Volume Two: The Lord and His Grandson Chapter 34: The Fufeng Army

On the way back, Wei Fufeng told his accompanying soldiers that His Majesty the Emperor had received him with great pleasure, bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Fufeng, and granted the thousand men under his command the name Fufeng Army, thus making them one of the elite Shence forces of Chang’an.

The subordinates crowded around to congratulate Wei Fufeng, who himself was overjoyed. With an official military designation, his army now possessed a unifying sense of legitimacy—an invisible, but potent, authority to command.

As for his mention to the Emperor that Qianzhou might defect to Nanzhao, his intentions were threefold: to remind the Emperor of the strategic necessity of establishing a military governor in southern Sichuan; to divert the Emperor’s attention; and, lastly, to lay groundwork for his own future ambitions in Qianzhou.

Broadly speaking, Qianzhou referred to the region of Qianzhong Dao (modern-day Guizhou Province), but narrowly it denoted the administrative seat itself. Most of Qianzhong Dao was inhabited by the Liao people; the majority of its prefectures belonged to the Tang Empire in name only.

In reality, the region was self-governed by Liao chieftains, who were appointed as local administrators. Wei Fufeng harbored doubts about the long-term survival of the Southern Sichuan governorship, yet he also envisioned the region’s future. If the Southern Sichuan post could endure, it would not suffice to remain content with the present; they must continue to expand their territory, accumulating more manpower and resources.

Only with greater strength could they contend with formidable enemies and ensure their own survival.

The foremost adversary in Southern Sichuan was Yang Shouliang, though in truth it was the Grand Eunuch Yang Fugong who stood behind him; Yang Shouliang was but one of his many agents in the region.

The second most dangerous opponent was Wang Jian, famed for his courage and military prowess, as well as his talent for forging alliances and expanding his power. From what Wei Fufeng had gathered, Wang Jian’s forces included many Qiang and Liao soldiers. Should Wang Jian seize Chengdu, his next move would likely be an attack on Southern Sichuan.

The third adversary was the Military Governor of Eastern Sichuan. The establishment of the Southern Sichuan governorship had gravely harmed the interests of the east, creating a bitter enmity. Given the chance, the Eastern Governor would certainly seek to reclaim what was lost.

The fourth was the Jingnan Governor Cheng Na, who, it was said, had implemented policies of rest and recovery after seizing Jingnan. The end of warfare there would naturally lead the people of Luzhou, whose roots lay in Jingnan, to yearn for home.

Thus, Wei Fufeng’s expansionist gaze fell upon Qianzhou and Fuzhou (Fuling).

Fuzhou sat along the lower reaches of the Great River below Yuzhou, between Yuzhou and Zhongzhou, blessed with access to both the Yangtze and Wu rivers. It had once belonged to the western Shannan Circuit, but was later reassigned to Qianzhong Dao.

Fuzhou was renowned as the starting point of the Lychee Road through Bashu (the “Yangba Road”). Du Mu, the great poet, once wrote: “A single rider, raising dust, brings a smile to the consort—none know the lychees have arrived.” The verse describes the lychees of Fuzhou, rushed by relay horse to Hanzhong, and from there along the Ziwu Road to Chang’an—a journey of three days, so swift that the horses perished from exhaustion.

To the southeast of Fuzhou lay Qianzhou, with the Fuling River (the Wu River) connecting the two to the Great River. Both prefectures offered enormous potential for commercial and agricultural development—what they lacked was manpower, for few were willing to live near or among the Liao tribes.

Wei Fufeng, however, saw the Liao as a resource. The military offices of Jingnan and Shunan had already absorbed thousands of Liao men. By occupying the Qianzhou region and establishing military offices to overawe the Liao and settle those willing to farm, he could strengthen his base.

His ambitions in Fuzhou and Qianzhou remained, for now, idle visions.

Qianzhou had long been under nominal Tang rule, not truly an autonomous Liao domain; the court had even established an “Inspector of Qianzhou” to govern it. Yet these appointments changed frequently, and tribute to the court had long since ceased.

If Wei Fufeng were to send troops and seize Qianzhou, so long as he sent tribute to the Emperor, he could well be recognized as its Inspector.

Such was the precedent: Cheng Na, after capturing Jingnan, styled himself “Acting Military Governor” and, upon sending tribute, was officially acknowledged as such.

...

Back at the West Market warehouse, Wei Fufeng ordered the ten subordinates who had accompanied him to the palace to depart for Ziwu Town, instructing the four hundred soldiers stationed there to henceforth call themselves the Fufeng Army.

Wei Fufeng then gathered soldiers familiar with the northern regions and set them to devising a strategy for the campaign against Hedong.

He clarified his objectives: first, to avoid fighting to the death, and to choose routes and terrain favorable to land operations; second, to avoid the strong and strike at the weak. The Fufeng Army was to exploit gaps and attack Hedong’s vulnerable spots.

In short, the Fufeng Army would operate independently—minimizing casualties, yet without shirking battle entirely.

Wei Fufeng had no wish to squander his forces for the Emperor, and he feared his men’s reluctance to join the Hedong campaign.

Leaving the planning to his officers, he returned to his quarters for rest. After all, he had accomplished his heart’s desire today, and the fatigue of careful audience with the Emperor weighed upon him.

Once inside, Xiaoxue helped him remove his armor. Gazing at the delicate and lovely girl, Wei Fufeng felt a surge of emotion and, on impulse, caught her hand.

Startled, Xiaoxue lowered her head in shy confusion.

“Xiaoxue, I am now Marquis of Fufeng. The Emperor himself has granted me the title,” Wei Fufeng said gently, eager to share his joy.

“My lord, I congratulate you. From now on, I should address you as Marquis,” Xiaoxue replied softly, lifting her eyes.

Wei Fufeng smiled. “I prefer ‘my lord,’ but since you are of my household, you should call me Young Master—or, perhaps, Master.”

A blush colored Xiaoxue’s cheeks as she whispered, “My lord is still young—let me call you Young Master, and in the future, perhaps, Master.”

Wei Fufeng nodded happily, gazing at her with affection. After a while, he said, “Xiaoxue, in a few days I shall send you to stay with my mother. Accompany her for a while.”

Xiaoxue looked up in alarm, her voice small. “Why would you send me away, Young Master?”

Wei Fufeng smiled. “The Emperor has appointed me as commander of the Fufeng Army. I will soon lead the troops to Hedong.”

“Young Master, you’re going to war?” Xiaoxue’s face blanched in shock.

“Do not fear. I am only going through the motions, not seeking real danger,” Wei Fufeng reassured her gently, feeling warmth in his heart.

Xiaoxue hesitated, then nodded silently and, all at once, threw herself into his embrace.

He wrapped his arms around her soft body, lowering his head to breathe in the fragrance of her hair.

After a long while, he murmured, “When I return, let us go to Wudang Mountain together.”

Xiaoxue answered softly, “I know you will come back safely, Young Master.”

Wei Fufeng smiled, stroking her hair, and she whispered, “I will serve Madam dutifully.”

“My mother has a gentle temper. She will treat you well. Stay with her—and do not reveal anything about Sichuan or the campaign,” he instructed.

“I will remember,” Xiaoxue replied quietly.

Wei Fufeng nodded. “Xiaoxue, Sichuan is my foundation, but I am only a lesser son of the Wei clan. My mother was a maid in the household. If the Wei clan learns of my holdings in Sichuan, it will only breed internal strife.”

“I do not understand, but I will remember your words,” Xiaoxue whispered.

Wei Fufeng smiled. “Sichuan is beset on all sides by enemies. Who knows how long it can last? But even if I lose all, I can still give you a prosperous life.”

“If so, why risk everything in war?” Xiaoxue asked gently.

He shook his head. “I am a man; I must live with dignity. That is why I strove for this title. Besides, these are chaotic times—without arms to protect us, the wealthy are but sheep awaiting the butcher. I must command the army, and only by campaigning can I hold real power.”

Xiaoxue nodded. “I understand. My own family lost everything to bandits because we had no one to protect us.”

Wei Fufeng agreed. “An unreliable guard can be more dangerous than bandits.”

Xiaoxue nodded softly. Wei Fufeng stroked her hair, speaking gently, “I need time. When I am sure of my command, I will no longer fear the elders of the Wei clan seizing power. Then, my mother and you can both receive honors and titles.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Young Master,” Xiaoxue replied.

“Our paths have crossed for a reason. It is fortune for us both,” Wei Fufeng murmured.

...

The next day, past noon, Lord Yan of the Ministry of Rites, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Revenue, arrived at the West Market warehouse to deliver the imperial edict.

Wei Fufeng led his soldiers to kneel and receive the decree, accepted it respectfully, and then accepted two seals—one for the Fufeng Army, one for his new marquisate.

Afterwards, the Ministry of Revenue officials departed to count the grain carts. Alone with Lord Yan, Wei Fufeng smiled and offered a cloth bag containing five taels of gold.

In these troubled times, gold and silver were precious indeed; though grain was dear, it was still merely a commodity.

Lord Yan eyed the bag and shook his head. “There is no need, Commander. I am only doing my duty.”

Wei Fufeng was momentarily surprised, but felt a surge of admiration for Lord Yan. He withdrew the bag and smiled. “It is a happy occasion for me, so I wished to show my gratitude. Since you will not accept gold, in a few days I shall send a small gift of grain to your residence.”

Lord Yan hesitated, as if to refuse, but finally nodded. “Thank you, Commander.”

Wei Fufeng smiled. “No need for thanks. In fact, I have one more request.”

Lord Yan’s expression shifted slightly, but he replied politely, “Please, speak.”

“I am to campaign in Hedong and require a map from the Ministry of War. Could you procure a copy for me?” said Wei Fufeng.

Lord Yan nodded. “A copy can be arranged, though it may not be entirely accurate.”

“My thanks,” Wei Fufeng replied, rising to bow.

“It is a matter of state, thanks are unnecessary,” said Lord Yan courteously, adding, “If you need it urgently, I can go to the War Ministry at once.”

“I must trouble you,” Wei Fufeng replied.

Lord Yan took his leave. Watching him go, Wei Fufeng understood that the man was hastening away, perhaps wary of being drawn into further entanglements.

Wei Fufeng, for his part, did not participate in the grain count. He returned to his room, instructing Xiaoxue to put away the imperial edict and the marquis’s seal, while keeping the army seal with him at all times.

He then sat in quiet contemplation, pondering whether he should exchange his current Fufeng Army soldiers for new ones—using the next batch of grain transport soldiers to replace the present group, sending the latter back to Luzhou.

Those who had traveled this far had shared hardship with him, forming bonds of trust. If they stayed to fight in Hedong, they would be reliable and obedient.

Yet for Wei Fufeng, the campaign in Hedong was only a formality; he had no intention of sacrificing his men for the Emperor, but merely wished to make a show of force for the sake of his new title.

Keeping the current soldiers would make command easier; changing them would strengthen his hold on Sichuan.

Sending these men back to Luzhou would allow them to spread favorable news and help stabilize the region.

However, if the new soldiers, exhausted from their journey, were then forced into combat, they might mutiny out of resentment.

Wei Fufeng weighed the pros and cons, considering his options with care.