Using Yu Xiu as a lead-in, Song Chen briefly laid out how the local Yang Province gentry held overwhelming power, then broadly explained Lan Tian's response strategy as well. Apart from Zhang Fei, who was completely lost, the other three wore extremely grave expressions.
Everyone knew that Jiangdong's internal strife was fierce, but they had not expected the reality to be even worse than the rumors. They had no idea whether Lan Tian's method of dividing and ruling would prove effective.
"To secure a firm footing in Yang Province will be no easy task. I am putting Ziyu over a fire to roast; I do not know whether his methods will work." Liu Bei stroked his beard and sighed.
Pang Tong comforted him. "General Lan possesses exceptional wisdom. If he lacked sufficient confidence, he would not act rashly. He has first split the Huaisi scholars apart and let the Jiangdong men fight among themselves. With General Yu assisting in secret, perhaps he truly can fight poison with poison."
"It is not merely Yu Zecheng. I fear even Lu Xun has been won over by him." Liu Bei gently shook his head, then turned and instructed Song Chen, "Since the situation in Yang Province is so difficult, I approve all that Ziyu has requested in this memorial. Song, return and tell Ziyu to act as circumstances demand. Do not forget our agreement at Mount Tai."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will certainly relay this to the Prefect. Also, now that Eastern Wu has fallen, the commanderies of Southern Jing no longer need guard against the east. The Prefect wishes to resign his temporary authority over Southern Jing. In addition, Yuzhang and Luling are to implement Jiao Province's new system." Song Chen's voice grew softer and softer toward the end.
Seeing this,