I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 39 A Show of Force

Deng Zhi traveled to Jianye with only fifty guards in three small warships.

Among the ships of Eastern Wu that appeared on the river were not only warships and yachts, but also a five-story ship in the center.

The sheer scale of the event shocked the Shu Han soldiers.

"Is Eastern Wu going to become our enemy?"

Chen Hu was greatly alarmed and immediately ordered everyone to be on high alert.

He was just a minor general in Yizhou, and the last time he traveled by boat was in a small boat to go down the river to intercept and kill Huang Yuan. He had never seen such a naval force before.

Deng Zhi, however, said calmly, "Don't worry about them. Let's continue our journey by boat as usual. Don't panic."

Before the mission, the Prime Minister's office had already sent an official document to Eastern Wu, which stated the mission's departure time and itinerary.

Upon receiving the document, Eastern Wu should send someone to receive it, as this is a matter of diplomatic etiquette.

If Eastern Wu were to engage in armed conflict, it would undoubtedly be a direct declaration of war against Shu Han.

As the two ships drew closer, Zong Yu strode to the bow and called out loudly, "The Han envoys Deng Zhi and Zong Yu are here on imperial orders to travel to Jianye. Who are you?"

Zong Yu's voice was as loud as a bell, spreading throughout the vast Yangtze River basin.

After a while, the ship opposite responded: "Lord Wuhu, General Xu Sheng of Dong'an, has come to welcome the envoy of the Great Han Dynasty on the orders of Lord Wu."

Seeing that the other ship had slowed down, Zong Yu jumped off the bow and came to Deng Zhi.

"Your Excellency, Xu Sheng's visit is clearly intended to intimidate us."

Xu Sheng, a famous general of Eastern Wu, fought bravely in the Battle of Yiling and the Battle of Ruxukou, and was commended by Sun Quan.

Now, I have led the Eastern Wu navy here, ostensibly to welcome them, but in reality to display the might of the Eastern Wu navy.

Deng Zhi said, "We are envoys of the Great Han Dynasty. What do we, a mere navy, have to fear? Come with me to take a look."

After saying this, he climbed to the bow of the ship, supported by Zong Yu, Chen Hu, and Zheng Chuo, and stood facing the wind.

The central ship is majestic and imposing. From a distance, it appears heavily guarded, with spears and flags arrayed on board, resembling a mobile fortress on the water.

"I had long heard that Eastern Wu had more than 5,000 warships of various sizes, and this tower ship could carry 3,000 soldiers. Seeing it today, I can see that it truly lives up to its reputation," Zong Yu exclaimed in amazement.

Although the warships were magnificent, naval warfare relied more on battleships and fighting vessels.

The hull of the rammed boat was covered with raw cowhide, making it an "armored ship" capable of withstanding arrow and stone attacks, and it was often used for ramming.

The fighting ship only had one cabin on the deck, and the hull was not as tall as the multi-story ship. The sides of the ship were equipped with bastions, and soldiers could hide behind them to fire arrows.

During the late Han Dynasty, the navy combined these two types of warships, which could carry hundreds of people and could also serve as floating fortresses to defend waterways when moored, making them even more powerful warships.

The same type of warship that Zhou Yu used to burn the Red Cliffs was used in the Battle of Red Cliffs.

There is also the small boat that Deng Zhi and others are currently riding in.

This is a relatively fast light warship with a dozen or so soldiers on board who both row and carry weapons. It is mainly used for harassing enemy forces and for guerrilla warfare by taking advantage of its mobility and flexibility.

Although Deng Zhi and his guards saw the strength of the Wu army, the oarsmen were all experienced and did not lose their composure. They maintained their formation and followed the Wu warships.

After the boat docked, Deng Zhi and others arrived in a small boat, where a general was already waiting on the shore.

"Xu Sheng came to welcome the envoy from the Han Dynasty on the orders of the Marquis of Wu."

Speaking of Xu Sheng, he's quite a ruthless person.

After the Battle of Yiling, Liu Bei fled to Baidi City. Xu Sheng and others submitted a memorial to continue the attack, believing that they could capture Liu Bei alive.

If Lu Xun hadn't been worried about Cao Pi launching a sneak attack from behind and ordered a halt to the pursuit, they might have actually fought Liu Bei to the death again.

Deng Zhi had long heard of this man's honesty and bravery, and today's meeting confirmed his extraordinary character.

"Thank you for your trouble, General Xu."

As an envoy, Deng Zhi spoke with neither servility nor arrogance, and his words were concise and clear, displaying the demeanor of a renowned scholar.

"Please go to the guesthouse and rest for a while. After I report back to Lord Wu, an attendant will come to take you to see him."

This statement is quite provocative.

According to the established rites, Shu Han was the legitimate successor of the Han Dynasty, while Sun Quan was merely a regional lord. When a lower state welcomes an envoy from a higher state, it should send a trusted minister or a person of high status to receive him, not just a mere eunuch.

Zong Yu immediately said sternly, "We have come here on the orders of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty. Lord Wu should receive us according to diplomatic etiquette and should not be negligent."

Upon hearing this, Xu Sheng's expression changed abruptly. He was a military general, not a civil official, and did not understand the intricacies of diplomatic etiquette. Zong Yu's use of power to intimidate him made him furious.

"I am only following orders and know nothing else. You all must be tired from your journey, so please get some rest."

After uttering those cold words, Xu Sheng turned and left.

Zong Yu was about to get angry when Deng Zhi stopped him.

"Deyan, don't be hasty. Let's see what they're up to first."

After Deng Zhi and his party settled down, Xu Sheng returned to the general's mansion to report back.

"Lord Wu, the envoys of the Han Dynasty have all settled in the guesthouse to rest."

Sun Quan was discussing this matter with several trusted ministers when Xu Sheng stormed in. After he sat down, Sun Quan asked, "Wenxiang, what has made you angry?"

"Lord Wu, that envoy, relying on his status as a Han envoy, arrogantly demanded to see you. This humble general couldn't stand it; what's with this defeated general being so cocky?"

A burst of laughter immediately erupted from inside the hall.

"Cao Pi has become emperor, and Liu Shan is now confined to Yizhou. The fate of the Han dynasty is sealed. If the Marquis of Wu were to ascend the throne of Jin at this time, it would appease the hearts of the people of Jiangdong."

Sun Quan listened to Lu Xun's words but did not reply; instead, he smiled without saying a word.

It wasn't that he didn't want to be emperor, but he feared that Cao Wei wouldn't accept him, and the time wasn't right.

"Deng Zhi has come here because he fears that Cao Wei and our Eastern Wu will join forces to attack Shu, and he has come to persuade us. What are your thoughts?"

As soon as Sun Quan finished speaking, Lu Xun said, "Lord Wu, I believe we should first agree to Cao Pi's request, prepare our troops, and then observe the situation. If the Wei army attacks Shu, our army can march straight to Chengdu by water."

"If Cao Pi cannot win, we will discuss it further."

Lu Xun's meaning was crystal clear: Eastern Wu wanted to sit back and watch the two tigers fight, waiting for the right moment to act.

His plan was approved by those present.

Xu Sheng said, "This plan is excellent. Cao Pi previously sent troops ostensibly to support our attack on Liu Bei, but in reality, it was a sneak attack. We must be wary of this."

Because of Cao Wei's wolfish ambitions, Xu Sheng missed a golden opportunity to capture Liu Bei alive, and he often felt regretful.

If the Wei army were to attack again at this time, they would surely be killed.

This also shows that Shu Han, having lost Jingzhou, was no longer Cao Wei's main target.

Zhang Zhao said, "Lord Wu, our Eastern Wu should form an alliance with Cao Pi and divide Yizhou among ourselves. Otherwise, if we anger Cao Pi, he might turn around and attack our Eastern Wu, which would be a greater loss than gain."

This leader, who had been leading the attack, had always been afraid of the Wei army since Cao Cao's southward invasion and conquest of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Whenever Cao Wei exerted pressure, he would show weakness.

The same thing happened with Cao Cao's son, Cao Pi.

"Therefore, Lord Wu, we must not be swayed by Deng Zhi and abandon Wei to ally with Han."

Seeing that his ministers were of one mind, Sun Quan nodded after thinking it over and said, "What you all say is very much to my liking. I want to form an alliance with Wei and cut off Shu."

"Pass down the order: if we do not see any Han officials for the next few days, let them wait and see to dampen their spirits."