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Sun Jian had gradually cooled from his initial excitement over obtaining the title of general and began to think more carefully. However, the more he pondered, the more discontent he grew.
Yes, Yuan Shu had indeed kept his promise—he hadn't gone back on his word. He had petitioned the court to grant Sun Jian the title of "General Who Conquers the Caitiffs" ('Polu Jiangjun') and even tacked on an additional appointment as Inspector of Yu Province ('Yuzhou Cishi').
On the surface, it seemed like a great deal. But in reality, it was about as useful as a chicken rib—tasteless to eat but a pity to throw away.
Let's set aside the "General Who Conquers the Caitiffs" for now and focus on the freebie—the Inspector of Yu Province.
During the Eastern Han, Yu Province was a first-tier administrative region. Its seat of governance was in Qiao County, overseeing two commanderies—Yingchuan and Runan—as well as four feudal states: Liang, Pei, Chen, and Lu.
But when Sun Jian soberly considered these territories, he realized something: 'Which of these places would actually listen to him?'
'None.'
Take Runan Commandery—whose turf was that?
It was the ancestral stronghold of the Yuan family. Since the days of Yuan An, the Yuans had held the highest offices in the land, and their network of protégés and former subordinates was vast. A mere Inspector of Yu Province? Ha! If Sun Jian dared to set foot in Runan, it was unclear who would be giving orders to whom.
As for Yingchuan Commandery? Forget about it. It was a gathering place for powerful clans. If Sun Jian tried to throw his weight around there, the great Confucian scholars would tear him apart until not even scraps remained.
And the four feudal states—Liang, Pei, Chen, and Lu?
Those were the Liu family's private estates, each managed by a Chancellor. There was no room for Sun Jian to interfere.
Moreover, Yu Province's administrative center was Qiao County, where the Inspector's office was located. But where was Sun Jian now?
'In Nanyang Commandery, in Jingxiang!'
And Qiao County, his supposed seat of governance, was within Pei State. If he actually tried to take up his post, he'd have to abandon most of his troops—at best, he could bring only Zu Mao, Cheng Pu, Han Dang, and Huang Gai, along with a token force. If he marched in with a large army without justification, he'd be no different from the Zhang brothers of the Yellow Turban Rebellion—branded a rebel.
Now, about that "General Who Conquers the Caitiffs" title—
Yes, it was a general's rank, but it was also a 'miscellaneous general' ('zahao jiangjun').
What was a miscellaneous general?
In essence, it was an honorary military title with little real authority.
His specific title, "Conqueror of Caitiffs," referred to northern tribes like the Qiang and Xianbei. If he were stationed in the north, it might carry some weight. But here in Nanyang? 'What "caitiffs" was he supposed to conquer?'
Changsha was no longer an option either. Though he had been its Governor, leaving his post meant relinquishing the position. And now that he was Inspector of Yu Province, how could he return to Changsha under that title?
'Trapped between a rock and a hard place.'
Should he confront Yuan Shu about it?
'What could he even say?'
Yuan Shu had delivered on his promise—not only granting him a generalship but even throwing in an extra appointment.
Couldn't control people or territory?
The official seal was in Sun Jian's hands. What more did he want? For Yuan Shu to govern on his behalf? Yuan Shu already held the higher-ranked title of General of the Rear ('Hou Jiangjun'). Even if he didn't, Sun Jian would be a laughingstock—'an official who needed someone else to manage his duties?'
But dragging things out wasn't a solution either. With Changsha's supplies cut off, Sun Jian now relied entirely on Nanyang's resources—all of which were firmly in Yuan Shu's grip.
At this thought, Sun Jian nearly erupted in fury. But he knew that no amount of cursing would change his situation, so he clenched his teeth and swallowed his rage.
Never before had Sun Jian so desperately craved his own territory—a place where he could truly stretch his limbs.
Changsha had been too small. Nanyang was vast, but his throat was in Yuan Shu's grasp—even a full meal depended on the man's whims.
'Hmph!'
'Was I the kind to beg for scraps? Even if there was no path forward, he would carve one out himself!'
His thoughts turned to Jingxiang, a region he knew well. Liu Biao had only recently taken Xiangyang, and his control didn't extend far. If Sun Jian could...
Just then, a soldier reported that Yuan Shu had summoned him for discussions.
When Sun Jian met Yuan Shu, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of disdain. The man was the epitome of a pampered noble—obsessed with luxury, outwardly elegant, but inwardly scheming.
Yuan Shu, clad in resplendent robes, greeted Sun Jian warmly. After some small talk, he got to the point.
"General Sun, what are your thoughts on the current state of the court?"
"I am but a crude man from the hinterlands. What insights could I have? What does the General of the Rear propose?" Sun Jian replied neutrally.
Yuan Shu had expected this. He hadn't really wanted Sun Jian's opinion—he merely sought to cloak his own ambitions in righteousness.
Thus, he launched into a passionate speech: "The court is corrupt, overrun by traitors..."
Yuan Shu wasn't afraid of Sun Jian's reaction. If Sun Jian agreed, all well and good. If not? 'Sun Jian's entire army relied on him for supplies. A single squeeze, and they'd starve within three days.'
Recently, Yuan Shu had received a letter from Qiao Mao, Governor of Dong Commandery, revealing that the Inspector of Yanzhou and Yuan Shao were secretly plotting 'to oppose Dong Zhuo.'
'Oppose Dong Zhuo!'
So that was Yuan Shao's game!
Yuan Shu had been fretting over his own territorial woes. Though he controlled Nanyang, his official title was General of the Rear—not Governor of Nanyang or Inspector of Jing Province. It lacked legitimacy.
He had initially eyed Jingxiang to the south, but Qiao Mao's letter opened his eyes. 'Why focus on that chaotic backwater?'
'If he raised an army under the banner of opposing Dong Zhuo, he could march north, seize the court, and claim the fertile lands of Henei and Luoyang.'
Wouldn't that be infinitely better than some remote corner?
Thus, Yuan Shu had sent a swift rider to Qiao Mao, instructing him to forge a decree from the Three Excellencies, denouncing Dong Zhuo's crimes and calling for righteous troops to save the emperor.
Meanwhile, he summoned Sun Jian, intending to use his forces to seize real gains.
After all, Yuan Shu knew Sun Jian 'hungered for territory' as badly as he did. This was a win-win. And with Sun Jian's lifeline in his hands, refusal wasn't an option.
Sure enough, Sun Jian didn't hesitate. He immediately pledged to serve as the vanguard in the campaign against Dong Zhuo.
Yuan Shu feigned delight, helping Sun Jian to his feet. As the two exchanged smiles, their eyes betrayed the same 'burning desire for land.'
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A/N: Sun Jian's campaign against Dong Zhuo has been slightly adjusted in timing, but it's no big deal.
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