Volume Two: The Ancestral Lord and Grandson Chapter 105: Two Mothers
The Military Governor has arrived. On the city tower, the soldiers of the Fufeng Army visibly stirred with excitement. Each stood upright, chest out and head held high, gripping their weapons firmly. Wei Fufeng smiled gently, nodding and greeting them in turn.
On the tower, Wei Fufeng inquired of the military commanders and officers about the conditions of the garrison—how the soldiers were fed and clothed, whether they had been mistreated, and if they had any suggestions.
After the exchange, Wei Fufeng proceeded along the city walls to inspect the other gates.
By the time the patrol was complete, dusk was settling. Wei Fufeng stayed at the East Gate to dine with the soldiers before departing for the county government office, as his father still served as magistrate of Xicheng County.
Upon arrival at the county office, Wei Fufeng met his parents, elder brother, and younger sister in the main hall.
His elder brother, Wei Yunqing, was twenty-three, a handsome young man with well-defined brows and full cheeks, possessing a strong and confident bearing. He wore a deep blue robe, exuding elegance and grace.
After paying respects to their parents, Wei Fufeng greeted his brother. From his name, it was evident that great expectations for an official career had been placed upon him since birth.
Wei Fufeng’s own name had been chosen without much thought, more as a commemorative token of his service to Fufeng County.
With formal greetings exchanged, Yunqing spoke calmly, “Seventeen, I heard you are now leading the army?”
“Yes, younger brother’s scholarly pursuits fall short of yours, so I had to embark on a military career,” Wei Fufeng replied. Though they were not close, they were brothers nonetheless.
“Both civil and military service honor the country. Our Wei ancestors are renowned for military achievements, such as our forefather Wei Gao—a man of both letters and arms, ennobled as Duke of Nankang,” Yunqing said.
Wei Fufeng nodded in agreement. At that moment, Wei Xuan spoke up, “Fufeng, your elder brother should serve as the chief clerk of Xicheng County. When you see the governor, please recommend him.”
Wei Fufeng was momentarily taken aback but nodded, “I will present the recommendation to Grandfather.”
Wei Xuan nodded in approval and gently advised, “It is late now. You have traveled far; rest well.”
Wei Fufeng acknowledged and left the hall with his mother.
...
After Wei Fufeng’s departure, Wei Yunqing asked, “Father, why must Seventeen speak on the appointment? Is he truly trusted by the governor?”
Wei Xuan replied gently, “Both Fufeng and your fifth uncle serve as military commanders. The territories of Jinzhou, Junzhou, and Fangzhou were secured through their joint military efforts, so your grandfather places great trust in Fufeng.”
Yunqing nodded thoughtfully. Wei Xuan continued, “If I were to make the recommendation, I would have to consider your uncles and many cousins. It is better for Fufeng to speak on your behalf.”
Yunqing understood and bowed his head, “I comprehend.”
Wei Xuan smiled softly, “Focus first on excelling as chief clerk. Greater things will follow. Now, go rest.”
Yunqing bowed and left. Only Wei Xuan and his wife remained in the hall.
Madam Wei smiled warmly, “Fufeng is a remarkable child—he is a sign of our family’s prosperity.”
Wei Xuan nodded. Madam Wei then inquired, “What official position does Fufeng hold?”
“Military Commander,” Wei Xuan answered.
“And what rank is that? How much higher than magistrate?” she pressed.
Wei Xuan hesitated, then said, “Ranks are often meaningless. Though I am magistrate, my authority in the city rivals that of the provincial governor, because most of the city’s military strength is under Fufeng’s command.”
Madam Wei exclaimed, “So Fufeng’s power is comparable to the provincial governor?”
Wei Xuan gave a wry smile, “My eighth brother once served as provincial governor of Fangzhou but was forcibly dismissed by Fufeng. In these times, control of the army is paramount.”
Madam Wei was shocked and asked, “Why would Fufeng treat his elder uncle so?”
Wei Xuan’s expression darkened, “My eighth brother lacked discipline. After assuming office, he unilaterally altered the soldiers’ pay, shortchanging the rank and file while pocketing shares with senior officers.”
Madam Wei nodded, “That was wrong, but repentance is possible. Such treatment of elders breaches propriety and could breed resentment.”
Wei Xuan shook his head, “You don’t understand. Fangzhou’s troops were mostly former rebels prone to mutiny. My eighth brother underestimated the danger, thinking the common soldiers were easily bullied. Had Fufeng not acted swiftly to remove him, he might have died there.”
Madam Wei’s expression shifted to one of realization. Wei Xuan continued, “I appointed Yunqing as chief clerk in Xicheng County partly to start his official career, but also for his safety. County magistrates outside always face danger.”
He paused, then added, “Fufeng does have a rank, but you must keep it secret.”
“What rank?” Madam Wei asked eagerly.
“He was granted the title Marquis of Fufeng by His Majesty the Emperor and holds the office of Military Commander of Fufeng Army, with a third-rank official status,” Wei Xuan disclosed, feeling it appropriate to confide in his wife.
“Fufeng is a marquis?” she gasped.
Wei Xuan nodded. Her surprise was expected, as she came from a hereditary marquisate family—her ancestors honored as Marquises of Qingyang, part of the Chang’an nobility.
She took pride in her noble lineage.
“How could Fufeng be ennobled so?” she asked incredulously.
Wei Xuan explained, “On his way to serve his uncle in Western Sichuan, Fufeng encountered certain opportunities. He became the acting military governor of Southern Sichuan. Later, after escorting tribute rice back from Southern Sichuan and paying homage to the Emperor, he was granted the title Marquis of Fufeng and appointed Military Commander of Qianzhong.”
“Fufeng is a military governor as well?” Madam Wei exclaimed.
Wei Xuan nodded and warned, “Do not spread this knowledge, lest it jeopardize the Wei family’s grand plans in Jinzhou.”
“Why keep such a joyous matter secret?” she questioned.
Wei Xuan explained, “Few know that the Marquis of Fufeng hails from the Jinzhou Wei family. This obscures the true strength of Jinzhou’s forces from enemies. Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory. When General Yang Shouliang attacked Jinzhou, he underestimated the military power, leading to the siege’s failure.”
Madam Wei nodded in understanding, “I will be cautious in speech.”
Wei Xuan continued, “Another reason is to avoid alerting the court. Jinzhou was secretly taken by Fufeng’s forces, though officially the governor was ordered to pacify it. Without the Fufeng army’s support, the governor could never have assumed control.”
Madam Wei’s eyes brightened with realization. Wei Xuan added, “The troops guarding the inner city gates are actually Fufeng’s soldiers, disguised as Jinzhou troops. The militia inside the city are the real Jinzhou soldiers.”
Madam Wei nodded thoughtfully, then asked, “Southern Sichuan is remote—how much influence does Fufeng wield there?”
“He commands four prefectures under the Southern Sichuan military governorship. Though remote, the civil wars in the interior and Western Sichuan have driven many refugees to seek shelter there. It is said the population exceeds half a million, mostly refugees,” Wei Xuan replied.
“That many people?” she marveled.
Wei Xuan nodded, “That is why Fufeng has the strength to support Jinzhou.”
Madam Wei asked softly, “When will Fufeng rise to prominence?”
“When Jinzhou’s situation stabilizes, or when the secret can no longer be kept, he will naturally become prominent,” Wei Xuan answered.
Madam Wei whispered, “With the marquisate, Feng’er is fortunate—she should receive the title of lady.”
Wei Xuan was momentarily stunned, then regained composure, “Though not your biological son, in terms of propriety you are Fufeng’s mother. If he requests the title in the future, it will be yours as well. Even if Feng’er obtains the lady’s title, her rank will be lower than yours. That is the rule.”
Madam Wei smiled faintly in agreement. Wei Xuan hesitated, then said, “The title of lady is merely honorary. If you truly desire, I could leave Jinzhou to serve as provincial governor.”
“No, no,” she quickly shook her head. Then she added, “I know Shi Lang prefers to serve as magistrate here. This place is safe. It is better here.”
Wei Xuan nodded, “Do not be anxious. Once Jinzhou stabilizes, I could serve as deputy military governor of Qianzhong, attaining a fourth-rank position, and remain in Jinzhou. I will discuss this with Fufeng.”
Madam Wei’s expression grew wistful, “Listening to you, the official ranks of the Great Tang seem like cheap garments.”
Wei Xuan smiled bitterly, “These are troubled times. Empty titles abound, but real authority is precious. For instance, though I am magistrate of Xicheng, my power rivals that of the provincial governor. Many governors and military governors hold nominal posts and cannot exercise real power, like your uncle’s posts in Luoyang and Western Sichuan.”
Madam Wei was silent. Wei Xuan continued, “I understand your thoughts. Though noble titles are nowadays overissued, true nobility lies in family heritage, not recent ennoblement.”
Madam Wei smiled wryly, whispering, “After Huang Chao’s rebellion seized Chang’an, my natal family’s fortunes declined greatly.”
Wei Xuan nodded, “You have suffered these years, sustaining appearances by pawning your dowry.”
Madam Wei shook her head softly, “The proceeds mainly protect Yunqing from disdain in Chang’an. I have not treated Fufeng well these years.”
“You have treated Fufeng quite well. He lacks nothing in food and clothing, was never enslaved, and you secured him a separate courtyard for study. No other sons from your other concubines have such privileges. Moreover, Mingyu chose to serve Fufeng with your consent. You have not wronged him,” Wei Xuan said gently.
Madam Wei whispered, “I have not been harsh to Fufeng, but I lacked closeness.”
Wei Xuan smiled kindly, “Do not worry. No matter his achievements, we are always his parents. If you feel distant, after the New Year you could visit your natal home with Fufeng, so he becomes familiar with his maternal relatives.”
Madam Wei nodded, then murmured, “Fufeng’s story sounds like a dream.”
Wei Xuan agreed, “It sounds unbelievable, but Fufeng’s rise in Sichuan was not complicated. The truth is he is a man of great courage; to others, he seems reckless. Few have the nerve to deceive Yang Shouliang.”
...
Wei Fufeng and his mother returned to the rear residence. Along the way, she expressed concern and asked many questions. He confided that he had married Lin Qingxue.
Upon learning that Lin Qingxue was the provincial governor’s legitimate granddaughter, his mother sighed, feeling the young woman had been wronged.
At a secluded courtyard within the inner residence, they found two coarse maids heating water in a corner. Seeing their master arrive, they respectfully greeted her.
Inside, Mingyu emerged upon hearing footsteps and greeted his mother warmly, gently supporting her as they entered the room together.
The entrance served as a guest room and secondary chamber. His mother paused and whispered, “Fufeng, you have not yet consummated your marriage with Mingyu. You must not delay.”
Mingyu lowered her head shyly. Wei Fufeng replied gently, “I do not wish to wrong Mingyu. I want to bring her home with a bridal sedan chair.”
“Fourteen-year-old Mistress is still young. Mingyu cannot wait. You should consummate first, then hold the wedding ceremony later,” his mother instructed.
Wei Fufeng considered briefly and nodded. He helped his mother to a chair, then beckoned Mingyu. The two knelt side by side before his mother and respectfully performed three kowtows together.
“Very well. I hereby witness your union,” his mother whispered happily. After they rose, she removed the blue jade bracelet from her right wrist and carefully placed it on Mingyu’s left wrist.