Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Life is Like a Play, It All Depends on Acting
Wang Yan didn't hesitate upon hearing the news and headed towards the Han army camp with Zhao Yun and Zhou Cang. He thought as he walked, "According to historical events, Huangfu Song will be appointed as the governor of Jizhou later. I should build a good relationship with him, especially since my father is the current governor of Jizhou. We will undoubtedly cross paths often in the future. This should also be a good opportunity to solidify my story."
Upon entering the tent, Wang Yan saw a group of imposing men. A tall man with large ears appeared somewhat shorter than the others. But there was someone even shorter—a slightly stout general in his thirties with dark skin, narrow eyes, and a long beard. He had an almost treacherous appearance, but his gaze was sharp.
"Who is this?" Wang Yan scanned the crowd and then focused on Huangfu Song, who sat in the main seat. Huangfu Song had a resolute face, deep eyes, broad shoulders, and a sturdy build, exuding a powerful presence. An old general, indeed. Apart from He Jin, who was defending Luoyang, Huangfu Song was the most powerful military figure of the time.
Though Wang Yan's presence had dimmed Huangfu Song's glory on the Jizhou battlefield, his achievement in quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Yingchuan still made him renowned throughout the land. However, Wang Yan could only describe him with three words: Regret, regret, regret.
Historically, Huangfu Song had three chances to turn the tide and change the chaotic situation of the Eastern Han Dynasty, but he failed to seize any of them. He hesitated, hesitated, and hesitated again, missing every opportunity to save the dynasty.
While Lu Zhi's unfortunate timing was lamentable, Huangfu Song's wasted potential was truly regrettable. A brilliant military strategist, invincible in battle yet utterly lacking in political understanding. He missed the chance to save the Eastern Han Dynasty, leaving endless regret.
Wang Yan composed his thoughts and saluted, "I am Wang Yan, courtesy name Ziwen. Greetings to General Huangfu."
"Ziwen, please rise. Your bravery in this battle is commendable. Charging alone and slaying Zhang Jiao, you have saved countless Han soldiers from peril. You are a pillar of our nation." Huangfu Song's generous praise moved the generals.
Liu Bei felt a sense of déjà vu. Where had he seen this scene before? In just a month, times had changed. Xuande was still Xuande, but Ziwen had returned as a hero.
"General overpraises me. The victory is due to the brave efforts of the Han soldiers. I merely led by example." Wang Yan modestly declined credit.
One of the officers laughed, "Ziwen, no need for modesty. Without you, we wouldn't be standing here unscathed. Your contribution is undeniable."
The gratitude on his face was evident. Huangfu Song's appreciation for Wang Yan grew stronger.
"I am curious: how did Ziwen break Zhang Jiao's astonishing sorcery?"
Wang Yan's expression became serious. The tricky question had come. But he was prepared with a strategy: avoid direct blame.
"General, my father Wang Fen is friends with Xiang Kai, and the techniques I used were learned from Master Xiang."
Eastern Han Taoists were versatile and mysterious, mastering literature, martial arts, astronomy, geography, alchemy, illusion, and even spirits. Xiang Kai, a famous Taoist of the Eastern Han, was known for his astronomical and yin-yang skills. He had a significant reputation, having declined several official positions from the Emperor.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the tent seemed to understand. Huangfu Song's curiosity and admiration for Wang Yan deepened.
"A great master produces excellent disciples. Ziwen, you must have inherited Master Xiang's teachings."
Wang Yan shook his head slightly, "The General misunderstands. I am not Master Xiang's disciple. I merely observed his techniques at my home and remembered them. Previously, I couldn't perform them."
"After being captured by the Yellow Turban rebels and facing death, I was able to recall and perform them in a moment of desperation. My abilities are not even a fraction of Master Xiang's. I was only able to kill Zhang Jiao due to his prophecy."
"Master Xiang once said, 'Ziwen will be caught in the Yellow Turban chaos but will also settle it. I believed in this deeply.' Thus, after escaping, I incited the locals against Zhang Jiao, weakening his influence in Jizhou, all under Master Xiang's guidance."
Taoists were experts in prophecies, predicting significant events. Wang Yan shifted all responsibility to Xiang Kai, making his actions and motives seem reasonable.
Everyone in the tent was amazed by Wang Yan's words. "This man learned such mysterious techniques just by observing. He is truly extraordinary."
"Only an extraordinary person could have killed Zhang Jiao." The logic was flawless. Everyone now fully believed him.
"Master Xiang is indeed a divine person," Huangfu Song said, longing to meet him.
Wang Yan pondered for a moment, "General, Master Xiang once gave a prophecy about you."
"Oh?" Huangfu Song was intrigued. "Ziwen, please tell."
Wang Yan's expression became solemn, "Master Xiang said, 'The nation will face great difficulties, and General Huangfu will have three opportunities to save the state and turn the tide. Please seize them.'"
The soldiers, loyal to Huangfu Song, were invigorated by this. Following their leader meant good fortune.
With these words, Wang Yan fell silent. "Huangfu Song, this is all I can do for you. If you still hesitate and miss your chances, prepare to kneel in humiliation before Dong Zhuo in Chang'an."
Huangfu Song pondered Wang Yan's words, considering them deeply.
"Ziwen, your achievements are extraordinary. I will report them to the Emperor. Promotion and rewards are certain. Do you plan to continue your military career?"
Wang Yan's noble background and military prowess promised a bright future. Huangfu Song's favor was evident. Liu Bei, however, felt a pang of jealousy. Wang Yan had claimed all the glory while he had only sipped the broth. The other generals admired Wang Yan deeply, wondering who could carry a thousand-pound horse and crush Zhang Jiao with it.
If Wang Yan showed any inclination to follow him, Huangfu Song would surely recommend him for command. But Wang Yan was in a dilemma.
"Huangfu Song is worth befriending but not following. With the Ten Attendants controlling the court, many scholars stay away to maintain their reputation and avoid risks, accumulating political capital. Huangfu Song lacks political insight, as seen in his later foolish report to Emperor Liu Hong about Zhao Zhong's oversized mansion."
"Huangfu Song's ship is not one to board. I should not appear overly ambitious."
But retreating too hastily after such an outstanding achievement would seem deliberate and draw more attention. Wang Yan decided to shift the responsibility again.
"Thank you for your concern, General. With the current turmoil, I have no definite plans. I need to consult Master Xiang."
While Wang Yan sought to withdraw, Liu Bei stepped forward.
"Ziwen, the world is in chaos, and the people suffer. We, with aspirations, must serve the nation. How can we shrink back in fear?"
Wang Yan sensed trouble. Big ears, are you trying to set me up again?
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