The flames of July flow and the summer days have waned, but the weather has not yet turned cool. In the courtyard, the chirping of cicadas rises and falls incessantly, disturbing the peace of the mind. In such scorching heat, one should think of every possible way to cool down. However, in front of the office of the military officer, not to mention the door, even the windows are tightly closed, allowing no breeze to pass through. It seems that the person inside the room doesn’t care at all about this disturbing heat.
“These two months, have you had a good rest?” Zhang Bin casually asked.
Seated across from Zhang Bin was a man with an ordinary appearance, seemingly of mixed Hu ethnicity. Hearing the inquiry from one of the prominent figures in the provincial governor’s mansion, he showed no signs of surprise and lazily replied, “Fatigue in the bones, better to enjoy it in Pingyang.”
“Among the military, only you, Shu Ming, would have such sentiments, right?” Zhang Bin couldn’t help but laugh.
The man in front, named Shen Da, with the courtesy name Shu Ming, came from a humble family in the cold region of Bing County. Because his mother was of Hu descent, he inherited a Hu-like appearance. In normal circumstances, someone with such background and appearance would have no chance of entering government service. However, due to a series of twists of fate, he became one of the top generals among the Xingling troops.
Previously, he had adopted the alias Zhi Mingfa, disguising himself as a monk and infiltrating Pingyang. He poisoned Liu Yuan, and plotted against Liu He, causing the death of two sovereigns in succession, throwing the Xiongnu into chaos and forcing them to relocate the capital! But now, he no longer resembled that monk; he wore a wig, had short facial hair, and looked more like a weary soldier, lacking the heroic demeanor of one who achieved extraordinary feats.
Upon hearing Zhang Bin’s words, Shen Da straightened his posture. “The military officer called me here, not to chat about these trivial matters, right? I wonder when we will set out this time?”
Zhang Bin raised an eyebrow and countered, “Where do you think we’re heading this time?”
“You County!” Shen Da replied straightforwardly.
The Xiongnu had already moved their capital to Chang’an, providing a premise for the stability of Si County. However, the enemies remained numerous. The chaos in Yu County and Yan County continued. You County, in particular, loomed large, posing a threat to the security of Bing County and Ji County. To expand their living space, they had no choice but to eliminate the formidable enemies around them.
Dealing with these forces was no easy task. The simplest method was to use espionage, and this happened to be Shen Da’s expertise. After completing his undercover mission among the Hans and returning to Bing County, he didn’t slack off. He had long been collecting intelligence reports on the enemy’s situation, understanding the circumstances of the surrounding provinces.
You County is different from other provinces and commanderies. When Wang Jun was still in power, he could unite various factions and firmly control You County and Ping County. However, now that Wang Jun is dead and his family exterminated, this vast territory lacks a powerful master, and it is certain to experience turbulence once again. If one were to intervene at this moment, it might achieve feats not inferior to the chaos during the Han rebellion.
Facing those suddenly brightened deep eyes, Zhang Bin smiled faintly, “You County is indeed the next target for Xingling, but sending you there would be a waste of your talents. The place you are about to go to is not far from You County…”
Upon hearing this, Shen Da pondered for a moment and suddenly said, “Could it be Ping County?”
Zhang Bin clapped his hands, “Shu Ming, truly a brilliant deduction!”
Shen Da paid no attention to Zhang Bin’s praise. At this moment, he felt a surge of excitement. Qing County! This was even more interesting than he had anticipated!
Qing County originally fell under the jurisdiction of Wang Jun. Currently serving as the provincial governor and the Eastern Barbarian Colonel, the one in charge was none other than Wang Jun’s nephew by marriage, Cui Bi. This young man, hailing from the Cui family of Qinghe, possessed extraordinary abilities and courage. After Wang Jun’s death, You County fell into the hands of Duan Wu. How could he be content with that? Hence, he incited conflict between them, undermining the alliance between You County and Ping County. This was far more effective than simply causing chaos within the Duan clan of the Xianbei.
Seeing Shen Da’s enlightened expression, Zhang Bin put away his smile and said solemnly, “You County and Ping County, the Xianbei hold significant power there. Wang Jun relied on rallying various factions and utilizing his elite troops. Now, with the sudden rise of the Duan family, becoming a powerful figure in the region, how can the other factions be willing to submit? Once chaos erupts, ambitious individuals like Cui Bi are bound to seize the opportunity. Why worry about disorder? On the other hand, Tuoba’s forces have already settled after the death of Tuoba Luguang, consolidating their strength by unifying the three Tuoba tribes. If a war breaks out between the two provinces, how can they remain indifferent?”
In just a few words, Zhang Bin outlined the strategic plan. With so many forces in chaotic warfare, it was like playing a large chess game. If played well, the Duan family might be tied up for several years, and the hidden dangers in Bing County could be resolved effortlessly.
However, Shen Da did not immediately agree. Instead, he asked, “If that’s the case, which faction should we ally with?”
Chaos alone is not enough. Besides the Tuoba tribe, they needed to find new allies to fully exploit the benefits of the chaos. But choosing who to ally with was a problem. Should they collude with Cui Bi to suppress the three Xianbei tribes? Or should they split the Duan family and take advantage of one of them? Different directions determined different tactics, and Shen Da would not underestimate the importance of this decision.
“You can choose the Murong clan,” Zhang Bin replied.
Shen Da furrowed his brow, “The Murong clan has had intermarriages with the Duan family for generations, and their relationship is close. It may not be easy to sow discord.”
Zhang Bin sneered, “The Murong tribe has always had enmity with the Yuwen tribe, and last year, Murong Hui declared himself the Great Chanyu of the Xianbei. His ambitions are clear. Can a mere woman hinder such ambition? Moreover, Liaodong has provisions.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Da suddenly realized. Despite the harsh climate in Liaodong, the Murong tribe indeed possessed a considerable amount of food. As early as the second year of Yongning, when floods occurred in the four provinces of Yu County, Yan County, Xu County, and Ji County, it caused a significant impact on You County as well, Murong Hui opened his granaries to provide relief, helping the people of You County overcome the difficulties. Such generosity wasn’t something a food-deficient person could achieve. Moreover, crossing Liaodong would lead to Goguryeo. Ships from Ji County had recently procured a substantial amount of provisions from that region.
If calculated based on distance, controlling the Liaodong grain route might even be more advantageous than transporting grain from the south. After all, Jieshi is closer to the New Port of Ji County than from the south, and it is not constrained by the influence of Yang County. Once the Murong tribe was prompted to attack Cui Bi and control Ping County, Bing County would gain an additional grain route!
“I understand,” an eager and ready smile appeared on Shen Da’s face, and he promptly responded.
This mission was much more complex than the situation in Pingyang. However, since childhood, he had studied the art of strategy, and what he longed for was to showcase his skills in chaotic times! Back when Su Qin and Zhang Yi maneuvered among the six states, the situation they faced was extremely perilous. Behind him, there was also the hidden government office of Xingling. Whether it was manpower, resources, or finances, none were lacking. Moreover, there was the strategic counsel of Zhang Bin by his side. Manipulating the situation, wouldn’t that be exhilarating?
Seeing that Shen Da had no intention of backing down, Zhang Bin also felt relieved. He gave further detailed instructions before allowing him to leave. Such a significant matter required careful preparation. New identity, new subordinates, new strategies—everything needed meticulous planning.
After the departure of Shen Da and others, Zhang Bin took out another map and examined it. Taking advantage of the chaos in Yu County earlier, they had sent troops to attack Cao Yi in Qing County, already occupying nearly half of the territory. Without unexpected events, they would be able to take Donglai next year. Once they opened up the ports near Liaodong and controlled the coastal bays of Ji County, they would have three ports. Being from Zhaojun, Zhang Bin was not familiar with maritime affairs, but the importance of sea transportation was not something to be underestimated.
After the lord followed the new emperor, the relationship between Bing County and Yang County became closer. Prince Langya, Sima Rui, even sent a handwritten letter expressing that he could open up the canals and restart river transport. Inland transportation is safer and more convenient than maritime transport, and just this one improvement could save countless money and grain for Bing County.
However, such gestures did not make them let down their guard. Yang County, this north-south thoroughfare, was ultimately in the hands of Sima Rui. Once the two sides fell out, the lifeline would be in the hands of the enemy. This was not a long-term plan.
Therefore, Liaodong became the next target that must be conquered. Not only could it resolve the crisis in You County, but it could also provide multiple buffer zones for Bing County. Whether it was Si County or Ji County, both were important grain-producing areas in the north. As long as they spent a few years carefully cultivating, what would they worry about in terms of population and fertile fields?
With many thoughts surging in his mind, Zhang Bin couldn’t help but stand up, wanting to discuss it in detail with Liang Feng. However, as soon as he took a step, he awkwardly stopped. Today, Liang Zixi might not be in the provincial governor’s mansion.
Shaking his head, Zhang Bin returned to his seat. No one is perfect; compared to talents and strategies, what did this small obstacle matter?
※
In the western part of the city, a mansion had just been renovated. It was located in a remote area, with no prominent households nearby. Moreover, due to the recent national mourning period, all kinds of banquets have ceased. Therefore, when the new mansion was completed, there weren’t many guests, making the courtyard seem somewhat desolate.
However, if anyone saw the two figures strolling in the courtyard, they might be taken aback.
“Fortunately, the house is not too big. If it were larger, the servants in your courtyard would not be enough,” Liang Feng walked through the empty courtyard, shaking his head and chuckling.
Although a residence had long been prepared for Yiyan, with frequent military actions in recent months and the death of the emperor, followed by the enthronement of a new emperor, there was no time to move. Now, finally having the chance to move, Liang Feng naturally wanted to come and take a look. Anyway, this place was not far from Hua’en Temple, and it was inconspicuous with few people paying attention.
“As long as the servants are enough. If there are too many, it would also be inconvenient for our lord,” Yiyan closely followed behind Liang Feng, answering in a low voice.
Liang Feng’s heart twitched. What do you mean by inconvenient for him? ‘Is he hoping for me to come over every day?’ However, this level of flirtation, he didn’t take it seriously and directly changed the subject, “Are those guards retired soldiers?”
Many of the stewards and guards in the courtyard had disabilities. However, what might appear horrifying to others as disabled individuals were, in Liang Feng’s eyes, marked with distinct military impressions. Most likely, they were soldiers disabled on the battlefield, recruited by Yiyan.
“Yeah, some are unwilling to return home. So, I’ve arranged some tasks for them,” Yiyan explained.
Nowadays, there are generally two paths for retired soldiers in the military who were injured. Those with minor disabilities that didn’t affect their labor could be dispatched to counties to maintain public order, train militia, etc. On the other hand, those with severe injuries were mostly given compensation land and allowed to return home. However, not everyone could adapt to civilian life, especially the close attendants who had risked their lives alongside Yiyan. By entering the general’s mansion, at least they could still be close to the commander-in-chief. Moreover, with Yiyan’s rising rank, these subordinates were not to be underestimated. It turned out to be a decent way out.
Liang Feng nodded, “All close attendants, that’s good.”
Just as he was about to step over the porch, Yiyan suddenly reached out, “My lord, please come this way.”
This mansion was arranged by him. Could there be some other special arrangements? Liang Feng raised an eyebrow but didn’t refuse. Turning towards the secluded side gate shaded by trees, he entered another courtyard.
After seeing the situation in the courtyard, Liang Feng’s eyes lit up, “Did you arrange this? Not bad!”
By the pool filled with lotus flowers stood a small pavilion. The pavilion itself was nothing special, but what was remarkable was that it was covered with grapevines, most of which were bearing fruit. Bunches of plump grapes, just looking at them made one’s appetite stir. Grapes were recently introduced from the Western Regions, and the price of good varieties was not cheap.
“You like it, so I specially found it. The lotus roots in the pool will be ready to eat in a few days, perfect for stewing soup,” Yiyan, who was accustomed to the small kitchen of the Liang Mansion, naturally knew Liang Feng’s preferences.
“While others appreciate flowers and scenery, you are thinking about eating. It’s really wasting talent…” As he spoke halfway, Liang Feng couldn’t help but laugh, “Let’s pick some lotus seeds first; they taste good when eaten raw.”
Compared to the group of literati who composed poetry upon seeing beautiful scenery, honestly, Liang Feng preferred the temperament of someone like Yiyan. Pretend to be elegant in front of others, but feel free to be yourself behind closed doors.
Yiyan didn’t mind at all and led Liang Feng into the pavilion. Inside, there was already a cool reclining couch and a chess set was placed nearby. Whether it was prepared in advance or not, one couldn’t hear the cicadas in the courtyard. There were only emerald waves and green vines, making one forget about the mundane world.
“It would be even better with a rocking chair.” Liang Feng, without any semblance of formality, leaned on the couch and sighed deeply.
These past few months, he had been extremely busy, barely getting a moment of leisure. Now, he found it hard to muster any spirits even when stealing a rare day of relaxation. At this moment, the advantages of this small mansion became apparent. With few people around, serene and quiet, there wasn’t a single servant or maid inside or outside the courtyard. Coupled with the shaded door opening, it was truly a tranquil haven.
Yiyan casually sat by his side, “As long as my lord likes it, arrangements can be made according to your preferences.”
The two were so close that their breaths seemed to blow into each other’s ears.
“Oh? Treating this mansion as a secret place?” A secret place, where one could hide a sweetheart. This remark was quite teasing.
“As long as my lord doesn’t forget about the people inside the mansion.” Yiyan also chuckled. His laughter gradually lowered, disappearing into his lips.
The wind passed through the vine trellis, the green leaves swayed, and the fragrance of fruit wafted in the air.
