Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson Lords Chapter 90: Yan Huaiyu
Wei Kang struggled and cried out in panic, but he was no match for the armored soldiers. He was quickly escorted away, twenty men from the Fufeng Army taking him directly to Jinzhou.
Wei Fufeng requested paper and brush, and in the second hall, he wrote a letter to his grandfather, explaining the situation and emphasizing the severe consequences of embezzling military pay.
He further explained that Fangzhou and Junzhou were intimately linked, forming a strategic corridor through which the armies of southern Sichuan and Jinzhou could support one another; their loss could not be tolerated.
He also advised his grandfather to recommend an external appointment for the prefect, both to lull the court into complacency and to gain the court’s legitimate backing.
Wei Fufeng nominated Yan Huaiyu, a sub-secretary from the Ministry of Revenue, whose upright character had been commended by his uncle.
With his eighth uncle escorted away, Wei Fufeng could only temporarily act as prefect of Fangzhou. He revised the distribution of military pay, making up the shortfalls and collecting the excess, and did not condone the tacit practice of officers keeping their surplus.
Having settled the issue of military pay, Wei Fufeng began to govern Fangzhou, awaiting the arrival of the new prefect and news from southern Sichuan.
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Wei Kang was escorted to Jinzhou, where he met his father, the prefect of Jinzhou. Complaining bitterly, he accused Wei Fufeng of domineering disrespect and explained that the alteration of military pay was meant to win the officers’ loyalty.
His grandfather did not scold him, but responded calmly, “You’ve been a scribe too long, caring only for the profit of money, unaware of the terrible consequences of a mutinous army. You think giving benefits to surrendered officers will win their allegiance. You are mistaken. Officials are rarely satisfied; given the chance, they will rebel and seize power.”
Wei Kang retorted indignantly, “Even if I was wrong, Wei Fufeng should not have bullied his elders so arrogantly.”
His grandfather shook his head. “Let us not speak of this further. Since you are here, you may take office as Chief Historian of Jinzhou and assist me.”
Wei Kang could only acquiesce in silence. He had heard of Wei Fufeng’s defense of Jinzhou, and how Commander Wang Lin had switched sides upon meeting him, signifying Wei Fufeng’s control of the military, much like the commander of Jin City’s forces.
His grandfather ordered someone to guide Wei Kang to assume his duties at the prefecture, then took up his brush to draft a memorial.
Regarding Wei Fufeng’s forceful expulsion of Wei Kang, his grandfather did not think him excessive; he saw it as a display meant for the Fangzhou troops. Wei Fufeng’s initial impression upon his grandfather was one of humility and respect for elders.
Moreover, his grandfather’s ambition now lay in the greater enterprise; Junzhou and Fangzhou were crucial to Jinzhou’s defense. The eighth son lacked the ability, his vision too narrow, his temperament that of a minor figure.
His grandfather believed the eighth son needed sharpening, and so did not reproach him. Naturally, his own mood was quite good.
After writing the memorial, he glanced at it and sent it off.
Wei Fufeng’s advice deeply resonated with his grandfather. Fangzhou’s acquisition was recent; it was necessary to mislead the court and buy time to take root. If the court continued to pressure and interfere, it would only create more internal and external troubles for Jinzhou’s rule.
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The court’s appointment process, unless expedited by someone, usually took some time.
Since the day the appointment of Zhaoxin Military Commissioner was approved, progress had been slow, as no one urged it forward.
When the military commissioner’s seal and subordinate official seals were finally completed, the memorial recommending Jinzhou’s prefect reached the emperor’s hands. Surprised, the emperor summoned the sub-secretary of the Ministry of Revenue.
Yan Huaiyu, the sub-secretary, was the same official who had dealings with Wei Fufeng.
After entering and bowing, Emperor Zhaozong asked, “Are you and Wei Xun close friends?”
Yan Huaiyu was startled. “Your servant and Wei Xun are merely colleagues, without any close association.”
“The prefect of Jinzhou has submitted a memorial stating that the prefect of Junzhou, Wei Xun, praised your uprightness and recommended you for external appointment as prefect of Fangzhou,” Zhaozong said, watching Yan Huaiyu’s reaction.
Yan Huaiyu was astonished. “Your servant truly has no friendship with Wei Xun, and does not know why he recommended me.”
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Zhaozong nodded. “The prefect of Jinzhou has nominated you, likely knowing that nominating a relative would not be approved, so he chose you for external appointment.”
Yan Huaiyu nodded. Zhaozong asked again, “Are you willing to accept an external appointment?”
“I am willing, Your Majesty. The position of prefect is a senior fourth-rank post; it is a promotion for me and an honor for my descendants.” Yan Huaiyu answered without hesitation.
Zhaozong nodded, already familiar with Yan Huaiyu’s character, and said with warmth, “After your external appointment, are you willing to report Jinzhou’s affairs to the court at any time?”
“Your Majesty’s command, I shall obey,” Yan Huaiyu replied respectfully.
Zhaozong nodded. “The seal of the Zhaoxin Military Commissioner has been completed; you may deliver it to the Prince of West City as an envoy.”
“I accept the command,” Yan Huaiyu responded with reverence.
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Yan Huaiyu left the Daming Palace and returned home to make arrangements. The sudden external appointment as prefect of Fangzhou left him perplexed, so he could only go alone to assume his post.
Early next morning, he entered the Daming Palace to receive the imperial edict, seal, official robe, and other articles.
As he approached the Ministry of Personnel, someone on the left called out, “Congratulations, Lord Yan, on your promotion.”
Yan Huaiyu turned to see a man in deep green official robes approaching, recognizing him as Li Xian, the judicial supervisor of the Court of Justice. He held a rather indifferent impression of Li Xian.
“Lord Li,” Yan Huaiyu replied coolly.
Li Xian smiled. “I am here both to congratulate you and to remind you: it is best to take your family with you to Fangzhou.”
“What do you mean?” Yan Huaiyu frowned.
Li Xian smiled. “Once you leave for Fangzhou, you may not return to Chang’an for a long time. It is better to bring your family along.”
Yan Huaiyu caught the implication and said gravely, “Is my external appointment somehow related to you, Lord Li?”
Li Xian shook his head and smiled. “Not at all. Once you leave Chang’an with your family, there will be a hundred soldiers to escort you safely to Fangzhou. The roads outside are dangerous; military protection is wise.”
Yan Huaiyu looked at Li Xian in confusion, but Li Xian saluted and left.
Unable to call after him, Yan Huaiyu suppressed his doubts and entered the Ministry.
After finishing his business at the Daming Palace, he returned home and instructed his family to prepare for departure. Though puzzled, Yan Huaiyu understood that Li Xian would not harm him; if he intended ill, he would target only Yan Huaiyu himself.
Yan Huaiyu’s family was poor, so preparations were simple. Thirteen family members left Chang’an on foot.
After five miles, they saw many soldiers in hempen robes with long spears. An officer in chain mail approached, and after confirming their identities, invited Yan Huaiyu’s family to ride in three wagons.
Upon inquiry, Yan Huaiyu learned that his escort was the Fufeng Army stationed at Quchi. He then realized that his appointment to Fangzhou was linked to his previous dealings with the commander of the Fufeng Army.
His heart was both anxious and expectant: anxious about how to conduct himself in the future, expectant that he would not be a mere puppet prefect but could accomplish something.
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Traveling the Wuguan Road, the journey was smooth, and they arrived at Jinzhou.
Yan Huaiyu did not know that the Prince of West City had been lured away to Yancheng. He understood that the real authority in Jinzhou was the prefect, and sensibly went straight to the prefecture to request an audience.
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The prefect of Jinzhou personally welcomed him outside, wearing a purple official robe a rank higher than Yan Huaiyu’s bright red.
Yan Huaiyu stepped forward and bowed respectfully, “This humble official greets the Commander of Defense.”
“Lord Yan, you have come a long way and endured much,” his grandfather replied with a smile.
Yan Huaiyu nodded respectfully and continued, “I have brought the imperial command and the seal of the Zhaoxin Military Commissioner, as well as subordinate official seals, to be delivered to the commissioner.”
His grandfather smiled gently. “You must have seen as you entered the city, there is construction underway. The Prince of West City found the chaos disagreeable and voluntarily relocated to Junzhou.”
Yan Huaiyu nodded in surprise. His grandfather continued, “You are to assume the post in Fangzhou. If you trust this army, may I deliver the seals on your behalf?”
Yan Huaiyu sighed inwardly, knowing refusal would likely cost him his life; even if he withheld them, the prefect would take them regardless.
“Then I must trouble you to deliver them,” Yan Huaiyu agreed tactfully.
“Very well, rest assured, the commissioner’s seal will reach the hands of the Prince of West City,” his grandfather promised with a smile.
“Thank you, sir,” Yan Huaiyu replied, relieved that his mission would be fulfilled once the seal was delivered.
“Please wait a moment,” Yan Huaiyu added, turning to fetch the items.
“No hurry. Come with me to the West Garden and enjoy Jinzhou’s tea,” his grandfather said, smiling and stopping him.
Yan Huaiyu paused and nodded, following the prefect to the West Garden.
As they walked, his grandfather smiled and asked, “My grandson Wei Fufeng recommended you for the post in Fangzhou. Are you well acquainted with him?”
“I am not, sir. When Commander Fufeng delivered grain to Chang’an, I was responsible for reception. My appointment as prefect was a complete surprise,” Yan Huaiyu replied.
“If you are unfamiliar, how did Fufeng know of your uprightness?” his grandfather asked in surprise.
“I truly did not know him. Our meetings were always official. At the time, Commander Fufeng offered me a bar of gold as a reward for my efforts, but I declined,” Yan Huaiyu explained.
His grandfather smiled lightly. “No wonder Fufeng holds you in high regard. You are indeed upright.”
“I dare not claim such virtue. I simply do not accept gifts, keeping to my duties and conducting myself with caution,” Yan Huaiyu said.
His grandfather nodded with a smile, reassured by Wei Fufeng’s recommendation. He was unconcerned about Yan Huaiyu’s decisions; the army in Fangzhou was led by trusted officers, what was needed was a talent for governance.
They entered the West Garden, walking directly to White Cloud Pavilion, which stood atop a hill overlooking the scenery. To the south, the bustling activity was visible, and a winding trench like a dragon caught the eye.
His grandfather raised his hand and pointed, laughing, “Lord Yan, the north has the winding Yellow River, and here in Jinzhou, I have built a winding river as well. This river lies within Roc City, winding through the inner city. Its source is the Han River, and after nine bends, it flows back into the Han.”
Yan Huaiyu nodded, gazing at the distant city walls under construction. He commented instinctively, “Sir, the city is very large.”
“My army knows it is large, but after enduring a siege, I had to emulate the Great Wall, enclosing the city and letting the winding river begin and end within. First, it prevents the enemy from damming the river to flood or cut off the flow. Second, it benefits waterway commerce. Third, it aids drainage. Fourth, we can grow vegetables, plant fruit, and raise livestock within the city,” his grandfather replied with a smile.
Yan Huaiyu nodded, understanding. His original point was that such a grand city was not worthwhile given the small population, but the prefect’s philosophy was to enclose the city like a country, cultivating crops and livestock within.
After viewing the city, his grandfather invited Yan Huaiyu to the lakeside in the West Garden to enjoy tea.
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