Chapter 127: Relationships Within the Navy

As for Jiangdong, Liu Xie was not actually worried. He knew that while Jiangdong’s development had been rapid, it was nearing its limit. He had his reasons for saying so. In reality, a large portion of Jiangdong’s territory had been developed during Sun Ce’s lifetime; once it passed to his younger brother, Sun Quan, it had never truly expanded further.

Liu Xie believed Sun Ce’s time was running out because historical events were fast approaching. By his reckoning, it would be the year 200 AD in less than a few months. That year was destined to be filled with momentous events in history—the Battle of Guandu, famous throughout the Three Kingdoms period, would take place then. Furthermore, it was also the year Sun Ce would meet his end.

After traveling for more than ten days, Liu Xie returned to the capital at Xiangyang with his Wolf Shadow Guards. The civil and military officials gathered to welcome him, creating a grand spectacle.

"My esteemed ministers, tell me, how has our progress been over the past year?" Liu Xie asked, wearing his dragon robes, sitting at the head of the court with a faint smile.

Zhuge Liang was the first to step forward. "Your Majesty, after a year of consolidation, the two hundred thousand troops under Zhang Liao in Hanzhong have matured into a formidable fighting force. Liu Bei and his two brothers have also done an excellent job building up Wancheng. Furthermore, Gan Ning’s navy has been intensifying its training, though there have been frequent minor skirmishes with Jiangdong. Additionally, the strategic military outposts we established in Hanzhong, Jingzhou, Yizhou, and Nanyang are all functioning normally."

Zhuge Liang reported every detail meticulously. Liu Xie nodded with great satisfaction. "Excellent. It seems our troops, provisions, and the welfare of our people have all reached their peak. The situation in Jiaozhou has also stabilized, making it our most reliable rear resource base. It seems it is time for us to take action."

Upon hearing this, many generals grew eager. "Your Majesty, are we mobilizing? Let us strike at Jiangdong first. They have caused us no shortage of trouble over the past year."

Mention of Jiangdong stirred resentment among many present, as Sun Ce had been quite restless during the past year. Liu Xie waved his hand with a smile. "No need. I understand what Sun Ce is thinking. These so-called skirmishes are merely his attempts to probe our strength."

"Jiangdong wants to expand its influence and has already successfully taken Yangzhou and other regions. Jingzhou is a prize every warlord in the land covets, and Jiangdong is no exception. He creates these frictions simply to test our mettle. Haha, I believe he doesn't dare move against our Jingzhou just yet."

Indeed, Liu Xie had guessed Sun Ce’s intentions correctly. Historically, Jiangdong had occupied much of Jingzhou and had engaged in frequent conflicts with Liu Bei over it. The situation was similar now, but with one crucial difference: Liu Xie was not Liu Bei; he was not so easily bullied.

"Moreover, we don't need to worry about Jiangdong. I guarantee that Sun Ce will not live for another six months," Liu Xie declared with immense confidence.

The officials looked at one another in disbelief. Truth be told, they did not entirely believe him. Sun Ce was known as the "Little Conqueror," possessed great strength, and was currently at the height of his power. How could he possibly die within six months?

Seeing their skepticism, Liu Xie offered no explanation, only a faint smile. "Very well, let us continue to consolidate for another six months. After the new year, we shall take action."

After speaking with everyone for a long time, Liu Xie dismissed the court, leaving only himself and Zhuge Liang.

"Your Majesty, you mentioned we would do something after the new year. Could it be that you are still thinking about the situation at Guandu?" Zhuge Liang knew Liu Xie had long harbored a desire to intervene in the Battle of Guandu. They had analyzed it before and knew there were many obstacles, and since Liu Xie had just rejected the proposal to attack Jiangdong, Zhuge Liang was unsure of the Emperor’s true intentions.

"Indeed, I must participate in the events at Guandu. And when the time comes, I shall take only the Wolf Shadow Guards. Kongming, there is no need to dissuade me; you know I am determined to go."

Zhuge Liang had intended to advise against such a journey, as traveling so far with only the Wolf Shadow Guards was incredibly dangerous. Yet, he knew that just as Liu Xie said, no matter how he persuaded him, the Emperor would not listen.

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang ceased his efforts.

"Kongming, while I was away this past year, has there been any situation regarding the navy?" Liu Xie asked after a moment of thought.

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly, confused, but soon realized what Liu Xie meant. "Your Majesty, are you referring to the interpersonal relationships within the navy?" Zhuge Liang asked cautiously.

Liu Xie nodded slightly. That was exactly what he meant.

"The navy is commanded by Gan Ning, Wen Pin, and Huang Zu. However, the situation between the three of them is quite delicate. When Liu Biao governed Jingzhou, Huang Zu held a very high position. But Gan Ning and Wen Pin were different—they were not given significant responsibility under Liu Biao. In particular, Gan Ning was once a subordinate of Huang Zu. Now, Gan Ning has become the Grand Admiral of the Navy, and even Wen Pin stands on equal footing with Huang Zu. How do you think Huang Zu feels about that?"

Zhuge Liang nodded continuously as Liu Xie spoke. "You are correct, Your Majesty. I am indeed aware of this. Huang Zu’s attitude is indeed problematic, but I felt it was not a major issue, which is why I did not report it to you."

Liu Xie, however, knew very well that this was no trivial matter. It might seem minor now, but it could lead to great trouble in the future. Historically, Gan Ning and Wen Pin had defected to Jiangdong precisely because they were not valued by Liu Biao. Now that Huang Zu found himself suppressed by his former subordinates—and given that the Huang family held significant influence in Jingzhou—it was easy to imagine his deep resentment.

"Exactly. While Huang Zu possesses considerable talent, Gan Ning and Wen Pin are no less capable. It seems we must rearrange the command of the navy."