Volume 3: Southern Expedition and Territorial Expansion Chapter 132: Forest and Spring

Zhang Wencheng said with a solemn expression, "My Lord, venturing deep into the territory of the Liao tribes was, in the humble opinion of this subordinate, an unwise decision. You could easily have entered Chenzhou, turned northwest through Xizhou, and returned to Qianzhou. You should not have pushed southwest into such perilous lands."

Wei Fufeng nodded and replied, "This army was indeed reckless."

Despite calling it reckless, Wei Fufeng did not believe his action was wrong, as Xizhou had once belonged to Lei Man's sphere of influence.

Lei Yanwei leading troops to attack Langzhou was entirely capable of influencing the Liao tribes of Xizhou.

Taking the route through Xizhou would likely have led to pursuit and interception, whereas pushing southwest into Jinzhou (Tongren) offered the advantage of minimal hindrance due to delayed and obstructed news.

Wei Fufeng had no desire to voice his reasoning to refute Zhang Wencheng; both routes inherently possessed their own advantages and disadvantages.

"As long as Your Honor is safe, that is all that matters," Zhang Wencheng said gently.

Wei Fufeng smiled and shifted the topic, asking, "Is the governance of Qianzhou proceeding smoothly?"

"It is relatively stable, but to guard against provocations and trouble-making by the Liao tribes, this subordinate has imposed travel restrictions, banning gatherings of more than ten people, and strictly inspecting all traffic entering and leaving the city," Zhang Wencheng replied.

Wei Fufeng nodded, then suddenly asked, "Wencheng, would you be willing to go to Tanzhou as the Prefect?"

Zhang Wencheng was momentarily startled, and Wei Fufeng added candidly, "Tanzhou is a region of vital importance, and this army wishes for it to become the great granary that underpins our foundation.

Furthermore, this army is unwilling to entrust supreme authority entirely to a single individual. I trust Gan Fengchi, but I can only appoint him as Military Defense Commissioner in charge of military affairs; he cannot concurrently hold the office of Prefect."

Zhang Wencheng nodded and said, "This subordinate is willing to share Your Honor's burdens. However, although Qianzhou may not be as important as Tanzhou, its strategic location is equally crucial as a stronghold to curb the Liao tribes.

Moreover, the new city still requires improvement, so I pray that Your Honor will select a capable official as my successor. This subordinate recommends Senior Clerk Sun for promotion, as he is thoroughly familiar with all affairs in Qianzhou."

Wei Fufeng said mildly, "Hereafter, the office of Prefect of Qianzhou will be held concurrently by myself. Sun Lin is prudent and well-acquainted with the Liao tribes; he shall be promoted to Prefect of Shaozhou, while the post of Senior Clerk of Qianzhou will be filled by promoting a legal adjudicator from the Qianzhou Military Prefecture."

Zhang Wencheng looked surprised. Wei Fufeng continued, "Rest assured, Wencheng, the future governance of Qianzhou will continue to follow and refine your ideals. You will be required to wholeheartedly instruct the new Senior Clerk on how to proceed. Future local chronicles of Qianzhou will record only the city-building achievements of you and Lu Qing; your successor shall remain nameless."

Zhang Wencheng exclaimed in astonishment, "For Your Honor to personally assume the post of Prefect of Qianzhou—it turns out Your Honor attaches such great importance to Qianzhou."

Wei Fufeng smiled slightly and said, "It will be difficult for me to personally govern Qianzhou for long; in the future, Qianzhou will be overseen by one of my wives. During this trip to Shizhou, I became betrothed to a daughter of the primary lineage of the Tian clan, who will henceforth be the wife of the Military Commissioner of Qianzhong."

Zhang Wencheng bowed and offered his congratulations: "This subordinate congratulates Your Honor."

Wei Fufeng remarked, "My marriage alliance with the Tian clan is also a method of using barbarians to control barbarians. Should my wife bear a son in the future, he will inherit Qianzhou by right of succession; once she has a son, she will naturally make plans for her own child's future."

Zhang Wencheng could only nod in silent acquiescence. Since this involved the family affairs of the Military Commissioner, it was inappropriate for him as a subordinate to make idle criticisms.

Nevertheless, in his heart, he approved of Wei Fufeng's marriage alliance. Befriending the Shizhou Tian clan could alleviate the threat posed by the Liao tribes; after all, finding oneself caught in a pincer attack from the front and rear would be detrimental to the defense of the Southern Sichuan Army.

"Wencheng, the adjudicator being promoted to Senior Clerk once accompanied my elder brother into the Fufeng Army and unfortunately suffered a severed leg. His niece was my favored concubine back in Shangzhou. In appointing him as Senior Clerk of Qianzhou, this army also harbors the intention of keeping the Tian clan wife in check," Wei Fufeng explained straightforwardly.

"Oh, this subordinate knows who you mean. Although Lord Lin has a broken leg, he is unswerving in the discharge of his duties—a truly capable official," Zhang Wencheng said with a nod.

Wei Fufeng continued, "There is one more matter. Someone is refusing to submit to others and plotting to overturn the heavens. To avoid alerting the enemy prematurely, I shall deal with him upon my return to Yuzhou. You and Sun Lin can depart for your new posts afterward. For the near future, you may set your mind at ease and instruct Lin Quan on taking over the administration."

Zhang Wencheng's expression shifted slightly. He wanted to ask a question but held back. He stood up and said respectfully, "This subordinate obeys."

Wei Fufeng smiled and motioned for him to sit, after which he discussed matters of governance with Zhang Wencheng, sorting out the priorities for thoroughly governing Tanzhou.

As the evening lamps were just being lit, Zhang Wencheng took his leave.

Military Prefecture Adjudicator Lin Quan, who had been waiting in the side room, welcomed Wei Fufeng. The moment Wei Fufeng entered, Lin Quan hurriedly stood up and paid his respects with one leg, leaning on a pair of crutches beside him.

"Second Uncle, please sit," Wei Fufeng said amiably, stepping forward to help Lin Quan back to his seat before walking over to sit in a chair himself.

"It has been a long time since I last paid my respects to Your Honor," Lin Quan said with some agitation. To him, Wei Fufeng was akin to a parent who had given him a second life.

"I have been rushing here and there, and in the blink of an eye, over a year has passed. How are things with Second Uncle here?" Wei Fufeng asked with a smile.

"This subordinate is doing very well. I have my own residence, I am respected by others, and I have even taken a wife and a concubine. My wife has borne me a daughter, and my concubine is also expecting," Lin Quan replied with deep emotion.

"I congratulate Second Uncle on having descendants," Wei Fufeng offered his congratulations with a smile.

Lin Quan nodded. Hesitating momentarily with words on the tip of his tongue, he finally asked, "Your Honor, I heard from my wife that Hupo has not yet served Your Honor."

"Hupo is still young, but rest assured, my affection for Hupo is profound, and in the future, I will bestow upon her the official title of a lady of noble rank," Wei Fufeng said sincerely.

Lin Quan nodded. Wei Fufeng shifted to the main topic, saying, "I have brought Second Uncle here primarily to promote you to Senior Clerk of Qianzhou."

Lin Quan was momentarily startled, then nodded and said, "Thank you, Your Honor, for this promotion. This subordinate will surely devote himself heart and soul to the duty."

Wei Fufeng shook his head and said, "Second Uncle, I have formed a marriage alliance with a daughter of the primary lineage of the Shizhou Tian clan. This Tian daughter will become the wife of the Military Commissioner of Qianzhong, and she will be stationed here in Qianzhou."

Lin Quan was slightly taken aback and said, "A marriage alliance with the Shizhou Tian clan is a good thing. Once that lady arrives in Qianzhou, this subordinate is willing to serve her with all my heart."

Wei Fufeng said with a serious expression, "That primary-line daughter has a somewhat unruly temperament. I am uncertain whether she is capable of overseeing Qianzhou. If Second Uncle finds it impossible to endure, please send word to me, and I will have you transferred. You must not stubbornly endure this matter, lest important affairs be delayed."

Hearing this, Lin Quan realized the potential danger; if the lady was tyrannical, he would have no way to cope with her. He immediately nodded and said, "This subordinate will keep it in mind."

Wei Fufeng further instructed Lin Quan to open-mindedly accept Zhang Wencheng's instructions and not to alter Zhang Wencheng's city-governance strategies after taking over. Lin Quan respectfully complied.

After Lin Quan left, Wei Fufeng returned to his study-style quarters. Calming his mind for a moment, he weighed his thoughts, walked behind his desk, picked up brush and paper, and wrote an appointment document and a letter. He stamped the appointment with the seal of the Military Commissioner of Qianzhong and the seal of the Marquis of Fufeng.

Setting down the brush, Wei Fufeng went out to dine, and after the meal, returned to his residential chamber. He gathered up the dried letter from his desk, sealed it inside a bamboo tube, and applied a red-wax seal.

When this was done, he bathed, let his hair dry, and went to sleep. He slept very deeply; his mind and body were utterly exhausted.

The next day, when the sun was three poles high, Wei Fufeng awoke. Opening his eyes and seeing the daylight shining through the window, he gave a start, quickly sat up, and gathered his wits. A bitter smile touched the corner of his mouth—he had unexpectedly become a startled bird, still imagining himself to be in perilous lands.

Composing himself, he got off the bed and called out. A guard carrying a basin of water entered from outside to assist Wei Fufeng with his washing and rinsing.

After washing, Wei Fufeng partook of a meal alongside his guards; his behavior at this moment was much like that of a man in the army.

After rinsing his mouth following the meal, Wei Fufeng put on a blue robe and took the bamboo tube to see Ling'er.

One of the guards was carrying a small wooden box; it looked inconspicuous, yet was noticeably heavy. It contained the one hundred liang of gold that Zhang Wencheng had raised overnight.

Ling'er had accompanied him alone, and ten garrison guards were stationed outside her quarters to keep watch through the night.

Upon arriving at the post station, Wei Fufeng had unexpectedly refused to see her, leaving Ling'er's maiden heart in a state of anxious panic. When she inquired of the guards, they politely informed her that Your Honor was receiving guests.

Having endured a sleepless night, Ling'er had yearned and craned her neck, and finally her wish for Wei Fufeng to appear was granted.

The moment they met, Wei Fufeng noticed that the skin around Ling'er's eyes was slightly dark, her appearance rather haggard, and her demeanor distinctly constrained upon seeing him.

"Ling'er, what is wrong?" Wei Fufeng asked with concern.

"Why wouldn't the lord let me see you?" Hearing the words of concern, Ling'er let down her guard and spoke in a wronged, quiet tone.

Wei Fufeng gave a bitter smile and said, "I was receiving guests yesterday, and afterward I went straight to sleep, not waking until the sun was three poles high."

Ling'er uttered an "oh" and said, "The lord must have been overly exhausted."

Wei Fufeng nodded and said, "You will return now. This is a letter for Wan'er; you must deliver it to her intact."

Ling'er accepted the bamboo tube, glanced at it, and heard Wei Fufeng instruct, "Zheng Xin, lead a squad to escort her back. Remember, I am the Prefect of Fuzhou."

"Understood!" a garrison corporal acknowledged respectfully with a military salute.

"Lord, I am leaving," Ling'er said joyfully in farewell, having endured such a bitter night that she had almost doubted she would ever return.

"Do not reveal yourself while taking the boat; let my subordinates handle things," Wei Fufeng instructed. Ling'er nodded in agreement and departed with the bamboo tube.

After Ling'er left, Wei Fufeng likewise used the identity of the Prefect of Fuzhou to leave Qianzhou, concealing himself within the ship's cabin as he traveled toward Fuzhou.

......

At the same time, Tian Wan'er and Yu'er walked into the slave market. They had come once yesterday and failed to find any female slaves to their liking; coming again today was primarily to dispel their vexation, as waiting for a reply was an agonizing process.

The slave market was located in the northernmost corner of the city. In fact, a livestock market existed on the outer periphery of the slave market, and anyone entering the slave market was bound to pass through the livestock market.

The two places were essentially a single commercial district: the livestock market traded in domestic animals and game, while the slave market traded in human beings.

Tian Wan'er and Yu'er walked into the livestock market, covering their noses and mouths with handkerchiefs, followed closely by six strong and sturdy Liao tribal maidservants.

The stench of the livestock market was repulsive, though it improved somewhat upon entering the slave market. Within the slave market stood rows of simple bamboo sheds, arranged reasonably neatly. Inside the sheds were slaves, with their sellers standing outside the open entrances.

"Esteemed noble lady, I have strong male goods and female goods right here," a seller shouted obsequiously to Tian Wan'er, who walked past as if she had heard nothing.

"Miss, buy ten strong slaves," Yu'er whispered.

"I am marrying a chieftain of the river valleys, so having a few strong slaves for a dowry is useful. But going to Qianzhou, where the lord is the Vice Military Commissioner, would be inappropriate," Tian Wan'er replied.

"Once we go to Qianzhou, we will still need labor to farm the fields; otherwise, how are we to feed the household?" Yu'er whispered in rebuttal.

Tian Wan'er did not answer. She had considered the problem of survival after her marriage, and her thoughts differed from Yu'er's. Upon marrying into Qianzhou, she could not rely on farming.

If her husband could dominate the military and political affairs of Qianzhou, supporting the family would cause no worry; if he possessed only an official rank and salary, he ought to leverage official authority to engage in commerce.

As they walked, sellers inquired of them from time to time, but Tian Wan'er paid them no heed. The expensive goods were always kept in the innermost section. Suddenly, a fawning female voice called out, "Fifth Miss."

Tian Wan'er stopped and turned her head to see a round-faced woman in her early thirties with a somewhat attractive appearance. She casually replied, "It's you."

"It is this humble woman. Hearing that Fifth Miss came yesterday, this humble woman was just thinking of boldly calling upon you," the round-faced woman said respectfully.

"Are they better than the ones last time?" Tian Wan'er asked.

The dowry maid Yulan was sold by this woman two years ago; the dowry maid Mudan had been bought by Tian Wan'er's biological mother and given to her as a wedding preparation. At that time, Tian Wan'er was nine years old, and Mudan was ten.

Yu'er and Ling'er were daughters of subordinate tribal chieftains. When Tian Wan'er was twelve, her father had arranged for them to come together under the traditional custom of sisters marrying the same husband in an alliance.