Chapter 84: The Poisonous Plot (Seeking Recommendations)

Wei Nan hurriedly spoke, “I have already apologized to the general in advance. What I said was entirely to lull the Jin army into complacency.”

“Hmph, I believe that’s exactly what you truly think.” Deputy General Huang Guangxing sneered, his long-standing displeasure with Wei Nan evident. At the root of it was jealousy—Wei Nan’s rising status at Liu Qi’s side had made Huang Guangxing feel deeply threatened in his position as left deputy general.

Of course, Huang Guangxing looked down on Wei Nan, considering him nothing more than a bookish scholar skilled with words, but believing that real warfare and enemy killing required men of martial prowess like himself. He was constantly seeking an opportunity to trouble Wei Nan, but the scholar was cautious and always mindful of his conduct, knowing full well he was unpopular among the military officers. His words this time were for the sake of defeating the enemy.

In truth, Wei Nan’s statement was highly risky. There was already widespread skepticism outside about Liu Qi’s appointment as General Who Guards the South. As Wei Nan had just mentioned, many believed Liu Qi had won the position through flattery, and such rumors persisted.

“General, I trust your judgment.” Wei Nan did not argue with Huang Guangxing; he understood the man’s dislike and saw no need to explain himself, turning instead to Liu Qi.

Liu Qi waved his hand, laughing heartily, “I wish I were related to His Majesty in some way, but sadly this old man has no such fortune. Since the emperor values these old bones, I cannot betray his favor. We must win this battle. As for what outsiders say, let them talk—their mouths are their own.”

Wei Nan knew Liu Qi was not one to hold grudges over such matters, which was why he dared speak as he did. Hearing the general’s response, Wei Nan breathed a sigh of relief and continued, “General, my words were meant to deceive Wan Yanchang.”

Liu Qi nodded, “I understand, strategist. Is there anything else you need to instruct? I will see it done at once.” He was genuinely anxious, worried the Jin army would soon surround Shunchang City.

Wei Nan shook his head, “There is nothing else.”

Huang Guangxing smirked, “I wonder if your words to the Jin army will have any effect.”

“If the Jin army believes the general to be such a man, they will surely underestimate us. Arrogance leads to defeat, and our chances of victory will increase.”

“Hah! You speak as if it were the truth,” Huang Guangxing mocked.

Liu Qi glared at Huang Guangxing and reproved him, “Do not speak rashly. Let the strategist continue.”

Wei Nan hesitated for a moment before continuing, “General, you might send another envoy to the Jin camp, inviting Wan Yanchang to face us at the gates of Shunchang City. Tell them to hurry, as we have already built three wooden bridges by the river, waiting to trap them all at once.”

“Wooden bridges? Are you saying we should build bridges for the Jin army?” Huang Guangxing asked.

Wei Nan nodded.

“Strategist Wei, you seem more like a spy sent by the Jin. The Jin army must be worried we’ll ambush them while they build their pontoon bridges, so now you would have us build their bridges for them!” Huang Guangxing sneered. “Speak—are you a spy from the Jin?”

“I, Wei Nan, am a subject of Song, not a Jin spy. I beg the general’s discernment.” Wei Nan turned quickly to Liu Qi.

Liu Qi glared at Huang Guangxing, “When the strategist is speaking, do not interrupt.”

Huang Guangxing protested, “General, it’s just that the strategist’s words are difficult for the brothers to trust.”

Liu Qi glanced around at the assembled officers, noting their skepticism, and then asked, “Strategist, what is the purpose of building the pontoon bridges?”

Wei Nan explained, “Building the pontoon bridges is the key to our victory over the Jin army.” He paused, then leaned close to Liu Qi and whispered, “General, this matter must be kept secret. The fewer who know, the better. My plan is to poison the river.”

Liu Qi was startled—he had not expected Wei Nan to resort to poison. But how would it be done? Poison the river itself? Even if they did, how could they guarantee the Jin army would drink the water?

Liu Qi, full of questions, looked at Wei Nan, who gave him a reassuring look and said nothing more. It was not something to discuss openly, especially with Huang Guangxing targeting Wei Nan.

At this moment, Liu Qi chose to trust Wei Nan unconditionally. With a sweep of his hand, he declared, “Do as the strategist says.”

“But General!” Huang Guangxing wanted to protest, but Liu Qi cut him off.

“This is a military order. Carry it out!” Liu Qi commanded.

Hearing this, Huang Guangxing knew there was no changing the decision. He could only glare at Wei Nan and lead his men to construct the pontoon bridges.

Once the others had departed, only Wei Nan and Liu Qi remained in the general’s tent. Liu Qi asked the question burning in his mind, “Strategist, you mean to poison the river?”

Wei Nan nodded, “This must be handled by absolutely trustworthy men, and the timing must be precise—not too early, not too late, or it will have no effect.”

“But strategist, how can you ensure the Jin army will drink from the river?” Liu Qi asked.

“That’s simple. Even if the soldiers do not drink, their horses certainly will. Poisoning is mainly to target the Jin cavalry’s steeds,” Wei Nan explained. “The Jin’s greatest strength is their cavalry. Without it, it’s as if they’ve lost an arm. Victory will be assured!”

Liu Qi nodded in agreement. Wei Nan was right—the Jin army had tens of thousands of cavalry, and so many horses could only drink from the Yellow River. This plan was feasible.

Once the Jin cavalry was gone, only infantry would remain, and the Song army could lead their own cavalry in a charge, surely defeating the Jin.

“Strategist, your plan is brilliant! With this, the Jin army will surely be defeated!” Liu Qi exclaimed joyfully.

Wei Nan nodded, “The key is to send loyal and reliable men to poison the river upstream.” He paused and added, “The general must also warn the army and the townspeople not to drink from the river under any circumstances.”