Su Ming: If I desire it, then you will repay it.

“What?”
“You’re giving me Jiangxia Commandery?”
“To be fair, Jiangxia isn’t even your territory, is it?”
“And even if you give Jiangxia to me, would Liu Biao agree? Even if Liu Biao did, Huang Zu certainly wouldn’t.” Su Ming stared in shock at Cao Cao’s words.

Originally, Su Ming had expected Cao Cao to carve out a spot for him around Huainan or Shouchun, somewhere he could serve as a commandery governor. Never in his wildest dreams did he think Cao Cao would offer him Jiangxia.

But Jiangxia was truly an excellent place. Facing the Riverlands across the water, it could advance toward the East, or retreat into Jingzhou. The population was substantial, making it easy to recruit soldiers. Moreover, it was a prosperous region, able to support thirty or fifty thousand marines without issue. There were no real drawbacks to the place.

But Jiangxia was not Cao Cao’s territory! Officially, it belonged to Liu Biao of Jingzhou, but in reality, it was Huang Zu’s domain. Even if Su Ming took office with Cao Cao’s credentials, Huang Zu would never yield his ground.

Cao Cao watched Su Ming’s expressions closely. It was clear from his face that he wanted Jiangxia.

“So, will you take up the post of Jiangxia’s governor or not? If you agree, the documents, official robes, and seal are yours today,” Cao Cao said, looking at Su Ming.

Su Ming stroked his chin. He truly coveted Jiangxia. If nothing else, occupying Jiangxia would be a thorn in Sun Quan’s side—an insult delivered right to his door. If only for that reason, Su Ming had to take the post.

“I am but the Chancellor’s humble brick—wherever you need, that’s where I go.”

“If the Chancellor asks me to govern Jiangxia, I can do it!”

“But, Chancellor, it’s no use just giving me the seal and documents. You must give me troops!”

“If I am to hold Jiangxia, I’ll need to fight a tough battle,” Su Ming declared.

All of Huang Zu’s assets were in Jiangxia. To take Jiangxia, Su Ming would need to defeat Huang Zu in a proper fight.

This response was exactly what Cao Cao expected. Su Ming wanted to train a navy, and Jiangxia was, at present, the best possible location.

“Can you fight this hard battle? Or not?” Cao Cao asked, his gaze sharp upon Su Ming.

---

Cao Cao’s question was like a stunning beauty asking, “Are you up to it?”

A man would never say no.

Su Ming beat his chest confidently. “Huang Zu is nothing to me.”

“Chancellor, how many troops can you allocate?”

Hearing Su Ming’s direct question, Cao Cao turned to Guo Jia. “Fengxiao, how many troops does Huang Zu have?”

As Cao Cao’s chief strategist, Guo Jia had the lay of the land memorized.

Without hesitation, Guo Jia replied, “Huang Zu commands thirty thousand troops by land and water; twelve thousand marines on seventy vessels, fifteen thousand infantry, three thousand cavalry.”

“However, Jiangxia comprises thirteen counties, with the seat at Xiling. The combined forces at Xiling are just over ten thousand.”

In a few words, Guo Jia outlined the situation.

Though Huang Zu commanded thirty thousand, they were spread across the thirteen counties. At Xiling, where Huang Zu resided, there were about ten thousand.

After Guo Jia’s report, Cao Cao stroked his beard. “Very well, I’ll transfer Qin Qi and his troops under your command.”

Su Ming waited for more, but after that, nothing followed.

“That’s all?” Su Ming looked incredulous.

Cao Cao nodded. “Not enough?”

Su Ming retorted, “Is it enough?”

Even though Huang Zu’s thirty thousand were dispersed, Xiling still had ten thousand troops.

Qin Qi’s forces at the Yellow River crossing numbered only five thousand at most, and these were fresh recruits, untested in battle.

Besides, Huang Zu had fierce generals like Gan Ning and Su Fei under his command.

You’re giving me just Qin Qi—what kind of match is that? He’s no rival for Gan Ning, doesn’t have the strength!

“Chancellor, are you joking?”

“Five thousand new recruits against thirty thousand? Even if Xiling only has ten thousand elite men, if I try to surround and reinforce, the numbers won’t add up.”

“You overestimate me. Even Bai Qi or Han Xin would scratch their heads at this!” Su Ming grumbled.

Qin Qi’s five thousand fresh troops were of little use.

Moreover, Huang Zu was hardly a pushover.

---

Remember, it was Huang Zu who once slew Sun Jian, the Tiger of the East.

And he had Gan Ning, a formidable general.

No matter how capable Su Ming was, this battle was impossible.

Cao Cao’s allocation of Qin Qi’s five thousand was clearly a test—a way to gauge Su Ming’s abilities.

Cao Cao signaled Guo Jia, who stepped in, smoothing things over. “My lord, perhaps we should reinforce Master Su Ming a bit more.”

“Hmm,” Cao Cao replied, then asked Su Ming, “How many troops would you need to win this battle?”

“I’ll tell you plainly: the northern forces are stretched thin. I can’t spare too many men!”

“Right now, Yuan Benchu is the real enemy. If the front is jeopardized, then Jiangxia is not worth fighting for.”

Cao Cao’s words made Su Ming pause and consider carefully.

He had to request forces without affecting the impending Battle of Guandu.

After pondering, Su Ming spoke, “Chancellor, I won’t ask for too many.”

“Just lend me your five thousand Tiger and Leopard Cavalry for a few days. Once Jiangxia is taken, I’ll send them straight back, ensuring the northern campaign isn't delayed.”

“Also, since you’re lending me your elite cavalry, perhaps lend me Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xu Chu, and even Master Guo Jia for a while?”

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was stunned, unable to believe what he’d heard.

Cao Cao thought, “Well, aren’t you a bold one! Everyone but me, you want to take?”

“No!”

“I’ll be heading to the front soon myself. I can’t give you what you’ve asked for!” Cao Cao refused immediately.

Su Ming quickly pleaded, “Chancellor, what I ask is only what you can return. Don’t reject outright—counter my offer at least!”

Su Ming knew full well Cao Cao couldn’t grant everything he’d asked. He was bargaining high, leaving room for negotiation.

As the saying goes, ask for the moon, settle for what’s fair.

Cao Cao was left speechless.

He thought, “I’m the Chancellor of the realm, and you think we’re haggling in a vegetable market?”