Chapter 129: Zhuge Liang Makes a Great Contribution by Recruiting and Persuading Zhuge Liang to Surrender!
With the outcome decided, Lu Zhiyun offered no further resistance.
The weapon fell to the ground with a slight thud, raising only a cloud of dust without making a loud noise. Keep in mind, this was a weapon that had killed many people.
Now he can only lie alone on the ground.
Lu Zhiyun, who had just been sighing, turned around and saw Jiang Ge, the magistrate of Songyang County, but in an extremely disheveled state, as he was bound.
It looks like a crab.
Jiang Ge looked over and saw that Lu Zhiyun was bound in layers. Just by looking at his appearance, one could tell that he was extremely fierce. Presumably, if he had not encountered Zhuge Liang and others, this battle would not have been so quick.
Thinking of this, Jiang Ge pursed his lips.
It's hard to say whether Lu Zhiyun was lucky or unlucky, with so many famous Chinese generals joining forces against him. Even if he were a celestial being, he couldn't escape Zhuge Liang's inescapable net.
This is a war he is destined to lose.
"Kill me."
Lu Zhiyun's voice was hoarse, yet unusually firm, breaking the brief silence. He closed his eyes, looking as if he were offering his neck for execution, resigned to his fate.
"The victor is king, the loser is villain; I have nothing to say. I only ask for a quick death, and not to be humiliated!"
Before Django could speak, a clear and calm voice came from his side.
"General, you are mistaken."
Lu Zhiyun suddenly opened his eyes, filled with surprise and doubt. This...this was the strategist who had set up such a terrifying formation? His demeanor...was even more composed and profound than those of the Grand Secretaries in the court! Why didn't he utter a sound of mockery?
Zhuge Liang's calm demeanor and his remark "That's not right" choked Lu Zhiyun's prepared words of courage and sacrifice.
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and slowly stepped out, his robes fluttering, his expression calm and composed, as if he were not the one who had just been strategizing and winning battles from afar. He stopped a short distance behind Jiang Ge, his gentle yet penetrating gaze landing on Lu Zhiyun.
"General Lu is brave and skilled in battle, and his army is disciplined. I observed from a high place and saw that although your soldiers were in dire straits, they were still able to form ranks according to orders and fight to the death. This shows that you are a capable general and a skilled commander." Zhuge Liang first bowed slightly, his tone sincere, as if he were genuinely praising his opponent.
Lu Zhiyun suddenly opened his eyes, looking at Zhuge Liang with surprise and uncertainty. He had expected to be met with ridicule and insults, but this was how it began.
However, he still harbored resentment towards this person, which could not be resolved in a few words.
"However,"
Zhuge Liang subtly changed the subject, tapping his feather fan lightly, "General's defeat was not a failure in battle, but rather a matter of timing and circumstance. I observe that General's use of troops skillfully combines orthodox and unorthodox tactics, demonstrating a deep understanding of military strategy. Had he encountered an ordinary opponent, he would surely have achieved great success. It's a pity..."
"What's a pity?" Lu Zhiyun couldn't help but ask, his body unconsciously leaning forward slightly. He desperately wanted to know exactly where he had lost.
Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, a smile that carried a hint of unfathomable depth, and also a trace of... pity?
"Unfortunately, General, you know neither yourself nor your enemy. Do you know where you went wrong?"
Before Lu Zhiyun could answer, Zhuge Liang began to recount his mistakes in detail: "General, you relied on your superior troops and ample supplies, and were too eager for quick success. You marched too fast, and your scouts covered less than thirty li, which was your first mistake. When you encountered our feints, you were distracted without distinguishing between real and fake forces, which weakened your army, which was your second mistake. When you entered our stronghold and saw that the situation was unfavorable, you still clung to hope and advanced instead of retreating, attempting to break the stalemate by force, which was your third mistake. After being ambushed, your command was in disarray, your orders were inconsistent, and you only cared about the vanguard charging and not about the rear guard, which was your fourth mistake."
Every word Zhuge Liang spoke was like a hammer, striking Lu Zhiyun's heart.
His face turned from red to white, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He had vaguely realized these mistakes in the brief period after the defeat, but they had never been dissected so clearly and precisely, laid bare before his eyes.
This complete intellectual crushing defeat made him feel more desperate and...terrified than the clashes of swords and spears on the battlefield.
"Who...who exactly are you?" Lu Zhiyun's voice trembled almost imperceptibly. This was definitely not an ordinary villager.
"I am but a humble villager, not worth mentioning. I am merely a minor official under Magistrate Jiang for the time being." Zhuge Liang smiled modestly and turned his gaze to Jiang Ge, indicating that it was her turn to speak.
Jiang Ge inwardly praised, "Brilliant!" The Prime Minister first stabilized the other party's emotions with praise, and then broke down his psychological defenses with precise analysis, laying an excellent foundation for the subsequent surrender.
She cleared her throat, stepped forward, and looked calmly at Lu Zhiyun: "General Lu, are you convinced that Songyang County has lost to you?"
Lu Zhiyun's lips moved, the word "unconvinced" rolled in his throat, but looking at Zhuge Liang's all-knowing eyes, he ultimately couldn't say it, and just stubbornly turned his head away.
Just then, another chilling voice rang out, carrying a solemn killing intent, cold and menacing.
"Whether you submit or not is meaningless."
Bai Qi had already stood to one side with his arms crossed, not even noticing. He didn't look at Lu Zhiyun, his gaze sweeping over him lightly, his tone as indifferent as if he were talking about a trivial matter: "Your tactics are rigid and your response is slow. When the vanguard charged forward, the flanks lagged behind by more than a hundred paces. Such a flaw, under my command, would have warranted the execution of the commanding officer. When the central army was attacked, the reaction was a full quarter of an hour too late, enough time for my elite soldiers to cut through and sever three times. Defeat is your only fate."
His words were devoid of any emotional fluctuation, yet they were more chilling than any roar. It was a pronouncement based on absolute strength and ruthless judgment, imbued with a murderous aura condensed from mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Lu Zhiyun felt a chill run down his spine and dared not meet Bai Qi's gaze.
"General Bai... what you say is very true." Huo Qubing's voice was full of youthful exuberance and... lingering satisfaction. "They were just too fragile! I hadn't even warmed up before your cavalry scattered. Their coordination was easier to drive than a flock of sheep on the grassland! If you could have held out a little longer, I could have tried out my newly devised flanking maneuvers!" His tone even carried a hint of regret, as if he had missed an interesting game.
That's what I meant.
This caused Lu Zhiyun's face to turn a deep purplish-red. Zhuge Liang's wisdom terrified him, Bai Qi's ruthlessness chilled him to the bone, and Huo Qubing's blatant disregard and mockery of pure martial prowess shattered the last shred of dignity he held as a military general.
He struggled violently, the rope digging deep into his flesh: "You brat! How dare you insult me! If it weren't for... if it weren't for..."
"If not what?" A dignified, deep voice, carrying an overwhelming sense of oppression, came from behind.
Zhu Di strolled in slowly. He wasn't wearing armor, only a dark black robe, yet he exuded an air of dominance over the world. The air seemed to freeze wherever he went. The soldiers escorting Lu Zhiyun involuntarily loosened their grip and lowered their heads.
Zhu Di walked up to Lu Zhiyun and looked down at him, his gaze not as if he were examining a person, but as if he were scrutinizing an object and assessing its value and use.
"If it weren't for your underestimation of the enemy and reckless advance? If it weren't for the poor training of your soldiers? If it weren't for the fact that the court's provisions and pay to you were embezzled at every level, resulting in inadequate military equipment?" Zhu Di's voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Lu Zhiyun's heart like a hammer. "...It's truly laughable. Defeat is defeat, what excuses are there? Mediocre people like you always attribute defeat to external factors, never facing your own incompetence. A commander should have the timing, terrain, people, provisions, armor, and even the political climate in his mind. If you can't calculate them, you're incompetent! If you can calculate them but can't solve the problems, you're utterly incompetent!"
These words shocked Lu Zhiyun more than all of them combined.
The man before me, with his imposing presence, had elevated the outcome of a battle to such a macro and precise level! Every word he spoke pointed directly to the core of the deep-seated problems within the imperial army and even the imperial court itself!
This perspective and this boldness... who exactly is he?!
“You…you all…” Lu Zhiyun looked at the several extraordinary figures before him, each with a distinct style. Finally, his gaze fell on Jiang Ge, who was being subtly protected in the center and whose expression remained calm. An absurd yet undeniable thought began to grow wildly within him: “You…you are no ordinary county magistrates or ordinary advisors! Just who are you?!”
Jiang Ge did not answer directly, but said calmly, "General Lu, now, can we have a proper talk? Not about your life or death, but about... your choice, and the choice of the people of this world."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the devastated battlefield, her voice growing heavier: "General, you may have sought death to preserve your reputation as a loyal and valiant warrior, a simple and quick endeavor. But then what? The bones of the men you brought will be buried here, and their families may not even receive compensation. How will the court judge your incompetent defeat? Will your family be implicated?"
"And if you live,"
Jiang Ge abruptly changed the subject, his gaze intense. "You can see for yourself how I treat my soldiers and my people. Look at this Songyang County and see how it differs from the rebel strongholds you know and imagine. Look at the court you serve and see which is superior, the order I seek to establish."
"Does Magistrate Jiang perhaps intend to persuade me to surrender?" Lu Zhiyun sneered, but his confidence was weak.
"Not to persuade them to surrender."
Zhuge Liang then spoke, gently waving his feather fan, "I invite you, General, to stay as a guest for a few days. I can play a game of chess with you, and I can also lead you on a tour of our county's military camps, workshops, farmlands, and schools. At that time, whether you stay or leave, live or die, will be entirely up to you. Magistrate Jiang is benevolent and righteous, and will not force you or harm you."
This is an open strategy.
A calculated scheme based on absolute self-confidence.
Lu Zhiyun fell completely silent. He looked at Jiang Ge, at the group of "monsters" surrounding her, and then recalled the unpredictable tactics, the incredibly powerful army, and the unheard-of weapons (if he had noticed them)...
His desire to die wavered amidst immense curiosity, shock, and a faint hope for "another possibility."
He slowly lowered his head, his voice hoarse: "...Alright. I, Lu...will take a look."
Django was certain that the first step had been taken.
She waved her hand: "Untie General Lu, arrange accommodations, and treat him with the courtesy due to a guest. Do not neglect him. Also, pass down the order to properly collect the remains of the fallen soldiers, register them, and give them a proper burial, regardless of whether they were enemy or ally. Do everything possible to treat the wounded prisoners of war."
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers on either side accepted the order.
Lu Zhiyun looked up abruptly, staring at Jiang Ge in disbelief. Treating him well might be a recruitment tactic, but to treat the corpses and wounded soldiers of the enemy with kindness… this was something no ordinary warlord would do.
At that moment, something solid within him cracked open, revealing an even deeper fissure.
He was led away, his back still straight, but he had lost some of his decisiveness and gained more confusion and deep thought.
Watching his departing figure, Huo Qubing scratched his head: "Magistrate Jiang, are we really just going to let him go like that? What if he escapes?"
Bai Qi said coldly, "If there is any unusual movement, just kill them."
Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "He won't run away. At least not until he sees everything clearly."
Zhu Di snorted: "He's smart enough to know his place. Otherwise, I have a thousand ways to make him talk and willingly serve Magistrate Jiang."
The words of these three people made Django feel fortunate that she was no match for them.
Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts and the atmosphere in the room became slightly stagnant because of Lu Zhiyun's fate, a soft and smooth voice suddenly rang out, abruptly tearing through the heavy atmosphere.
"Oh my goodness! Magistrate Jiang! You have truly opened my eyes to the heavens, and I have seen the real Buddha!"
Suddenly, Wei Zhongxian appeared from some unknown corner, rushing towards them with swift, slippery steps, his movements as elusive as an eel. The awe and worship plastered on his face resembled that of a fanatical fan who had found their idol.
Her eyes really do sparkle.
He completely ignored the various expressions on the faces of the people around him, his eyes fixed on Jiang Ge as if he were the only true god left in the world.
He rushed to within five steps of Django and knelt down with a thud, the sound of his knees hitting the ground clearly audible. Before the dust had even settled, he used his knees to shuffle forward two more steps, his posture so humble that he was practically buried in the dust, raising a thin cloud of smoke.
"Magistrate Jiang, you truly have the heart of a bodhisattva and the magnanimity of a unicorn! Even the ancient sages Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang, in my humble opinion, pale in comparison to you!" Wei Zhongxian shrieked, his voice rising high and loud, making sure everyone outside the courtyard wall could hear him. "You are so benevolent and magnanimous towards a defeated general like General Lu, your earnest teachings are like those of a second parent. Not to mention the boundless grace you bestow upon the people of Songyang County! I was listening intently just now, and I was truly moved to tears, my heart trembled, and I wished I could immediately give my life for you!"
As he screamed in that aria-like voice, he pulled out a gorgeous silk handkerchief embroidered with intricate patterns from his sleeve and exaggeratedly wiped his eyes, which had no tears at all. His shoulders twitched slightly as he made a show of being so excited that he could hardly contain himself.
Du Fu, who had been silently standing in the corner for most of the day, was utterly shocked. How disgusting!
Look around.
The reactions from everyone were remarkably consistent: It's an eyesore, absolutely an eyesore!
"If you ask me, Your Majesty, you should have long ago been the ruler of all people, the revered Prince of Songyang!" Wei Zhongxian was completely immersed in his performance, his voice growing louder and louder, as if he were making a sacred declaration. "How can a mere county magistrate's position possibly reflect even a fraction of your supreme benevolence and majestic majesty? It's like a pearl covered in dust, a dragon trapped in shallow waters! For General Lu to be able to meet a wise ruler today, to behold the king's countenance, and to hear the holy teachings, is a blessing and good fortune bestowed upon him by his ancestors! Your Majesty, I, Wei Zhongxian, pay my respects to the Prince of Songyang! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!"
As he spoke, he actually prostrated himself, his forehead touching the ground, about to perform the most solemn three bows and nine kowtows ceremony.
This performance, which combined singing and songwriting superbly, was extremely cheesy, yet it carried a strange and undeniable powerful impact, like a pot of boiling oil being suddenly poured into ice water.
Zhuge Liang maintained the same rhythm of waving his feather fan, his face remaining calm and composed, as if the scene before him was merely a harmless farce. Only his slender fingers gripping the fan tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment, and the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly before returning to normal.
He glanced at Wei Zhongxian with a deep look in his eyes, his mind as clear as a mirror.
Huo Qubing was clearly taken aback by this overwhelming and unexpected flattery; his mouth gaped slightly in surprise.
He looked at Wei Zhongxian, who lay sprawled on the ground as if boneless, and then at Jiang Ge, whose face was stiff. His young and handsome face was filled with extreme shock, thinking, "This is allowed?" and "How shameless!"
He subconsciously rubbed his arms, as if a dense layer of goosebumps had risen on his skin. Damn it! This spineless bastard's words are more irritating than the croaking of a toad in a gutter! He hides at the back during battles, but he's always the first to rush in to flatter and curry favor!
I'm ashamed to be associated with them!
Jiang Ge was so taken aback by Wei Zhongxian's sudden, earth-shattering shout of "Prince of Songyang" and his smooth, flowing kowtowing movements that his scalp tingled. His toes curled up violently inside his boots, and he almost dug out a luxurious three-section palace on the spot with his toes.
This is terrible! This is really going to kill me!
That damned Wei Zhongxian!
Flattery goes without regard to the occasion! Don't you understand the atmosphere?!
Didn't you see this was a crucial moment for dealing with prisoners and trying to win people over through appeasement?
"Long live the Prince... Are they afraid she won't be put on the hot seat?! This is practically slapping the label of treason onto her forehead!"
She felt her face getting hot and resisted the urge to rub her forehead.
But she knew she couldn't show weakness or simply rebuke him at this moment. Although Wei Zhongxian was disgusting, in a way, this was also a form of legitimization.
From Magistrate Jiang to Prince Songyang, this was her inevitable path.
Jiang Ge remained expressionless, and didn't even immediately tell Wei Zhongxian to get up. He simply swept his gaze calmly over him, a hint of imperceptible pressure in his eyes. This made Wei Zhongxian, who was about to continue his performance, feel a pang of fear, and his voice subconsciously softened.
Then, she slowly spoke, her voice clear and melodious, addressing not only Wei Zhongxian but also everyone present: "Eunuch Wei, rise. Kings and generals are not self-proclaimed. They are earned by the people's hard work, by the people's hearts, and by real achievements. Today, we have won a battle because of the soldiers' bravery, the strategists' wisdom, and the people's support, not because of any empty title."
She paused, then shifted her gaze to the bustling scene on the battlefield and the bodies of the wounded being carried away. Her tone turned somber: "At this moment, how many mothers have lost their sons, how many wives have lost their husbands? While their bodies are still warm and their grief is still lingering, to discuss titles and honors is surely callous. When the world is at peace, and all people live in tranquility, when the people truly acknowledge everything we have done, the recognition we deserve will come naturally. Now, the important thing is to get things done."
These words both demonstrated his own stance and served as a warning to Wei Zhongxian.
Wei Zhongxian, being incredibly clever, immediately seized the opportunity and kowtowed repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes! Magistrate Jiang is right! This servant was short-sighted and deserves to die! Magistrate Jiang has the world in his heart and is unparalleled in benevolence. This servant was reckless!" Only then did he sheepishly get up and shrink to the side.
This matter can be considered closed.
——
The first rays of dawn pierced through the window, but could not dispel the heavy gloom in Lu Zhiyun's heart. He had not slept all night; his eyes were sunken, and his bound wrists still ached faintly. But what hurt even more was his heart, which had been supported by pride and faith for half his life, but was now riddled with cracks.
Defeated general, prisoner... these words were branded into the depths of his soul like a hot iron.
Just as he was staring blankly at the ceiling, a sound he had never heard before, like rolling thunder, came from afar and clearly struck his eardrums.
"One! Two! Three! Four!"
The slogans were chanted in unison, brimming with soaring spirit and iron discipline. Every step he took seemed to pound on his heartbeat, making the bed beneath him tremble slightly.
What is that sound?!
Such disciplined commands, such overwhelming momentum... even the three major battalions of the Beijing Garrison could not match this level of power during their drills! This... this is really the commotion caused by those "rebels"?
He sat up abruptly, listened intently, his face filled with disbelief.
The door was gently pushed open, and Zhuge Liang's figure appeared in the morning light. He was still wearing a moon-white Taoist robe, gently waving a feather fan, and had a knowing smile on his face that seemed to see through everything.
"General Lu, it seems you've had a good rest? I heard some noise outside; did it disturb your sleep? If you have the energy, I'd like to accompany you to watch our army's morning exercises, what do you say?" His tone was gentle, yet carried an air of unyielding authority.
Lu Zhiyun nodded silently. At this moment, he was indeed aroused with great curiosity and... a trace of fear that he himself was unwilling to admit.
Stepping onto the training ground, Lu Zhiyun was immediately hit by a wave of scorching heat, mixed with the smells of sweat, leather, and rust. The sight before him made him hold his breath instantly, his pupils contracting sharply.
The training ground was vast and naturally divided into several areas.
On the east side, dust billowed and the sound of horses' hooves was like a storm! Huo Qubing was seen leading the way, wearing light red armor, like a burning meteor.
His troops were practicing high-speed charges and flanking maneuvers. The soldiers lay prone on their horses, man and horse as one, their movements so fluid it was breathtaking. Huo Qubing even added some fancy moves, sometimes hiding in the stirrups to dodge simulated arrows, and sometimes suddenly standing on the back of a galloping horse, drawing his bow and arrow, drawing thunderous cheers from those around him.
He caught a glimpse of Lu Zhiyun, raised his whip and laughed loudly. His laugh was unrestrained and arrogant, full of absolute confidence and the exhilarating feeling of overwhelming power.
What...what kind of horsemanship is this?!
The horses were all clad in light armor, yet their speed was terrifying!
If the imperial cavalry were to charge head-on against them, they would likely be routed in a single encounter!
On the west side, the atmosphere was completely different, as desolate as the far north.
On a simple platform, Bai Qi stood like a cold statue. He wasn't fully armored, only dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, but the murderous aura he exuded, forged in the crucible of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, was more chilling than any armor. Below him stood a dense, forest-like array of infantry.
"prick!"
"kill!"
With Bai Qi occasionally uttering a cold, short syllable, the spears of the entire formation shot out like venomous snakes emerging from their holes, creating a series of teeth-grinding whistling sounds! The formation shifted, sometimes resembling a giant tortoise guarding the position, sometimes like a hundred birds paying homage to a phoenix, so precise that not a single superfluous movement was made.
One soldier was a beat too slow due to nervousness. Bai Qi's icy gaze swept over him immediately, and the soldier turned ashen-faced, like a lamb being stared at by a tiger, only able to frantically lunge forward.
To his even greater astonishment, in a corner of the training ground, a group of young men dressed in coarse cloth and short jackets were also practicing under the guidance of Yuchi Jingde and Qin Shubao. Yuchi Jingde, with a booming voice, personally demonstrated how to thrust his spear with force, his movements unparalleled in their power. Qin Shubao, on the other hand, calmly instructed on the techniques of shield blocking, his steps steady and flawless.
Although these militiamen were not as fierce as the regular army, their movements were disciplined and their eyes were focused.
“Mr. Zhuge…” Lu Zhiyun couldn’t help but speak, his voice hoarse, “Why train these people?” You must know that these people were originally refugees.
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and smiled calmly: "General Lu, protecting the country is not a matter for soldiers or civilians. During the off-season, we can train to defend against bandits and provide aid in times of war. Magistrate Jiang often says that only by making the people strong and capable of protecting their homes can we achieve true long-term stability. Instead of entrusting their lives and property entirely to the royal army thousands of miles away, which may even oppress them."
Just then, a logistics soldier pushed a wooden bucket and brought breakfast.
The rich aroma of meat instantly filled the air!
Lu Zhiyun watched as the soldiers, who had just finished their drills and were covered in sweat, lined up in an orderly fashion. Each of them received a large bowl of thick meat porridge, two steamed buns, and even some pickled vegetables! They squatted on the ground and wolfed down their food, their faces beaming with satisfaction and a sense of strength.
"Meat...meat porridge?! White flour steamed buns?!" He recalled the coarse rice mixed with sand and stones that his soldiers ate, and the so-called meat broth that was so clear that you could see the bottom. An indescribable bitterness and anger welled up in his heart.
Who actually ate the grain and provisions allocated by the imperial court?!
"An army marches on its stomach. Soldiers risk their lives, so they must be well-fed to have the strength to train and fight." Zhuge Liang's voice rang out at the right time, calm and collected, yet it struck Lu Zhiyun's heart like a heavy hammer.
"General, please come with me to the workshop for a look."
Lu Zhiyun felt the pent-up frustration in his chest surge again, stirred up by Zhuge Liang's seemingly casual remark. Yes, provisions, provisions! These two words weighed heavily on him, the general in charge of logistics, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
The stomachs of hundreds of thousands of soldiers are not to be trifled with.
He opened his mouth, wanting to complain and explain the difficulties in the treasury, but looking into Zhuge Liang's eyes, which seemed to see through everything, he swallowed his words and simply nodded heavily, silently following behind the man in the plain linen robe.
He had assumed the Prime Minister would take him to the granary or the accounting office, but instead, after many twists and turns, he arrived at a heavily guarded workshop on the edge of the military camp, where there was not a trace of smoke or fire. The air was filled with a peculiar, slightly astringent smell, a mixture of decaying plants and washed water, not the expected smell of forging metal or tanning leather.
The workshop was unusually busy, but not noisy. The soldiers—or rather, the soldiers who were more like artisans—were orderly divided into several groups, working around some pools, mortars, and troughs that Lu Zhiyun had never seen before.
The first thing that catches the eye is a mountain of "raw materials" piled up on one side of an open space.
It wasn't grain or fodder, but rather stripped tree bark (mainly mulberry bark), tattered hemp scraps, and even worn-out fishing nets. Several shirtless, burly men were chanting as they threw these materials into a huge stone mortar, while others operated water-powered mallets, pounding them repeatedly and forcefully. The dull, rhythmic "clang...clang..." sounds shattered and crushed the tough fibers.
"This is the method of crushing and pounding," Zhuge Liang's voice calmly explained from the side, "removing its sinews and bones will make it soft and yielding."
The shattered raw materials were then transferred to a row of huge earthenware jars or stone pools, soaked in murky limewater, and emitted a faint alkaline smell.
"Soak and steam to remove impurities and grease, making it pure." Zhuge Liang pointed with his feather fan to several soldiers who were carefully controlling the fire and adding firewood.
Lu Zhiyun saw that the mixture after steaming was scooped out and transferred to a nearby pool of clear water for repeated rinsing until it turned white.
Then, the most surprising part happened.
Beside a huge water tank, a soldier who looked like a craftsman took a deep breath and plunged a wooden frame covered with fine bamboo mats into the milky white slurry. With an extremely skillful flick of his wrist, he shook, swung, and lifted the frame. As he lifted the frame, a thin, even layer of wet slurry magically adhered to the mats, and water gushed away from the gaps, leaving behind a layer of clearly visible fibers.
"This is papermaking; the key to success or failure lies in this slight shaking. We must strive for even thickness." Zhuge Liang's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible admiration.
The damp "sheet" was carefully peeled off and stacked layer by layer on a wooden board. After a thick stack was formed, a heavy stone was placed on top to squeeze out any remaining moisture. Finally, the semi-dry paper blanks were peeled off one by one and pasted onto the slightly warm wall.
"Bake for a short while, and it will take shape."
Lu Zhiyun stared blankly at the wall as it gradually dried, its color changing from dark to light, until it became sheets of slightly yellowed, smooth paper. Soldiers peeled off the dried paper, cut it neatly, and stacked it in a pile. He subconsciously reached out and touched it; although the texture was slightly rough, it was flexible and durable.
"This...this is?" Lu Zhiyun's voice was a little hoarse. He had a vague idea, but he couldn't believe it.
"Paper."
Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, “Using this paper to write military orders, allocate provisions, record accounts, and transmit documents is far faster than using bamboo slips, and incredibly lightweight. It only requires a little rotten wood, rags, lime, and a small amount of manpower. A single order can reach the front lines in half a day, and an account book can hold a month's worth of supplies. General Lu, how much grain can be converted into the time saved in copying and the manpower saved in transportation? How many soldiers can save their energy for training instead of carrying those heavy bamboo slips?”
He gently waved his feather fan, pointing to the endless stream of paper being produced: "The key to supplies lies not only in millet, but also in efficiency. Smooth communication and precise dispatch are themselves invisible supplies. It is important to ensure that the soldiers are well-fed, but the efficient operation of the system for which they fight is also feeding this war."
Looking at the pure white (relatively white) piece born from the craftsman's hands, and then at Zhuge Liang's deep and calm eyes, Lu Zhiyun felt as if the heavy blow from the hammer had been a wake-up call, and his whole being became clear.
Papermaking...printing...they are not only forging sharp weapons, but also spreading ideas!
Lunch was arranged in Zhuge Liang's simple tent. The meal was simple as usual: one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and soup, with unlimited rice. During the meal, Zhuge Liang casually mentioned, "The artisans in the workshops, the soldiers in the army, and even the wounded soldiers captured yesterday, all have their meals provided according to the established regulations, and no deductions are allowed. Magistrate Jiang said that if you want people to fight to the death, you must first feed their stomachs and warm their bodies and minds."
Lu Zhiyun's hand holding the chopsticks froze, and he couldn't eat another bite.
Such a comparison is simply too cruel.
In the afternoon, as the sun began to set, its warm rays bathed everything in a soft golden light. Zhuge Liang did not stop, and once again led Lu Zhiyun to the fields outside the city. Unlike the hustle and bustle of the workshop, the view here was expansive, and the fragrance of the soil mixed with the scent of grass wafted towards them, allowing Lu Zhiyun's tense mind, which had been gripped by the shock of the past few days, to relax slightly.
However, this relaxation lasted only a moment before the scene before him once again grabbed his attention.
In the fields, he didn't see the farmers he was used to seeing, hunched over, sweating profusely as they struggled to drag heavy plowshares. Instead, he saw a cleverly designed, lightweight plow that could be easily operated by just one person and an ox—the plowshare entered the soil at a clever angle, its shaft curved and turned nimbly, effortlessly churning the dark, fertile soil like waves, leaving neat and deep furrows. The old farmer wielding the plow didn't show the usual hardship on his face; instead, he exuded a relaxed ease, even a hint of a smile.
Lu Zhiyun's gaze moved beyond the plowed field to the wider expanse of land. There, he saw a network of irrigation ditches, like intricate veins nourishing the land. The water in the ditches was clear and flowed in an orderly fashion, its depth and width all perfectly measured, clearly not naturally formed. It was obvious that they were the result of careful surveying and planning by a master, and the mobilization of a large workforce for repair and maintenance.
The waterwheel stands beside the canal, its key parts encased in wear-resistant iron fittings, clearly showing meticulous care. Such a water conservancy project could only be accomplished by a master craftsman, its benefits lasting for generations.
What surprised him even more was that, among the fields, there was a small plot of land carefully enclosed by a bamboo fence, receiving exceptional care. The crops there had upright stems and large, plump leaves, their appearance unlike any of the grains he knew, radiating a strange yet robust vitality in the setting sun.
"This is..."
He couldn't help but ask.
"This plant is called a potato. It was obtained by chance by the magistrate. It has a high yield and can withstand poor soil. We are carefully trying to plant it here. If it succeeds, it may save countless lives." Zhuge Liang tapped the field with his feather fan, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible expectation.
Just then, an old farmer with white hair and beard, full of vigor, saw Zhuge Liang. He immediately put down his work, walked quickly to the edge of the field, and his face was full of heartfelt respect and friendliness. He cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Mr. Zhuge! You've come to inspect the fields again?" His attitude was respectful, but not fearful. It was more like seeing a familiar and trusted elder.
"You've worked hard, sir." Zhuge Liang returned the greeting with a smile, his demeanor calm. "The condition of these seedlings is indeed encouraging."
"Thanks to Magistrate Jiang and all of you gentlemen's good fortune!" The old farmer's voice boomed, his wrinkles brimming with smiles. "We've got new plows, new irrigation ditches, and such excellent seeds! Life is looking bright! This year is better than ever before! We're just hoping for favorable weather so that the harvest will be plentiful enough for everyone to enjoy our bountiful harvest!" He spoke with such excitement that he even turned and pulled two rough-looking but substantial dry rations from a cloth bag hanging by the field, eagerly trying to hand them to Zhuge Liang. "Have a taste, sir? Homemade, they'll fill you up!"
Zhuge Liang did not find it offensive and gently waved his hand to decline, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, but I have just eaten and am quite full. It is more important for you to save this good food to replenish your strength when you are working."
The old man didn't insist, chuckled, and took it back. He chatted a few more words about the fields before taking his leave to continue his work.
Lu Zhiyun watched this unbelievable scene in silence: Zhuge Liang was chatting amicably with an ordinary farmer, his tone gentle.
He recalled the land under his jurisdiction, where the people feared military officers and tax collectors like the plague, avoiding them at all costs. They were often emaciated, their eyes filled with numbness and despair. Never before had he witnessed such… such near-equal warmth, such vibrant energy.
A complex mix of emotions surged within him: shock, confusion, bewilderment, and even a hint of envy, even jealousy, that he himself was unwilling to admit. What kind of magic had been cast upon Songyang County? What unimaginable undertaking was that young Magistrate Jiang, and the group of extraordinary individuals around him, undertaking?
Finally, they arrived at a school converted from an ancestral hall. Before they even got close, they could hear the clear, youthful voices reciting lessons coming from inside.
"...At the beginning of life, people are inherently good..."
Du Fu was holding a dictionary and patiently leading the children in reading it aloud. The children's eyes were clear and focused.
Lu Zhiyun was struck dumb and stopped abruptly!
He finally understood! The army, workshops, farmland... these were all just branches and leaves! The school, the ideological indoctrination that started from childhood, was the most important thing.
Which ordinary person could resist the temptation of their child's education?
As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the two men. The day's events washed over Lu Zhiyun's soul like a storm.
Zhuge Liang stopped and turned around. The twilight gilded him, and his gaze was as deep as the starry sea.
“General Lu,” he began slowly, his voice calm yet heavy as a thousand pounds, “what we see today, is it mere ingenuity or an unyielding spirit? Is it rebels or the dawn of a new dynasty? General, you are well-versed in history and know that dynasties rise and fall in cycles because of land annexation, bureaucratic corruption, and the people’s suffering, ultimately leading to rebellion and rivers of blood. What Magistrate Jiang and everyone she has gathered here have done is nothing more than to shatter this thousand-year cycle and carve out a path for survival for all the people of this world.”
He stared into Lu Zhiyun's violently wavering eyes and asked the final question: "The loyalty that the general seeks is loyalty to that high and mighty family who treat the common people like straw dogs? Or is it loyalty to this land beneath your feet, loyalty to the millions of hungry and cold people who are crying for food... the common people of the world?"
"I...I..."
Lu Zhiyun's lips trembled violently, his face was as pale as paper, and he swayed, almost unable to stand. His worldview, philosophy of life, and values had been completely shattered and forcibly rebuilt in a single day. He couldn't say anything; his mind was blank, filled only with endless shock and confusion.
Was it for this corrupt dynasty, for the people, or for his own reputation for loyalty?
He was helped back to his quarters by his personal guards. He didn't touch the dinner that was brought to him. Instead, he sat listlessly in front of the flickering oil lamp, like a clay or wooden sculpture, for the entire night.
Outside the window, the night in Songyang County was quiet and still.
He knew he couldn't go back. Some choices had to be made.
The night was as dark as ink, swallowing up all light. Only a small oil lamp flickered on the desk, illuminating Lu Zhiyun's lost and deeply wrinkled face.
What he had seen and heard during the day spun and collided wildly in his mind like a revolving lantern, crushing the beliefs and understanding he had built up over the past forty years.
The deafening drill chants, the snow-white paper, the children in the school, the thick meat porridge, the heartfelt smile on the old farmer's face, Zhuge Liang's final, soul-searching question... every image, every sound, was like a heavy hammer, striking his heart hard.
Loyalty? Loyalty to whom?
That court that even embezzled military pay and treated soldiers like dirt.
That kind of officialdom that only knows how to form cliques, eliminate dissidents, and exploit the people?
Righteousness? What is righteousness?
Is it for the sake of one's own reputation for loyalty that one watches helplessly as more and more subordinates die without any value?
Or... for the sake of those who can have enough to eat, whose children can go to school, and perhaps who can truly look forward to a peaceful and prosperous world...?
"The common people..." His cracked lips moved, silently uttering these four words, which felt heavier than a thousand pounds, making it hard for him to breathe. He once thought he was loyal to the emperor and loved his country, but now it seemed that he was just protecting that dilapidated ship that was already rotten to the core and was dragging countless people down with it!
The sound of the night watchman's clapper came from outside the tent; it was already the fifth watch. He remained seated like a statue, his eyes bloodshot, as if two forces were tearing him apart in unbearable pain.
Just then, the tent flap was gently lifted, and a slender figure walked in amidst the morning mist without alerting any guards.
Lu Zhiyun looked up abruptly, his pupils shrinking: "Mr... Mr. Zhuge?" He hadn't expected Zhuge Liang to visit at dawn.
Zhuge Liang maintained his calm and composed demeanor, but carried a food box in his hand. He walked to the table, opened the food box, and inside was a bowl of still-warm millet porridge and a dish of pickles—simple yet refreshing.
“The lamp in General Liang’s tent is still lit; he must be feeling very agitated and unable to sleep.” He gently pushed the porridge and dishes in front of Lu Zhiyun, his voice gentle and carrying a calming power. “An empty stomach and worries are most harmful to the soul. Eat something; even if you have to make a decision, you need strength.”
Looking at the simple bowl of porridge, and comparing it with the soldiers' meals he had seen during the day, Lu Zhiyun felt a sudden pang of sadness, and an indescribable sense of grievance and shame welled up in his heart.
He said hoarsely, "Sir...why treat me like this? I am a defeated general, a prisoner at the gates. Give me death and preserve my honor. Wouldn't that be more satisfying?"
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang gently shook his head, placed his feather fan on the table, and calmly looked at Lu Zhiyun, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate to the heart.
“General, it is certainly gratifying to seek death and end it all. However,” he changed his tone, his voice becoming serious, “have you considered what benefit your death will bring to the country and the people, other than fulfilling a hollow reputation?”
"Will the court become enlightened because of your death? Will the barbarian tribes on the border retreat because of your death? Will the starving people of the world be able to eat and dress well because of your death? No." Zhuge Liang's voice was not loud, but every word was like a hammer blow. "The death of a general is nothing more than another insignificant leaf falling on this rotten giant tree. Perhaps it will even implicate your family, causing your parents to bury their son, and leaving your wife and children with no one to rely on."
Lu Zhiyun's body trembled violently, and his face turned even paler.
“But if the general were alive,” Zhuge Liang’s eyes burned with intensity, as if flames were dancing within them, “he could witness firsthand, and even participate in, the creation of a different future. A future where soldiers can have enough to eat, wear warm clothes, and wield the best weapons to defend their homeland! A future where the people can live in peace and prosperity, where children can learn to read and understand reason, and where there is no longer oppressive government more ferocious than a tiger!”
His voice gradually took on a highly infectious passion: "What the general has seen today is but the tip of the iceberg. Magistrate Jiang's ambition is not limited to one city or one place, but extends to all the people under heaven! The talented people he has gathered and the knowledge he has acquired far exceed the imagination of this world! General, are you not curious about what kind of shore this giant ship, which is about to sail into the vast sea of stars, will ultimately reach?"
“Bright, observe the celestial phenomena at night. The Emperor Star is swaying, the Purple Star is dim, while a new star shines brightly, rising in the southeast, its momentum unstoppable.”
Zhuge Liang lowered his voice, his tone laced with mystery, "This is not due to human effort, but rather the will of Heaven. To follow Heaven and the will of the people is the mark of a true hero, a true loyalist! Loyalty to one family or clan is foolish loyalty! Loyalty to all people under Heaven is true loyalty!"
"Da Zhong..."
Lu Zhiyun muttered to himself, his eyes filled with even more confusion, but the deathly stillness began to dissipate.
"General, you are a man of great talent, charging into battle and breaking through enemy lines. This is precisely the time when your abilities are most needed." Zhuge Liang's tone became sincere. "Magistrate Jiang is eager to find capable men, his heart as vast as the sea. General Bai Qi is known for his ruthlessness, and General Huo Qubing for his eagle-like pride; both can be employed by him, and he is trusted and entrusted with important responsibilities. General, how can your talent be buried here? Don't you yearn to command the strongest army in the land, to truly... fight for your country and your people?"
That last sentence, like a bolt of lightning, cleaved through the last layers of fog in Lu Zhiyun's mind!
Fight for the country! Fight for the people!
Command the strongest army!
Which general doesn't have such a dream? Which soldier doesn't yearn for such a stage?! He wasted half his life under the old regime, constrained at every turn, possessing great talent but unable to realize his ambitions!
And here... this place, though "unconventional," possesses everything he dreamed of!
With a "plop".
Lu Zhiyun, this tough man, actually rolled off the bed, his knees slamming heavily onto the ground. This action exhausted all his strength and broke down his last defenses. His forehead pressed against the cold ground, his shoulders trembling violently, not from crying, but from the loss of control after some kind of extreme emotional outburst.
After a long while, he raised his head, his face streaked with tears mixed with mud, looking utterly disheveled. But in his eyes, a flame that had been extinguished for a long time, and had never burned so brightly before, was rekindled.
His voice was hoarse, yet it carried a resolute determination: "Lu... Lu Zhiyun... is willing to surrender! Is willing to pledge allegiance to Jiang Ge as king...! Is willing to serve the people of this world, to this... new dynasty! To serve like a dog or a horse! Even if my blood and brains are spilled, I will have no regrets even if I die nine times!"
After saying that, he kowtowed heavily.
Zhuge Liang looked at him, a gratified and profound smile on his face. He slowly rose, bent down and personally helped Lu Zhiyun up: "General, you have realized your mistake and returned to the right path, which is of utmost virtue. Please rise quickly. From now on, we are one family, working together to create a great cause."
He helped Lu Zhiyun, whose body was still trembling slightly, to sit down and pushed the bowl of porridge in front of him again: "Now, General, you can eat in peace. After you finish eating, Liang still has the defense maps of the surrounding cities, which we need to study in detail with you. Our army's next move will require the strong support of someone as knowledgeable as you."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhiyun suddenly raised his head, a flash of shock crossing his eyes, which then transformed into immense complexity and final understanding.
This is his true "pledge of allegiance".
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Author's note: I had surgery for tenosynovitis in my wrist, sorry for the delay of a few days [please][please][please]
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