The pen swiftly glided across the paper, leaving behind a trail of ink stains. Zhang Bin’s hands were incessantly busy, reviewing the towering stack of official documents before him. In the room, there were four assistants, each sorting through various documents—those requiring the attention of the military office, those to be delegated to subordinates, and additional materials that could be filed independently.
As the Military Officer in the recently established Six Office of the Provincial Governor’s Office, Zhang Bin served as the Military Affairs Officer, overseeing the most intricate and laborious affairs. Fortunately, prior military reforms had taken place; otherwise, the situation might have spiraled into chaos. However, Zhang Bin harbored no complaints. In the current state of affairs in Bing County, the military held paramount importance, and the appointment to the position of Military Affairs Officer was a testament to the lord’s trust and recognition of his capabilities.
Having just finished reviewing one scroll of official documents, Zhang Bin was about to reach for another when a crisp and melodious chime echoed in his ears. The bronze figurine atop the tall water-powered timekeeping mechanism struck the small drum beside it. This was the scheduled timekeeping sound, a clever invention from the workshop. However, for Zhang Bin, it was merely a way to check the time.
Hearing the sound, all four individuals in the room lifted their heads. Without glancing, Zhang Bin grabbed another scroll and instructed, “Go ahead and have your meal; someone will bring me mine.”
Nowadays, the Provincial Governor’s Office provides one meal for lunch. At the appointed time, one could go to the dining hall and enjoy a satisfying meal. Although the variety of food was not extensive, the taste was decent. For lower-ranking officials with modest incomes, it was indeed a benevolent gesture.
With the command from Zhang Bin, the four individuals in the room sighed in relief, saluted, and exited the office. In the spacious room, only the sound of flipping pages remained. The recently constructed horse ranch, falling under military preparations and the jurisdiction of the Military Affairs Office, was a challenging task that required careful attention. After the autumn harvest, as agricultural activities gradually slowed down, winter training for the stationed troops demanded thorough preparation. Additionally, the resources allocated for the preparation of the arsenal in the treasury and the organization of the staff for various military units needed to be expedited.
Thanks to Zhang Bin’s extraordinary energy and intelligence, he was able to handle these complex tasks. After the current round of exams, it seemed that the Military Affairs Office needed to recruit more personnel, at least dividing it into two more sections. Putting down the documents, Zhang Bin rubbed the place between his eyes and pondered privately about borrowing manpower and places from Fan Long for more detailed training of staff officers.
Among the Six Offices this time, his Military Affairs Office, Duan Qin’s Household Affairs Office, and Fan Long’s Ritual Affairs Office held the most significant authority. The Bureau of Personnel, which should have had substantial power, became an unappreciated place due to its limitation in appointing only low-ranking officials and the additional responsibility of overseeing examinations. Cui Ji, known for his integrity and self-discipline, was suitable for the role. The Justice Affairs Office managed legal punishments, and it was appropriate for Xu Xian, who was well-versed in legal texts and understanding of criminal matters, to handle it. As for the Work Affairs Office, the unexpected appointment of Zu Taizhi surprised many, but Zhang Bin had long known that the lord valued Chief Secretary Zu Ti and had a favorable impression of Zu Taizhi, who came from Qiuzhi Academy. So, his selection was not surprising.
The Six Offices are in their infancy, and although there is no overt conflict, there is certainly a fair amount of subtle maneuvering. When the lord establishes himself one day, these will be the most important core personnel. How to stand out among the Six Offices is also the concern of many. However, for Zhang Bin, these considerations are not of much significance. The Military Affairs Office already has considerable authority, and the key lies in how to collaborate with other offices.
Previously, many staff members came from the military, those officers who advanced through merit, were literate and proficient in mathematics. Some sons of low-ranking families familiar with military texts could also be employed. However, this was not a long-term solution. If it were possible to train talents specifically, similar to the Institute of Cartography, the staff officer system could be sustained in the long run. The lord should not refuse such a matter; it only depends on whether Fan Long can cooperate.
While contemplating, a notification came from outside the door. Zhang Bin thought it was the person delivering lunch and casually allowed them to enter. However, instead of a servant, a messenger arrived. “Staff Officer, a letter from Pingyang!”
Zhang Bin immediately sat up straight, took the wooden box presented by the messenger, and after the person left the room, he opened and examined the sealed letter. Confirming the seal was intact, he took out the letter and compared it with a volume of scripture on his desk. In a short time, he translated the contents of the confidential letter. After carefully reading it twice to confirm its accuracy, Zhang Bin got up and headed to the rear hall.
During lunchtime, Liang Feng usually dined in the rear hall. At this moment, the dishes had just been laid out, and chopsticks had not yet been lifted when Zhang Bin hurriedly arrived. Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Meng Sun, is there something urgent?”
Zhang Bin handed over the letter in his hand, “There is a report from Xinling. There may be unrest in the Xiongnu court.”
Upon hearing the words “Xinling,” Liang Feng immediately became alert. Currently in Bing County, there was only one organization named “Xinling,” and it was the intelligence department he had newly established! This organization was different from the later Jin Yiwei or Dongchang, but more like a special agency. Its main task was to collect information, obtain secrets, infiltrate, and even manipulate enemy forces. Naming it Xinling was a reference to Xinling Jun rescuing the tiger tally to save Zhao. Its importance was self-evident.
This was the first confidential letter from Xinling, how could Liang Feng not take it seriously? Quickly taking the confidential report, Liang Feng read it sentence by sentence, chuckling, “Wang Mi is overbearing; conflict with the descendants of the Liu clan is only a matter of time. Liu Yuan won’t sit idly by as the country falls apart; he’s probably going to raise troops soon.”
This was also in line with Zhang Bin’s expectations, “I’m afraid this time he intends to attack the provinces of Jing, Yu, and Yan. The court should send Gou Xi to respond. Should we further incite internal discord among the Xiongnu?”
“Not for now.” After a moment of contemplation, Liang Feng said, “Instruct Xinling to continue lurking and not get involved in this matter for now. Liu Yuan is a wise man; if we act too overtly, it might backfire.”
Zhang Bin nodded in agreement. Liang Feng then asked, “How are the identities of the individuals we sent?”
“Has become an honored guest at the side of Huyan You,” Zhang Bin said.
Huyan You was the nephew of Liu Yuan’s legal wife, Empress Huyan. Despite his lack of learning, he was ordered by Liu Yuan not to be employed prominently. However, with his kinship ties, especially his close relationship with Crown Prince Liu He, becoming an honored guest on Huyan You’s side provided more opportunities to participate in various matters. In the subtle influence, it was uncertain how many developments he could affect.
Liang Feng nodded approvingly, “Meng Sun’s strategy is indeed clever.”
In the future time and space, intelligence agencies often deploy agents as confidential secretaries, staff officers, advisers, and even intimate companions like lovers. They infiltrated the enemy’s surroundings, gathered intelligence from all aspects, and disrupted their decision-making. “No one in the world is not connected,” was not just a joke. However, in this era, it was not easy to become a personal assistant to high-ranking officials. Even selling oneself into slavery could not easily get one close to them.
After listening to Liang Feng’s brief description of the nature of intelligence agencies, Zhang Bin immediately selected a category of people as potential infiltrators. Those were monks! Buddhism was flourishing in Bing County, and although the monks were strictly controlled, their numbers remained substantial. Among them, not everyone was truly devoted to Buddhism, and there were ambitious individuals. Even if suitable candidates couldn’t be found, undercover agents could shave their heads, memorize Buddhist teachings, and easily change their identities, transforming into monks.
Coincidentally, both the Xiongnu and Xianbei people believed in Buddhism. Half of the surrounding enemies in Bing County could be confidently infiltrated. Learning some basic medical and illusionary skills, and possessing sufficient eloquence and courage, one could easily ascend to this position. This laid the foundation for the framework of the newly established Xingling.
Zhang Bin did not take credit for himself, “Without the ingenious plan of our lord, where would the Xingling personnel come from? Now it’s just in the initial stages. In another three to five years, with the Xingling members alone, we will be able to withstand thousands of horses and thousands of troops.”
This prediction was not exaggerated. Liang Feng smiled, “Meng Sun, have you eaten yet? Come, let’s have lunch together.”
Grateful for the intimate invitation from the lord, Zhang Bin accepted and gladly took a seat. Liang Feng’s lunch was not extravagant, and the two of them ate while discussing various matters.
※
“Tu Gezi!” After the court session, Wang Mi returned to his residence and cursed vehemently. Today at the court, Liu Yao truly made it difficult for him to step down.
When they attacked Chang’an, the two of them had a fierce disagreement. Although Wang Mi came from a family with a two-thousand-bushel income, since he started his uprising, he had been notorious for pillaging and killing countless people. How could he spare a large city like Chang’an? After breaking the city, he immediately sent people inside. Unexpectedly, Liu Yao, who was also a vanguard, disapproved of his actions and came to obstruct him, even killing his trusted general. The two of them almost came to blows, causing a disagreement that ended without harmony.
Now, when they returned to recount their achievements, Liu Yao brought up the old matter again. This person was Liu Yuan’s adopted son and held considerable weight in Liu Yuan’s heart. Moreover, the Han Empire emphasized both rewarding and appeasing, and since Liu Yuan declared himself emperor, he had not been harsh. This approach had gained him the support of the aristocracy. Wang Mi’s actions violated these norms. If it weren’t for Liu Yuan giving him face, he might have faced punishment! After fighting a hard battle and being filled with grievances, how could Wang Mi not be angry!
“I think Liu Yao is specifically targeting Elder Brother!” Wang Zhang on the side was also full of resentment, “This Xiongnu dog just can’t stand that His Majesty values us!”
A single statement managed to include Liu Yuan in the scolding, but neither Wang Zhang nor Wang Mi cared about this detail. After all, the Han Empire still regarded the Xiongnu as superior, and these Jin people who came to surrender were still quite discriminated against. Especially Wang Mi, who led troops, was more feared by the Huren generals. Fortunately, Liu Yuan mediated between them, preventing any major problems.
Wang Mi narrowed his eyes, “Anyway, we’ve captured Chang’an and Hongnong. In the future, we still have to lead troops into battle. After gaining achievements this time, His Majesty won’t ignore it. If we attack Yu County and Yan County, there will be more troops available.”
What Wang Mi truly desired was not to sacrifice himself for Liu Yuan and the Han Empire under the Xiongnu rule, but to continuously strengthen his own power. Despite being from Qing County, he was driven to homelessness by Gou Xi, and how could he not be resentful? Now, with a strong and robust force, it was finally time to rebuild and seek revenge!
Moreover, Liu Yuan had also promised that if they captured Yu County and Yan County, he would appoint Wang Mi as the commander. This was something Wang Mi had dreamed of for a long time. Thinking about the grand plan, he reluctantly suppressed his anger and said with a resentful tone, “Wait until I take down these two Counties, and let’s see what that Tu Gezi can say!”
After cursing, he furrowed his brow again, “As for Shi Le, that Jie, will he also forget his gratitude?”
Previously, after capturing Chang’an, Shi Le had achieved great merit. Liu Yuan, making an exception, promoted him and ordered him to stay in Yong County to prepare for the recovery of nearby Qiang and Hu. The Qiang and Hu in Yong and Qin provinces numbered in the tens of thousands. If they could be captured, it would significantly boost the strength of the Han Empire. However, this move also caused Shi Le to break away from Wang Mi’s control.
“Elder Brother, don’t worry. When we capture Yu County and Yan County, His Majesty will likely launch an attack on Luoyang. That will be the day for us to demonstrate our prowess! Shi Le was brought into the Han Empire by Elder Brother after all, and I believe he wouldn’t dare to forget Elder Brother’s kindness.” Wang Zhang advised.
After thinking about it, Wang Mi no longer complained, “Spread the order, prepare the troops, and march back to Yu County!”
