Zhang Lu and Liu Bei surrendered to Wang Yan one after the other, and Wang Yan had already begun governing Hanzhong and eastern Yang Province, implementing various systems, vigorously developing production and construction, and training militia forces. Naturally, Cao Cao's side was anxious.
They understood perfectly well that if they did not attack Wang Yan, then in four or five years, once Wang Yan had built up ample grain supplies and trained numerous regularized troops, he would surely come for them. Likewise, they knew that if they did not attack Wang Yan within these next few years, Wang Yan would not attack them either. He might even maintain friendly trade with them, exchanging what each side lacked.
Although many powerful clans and wealthy households that had previously traded with Wang Yan had already been ruined, no one was willing to give up commerce with him. Everyone knew that Wang Yan would kill them sooner or later, but the profits from trade were simply too enormous, and Wang Yan's territory possessed many essential supplies. They had no choice but to trade.
They rejoiced as their clans grew ever more powerful and prosperous amid the chaos of the age, all while lamenting the uncertain road ahead for their families. Gazing northward, they thought of the strength of that traitor Wang, cursing him in ugly language, furious and terrified alike. Countless times, in the depths of night, they dreamed of their flesh being shaved away slice by slice until they became porcelain-coated skeletons left for others to toy with. That was truly horrifying.
Back then, they had sworn with absolute confidence that Wang Yan had no one under his command, and that governing the realm would still depend on them. Yet they watched as Wang Yan began with papermaking, then printed books, recruited