The simplicity of Liang Feng’s convoy, yet the ceremony upon return, could be described as grand. Not only did the officials of the Governor’s residence, led by Sun Li and Zhang Bin, come out of the city to welcome, but also in the city of Jinyang, joyous singing and a welcoming crowd lined the streets.
Before, tens of thousands of Xianbei elite cavalry penetrated deep into Bing County! Considering the miserable situation in Ye City and Chang’an, and then looking at Jinyang, how can one not sincerely admire the Lord’s methods? Compared to the mediocre likes of Sima Teng and Pei Dun, with such a competent leader, they can ensure their safety in troubled times!
The thoughts of the common people are simple and straightforward, but the considerations of the aristocracy are more complex. Not to mention other prominent families, even the Wang family in Taiyuan had people coming out to welcome. The Battle of You and Bing thoroughly revealed Liang Feng’s strength and tactics. Leaving aside the astonishing military achievements, just his ruthlessness towards those opportunists is enough to send shivers down one’s spine.
Having close ties with Wang Jun and engaging in covert dealings, not to mention the three minor noble families that were exterminated.
The situation faced by the Wang family in Taiyuan is even more awkward. However, Wang Jun moved his entire family to You County early on, and their connection with the Wang family’s main lineage is not very close. Instead, Wang Wen had a close relationship with Lord Liang, and they even nearly formed a marriage alliance. With such a relationship, those Wang family members who were distant relatives shamelessly leaned towards Lord Liang and, like other prominent families, chose their side.
In this way, the people of Jinyang were united as never before.
Countless individuals sought to curry favor with Liang Feng, but upon returning to the Governor’s residence, the first person he met was a newcomer.
“In the Battle of Zhongshan, thanks to the Chief Secretary’s maneuvering from the sidelines, we were able to easily take it. Having such a virtuous and capable person is truly my good fortune.” Facing the newly arrived Zu Ti, Liang Feng showed ample courtesy.
This future renowned general, in his forties, still had a tall figure, exuding a distinctive and non-aristocratic heroic aura that made him quite approachable. Just at a glance, Liang Feng nodded inwardly. Those who could make history truly had their own charm.
“Lord Liang, you flatter me. Compared to General Yi’s deception in breaking the enemy’s camp and the boldness of killing bandits for a thousand miles, the methods of this subordinate are nothing to speak of.” Liang Feng observed Zu Ti, and Zu Ti was also scrutinizing this sudden rising star in Bing County.
Just by appearance, this Governor Liang was more refined than most of the aristocratic offspring Zu Ti had encountered. Even his former friend Liu Kun, who became famous at a young age as one of the ‘Twenty-Four Friends of Jin Valley,’ had to concede three points. However, despite such a lofty demeanor, there was no hint of arrogance in his expression. On the contrary, he was composed, courteous, and exuded a sense of ease that made people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze. His lacquer-like black eyes, like points of paint, revealed a clear and sharp brilliance, showing a distinctive and alert clarity.
Such a figure, no wonder it attracts numerous talents to join.
“Suppressing chaos and eliminating bandits is indeed important, but without the ability to govern and maintain peace, it’s just dealing with transient troubles, inviting disasters. Now that Ji County is unsettled, with the threat of the Xiongnu on the side, Lord Zu’s decision to join is like a timely rain after a drought. Please, take the seat of honor and discuss the affairs of the province with us,” Liang Feng smiled and extended another invitation.
Addressing someone by their courtesy name and title when in a superior position implies respect and trust. Liang Feng genuinely displayed respect and trust openly, deeply moving Zu Ti, a man not entirely accustomed to official conventions. Even during the time of the various kings of the Sima clan, even under a benevolent ruler like Sima Yi, he had never been treated like this. They had never met and had no deep connections, yet Lord Liang unquestionably believed in his abilities and treated him with such formal courtesy. How could one not feel the emotions of being recognized as capable by those who understand?
Zu Ti did not decline and gladly took his seat.
Seeing that the main advisors were all present, Liang Feng spoke, “Ji County is facing great turmoil, the people are scattered, and the county seats are desolate. The urgent matter at hand is to identify the virtuous and capable individuals and rectify the disorder in the provinces. This winter, we will reopen the selection process and appoint a group of officials.”
The selection process was an established method in Bing County for choosing officials. However, this time, Liang Feng added the word “appoint.” Just one word made a significant difference. The batch of people selected by Guo Tong in the previous central evaluation was hardly utilized by the court. On the other hand, those chosen through the selection process were promptly deployed to their positions. With the current system conducting evaluations twice a year and promotions every three years, just with this move, Liang Feng firmly grasped personnel authority.
Duan Qin nodded, “This subordinate will handle it. However, the leaders of the provinces and counties should be recommended to the court as soon as possible.”
The current Governor of Ji County, Ding Shao, was about to step down. If Liang Feng didn’t send his trusted aides there, the court might create obstacles. Liang Feng agreed, “Sun Biejia comes from a prestigious family, and he can govern a province. He should be able to take up the post in Ji County.”
Sun Li trembled upon hearing this. Originally just a distant relative of the Sun family, he might never have had the chance to serve if judged solely on his merits. But by aligning with Liang Feng, starting as Bing County’s assistant, and now being directly promoted to the Governor of Ji County, how could it not stir excitement within him?
With a deep bow, he suppressed his inner excitement and solemnly said, “This subordinate will surely assist the Lord in stabilizing Ji County!”
Liang Feng nodded, “There are still several commanderies in Ji County that are not pacified. Zhang He will accompany you. Appoint him as the Commandant of Ji County. The rest of the officials can be selected from Bing County.”
This implies that what he is giving to Sun Li is not just a title but an entire administrative team. When Sun Li takes this team to Ji County and transforms it into a replica of Bing County, it is only a matter of time.
“As for Wei Commandery, you can recommend Zhichuan as the Prefect and Liu Gong as the Commandant. This is a key fortress in Si County, likely to face the Xiongnu threat, and cannot afford any mistakes,” Liang Feng added.
Ge Hong’s performance was better than Sun Li’s, accepting the order with humility. He has been a county magistrate for over two years, and his promotion is well-deserved. However, elevating him to the Prefect of Wei Commandery, not the commandery administrator of Bing County, shows the Lord’s trust in him. Liu Gong, who had been stationed in Ye City and joined Yiyan in the expedition to You County, had proven himself to be a capable and experienced warrior. He now had the confidence to defend this northern territory!
Zu Ti, who listened on the side, couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of emotion. Whether as the Governor of Ji County or the Prefect of Wei Commandery, both positions required an imperial appointment. However, Lord Liang didn’t hesitate to entrust these roles to his own trusted subordinates. What was he relying on? Naturally, it was the great victory in You County and Bing County’s complete control over Ji County and Wei Commandery. With Liang Zixi also holding the title of Commander-in-Chief of Ji County, if the court didn’t accept his recommendations and chose someone else, it would further worsen the relationship between Bing County and the court. Would the young emperor dare to take that risk? He would probably just agree to avoid complications.
Once he completely controlled Ji County and implemented many new policies from Bing County, there might be no one else who could replace him. This is just two provinces and one commandery. What if it expands to You County? Moves east into Yan County? Or even engage in a war with the Xiongnu, reclaiming Si County? The possibilities are truly limitless.
In simple terms, the deployment of local officials in the state and county was arranged with just a few sentences. Liang Feng turned his head and said to Zu Ti, “Now that the situation is chaotic, what do you think is the most important?”
Without asking Zhang Bin, he came to ask him first, showing that he valued it, and at the same time, he was testing his strategic insight. Zu Ti did not hesitate and said, “We should prioritize the Xiongnu issue. Whether it’s You County or Ji County, we need to stabilize the situation in the short term, and it won’t endanger the lord. Only the Xiongnu borders Bing County, and we have no choice but to be vigilant. If the Xiongnu takes Chang’an, the fertile land of Guanzhong will fall into their hands. In this way, the attack on Luoyang will be unimpeded, so we must take precautions as soon as possible!”
Whether it was Zhang Bin or Liang Feng, both nodded in agreement in their hearts. This strategic insight was truly commendable. Ji County could be nibbled at, You County could be instigated, but only the Xiongnu on the flank of Bing County had to be guarded against. Seizing Chang’an and gaining control of most of Si County, Liu Yuan’s strength was now even stronger. The eastward advance of the nomadic horses was just a matter of time.
“What Lord Zu said is indeed true.” Liang Feng slightly raised his voice, “Stationing troops and cultivating fields should not be delayed for a moment. Bing County should make early preparations to resist the strong enemy!”
※
It hadn’t been long since leaving Jinyang, but a considerable amount of accumulated affairs awaited attention. After discussing various important matters with his staff, Liang Feng summoned several waves of people. It wasn’t until the evening that he returned to his residence.
However, this time he didn’t go back to the main courtyard but directly to the separate residence where Yiyan lived. Leaving the maids and guards outside, as soon as he stepped through the courtyard gate, he saw a figure limping around in the courtyard.
“Boyuan!” Liang Feng’s eyebrows couldn’t help but twitch, and he called out to the person.
“My Lord.” Yiyan quickly stood still, raised the crutch he was leaning on, and said, “I’m using a crutch, but it’s nothing serious. Lying down for too long makes my bones stiff; I still need to move around a bit.”
Previously, Yiyan’s leg fracture had been re-examined by the military doctor, fitted with a splint, but it was getting worse. Seeing that Yiyan was really unwilling to sit in a sedan chair, Liang Feng had someone make a crutch for him. It seemed to be in line with Yiyan’s intentions. After the initial fever, excessive sleep, and nightmares subsided, he didn’t want to lie in bed anymore and would occasionally move around, unstoppable.
Seeing that he had recovered his spirits, Liang Feng felt more at ease. However, this man’s energy was too vigorous, which was really worrying.
“A fractured bone needs rest.” He walked up to Yiyan, bent down to check the splint on his leg, confirmed that it hadn’t been damaged, and then scolded, “You’ll still need to ride horses and fight in the future. Do you want to end up limping? Stay in bed properly! What about the maids in your courtyard? Did you drive them away again?”
Knowing he was in the wrong, Yiyan whispered, “Others serving me is inconvenient. As long as you come to see me, it’s enough.”
This statement was somewhat meaningful, and Liang Feng chuckled, “You think a lot. Rest for a hundred days after injuring tendons and bones. If you don’t take good care of your injury, you won’t be able to go to the battlefield in the future. Let’s see how you’ll manage!”
This remark made Yiyan pause, “Are we going to war again?”
“Not in recent days. The Xiongnu won a battle, and it’s unclear when they might target Luoyang again. I sent Zhang He to Ji County, and the person stationed in Bing County naturally needs to be changed.” Liang Feng casually replied as if nothing had happened.
Return to Bing County?! Yiyan’s eyes lit up. Previously, he had concerns, after all, he held an official position appointed by the court. If his injuries recovered and he was ordered back to Ji County? There were still several counties yet to be pacified, and if the lord commanded him to quell the chaos, Yiyan would not dare to disobey.
However, it was a rare opportunity to be together, and he didn’t want to miss it. For this reason, he was eager to recover as soon as possible, at least to earn some leisure time for himself.
And now, he didn’t have to leave.
Seeing the man looking speechless, Liang Feng shook his head with a smile, ready to turn around and enter the room. Unexpectedly, with a thud, the wooden crutch fell on the bluestone slab. A hand grabbed his arm, pulling him into an embrace.
“You…” Caught off guard, Liang Feng stumbled forward, unable to struggle to avoid putting pressure on Yiyan’s injured leg. But in a brief hesitation, warm breath sprayed on his face.
“My lord pities me…” The voice was almost a murmur.
Logically, Liang Feng should have felt uncomfortable. In his entire life, he had never formed anything beyond a “brotherly” bond with any male being. However, pressed against that person’s body, he felt his breathing quicken, and even his heartbeat accelerated.
It was the same damn reaction as last time! But didn’t they agree to take it slow?!
The person didn’t give him time to dwell on it; sensing that he wouldn’t refuse, their slender lips pressed against his. Not as soft or plump as a woman’s, one could even feel the slightly raised lip lines due to dryness. Just a gentle press and the lips parted, exploring inside.
The kissing technique was extremely familiar. Liang Feng didn’t know how many women he had tried it on. However, experiencing it on himself was truly irresistible. A hand firmly held at the back of his head, preventing any escape. Just ravishing audaciously, tempting, wanting to entice him into sinking together.
Breathing was disrupted, and the hand pressing on his waist was too forceful. But all this recklessness, urgency, and unexpected elements ignited a flame hidden within. Liang Feng had thought he was so detached and disinterested that he could become a monk. Unexpectedly, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but he just hadn’t encountered the right person.
Deep within, something broke loose. Liang Feng stretched out his arm, encircling the other’s shoulders. Yiyan had injuries, he couldn’t let him get too excited, couldn’t let the wounds rupture again, couldn’t… a string of “couldn’t” continued for what felt like maybe two seconds before fading away. Liang Feng took the initiative to deepen the kiss, bringing their bodies even closer. Pleasure was like an addictive drug, making people excited and unable to resist. This kiss was suffocating, as if sensing that he might run out of breath, those entangled lips slowly withdrew, turning into lingering, gentle touches.
Damn! Liang Feng, dizzy and breathless, gasped for air. His consciousness gradually returned. Fortunately, there were no servants around… wait a minute, pressed against his waist, it definitely wasn’t a dagger, right? Wasn’t he going to be given some time to adjust?!
Liang Feng struggled and grabbed the other’s clothes, “The injury on your leg! And the stitches! If you continue like this, there’ll be no saving you!”
“My lord…” Yiyan’s voice unexpectedly carried a hint of grievance.
But who was Liang Feng? He knew all too well about the sordid thoughts of men. He didn’t fall for this, swiftly stepped back, picked up the crutch, and thrust it into the other’s arms, saying, “That’s enough!”
Looking at the rosy lips and the cheeks tinged with a blush, Yiyan took a deep breath, suppressing the almost bursting impulse.
The Lord did not refuse.
Just this fact was enough for him to endure everything. Once the injuries were healed, they had plenty of time.
The last trace of uneasiness in his heart turned into nothingness. Yiyan watched the figure’s back, took another breath, and then slowly followed with the crutch, entering the room.
