Chapter Forty-Four: Brother-in-law, Do You Think It’s a Waste of Time?

Shouchun, within the general’s residence.

Ji Ling strode in, tossing Liu Xun’s severed head before him, and cupped his fists with a resounding voice: “Lord, this is Liu Xun’s head!”

Staring at Liu Xun, whose eyes remained open in death, the assembled generals felt a pang of envy. To slay Liu Xun was no small feat; too bad their own contributions amounted to little more than a taste of the spoils, having merely led their troops to battle.

“Well done! General Ji, you are truly the foremost warrior under my father’s command, your valor unmatched in the army. I shall petition the court to appoint you Cavalry Commandant and lead my Yuan clan’s forces on the field of battle,” Chu Feng proclaimed loudly.

He had just assigned posts to all his officers, though his appointments could not compare to those bestowed by Yuan Shu, of course. Still, beneath his own rank, he could promote whomever he pleased, regardless of the court’s opinion.

“Thank you, my lord!” Ji Ling stepped aside.

“My lord, nearly twenty thousand of Liu Xun’s infantry surrendered to us last night. How shall we deal with them?” Zhang Xun asked, fists clasped.

“Select the able-bodied and integrate them into the various battalions. Those with families may be sent home; those without shall remain in Shouchun. The city has much rebuilding to do and needs manpower,” Chu Feng replied, raising his hand.

“Yes, my lord!” Zhang Xun nodded.

“My lord, with Liu Xun dead, we should swiftly march to Lujiang to pacify Zhu County. Also, the bandits in the Chao Lake region have grown rampant; we must dispatch a top general to suppress them!” Qiao Rui stepped forward, offering his counsel.

“You speak well. Ji Ling, Le Jiu, let your forces rest for three days, then proceed to Chao Lake and eradicate the bandits. You are also to garrison Lujiang and its counties,” Chu Feng addressed Ji Ling and Le Jiu.

“Yes, my lord!” the two replied.

“Zhang Xun, hear my order. Take your troops and, at a chosen date, set out to garrison Zhi County in Peiguo, to strengthen the frontier’s security. You are also responsible for providing relief to disaster victims and preventing refugees from fleeing to Xiaopei!” Chu Feng added, emphasizing this point.

In history, Liu Bei had soon recruited ten thousand followers upon retaking Xiaopei, likely due to droughts in the Jianghuai region and his own reputation for virtue, which drew refugees to him.

“Yes, my lord!” Zhang Xun answered resoundingly.

At that moment, Chu Feng’s expression grew solemn as he declared, “Furthermore, from this day forth, the entire army is to be reformed—purging the dross and keeping only the elite.”

“An army without discipline is no different from commoners. Strict military law must be enforced; any who violate it, from officers down, will be punished! If anyone conceals such matters, and I discover it, I will strip him of his rank and reduce him to commoner status!”

At these words, the assembly shuddered.

Lax discipline was the norm in Yuan Shu’s army, and now Chu Feng’s sudden demand for rigor, coupled with streamlining the ranks, seemed a nearly impossible burden.

Qiao Rui hesitated before speaking: “My lord, strict discipline is essential, but the troops are used to laxity. I fear it will be difficult to change overnight. Perhaps…”

“An undisciplined army cannot stand. The enemy will not wait while you slowly reform your troops. Let it be known: the camp will not harbor idlers. Whether officer or soldier, all must obey!”

“Those who cannot manage it, leave at once!”

“Any who object, may marshal their forces and challenge me!”

Chu Feng’s eyes swept over the generals, fixing them each in turn. He could not personally oversee every soldier—at best, he could reform his own guard. The rest he had to entrust to these men.

“Yes, my lord!” The generals bowed their heads and cupped their fists.

“Enough. All of you, return to your camps and begin the reforms. No slacking or muddling through. Submit your muster rolls to me in due course—I will review them personally,” Chu Feng commanded.

“Yes, my lord!” the generals answered in unison.

As they withdrew, Qiao Rui lingered, anxiety etched on his face. “My lord, harsh laws doomed the Qin—under such pressure, there may be trouble…”

“In troubled times, harsh measures must be used. If we allow this to continue, our army will collapse at the first defeat—how can we survive then? As for dissenters, I will execute them myself!” Chu Feng replied, unwavering.

Qiao Rui sighed and offered another reminder: “As long as you have a plan, my lord. But you have executed many aristocrats—make sure the mansion is well guarded against assassins!”

“I will see to it.”

“Oh, and by the way, Xiao Qiao has been restless at home these days. Now that the city is at peace, would you mind letting her visit with Lady Qiao?”

Qiao Rui’s tone betrayed his exasperation. Clearly, Xiao Qiao had made this request repeatedly, and he could no longer refuse, so he put it forth as gently as he could.

“Haha, of course! Da Qiao is idle here in the residence anyway—she can keep her company,” Chu Feng laughed heartily. His sister-in-law coming over? He could only be delighted.

“I’ll relay your answer at once.”

Seeing Qiao Rui leave as if a weight had been lifted, Chu Feng could not help but smile. How could he let his father-in-law be put on the spot over something like this? If it were not improper, he would have asked her to move in altogether.

“Yan Xiang, I have few talented men in my service. I intend for you to issue a summons, seeking worthy men and generals from all lands to serve me,” Chu Feng now addressed Yan Xiang.

Yan Xiang had returned the previous day, and it was no surprise to Chu Feng that Lü Bu had not agreed to an alliance by marriage.

“My lord, you are both wise and valiant, a scion of the Yuan clan. Now, having pacified Liu Xun and taken Lujiang, your reputation is known far and wide. Once your summons goes out, many will surely flock to you,” Yan Xiang replied, stroking his beard and smiling.

“Oh, and prepare some gold and armor. Tonight, you will accompany me to the camps of the various generals,” Chu Feng added.

“Very well, I’ll see to it at once,” Yan Xiang replied, his smile unchanged. The lord intends to wield both stick and carrot—a far better ruler than his father, Yan Xiang mused. Back then, he had merely advised Yuan Shu not to declare himself emperor, and for that, was coldly sidelined, leading to his own retirement. But enough of that.

With Yan Xiang dismissed, Chu Feng set about personally reviewing documents. Most reported disasters, with banditry a close second, and he pondered how best to address these.

Relief must be provided, but always through work-for-aid schemes; it would be folly to simply feed tens of thousands for a year. By employing the people, he could develop the region—if nothing else, they could repair roads, connect the Fei River, dig irrigation canals, and so on. At the very least, this would ensure Jiujiang and surrounding areas would be more prosperous the following year.

He worked straight through to mid-afternoon.

Stretching, Chu Feng prepared to head home for dinner. Afterwards, he would don armor and visit the generals, reassuring them so they would harbor no resistance.

…

Yuan Residence, rear garden.

Chu Feng had not yet arrived when he heard two melodious voices within. One was plaintive and pleading, the other firm in refusal; the pleading one belonged to Xiao Qiao.

“Heh, what’s going on here?” Chu Feng called out with a hearty laugh.

“Brother-in-law, you’re just in time! I miss my sister and want to stay here overnight, but she won’t allow it—she says I’ll distract you from your important affairs!” Xiao Qiao exclaimed, running over to clutch Chu Feng’s arm and pour out her grievances, her pitiful expression tugging at the heart.

[The Han calls it ‘sister’s husband,’ but ‘brother-in-law’ sounds better!]

“Sister, mind your manners!”

“Heh, it’s fine, it’s fine,” Chu Feng waved it off, inwardly amused at how she clung to his arm—if she wanted to, she could stay as long as she liked.

“Brother-in-law, tell me—would I really be a distraction?”