"My lord, do not worry. This is actually a perfect opportunity for you to rise to power," Fa Zheng replied after a moment's thought, being one of the top strategists of the Three Kingdoms.
He was also the one who made Liu Bei say, "If Xiaozhi were here, we certainly wouldn't have suffered the defeat at the Battle of Yiling." Fa Zheng's strategic and tactical vision was unique; he was a qualified, top-tier strategist.
Given Lu Ming's status, position, and reputation, if it weren't for using Fa Zheng's mother, Chen Rong, and sister, Fa Shu, as leverage, Fa Zheng probably wouldn't even give Lu Ming a second glance. Such a person was utterly worthless, not even suitable for a wise ruler!
"Oh? What do you mean by that, Xiaozhi?" Lu Ming rarely consulted Fa Zheng on strategic matters, always sticking to his own ideas. Now, encountering a tough opponent, he had no choice but to change his approach.
Fa Zheng rose, producing a large map marked with mountains, rivers, and roads. It was clear he had drawn it himself, using the workshop to produce extra-large sheets of paper. "My lord," he said, "the plague is currently in Anding County, precisely between Longxi County and Chang'an. If you were to be promoted to Governor of Liangzhou, you would have the power to command the Liangzhou army and government. You could then send troops to Anding County to control the spread of the refugees, identify the sick, and recruit them as farmers to support yourselves. Jincheng County is where Han Sui is located, and Wuwei County is where Ma Teng is. The remaining rebel forces are scattered across Beidi County, Anding County, Zhangye County, and Jiuquan County, and are not a major concern."
"I have three strategies for you to choose from," he continued. "First, under the guise of treating and suppressing the plague, we can persuade the wealthy merchants and powerful families of Chang'an and the Three Auxiliary Regions to contribute money and grain to prepare for the army. Focus on stabilizing the plague in Anding County, cultivate good relations with Ma Teng and Han Sui, and observe the situation." "The change is developing in Longxi."
"Secondly, regardless of the plague in Anding County, return to Longxi, clear out bandits, establish military farms, and develop military strength. Adopt a strategy of distant alliances and close attacks, befriend Ma Teng, attack Han Sui, and gradually take over Liangzhou by targeting Yang Qiu, Ma Wan, Zhang Heng, and others. The plague in Anding County only needs to be controlled to prevent its spread."
"Thirdly, have the powerful and wealthy merchants of Chang'an and the Three Auxiliary Regions contribute money and grain to clear the plague while developing Longxi as a base. Adopt a strategy of distant alliances and close attacks, abandoning Ma Teng and Han Sui, and annexing and eliminating other rebel leaders. This plan is extremely difficult, and our army is insufficient to fight on two fronts. It is already difficult enough for Mr. Wenhe to maintain the situation in Longxi. The decision rests with our lord."
In essence, it's a simple three-way choice: either focus on the plague in Anding County, fulfill the court's mission, and use this to coerce the powerful and wealthy merchants into contributing money and effort; or focus on developing Longxi County, ignoring the fate of Anding County. Or perhaps one must grasp both aspects firmly.
However, doing so is extremely difficult, as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Lu Ming's eyes flickered upon hearing this. The powerful clans and influential families absolutely had to be eliminated.
Otherwise, even if he became emperor in the future, he would be hampered by them.
The powerful clans only had influence in their localities, while only through cultural accumulation and development could they cultivate into aristocratic families.
These aristocratic families, through generations of effort, had already established their wealth and connections.
They possessed far-reaching influence; to deal with them would mean being surrounded and annihilated.
And once he lost the help of the powerful clans and aristocratic families, he would face immense difficulties, even struggling to recruit talent.
Moreover, these aristocratic families were like ancient media organizations; they controlled public opinion in how their reputation was spread.
Once their reputation was tarnished, it was very difficult to reverse.
Therefore, making a decision was indeed quite challenging.
"Longxi needs development, and Anding County needs to be rid of the plague. Once the plague is eradicated, Anding County will be mine for the taking. Although Liangzhou is harsh and cold, once we take it, occupy the Three Auxiliary Regions and Chang'an, and control Hangu Pass, we can block the advance of the Guandong warlords. Then we can take Hanzhong, and then Sichuan—a thousand miles of fertile land, a land of abundance. With that, we can either conquer the world or become a warlord." A determined glint flashed in Lu Ming's eyes. Every undertaking is difficult at the beginning; once he takes Liangzhou, he will have the foundation to conquer the world.
To take Liangzhou, he must deal with the various rebel leaders there, and the key lies in Longxi and Anding counties. With a solid base, he will have sufficient strength.
Fa Zheng was not surprised at all. Even though Lu Ming's words sounded somewhat treasonous, it was all an unspoken understanding.
The fate of the Han Dynasty was almost sealed; it was just one step away from its end.
Only those no longer in Luoyang knew that the Han dynasty was now teetering on the brink of collapse.
Having such thoughts wasn't wrong, but for now, restraint was necessary.
"In that case, my lord, why not issue a widespread proclamation declaring this the will of the court and that I am acting in accordance with the law? This way, whether it's getting powerful families to contribute money and effort or offering assistance, it's a case of diplomacy before force." Fa Zheng himself had no solution to the plague, and in fact, he had none.
"My lord, it's just that I have no good ideas about the plague."
"That's alright. I already have a plan in mind. Now everything is ready except for the final push." Lu Ming was in high spirits and pulled Fa Zheng to drink with him.
After they were drunk, he sent Fa Zheng back.
He then went to Diao Chan's room with a lewd grin, intending to indulge this charming young woman.
Meanwhile, at the Yuan family residence.
Yuan Kui received Yuan Shu and Yuan Ji in his bedroom. "Please sit down. You must both have doubts, right?"
Yuan Shu, unable to contain his impatience, complained, "Uncle, is there any harm in cooperating with Lu Ming? By targeting Lu Ming like this, talented people won't pledge allegiance to the Yuan family in the future."
While other powerful clans didn't possess the overwhelming power of the Yuan family, they were still first-rate clans. The Xun family of Yingchuan, the Wang family of Langya, the Cai family of Jingzhou, the Huang family of Jingnan, and so on, were all local strongmen, no less powerful than the Yuan family.
The Yuan family's influence extended across the land, affecting other prefectures and counties, while the local strongmen were the main force. The Yuan family was merely a minor player, their advantage lying in their widespread influence.
Actually, there was another reason for Yuan Shu's displeasure. He had just found an ally, and his uncle had turned around and put Lu Ming in such a precarious position. Wasn't this a slap in the face?
Or had things come to this point—openly revealing all their cards—in order to help Yuan Shao?
Seeing Yuan Shu's impatience and lack of composure, Yuan Kui felt a sense of disappointment compared to Yuan Shao's calmness, which was understandable.