Looking at the young Chief Scribe of the Inspector, Zhang Sima smiled gracefully and said, “I didn’t expect Inspector Liang to arrive so quickly. Tomorrow, I will gather the officials in the Inspector’s office to respectfully welcome you.”
He hailed from the Zhang family of Anping. While his family background wasn’t prominent, his cousin, Zhang Zai, was well-known in the literary world. The three brothers, Zhang Zai, Zhang Xie, and Zhang Kang, were collectively known as the “Three Zhangs,” and they were among the top literary figures of the Tai Kang era. It was his family background that enabled him to secure a prominent position in Sima Teng’s military office as the Chief Scribe.
Now, in the city of Jinyang, his position was the highest, and with a new Inspector taking office, it was only natural for him to lead the welcoming committee.
However, the term “welcome” had its nuances. Welcoming outside the city, outside the Inspector’s office, and within the office had very different implications. His choice of words made it clear that he didn’t intend to mobilize troops. This attitude was a clear display of authority towards the newly appointed official, Liang Feng.
It seemed that the Lord had foreseen this. Without showing any signs of anger, Duan Qin smiled gently, “With your assurance, I can rest easy.”
The two exchanged a few more words in a casual conversation, and then Duan Qin took his leave. Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Sima squinted his eyes slightly. Given the current situation, it wasn’t surprising at all.
Before this, Bing County had been under the rule of Sima Teng, with the Inspector’s office largely replacing the role of the Inspector’s office. Among the “upper officials” within the office, which included the Chief Clerk, Chief Scribe, and the advisors, they held the highest rank and were the most influential advisors. On the contrary, the Deputies and the Assistant Deputies, who were part of the Inspector’s office’s administration, had been sidelined to varying degrees.
When Sima Teng fled from Bing County, he took away the Chief Clerk and the Prefect Participating in Counsel but left Zhang Sima in charge of the overall situation in Jinyang. Over the past year, whether due to exhaustion or fear, the Deputy and Assistant Deputy officials who were originally in office successively fell ill. The officials in the Inspector’s office were all waiting for the arrival of the new Inspector to select new officials.
In such a situation, everything in the Inspector’s office was under his sole authority. If the court had sent a high-ranking military Inspector, it would have been a straightforward matter according to convention. However, in this case, the court had appointed a civilian Inspector without a military rank, and a separate appointment for the commander. This makes matters complicated. Being a military office official, he would have to be accountable to the new Inspector as the future Peacekeeping General. This posed a potential issue of status and could not be taken lightly.
Inspectors and Commanders had traditionally been at odds due to differences in their positions and roles, sometimes even competing for authority. As a Sima, he was responsible for the military affairs of the commander’s office. Courting a civilian Inspector could potentially have consequences on how the future commander would perceive him. On the other hand, if he ignored Inspector Liang, he wouldn’t be able to do much either. After all, the appointment of the Sima was decided by the court, and the selection and appointment of officials also fell under the military office’s jurisdiction. Could Liang Zixi casually dismiss him?
Adding all this up, it determined Zhang Sima’s ultimate attitude. Welcoming the new officials to the Inspector’s office was a mere formality, with no need for a grand display.
It was all because Liang Zixi’s background wasn’t strong enough. The Liang family was quite ordinary, with fewer connections compared to the Zhang family. Rumor had it that he had even failed to secure a marriage alliance with the Jinyang Wang family and ended up causing the death of one of their prospective brides. Now that Wang Wen had left Bing County, he had left the Wang family branches behind, and who knew how they would treat him.
You had to understand that the Deputy and Assistant Deputy officials in a province had to be selected from the prominent local families, representing local interests. Whether Liang Zixi could suppress those Jinyang nobles who looked down on him was still unknown. Why should Zhang Sima bother to fawn over such an individual who had little prospect of a future?
Putting the lowly-born Chief Scribe aside, Zhang Sima carefully calculated when the new Commander would arrive in Bing County.
The ox-cart creaked and rumbled down the dilapidated streets. Looking at the scene before them, Duan Qin also felt deeply moved. In its prime, Jinyang was a bustling city, although not on par with Luoyang or Ye, it was still a top-tier city in the northern region. But what about now? Overgrown with thorns and ruins. The luxurious homes left by the aristocrats were like haunted houses, desolate and bleak.
In a city like this, what kind of people would the common folk be? The once-besieged cities like Luoyang and Chang’an were the best examples. The people on the streets were emaciated, with tattered clothes, and their eyes were filled with fear and numbness as if they were living corpses.
Jinyang had just been relieved from a siege, yet the common people were in such a state. How could life be breathed back into this city that seemed lifeless?
It seemed that the Governor’s plan was spot on. Setting aside the show of authority, the most crucial thing was to let the people of Jinyang know that they had not been abandoned by the court and their new Inspector.
A sigh wafted through the air as the ox-cart slowly continued its journey towards the western part of the city.
※
Ge Hong was quite reliable when it came to handling matters. He had somehow acquired a standing vehicle overnight, had the canopy replaced, and ordered craftsmen to repair the carriage. Though not as grand as the ceremonial carriages used for court rituals, it was still presentable and didn’t violate any protocols.
Liang Feng had summoned two exceptional horses from Yiyan, and the two thousand elite soldiers that had come along were now transformed into an honor guard, accompanying the carriage. With everything in order, the convoy set off again towards Jinyang. However, this time, they were not maintaining the low-profile approach from their earlier journey.
The procession continued and arrived at the gates of Jinyang. Seeing the Inspector’s carriage, the guards within the city did not dare to be negligent and immediately opened the gates. Liang Feng stepped onto the ceremonial carriage, standing beside it. The wheels rolled forward, and without any obstacles, they entered the wide gates of Jinyang.
“He’s here! The Buddha’s Child has truly arrived in Jinyang!”
A startled cry broke the clear sky. In front of the convoy, figures appeared, densely packed like ants. It was unclear how the news had spread, but there were actually common people waiting along the road!
Liang Feng had been to Jinyang before, three years ago, for the Yulanpen ceremony at the Huai’en Temple. At that time, Jinyang had just escaped the threat of an epidemic, and he had been invited to participate in the Buddhist rituals, praying for the well-being of the people of Jinyang. Many people had seen his true appearance and were awed by his divine presence. The scene of a thousand people shouting and a rain of flowers lining the path was still remembered by many.
And this Buddha’s Child had left behind more than just the avoidance of an epidemic. When stars fell in Lu City and thunder struck in Yangyi, during the one-year siege of Jinyang, the terrifying Xiongnu bandits had retreated from him as if retreating from a saint. Even if people didn’t know about these rumors, they should at least know about the Huai’en Temple’s porridge kitchen. Without the Buddha’s Child taking the lead, how many people would have starved to death in this isolated city?
The Buddha’s Child, who could save them from suffering, had finally returned! He was back to serve as the Inspector of Bing County!
This news spread like wildfire, swiftly covering the inside and outside of Jinyang. The high-ranking and prestigious families had long abandoned this desolate city and fled to other places. Those who remained were mostly poor and destitute commoners. They were unwilling to abandon their homes, and they lacked the courage to flee. Like birds in a cage, they lived in constant anxiety and fear, tormented by threats and terror. There was also the heavy burden of defending the city, military conscription, and the grim prospect of waiting for death, with no way out.
When would they ever find relief? When would someone come to save them?
Now, that person was right in front of them!
Standing atop the high carriage, beneath the canopy, a young man with a jade-like face stood proudly. He wore court attire, a Liang crown on his head, and the symbols of his status hung in front of him. The clear wind lifted his wide sleeves, which billowed in the breeze like a banner under a canopy.
Behind him, after the common people, came the mighty soldiers in their shining armor. In squads of ten, they marched shoulder to shoulder, an endless procession. These soldiers had fierce and determined expressions, their helmet plumes a deep crimson as if they had been soaked in blood!
The footsteps were unified, and the hoofbeats were like thunder, drowning out the voices of the crowd. The common people who had gathered along the road to welcome him were momentarily stunned but soon erupted into even louder cheers. Countless individuals knelt on the ground, crying out in joy. They were saved! The Buddha’s Child had returned, and he brought his formidable bodyguards! As long as this man stayed in Bing County, what reason was there to worry about Bing County’s safety?!
Countless people were shouting the name of the Buddha’s Child, stumbling and following alongside the long procession of carriages, all headed towards the governor’s residence!
…
“What did you say? Liang Zixi has entered the city, and the city’s people are lining the streets to welcome him?” Inside the governor’s residence, Zhang Sima’s face changed suddenly, and he stood up abruptly.
How was that possible?! How many governors had come and gone in Jinyang? Who among them had caused such a commotion? What virtues or abilities did Liang Zixi possess that could make the common folk act so ecstatically?
This wouldn’t do! After only a moment of shock, Zhang Sima quickly came to his senses. If the other side entered the city with such grandeur while he remained secluded in the governor’s residence, he might face public scorn and condemnation. He had to go out to meet Liang Zixi!
“Quick! Order everyone in the governor’s residence to go out and greet him!”
Amid the chaos, Zhang Sima finally managed to gather his staff and open the gates of the governor’s residence to welcome the new chief official who had come from afar. However, when he stood on the street and witnessed the intimidating spectacle, he couldn’t help but be dumbfounded.
Jinyang had been besieged for a whole year, and before that, there was the exodus led by Sima Teng, which had left countless nobles and elites vacating Bing County. How many people had followed him then? It was likely that the entire city of Jinyang had been left half-empty. But now, as far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere! Men, women, the old, the young, dressed in various ways, without regard for gender or age, as if they had all come out en masse just to welcome that one person!
Meanwhile, Liang Zixi, the new governor, was not riding in a comfortable carriage with a formal procession but was standing on top of a raised carriage, flanked by two thousand elite soldiers, resembling a grand ceremonial procession. His presence exuded a commanding aura, appearing in this desolate city like a figure of awe!
Governors could have personal guards, and often, their appointment was due to the strength of their private forces. However, wasn’t Liang Zixi appointed governor because of his effective administration and military achievements? Did he use private troops instead of the provincial army to repel the Xiongnu at some point?
Up ahead in the procession, a Xianbei warrior wearing bright armor and a shining helmet turned his gaze towards them. His distinctive gray-blue eyes locked onto the welcoming crowd, emitting an intense and chilling aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who met his gaze.
Zhang Sima broke into a cold sweat and dared not be careless. He hurried forward, lowering his head in front of the high carriage. “I am Zhang Sima, and I respectfully welcome the governor’s arrival to take charge of Jinyang.”
Two impeccably matched horses came to a halt, and Liang Feng stepped down from the raised carriage. He didn’t offer a direct response but instead raised his voice for the crowd behind him. “My visit to Jinyang this time is to relieve the peril of Bing County. Although I am not exceptionally talented, I am willing to dedicate myself to the Emperor, the court, and the people. I shall do my utmost!”
His voice was clear and resonant, his bearing exceptional, and his words sincere, touching the hearts of those who heard him. How often did governors make such promises to the people? But this pledge was worth more than a thousand gold pieces!
People who could hear his words did, and those who couldn’t be strained to listen. Everyone turned red in the face and knelt, responding with greetings to the governor who had made such a commitment. Liang Feng didn’t urge them to rise; instead, he swept his robe’s sleeves and turned to Zhang Sima, who seemed somewhat bewildered. “I appreciate your welcome, Zhang Sima. I have just arrived, and I ask you to lead the way.”
With those two words, “lead the way,” the positions of the two men were clearly defined. However, what more could Zhang Sima say at this moment? He held a lower official position, was clearly outmatched in presence, and now had to deal with the overwhelming popular sentiment. There was no choice but to obey.
Awkwardly chuckling twice, he gestured to indicate he would lead the way, and with Liang Feng at his side, they ascended the steps and entered the gates of the governor’s residence.
Looking at the young Chief Scribe of the Inspector, Zhang Sima smiled gracefully and said, “I didn’t expect Inspector Liang to arrive so quickly. Tomorrow, I will gather the officials in the Inspector’s office to respectfully welcome you.”
He hailed from the Zhang family of Anping. While his family background wasn’t prominent, his cousin, Zhang Zai, was well-known in the literary world. The three brothers, Zhang Zai, Zhang Xie, and Zhang Kang, were collectively known as the “Three Zhangs,” and they were among the top literary figures of the Tai Kang era. It was his family background that enabled him to secure a prominent position in Sima Teng’s military office as the Chief Scribe.
Now, in the city of Jinyang, his position was the highest, and with a new Inspector taking office, it was only natural for him to lead the welcoming committee.
However, the term “welcome” had its nuances. Welcoming outside the city, outside the Inspector’s office, and within the office had very different implications. His choice of words made it clear that he didn’t intend to mobilize troops. This attitude was a clear display of authority towards the newly appointed official, Liang Feng.
It seemed that the Lord had foreseen this. Without showing any signs of anger, Duan Qin smiled gently, “With your assurance, I can rest easy.”
The two exchanged a few more words in a casual conversation, and then Duan Qin took his leave. Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Sima squinted his eyes slightly. Given the current situation, it wasn’t surprising at all.
Before this, Bing County had been under the rule of Sima Teng, with the Inspector’s office largely replacing the role of the Inspector’s office. Among the “upper officials” within the office, which included the Chief Clerk, Chief Scribe, and the advisors, they held the highest rank and were the most influential advisors. On the contrary, the Deputies and the Assistant Deputies, who were part of the Inspector’s office’s administration, had been sidelined to varying degrees.
When Sima Teng fled from Bing County, he took away the Chief Clerk and the Prefect Participating in Counsel but left Zhang Sima in charge of the overall situation in Jinyang. Over the past year, whether due to exhaustion or fear, the Deputy and Assistant Deputy officials who were originally in office successively fell ill. The officials in the Inspector’s office were all waiting for the arrival of the new Inspector to select new officials.
In such a situation, everything in the Inspector’s office was under his sole authority. If the court had sent a high-ranking military Inspector, it would have been a straightforward matter according to convention. However, in this case, the court had appointed a civilian Inspector without a military rank, and a separate appointment for the commander. This makes matters complicated. Being a military office official, he would have to be accountable to the new Inspector as the future Peacekeeping General. This posed a potential issue of status and could not be taken lightly.
Inspectors and Commanders had traditionally been at odds due to differences in their positions and roles, sometimes even competing for authority. As a Sima, he was responsible for the military affairs of the commander’s office. Courting a civilian Inspector could potentially have consequences on how the future commander would perceive him. On the other hand, if he ignored Inspector Liang, he wouldn’t be able to do much either. After all, the appointment of the Sima was decided by the court, and the selection and appointment of officials also fell under the military office’s jurisdiction. Could Liang Zixi casually dismiss him?
Adding all this up, it determined Zhang Sima’s ultimate attitude. Welcoming the new officials to the Inspector’s office was a mere formality, with no need for a grand display.
It was all because Liang Zixi’s background wasn’t strong enough. The Liang family was quite ordinary, with fewer connections compared to the Zhang family. Rumor had it that he had even failed to secure a marriage alliance with the Jinyang Wang family and ended up causing the death of one of their prospective brides. Now that Wang Wen had left Bing County, he had left the Wang family branches behind, and who knew how they would treat him.
You had to understand that the Deputy and Assistant Deputy officials in a province had to be selected from the prominent local families, representing local interests. Whether Liang Zixi could suppress those Jinyang nobles who looked down on him was still unknown. Why should Zhang Sima bother to fawn over such an individual who had little prospect of a future?
Putting the lowly-born Chief Scribe aside, Zhang Sima carefully calculated when the new Commander would arrive in Bing County.
The ox-cart creaked and rumbled down the dilapidated streets. Looking at the scene before them, Duan Qin also felt deeply moved. In its prime, Jinyang was a bustling city, although not on par with Luoyang or Ye, it was still a top-tier city in the northern region. But what about now? Overgrown with thorns and ruins. The luxurious homes left by the aristocrats were like haunted houses, desolate and bleak.
In a city like this, what kind of people would the common folk be? The once-besieged cities like Luoyang and Chang’an were the best examples. The people on the streets were emaciated, with tattered clothes, and their eyes were filled with fear and numbness as if they were living corpses.
Jinyang had just been relieved from a siege, yet the common people were in such a state. How could life be breathed back into this city that seemed lifeless?
It seemed that the Governor’s plan was spot on. Setting aside the show of authority, the most crucial thing was to let the people of Jinyang know that they had not been abandoned by the court and their new Inspector.
A sigh wafted through the air as the ox-cart slowly continued its journey towards the western part of the city.
※
Ge Hong was quite reliable when it came to handling matters. He had somehow acquired a standing vehicle overnight, had the canopy replaced, and ordered craftsmen to repair the carriage. Though not as grand as the ceremonial carriages used for court rituals, it was still presentable and didn’t violate any protocols.
Liang Feng had summoned two exceptional horses from Yiyan, and the two thousand elite soldiers that had come along were now transformed into an honor guard, accompanying the carriage. With everything in order, the convoy set off again towards Jinyang. However, this time, they were not maintaining the low-profile approach from their earlier journey.
The procession continued and arrived at the gates of Jinyang. Seeing the Inspector’s carriage, the guards within the city did not dare to be negligent and immediately opened the gates. Liang Feng stepped onto the ceremonial carriage, standing beside it. The wheels rolled forward, and without any obstacles, they entered the wide gates of Jinyang.
“He’s here! The Buddha’s Child has truly arrived in Jinyang!”
A startled cry broke the clear sky. In front of the convoy, figures appeared, densely packed like ants. It was unclear how the news had spread, but there were actually common people waiting along the road!
Liang Feng had been to Jinyang before, three years ago, for the Yulanpen ceremony at the Huai’en Temple. At that time, Jinyang had just escaped the threat of an epidemic, and he had been invited to participate in the Buddhist rituals, praying for the well-being of the people of Jinyang. Many people had seen his true appearance and were awed by his divine presence. The scene of a thousand people shouting and a rain of flowers lining the path was still remembered by many.
And this Buddha’s Child had left behind more than just the avoidance of an epidemic. When stars fell in Lu City and thunder struck in Yangyi, during the one-year siege of Jinyang, the terrifying Xiongnu bandits had retreated from him as if retreating from a saint. Even if people didn’t know about these rumors, they should at least know about the Huai’en Temple’s porridge kitchen. Without the Buddha’s Child taking the lead, how many people would have starved to death in this isolated city?
The Buddha’s Child, who could save them from suffering, had finally returned! He was back to serve as the Inspector of Bing County!
This news spread like wildfire, swiftly covering the inside and outside of Jinyang. The high-ranking and prestigious families had long abandoned this desolate city and fled to other places. Those who remained were mostly poor and destitute commoners. They were unwilling to abandon their homes, and they lacked the courage to flee. Like birds in a cage, they lived in constant anxiety and fear, tormented by threats and terror. There was also the heavy burden of defending the city, military conscription, and the grim prospect of waiting for death, with no way out.
When would they ever find relief? When would someone come to save them?
Now, that person was right in front of them!
Standing atop the high carriage, beneath the canopy, a young man with a jade-like face stood proudly. He wore court attire, a Liang crown on his head, and the symbols of his status hung in front of him. The clear wind lifted his wide sleeves, which billowed in the breeze like a banner under a canopy.
Behind him, after the common people, came the mighty soldiers in their shining armor. In squads of ten, they marched shoulder to shoulder, an endless procession. These soldiers had fierce and determined expressions, their helmet plumes a deep crimson as if they had been soaked in blood!
The footsteps were unified, and the hoofbeats were like thunder, drowning out the voices of the crowd. The common people who had gathered along the road to welcome him were momentarily stunned but soon erupted into even louder cheers. Countless individuals knelt on the ground, crying out in joy. They were saved! The Buddha’s Child had returned, and he brought his formidable bodyguards! As long as this man stayed in Bing County, what reason was there to worry about Bing County’s safety?!
Countless people were shouting the name of the Buddha’s Child, stumbling and following alongside the long procession of carriages, all headed towards the governor’s residence!
…
“What did you say? Liang Zixi has entered the city, and the city’s people are lining the streets to welcome him?” Inside the governor’s residence, Zhang Sima’s face changed suddenly, and he stood up abruptly.
How was that possible?! How many governors had come and gone in Jinyang? Who among them had caused such a commotion? What virtues or abilities did Liang Zixi possess that could make the common folk act so ecstatically?
This wouldn’t do! After only a moment of shock, Zhang Sima quickly came to his senses. If the other side entered the city with such grandeur while he remained secluded in the governor’s residence, he might face public scorn and condemnation. He had to go out to meet Liang Zixi!
“Quick! Order everyone in the governor’s residence to go out and greet him!”
Amid the chaos, Zhang Sima finally managed to gather his staff and open the gates of the governor’s residence to welcome the new chief official who had come from afar. However, when he stood on the street and witnessed the intimidating spectacle, he couldn’t help but be dumbfounded.
Jinyang had been besieged for a whole year, and before that, there was the exodus led by Sima Teng, which had left countless nobles and elites vacating Bing County. How many people had followed him then? It was likely that the entire city of Jinyang had been left half-empty. But now, as far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere! Men, women, the old, the young, dressed in various ways, without regard for gender or age, as if they had all come out en masse just to welcome that one person!
Meanwhile, Liang Zixi, the new governor, was not riding in a comfortable carriage with a formal procession but was standing on top of a raised carriage, flanked by two thousand elite soldiers, resembling a grand ceremonial procession. His presence exuded a commanding aura, appearing in this desolate city like a figure of awe!
Governors could have personal guards, and often, their appointment was due to the strength of their private forces. However, wasn’t Liang Zixi appointed governor because of his effective administration and military achievements? Did he use private troops instead of the provincial army to repel the Xiongnu at some point?
Up ahead in the procession, a Xianbei warrior wearing bright armor and a shining helmet turned his gaze towards them. His distinctive gray-blue eyes locked onto the welcoming crowd, emitting an intense and chilling aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who met his gaze.
Zhang Sima broke into a cold sweat and dared not be careless. He hurried forward, lowering his head in front of the high carriage. “I am Zhang Sima, and I respectfully welcome the governor’s arrival to take charge of Jinyang.”
Two impeccably matched horses came to a halt, and Liang Feng stepped down from the raised carriage. He didn’t offer a direct response but instead raised his voice for the crowd behind him. “My visit to Jinyang this time is to relieve the peril of Bing County. Although I am not exceptionally talented, I am willing to dedicate myself to the Emperor, the court, and the people. I shall do my utmost!”
His voice was clear and resonant, his bearing exceptional, and his words sincere, touching the hearts of those who heard him. How often did governors make such promises to the people? But this pledge was worth more than a thousand gold pieces!
People who could hear his words did, and those who couldn’t be strained to listen. Everyone turned red in the face and knelt, responding with greetings to the governor who had made such a commitment. Liang Feng didn’t urge them to rise; instead, he swept his robe’s sleeves and turned to Zhang Sima, who seemed somewhat bewildered. “I appreciate your welcome, Zhang Sima. I have just arrived, and I ask you to lead the way.”
With those two words, “lead the way,” the positions of the two men were clearly defined. However, what more could Zhang Sima say at this moment? He held a lower official position, was clearly outmatched in presence, and now had to deal with the overwhelming popular sentiment. There was no choice but to obey.
Awkwardly chuckling twice, he gestured to indicate he would lead the way, and with Liang Feng at his side, they ascended the steps and entered the gates of the governor’s residence.
