In just over ten days, by the pace of ancient life, it can’t be considered long. However, in the city of Jinyang, there is already a semblance of order. The establishment of order after the chaos is what everyone has been longing for, especially with the meticulous preparations and experienced arrangements made by Liang Feng. Those who have returned to their senses include officials from the governor’s mansion. After understanding the situation, these people not only obediently comply with orders but also actively contribute to the government, identifying and rectifying deficiencies. However, this has added an extra layer of complexity to the already busy official duties on Liang Feng’s desk.
There are also the matters of winning over the gentry, establishing military garrisons, and other such concerns, which are headache-inducing.
“Is there another report from the Xinxing County?” Liang Feng rubbed his temples and turned to Ge Hong.
Since Liang Feng’s arrival in Jinyang, Ge Hong has taken over as the magistrate of Jinyang. Although it’s still a county-level position, Jinyang is higher in rank than the original Yangyi, and Ge Hong can be considered to have been promoted. However, given his status as General Fubo and the Marquis within the Pass with meritorious achievements in capturing the city, this minor promotion doesn’t seem overly significant. With such a competent assistant overseeing various matters, Liang Feng can manage the city’s affairs even in the absence of other assistants and assistants.
Ge Hong replied, “There is some news. Recently, there have been many Xianbei riders on the north side of Xinxing County. It is said that Liu Hu has also reached Jiuyuan, and it’s unclear when they might move south…”
“After the autumn harvest, it is the time when the horses are fat and strong, and the provisions are abundant. If Liu Hu truly intends to raid Jinyang, I’m afraid it won’t be long.” Liang Feng certainly understood that the fall and winter seasons were the best times for military campaigns. However, he had been in Jinyang for less than a month, and the situation had not completely stabilized. Facing a war immediately would undoubtedly be challenging.
“Should we send someone to scout first?” Ge Hong asked.
Liang Feng pondered for a moment and nodded, “Send scouts only. The Military Commander has not yet arrived; it’s not appropriate to deploy forces directly.”
As a newly appointed provincial governor, openly challenging the military authority of the Commander-in-Chief would not be prudent. He couldn’t afford to give the other side any handle; there was no room for any carelessness.
“On the side of General Boyuan, I have already established connections with several military officers. If a war breaks out in the future, there is some assurance…” Liang Feng was about to continue when the study door was suddenly pushed open.
It was Duan Qin, who walked briskly to the front, “Lord, there is news from Shangdang. The newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of Bing County has already passed through Taihang Pass and will arrive in Jinyang in a few days!”
Liang Feng immediately sat up straight, “Who is coming?”
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“It’s the brother-in-law of the Prince of Donghai, Pei Dun!”
※
“General, Xue from Shangdang seeks an audience.” After two days of travel, the convoy, escorted by guards, had passed through Huguan. They hadn’t even reached Lu City and were heading straight for Taiyuan. The retinue was not large, and the soldiers were all on horseback, so the speed was naturally fast. Therefore, the person originally summoned was late by half a day.
The attendant did not dare to delay and immediately reported. The man sitting high in the tent for resting, this time did not scold, just said, “Let him come forward and speak.”
Soon, a man covered in sweat was brought into the tent. Seeing the owner of the convoy, he immediately knelt down, “I did not expect General Pei to take over the military affairs of Bing County. I am late, and I hope General forgives me!”
However, the other party did not respond to his apology, directly asking, “During this time, have you been dealing with Liang Zixi’s trade?”
“Exactly, it’s me!” Xue Ren immediately answered.
“How is this person’s character?”
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“He understands business and has the ability of Fan Li.” Xue Ren paused and added, “The white porcelain produced by the Liang family is now under our control at the Pei residence. It brings in at least several million coins each year…”
“I am not asking about that!”
Upon hearing the cold voice, Xue Ren felt even more beads of sweat on his forehead, “Yes, he is a clever person! He is affable and accommodating, with good moral character. He also has a famous Jie general under him, unparalleled in martial skills, extremely skilled in training soldiers!”
Upon hearing this, the man at the top finally nodded slowly, “Get up. Follow me to Jinyang, and there will be a use for you.”
Xue Ren slowly got up and stood by the side. Who could have expected that the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief in Bing County would be Pei Dun, the eldest son of the Pei family’s second branch! This person was born in the Hedong Pei family. Although his father Pei Kang was not as famous as his uncle Pei Kai, he had an advantage that others couldn’t match. Pei Kang’s legitimate daughter, also Pei Dun’s younger sister, was married to the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue. As the brother-in-law of the Grand Commandant, Pei Dun and his brother Pei Shao were highly valued by the Prince of Donghai. Such a figure should have been stationed in a wealthy and fertile province, but unexpectedly, he came to Bing County!
However, thinking about it, it’s not surprising. After all, Bing County already has a non-native governor, and the Commander-in-Chief must be someone trusted by the Prince of Donghai. Xue Ren couldn’t help feeling a few traces of relief. He had previously considered marrying his daughter to Liang Zixi, even willing to be a concubine if necessary. Who would have thought that due to some twists of fate, the marriage between the Taiyuan Wang family and the Liang family didn’t happen, and a man from Hedong, Pei, became the Commander-in-Chief of Bing County. If he had tied himself to Liang Zixi early, wouldn’t that have cost him his life?!
And now, he stood securely by the side of General Pei, not knowing if he could be used and maybe even promoted. It seemed easier than currying favor with the sickly Liang Zixi.
Pei Dun didn’t pay attention to this person, only giving a few simple orders to his attendants before commanding the camp to be packed up once again. After two days of travel, he rode in a carriage himself, while those below were already exhausted. However, Pei Dun showed no compassion for his subordinates and still ordered them to march on. Like tireless migratory birds, the convoy set out on the journey once again.
※
“Pei Dun. Pei from Hedong.” Liang Feng softly pronounced these two names, with no surprise or anger in his tone. As the in-law and right-hand man of Sima Yue, choosing someone from the Pei family to be the Commander-in-Chief was not an unexpected thing.
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However, as the current governor of Bing County, having such a domineering Commander-in-Chief taking over Bing County might complicate matters. After all, the Prince of Donghai controlled the court, and sending a trusted person like his brother-in-law here meant that anyone with a functioning brain would not want to offend this new Commander-in-Chief rashly. Otherwise, with just a slight breeze, one might lose their life or at least be severely punished.
In this situation, the officials and military personnel in Bing County would need to weigh their options for allegiance. If Pei Dun were too assertive, there might be some complications in the internal affairs of the province.
However, all of this was already within expectations. Worse situations had been encountered before; it was just a matter of navigating through.
“In this case, the appointment of auxiliary officials cannot be delayed any longer.” Shifting the topic, Liang Feng instructed, “Summon Sun Wenzhong.”
“Does the Lord still want to use Sun Wenzhong?” Ge Hong couldn’t help but ask.
“If someone else were the Commander-in-Chief, we could choose another auxiliary official. But since it’s Pei from Hedong, Sun Li is the best choice.” Liang Feng said. Ge Hong was not good at dealing with the intricacies of officialdom, but the choice of this candidate was decided after observing for a long time by both him and Duan Qin.
The position of auxiliary official had been vacant for some time. If they waited for Pei Dun to take over before appointing someone, it might lead to trouble. They needed to choose someone from a local prestigious family. The Sun family, as a prominent family in Taiyuan, had produced two high-ranking officials, Sun Zi and Sun Chu. Sun Zi was even a crucial minister during the Cao Wei regime. However, after the passing of the elder steering figure, Sun Chu, the descendants of the Sun family had many untimely deaths, and none had achieved outstanding accomplishments. Additionally, Sun’s offspring had chosen to surrender to the Han impostor Liu Yuan during the fall of the city of Xinxiang, which was a source of disgrace.
Being a side branch of the Sun family, Sun Li’s position became extremely awkward. Although he was nominally a descendant of a prestigious family, his branch had never been taken seriously. Not only did he suffer from childhood poverty, but he was also frequently bullied by the main family. Now, with Sun Zi, a direct descendant, surrendering to the enemy, Sun Li had become a member of the Sun family once again, and the mockery had not diminished.
However, Sun Li had a resilient personality. He was one of the few who, during the siege of Bing County, could still manage affairs diligently and personally lead soldiers to defend the city walls. Did he truly not care about others’ opinions? Probably not. It was precisely because his relatives had defected to the Xiongnu that he felt an even stronger determination to wash away the stain on his name and prove himself through his own efforts.
A capable, courageous, wealthy, and ambitious individual – wouldn’t such a person be the best assistance? What’s more, although he was from the Sun family, there was a layer of difference in status that made him equally humble in the eyes of those high-born families. Would someone who had endured scorn since childhood willingly join someone who inevitably scorned his origins? Unlikely. So, someone like Sun Li would only serve himself, indifferent to his lineage, and the possibility of him defecting to Pei Dun was almost nonexistent.
On the flip side, Sun Li was still a member of the Taiyuan Sun family. Through him, the various prestigious families in Taiyuan could see a signal that the governor intended to forge connections with the influential families of Taiyuan. Sun Li might be just a pawn, a display put forward for others to see. Ultimately, Liang Feng, as a scholar from Bing County, would not forget to nurture the other scholars and aristocrats in Bing County.
Pei Dun, on the other hand, hails from Hedong. Despite having close ties with the Taiyuan Wang family, he ultimately originated from Hedong and might not necessarily align himself with the aristocrats of Bing County.
This subtle difference, at other times, might not have been a cause for concern. After all, serving in a different region was customary, and who would be so guarded in such matters? However, the current situation is extraordinary, a critical moment for the life or death of Bing County. Any minor difference could potentially lead to entirely different outcomes.
Understanding the delicacy of the situation, Duan Qin instructed servants to summon Sun Li. Liang Feng, on the other hand, straightened his posture, lightly rubbing his cheeks with his hand to make his complexion appear more favorable.
This situation was becoming overwhelmingly intricate. The arrival of the new commander was faster than expected. Everything needed to be settled before he took control of Taiyuan!
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However, while these thoughts were racing through their minds, just two days later, the convoy of the new Bing County commander, escorted by five hundred elite soldiers, entered the city of Taiyuan.
In just over ten days, by the pace of ancient life, it can’t be considered long. However, in the city of Jinyang, there is already a semblance of order. The establishment of order after the chaos is what everyone has been longing for, especially with the meticulous preparations and experienced arrangements made by Liang Feng. Those who have returned to their senses include officials from the governor’s mansion. After understanding the situation, these people not only obediently comply with orders but also actively contribute to the government, identifying and rectifying deficiencies. However, this has added an extra layer of complexity to the already busy official duties on Liang Feng’s desk.
There are also the matters of winning over the gentry, establishing military garrisons, and other such concerns, which are headache-inducing.
“Is there another report from the Xinxing County?” Liang Feng rubbed his temples and turned to Ge Hong.
Since Liang Feng’s arrival in Jinyang, Ge Hong has taken over as the magistrate of Jinyang. Although it’s still a county-level position, Jinyang is higher in rank than the original Yangyi, and Ge Hong can be considered to have been promoted. However, given his status as General Fubo and the Marquis within the Pass with meritorious achievements in capturing the city, this minor promotion doesn’t seem overly significant. With such a competent assistant overseeing various matters, Liang Feng can manage the city’s affairs even in the absence of other assistants and assistants.
Ge Hong replied, “There is some news. Recently, there have been many Xianbei riders on the north side of Xinxing County. It is said that Liu Hu has also reached Jiuyuan, and it’s unclear when they might move south…”
“After the autumn harvest, it is the time when the horses are fat and strong, and the provisions are abundant. If Liu Hu truly intends to raid Jinyang, I’m afraid it won’t be long.” Liang Feng certainly understood that the fall and winter seasons were the best times for military campaigns. However, he had been in Jinyang for less than a month, and the situation had not completely stabilized. Facing a war immediately would undoubtedly be challenging.
“Should we send someone to scout first?” Ge Hong asked.
Liang Feng pondered for a moment and nodded, “Send scouts only. The Military Commander has not yet arrived; it’s not appropriate to deploy forces directly.”
As a newly appointed provincial governor, openly challenging the military authority of the Commander-in-Chief would not be prudent. He couldn’t afford to give the other side any handle; there was no room for any carelessness.
“On the side of General Boyuan, I have already established connections with several military officers. If a war breaks out in the future, there is some assurance…” Liang Feng was about to continue when the study door was suddenly pushed open.
It was Duan Qin, who walked briskly to the front, “Lord, there is news from Shangdang. The newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of Bing County has already passed through Taihang Pass and will arrive in Jinyang in a few days!”
Liang Feng immediately sat up straight, “Who is coming?”
Advertisement
“It’s the brother-in-law of the Prince of Donghai, Pei Dun!”
※
“General, Xue from Shangdang seeks an audience.” After two days of travel, the convoy, escorted by guards, had passed through Huguan. They hadn’t even reached Lu City and were heading straight for Taiyuan. The retinue was not large, and the soldiers were all on horseback, so the speed was naturally fast. Therefore, the person originally summoned was late by half a day.
The attendant did not dare to delay and immediately reported. The man sitting high in the tent for resting, this time did not scold, just said, “Let him come forward and speak.”
Soon, a man covered in sweat was brought into the tent. Seeing the owner of the convoy, he immediately knelt down, “I did not expect General Pei to take over the military affairs of Bing County. I am late, and I hope General forgives me!”
However, the other party did not respond to his apology, directly asking, “During this time, have you been dealing with Liang Zixi’s trade?”
“Exactly, it’s me!” Xue Ren immediately answered.
“How is this person’s character?”
Advertisement
“He understands business and has the ability of Fan Li.” Xue Ren paused and added, “The white porcelain produced by the Liang family is now under our control at the Pei residence. It brings in at least several million coins each year…”
“I am not asking about that!”
Upon hearing the cold voice, Xue Ren felt even more beads of sweat on his forehead, “Yes, he is a clever person! He is affable and accommodating, with good moral character. He also has a famous Jie general under him, unparalleled in martial skills, extremely skilled in training soldiers!”
Upon hearing this, the man at the top finally nodded slowly, “Get up. Follow me to Jinyang, and there will be a use for you.”
Xue Ren slowly got up and stood by the side. Who could have expected that the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief in Bing County would be Pei Dun, the eldest son of the Pei family’s second branch! This person was born in the Hedong Pei family. Although his father Pei Kang was not as famous as his uncle Pei Kai, he had an advantage that others couldn’t match. Pei Kang’s legitimate daughter, also Pei Dun’s younger sister, was married to the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue. As the brother-in-law of the Grand Commandant, Pei Dun and his brother Pei Shao were highly valued by the Prince of Donghai. Such a figure should have been stationed in a wealthy and fertile province, but unexpectedly, he came to Bing County!
However, thinking about it, it’s not surprising. After all, Bing County already has a non-native governor, and the Commander-in-Chief must be someone trusted by the Prince of Donghai. Xue Ren couldn’t help feeling a few traces of relief. He had previously considered marrying his daughter to Liang Zixi, even willing to be a concubine if necessary. Who would have thought that due to some twists of fate, the marriage between the Taiyuan Wang family and the Liang family didn’t happen, and a man from Hedong, Pei, became the Commander-in-Chief of Bing County. If he had tied himself to Liang Zixi early, wouldn’t that have cost him his life?!
And now, he stood securely by the side of General Pei, not knowing if he could be used and maybe even promoted. It seemed easier than currying favor with the sickly Liang Zixi.
Pei Dun didn’t pay attention to this person, only giving a few simple orders to his attendants before commanding the camp to be packed up once again. After two days of travel, he rode in a carriage himself, while those below were already exhausted. However, Pei Dun showed no compassion for his subordinates and still ordered them to march on. Like tireless migratory birds, the convoy set out on the journey once again.
※
“Pei Dun. Pei from Hedong.” Liang Feng softly pronounced these two names, with no surprise or anger in his tone. As the in-law and right-hand man of Sima Yue, choosing someone from the Pei family to be the Commander-in-Chief was not an unexpected thing.
Advertisement
However, as the current governor of Bing County, having such a domineering Commander-in-Chief taking over Bing County might complicate matters. After all, the Prince of Donghai controlled the court, and sending a trusted person like his brother-in-law here meant that anyone with a functioning brain would not want to offend this new Commander-in-Chief rashly. Otherwise, with just a slight breeze, one might lose their life or at least be severely punished.
In this situation, the officials and military personnel in Bing County would need to weigh their options for allegiance. If Pei Dun were too assertive, there might be some complications in the internal affairs of the province.
However, all of this was already within expectations. Worse situations had been encountered before; it was just a matter of navigating through.
“In this case, the appointment of auxiliary officials cannot be delayed any longer.” Shifting the topic, Liang Feng instructed, “Summon Sun Wenzhong.”
“Does the Lord still want to use Sun Wenzhong?” Ge Hong couldn’t help but ask.
“If someone else were the Commander-in-Chief, we could choose another auxiliary official. But since it’s Pei from Hedong, Sun Li is the best choice.” Liang Feng said. Ge Hong was not good at dealing with the intricacies of officialdom, but the choice of this candidate was decided after observing for a long time by both him and Duan Qin.
The position of auxiliary official had been vacant for some time. If they waited for Pei Dun to take over before appointing someone, it might lead to trouble. They needed to choose someone from a local prestigious family. The Sun family, as a prominent family in Taiyuan, had produced two high-ranking officials, Sun Zi and Sun Chu. Sun Zi was even a crucial minister during the Cao Wei regime. However, after the passing of the elder steering figure, Sun Chu, the descendants of the Sun family had many untimely deaths, and none had achieved outstanding accomplishments. Additionally, Sun’s offspring had chosen to surrender to the Han impostor Liu Yuan during the fall of the city of Xinxiang, which was a source of disgrace.
Being a side branch of the Sun family, Sun Li’s position became extremely awkward. Although he was nominally a descendant of a prestigious family, his branch had never been taken seriously. Not only did he suffer from childhood poverty, but he was also frequently bullied by the main family. Now, with Sun Zi, a direct descendant, surrendering to the enemy, Sun Li had become a member of the Sun family once again, and the mockery had not diminished.
However, Sun Li had a resilient personality. He was one of the few who, during the siege of Bing County, could still manage affairs diligently and personally lead soldiers to defend the city walls. Did he truly not care about others’ opinions? Probably not. It was precisely because his relatives had defected to the Xiongnu that he felt an even stronger determination to wash away the stain on his name and prove himself through his own efforts.
A capable, courageous, wealthy, and ambitious individual – wouldn’t such a person be the best assistance? What’s more, although he was from the Sun family, there was a layer of difference in status that made him equally humble in the eyes of those high-born families. Would someone who had endured scorn since childhood willingly join someone who inevitably scorned his origins? Unlikely. So, someone like Sun Li would only serve himself, indifferent to his lineage, and the possibility of him defecting to Pei Dun was almost nonexistent.
On the flip side, Sun Li was still a member of the Taiyuan Sun family. Through him, the various prestigious families in Taiyuan could see a signal that the governor intended to forge connections with the influential families of Taiyuan. Sun Li might be just a pawn, a display put forward for others to see. Ultimately, Liang Feng, as a scholar from Bing County, would not forget to nurture the other scholars and aristocrats in Bing County.
Pei Dun, on the other hand, hails from Hedong. Despite having close ties with the Taiyuan Wang family, he ultimately originated from Hedong and might not necessarily align himself with the aristocrats of Bing County.
This subtle difference, at other times, might not have been a cause for concern. After all, serving in a different region was customary, and who would be so guarded in such matters? However, the current situation is extraordinary, a critical moment for the life or death of Bing County. Any minor difference could potentially lead to entirely different outcomes.
Understanding the delicacy of the situation, Duan Qin instructed servants to summon Sun Li. Liang Feng, on the other hand, straightened his posture, lightly rubbing his cheeks with his hand to make his complexion appear more favorable.
This situation was becoming overwhelmingly intricate. The arrival of the new commander was faster than expected. Everything needed to be settled before he took control of Taiyuan!
Advertisement
However, while these thoughts were racing through their minds, just two days later, the convoy of the new Bing County commander, escorted by five hundred elite soldiers, entered the city of Taiyuan.
