Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson, Lord and Vassal Chapter 39: Amber's Father

The Military Commissioner of Wuding, Yang Shouzheng, governed from Xixiang County in Yang Prefecture, while the seat of Jin Prefecture was in Xicheng County.

Wei Fufeng chose Jin Prefecture as his focus primarily for strategic reasons.

First, Jin Prefecture had only recently come under the authority of the Wuding Military Commissioner, making it easier to secretly seize power.

Second, Jin Prefecture provided access to Hanzhong and Kuizhou. Communication between southern Sichuan and Chang’an could be achieved by following the great river to Kuizhou, then traveling north by land to Jin Prefecture, and from there, taking either the Kugu or Wuguan routes to reach Chang’an.

Additionally, there was the ancient Qin-Ba Road, which crossed the Dabashan Mountains from Kaizhou in Bazhong to reach Jin Prefecture. This road was a shortcut into and out of Bashu, perilous and difficult, only suitable for surprise troops.

Wei Fufeng valued the strategic significance most of all. If Yang Shouliang’s army invaded southern Sichuan, he could dispatch a force over the Dabashan Mountains to lie in wait in Jin Prefecture, ready to strike at Yang Shouliang’s Xingyuan command in Hanzhong.

Third, Jin Prefecture was close to Chang’an in the Capital Commandery, allowing Wei Fufeng to observe the situation and make timely, informed decisions.

Thus, Wei Fufeng set his sights on Jin Prefecture.

...

Dinner consisted of thin porridge and pickled vegetables, with the porridge divided into one large and two small bowls.

Wei Fufeng gazed at the porridge; though his days in southern Sichuan had been fraught with danger and hardship, he had never gone hungry.

He smiled wryly at himself, raised the bowl, and quickly finished its contents. Setting the bowl down, he pondered whether he should go out to find more food, as one bowl of porridge would surely leave him hungry through the night.

Suddenly, a pair of pale hands brought over a small bowl and poured half its contents into his larger bowl.

Surprised, Wei Fufeng looked at Mingyu, who spoke softly with a hint of shyness, “I don’t need so much.”

On the other side, Amber also rose and poured half of her uneaten porridge into his bowl.

Wei Fufeng glanced at Amber, then looked down at the now-full large bowl. A warmth spread through his heart, and his nose tingled; he nodded silently, picked up the bowl, and ate in small bites.

He did not go out to seek more food. That night, the three squeezed onto one bed: Mingyu on the inside, Amber in the middle, and Wei Fufeng on the outside. He wore a calm, contented expression and slept soundly.

The next day, Wei Fufeng took the two women out, first to a porridge shop for breakfast, where he also bought a sack of rice.

A servant carried the rice as they went together to Chongyi Ward to meet Amber’s family and sign her indenture contract.

Amber’s family consisted of her grandparents, parents, uncle, and two younger brothers, originally from Yangzhou.

Amber’s uncle had lost a leg; he had once been a militia soldier and, perhaps due to his injury, had been taken in out of kindness by Qin Feihu.

Amber’s father was tall and thin, with sunken cheeks—almost skin and bones. When he saw Wei Fufeng, he bowed his head in silence, leaving all the talking to Amber’s humble grandfather.

Amber’s mother, disheveled and unkempt, also remained silent, only glancing at Amber from time to time.

Wei Fufeng looked at Amber’s father and asked with a smile, “Uncle, would you be willing to serve as a guard?”

Amber’s father looked up briefly, then turned to his own father.

The old man shook his head. “My son is ill, unfit for fighting; he can only do menial work.”

Wei Fufeng nodded. “Since fate has connected Amber and me, I will send rice whenever I am able, as long as I have the means.”

“How could we accept that? If you have work for us, we will do it,” the old man hurried to reply.

Wei Fufeng smiled and shook his head. “I am a military officer; I only need guards.”

The old man was at a loss for words. Wei Fufeng smiled. “Please, stay here.”

With that, he turned to leave. Amber knelt to kowtow to her family, then rose, tears in her eyes, and hurried after him.

As soon as Amber left, her crippled uncle suddenly spoke, “Father, let elder brother go.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” The old man turned, rebuking him harshly. He straightened up, a different man from a moment before.

...

“Father, this is an opportunity. Young Master Wei is an officer; since he says he needs guards, if elder brother follows him, he won’t be just an ordinary soldier. In these troubled times, if he doesn’t join the army, he’ll be conscripted for forced labor, which is even worse than being a soldier,” the uncle said bitterly.

The old man gazed silently at the door, then, after a moment, said in a weary voice, “Let me think about it.”

...

Wei Fufeng took the two women to fetch Xiaoxue. On the way, he spoke with Mingyu to learn about her background and family.

Mingyu was a native of Shangluo County; her elders had migrated from Huainan during the wars.

After learning her story, Wei Fufeng spoke kindly, “Mingyu, would you be willing to go to Lord Li Xi’s residence?”

Mingyu was taken aback. “What do you mean, sir?”

“You know of my betrothal to Miss Li, arranged by my great uncle.”

“I know,” Mingyu replied softly.

“I want you to accompany Miss Li at her residence, to observe her temperament.”

“I understand, but how would I get there?”

“I’ll take you myself, sending you in under Madam’s name.”

Mingyu nodded gently. Wei Fufeng continued kindly, “Rest assured, no matter what changes come, you will always be mine, never abandoned.”

“Thank you for your care, sir,” Mingyu replied softly.

Wei Fufeng quietly breathed a sigh of relief. He had not cared much for the match arranged by his great uncle, but now, with his ambitions for office, he could not afford to be labeled a fickle man or to break the engagement after gaining power.

In fact, the crisis in southern Sichuan had pressed him greatly, making him eager for an official post so he could thwart Yang Shouliang’s advance.

If he could seize control of Jin Prefecture through legal means, stationing a surprise force from southern Sichuan there, it would be like stabbing Yang Shouliang in the back.

As they spoke, they arrived at Xiaoxue’s inn.

Upon entering, Wei Fufeng saw five of his men guarding Xiaoxue’s door. Though they were unarmed and without armor, they exuded an air of inviolability.

“My lord,” the five greeted him with cupped fists.

Wei Fufeng nodded in satisfaction at their diligence.

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal the charming Xiaoxue. Wei Fufeng smiled and entered with the two women.

He introduced the three women to each other, then stepped outside to order two of his men to go to Jin Prefecture and inquire about Xicheng County—its officials, stationed troops, and general population. They accepted their orders and left.

Inside, after introductions, Mingyu asked curiously, “Xiaoxue, what kind of official is our lord?”

Xiaoxue shook her head. “He forbade me from saying. You’ll know in time.”

Mingyu nodded thoughtfully and changed the subject.

Wei Fufeng brought Xiaoxue back to the chief secretary’s residence. Outside the gates, he unexpectedly met Amber’s father.

Amber’s father approached, bowed, and said, “Lin Hai is willing to serve as your guard.”

Wei Fufeng nodded with a smile. He could tell Lin Hai was an honest man—such men tended to be sincere and loyal, not easily swayed by self-interest.

...

Wei Fufeng stayed in Shangluo County for five days. Only after his men returned from Jin Prefecture did he depart.

He had arrived with seven people, but now left with eight. Xiaoxue and Amber remained at the chief secretary’s residence; Mingyu and Amber’s father accompanied him.

His men had brought back comprehensive information: the Prefect of Jin Prefecture, Yang Shoubo, was newly appointed by the court.

Wei Fufeng understood this meant the appointment was made by the powerful eunuch Yang Fugong, who had many adopted sons known as “gentlemen of the outer house.”

Perhaps because the region had only recently changed hands, none of the six county magistrates under Jin Prefecture had been replaced.

Of course, it was also possible that the magistrates were under the authority of the Ministry of Personnel, beyond Yang Fugong’s influence.

In truth, Yang Fugong was a court power, not a separatist military governor.

Jin Prefecture had two thousand militia troops, and far fewer refugees than Shang Prefecture, owing to a recent catastrophic flood that breached the Han River’s dikes.

The local officials only cared for extortion and rarely took constructive action, making Jin Prefecture as miserable as a war zone.

With this information, Wei Fufeng judged that taking over Jin Prefecture was feasible.

...

The group returned smoothly to Lantian County. Their carriage rolled into a compound in the eastern city.

Mingyu, riding in the carriage, gazed curiously out the window. She had traveled with Wei Fufeng in a single-horse sedan, one attendant driving, while the others rode in an open cart drawn by two horses.

When they stopped, a servant opened the door.

Wei Fufeng stepped down first, then reached up to help Mingyu. Turning, he said, “You’ve all had a long journey; go and rest.”

His six subordinates saluted and departed.

Mingyu looked around and saw ten armored soldiers standing guard, and she wondered in amazement—just what kind of military officer was her lord?

Wei Fufeng walked ahead, with Mingyu following cautiously, until they entered a hall; the armored guards remained outside.

Inside, the hall was empty. Wei Fufeng gestured for Mingyu to sit, then took the seat of honor himself.

But Mingyu dared not sit, standing respectfully by his side.

Wei Fufeng smiled. “You must be tired from the journey. I have to attend to some business before I can rest, so please, sit.”

Mingyu nodded and moved to a guest seat. Once seated, she asked quietly, “May I know what office you hold, sir?”

“I am the Commander of the Fufeng Army, presently in command of a thousand men. His Majesty has granted me the title of Marquis of Fufeng.”

Wei Fufeng replied with a proud inner satisfaction at sharing such news with the woman he loved.

“Marquis of Fufeng? You’ve been made a marquis?” Mingyu whispered in disbelief.

“In these troubled times, such titles may not mean true nobility, but for a man of humble birth like me, it is a great honor,” Wei Fufeng explained gently.

Mingyu nodded softly. “But even so, you are now more distinguished than those of noble birth.”

Wei Fufeng shook his head. “Do not speak of this, especially not to my relatives in Shang Prefecture.”

“Why not? Such an honor should be celebrated,” Mingyu asked in confusion.

“It’s simple. The elders of the Wei family would then have leverage over me. If my grandfather learned of the Fufeng Army, he would undoubtedly place relatives into my command and force me to obey his will.”

Mingyu nodded in understanding. “Still, your relatives will find out sooner or later.”

“I have not held the Fufeng Army for long; I need time to solidify my control. The longer I can keep this secret, the better.”

“I swear not to say a word until you permit it,” Mingyu promised softly.

Wei Fufeng nodded in satisfaction. He had told Mingyu about the Fufeng Army partly out of affection, but also to give her confidence.

By doing so, when she went to the Li residence, she would not feel inferior or unworthy, which might otherwise lead to mistakes.