Volume One: The Commandery of Southern Rivers Chapter Eight: Borrowed Strength

Wei Fufeng returned to the inn and went straight to see Old Feng. After entering the room, he closed the door behind him, turned, and smiled, “Old Feng, it’s done.”

“Oh!” Old Feng replied calmly, turning as Wei Fufeng walked further in.

Wei Fufeng approached the table, placed his bundle on it, and opened it, revealing a purple robe, a jade belt, some official documents, and a square blue cloth pouch.

He reached for the blue pouch, opened it, and uncovered a silver seal shaped like a crouching tiger, entwined with a blue ribbon. He glanced at it and handed it to Old Feng.

Old Feng took it, his expression becoming grave as he examined it closely. He murmured in surprise, “A silver seal with a blue ribbon—Sichuan South Command, this is a military governor’s seal.”

“Indeed. I am now an official of the court, holding the rank of Third Class Silver-Blue Grand Master of the Imperial Court, and the office of Military Governor of Sichuan South,” Wei Fufeng said with a smile.

Old Feng looked at Wei Fufeng in astonishment. Wei Fufeng smiled again, stepped closer, and whispered.

After hearing him, Old Feng could hardly believe it, whispering, “Such a significant matter, and Magistrate Yang entrusted it so lightly?”

“When Wang Jian was appointed Prefect of Bizhou, a subordinate of Shannan West Circuit, he arbitrarily led troops to seize Langzhou. At that time, Magistrate Yang did not dispatch forces to suppress the rebellion, showing his fear of Wang Jian. Naturally, he wished for Wang Jian’s death. Now that Wang Jian is powerful in Western Sichuan, Yang Shouliang desires him dead even more. If he can kill Wang Jian at a small cost, Yang Shouliang will gladly accept,” Wei Fufeng whispered.

“But to promise the military governorship of Sichuan South—a matter of state? How could he agree?” Old Feng whispered, aghast.

“A matter of state? The court has lost control over the provinces. Any local strongman with troops and territory can obtain appointments as military governor, defense commissioner, or observer from the court. Yang Fukung is the chief eunuch in the court, wielding more power than the emperor himself. Establishing a new command in Sichuan South is not difficult for him,” Wei Fufeng murmured.

“Your actions, young master, might bring trouble upon Lord Wei,” Old Feng cautioned.

“I am a runaway illegitimate son. My deeds cannot be counted as the Wei clan’s crimes. Why did I risk this deception? Because I had no way out. My grand-uncle failed in his campaign against the rebels in Western Sichuan and was dismissed; since then, the Wei clan has fallen further,” Wei Fufeng explained.

Old Feng nodded and whispered, “It will be hard for you, young master, to truly secure the military governorship in Sichuan South.”

“Everything depends on effort. I know gaining the command will be difficult, perhaps even life-threatening. My plan is to use the opportunity to make some money. If I cannot secure a foothold as governor, I’ll at least acquire wealth, then flee to Jiangnan to live as a wealthy gentleman,” Wei Fufeng whispered.

Old Feng was slightly taken aback, whispering, “You don’t wish to seek refuge with Lord Wei in Western Sichuan?”

“What for? The old man won’t care for a nephew like me; he might even resent me for adding to his troubles. Think about it—his status is lofty, his eyes are set high above. Would he ever heed my advice?” Wei Fufeng replied coolly.

Old Feng nodded, then asked, “How do you intend to proceed, young master?”

“Strike first. On the journey, I must eliminate those military officers. If they accompany us to Yuzhou, I’ll gain nothing,” Wei Fufeng whispered.

“That may not be easy,” Old Feng whispered.

“We’ll see as events unfold. If it doesn’t work, I’ll reconsider,” Wei Fufeng whispered.

...

Having spoken with Old Feng, Wei Fufeng felt a release from days of pent-up anxiety. He and Old Feng left the inn to stroll outside, intending to find some helpers.

Yang Shouliang promised him authority over a hundred elite soldiers, but these troops couldn’t be used for internal conflict; at least on the way to Yuzhou, two hundred soldiers would maintain a neutral stance.

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After half an hour of wandering, Wei Fufeng felt somewhat disappointed. The refugees he saw were mostly pale, emaciated weaklings.

He needed brave and strong men, but he knew that those fit and sturdy were mostly recruited by the army.

“Young master, perhaps Yang Yuntian from last time could be useful,” Old Feng whispered.

“Where is he?” Wei Fufeng replied.

“White Dragon Inn. I saw him there two days ago,” Old Feng answered.

Wei Fufeng paused in surprise and nodded. The White Dragon Inn was just across the street from his lodgings, about a hundred meters away. He whispered, “Still staying at the inn, it seems Magistrate Yang hasn’t taken him in.”

Old Feng remained silent. Wei Fufeng turned and walked back. After a short while, he stopped and turned, whispering, “Old Feng, on the road, I think I can only rely on myself. I cannot count on outside help.”

Old Feng nodded. Wei Fufeng continued, “Go buy some laxatives, seal them in wine bottles. They might come in handy.”

Old Feng nodded and left, leaning on his cane. Wei Fufeng continued on his way, returned near his inn, and found the White Dragon Inn.

Upon entering, a porter greeted him. Hearing Wei Fufeng’s purpose, the porter went inside to inform his contact.

After a moment, Yang Yuntian came out and was surprised to see Wei Fufeng.

Wei Fufeng smiled and bowed, “Brother Yang, I am Wei Zheng.”

“Oh, Brother Wei,” Yang Yuntian replied, returning the greeting.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Yuntian asked, “Is there something you wish to discuss, Brother Wei?”

“Could we speak inside?” Wei Fufeng smiled.

“Please, Brother Wei,” Yang Yuntian said courteously, stepping aside to let Wei Fufeng in.

They walked to Yang Yuntian’s quarters and sat down. Yang Yuntian said plainly, “Far from home, I cannot offer much hospitality. Please forgive me, brother.”

Wei Fufeng replied with a smile, “No need for formality, brother.”

“Is there something you need?” Yang Yuntian asked.

“I wanted to ask, has your esteemed father received an appointment from Magistrate Yang?” Wei Fufeng inquired.

Yang Yuntian’s expression changed slightly. He hesitated, then said, “Magistrate Yang has asked my father to wait.”

“Oh, I see. My father has received the post of Military Governor of Sichuan South. Since you and I hit it off so well, I am short of officials under my command. I wanted to ask if your esteemed father would be willing to accept the position of judge,” Wei Fufeng said gently.

Yang Yuntian was startled, then skeptical, “Military Governor of Sichuan South?”

Wei Fufeng explained briefly, finishing, “Tomorrow I will travel to Yuzhou with the officials from Chang’an assigned to the command. If we succeed in taking charge of Yuzhou, I want your esteemed father to serve as judge.”

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Yang Yuntian looked at Wei Fufeng, hesitated, and said, “Brother Wei, I understand what you say, but I believe Yuzhou is difficult to claim for the command. As far as I know, the Prefect of Yuzhou is under Shannan West Circuit, but he has entrenched himself in Yuzhou for years and now commands his own forces.”

Wei Fufeng replied, “Just a prefect—does he dare rebel against Magistrate Yang? To be frank, the Military Governor of Sichuan South is supported by Magistrate Yang. With his intimidation, the Prefect of Yuzhou will surely prefer peace.”

“Magistrate Yang’s support?” Yang Yuntian exclaimed in surprise.

“This matter must not be disclosed,” Wei Fufeng said solemnly.

Yang Yuntian nodded quietly. Wei Fufeng continued, “Though Magistrate Yang’s influence is strong, there may be unforeseen dangers. After we successfully take charge, I hope your esteemed father will serve as judge. He has served as an official for years and can help me in administrative affairs.”

Yang Yuntian nodded, “Thank you, Brother Wei, for your consideration. I will ask my father right away.”

Wei Fufeng said, “Magistrate Yang has asked your father to wait; perhaps he will offer your father a better post. I have two purposes in coming: first, to offer the appointment; second, to request your father’s help in assigning five men to serve as my personal guards.”

Yang Yuntian was slightly taken aback, “Brother Wei, your request is somewhat improper.”

“Brother, being far from home, it’s wise to have multiple options. I need strong guards for the journey to Yuzhou. If all goes well, your father and you can take office there—your father as judge, you as commander of troops. If not, the five men can return on their own. Go ask your father,” Wei Fufeng said gently.

Yang Yuntian nodded, stood, and bowed, “Brother Wei, please wait a moment.”

Watching Yang Yuntian leave, Wei Fufeng narrowed his eyes. To become a military governor, accompanied only by crippled Old Feng, would be a laughingstock.

The two hundred soldiers could not be deployed at first, as there was a commander of the central army.

He waited for a full quarter of an hour before Yang Yuntian returned, bowed, and said, “My father is willing to keep his options open. Thank you for your favor, Acting Governor.”

“We are congenial, brother. It seems fated,” Wei Fufeng smiled.

As they left, five robust men appeared.

Introduced by Yang Yuntian, the five men addressed Wei Fufeng as Acting Governor and accompanied him as he left, while Yang Yuntian respectfully saw them off.

Back at the inn, Wei Fufeng smiled, “Are you all hungry?”

“Yes,” one of the men, the stoutest among them, replied in surprise.

“Well, today I’ll treat you all to a full meal, but we’ll have to squeeze into one room,” Wei Fufeng said with a smile.

“We wouldn’t dare disturb you, sir. We can sleep outside,” said a square-faced man sensibly.

“We can be flexible—it’s no bother,” Wei Fufeng replied.

At night, the lady in green stayed alone in her room, while Wei Fufeng went to Old Feng’s room. Seven men crowded together for a night’s rest.

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