March had passed, and the weather was gradually turning hotter. In a few more days, it would be the start of summer. Farming activities were becoming busier, yet the situation within the Shangdang region was increasingly stable.
Previously, during the festival of Ching Ming, many people had been freed from their humble origins and had entered service within the Prefect’s Manor. Some stayed within the government offices, while others were sent to the county towns to serve as clerks. Regardless of their official positions, the employment of these individuals gave hope to the scholars of Shangdang. In the midst of the turmoil of recent years and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Zheng exam, the Prefect continued to promote talent, ensuring the stability of Shangdang. This commitment was more effective than any words.
Several scholars from humble backgrounds who hailed from private academies had caused a significant increase in the number of students at the newly established academy. More and more scholars left their homes to come to the county capital. Not only did the ten counties of Shangdang send students, but even the nearby Leiping State had scholars flocking to the region. Seizing this excellent opportunity, the county capital’s academies were reopened, and they began accepting students to teach classics and provide education. Although there were not many distinguished teachers in these schools at present, for Shangdang, which had experienced years of turmoil, this was a significant development.
With the appearance of official stability, the common people below could finally breathe easy and go about their daily lives with peace of mind. The construction of Wu Castle, which had started earlier, was now mostly completed, with water infrastructure taking shape. Even the official roads in various areas had been repaired. With the assistance of epidemic control officers and agricultural advisors dispatched by the Prefect’s Manor, the occurrence of diseases had decreased, and even the illiterate common folk were learning some rudimentary agricultural knowledge that could be called science.
All of these factors combined to create a remarkable sense of unity. Not only did the devoutly religious citizens place longevity tablets in their homes, but even those who didn’t believe began doing so, hoping that this saintly Prefect could stay in Shangdang and provide them with a safe haven in these turbulent times.
Of course, there were also some who wished they never had to see this monk-like Prefect again. Just like the ones in front of them.
After enduring nearly half a year of hard labor, the over 600 Xiongnu cavalry who had surrendered earlier were now reduced to around 400, all emaciated and dispirited. Since their capture, they hadn’t had a single day of rest, toiling daily on building walls and repairing roads. There was a shortage of food, inadequate winter clothing, and no possibility of escape. If anyone showed disloyalty, they would be executed en masse without mercy.
This kind of life was like a living hell, day by day eroding their hope and extinguishing their spirit. It had turned this group of Xiongnu warriors, once able to gallop freely on the battlefield, into a lifeless and soulless group of individuals.
What terrified them the most was the man who had brought destruction upon their camp, the one who had caused a meteor to fall from the sky.
So when Liang Feng appeared before them once again, these men trembled with fear, bowing in submission like beaten stray dogs, kneeling in the dust.
Looking at this once-proud group of Xiongnu, Liang Feng spoke calmly, “You slaughtered my people, and attacked my cities, and for this, you shall be punished to deter others.”
His words were like an icy chill that penetrated their very bones, drenching the surrendered soldiers. However, this man stood before them, towering above, surrounded by a dazzling golden light as if a divine aura shielded him, rendering any thoughts of resistance futile. In their hearts, they felt remorse and despair. Why had they come to Lu City? Why had they offended this untouchable man? Perhaps only death could absolve them of their sins.
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Watching the shivering surrendered soldiers, Liang Feng’s tone softened, “Or, I can spare your lives. All you need to do is pledge loyalty to me, obey my commands, and be willing to lay down your lives for me, just like these Jie people by my side.”
Behind Liang Feng stood dozens of Jie warriors, each of them robust and upright, resembling the formidable Vajra protectors standing beside a Buddha. The one at the forefront had a stern countenance, with gray-blue eyes filled with a hint of killing intent.
It was acceptable to use the term “barbarians” for the Jie people since Liang Feng already had Jie warriors among his followers. In the local legends, they were even referred to as the Twelve Generals of Yaoshi Fo and the Seven Thousand Yakshas. They had escaped divine punishment, endured hard labor, and deeply experienced the fear of being unable to survive yet unable to seek death. At this moment, Liang Feng asked them if they were willing to pledge loyalty.
Of course, they were willing!
“Master!” It was unclear who was the first to blurt it out, but soon all several hundred people shouted.
“Master above! We, your servants, are willing to give our lives in service!”
Their voices varied in volume, and their words weren’t identical, but each person was hoarse and desperate, only hoping that the person before them could provide them with a path to survival. A path that would allow them to return to the mortal world and stay alive! This was the only path they could seek now.
Watching these crying, prostrating Xiongnu people, Liang Feng breathed a sigh of relief. It was a success! This was the outcome he desired. In times of chaos, incorporating surrendered soldiers wasn’t always safe. Just like Cao Cao, although he had captured three hundred thousand soldiers from Qing County, they fled at the slightest disturbance. In the Battle of Wan City, the warlord was nearly defeated. However, at this moment, he deeply understood Cao Cao’s mindset. Sometimes, he had to take risks because he had no one else capable.
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These Xiongnu people, originally skilled cavalry, had their spirits shattered by him, and their pride had been worn away. How could he let them go just like that? Similarly, accommodating the Xiongnu would also have some benefits for future expansion. The Xiongnu in Bing County had submitted for a long time, and if the influential leaders who had declared themselves kings were removed, what remained would be ordinary commoners. To ensure that these people belonged to him rather than the enemy, some unconventional strategies had to be employed.
If it were fifty years later, Liang Feng would definitely not dare to take such risks. But for now, the situation hadn’t deteriorated to that extent. The Xianbei were still following the imperial orders, and the Qiang and Di people had settled in the northern region. If he could use the Jie people, why not others? As long as he maintained the population ratio, continued assimilation, and possessed absolute power, he had confidence that he could make use of various non-Han ethnicities. Just like Jin Midi, the Xiongnu general under Emperor Wu of Han, or the Ashina clan, which served in groups as palace guards in the court of Emperor Taizong of Tang. Even Cao Cao and his nominal ancestor Liang Xi had successfully tamed the Wuhu tribes, hadn’t they?
Turning to look at Yiyan, Liang Feng said, “Take these people down to change and provide them with food. Starting from tomorrow, they are members of your command. These people will be incorporated into the cavalry as brave warriors.”
Yiyan had also studied the ‘Six Secret Teachings’ and naturally understood the meaning of ‘brave warriors.’ He was well aware of the intentions behind the Lord’s actions. Bowing slightly, he replied, “I will train them into loyal and brave soldiers for you, my lord!”
The Xiongnu cavalry was already strong enough. What Liang Feng wanted to cultivate in these people was their loyalty and the courage they had lost. Yiyan had the confidence to achieve this.
“Excellent,” Liang Feng chuckled, “In the future, when we capture bandits and thieves, we can follow this method.”
Kill those who need to be killed and use those who can be used; he couldn’t afford any extravagance. He just hoped to reassemble these surrendered soldiers and turn them into a strong army.
After handling the matter of the surrendered soldiers, Liang Feng returned to the county office. On his desk was a letter from Jinyang. It was sent by Wang Wen and contained news from Jinyang that he hadn’t received in a long time.
Liang Feng immediately opened and read it. It turned out that at the beginning of the month, the Xiongnu had started to act again, possibly because the horses had survived the winter and were starting to fatten up, prompting Liu Xuan to restart the war. However, they were prepared this time. Sima Teng immediately recalled the Xianbei people, and Tuoba Yi dispatched thousands of light cavalry, defeating the Xiongnu’s Han forces and thwarting their attack once again.
This news naturally filled Jinyang with joy. Everyone was filled with hope; with Xianbei reinforcements, what were these Xiongnu people?
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In addition to the good news, Wang Wen mentioned something else in the letter. He had a niece, just fourteen years old, knowledgeable and well-mannered, suitable for marriage. If Liang Feng was interested, Wang Wen could arrange for her to marry Liang Feng as a secondary wife.
This was indeed an olive branch extended by the Wang family of Taiyuan!
Liang Feng looked at the letter and furrowed his brow. After a long time, he ordered Duan Qin and Cui Ji to be summoned.
“Wang’s family marrying off a daughter is a great opportunity, Lord should seize it!” Upon hearing the news from Liang Feng, Cui Ji’s spirits immediately rose, and he spoke eagerly.
Indeed, this was a rare opportunity. It should be noted that the top aristocratic families in the Jin Dynasty had marriage barriers and could only intermarry with a very small number of elite families. So, these high-ranking families had intertwined bloodlines and complex marriage relationships. Anyone who wanted to break into this circle had to rely on their surname.
And Liang Feng’s Liang family was just a mediocre noble family. Marrying a daughter of the Wang family, especially a suitable one, was an extremely rare occurrence. It was likely that Wang Wen deeply valued Liang Feng’s talent, which was why he was willing to arrange a marriage within the family. If he became a relative of Wang Wen, Liang Feng’s position in Shangdang, and even in Bing County, would undoubtedly become more secure!
However, Duan Qin slightly furrowed his brow and asked, “Lord, are you unwilling to marry into the Wang family?”
He understood their lord better than Cui Ji did. The fact that their lord consulted them about such matters indicated that he had some reservations. But why would he hesitate when there were so many advantages to be gained?
Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile wryly. Political marriages? He certainly didn’t fancy them.
No one understood the concept of political marriages better than him. As a scion1 of a prominent family for three generations, his parents were the epitome of an alliance of interests. Only financial power could bring them together, while the rest of the time, they pursued their own interests, completely unrelated to each other. Growing up beside his grandfather in such an unusual family environment had given him a rebellious and eccentric temperament.
He could change his female companions constantly and engage in simple relationships centered around the bedroom with any beautiful woman he fancied and got along with. But marriage was never in his considerations, let alone the standard political marriage.
Marrying into the Taiyuan Wang family to cling to their power, and marrying a fourteen-year-old girl? Just thinking about it made him feel nauseous.
Seeing their lord’s expression, Duan Qin couldn’t help but understand what was on his mind. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Perhaps it’s not the right time for a political alliance now. If it arouses Dongying Gong’s suspicions, it could be troublesome. It might be better to wait until our lord is in better health before making a decision.”
Just taking up the post as the Prefect of Shangdang and immediately forming an alliance with the Wang family of Jinyang might indeed provoke resentment from Sima Teng, the ruler of Bing County. If it had any negative impact on their career prospects, it would not be worth the trouble. It might be better to wait until they had a firm grip on Shangdang before considering a political alliance.
“That’s also a viable option.” Liang Feng pondered for a moment and finally said, “Let’s go with that. We can reconsider things once I’ve recovered.”
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The matter he had been avoiding all along had become an inevitable dilemma. Liang Feng sighed inwardly, thinking, ‘So be it. Let’s take it one step at a time.’
Author’s Note:
Then, it’s said that the Battle of Wan City in the text was a great humiliation for Cao Cao. When attacking Wan City, Zhang Xiu pretended to surrender. Cao Cao, who had a reputation for being attracted to married women, set his sights on Zhang Xiu’s late uncle’s widow. However, Zhang Xiu’s surrender was a ruse, and he turned the tables with a surprise attack. The Qing County troops exploded the camp, and Cao Cao narrowly escaped death. His eldest son Cao Ang, nephew Cao Anmin, and the great general Dian Wei were all killed by Zhang Xiu. Because this story is so legendary, it has been adapted into numerous versions and has become a traditional play. So, Liang Shao, it’s not very safe to pursue married women; perhaps engaging in same-sex relationships would be a better choice.
March had passed, and the weather was gradually turning hotter. In a few more days, it would be the start of summer. Farming activities were becoming busier, yet the situation within the Shangdang region was increasingly stable.
Previously, during the festival of Ching Ming, many people had been freed from their humble origins and had entered service within the Prefect’s Manor. Some stayed within the government offices, while others were sent to the county towns to serve as clerks. Regardless of their official positions, the employment of these individuals gave hope to the scholars of Shangdang. In the midst of the turmoil of recent years and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Zheng exam, the Prefect continued to promote talent, ensuring the stability of Shangdang. This commitment was more effective than any words.
Several scholars from humble backgrounds who hailed from private academies had caused a significant increase in the number of students at the newly established academy. More and more scholars left their homes to come to the county capital. Not only did the ten counties of Shangdang send students, but even the nearby Leiping State had scholars flocking to the region. Seizing this excellent opportunity, the county capital’s academies were reopened, and they began accepting students to teach classics and provide education. Although there were not many distinguished teachers in these schools at present, for Shangdang, which had experienced years of turmoil, this was a significant development.
With the appearance of official stability, the common people below could finally breathe easy and go about their daily lives with peace of mind. The construction of Wu Castle, which had started earlier, was now mostly completed, with water infrastructure taking shape. Even the official roads in various areas had been repaired. With the assistance of epidemic control officers and agricultural advisors dispatched by the Prefect’s Manor, the occurrence of diseases had decreased, and even the illiterate common folk were learning some rudimentary agricultural knowledge that could be called science.
All of these factors combined to create a remarkable sense of unity. Not only did the devoutly religious citizens place longevity tablets in their homes, but even those who didn’t believe began doing so, hoping that this saintly Prefect could stay in Shangdang and provide them with a safe haven in these turbulent times.
Of course, there were also some who wished they never had to see this monk-like Prefect again. Just like the ones in front of them.
After enduring nearly half a year of hard labor, the over 600 Xiongnu cavalry who had surrendered earlier were now reduced to around 400, all emaciated and dispirited. Since their capture, they hadn’t had a single day of rest, toiling daily on building walls and repairing roads. There was a shortage of food, inadequate winter clothing, and no possibility of escape. If anyone showed disloyalty, they would be executed en masse without mercy.
This kind of life was like a living hell, day by day eroding their hope and extinguishing their spirit. It had turned this group of Xiongnu warriors, once able to gallop freely on the battlefield, into a lifeless and soulless group of individuals.
What terrified them the most was the man who had brought destruction upon their camp, the one who had caused a meteor to fall from the sky.
So when Liang Feng appeared before them once again, these men trembled with fear, bowing in submission like beaten stray dogs, kneeling in the dust.
Looking at this once-proud group of Xiongnu, Liang Feng spoke calmly, “You slaughtered my people, and attacked my cities, and for this, you shall be punished to deter others.”
His words were like an icy chill that penetrated their very bones, drenching the surrendered soldiers. However, this man stood before them, towering above, surrounded by a dazzling golden light as if a divine aura shielded him, rendering any thoughts of resistance futile. In their hearts, they felt remorse and despair. Why had they come to Lu City? Why had they offended this untouchable man? Perhaps only death could absolve them of their sins.
Advertisement
Watching the shivering surrendered soldiers, Liang Feng’s tone softened, “Or, I can spare your lives. All you need to do is pledge loyalty to me, obey my commands, and be willing to lay down your lives for me, just like these Jie people by my side.”
Behind Liang Feng stood dozens of Jie warriors, each of them robust and upright, resembling the formidable Vajra protectors standing beside a Buddha. The one at the forefront had a stern countenance, with gray-blue eyes filled with a hint of killing intent.
It was acceptable to use the term “barbarians” for the Jie people since Liang Feng already had Jie warriors among his followers. In the local legends, they were even referred to as the Twelve Generals of Yaoshi Fo and the Seven Thousand Yakshas. They had escaped divine punishment, endured hard labor, and deeply experienced the fear of being unable to survive yet unable to seek death. At this moment, Liang Feng asked them if they were willing to pledge loyalty.
Of course, they were willing!
“Master!” It was unclear who was the first to blurt it out, but soon all several hundred people shouted.
“Master above! We, your servants, are willing to give our lives in service!”
Their voices varied in volume, and their words weren’t identical, but each person was hoarse and desperate, only hoping that the person before them could provide them with a path to survival. A path that would allow them to return to the mortal world and stay alive! This was the only path they could seek now.
Watching these crying, prostrating Xiongnu people, Liang Feng breathed a sigh of relief. It was a success! This was the outcome he desired. In times of chaos, incorporating surrendered soldiers wasn’t always safe. Just like Cao Cao, although he had captured three hundred thousand soldiers from Qing County, they fled at the slightest disturbance. In the Battle of Wan City, the warlord was nearly defeated. However, at this moment, he deeply understood Cao Cao’s mindset. Sometimes, he had to take risks because he had no one else capable.
Advertisement
These Xiongnu people, originally skilled cavalry, had their spirits shattered by him, and their pride had been worn away. How could he let them go just like that? Similarly, accommodating the Xiongnu would also have some benefits for future expansion. The Xiongnu in Bing County had submitted for a long time, and if the influential leaders who had declared themselves kings were removed, what remained would be ordinary commoners. To ensure that these people belonged to him rather than the enemy, some unconventional strategies had to be employed.
If it were fifty years later, Liang Feng would definitely not dare to take such risks. But for now, the situation hadn’t deteriorated to that extent. The Xianbei were still following the imperial orders, and the Qiang and Di people had settled in the northern region. If he could use the Jie people, why not others? As long as he maintained the population ratio, continued assimilation, and possessed absolute power, he had confidence that he could make use of various non-Han ethnicities. Just like Jin Midi, the Xiongnu general under Emperor Wu of Han, or the Ashina clan, which served in groups as palace guards in the court of Emperor Taizong of Tang. Even Cao Cao and his nominal ancestor Liang Xi had successfully tamed the Wuhu tribes, hadn’t they?
Turning to look at Yiyan, Liang Feng said, “Take these people down to change and provide them with food. Starting from tomorrow, they are members of your command. These people will be incorporated into the cavalry as brave warriors.”
Yiyan had also studied the ‘Six Secret Teachings’ and naturally understood the meaning of ‘brave warriors.’ He was well aware of the intentions behind the Lord’s actions. Bowing slightly, he replied, “I will train them into loyal and brave soldiers for you, my lord!”
The Xiongnu cavalry was already strong enough. What Liang Feng wanted to cultivate in these people was their loyalty and the courage they had lost. Yiyan had the confidence to achieve this.
“Excellent,” Liang Feng chuckled, “In the future, when we capture bandits and thieves, we can follow this method.”
Kill those who need to be killed and use those who can be used; he couldn’t afford any extravagance. He just hoped to reassemble these surrendered soldiers and turn them into a strong army.
After handling the matter of the surrendered soldiers, Liang Feng returned to the county office. On his desk was a letter from Jinyang. It was sent by Wang Wen and contained news from Jinyang that he hadn’t received in a long time.
Liang Feng immediately opened and read it. It turned out that at the beginning of the month, the Xiongnu had started to act again, possibly because the horses had survived the winter and were starting to fatten up, prompting Liu Xuan to restart the war. However, they were prepared this time. Sima Teng immediately recalled the Xianbei people, and Tuoba Yi dispatched thousands of light cavalry, defeating the Xiongnu’s Han forces and thwarting their attack once again.
This news naturally filled Jinyang with joy. Everyone was filled with hope; with Xianbei reinforcements, what were these Xiongnu people?
Advertisement
In addition to the good news, Wang Wen mentioned something else in the letter. He had a niece, just fourteen years old, knowledgeable and well-mannered, suitable for marriage. If Liang Feng was interested, Wang Wen could arrange for her to marry Liang Feng as a secondary wife.
This was indeed an olive branch extended by the Wang family of Taiyuan!
Liang Feng looked at the letter and furrowed his brow. After a long time, he ordered Duan Qin and Cui Ji to be summoned.
“Wang’s family marrying off a daughter is a great opportunity, Lord should seize it!” Upon hearing the news from Liang Feng, Cui Ji’s spirits immediately rose, and he spoke eagerly.
Indeed, this was a rare opportunity. It should be noted that the top aristocratic families in the Jin Dynasty had marriage barriers and could only intermarry with a very small number of elite families. So, these high-ranking families had intertwined bloodlines and complex marriage relationships. Anyone who wanted to break into this circle had to rely on their surname.
And Liang Feng’s Liang family was just a mediocre noble family. Marrying a daughter of the Wang family, especially a suitable one, was an extremely rare occurrence. It was likely that Wang Wen deeply valued Liang Feng’s talent, which was why he was willing to arrange a marriage within the family. If he became a relative of Wang Wen, Liang Feng’s position in Shangdang, and even in Bing County, would undoubtedly become more secure!
However, Duan Qin slightly furrowed his brow and asked, “Lord, are you unwilling to marry into the Wang family?”
He understood their lord better than Cui Ji did. The fact that their lord consulted them about such matters indicated that he had some reservations. But why would he hesitate when there were so many advantages to be gained?
Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile wryly. Political marriages? He certainly didn’t fancy them.
No one understood the concept of political marriages better than him. As a scion1 of a prominent family for three generations, his parents were the epitome of an alliance of interests. Only financial power could bring them together, while the rest of the time, they pursued their own interests, completely unrelated to each other. Growing up beside his grandfather in such an unusual family environment had given him a rebellious and eccentric temperament.
He could change his female companions constantly and engage in simple relationships centered around the bedroom with any beautiful woman he fancied and got along with. But marriage was never in his considerations, let alone the standard political marriage.
Marrying into the Taiyuan Wang family to cling to their power, and marrying a fourteen-year-old girl? Just thinking about it made him feel nauseous.
Seeing their lord’s expression, Duan Qin couldn’t help but understand what was on his mind. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Perhaps it’s not the right time for a political alliance now. If it arouses Dongying Gong’s suspicions, it could be troublesome. It might be better to wait until our lord is in better health before making a decision.”
Just taking up the post as the Prefect of Shangdang and immediately forming an alliance with the Wang family of Jinyang might indeed provoke resentment from Sima Teng, the ruler of Bing County. If it had any negative impact on their career prospects, it would not be worth the trouble. It might be better to wait until they had a firm grip on Shangdang before considering a political alliance.
“That’s also a viable option.” Liang Feng pondered for a moment and finally said, “Let’s go with that. We can reconsider things once I’ve recovered.”
Advertisement
The matter he had been avoiding all along had become an inevitable dilemma. Liang Feng sighed inwardly, thinking, ‘So be it. Let’s take it one step at a time.’
Author’s Note:
Then, it’s said that the Battle of Wan City in the text was a great humiliation for Cao Cao. When attacking Wan City, Zhang Xiu pretended to surrender. Cao Cao, who had a reputation for being attracted to married women, set his sights on Zhang Xiu’s late uncle’s widow. However, Zhang Xiu’s surrender was a ruse, and he turned the tables with a surprise attack. The Qing County troops exploded the camp, and Cao Cao narrowly escaped death. His eldest son Cao Ang, nephew Cao Anmin, and the great general Dian Wei were all killed by Zhang Xiu. Because this story is so legendary, it has been adapted into numerous versions and has become a traditional play. So, Liang Shao, it’s not very safe to pursue married women; perhaps engaging in same-sex relationships would be a better choice.
