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Not everyone is Bi Juan and Fu Shi Ren, there's no such thing as a fortunate event!
But in front of so many ministers, the Sun Quan also just praised Sun Deng, he also didn't want to damage his son's face:
"Zigao, tell me, what are your thoughts?"
Sun Deng said with a bow: "My son heard his Majesty say that the Wei army attacked our camp at night, which was a move to boost morale in the city. Since the people of Jingyang are on edge, why not send a capable orator into the city to explain to General Chen of the Wei army the consequences of his actions?"
"Firstly, attack the enemy's plans; secondly, attack their alliances; thirdly, attack their troops; and finally, attack their cities. This is the true path of military strategy," Sun Deng said earnestly. "Why doesn't Your Majesty send someone to give it a try?"
For Sun Quan, trying it out is certainly possible.
If the envoy is killed, it is a loss of one life. If the envoy succeeds, then the huge city of Jingyang will be in hand. The risk of losing one life for one city is not a loss. But as a king of Wu, facing a powerful enemy and sending someone to persuade them to surrender is somewhat reckless in terms of his subordinates' lives. Someone suggesting this makes it acceptable.
After saying this, Sun Deng reached back and took out the arrow that was shot to his feet last night, which he had picked up from the ground: "This arrow was shot at me by the Wei army during their night raid on our camp. Why not return it to its origin?"
Sun Quan was not someone who had difficulty making decisions. He immediately looked at the people standing in front of him and laughed loudly, saying with both hands supporting his gold and jade belt:
"Jingyang City is right in front of us. If someone can persuade it to surrender, I will grant him the title of a Marquis with Jingyang as his fief. If he fails, he will not lose his position as a Count within the country. Is there anyone willing to go?"
This matter was proposed by Sun Deng, who instinctively tilted his face slightly and cast a sidelong glance at the four subordinates behind him. However, he did not expect that Guo Gke, Gu Tan, Zhang Xu, and Chen Biao, the four of them, remained silent and stood in place.
'Alright.' Sun Deng sighed in his heart.
The fathers of Guo Gke are the left general, Gu Tan's grandfather is the prime minister, Zhang Xu's father is the assistant Wu general, and the only one who is not as good as Chen Biao is also from a military family.
For them, prospects and fame are as easily attainable as low-hanging fruits by the roadside, so why would they be willing to do something as perilous as being an envoy?
Great families and influential people cannot be relied on for state affairs and worldly matters. Sun Deng remembered that his father, Sun Quan, had once listed the famous families of Wu, and the beautiful filter on these people began to fade away for him.
But Sun Deng doesn't blame them.
Guo Gke, Zhang Xu, and the other three noble descendants stood mute, but such fame is still something some people are willing to take. If one's life could win a Marquis within the country, although there is a bit of a loss, it is a worthy loss and worth a try!
"I, a low-ranking minister, am willing to go!"
The doctor Zhi, who was about thirty years old and had a proper appearance, came out of the crowd and bowed to Sun Quan: "Most respected, the doctor wishes to go and persuade the city of Jingyang to surrender for Wu."
Sun Quan nodded slightly: "I know of your eloquence, and there's no need for me to give you any instructions. Go, regardless of the outcome, I will have wine prepared for you tonight!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The doctor Zhi bowed and received the order, then bowed to Sun Deng, declined Zhuge Jing's suggestion of armor, straightened his robe, and then went out.
Meanwhile, a mile away on the city wall of Jingyang, the supervisor Zhao Yan and the deputy general Niu Jin sat leisurely on chairs, pointing in the direction of the Wu army camp.
Niu Jin asked sideways, "Sun Quan brought so many ships and soldiers from Yuliangzhou. What trick is he playing now?"
Zhao Yan was even more indifferent: "The enemy comes, we meet them with our troops; the water comes, we build a dam with the soil. What is there to be afraid of?"
Niu Jin said, "I am not afraid of him. It's just that I don't know what he's doing, and I'm curious."
"Then be curious about it," Zhao Yan nodded towards the east, "Shutiao, someone is coming this way."
Niu Jin stood up, his right hand covering his eyes, and gazed towards the east: "Just one person? How does Sun Quan think?"
"Surely it's the envoy from the Wu army," Zhao Yan smiled: "Whatever he says, just nod and agree. Feigning interest will do."
"Why feign?" Niu Jin turned his head to look at Zhao Yan, his expression puzzled.
Zhao Yan said, "Just send him a few words and send him away. I will leave first, I am in Nanyang, not in Jingyang."
"Don't worry, Venerable Zhao, I know how to handle things," Niu Jin patted his chest: "I'll take care of it!"
Due to the "traditional" friendship between the Wei and Wu states, the doctor Zheng Zhi, who feigned composure, arrived at the foot of Jingyang City. He was hoisted up by a hanging basket from the city wall and had a friendly and sincere conversation with the officer in charge, General Niu Jin. Afterward, he was sent back down.
From the time he left the camp to return, it only took half an hour.
"Most respected, Doctor Zheng has returned." Hu Zong quickly walked over to the Wu King Sun Quan, who was surveying the wounded, and whispered.
"Returned?" Sun Quan showed a hint of surprise: "Quickly bring him to me."
"Not long ago, Hu Zong brought Doctor Zheng over. Zheng Zhi suppressed the excitement in his heart and said, 'Your Most Revered, I have returned from the city. I have learned some information about the city's situation.'"
Sun Quan said, "I did not make a mistake in choosing you. This is a contribution to your merit. What did you find out about the situation in Jingyang?"
Zheng Zhi composed himself and bowed, saying, "Many things, Your Majesty, I also heard from the officials within the city. The truth is indistinguishable; I cannot know for certain. I hope Your Majesty will make a wise judgment."
"There's no problem, although you say it, I will distinguish between them." Sun Quan could only console him a little regarding Zheng Zhi's 'overcoat' behavior.
"Your Most Revered, the city is guarded by General Niu Jin of Wei. He has five thousand troops defending the city." Zheng Zhi said.
"Where is Zhao Yan? Where is Zhao Yan?" Sun Quan pressed further.
Zheng Zhi replied, "According to General Niu Jin's words, Zhao Yan leads more than a thousand troops in Yuan City, while Jingyang City is guarded by General Niu Jin. Luo Shi, the defender of Fan City, is still responsible for defense with five thousand troops."
"Fifty thousand…" Sun Quan repeated the number in a low voice and then asked: "How did you ask General Niu Jin?"
Zheng Zhi replied, "I merely explained to him the blessings and curses of surrendering, showing him the might of our army. The downpour from heaven and the sudden arrival of the king's army are a matter of divine will, not human error. If they do not surrender, after the city is captured, they will become sinners for Wei and be laughed at by all under heaven. If they wait until after the king's army captures the city to surrender, it would be a loss of righteousness."
Sun Quan nodded: "If he is willing to talk to you like this, then he has the intention of surrendering."
Zheng Zhi responded: "Your Majesty is wise. According to the investigation by the minister, Zhao Yan alone leads the main force in the north, but he leaves General Niu Jin alone in the city of Jingyang on the south side of the Han River, and he already has complaints. The Wei state laws do not allow it, and General Niu Jin can't surrender temporarily."
"What laws? What kind of laws?" Sun Quan furrowed his brow.
Yin Ban, who was a few steps away from Sun Quan, took the initiative to speak up: "Your Majesty, I know this matter."
"How did I forget Shufang?" Sun Quan smiled and beckoned to Yin Ban: "Shufang, speak your mind."
Yin Ban said, "Let Your Majesty be informed that the Wei state has a clear rule in its laws: if a city is besieged for a hundred days and no relief arrives, even if it surrenders, the families of the defenders will not be penalized. What General Niu Jin in Jingyang City mentioned should be this rule."
"Hmph." Sun Quan showed a hint of anger: "A hundred days, the Majesty has been besieging Jingyang for only six days. Do you expect the Majesty to wait another three months?"
Yin Ban bowed and said, "There are military laws between the Wei imperial court and its commanders, while soldiers are judged by the 'Method for the Death of Soldiers.' The families of the Wei soldiers are either in Henan or under the care of local governments in various places. This law is known to all soldiers, and it is likely that the soldiers themselves do not wish to surrender."
Sun Quan pulled his face to show disbelief: "So, the enemy is asking me to cooperate with them for three months? Is there such a rule?"
Yin Ban laughed: "Most respected, please calm down. The Han River flows between the north and south, isolating Jingyang City. How could the city in Fancheng and Wei know about it? Moreover, war does not hate deceit, and taking the city is of utmost importance. It is only necessary to temporarily persuade the people in the city for now."
"I am willing to go into the city and persuade them a bit. I am sure to make the Wei soldiers in the city open the gates and surrender!"
"I don't fully believe what Yin Ban said, nor do I fully trust what Zheng Zhi said. I open my mouth and ask:
"Shufang, if you go into the city, how will you persuade the Wei soldiers?"
Yin Ban bowed and said, "Promising titles and rewards depends on Your Majesty's promise. As for me, I will only discuss two things with the people in the city:"
"The first, if they do not surrender, after the city is captured, all of them will be banished to the malarial and arid land of Jiaozhou. They will live with the wild people in the forest. The second, if they surrender, not only will they receive rewards, but Wu's naval forces will blockade the Han River for three months. By that time, we will have passed the hundred days stipulated by Wei's laws."
Sun Quan pondered for a moment and fixed his eyes on Yin Ban's sincere face.
This person came to Wu from Wei at the age of twenty-two and has been serving Wu since then. While serving Wu, Sun Quan has also been generous to him. He holds the position of Tingwei, a post worth a thousand stones, assisting with the national legal affairs, and he is also in charge of leading the task of drafting invitations to ascend the throne in Wusong.
"Twenty-two years old? In Wei's territory, it's probably impossible for him to become a county's report officer! Such great favor from Your Majesty is truly amazing."
After a long time, Sun Quan sighed: "If Niu Jin can surrender, he will be given the position of General in Charge of the North and be granted a county fief with 3,000 households."
"Shufang, go ahead. I'll be waiting for your return."
After bowing in acceptance, Yin Ban stood still for a few moments at the spot, then bowed deeply to the ground and his voice trembled slightly: "I am profoundly grateful that Your Majesty has lifted me from obscurity. It is indeed a great honor! I will fulfill my mission without fail and bring good news back to Your Majesty!"
Sun Quan sighed deeply, stepping forward a few steps to personally lift Yin Ban to his feet: "Go, Shufang. If things don't go well, come back with your life intact."
"Your Majesty, I understand." Yin Ban replied with sincerity. Then he bowed to Hu Zong and thanked him for the opportunity to serve over the past few months. After that, he calmly walked towards the city of Jingyang to the west.
Sun Quan watched as Yin Ban's figure disappeared in the distance, and he commented with emotion: "When the state is well-governed, one serves; when it is not, one can roll up his scrolls and keep them in his bosom. I can get people from the enemy country to come and serve far away, is this not the sign of a thriving state?"
"Your Most Revered's words are very true." Hu Zong bowed and said, "In the court of Great Wu, there are countless scholars from Qing, Xu, and Yu provinces. This is indeed the sign of Your Majesty's enlightened and wise leadership. Just now, Zheng Zhi returned from Jingyang City in half an hour. Your Majesty may rest in the boat first and receive him when he returns."
"Alright, let's go back to the ship then." Sun Quan nodded. (This chapter is complete)
