Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson, Lords of the Fief Chapter 42: Plotting for Jinzhou (Part One)
Li Ji nodded, and Wei Fufeng quickly continued, “Uncle, I intend to purchase a residence in Chang’an. I ask your permission to allow Mingyu to come and go freely from your household.”
Li Ji was slightly taken aback, surprised, “You wish to buy a house in Chang’an?”
“Yes, should I marry, I hope to live in Chang’an,” Wei Fufeng replied, fully aware of the astonishment—his uncle wondered how he could possibly afford such a thing.
After the turmoil of war, property prices in Chang’an had indeed fallen, yet compared to the cities beyond, they remained exorbitant.
Li Ji nodded, then asked, “I heard you’ve been to Bashu. Tell me about it.”
Wei Fufeng related the current state of Bashu. Half an hour later, he took his leave from the Li household and, with his retinue, exited through the Yanxing Gate before the city closed.
Outside the city, he ordered two of his men to impersonate couriers and deliver official documents to Jinzhou via the Kugu route. He himself hurried back to Lantian County through the night.
The next morning, he entered Lantian, bathed and rested at midday, and attended to his affairs.
In the afternoon, he departed by carriage, returning to Shangluo County. Upon entering the county seat, he first went to the inn to rest and wash away the dust of travel.
After bathing, eating, and resting for an hour at the inn, Wei Fufeng returned alone to the Prefect’s residence, heading directly to see his grandfather.
Wei Fufeng’s impression of his grandfather was that of a wise official, skilled in governance. The matter of Jinzhou required his grandfather’s support, at the very least to command his father to serve as deputy magistrate.
He had considered finding someone to impersonate his father, but it was difficult to find a suitable candidate, and such deception would bring disgrace upon him.
Sooner or later, the Wei clan would learn of his actions. Some matters, especially those that bordered on taboo, demanded utmost caution.
He requested an audience outside his grandfather’s courtyard. A young servant promptly relayed the message, inviting Wei Fufeng inside.
Wei Fufeng entered the study, greeted his grandfather respectfully, and presented the official documents.
His grandfather gave him a puzzled look, opened the papers, and then looked up in surprise, “You’ve been to Chang’an and secured the deputy magistrate position for your father?”
“Yes, Grandfather, I have something to discuss with you in private,” Wei Fufeng replied with deference.
His grandfather nodded and waved his hand; the young servant withdrew from the study.
His grandfather looked at him and asked, “What do you wish to say?”
“Does Grandfather believe that the deputy magistrate position in Jinzhou is worth accepting?” Wei Fufeng asked.
“It is not. Jinzhou is impoverished, plagued by banditry. Serving there is more loss than gain, and one’s life is at risk,” his grandfather answered calmly.
“Your insight is keen, Grandfather. I sought the position for Father only as a step to seize Jinzhou,” Wei Fufeng said.
“Oh? And how do you plan to seize Jinzhou? A mere deputy magistrate’s post is insufficient,” his grandfather replied, his eyes fixed intently on Wei Fufeng, clearly taking him seriously.
“In times of chaos, power must be taken by force. I am not talented, but I command a thousand soldiers,” Wei Fufeng answered.
“Oh? Did your great-uncle provide you with troops?” his grandfather inquired, instinctively rising from his seat.
“No, not my great-uncle. It was the descendants of Wei Gao’s line, my uncle the Governor of Southern Sichuan, who sent me to escort imperial tribute to Chang’an,” Wei Fufeng explained.
“The Governor of Southern Sichuan?” his grandfather remarked, clearly unfamiliar with the title.
“The military governorship was only recently established. I was ordered to bring tribute to Chang’an, saw the emperor in person, and was granted the title Marquis of Fufeng, appointed as Commander of the Fufeng Army, leading a thousand men in the campaign against the rebels in Hedong,” Wei Fufeng clarified.
Times had changed. To resolve the crisis in Southern Sichuan, he had no choice but to cooperate with his kin.
Regardless of success or failure, he could always establish his own household and live as a wealthy gentleman. But the bottom line for cooperation was that he would not allow his kin to partake in the governance of Southern Sichuan.
His grandfather stared at him in amazement, then nodded, “Excellent, excellent. This journey has brought you great rewards.”
Wei Fufeng said, “Though I have gained much, I’ve also made enemies among the local warlords. I fear this may implicate the family, so I dared not report to you directly.”
“Oh? And why tell me now?” his grandfather retorted.
“Because Bashu has undergone new changes. The Governor of Eastern Sichuan, Gu Yanlang, has died. I suspect the Governor of Shannan, Yang Shouliang, along with the Governors of Longjian and Wuding, may invade and seize Eastern Sichuan. If that happens, Southern Sichuan will be hard-pressed to stand alone,” Wei Fufeng explained.
His grandfather nodded thoughtfully, “Jinzhou lies east of Xingyuan and Yangzhou. Yangzhou is the seat of the Wuding Governor. If you wish to take Jinzhou, wait until the armies of Wuding and Shannan West march south to seize Eastern Sichuan, then strike at the empty Yangzhou and Xingyuan from Jinzhou.”
Wei Fufeng nodded, “Grandfather’s vision is clear.”
“When were the Longjian and Southern Sichuan governorships established?” his grandfather asked.
“Southern Sichuan was established when I entered the region, governing Yu, Chang, Lu, and Rong Prefectures. Longjian was set up two months ago, overseeing Long, Jian, Lang, and Li Prefectures,” Wei Fufeng replied.
His grandfather nodded, “Longjian governs Jian Prefecture—that opens the gate to Eastern Sichuan. It seems Yang Fuguo’s ambitions for Bashu have reached a boiling point.”
Wei Fufeng said, “Grandfather, if you think seizing Jinzhou is unwise, you need not be involved.”
His grandfather regarded him and whispered, “Opportunities are fleeting and rarely return. Should I seek only safety? If your great-uncle is punished and stripped of office, we won’t even have a bowl of porridge.”
Wei Fufeng’s spirits lifted, but his grandfather pressed further, “After you seize Jinzhou, how many troops can your uncle in Southern Sichuan deploy there? If it’s only a thousand, it’s a child’s play.”
“Up to five thousand soldiers can be sent,” Wei Fufeng answered.
“And provisions? Jinzhou cannot sustain an army,” his grandfather asked.
“Southern Sichuan has stockpiled grain, enough to supply five thousand troops in Jinzhou,” Wei Fufeng replied.
“Good, good. Grain is the foundation of any enterprise,” his grandfather said, now visibly excited and stepping from behind his desk.
Watching his grandfather approach, Wei Fufeng asked, “Grandfather, what do you think is the best course?”
His grandfather considered, “If only we had the position of Prefect!”
“I requested the Prefect’s post, but Lord Li Xi’s second son opposed my father-in-law’s plea, so it ended as deputy magistrate,” Wei Fufeng explained.
His grandfather paused, then sneered, “To possess power and not use it—that’s truly shortsighted. Still, deputy magistrate is good enough to take up the post in Jinzhou.”
Wei Fufeng agreed and asked, “Deputy magistrate is too minor. What should we do?”
His grandfather stroked his beard, “The deputy’s role is greatest when the magistrate is absent. You must quietly take control of the state office and eliminate the magistrate.”
Wei Fufeng said, “If I launch a surprise attack to seal the state office, I fear it won’t remain hidden for long.”
His grandfather smiled, “If you can seal it swiftly, I’ll go to Jinzhou as Prefect, take charge of the administration, and cooperate with your father to govern Jinzhou.”
“Grandfather, my concern is that our actions can’t remain hidden. Jinzhou belongs to the jurisdiction of the Wuding Governor,” Wei Fufeng reiterated.
His grandfather replied, “Though under Wuding, it is managed by Prefect Yang Shubo. Both are adopted sons of Yang Fuguo. Moreover, Jinzhou has suffered floods and rampant banditry. The Wuding Governor prefers to avoid trouble. Provided the tributes are paid, he won’t concern himself with Jinzhou.”
Wei Fufeng nodded, and his grandfather continued, “Fufeng, our attempt to seize Jinzhou is a gamble. Success or failure depends on fate.”
Wei Fufeng nodded again. Pursuing the Southern Sichuan governorship was itself a series of wagers.
He listened as his grandfather continued, “The current emperor relies on the chancellor for governance. Yang Fuguo’s downfall is only a matter of time. Seizing Jinzhou is a gamble worth taking.”
Wei Fufeng agreed, and his grandfather added, “Even if our plot in Jinzhou is exposed, as Prefect I can either muster troops to resist, or escape to Chang’an for refuge.”
“Grandfather, your Prefect’s post is in Shangzhou, isn’t it?” Wei Fufeng reminded him, concerned that excitement might cloud his grandfather’s judgment.
His grandfather shook his head, “Do you think Li Xi is my only option? If we quietly seize Jinzhou, I’ll send a secret letter to Chancellor Du Rangneng, requesting a transfer from Prefect of Shangzhou to Prefect of Jinzhou.”
Wei Fufeng was surprised, “So Grandfather is on good terms with Chancellor Du?”
His grandfather smiled bitterly, “How could I be? You must understand, Chief Minister Yang Fuguo and the Chancellor are opposed. By taking Yang Fuguo’s territory, we align ourselves with the Chancellor’s faction. With your great-uncle’s influence, Chancellor Du will surely grant the request. A routine transfer of Prefect is no difficult matter.”
Wei Fufeng understood and said, “Grandfather, please discuss the matter of seizing Jinzhou with my father.”
His grandfather shook his head, “Your father cannot know. He lacks courage, is too dull, and cannot undertake great matters.”
Wei Fufeng fell silent, as his grandfather continued, “Of my seven sons, your father is the best scholar. In times of peace, his achievements would have brought honor to our family. But in chaos, his dullness is a fatal flaw.”
Wei Fufeng remained silent as his grandfather patted his shoulder gently, “Though you are young, you are the most daring of my grandchildren, which brings me comfort.”
Wei Fufeng could only remain silent, unwilling to offer empty thanks. He watched as his grandfather went to the door and instructed the young servant to summon his father.
His grandfather returned, his expression solemn, “Fufeng, this matter must not be made public. You must conceal your position as Commander of the Fufeng Army. Thus, only you, your father, your fourteenth uncle, myself, and a few trusted confidants will be involved.”
“Grandfather, are these confidants household servants?” Wei Fufeng asked cautiously.
His grandfather smiled, “I once served as county constable in Deng County and as an official in Shangzhou for years. How could I lack a hundred loyal followers? Yet the times are hard. If they are not continually rewarded, loyalty will wane.”
Wei Fufeng nodded in understanding. He recalled that even the Sima of Suizhou, though his post was nominal, had many followers.
Those with official positions naturally attract dependents.
But one must also have wealth to bind their loyalty.
Sima Yang traveled far to seek Yang Shouliang, relying on daily provisions and the hope of maintaining his position to keep his followers close.
Should he become a stray with nowhere to turn, those dependents would surely scatter.
Grandfather and grandson then discussed their plans in detail. His grandfather, a veteran official, spoke with clarity and insight, displaying deep familiarity with Jinzhou’s personnel and geography.
Wei Fufeng realized his grandfather likely had plans prepared for escaping Shangzhou should the need arise.