master has given me a mission, I will do my best for the master's great cause! Please rest assured, sir! I'm off!"

  Having said that, he picked up Sun Ce's letter and left the camp cleanly and neatly.

  Looking at his tall and straight back, Sun Ce felt that he was a confident and heroic figure, and the hope of the Jiangdong army started from him.