“Over a hundred houses were destroyed in Yangyi, and there are over a thousand defectors, mostly from the previous Jin army that entered the city.” In just two days, Yiyan led his troops back and brought with him the captured defectors. Ge Hong and a thousand soldiers remained stationed in Yangyi.
“Are there any commanders among the defectors?” Liang Feng furrowed his brow. He had heard from Linghu Kuang earlier that a few of the defectors came from prominent military families. He was concerned that keeping these two-faced individuals might lead to trouble.
“Before the siege of the city, there was a rebellion in Yangyi. The Xiongnu killed all those people,” was the official explanation, but in reality, it was a joint decision made by Ge Hong and Yiyan. Soldiers could be trusted, but surrendering commanders were not reliable. If they were to encounter the enemy again and offer the city, they couldn’t be trusted to resist.
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng knew there was more to the story and he sighed with relief, “That’s good then. However, Yangyi is not easy to defend now. Do they have enough food and supplies?”
Yangyi was currently in enemy-controlled territory, and while they still had a county under their jurisdiction, it was unlikely they could farm under the enemy’s nose. They had to rely on supplies to survive. To fully restore the county administration, they would need the Xiongnu to withdraw.
“Supplies have been burned during the fighting, but they are still sufficient,” Yi Yan replied.
“That’s good,” Liang Feng said, his only concern at the moment. He then turned to Duan Qin and said, “Send General Linghu to report to Jinyang as soon as possible. We need to establish communication with Jinyang quickly.”
This was the top priority. Even though Sima Teng had left Bing County, the provincial capital and the army’s main camp were still in Jinyang. They needed to establish communication with the garrison in the city for future actions. This task was best suited for Linghu Kuang, as he came from a prominent family in Bing County.
Duan Qin, who had a clear mind, nodded immediately, “Rest assured, my lord. General Linghu is currently stationed in Jinyang and is General Linghu1‘s first cousin. However, with this great victory, we should also report to Duke Dongyin.”
Such significant events couldn’t be concealed. Liang Feng chuckled, “Why not inform the court of such a great victory? However, the situation in Chang’an is urgent, and Duke Dongyin may not return to Bing County immediately.”
They had only won one battle, and who knew what challenges lay ahead. Even if Sima Teng were to regain his courage, he might not return. But if they continued to win multiple battles, once Bing County was stable, they might have competitors vying for the ripe fruit.
This is indeed a complex and challenging situation. Liu Yuan is an enemy, and the Sima clan may not necessarily be friends either. On top of that, the unusual phenomenon of the solar eclipse and lightning complicates the matter further. Liu Yuan’s days are likely to become even more challenging.
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However, since they’ve already committed to this course of action, Liang Feng won’t dwell on it now. The more important question is whether the battle has achieved its intended purpose.
“Other than the first wave of reinforcements, have the Xiongnu sent more troops?” Liang Feng inquired.
“They haven’t,” Yiyan replied decisively. “Only a few scout teams have come. Even the large army that approached earlier has retreated ten li away. It seems they won’t attack the city again.”
Another solar eclipse and thunder are enough to deter anyone with sound judgment. This is the outcome Liang Feng was hoping for.
“That’s excellent! Spring is coming soon. Instruct the ten counties to prepare for spring planting. We need to start cultivating the land. Also, this year’s rainfall has been too little, so we need to be vigilant against drought. Initiating locust control should also be a top priority,” Liang Feng emphasized. This extra time gained from the Xiongnu must be used to ensure a bountiful harvest this year!
“Spring planting won’t be an issue, but the military structure in Shangdang needs some changes,” Duan Qin had more on his mind than just agriculture.
The composition of Shangdang’s military is now highly complex. The Liang family’s private soldiers have been integrated into garrison troops and imperial forces, which has not only improved military strength but also created confusion in the system. The Liang family’s troops enjoy tax-exempt military land, while imperial officers receive salaries. Balancing the relationship between these two systems is a challenge.
Furthermore, with the continuous expansion of military power, the size of military units has changed. Since the Three Kingdoms period, the rank of general had been excessively used, and during the Jin dynasty, a full military unit had only 1,500 soldiers. Now, after several expansions, the Liang family’s organization is reverting to the Eastern Han Dynasty’s structure of a thousand soldiers per unit, which, when expanded further, will necessitate the formation of a proper army.
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“Reform the military and implement the garrison exemption system while we focus on spring planting. As for those officers and soldiers under Yiyan, we need to find a way to integrate them into the system,” Liang Feng finally said after thoughtful consideration.
With no battles on the horizon, it was a suitable time to reform the military structure. His forces would likely continue to grow, and they couldn’t afford to remain disorganized. On the other hand, now that he had been ennobled as a Marquis, and after this victory, he might soon be promoted to a Count. His private troops would likely grow by another tenth, and he needed to maintain appearances even if Sima Teng didn’t like it. With Sima Teng in Bing County, how would he be able to use people for his campaigns?
“I understand,” Duan Qin said.
Tapping his finger lightly on the table, Liang Feng stood up, “Go and get it done. We need to make the most of these few months to rest and recover!”
He just hoped that those with the surname Sima could continue to fight fiercely in his absence and not create chaos for him.
※
“Shangdang’s big victory and they’ve returned to Yangyi?” When he saw the official report, Sima Teng could hardly believe his eyes.
When he escaped from Bing County, he saw how terrifying the Xiongnu’s military forces were. How was it possible that Liang Zixi had achieved two victories in just half a year?!
Now, documents requesting rewards for their achievements have been placed on his desk. Such victories deserve rewards, but if he rewards them, how can he be content? After carefully rereading the report, Sima Teng’s expression grew even more somber. To rise in rebellion on New Year’s Day and to coincide with a solar eclipse, how could this be an auspicious sign?
Seeing Sima Teng’s displeasure, Chief Scribe Gao quickly said, “General, this is a great victory. Rewards are necessary to boost the soldiers’ morale!”
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The most annoying part of it all was exactly this. Sima Teng huffed and said, “Of course, rewards are needed! Promotions, titles, and the allocation of money and provisions! Let Prefect Liang hold Shangdang securely!”
The implied message in his words was crystal clear to Chief Scribe Gao. He clearly intended to make Liang Zixi adopt a defensive stance and prevent him from participating in campaigns against the Xiongnu at will. Using this method to restrain a capable minister from achieving merits was not impossible. However, in terms of timing, it seemed somewhat inappropriate.
Chief Scribe Gao hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t offer further advice. Instead, he said, “Shangdang has limited forces, and it should prioritize defense. Once the chaos in Chang’an and the rebel forces are pacified, Duke Dongying can return to Bing County to oversee the overall situation.”
This was precisely what Sima Teng loved to hear. His expression improved slightly, and he said, “A few days ago, King Hejian sent Zhang Fang’s head and sought reconciliation. Still, my brother rejected him. Chang’an can’t hold out for much longer.”
This situation also had a significant impact and his close ties with him. Despite fleeing from Bing County in a hurry, Sima Teng had brought his forces with him, and this army immediately revitalized the faltering King Donghai’s camp. Subsequently, various factions engaged in battles and manipulations for several months. The forces under King Hejian began to show signs of disarray.
Initially, there were still a hundred thousand troops from Guanzhong, but King Hejian, fearing for his life, missed the prime opportunity for a decisive battle and left Zhang Fang to defend Ba. This provided King Donghai with a great opportunity, especially when Wang Jun dispatched several thousand Xianbei cavalry to aid them. These combined factors put significant pressure on King Hejian.
All of this was due to Zhang Fang’s arrogance, his uncontrollable expansion of power, and the solar eclipse that occurred on New Year’s Day. This left King Hejian in a state of panic. So, he took drastic action, sending Zhang Fang’s former benefactor, Zhi Fu, to retrieve this ominous god’s head.
King Hejian presented the head in a luxurious box and sought peace, but King Donghai didn’t show any willingness to accept it. Instead, he urged all his forces to advance towards Guanzhong. In this way, King Hejian, having lost his chief general and gained no clemency, found himself in a perilous situation.
For Sima Teng, this was undoubtedly great news. With his contributions in this major battle, being enfeoffed2 as a king was a mere formality. If he could make a final push during the assault on Chang’an, he might even take the lead. By then, with his brother welcoming back the Emperor, he’d have enough power to deal with those wolves in Bing County.
Thinking of this, Sima Teng said, “Now that we’ve reclaimed Yangyi, order Sima Yu, Zhou Liang, Shi Xian, and other units stationed in Jinyang to march towards Lishi! If we can capture Lishi, Liu Yuan won’t be able to cause trouble anymore. Also, Shangdang should provide supplies to the main army!”
This order was quite devious. It prevented Liang Zixi from achieving any military exploits while making him responsible for the main army’s supply lines. It wasn’t a favorable task by any means. However, Chief Scribe Gao understood that this was the result of Sima Teng’s restraint. After all, Liang Zixi had achieved his victories quite easily. Wasn’t this about preserving the face of Duke Dongying, who had fled from his territory and abandoned it?
However, considering that the situation in Chang’an couldn’t last much longer, such a decision wouldn’t be a major mistake. Once King Donghai reclaims the Emperor, as his younger brother, Duke Dongying’s status would also rise. The withdrawal from Bing County this time may well have been in line with fate. As for those two victories in Shangdang, ultimately, it was King Donghai’s policy of promoting those who were capable, which wasn’t a bad thing at all. All in all, this way and that, it would result in all benefits being collected.
Not daring to delay, Chief Scribe Gao picked up his pen and quickly started writing the orders. This command spanned King Donghai’s tens of thousands of troops, heading toward Shangdang.
Linghu Kuang
2the granting of a fief or a piece of land to someone as a form of feudal tenure
“Over a hundred houses were destroyed in Yangyi, and there are over a thousand defectors, mostly from the previous Jin army that entered the city.” In just two days, Yiyan led his troops back and brought with him the captured defectors. Ge Hong and a thousand soldiers remained stationed in Yangyi.
“Are there any commanders among the defectors?” Liang Feng furrowed his brow. He had heard from Linghu Kuang earlier that a few of the defectors came from prominent military families. He was concerned that keeping these two-faced individuals might lead to trouble.
“Before the siege of the city, there was a rebellion in Yangyi. The Xiongnu killed all those people,” was the official explanation, but in reality, it was a joint decision made by Ge Hong and Yiyan. Soldiers could be trusted, but surrendering commanders were not reliable. If they were to encounter the enemy again and offer the city, they couldn’t be trusted to resist.
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng knew there was more to the story and he sighed with relief, “That’s good then. However, Yangyi is not easy to defend now. Do they have enough food and supplies?”
Yangyi was currently in enemy-controlled territory, and while they still had a county under their jurisdiction, it was unlikely they could farm under the enemy’s nose. They had to rely on supplies to survive. To fully restore the county administration, they would need the Xiongnu to withdraw.
“Supplies have been burned during the fighting, but they are still sufficient,” Yi Yan replied.
“That’s good,” Liang Feng said, his only concern at the moment. He then turned to Duan Qin and said, “Send General Linghu to report to Jinyang as soon as possible. We need to establish communication with Jinyang quickly.”
This was the top priority. Even though Sima Teng had left Bing County, the provincial capital and the army’s main camp were still in Jinyang. They needed to establish communication with the garrison in the city for future actions. This task was best suited for Linghu Kuang, as he came from a prominent family in Bing County.
Duan Qin, who had a clear mind, nodded immediately, “Rest assured, my lord. General Linghu is currently stationed in Jinyang and is General Linghu1‘s first cousin. However, with this great victory, we should also report to Duke Dongyin.”
Such significant events couldn’t be concealed. Liang Feng chuckled, “Why not inform the court of such a great victory? However, the situation in Chang’an is urgent, and Duke Dongyin may not return to Bing County immediately.”
They had only won one battle, and who knew what challenges lay ahead. Even if Sima Teng were to regain his courage, he might not return. But if they continued to win multiple battles, once Bing County was stable, they might have competitors vying for the ripe fruit.
This is indeed a complex and challenging situation. Liu Yuan is an enemy, and the Sima clan may not necessarily be friends either. On top of that, the unusual phenomenon of the solar eclipse and lightning complicates the matter further. Liu Yuan’s days are likely to become even more challenging.
Advertisement
However, since they’ve already committed to this course of action, Liang Feng won’t dwell on it now. The more important question is whether the battle has achieved its intended purpose.
“Other than the first wave of reinforcements, have the Xiongnu sent more troops?” Liang Feng inquired.
“They haven’t,” Yiyan replied decisively. “Only a few scout teams have come. Even the large army that approached earlier has retreated ten li away. It seems they won’t attack the city again.”
Another solar eclipse and thunder are enough to deter anyone with sound judgment. This is the outcome Liang Feng was hoping for.
“That’s excellent! Spring is coming soon. Instruct the ten counties to prepare for spring planting. We need to start cultivating the land. Also, this year’s rainfall has been too little, so we need to be vigilant against drought. Initiating locust control should also be a top priority,” Liang Feng emphasized. This extra time gained from the Xiongnu must be used to ensure a bountiful harvest this year!
“Spring planting won’t be an issue, but the military structure in Shangdang needs some changes,” Duan Qin had more on his mind than just agriculture.
The composition of Shangdang’s military is now highly complex. The Liang family’s private soldiers have been integrated into garrison troops and imperial forces, which has not only improved military strength but also created confusion in the system. The Liang family’s troops enjoy tax-exempt military land, while imperial officers receive salaries. Balancing the relationship between these two systems is a challenge.
Furthermore, with the continuous expansion of military power, the size of military units has changed. Since the Three Kingdoms period, the rank of general had been excessively used, and during the Jin dynasty, a full military unit had only 1,500 soldiers. Now, after several expansions, the Liang family’s organization is reverting to the Eastern Han Dynasty’s structure of a thousand soldiers per unit, which, when expanded further, will necessitate the formation of a proper army.
Advertisement
“Reform the military and implement the garrison exemption system while we focus on spring planting. As for those officers and soldiers under Yiyan, we need to find a way to integrate them into the system,” Liang Feng finally said after thoughtful consideration.
With no battles on the horizon, it was a suitable time to reform the military structure. His forces would likely continue to grow, and they couldn’t afford to remain disorganized. On the other hand, now that he had been ennobled as a Marquis, and after this victory, he might soon be promoted to a Count. His private troops would likely grow by another tenth, and he needed to maintain appearances even if Sima Teng didn’t like it. With Sima Teng in Bing County, how would he be able to use people for his campaigns?
“I understand,” Duan Qin said.
Tapping his finger lightly on the table, Liang Feng stood up, “Go and get it done. We need to make the most of these few months to rest and recover!”
He just hoped that those with the surname Sima could continue to fight fiercely in his absence and not create chaos for him.
※
“Shangdang’s big victory and they’ve returned to Yangyi?” When he saw the official report, Sima Teng could hardly believe his eyes.
When he escaped from Bing County, he saw how terrifying the Xiongnu’s military forces were. How was it possible that Liang Zixi had achieved two victories in just half a year?!
Now, documents requesting rewards for their achievements have been placed on his desk. Such victories deserve rewards, but if he rewards them, how can he be content? After carefully rereading the report, Sima Teng’s expression grew even more somber. To rise in rebellion on New Year’s Day and to coincide with a solar eclipse, how could this be an auspicious sign?
Seeing Sima Teng’s displeasure, Chief Scribe Gao quickly said, “General, this is a great victory. Rewards are necessary to boost the soldiers’ morale!”
Advertisement
The most annoying part of it all was exactly this. Sima Teng huffed and said, “Of course, rewards are needed! Promotions, titles, and the allocation of money and provisions! Let Prefect Liang hold Shangdang securely!”
The implied message in his words was crystal clear to Chief Scribe Gao. He clearly intended to make Liang Zixi adopt a defensive stance and prevent him from participating in campaigns against the Xiongnu at will. Using this method to restrain a capable minister from achieving merits was not impossible. However, in terms of timing, it seemed somewhat inappropriate.
Chief Scribe Gao hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t offer further advice. Instead, he said, “Shangdang has limited forces, and it should prioritize defense. Once the chaos in Chang’an and the rebel forces are pacified, Duke Dongying can return to Bing County to oversee the overall situation.”
This was precisely what Sima Teng loved to hear. His expression improved slightly, and he said, “A few days ago, King Hejian sent Zhang Fang’s head and sought reconciliation. Still, my brother rejected him. Chang’an can’t hold out for much longer.”
This situation also had a significant impact and his close ties with him. Despite fleeing from Bing County in a hurry, Sima Teng had brought his forces with him, and this army immediately revitalized the faltering King Donghai’s camp. Subsequently, various factions engaged in battles and manipulations for several months. The forces under King Hejian began to show signs of disarray.
Initially, there were still a hundred thousand troops from Guanzhong, but King Hejian, fearing for his life, missed the prime opportunity for a decisive battle and left Zhang Fang to defend Ba. This provided King Donghai with a great opportunity, especially when Wang Jun dispatched several thousand Xianbei cavalry to aid them. These combined factors put significant pressure on King Hejian.
All of this was due to Zhang Fang’s arrogance, his uncontrollable expansion of power, and the solar eclipse that occurred on New Year’s Day. This left King Hejian in a state of panic. So, he took drastic action, sending Zhang Fang’s former benefactor, Zhi Fu, to retrieve this ominous god’s head.
King Hejian presented the head in a luxurious box and sought peace, but King Donghai didn’t show any willingness to accept it. Instead, he urged all his forces to advance towards Guanzhong. In this way, King Hejian, having lost his chief general and gained no clemency, found himself in a perilous situation.
For Sima Teng, this was undoubtedly great news. With his contributions in this major battle, being enfeoffed2 as a king was a mere formality. If he could make a final push during the assault on Chang’an, he might even take the lead. By then, with his brother welcoming back the Emperor, he’d have enough power to deal with those wolves in Bing County.
Thinking of this, Sima Teng said, “Now that we’ve reclaimed Yangyi, order Sima Yu, Zhou Liang, Shi Xian, and other units stationed in Jinyang to march towards Lishi! If we can capture Lishi, Liu Yuan won’t be able to cause trouble anymore. Also, Shangdang should provide supplies to the main army!”
This order was quite devious. It prevented Liang Zixi from achieving any military exploits while making him responsible for the main army’s supply lines. It wasn’t a favorable task by any means. However, Chief Scribe Gao understood that this was the result of Sima Teng’s restraint. After all, Liang Zixi had achieved his victories quite easily. Wasn’t this about preserving the face of Duke Dongying, who had fled from his territory and abandoned it?
However, considering that the situation in Chang’an couldn’t last much longer, such a decision wouldn’t be a major mistake. Once King Donghai reclaims the Emperor, as his younger brother, Duke Dongying’s status would also rise. The withdrawal from Bing County this time may well have been in line with fate. As for those two victories in Shangdang, ultimately, it was King Donghai’s policy of promoting those who were capable, which wasn’t a bad thing at all. All in all, this way and that, it would result in all benefits being collected.
Not daring to delay, Chief Scribe Gao picked up his pen and quickly started writing the orders. This command spanned King Donghai’s tens of thousands of troops, heading toward Shangdang.
Linghu Kuang
2the granting of a fief or a piece of land to someone as a form of feudal tenure
