Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
The imperial edict of conferring rewards and issuing decrees for relocating the capital arrived together in Jinyang. Apart from being promoted to Grand General and Grand Commander, and being appointed as Minister of Works, similar to Gou Xi, Liang Feng was also enfeoffed as a County Duke, receiving a fief of fifteen thousand households. The title of County Duke is the highest honorary title granted to individuals of different surnames in Wei and Jin, equivalent to a county as a state, having the authority to command three armies, and the title is hereditary, ranking only below that of a Prince within the county. Such a reward bestowed upon Liang Feng was truly giving him considerable face. There was only one exception; his fiefdom was not elsewhere but in Shangdang.
This enfeoffment placed Liang Feng’s foundation and lifeline in front of the Han. Not to mention the additional title of “Leading Colonel of the Imperial Guards.” Si County was unlike other places; it had no Provincial Inspector but only the Colonel of the Imperial Guards overseeing twelve counties and a hundred districts. The issue was that half of Si County was now in the hands of the Xiongnu. The intention behind this additional title was clear without words.
With a decree, it completely tossed this messy situation in Si County to himself, while the young emperor, on the other hand, intended to lead the courtiers southward to Shou City. If others encountered such a situation, they might be annoyed, or even refuse the imperial decree. However, Liang Feng himself didn’t care much. It was good to leave. The emperor’s relocation of the capital not only involved the small court but also implicated all the aristocratic families in the northern regions. Only by cleaning up this group of hindering courtiers and aristocrats could his new policies be effectively implemented, and the situation in Si County be reorganized.
As for the Xiongnu, as long as they didn’t leave Bing County, sooner or later, they would have to confront them. Liang Feng had long been prepared for this.
However, there was one thing that displeased him somewhat: “His Majesty has summoned Linghu Kuang and ordered him to accompany the imperial carriage to Shou City.”
Linghu Kuang was the one he had sent to Luoyang to make a gesture. After all, when the emperor was besieged, as a courtier, it was appropriate to send some troops to protect the imperial carriage. Unexpectedly, the young emperor stopped him. How many capable generals could be spared in Bing County? How could they easily let someone take advantage of the situation?
With these words, the expressions of the courtiers below relaxed. The lord’s attitude determined the strategic direction. If Liang Feng were dissatisfied with the imperial rewards, they would undoubtedly have to rack their brains to find a way out of this predicament. However, now that he had not questioned the rewards, but instead complained about the emperor taking away his military commanders, it changed the focus. To put it simply, he valued his subordinates, and on a larger scale, he showed no fear of the Han regime. Either way, it was enough to comfort the people.
Zhang Bin smiled faintly, “Since the emperor has given the order, how can General Linghu not comply? There are two ways to resolve this matter. First, go with the flow and order General Linghu to accompany His Majesty in relocating the capital. After all, Shou City is a thousand miles away from Bing County. If someone is by the emperor’s side, they can also understand the court’s movements.”
The meaning of these words is quite clear; it suggests sending Linghu Kuang to Shou City as an undercover agent. Linghu Kuang has been saved by Liang Feng twice and is known for his loyalty and courage. Being a longtime resident of Bing County, he can be trusted. As a military commander from Bing County, he might not receive significant favor from the young emperor. Having him in Shou City would not only demonstrate Liang Feng’s generosity but also serve as an excellent source of information about the court’s movements.
Liang Feng frowned, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head, “This is the time to employ capable individuals. General Kuang has a straightforward personality and is not adept at intrigue. Sending him to Shou City may not be appropriate.”
Being a spy requires a certain talent, and Linghu Kuang happens to be straightforward. Apart from whether he can extract secrets, without a subtle and scheming nature, he might fall victim to the cunning individuals in the court. Moreover, the relocation of the capital is no trivial matter, and there might be political struggles in Shou City. As a member of the Bing County faction, he is too likely to get involved.
Upon hearing Liang Feng’s response, Zhang Bin suggested, “If you don’t mind Shou City, my lord can easily dispatch five thousand soldiers, citing concerns about the long journey, to escort His Majesty in relocating the capital.”
A thousand men, the young emperor might endure, but a total of six thousand elite soldiers presented a different scenario. Regardless of whether the young emperor had such a large appetite, even Gou Xi traveling with them or Liu Zhun stationed in Shou City wouldn’t readily allow Bing County troops to enter their territory. Therefore, the more soldiers sent, the easier it would be for the emperor to reject them. Even if they really reached their destination, they could claim to have completed the task assigned by the Grand Commander and return to Bing County. This way, who could stop them?
Understanding the implication, Liang Feng said, “The road to Shou City is distant; it’s wise to send more people for the escort. Bring some provisions as well; it won’t trouble His Majesty on the return journey.”
Taking provisions was also a measure of self-preservation. In case of unforeseen circumstances, it would help secure his own forces. As for the young emperor’s side, it was likely not reliable; early preparations were wise.
Clearly dismissing the matter of capital relocation, Zhang Bin smiled and said, “Rest assured, General Linghu will return safely. But we need to make further arrangements for Shangdang.”
Shangdang is now Liang Feng’s own fief, and appointing someone else as the governor would be inappropriate. At least, the temporary governor, Zu Changshi, needed to be relocated.
Liang Feng nodded, “Zu Changshi has faced the enemy and deserves additional honors. Promote him to Martial General, concurrently holding the position of Henan Intendant.”
Zu Ti had previously served as the Chief Clerk of Si County and was quite familiar with the area. Since Liang Feng himself took the position of Colonel of the Imperial Guards, the role of Henan Intendant naturally had to be given to a reliable person. With Si County in great turmoil, there was an urgent need for a capable administrator. Who could be more suitable for the position than Zu Ti, who had courageously headed north alone to resist the enemy?
Continuing without a pause, he added, “Also, the defenses around the passes near Luoyang need to be rearranged. After the spring of next year, focus on reclaiming the lost territories of Xingyang and Henan.”
This is about contending with the Xiongnu for control of Si County territory. Despite the frequent wars in Si County, it remains densely populated with numerous fertile fields and cities. Once the situation is stabilized, it will be more suitable for recuperation compared to Bing County. When combined with the nearby counties near Ye City, it will form a substantial territory.
However, the Xiongnu might not easily release this coveted prize. Given the gravity of the situation, detailed arrangements must be made.
Due to this sudden imperial decree, Liang Feng spent a considerable amount of time in the court. However, upon returning to the rear court, the familiar figure had not yet returned. After finishing a battle, there were still numerous matters to attend to. In this surprise attack on Pingyang, only about two hundred riders were lost, but the shortage in the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry was already severe. Maintaining the status quo was not a solution. After Yiyan returned, he didn’t rest much; he immediately immersed himself in military training.
Thanks to the gains of numerous warhorses in the recent battle in Shangdang and intercepting some routed soldiers, the campaign had at least broken even. In a chaotic era, the cost of saving people was far greater than simply competing for territory. However, as long as there was capability, he feared Liang Feng would continue to engage in such transactions.
After several days of continuous activity, Liang Feng’s energy was somewhat depleted. Quickly having a meal and refreshing himself, he went to bed to rest. In the semi-conscious state of sleep, he suddenly felt a weight beside him, and someone squeezed up. Only someone with such familiarity could enter his room in the middle of the night. Without opening his eyes, Liang Feng leaned towards the person, intending to continue sleeping.
Unexpectedly, after a moment of contemplation, the person suddenly spoke, “I heard General Linghu has been summoned by the emperor…”
“Mmm…” Liang Feng responded vaguely.
Hearing this indifferent nasal tone, the person’s shoulders tightened. After holding back for a while, he couldn’t help but whisper, “What if I were summoned by the emperor?”
Half-asleep and disturbed at this hour, Liang Feng hummed dismissively, “He’s dreaming…”
With just a short and cryptic sentence, he was resolute. In the darkness, Yiyan relaxed his entire body, firmly holding the person in his arms. Like caressing a big cat, he gently stroked the other’s back, allowing him to fall back into a peaceful slumber.
※
After staying in Luoyang City for only half a month, Linghu Kuang felt physically and mentally exhausted. Initially, the young emperor treated him with some courtesy, giving him an official position, a noble title, and even showing signs of favor. Although Linghu Kuang was not thrilled about going to Shou City, he adhered to the principles of loyalty and followed the emperor’s order.
However, as soon as Bing County dispatched an additional five thousand soldiers to accompany the emperor, the young emperor’s attitude immediately changed. His eyes revealed a hint of coldness. Now, Linghu Kuang fully understood. The emperor valued not him as an individual but the troops under his command. With a thousand men, he was a puppet easily manipulated; with six thousand, he became an unwieldy burden that couldn’t be influenced. Since they couldn’t be utilized, why bother putting in the effort?
If he had been imprisoned or fled from a defeated battle back in the day, would the emperor have taken a second look at him? Probably not, just like today.
Without that bit of fear and trepidation, Linghu Kuang became determined. He also saw behind the remaining splendor of Luoyang, the embarrassing and miserable reality. All the courtiers were loading up their carriages, carrying away everything they could, intending to follow the emperor’s southward journey. It seemed that Luoyang had completely lost its significance for them.
Just to leave the city a bit earlier, numerous disputes erupted on the streets. Thieves both inside and outside the city took advantage of this opportunity to plunder. It wasn’t until the troops sent by Gou Xi entered the city, finally sweeping through the warehouses of all sizes within the city, that the procession for the capital relocation could proceed.
Throughout these ten-plus days, there was no attention given to the common people in the city. This final chaos seemed to take away the last shreds of their hope. Those who could still move silently packed their belongings, preparing to join the large procession for the capital relocation. However, Gou Xi had only sent thirty thousand soldiers. Not to mention the common people, even many minor aristocrats could only trail behind from a distance, hoping to endure this distant journey and reach the new capital in the south.
Linghu Kuang also led soldiers in the procession. He had witnessed the situation when Sima Teng withdrew from Bing County, but today’s plight surpassed that of the past. The emperor and the courtiers’ carriages stretched for dozens of miles. However, all the military forces, whether under his command or Gou Xi’s, or the private soldiers of many high-ranking families, were only responsible for protecting this group of privileged individuals. The rest of the commoners and lower-class people were nothing more than bait at the end of the procession, attracting bandits and rebels.
Every day, countless people fell behind, and this was probably just the beginning. In the following months, there would be a massive tide of aristocrats moving south. However, the fate of these people became even more uncertain.
If they stayed in Si County and joined the lord, there might still be a glimmer of hope for them.
Unconsciously, Linghu Kuang’s thoughts changed. He began to think that perhaps the emperor wasn’t as reliable as he had imagined. After all, the emperor was just a child of around ten, newly ascended to the throne, having achieved nothing and unable to even defend the city he lived in. In contrast, the lord was different. If he could rejuvenate Bing County, which was deeply entrenched in the hands of rebels, he could undoubtedly stabilize Si County. Only the lord was the hope for all of them!
The hardships of migration were not only in the monotony but also in the danger. Not long into their journey south, the migrating procession encountered enemy forces. This time, it seemed to be Wang Mi’s main force, and the number was quite significant. Linghu Kuang was just preparing to deploy and face the enemy when he received an imperial decree.
The emperor ordered him to guard the rear.
He was ordered to lead these six thousand men and horses to face an enemy force of at least twenty thousand on his own.
The last trace of hope in his heart also chilled. Linghu Kuang accepted the order expressionlessly. He, too, was from the Bing County faction, and he faced these bandit-turned-enemy forces without fear. Moreover, he had six thousand warriors entrusted to him by the lord.
Guarding the rear, he set up his military formation. Linghu Kuang held his ground for two days and then spent another day routing the main enemy force. Just as he was about to rejoin the front, he turned around instead, directing people to collect the civilians affected by the war along the rear route.
“You won’t catch up with the main army. Even if you do, no one will protect you. Why not return to Si County with me? The one currently stationed in Si County is Lord Liang from Bing County. Lord Liang will surely ensure your safety!”
Standing in the crowd, Linghu Kuang shouted loudly. The name of Lord Liang had long reached the territory of Si County, even across the Taihang Mountains. Every year, countless refugees traveled north along the mountain roads. Upon hearing these words, the crowd began to stir. It hadn’t even been ten days since they left Luoyang, and they had encountered bandits several times. Could they really catch up with the emperor’s procession? Would the emperor truly protect them?
Most of these people had experienced the siege of Luoyang. They harbored both hatred and fear towards the nearby Xiongnu. However, at the same time, they had no trust in the imperial forces. Following behind the main army was merely an attempt to avoid being left behind in Luoyang. Now, their homeland had another guardian, a benevolent lord capable of defeating the Xiongnu!
“We are willing to return to Si County! Return to Luoyang!” someone in the procession shouted.
“Return to Si County! Return to Luoyang!”
Scattered shouts became a thunderous cry. Linghu Kuang took a deep breath. Yes, their homeland was only in the north!
On that day, the long migration procession split into two. One continued southward, fleeing towards the new capital, Shou City. The other, vast and mighty, returned to that battered and broken city.
