Female Strategist Ascended to the Throne in Three Kingdom
Female Strategist Ascended to the Throne in Three Kingdom Chapter 76

Leping her Hometown.

The gradual development of connections she had built over the past three years made it natural for her to speak of these affiliations in a way that felt inevitable.

To travelers like Guo Jia and Mi Zhu passing through Leping, it seemed like a town where the above-ground and underground networks had been meticulously restored, presenting a neat and comfortable appearance.

Even Leping Academy, with recipes posted playfully on slabs by its entrance, was something Qiao Yan hoped Cui Lie would notice.

Though she possessed military strength, her role in defending Bingzhou was limited to the current environment where bandits were stirring in every direction.

This role was tacitly accepted.

She had many innovations, from everyday items like toothpaste and toothbrushes to the cultivation of sweet potatoes used in pork dishes.

These were all mundane aspects of daily life.

Yet, when the sun rose above the mountains behind her, casting the entire county of Leping in autumnal brilliance, it became a city ready to ignite at any moment.

For now, it remained surrounded by mountains, showing no outward signs of aggression.

But what about in the future?

As the year 208 approached its end, with the collapse of central Han authority, even the titles of marquises bearing golden seals and purple ribbons within the empire were soon to become commodities that Liu Hong could freely trade.

In such an environment, Qiao Yan could no longer believe that being the Marquis of Leping was enough.

Rather than simply maintaining stability in Bingzhou by defeating bandits in Hedong and ensuring the smooth passage of the Zhiguan Pass to allow merchants from the Central Plains to arrive safely.

She aimed to use these actions to further her accumulated reputation towards gaining real political power and influence!

Ambition…

Why shouldn’t she have ambition?

….

This year, under the guise of seclusion and reflection on her past actions, coupled with recent disasters and the still-good harvest in Leping, Xu Fu had a reason to travel to Luoyang with a portion of the stored harvest.

His return coincided almost perfectly with Guo Jia and their arrival in Leping.

Since studying under Qiao Yan and Cheng Li, Xu Fu lacked the formal education he would have received in Nanyang, but his experiences in growth and training were not lacking, showing exceptional political acumen.

From a wanderer to an envoy meeting the emperor, Xu Fu took each step with great confidence.

Following Qiao Yan’s instructions, he knew in Luoyang, showcasing Leping’s youth and loyalty in offerings was sufficient; there was no need to outshine, yet he also acted as her eyes on today’s Luoyang.

Xu Fu was naturally bold, and under Qiao Yan’s leadership, even more so.

He appeared composed, but just listening to what he said upon his return:

“Today, the sun is setting, and the imperial throne is in turmoil. Leping, though a remote part of Bingzhou, will not be spared. My lord, you should prepare early.”

His words carried a clear message: Liu Hong, the emperor, is nearing the end.

His increasingly unhealthy appearance couldn’t be concealed by palace remedies alone.

Therefore, Qiao Yan must prepare herself.

Her position as the Marquis of Leping was due to Liu Hong’s defiance, allowing her practical control rather than mere fiscal rights like other counties.

However, all of this depended on Liu Hong remaining on the throne.

Once the emperor’s position changes, there’s no guarantee Bingzhou won’t replace its governor or introduce a new provincial governor earlier than expected, possibly displacing Cheng Li and causing trouble for her.

At this critical juncture, Qiao Yan had to move ahead preemptively!

Despite the intense and boiling emotions, Qiao Yan showed no signs of anxiety, especially considering she still had a little troublemaker system to manage.

This helped her calmly shift her focus from her hopes for Leping below to the red-maned horse before her.

She patted the horse’s back, guiding it slowly back along the mountain path she had traveled to get here.

This horse, named Zhu Tan, was a gift from the Wang family just before she began her seclusion, in gratitude for her help during the locust plague in Bingzhou.

It had grown nearly seven feet tall in the two years since then.

Though not yet fully matured, it would take another two years for Zhu Tan to reach its prime—coinciding with the turmoil brewing across the realm.

While not as renowned as the likes of the agile Red Hare or the prophetic Lu Bu’s horse, Zhu Tan, the borderland treasure horse she named, held its own significance.

It seemed to have adapted to her the best.

Following Qiao Yan’s lead, the horse Zhu Tan leisurely descended the mountain in a casual stroll and stopped in front of the government office in Leping County.

Unlike its rapid speed when Qiao Yan rode it, Zhu Tan now moved so calmly that it hardly resembled a spirited horse.

After Qiao Yan affectionately patted its head a couple of times, Zhu Tan was peacefully led back to the stable.

“Good spirits, my lord,” Xi Zhicai casually greeted her as he arrived at the gate, joining her as they entered the county office.

Yesterday, he had played the role of a “guide,” diverting a fish that had jumped into the net back into the water, but today was business as usual.

Qiao Yan’s early return to Leping indicated that her outing hadn’t achieved the desired effect, and she now needed to formulate strategic plans.

Though not yet the decade-long preparation for a single sword strike, Leping was finally gearing up for serious battles on the border between Bingzhou and Sili.

Even Xi Zhicai, usually relaxed and laid-back, couldn’t help but look more serious now.

“Early riser, Master Xi, Nervous?” Qiao Yan teased.

This wasn’t typical behavior for someone known for their habitual absenteeism.

Xi Zhicai waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it. My friend woke up too early, complaining about odd-tasting mouthwash in Leping.

We had an early meal together, and I figured since there’s no mouthwash here, a good laugh would wake me up.

I thought it’d be best to wait at the county office early, so you wouldn’t have to send someone to find me.”

At the mention of mouthwash, and thinking about how people cleaned their teeth at that time, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but laugh.

Fortunately, as Xi Zhicai mentioned, Guo Jia didn’t storm off in embarrassment after learning the correct use of toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Instead, he ate a whole steamer of dumplings and then went with Mi Zhu to explore the surrounding hills.

The defenses at the Wupao Workshop were unlikely to be opened to them.

With the local bandits in Leping having long turned into law-abiding citizens, there was no need to worry about their safety.

They were free to go about their business.

Qiao Yan still had pressing matters at hand.

Dealing with the Hedong bandits was not as simple as her cavalry charge in the valley that day.

Based on the archaeological findings of the Hedong bandits’ camp location, they were likely west of the Zhiguan Pass, near Yonggu in Linfen.

Given Qiao Yan’s position during her rapid advance that day, the three-dimensional map provided by the system could already pinpoint this location.

At first glance, it seemed like a place suitable for a flanking attack or siege.

“In the Hedong bandits, Guo Tai appears as the leader on the surface, but in reality, four commanders—Yang Feng, Han Xian, Li Le, and Hu Cai—each lead their own factions with manpower and strongholds,” Qiao Yan said, addressing her gathered subordinates.

Looking at her team assembled over the years in Leping, Qiao Yan felt an indescribable satisfaction.

As she observed her subordinates, she couldn’t help but reflect on how much they had grown.

The changes over two years weren’t limited to her appearance alone.

People like Xi Zhicai and Cheng Li, who were already adults, had changed little, perhaps slightly healthier as noted by Guo Jia.

But for those who were not yet adults, the changes were more pronounced.

Take Zhao Yun, for example.

When Qiao Yan first arrived in Leping, Zhao Yun, then only fifteen or sixteen years old, had sought her out.

Now, three years later, he exuded the aura of a future commander.

Recently withdrawn from Zhiguan Pass by Qiao Yan, Zhao Yun had spent the past few days not needing to constantly guard against the Hedong bandits.

He appeared more spirited and alert.

Early engagements in small-scale warfare were essential for any aspiring famous general, honing their skills in breaking through enemy lines and defeating opponents.

Yet, Zhao Yun was clearly not someone who would recklessly rush into battle.

As Qiao Yan glanced over at him, she saw the young general Zhao Yun solemnly place a neatly bound notebook of county personnel records in front of her, looking as diligent as someone taking notes during a meeting.

Another person who mirrored his actions was Cai Yan.

Cai Yan had taken over the role of managing documents under Qiao Yan, a decision made after careful consideration.

She hadn’t anticipated being called upon to participate in planning attacks against the Hedong bandits.

However, as Qiao Yan had explained to her, holding a position meant actively contributing to practical matters.

Whether it was recording like a historian or analyzing discussions for insights, there was always something to be done.

If she remained behind the scenes, others would only know there was someone in charge of Qiao Yan’s paperwork, without knowing her true identity or character.

Was this what Cai Yan hoped for?

Certainly not!

If she aimed to support her sister as a strong backup, she needed to follow Qiao Yan’s example and not shy away from stepping into the spotlight.

Therefore, among the gathered attendees, she was also taking her role seriously,

Record all that Qiao Yan said.

However, she herself was just a little over ten years old now.

No matter how bright and intelligent she was, with a photographic memory, her height couldn’t keep pace with the growth of her knowledge, leaving her noticeably shorter among everyone.

At this moment, besides Chu Yan who was still engaging in guerrilla warfare with the White Wave bandits.

Qin Yu, who was responsible for agricultural affairs and did not participate in military meetings.

Cai Yong, who could only be considered an outsider to the cultural industry of Leping.

And Yang Xiu, who was still mourning for his Grandfather, everyone else had arrived here.

From Qiao Yan’s first glance, the spirit and demeanor shown by everyone undoubtedly reassured her about this battle.

She continued, “Among the four leaders of the Hedong bandits, Yang Feng is the strongest in strength, and his reputation is not inferior to Guo Tai.

Therefore, when people talk about the leader of the Hedong bandits, they always mention Yang Feng.

Moreover, under his command is a young commander named Xu Huang, who always acts cautiously and is a competent commander.

The few times where Chu Yan and Zilong failed were solely due to this person.”

“Compared to Yang Feng, Han Xian, Hu Cai, and Li Yue are much weaker in strength and have more bandit-like tendencies.

They invariably kill when raiding, just as I witnessed firsthand in the valley that day.”

“So, in your opinion, who should we target first in our attempt to eradicate the Hedong bandits?”

Xu Huang, who would later become a respected minister in the Cao Wei dynasty and one of the Five Great Generals, currently served under Yang Feng as a commander of the Hedong bandits.

Located near Bai Bo Valley, they could control a crucial pass in the Taihang Mountains, allowing raids into Bingzhou and surveillance of Hongnong and Luoyang.

If the imperial forces’ threats weren’t enough to intimidate him, he could expand into Anyi and other regions.

However, despite Bingzhou’s financial prosperity after avoiding locust plagues, he couldn’t benefit much from it.

Equipping his troops further compressed his living space.

Unbeknownst to him, in Le Ping, A meeting with Xi Zhicai, Cheng Li, Zhao Yun, and Dian Wei were gathering for a strategic meeting aimed against him.

After hearing Qiao Yan’s question and seeing Cheng Li’s hesitation, Xi Zhicai responded, “Lord, do you wish to eliminate all Hedong bandits, or control them like the Black Mountain Army?”

Qiao Yan asked, “What are the implications of each?”

Xi Zhicai replied, “If the former, we can surround, intercept, and burn them without restraint. If the latter, you must first exacerbate their internal conflicts above external threats. Of course, this doesn’t mean you won’t act, but you’ll need to use some finesse.”

As he spoke, he rose and, following Qiao Yan’s rough plans, placed five coins at four positions in Bai Bo Valley, a short distance apart, mimicking the strategic location Qiao Yan used.

“These are the leaders of the four bandit groups. While they currently fight independently, they also assist each other.

So, Lord, how can we provoke them to turn against each other when they face external threats?”

Qiao Yan then approached the sand table.

She still wore a crimson cloak from the morning journey through the mountains, which gave her a martial aura as she stood before the sand table.

After Xi Zhicai finished speaking, she scattered the dirt foundations under three of the coins and firmly pressed them onto the fourth coin.

She smiled and said, “Let’s make them seem closer.”

“Zilong, follow orders!”

CyyEmpire[Translator]

Hello Readers, I'm CyyEmpire translator of various Chinese Novel, I'm Thankful and Grateful for all the support i've receive from you guys.. Thank You!

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