In just a short sentence, there was indeed a lot implied. “Walking on hot coals and wading through boiling water”? He had just quelled the turmoil in Jinyang, secured three cities in Jingling, and sent troops to recapture the long-lost Xinxing Commandery. Such achievements were not to be ignored even by the court, and ultimately, an imperial decree was issued to elevate him to the rank of Eagle Soaring General, co-commanding the military affairs in Bing County. To anyone’s eyes, it was a moment of supreme power where he held the overall authority in military and civil matters in Bing County. So, where did the difficulty of walking on hot coals and wading through boiling water come from?
The second half of the sentence was even more peculiar. Even if he faced adversity, did this low-born scholar who came to offer his service truly believe he could contribute ingenious strategies like Zhang Liang? And if this person compared himself to Zhang Liang, who did he think he, as the governor, could be compared to? Liang Feng was no longer the greenhorn who had just arrived, and he was well aware that certain metaphors were to be avoided at all costs. Someone who could boldly speak such words and come seeking an audience, was he a madman or a talented adviser with lofty ambitions?
After pondering for a moment, Liang Feng said, “Bring him in.”
These two sentences had truly piqued his interest. Bing County was in need of revitalization, and any talent was precious. Someone who spoke so audaciously was someone he had to see for himself.
In a short while, a man entered the back hall under the guidance of attendants. He appeared very young, around twenty-one or twenty-two, with white hair and a blue robe, and an ordinary appearance. However, there was a sharp and heroic spirit between his eyebrows, robust and not quite like a scholar but more like a military officer.
Upon seeing Liang Feng, the man’s eyes briefly showed a hint of astonishment. He then tidied his sleeves and respectfully bowed, “This junior is Zhang Bin from Zhao County, paying respects to the Governor.”
“Zhang Lang, please have a seat,” Liang Feng gestured for him to sit and introduced Duan Qin by his side. Then he inquired, “I heard Zhang Lang used to serve under Prince Zhongqiu. Why have you come to Jinyang?”
The words were spoken with grace, but there was also an element of probing. Zhang Bin sneered, ignoring the scrutiny from Duan Qin, and straightforwardly replied, “This junior heard about the Governor’s establishment of the examination system, so I came to inquire. Unexpectedly, the situation in Bing County far exceeds expectations. However, Governor, isn’t this move putting you in a precarious position?”
“Oh?” Liang Feng raised his eyebrows. “I’d like to hear the details.”
“Since the establishment of the Nine Ranks in Wei Wen Ding’s time, the world has overwhelmingly favored the aristocracy. The high-ranking families control the court, and only those of the highest caliber are chosen for hereditary officials. However, the Governor has taken a different path by introducing this examination system. Selecting officials is secondary; it is the method of examination itself that is enough to be remembered for generations and be a beneficial method for the ages! Therefore, in Bing County, where the high families are in decline, it is worth a try. If the Governor stabilizes the province and implements the examination system again, how could the high families remain idle?” Zhang Bin spoke confidently and fluently.
However, with the phrase “the examination system will be remembered for generations,” Liang Feng knew that the man before him possessed genuine talents and knowledge. Indeed, the examination system was the precursor to the imperial examinations, which had been the undisputed tool for ruling dynasties for over a thousand years. How could Liang Feng not be aware of this? The timing he mentioned for initiating the examination system was also precisely when Liang Feng deviated from the Nine Ranks system and boldly introduced the examination system. How could he not care about the backlash and vigilance from the high families?
To see through this was perceptive, but it was far from enough. Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Zhang Lang, your words are weighty. However, this is only a temporary measure; how could it relieve the concerns of the high families? Even now, in the officialdom of Bing County, the prominence of aristocratic families remains.”
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Zhang Bin did not respond directly but continued, “That’s just one aspect. The other is the vigilance from the court officials towards the Governor. General Pei is just a precedent. Shangdang is the vital gateway to Luoyang, and Bing County needs to be entrusted to someone reliable. The Governor is from an external surname and is not born into a high family. Even if he is currently in charge of Bing County’s military affairs, this concern will not disappear. If one day, Prince Donghai pacifies the turmoil caused by the false emperor, it is likely the Governor will have to relocate immediately. Moving to another province would be tolerable, but if the court orders the Governor to serve as an official in Luoyang, wouldn’t that be troublesome?”
Liang Feng’s smile froze on his face. This aspect was indeed more complicated than the examination system. No one understood better than Liang Feng himself that his current position as the commander was obtained through strategic seizing. The crime of killing Pei Dun might be tolerated by Sima Yue for a while, but how could it be tolerated for a lifetime? Zhang Bin’s words were spot on; as soon as Sima Yue secured power and completely eliminated the threat posed by Prince Chengdu, Liang Feng might become the first one to be dealt with.
If relocating to another place, it would be like starting over. But the real fear was being summoned by Sima Yue to Luoyang for an official position. Although being a court official seemed prestigious, one’s life was still in the hands of others. Initially, Wei Guan and Prince Runan, jointly assisting in governance, overseeing the Ministry of Personnel, swords on their waist, not kneeling upon entering the court, were indeed at the pinnacle of court officials. However, they were still executed overnight by an edict from Empress Jia.
Zhang Bin’s words continued unabated: “In addition to this, the Governor lacks strong support in the court. The previous discord with the Taiyuan Wang family is indeed a major hidden danger. If the Governor of You County, Wang Pengzu, wants to intervene in Taiyuan, wouldn’t the Governor be in danger?”
Upon hearing this, not to mention Liang Feng, even Duan Qin, sitting beside him, had a change in his expression. Leaving aside the entanglement with the Taiyuan Wang family, the ability to discern Wang Jun’s ambitions for Bing County showed exceptional foresight and judgment.
Seeing the change in the expressions of the two men, Zhang Bin smiled and said, “Isn’t this walking on thin ice, facing multiple crises? Does the Governor have a plan?”
Liang Feng counter-questioned, “Do you have a plan?”
The change from addressing him as “Zhang Lang” to “Jun” was a nuance that Zhang Bin couldn’t ignore. His eyes lit up, and he spoke boldly, “In times of chaos, someone must bring peace! If the Governor is willing to stabilize the world, I will spare no effort to assist the Governor in rising to new heights!”
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Stabilize the world? Liang Feng frowned. This statement clearly implied incitement to rebellion! When Cui Da advised him earlier, he only mentioned driving away the regional lords and protecting the emperor. Moreover, all his advisers who joined him strictly adhered to their roles, assisting him in pacifying local turmoil. Who had ever talked about establishing oneself?
To become an emperor? To be honest, Liang Feng had no such ambitions. However, the person before him, without a hint of jest in his face, seemed to have a different idea.
On the side, Duan Qin couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord…”
Could he just accept this statement casually? Regardless of whether this surname Zhang’s intentions were genuine or not, it was not something to be answered lightly!
Hearing this, Liang Feng slowly said, “Your words are presumptuous. I only wish to protect the people and quell the chaos, with no other thoughts.”
Zhang Bin chuckled, seemingly half-smiling, “What if others do not allow the Governor to retreat? Are you willing to abandon these countless people and let them fall into chaos again?”
Now, even Duan Qin sitting beside him couldn’t hold back. Liang Feng fell into silence.
He had done too much. From military achievements and land grants to papermaking and woodblock printing, to the military farming system, and even the imperial examination he would inevitably have to venture into in the future—everything was borrowed from the future history for the sake of survival. Would these products transcending time come back to haunt him? Liang Feng had thought about it, but he couldn’t find any other way. Power was like a narrow ladder standing on the edge of a cliff. It could only accommodate one person climbing up step by step, and once you stopped, you would be pushed by others and fall into the abyss.
He couldn’t afford such a price either. For the Liang family, for Shangdang, for those who had been following him all along. He could only move forward, not backward!
Facing that anxious silence, Zhang Bin bowed deeply again, “The Governor has the world in his heart and should choose for the world. Bin is not talented but is willing to assist the Governor in pacifying this chaotic era!”
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This person was definitely not the type to relieve people’s worries. On the contrary, he was like Zhang Liang, like Jia Xu, like Liu Bei, and Dao Yan Monk. He belonged to the type of strategist who emerged in chaotic times. Their goal was not simply to pacify the chaotic times but to assist someone they admired in achieving their political ideals.
Liang Feng had read countless legendary novels, but when such a person appeared before him, he found it hard to speak for a long time. Should he use such talent? Or, could he accept the terrifying results brought by this kind of “talent”?
“In Bing County, there are internal and external troubles. Do you have any advice for me?” Finally, Liang Feng spoke.
Zhang Bin suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining, “With the establishment of the emerging power, we should head north to Yanmen, invite the Tuoba tribe to resist the Xianbei, and consolidate Bing County as a barrier. Hedong has fallen into the hands of the Xiongnu, so we can watch the changes calmly, let the Liu clan grow, and restrain the forces in Luoyang. When all the villages in Bing County are stable like Shangdang, we should then explore Ji County to the east, plan for You and Yan, and the overall situation can be achieved!”
This was the first time someone had truly described a future strategic plan for him. The Bai tribe Xianbei were originally vassals of the Tuoba Xianbei, so inviting the Tuoba clan to help consolidate the emerging commandery was an ideal move. Allowing the Han state to deal with the Xiongnu was a method of letting the enemy grow stronger on its own. As long as the Xiongnu existed, the court would have to deploy forces to Hedong. Who would dare to take the risk of replacing him as the governor of Bing County in the face of the great chaos in Bing County? As for opening up Ji County and advancing into You County, it was a combination of self-preservation and a broad perspective. With Wang Jun’s ambition there, a battle between You County and Bing County was inevitable sooner or later!
These three strategies, like dispelling the mist before his eyes, painted a clear picture. What lay behind it was temporarily not considered, but to seize more living space, this was indeed a good plan. Why did Cao Cao go to meet Xu You upside down, and why did Liu Bei persistently seek Zhuge Liang’s service? Now, Liang Feng truly experienced it.
“Mengsun, are you willing to be my envoy to Yanmen?” Liang Feng asked again.
This was not only seeking his opinion but also a test of his abilities. How could Zhang Bin refuse?
With a proud smile, he bowed, “It’s my honor!”
Author’s note:
Liang Shao is not familiar with the history of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. He might only be familiar with the Battle of Fei River, so he might not know characters like Fu Jian and Wang Mang. As for Shi Le, hehe, Jisang has been mentioned a few times before. Shi Le is currently serving in Jisang’s army. They will meet in the future.
The little wolfhound is not Shi Le; it’s actually created by Liang Shao himself.
In just a short sentence, there was indeed a lot implied. “Walking on hot coals and wading through boiling water”? He had just quelled the turmoil in Jinyang, secured three cities in Jingling, and sent troops to recapture the long-lost Xinxing Commandery. Such achievements were not to be ignored even by the court, and ultimately, an imperial decree was issued to elevate him to the rank of Eagle Soaring General, co-commanding the military affairs in Bing County. To anyone’s eyes, it was a moment of supreme power where he held the overall authority in military and civil matters in Bing County. So, where did the difficulty of walking on hot coals and wading through boiling water come from?
The second half of the sentence was even more peculiar. Even if he faced adversity, did this low-born scholar who came to offer his service truly believe he could contribute ingenious strategies like Zhang Liang? And if this person compared himself to Zhang Liang, who did he think he, as the governor, could be compared to? Liang Feng was no longer the greenhorn who had just arrived, and he was well aware that certain metaphors were to be avoided at all costs. Someone who could boldly speak such words and come seeking an audience, was he a madman or a talented adviser with lofty ambitions?
After pondering for a moment, Liang Feng said, “Bring him in.”
These two sentences had truly piqued his interest. Bing County was in need of revitalization, and any talent was precious. Someone who spoke so audaciously was someone he had to see for himself.
In a short while, a man entered the back hall under the guidance of attendants. He appeared very young, around twenty-one or twenty-two, with white hair and a blue robe, and an ordinary appearance. However, there was a sharp and heroic spirit between his eyebrows, robust and not quite like a scholar but more like a military officer.
Upon seeing Liang Feng, the man’s eyes briefly showed a hint of astonishment. He then tidied his sleeves and respectfully bowed, “This junior is Zhang Bin from Zhao County, paying respects to the Governor.”
“Zhang Lang, please have a seat,” Liang Feng gestured for him to sit and introduced Duan Qin by his side. Then he inquired, “I heard Zhang Lang used to serve under Prince Zhongqiu. Why have you come to Jinyang?”
The words were spoken with grace, but there was also an element of probing. Zhang Bin sneered, ignoring the scrutiny from Duan Qin, and straightforwardly replied, “This junior heard about the Governor’s establishment of the examination system, so I came to inquire. Unexpectedly, the situation in Bing County far exceeds expectations. However, Governor, isn’t this move putting you in a precarious position?”
“Oh?” Liang Feng raised his eyebrows. “I’d like to hear the details.”
“Since the establishment of the Nine Ranks in Wei Wen Ding’s time, the world has overwhelmingly favored the aristocracy. The high-ranking families control the court, and only those of the highest caliber are chosen for hereditary officials. However, the Governor has taken a different path by introducing this examination system. Selecting officials is secondary; it is the method of examination itself that is enough to be remembered for generations and be a beneficial method for the ages! Therefore, in Bing County, where the high families are in decline, it is worth a try. If the Governor stabilizes the province and implements the examination system again, how could the high families remain idle?” Zhang Bin spoke confidently and fluently.
However, with the phrase “the examination system will be remembered for generations,” Liang Feng knew that the man before him possessed genuine talents and knowledge. Indeed, the examination system was the precursor to the imperial examinations, which had been the undisputed tool for ruling dynasties for over a thousand years. How could Liang Feng not be aware of this? The timing he mentioned for initiating the examination system was also precisely when Liang Feng deviated from the Nine Ranks system and boldly introduced the examination system. How could he not care about the backlash and vigilance from the high families?
To see through this was perceptive, but it was far from enough. Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Zhang Lang, your words are weighty. However, this is only a temporary measure; how could it relieve the concerns of the high families? Even now, in the officialdom of Bing County, the prominence of aristocratic families remains.”
Advertisement
Zhang Bin did not respond directly but continued, “That’s just one aspect. The other is the vigilance from the court officials towards the Governor. General Pei is just a precedent. Shangdang is the vital gateway to Luoyang, and Bing County needs to be entrusted to someone reliable. The Governor is from an external surname and is not born into a high family. Even if he is currently in charge of Bing County’s military affairs, this concern will not disappear. If one day, Prince Donghai pacifies the turmoil caused by the false emperor, it is likely the Governor will have to relocate immediately. Moving to another province would be tolerable, but if the court orders the Governor to serve as an official in Luoyang, wouldn’t that be troublesome?”
Liang Feng’s smile froze on his face. This aspect was indeed more complicated than the examination system. No one understood better than Liang Feng himself that his current position as the commander was obtained through strategic seizing. The crime of killing Pei Dun might be tolerated by Sima Yue for a while, but how could it be tolerated for a lifetime? Zhang Bin’s words were spot on; as soon as Sima Yue secured power and completely eliminated the threat posed by Prince Chengdu, Liang Feng might become the first one to be dealt with.
If relocating to another place, it would be like starting over. But the real fear was being summoned by Sima Yue to Luoyang for an official position. Although being a court official seemed prestigious, one’s life was still in the hands of others. Initially, Wei Guan and Prince Runan, jointly assisting in governance, overseeing the Ministry of Personnel, swords on their waist, not kneeling upon entering the court, were indeed at the pinnacle of court officials. However, they were still executed overnight by an edict from Empress Jia.
Zhang Bin’s words continued unabated: “In addition to this, the Governor lacks strong support in the court. The previous discord with the Taiyuan Wang family is indeed a major hidden danger. If the Governor of You County, Wang Pengzu, wants to intervene in Taiyuan, wouldn’t the Governor be in danger?”
Upon hearing this, not to mention Liang Feng, even Duan Qin, sitting beside him, had a change in his expression. Leaving aside the entanglement with the Taiyuan Wang family, the ability to discern Wang Jun’s ambitions for Bing County showed exceptional foresight and judgment.
Seeing the change in the expressions of the two men, Zhang Bin smiled and said, “Isn’t this walking on thin ice, facing multiple crises? Does the Governor have a plan?”
Liang Feng counter-questioned, “Do you have a plan?”
The change from addressing him as “Zhang Lang” to “Jun” was a nuance that Zhang Bin couldn’t ignore. His eyes lit up, and he spoke boldly, “In times of chaos, someone must bring peace! If the Governor is willing to stabilize the world, I will spare no effort to assist the Governor in rising to new heights!”
Advertisement
Stabilize the world? Liang Feng frowned. This statement clearly implied incitement to rebellion! When Cui Da advised him earlier, he only mentioned driving away the regional lords and protecting the emperor. Moreover, all his advisers who joined him strictly adhered to their roles, assisting him in pacifying local turmoil. Who had ever talked about establishing oneself?
To become an emperor? To be honest, Liang Feng had no such ambitions. However, the person before him, without a hint of jest in his face, seemed to have a different idea.
On the side, Duan Qin couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord…”
Could he just accept this statement casually? Regardless of whether this surname Zhang’s intentions were genuine or not, it was not something to be answered lightly!
Hearing this, Liang Feng slowly said, “Your words are presumptuous. I only wish to protect the people and quell the chaos, with no other thoughts.”
Zhang Bin chuckled, seemingly half-smiling, “What if others do not allow the Governor to retreat? Are you willing to abandon these countless people and let them fall into chaos again?”
Now, even Duan Qin sitting beside him couldn’t hold back. Liang Feng fell into silence.
He had done too much. From military achievements and land grants to papermaking and woodblock printing, to the military farming system, and even the imperial examination he would inevitably have to venture into in the future—everything was borrowed from the future history for the sake of survival. Would these products transcending time come back to haunt him? Liang Feng had thought about it, but he couldn’t find any other way. Power was like a narrow ladder standing on the edge of a cliff. It could only accommodate one person climbing up step by step, and once you stopped, you would be pushed by others and fall into the abyss.
He couldn’t afford such a price either. For the Liang family, for Shangdang, for those who had been following him all along. He could only move forward, not backward!
Facing that anxious silence, Zhang Bin bowed deeply again, “The Governor has the world in his heart and should choose for the world. Bin is not talented but is willing to assist the Governor in pacifying this chaotic era!”
Advertisement
This person was definitely not the type to relieve people’s worries. On the contrary, he was like Zhang Liang, like Jia Xu, like Liu Bei, and Dao Yan Monk. He belonged to the type of strategist who emerged in chaotic times. Their goal was not simply to pacify the chaotic times but to assist someone they admired in achieving their political ideals.
Liang Feng had read countless legendary novels, but when such a person appeared before him, he found it hard to speak for a long time. Should he use such talent? Or, could he accept the terrifying results brought by this kind of “talent”?
“In Bing County, there are internal and external troubles. Do you have any advice for me?” Finally, Liang Feng spoke.
Zhang Bin suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining, “With the establishment of the emerging power, we should head north to Yanmen, invite the Tuoba tribe to resist the Xianbei, and consolidate Bing County as a barrier. Hedong has fallen into the hands of the Xiongnu, so we can watch the changes calmly, let the Liu clan grow, and restrain the forces in Luoyang. When all the villages in Bing County are stable like Shangdang, we should then explore Ji County to the east, plan for You and Yan, and the overall situation can be achieved!”
This was the first time someone had truly described a future strategic plan for him. The Bai tribe Xianbei were originally vassals of the Tuoba Xianbei, so inviting the Tuoba clan to help consolidate the emerging commandery was an ideal move. Allowing the Han state to deal with the Xiongnu was a method of letting the enemy grow stronger on its own. As long as the Xiongnu existed, the court would have to deploy forces to Hedong. Who would dare to take the risk of replacing him as the governor of Bing County in the face of the great chaos in Bing County? As for opening up Ji County and advancing into You County, it was a combination of self-preservation and a broad perspective. With Wang Jun’s ambition there, a battle between You County and Bing County was inevitable sooner or later!
These three strategies, like dispelling the mist before his eyes, painted a clear picture. What lay behind it was temporarily not considered, but to seize more living space, this was indeed a good plan. Why did Cao Cao go to meet Xu You upside down, and why did Liu Bei persistently seek Zhuge Liang’s service? Now, Liang Feng truly experienced it.
“Mengsun, are you willing to be my envoy to Yanmen?” Liang Feng asked again.
This was not only seeking his opinion but also a test of his abilities. How could Zhang Bin refuse?
With a proud smile, he bowed, “It’s my honor!”
Author’s note:
Liang Shao is not familiar with the history of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. He might only be familiar with the Battle of Fei River, so he might not know characters like Fu Jian and Wang Mang. As for Shi Le, hehe, Jisang has been mentioned a few times before. Shi Le is currently serving in Jisang’s army. They will meet in the future.
The little wolfhound is not Shi Le; it’s actually created by Liang Shao himself.
