“Suppressing rebels”? What a joke! The Xiongnu are currently attacking Jinyang, and he, as the Governor of Bing County, shouldn’t he stay in his post at this critical time? What rebels is he going to suppress in Shangdang?
However, it only took a moment for Liang Feng to realize. When Sima Teng mentioned “rebels,” he wasn’t referring to Liu Yuan and the Han-Xiongnu alliance but to Sima Yong, the King of Hejian, who was far away in Chang’an! He was marching to join the anti-rebellion coalition led by the King of Donghai to attack Chang’an. In doing so, he naturally had to pass through the Shangdang mountain road. This was nothing but using the pretext of leading troops to escape from Bing County!
How could Sima Teng have fallen so far? Didn’t he care about the lives of the people in Bing County, or did he no longer want his own territory?
“My lord!” Duan Qin’s face also turned pale, and he immediately said, “We must persuade Dongyin Gong to stay, or else Jinyang will be in danger! Bing County will be in danger!”
Didn’t the officials in the General’s Mansion know? Liang Feng’s face turned ashen, and he said sharply, “Follow me out of the city to meet them!”
With a thousand soldiers in tow, Liang Feng rushed all the way to Xiangyuan County, where he ran into Sima Teng’s procession. When he saw this “army” before him, his heart sank.
As far as the eye could see, it was all carriages. They carried gold, silver, jewels, grain, silk, and satin, along with the high-ranking aristocrats from Jinyang and other parts of Bing County. Upon hearing the news of Dongyin Gong’s flight, they flocked like a herd of panicked deer and boarded this ship. It was not an individual’s escape but a class’s! Faced with such a torrent, no matter what strategy was used, it couldn’t be stopped!
Taking a deep breath, Liang Feng straightened his robe and walked towards the central military tent.
After traveling continuously for several days and entering the heartland of Shangdang, away from the pursuing Xiongnu army, Sima Teng ordered his troops to set up camp and rest in Xiangyuan for half a day. Along the way, he had seen many Wu fortresses and newly cultivated fields. Sima Teng had originally intended to summon Liang Zixi to discuss the grain supply issue with him, but unexpectedly, Liang Zixi had taken the initiative to visit.
“He’s here so quickly? Let him in,” Sima Teng ordered.
In no time, Liang Feng strode into the tent, lifted his robe, and knelt on the ground. “I pay my respects to Dongyin Gong.”
Sima Teng put on a friendly face. “No need for formalities, please rise.”
Advertisement
AD
However, Liang Feng did not get up but instead asked directly, “May I ask Dongyin Gong if there are enough troops left in Jinyang and Yangyi?”
His direct question caught Sima Teng off guard, and his expression immediately darkened. “Naturally, there are. I’m leading the troops to suppress the rebels and rescue the Emperor. Once the Emperor returns to Luoyang, and the court stabilizes, we can send troops to exterminate the bandits of the Xiongnu.”
“What about the common people? If there’s no one farming the land, and both the city and the countryside are empty, who will feed these soldiers?” Liang Feng continued.
The person in front of him had clear, piercing eyes that seemed to penetrate one’s heart. Sima Teng’s expression grew colder. “It’s not that I ordered them to leave. Many noble families chose to follow the army to Si County and Yan County and are traveling behind us.”
“I humbly request to accommodate the refugees and settle them within the territory of Shangdang. With people, there is land. If the populace disperses, then all of Bing County will fall into the hands of the Xiongnu!” Liang Feng folded his robes and earnestly prostrated on the ground.
Sima Teng had never expected Liang Feng’s plea to be about this rather than urging him to stay in Bing County. He furrowed his brows in thought. However, the plea did make sense. If everyone followed him and left, who would cultivate the land? Where would they recruit soldiers? He had only intended to evade the Xiongnu’s military forces; he hadn’t actually planned to abandon the entire Bing County.
With a slightly softened expression, Sima Teng said, “Zixi, you are indeed sincere. However, there are too many refugees, and the land in Shangdang is limited.”
“We can cultivate official fields, tighten our belts, and make do. As long as you’re willing to let them stay, there is always a way to accommodate them. Besides, Shangdang has few troops, and if the Xiongnu launch a major offensive, we won’t have a place to recruit soldiers, which could become a great disaster,” Liang Feng quickly added, sensing Sima Teng’s wavering.
Advertisement
AD
This argument struck a chord with Sima Teng’s concerns. If Shangdang fell, not only would he be unable to return to Bing County, but also the gateways to Si County and Ji County would fall into enemy hands. This threatened the safety of the entire nation.
“Zixi, your words make sense. As long as we can hold off the Xiongnu’s large army, you may proceed as you see fit,” Sima Teng finally relented.
“Thank you, Dongyin Gong! I will do my best to defend Shangdang, safeguarding the crucial passageway for both Si County and Ji County,” Liang Feng replied. With this statement, he could confidently move forward with accommodating the refugees and attempting to retain those among them who had a strong sense of defending their homeland. As for the noble families and Sima Teng himself, those were matters he couldn’t control.
Seeing Liang Feng readily accept, Sima Teng couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Not only had he escaped Bing County, but he had also placed Shangdang in the midst of danger. Unexpectedly, Liang Feng had not questioned him and had willingly taken on the heavy responsibility himself. This was the caliber of a true patriot.
To motivate people to serve and sacrifice, it’s essential to offer incentives. After some contemplation, Sima Teng said, “Since we are defending against the Xiongnu, it wouldn’t be suitable for you to lack a military position. I will submit a request to the court to appoint you as General of Weiyuan and elevate you to the rank of Marquis of Xiang. This way, you will have authority to command troops.”
General of Weiyuan was only a miscellaneous military rank, on par with Wu Ling’s General of Policing the Barbarians, both being fifth-ranking titles and not as prestigious as General of Assisting the Chariots held by Lenghu Kuang. This reward was essentially aimed at making him responsible for defending the territory while still keeping him under control through his military rank. It couldn’t be considered generous.
Liang Feng, however, wasn’t concerned about these details. For him, settling the refugees was the top priority. As long as Sima Teng agreed to this, everything else could be negotiated. He expressed his thanks once again before standing up and asking, “I wonder if Dongyin Gong is running short of provisions on the way? If there is a shortage, I can find ways to procure additional supplies.”
Just agreeing to accommodate the refugees didn’t mean taking food from Sima Teng’s hands immediately. Even Sima Teng, despite his position, found it difficult to do so. He coughed lightly and replied, “The army’s provisions are sufficient, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Zixi. Tomorrow, we will set out for Jingxing, and as long as arrangements along the way are in order, we’ll be fine.”
The Xiongnu were still trailing behind them. Carrying such a burden, even if Sima Teng were bolder, he wouldn’t dare linger in Bing County.
On this matter, Liang Feng had also made a rough estimate. Not only Sima Teng but also the noble families within the expeditionary force likely didn’t want to stay in Bing County any longer. Saving some provisions was undoubtedly the best outcome.
Advertisement
AD
After expressing his gratitude once more, Liang Feng left the camp.
Outside the tent, Duan Qin, with an anxious expression, asked as soon as Liang Feng emerged, “Lord, how did Dongyin Gong respond?”
“He allowed me to accommodate the refugees, bestowed the title of General of Weiyuan upon me, and promoted me to Marquis of Xiang.”
Hearing Liang Feng’s words, Duan Qin quickly put together a general idea and couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s the best outcome.”
Indeed, it was. Using the refugees to bolster Upper Dong and obtaining the authority to lead troops were already fortunate developments amidst the misfortune. This gave Liang Feng the legitimate right to command troops and establish military camps. As for other matters, they were relatively minor.
“Tomorrow, Dongyin Gong will depart from Xiangyuan. Organize manpower as soon as possible to inquire among the refugees. If there are those who wish to stay, arrange it as much as possible. After the army arrives, more refugees will enter the area, so be prepared in advance,” Liang Feng instructed.
Duan Qin understood the priorities, so he agreed and added, “Wang Zhongzheng heard of your arrival and just sent someone to invite you.”
Was Wang Wen also leaving Bing County? Liang Feng sighed lightly and said, “I’ll go over right away.”
Leaving the large tent, he walked another two or three miles and reached the Wang family’s camp. There were around a hundred ox carts in the vicinity, accompanied by thousands of guards and servants. The temporary tents were hardly less impressive than those in the main camp. It seemed that even in exile, the Wang family wouldn’t let their prestige in Taiyuan slip.
Guided by the servants, Liang Feng entered the tent. Wang Wen had apparently been waiting for him for some time and immediately got up to greet him. “Long time no see, I never expected our reunion would be under such circumstances.”
Seeing that Wang Wen’s expression wasn’t great, Liang Feng said, “In turbulent times, we often have no control over our circumstances. Wang Zhongzheng, please take care of your health. The journey ahead won’t be easy.”
Wang Wen sighed, “Indeed, we are all at the mercy of the times. This time, most of the Wang family members have moved out of Taiyuan, leaving only a few branches behind. I don’t know when we’ll be able to return home. And you, what are your plans?”
“As the Prefect, I must defend this land. At the very least, I must safeguard the key passage to Si and Ji,” Liang Feng replied.
If Shangdang were lost, the northern horses could quickly march south towards Luoyang. Holding Huguan and the Eight Passes was indeed a heavy responsibility. Wang Wen sighed deeply, “I’m afraid only you, Zixi, are willing to take such risks.”
However, Liang Feng shook his head, “If anyone has such thoughts, it shouldn’t be just me. Please, ask among the gentry if there are any who wish to stay. Now that Shangdang’s educational institutions are reopening and there are even libraries, in the future, when we’re at war with the Xiongnu, we will need capable individuals to govern the region. If there are those willing to stay, I will be ready to welcome them!”
Advertisement
AD
Wang Wen was aware of the plan to establish schools, but he hadn’t expected that they would be reopened so quickly, let alone the reconstruction of the educational system. After a moment of contemplation, Wang Wen nodded and said, “Very well, I’ll inquire on your behalf. Whether we can retain people will also depend on luck.”
This was a practical assessment. Those who were truly dedicated to serving the country might not choose to leave with the army. Both Taiyuan and Yangyi were in desperate need of talent. However, considering that Shangdang had yet to face the enemy directly, the newly opened official fields along the way were tempting to many. Furthermore, with the presence of educational institutions and libraries, there might indeed be people willing to stay.
Liang Feng expressed gratitude for Wang Wen’s words, saying, “Thank you very much, Wang Zhongzheng!”
Looking at the composed and courteous demeanor of the man before him, Wang Wen nodded appreciatively. Such a character was precisely what he considered a suitable husband for his niece. After a moment of thought, Wang Wen added, “My niece is also with the army. I’ll go and fetch her to meet you.”
He called over a servant who went to the rear of the camp to bring her. Liang Feng was a bit surprised by Wang Wen’s actions, but it would have been improper to refuse the offer of a meeting with a relative at a time like this. Welcoming family members in such circumstances was a way of showing closeness.
However, to his surprise, the servant returned quickly and whispered something to Wang Wen. Wang Wen’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he shook his head with a wry smile as he turned to Liang Feng. He said, “My niece fell ill a couple of days ago, and she doesn’t look well right now. It would not be appropriate for her to meet guests. I hope you understand.”
Liang Feng, concerned about the girl’s health, asked, “Do you need me to call for a doctor to check on her?”
Wang Wen waved his hand dismissively, “Please don’t worry, it’s just a minor ailment. Once we’re settled, she can recover with proper care.”
Since Wang Wen had already expressed his stance, Liang Feng, an outsider, didn’t want to interfere any further. After a few more casual conversations, Liang Feng took his leave from the tent.
As he looked at the seemingly endless rows of tents that stretched to the horizon, Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. How many times would such mass migrations occur in the waning years of Western Jin? How would the remaining people in the northern regions cope after these aristocrats and gentry had all moved south?
Well, there was no use dwelling on those who couldn’t be retained. It was more important to settle the refugees as best as possible. He hoped that among these pampered aristocrats, a few individuals with courage and determination would emerge.
The next day, the massive army, with no apparent beginning or end, marched towards Jingxing. With a force of twenty thousand soldiers and nearly ten thousand households of civilians, they made their way through the rugged mountain passes of the Taihang Mountains, leaving behind the province of Bing County.
“Suppressing rebels”? What a joke! The Xiongnu are currently attacking Jinyang, and he, as the Governor of Bing County, shouldn’t he stay in his post at this critical time? What rebels is he going to suppress in Shangdang?
However, it only took a moment for Liang Feng to realize. When Sima Teng mentioned “rebels,” he wasn’t referring to Liu Yuan and the Han-Xiongnu alliance but to Sima Yong, the King of Hejian, who was far away in Chang’an! He was marching to join the anti-rebellion coalition led by the King of Donghai to attack Chang’an. In doing so, he naturally had to pass through the Shangdang mountain road. This was nothing but using the pretext of leading troops to escape from Bing County!
How could Sima Teng have fallen so far? Didn’t he care about the lives of the people in Bing County, or did he no longer want his own territory?
“My lord!” Duan Qin’s face also turned pale, and he immediately said, “We must persuade Dongyin Gong to stay, or else Jinyang will be in danger! Bing County will be in danger!”
Didn’t the officials in the General’s Mansion know? Liang Feng’s face turned ashen, and he said sharply, “Follow me out of the city to meet them!”
With a thousand soldiers in tow, Liang Feng rushed all the way to Xiangyuan County, where he ran into Sima Teng’s procession. When he saw this “army” before him, his heart sank.
As far as the eye could see, it was all carriages. They carried gold, silver, jewels, grain, silk, and satin, along with the high-ranking aristocrats from Jinyang and other parts of Bing County. Upon hearing the news of Dongyin Gong’s flight, they flocked like a herd of panicked deer and boarded this ship. It was not an individual’s escape but a class’s! Faced with such a torrent, no matter what strategy was used, it couldn’t be stopped!
Taking a deep breath, Liang Feng straightened his robe and walked towards the central military tent.
After traveling continuously for several days and entering the heartland of Shangdang, away from the pursuing Xiongnu army, Sima Teng ordered his troops to set up camp and rest in Xiangyuan for half a day. Along the way, he had seen many Wu fortresses and newly cultivated fields. Sima Teng had originally intended to summon Liang Zixi to discuss the grain supply issue with him, but unexpectedly, Liang Zixi had taken the initiative to visit.
“He’s here so quickly? Let him in,” Sima Teng ordered.
In no time, Liang Feng strode into the tent, lifted his robe, and knelt on the ground. “I pay my respects to Dongyin Gong.”
Sima Teng put on a friendly face. “No need for formalities, please rise.”
Advertisement
AD
However, Liang Feng did not get up but instead asked directly, “May I ask Dongyin Gong if there are enough troops left in Jinyang and Yangyi?”
His direct question caught Sima Teng off guard, and his expression immediately darkened. “Naturally, there are. I’m leading the troops to suppress the rebels and rescue the Emperor. Once the Emperor returns to Luoyang, and the court stabilizes, we can send troops to exterminate the bandits of the Xiongnu.”
“What about the common people? If there’s no one farming the land, and both the city and the countryside are empty, who will feed these soldiers?” Liang Feng continued.
The person in front of him had clear, piercing eyes that seemed to penetrate one’s heart. Sima Teng’s expression grew colder. “It’s not that I ordered them to leave. Many noble families chose to follow the army to Si County and Yan County and are traveling behind us.”
“I humbly request to accommodate the refugees and settle them within the territory of Shangdang. With people, there is land. If the populace disperses, then all of Bing County will fall into the hands of the Xiongnu!” Liang Feng folded his robes and earnestly prostrated on the ground.
Sima Teng had never expected Liang Feng’s plea to be about this rather than urging him to stay in Bing County. He furrowed his brows in thought. However, the plea did make sense. If everyone followed him and left, who would cultivate the land? Where would they recruit soldiers? He had only intended to evade the Xiongnu’s military forces; he hadn’t actually planned to abandon the entire Bing County.
With a slightly softened expression, Sima Teng said, “Zixi, you are indeed sincere. However, there are too many refugees, and the land in Shangdang is limited.”
“We can cultivate official fields, tighten our belts, and make do. As long as you’re willing to let them stay, there is always a way to accommodate them. Besides, Shangdang has few troops, and if the Xiongnu launch a major offensive, we won’t have a place to recruit soldiers, which could become a great disaster,” Liang Feng quickly added, sensing Sima Teng’s wavering.
Advertisement
AD
This argument struck a chord with Sima Teng’s concerns. If Shangdang fell, not only would he be unable to return to Bing County, but also the gateways to Si County and Ji County would fall into enemy hands. This threatened the safety of the entire nation.
“Zixi, your words make sense. As long as we can hold off the Xiongnu’s large army, you may proceed as you see fit,” Sima Teng finally relented.
“Thank you, Dongyin Gong! I will do my best to defend Shangdang, safeguarding the crucial passageway for both Si County and Ji County,” Liang Feng replied. With this statement, he could confidently move forward with accommodating the refugees and attempting to retain those among them who had a strong sense of defending their homeland. As for the noble families and Sima Teng himself, those were matters he couldn’t control.
Seeing Liang Feng readily accept, Sima Teng couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Not only had he escaped Bing County, but he had also placed Shangdang in the midst of danger. Unexpectedly, Liang Feng had not questioned him and had willingly taken on the heavy responsibility himself. This was the caliber of a true patriot.
To motivate people to serve and sacrifice, it’s essential to offer incentives. After some contemplation, Sima Teng said, “Since we are defending against the Xiongnu, it wouldn’t be suitable for you to lack a military position. I will submit a request to the court to appoint you as General of Weiyuan and elevate you to the rank of Marquis of Xiang. This way, you will have authority to command troops.”
General of Weiyuan was only a miscellaneous military rank, on par with Wu Ling’s General of Policing the Barbarians, both being fifth-ranking titles and not as prestigious as General of Assisting the Chariots held by Lenghu Kuang. This reward was essentially aimed at making him responsible for defending the territory while still keeping him under control through his military rank. It couldn’t be considered generous.
Liang Feng, however, wasn’t concerned about these details. For him, settling the refugees was the top priority. As long as Sima Teng agreed to this, everything else could be negotiated. He expressed his thanks once again before standing up and asking, “I wonder if Dongyin Gong is running short of provisions on the way? If there is a shortage, I can find ways to procure additional supplies.”
Just agreeing to accommodate the refugees didn’t mean taking food from Sima Teng’s hands immediately. Even Sima Teng, despite his position, found it difficult to do so. He coughed lightly and replied, “The army’s provisions are sufficient, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Zixi. Tomorrow, we will set out for Jingxing, and as long as arrangements along the way are in order, we’ll be fine.”
The Xiongnu were still trailing behind them. Carrying such a burden, even if Sima Teng were bolder, he wouldn’t dare linger in Bing County.
On this matter, Liang Feng had also made a rough estimate. Not only Sima Teng but also the noble families within the expeditionary force likely didn’t want to stay in Bing County any longer. Saving some provisions was undoubtedly the best outcome.
Advertisement
AD
After expressing his gratitude once more, Liang Feng left the camp.
Outside the tent, Duan Qin, with an anxious expression, asked as soon as Liang Feng emerged, “Lord, how did Dongyin Gong respond?”
“He allowed me to accommodate the refugees, bestowed the title of General of Weiyuan upon me, and promoted me to Marquis of Xiang.”
Hearing Liang Feng’s words, Duan Qin quickly put together a general idea and couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s the best outcome.”
Indeed, it was. Using the refugees to bolster Upper Dong and obtaining the authority to lead troops were already fortunate developments amidst the misfortune. This gave Liang Feng the legitimate right to command troops and establish military camps. As for other matters, they were relatively minor.
“Tomorrow, Dongyin Gong will depart from Xiangyuan. Organize manpower as soon as possible to inquire among the refugees. If there are those who wish to stay, arrange it as much as possible. After the army arrives, more refugees will enter the area, so be prepared in advance,” Liang Feng instructed.
Duan Qin understood the priorities, so he agreed and added, “Wang Zhongzheng heard of your arrival and just sent someone to invite you.”
Was Wang Wen also leaving Bing County? Liang Feng sighed lightly and said, “I’ll go over right away.”
Leaving the large tent, he walked another two or three miles and reached the Wang family’s camp. There were around a hundred ox carts in the vicinity, accompanied by thousands of guards and servants. The temporary tents were hardly less impressive than those in the main camp. It seemed that even in exile, the Wang family wouldn’t let their prestige in Taiyuan slip.
Guided by the servants, Liang Feng entered the tent. Wang Wen had apparently been waiting for him for some time and immediately got up to greet him. “Long time no see, I never expected our reunion would be under such circumstances.”
Seeing that Wang Wen’s expression wasn’t great, Liang Feng said, “In turbulent times, we often have no control over our circumstances. Wang Zhongzheng, please take care of your health. The journey ahead won’t be easy.”
Wang Wen sighed, “Indeed, we are all at the mercy of the times. This time, most of the Wang family members have moved out of Taiyuan, leaving only a few branches behind. I don’t know when we’ll be able to return home. And you, what are your plans?”
“As the Prefect, I must defend this land. At the very least, I must safeguard the key passage to Si and Ji,” Liang Feng replied.
If Shangdang were lost, the northern horses could quickly march south towards Luoyang. Holding Huguan and the Eight Passes was indeed a heavy responsibility. Wang Wen sighed deeply, “I’m afraid only you, Zixi, are willing to take such risks.”
However, Liang Feng shook his head, “If anyone has such thoughts, it shouldn’t be just me. Please, ask among the gentry if there are any who wish to stay. Now that Shangdang’s educational institutions are reopening and there are even libraries, in the future, when we’re at war with the Xiongnu, we will need capable individuals to govern the region. If there are those willing to stay, I will be ready to welcome them!”
Advertisement
AD
Wang Wen was aware of the plan to establish schools, but he hadn’t expected that they would be reopened so quickly, let alone the reconstruction of the educational system. After a moment of contemplation, Wang Wen nodded and said, “Very well, I’ll inquire on your behalf. Whether we can retain people will also depend on luck.”
This was a practical assessment. Those who were truly dedicated to serving the country might not choose to leave with the army. Both Taiyuan and Yangyi were in desperate need of talent. However, considering that Shangdang had yet to face the enemy directly, the newly opened official fields along the way were tempting to many. Furthermore, with the presence of educational institutions and libraries, there might indeed be people willing to stay.
Liang Feng expressed gratitude for Wang Wen’s words, saying, “Thank you very much, Wang Zhongzheng!”
Looking at the composed and courteous demeanor of the man before him, Wang Wen nodded appreciatively. Such a character was precisely what he considered a suitable husband for his niece. After a moment of thought, Wang Wen added, “My niece is also with the army. I’ll go and fetch her to meet you.”
He called over a servant who went to the rear of the camp to bring her. Liang Feng was a bit surprised by Wang Wen’s actions, but it would have been improper to refuse the offer of a meeting with a relative at a time like this. Welcoming family members in such circumstances was a way of showing closeness.
However, to his surprise, the servant returned quickly and whispered something to Wang Wen. Wang Wen’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he shook his head with a wry smile as he turned to Liang Feng. He said, “My niece fell ill a couple of days ago, and she doesn’t look well right now. It would not be appropriate for her to meet guests. I hope you understand.”
Liang Feng, concerned about the girl’s health, asked, “Do you need me to call for a doctor to check on her?”
Wang Wen waved his hand dismissively, “Please don’t worry, it’s just a minor ailment. Once we’re settled, she can recover with proper care.”
Since Wang Wen had already expressed his stance, Liang Feng, an outsider, didn’t want to interfere any further. After a few more casual conversations, Liang Feng took his leave from the tent.
As he looked at the seemingly endless rows of tents that stretched to the horizon, Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. How many times would such mass migrations occur in the waning years of Western Jin? How would the remaining people in the northern regions cope after these aristocrats and gentry had all moved south?
Well, there was no use dwelling on those who couldn’t be retained. It was more important to settle the refugees as best as possible. He hoped that among these pampered aristocrats, a few individuals with courage and determination would emerge.
The next day, the massive army, with no apparent beginning or end, marched towards Jingxing. With a force of twenty thousand soldiers and nearly ten thousand households of civilians, they made their way through the rugged mountain passes of the Taihang Mountains, leaving behind the province of Bing County.
