This exchange with Jiang Gan had not simply taken them in a circle back to where they started.
Quite the contrary. In the process, Liu Cheng suddenly realized clearly that not only had the emperor, the Prince of Kuaiji, and Grand Marshal Huan become mired in politics, but their tugging and internal struggles had forced the military and civil administration of the entire south into the swamp they had torn open.
Including Liu Cheng himself.
With this in mind, Liu Cheng sent another letter specifically to Jiangling, proposing that, after some time had passed, he visit Huan Wen there in person to discuss the relevant matters, and asking Huan Wen to summon him officially as Grand Marshal... In fact, when he had previously asked Xie Yi to remain in Shouchun, he had already had one or two related considerations in mind and intended to use the opportunity to communicate with Xie An. But after thinking it through this time, he realized that speaking with Xie An alone would still not suffice.
He still needed to discuss matters with Huan Wen face-to-face.
Even if he could not sway Huan Wen, he could at least put some pressure on him. He had to express his concern for the country, the people, and the Grand Marshal, and ask clearly about Huan Wen's plans along the way, so that he could act accordingly.
That included plans for military operations in the north, how to contend with the growing emperor, and how to seize power. Huan Wen had to give him some account of these things!
Once the letter was sent, it was time for the autumn harvest.
This was Huainan, where the autumn harvest came extremely early. Beginning in late June, Liu Cheng traveled from south to north, inspecting the various localities and supervising