Chapter 31: Well played, Li Ziyu, you were waiting for me here.

Of the five commanderies in Xuzhou, only Langya, Guangling, and Donghai border the sea. As for Xiapi, where Chen Deng’s family resides, it happens to be landlocked.

Just moments ago, Li Yi had described the sea bream so vividly that Chen Deng’s appetite was piqued, his mouth watering at the thought. Given his family’s influence in Xuzhou, surely they could procure this fish despite being inland?

"I shall send men to Guangling to buy some sea bream from the fishermen," Chen Deng suggested. "When they return, you and I shall share it. How does that sound?"

"Oh, no, that simply won't do!" Li Yi quickly interjected. "Sea bream are fierce by nature and die the moment they leave the water. Sashimi must be fresh; by the time it is transported from Guangling to Xiapi, the journey is too long and arduous, and the taste would be inferior even to river fish. Would that not be a waste of such a delicacy?"

*Hmm.* That seemed to make sense...

"What a pity," Chen Deng sighed, his face filled with genuine regret. "My family’s estate is here in Xiapi, and I hold the post of Colonel of Agriculture. I cannot easily leave home. I suppose I shall have to wait until I have some leisure time to visit Guangling and taste the freshness of this fish for myself."

Li Yi sensed the time was right. He rose immediately and bowed to Chen Deng. "Congratulations, sir. I have come here today specifically to offer my felicitations to Yuanlong."

Chen Deng became instantly wary. "What felicitations could I possibly have?"

"The Governor has already drafted a memorial to the Imperial Court, recommending you for the post of Administrator of Guangling. From now on, you will be able to enjoy sea bream sashimi whenever you wish. Is that not worth celebrating?"

*Well, I’ll be!*

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng stood up from his chair in shock, staring at Li Yi in disbelief. *You crafty Li Ziyu, so this is where you were setting your trap for me!*

Ordinarily, when Li Yi announced his recommendation for the post of Administrator, Chen Deng might not have grasped the political implications instantly. But in that moment, he realized this was the true purpose of Li Yi’s visit. It was a ploy—everything was a ploy.

Chen Deng felt as if an innocent man had just been played for a fool. His earlier lack of composure was unlike him. It was only because Li Yi had spent the entire time since entering the door chatting about his personal hobbies rather than politics, causing Chen Deng to lower his guard. Li Yi had suddenly dropped a bombshell, catching him off balance.

"Rather than standing by the deep pool and longing for fish, it is better to go home and weave a net," Li Yi said, his expression as calm as still water. "Does Yuanlong not wish to go and taste that sea bream?"

Chen Deng’s eyes narrowed. He said in a deep voice, "Ziyu, your words seem to carry a hidden meaning."

Li Yi was prepared for this response. "Yuanlong, why not sit back down and allow me to explain the stakes?"

Chen Deng bowed his hands, murmured "Pardon my rudeness," and sat back down, pulling his robes around him.

"Of the five commanderies of Xuzhou, Guangling is the most significant. Since the death of Administrator Zhao Yu, it has been seized by Yuan Shu. That man is petty and vindictive, lacking the spirit of a hero. The people of Guangling despise serving him. Moreover, Yuan Shu has proclaimed himself the overseer of Yangzhou and claims the title of Earl of Xuzhou; his ambition to swallow Xuzhou is clear to all. Therefore, the Governor hopes that you, Yuanlong, will take command of Guangling to threaten Yuan Shu’s flank. After all... you would not wish to see Yuan Shu get his hands on Xuzhou, would you?"

Sometimes, sincerity is the best political tool. Li Yi’s explanation was devoid of circumlocution; he laid it out plainly: he wanted the Chen family to help them fight Yuan Shu. He knew that with a clever man like Chen Deng, there was no need for riddles. One only needed to clarify the risks and rewards; the man cared more about the fate of Xuzhou than he did.

Chen Deng remained silent, his expression grave. It was clear he was struggling with whether to gamble his family’s future by going to Guangling to fight the "Skeletal King." The threat from Yuan Shu was real, and the very reason the noble clans of Xuzhou had welcomed Liu Bei was to prevent such a man from taking control. But the foundation of the Yuan family was strong, and Liu Bei hoped to see the Chen and Yuan families exhaust each other so he could reap the benefits—a strategy Chen Deng understood perfectly.

The stakes were too high for an immediate answer.

"So it was you, Master Li, who recommended me. I am truly humbled," Chen Deng said. "However, this is a matter of great importance, and I cannot decide lightly. May I consult with my father when he returns and give you an answer then?"

*Hahaha...* Li Yi laughed aloud. This Chen Yuanlong certainly had character; once he realized he had been lured into a trap, he changed his address to "Master." It was a sudden shift to formality. Li Yi understood and grinned, "That is fine. I am sure your father will be proud to hear of your promotion."

*You little rascal...* Chen Deng muttered to himself. *Do I have to thank you for this? You completely avoid mentioning that you want our family to be your shield. All talk of principles, but all you care about is the transaction.*

Li Yi was truly a sharp operator. Yet, Chen Deng understood why someone so young could serve as Liu Bei’s advisor; his mind was indeed meticulous. Even Chen Deng had been caught off guard, leading to his brief lapse in composure.

"Xuzhou belongs to the people of Xuzhou, and my lord is the master of Xuzhou," Li Yi said, his tone suddenly serious. "Yuan Shu has long coveted this land, and everything my lord does is to protect it. I hope you can prioritize what is urgent and act in the greater interest."

This was a reminder that Liu Bei and the great clans of Xuzhou were in the same boat. They would rise or fall together. In helping Liu Bei, were they not also helping themselves?

Chen Deng grew thoughtful. Li Yi continued, "Do you remember what I said earlier? 'Rather than longing for fish at the pool, go home and weave a net.' Guangling was once a land of abundance, but the wars of the past two years have left the fields barren and the people displaced. You once served as Colonel of Agriculture; I have heard of how you analyzed the soil and utilized irrigation to accumulate great wealth for Xuzhou. I am filled with admiration. A man of your extraordinary talents should not be confined to a thicket of thorns. Look up—a vast world awaits you!"

Appealing to emotion and reasoning with logic: this was Li Yi’s standard way of dealing with people, but it was also his honest sentiment. As a master of strategy, administration, and diplomacy, Chen Deng was truly wasted in a minor post in Xiapi. Guangling was perfect for him—it offered room for development and a strategic location.

Just as Li Yi was about to take his leave, Chen Deng’s body suddenly swayed, and he cried out, "Ugh!"