Upon hearing this, Zhu Fada couldn’t help but be stunned. A group of scattered Xiongnu tribes, does the Lord need to personally welcome them? However, upon further thought, he understood the intentions of the other party. For these tribes fleeing and seeking refuge, the most important thing is their sincere submission. If these people have any reservations, having them close by could be a disaster. Welcoming them personally not only shows importance but also serves as a form of deterrence. This is precisely where the identity of the “Buddhist disciples” is utilized to the fullest.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Zhu Fada remained silent, following Liang Feng to greet the tribes outside the city.
Seated in a simple tent, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe was somewhat uneasy. When the Jin army attacked Lishi earlier, their tribe had been forcibly conscripted, resulting in the loss of over two hundred men. This was equivalent to a quarter of the tribe’s warriors. However, the royal tent still wasn’t satisfied, and in a few days, there might be another conscription.
For a small tribe, how could they withstand repeated conscriptions? Besides providing soldiers, they also had to contribute horses, cattle, and sheep for the needs of the large army. In previous years, they could endure, but this year, Lishi suffered a great famine, with no harvest at all. Even the grass was grazed to the last blade. From the elderly to the children in the tribe, everyone was starving, showing signs of malnutrition. How would they prepare for next year’s military needs?
Therefore, when the Hu monk appeared and brought the news of surrender from Bing County, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe truly considered it. Coincidentally, not far from their tribe, the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe believed deeply in Buddhist principles. He persuaded the Niujiao tribe to join in surrendering to Lord Liang. The reputation of Lord Liang as a disciple of Buddha was well-known among the people of Lishi. The chieftain of the Niujiao tribe readily agreed, and along with the Hulin tribe, they set out on the path of escape.
However, after finally reaching the outskirts of Jinyang City, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe became fearful again. Unlike the simple-minded people of the Niujiao tribe, who were content as long as they had the care of the Buddhist disciple, he was concerned. What if Lord Liang, like Lord Dongying who once ruled Bing County, only enslaved them, or even captured their people to sell as slaves? Moreover, the taxation in Jin was excessively high, and their tribe was already in dire straits. How could they cope with the extortion of the officials?
He didn’t know when the Hu monk would bring back the news. What if Lord Liang was unwilling to accept them? Or, like the old Lord Liang when he was in Bing County, he might capture and kill the heads of the nobles, incorporating the other tribes into his forces…
The chieftain of the Bailu tribe shivered. Though he was not young, he had heard the elders talk about Lord Liang’s methods during his time in Bing County. Although their small tribe might not be noticed by others, the fear and reverence lingered, making it impossible to break free.
Lost in his anxious thoughts, suddenly, there was a commotion and the crisp sound of horse hooves from outside the camp.
Jumping to his feet, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe lifted the curtain and walked out of the tent. When he saw the scene in front of him clearly, cold sweat immediately rolled down his back. Soldiers were coming out of Jinyang City, more than five hundred riders and each of them was clad in armor! Such cavalry, even in the Xiongnu, was an elite force that only the royal tent could afford. How did they suddenly arrive at their camp? Did Lord Liang change his mind and want to eliminate them?
Before the chieftain of the Bailu tribe could react, the cavalry had already spread out like waves, and a black horse stood in the center, majestic as the stars surrounding the moon. Seated on the horse was an indescribably handsome man. Under the blazing sunlight, he seemed to be carved from white jade, emitting a faint glow. When this person appeared, the entire camp fell silent for a moment. In the next instant, the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe pushed through the crowd and, with a thud, knelt down on the ground.
“Buddhist disciple! I pay my respects to the Buddhist disciple!”
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The chieftain of the Bailu tribe was jolted. Yes, this was the legendary Lord Liang! Only Lord Liang could have such elite guards and such a demeanor! Why would he come personally outside the camp?
However, countless thoughts couldn’t resist the surge of warmth in his eyes. The chieftain of the Bailu tribe took a few unsteady steps, kneeling beside the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe. “Tonto pays his respects to Lord!”
The two tribal chiefs bowed respectfully, and gradually, others realized what was happening and began kneeling one after another. In this vast camp with over a thousand people, as everyone knelt like obedient lambs, a powerful and intimidating atmosphere naturally emerged.
Liang Feng squinted slightly, raising his voice, “You were originally citizens of the Jin Dynasty, born in Bing County, raised in the Central Plains, but was misled by the pseudo-Han rule of the Xiongnu. Now, are you willing to return to the country and submit to my administration?”
The chief of the Niujiao tribe understood Chinese and immediately choked up, saying, “If the Bodhisattva is willing to shelter me, I will willingly submit!”
Others gradually responded one after another. The Bailu tribe leader also felt a glimmer of hope. The lord didn’t disdain their Xiongnu bloodline but straightforwardly acknowledged these Xiongnu tribes from Bing County as subjects of the Jin Dynasty. Indeed, even the Xiongnu were originally subjects of the Jin Dynasty, so why wouldn’t they be?
Seeing the growing support below, Liang Feng nodded, “Since you are subjects of my rule, you should be under my control. Ninety miles from Jinyang, near the place called Wu Xiang, there is a lush valley with nearby fallow fields, enough to support several thousand people. I can grant you this piece of land. After overcoming the famine next spring, you will pay taxes like the people of Jinyang. However, as an exchange, each tribe must contribute half of its warriors to serve me.”
The Bailu tribe leader hastily raised his head, “Lord, our tribe is already small. If we allocate so many warriors, we may not be able to defend ourselves against the enemy…”
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Liang Feng waved his hand gently, “The valley is surrounded by the jurisdictions of my various counties and poses no threat from bandits. You can live in peace. As for the warriors, as long as you provide enough, I’ll exempt you from half of the taxes.”
As these words were spoken, it immediately caused a stir among the people. This offer was much more generous than they had imagined! The Bailu tribe leader looked at the figure on the horse, feeling excited and trembling. Under the rule of the Xiongnu, they had to participate in battles, but the spoils of war were meager, and they had to provide a large amount of grain, fodder, and livestock. The pressure of farming and animal husbandry fell on the elderly, weak, women, and children. Several dozen people would die from exhaustion and illness every winter.
Now, with land for grazing and farming, a stable and worry-free home, and even exemption from taxes for participating in battles, could there be better conditions than this?
Before he could speak, the leader of the Niujiao tribe shouted, “Merciful Buddha, grant us a peaceful abode! I am willing to offer my strength like a loyal dog or horse for the Buddha!”
He voiced the sentiments of everyone. The Bailu tribe leader also lowered his head, paying homage to the person seated on the horse. He did not treat these Xiongnu tribes as inferior servants but regarded them equally, just like the common people. Escaping from Lishi was indeed the right choice!
Watching the newly affiliated people bowing and pledging allegiance, Zhu Fada couldn’t help but sigh softly. Lord Liang Feng didn’t actually need him. With such preferential treatment, within a year or so, the Xiongnu tribes in Lishi might all flee. This was a soothing balm for these nomads and also a warning for himself.
After settling everything, Liang Feng turned to Zhu Fada and said, “The master has worked hard on the journey. Now that Huai’en Temple has been repaired, you can invite your esteemed teacher to Jinyang.”
Zhu Fada understood the implied meaning in Liang Feng’s words. He intended for them and the monks from Huai’en Temple to stay together, not planning to establish separate temples. Seeing the scene today and considering Liang Feng’s recent appointment as the military commander, Zhu Fada clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist mantra, “Thank you, Lord, for accepting us. I will spread the teachings of Buddhism widely and stabilize the people’s hearts.”
Was this understanding of his position? Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Thank you, Master.”
※
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“The prefectural treasury needs to be counted as soon as possible. The grain convoy to Xinxing will depart tomorrow. Make sure to prepare enough forage as well.”
These days, Duan Qin hardly slept. With the renewed war in Xinxing Commandery, as the rear, they needed to supply enough provisions. This unexpected large-scale war required a considerable amount of food and forage. Fortunately, Zhang Bin’s extraordinary ability allowed the six thousand reinforcements from the Tuoba tribe to bring their own provisions, saving a significant portion of the treasury. However, sufficient fodder still needed to be prepared. This battle heavily relied on cavalry, and maintaining the horses’ strength was of utmost importance, making it no easy task.
After Pei Dun’s death, the Prefectural Government naturally reverted to the Provincial Governor’s Office. The former Steward Liu and Sergeant Zhang were also dismissed from their positions, making the affairs of the Provincial Governor’s Office suddenly busy. However, Duan Qin showed no signs of fatigue. It was as if some kind of power surged within him, providing him with inexhaustible energy!
After handling the affairs of the prefectural treasury, he summoned the chief scribe and instructed, “The Xiongnu tribes settled in Wuxiang must quickly report their household population for registration to facilitate their settlement. Also, the area will be used as a new settlement, and in the future, refugees from Wuxiang can consider settling nearby. Water facilities should be prepared promptly, as the rainfall this autumn is insufficient, and precautions should be taken against possible spring drought next year.”
With Xinxing Commandery on the verge of pacification, there was an unexpected turn of events in Si County. The Hu monk Zhu Fada indeed proved to be quite useful. The Xiongnu tribes, who were formerly slaves and were now disenchanted with the pseudo-Han rule, began migrating towards Jinyang. If more tribes could be attracted away, leaving Lishi as an empty city, it might not even require sending troops to make the Xiongnu withdraw from Bing County. This way, the entire Bing County would return to the hands of the Lord.
How much time had passed? The scorched earth was about to recover its vitality. And this was just the beginning.
On the day when Zhang Bin came to join, Duan Qin was also sitting in the room, listening to everything he said. At that moment, he almost forgot his identity as a strategist. Yes, step by step, he had walked out from the small Gaodu, followed his Lord to Luguan, and then from Shangdang to Jinyang, with each step being extremely challenging. However, he had never thought that his Lord could replace the Sima clan!
Why not? The Sima clan had taken away the legitimate succession of Cao Wei, a mere fifty years ago. And Wei Wendi’s seizure of the Han Dynasty’s throne, unifying the northern territories, was just eighty years ago.
Was the world truly settled? Not really. On the contrary, because of the conspiracies to usurp the throne by these two dynasties one after another, turmoil persisted, and treacherous officials ran amok. Even if the emperor was changed in Luoyang, what difference did it make?
The Sima clan didn’t deserve to hold this world! Looking at Liu Yuan, Sima Ying, and even Wang Jun who dominated You County, Wang Mi who rebelled with an army, all these power-hungry individuals, was there anyone among them comparable to his Lord?
Only his Lord could truly stabilize this land! And he, unexpectedly, failed to see this and needed others to enlighten him!
At that moment, Duan Qin understood that his talents might be far inferior to Zhang Bin’s. But this realization did not make him feel disheartened; instead, it filled him with determination. Among the Three Heroes of the Early Han, wasn’t Xiao He far inferior to Zhang Liang and Han Xin? However, without Xiao He, there would be no inexhaustible food and wealth for the country. He might lack the talents of Zifang, but he could be a great administrator who could stabilize the rear.
Once he understood this point, Duan Qin felt as if the world before him had changed. Besides these current affairs on his plate, he had another task: to help his Lord distinguish among his subordinates. Who could collaborate on the grand cause, and who might lean towards the Sima clan? He would personally discern each one, ensuring that the hearts of the people remained loyal to his Lord.
With such a goal in mind, what did these trivial matters before him matter?
After giving careful instructions, Duan Qin once again opened the documents, took up his pen, and began reviewing them.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Fada couldn’t help but be stunned. A group of scattered Xiongnu tribes, does the Lord need to personally welcome them? However, upon further thought, he understood the intentions of the other party. For these tribes fleeing and seeking refuge, the most important thing is their sincere submission. If these people have any reservations, having them close by could be a disaster. Welcoming them personally not only shows importance but also serves as a form of deterrence. This is precisely where the identity of the “Buddhist disciples” is utilized to the fullest.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Zhu Fada remained silent, following Liang Feng to greet the tribes outside the city.
Seated in a simple tent, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe was somewhat uneasy. When the Jin army attacked Lishi earlier, their tribe had been forcibly conscripted, resulting in the loss of over two hundred men. This was equivalent to a quarter of the tribe’s warriors. However, the royal tent still wasn’t satisfied, and in a few days, there might be another conscription.
For a small tribe, how could they withstand repeated conscriptions? Besides providing soldiers, they also had to contribute horses, cattle, and sheep for the needs of the large army. In previous years, they could endure, but this year, Lishi suffered a great famine, with no harvest at all. Even the grass was grazed to the last blade. From the elderly to the children in the tribe, everyone was starving, showing signs of malnutrition. How would they prepare for next year’s military needs?
Therefore, when the Hu monk appeared and brought the news of surrender from Bing County, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe truly considered it. Coincidentally, not far from their tribe, the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe believed deeply in Buddhist principles. He persuaded the Niujiao tribe to join in surrendering to Lord Liang. The reputation of Lord Liang as a disciple of Buddha was well-known among the people of Lishi. The chieftain of the Niujiao tribe readily agreed, and along with the Hulin tribe, they set out on the path of escape.
However, after finally reaching the outskirts of Jinyang City, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe became fearful again. Unlike the simple-minded people of the Niujiao tribe, who were content as long as they had the care of the Buddhist disciple, he was concerned. What if Lord Liang, like Lord Dongying who once ruled Bing County, only enslaved them, or even captured their people to sell as slaves? Moreover, the taxation in Jin was excessively high, and their tribe was already in dire straits. How could they cope with the extortion of the officials?
He didn’t know when the Hu monk would bring back the news. What if Lord Liang was unwilling to accept them? Or, like the old Lord Liang when he was in Bing County, he might capture and kill the heads of the nobles, incorporating the other tribes into his forces…
The chieftain of the Bailu tribe shivered. Though he was not young, he had heard the elders talk about Lord Liang’s methods during his time in Bing County. Although their small tribe might not be noticed by others, the fear and reverence lingered, making it impossible to break free.
Lost in his anxious thoughts, suddenly, there was a commotion and the crisp sound of horse hooves from outside the camp.
Jumping to his feet, the chieftain of the Bailu tribe lifted the curtain and walked out of the tent. When he saw the scene in front of him clearly, cold sweat immediately rolled down his back. Soldiers were coming out of Jinyang City, more than five hundred riders and each of them was clad in armor! Such cavalry, even in the Xiongnu, was an elite force that only the royal tent could afford. How did they suddenly arrive at their camp? Did Lord Liang change his mind and want to eliminate them?
Before the chieftain of the Bailu tribe could react, the cavalry had already spread out like waves, and a black horse stood in the center, majestic as the stars surrounding the moon. Seated on the horse was an indescribably handsome man. Under the blazing sunlight, he seemed to be carved from white jade, emitting a faint glow. When this person appeared, the entire camp fell silent for a moment. In the next instant, the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe pushed through the crowd and, with a thud, knelt down on the ground.
“Buddhist disciple! I pay my respects to the Buddhist disciple!”
Advertisement
The chieftain of the Bailu tribe was jolted. Yes, this was the legendary Lord Liang! Only Lord Liang could have such elite guards and such a demeanor! Why would he come personally outside the camp?
However, countless thoughts couldn’t resist the surge of warmth in his eyes. The chieftain of the Bailu tribe took a few unsteady steps, kneeling beside the chieftain of the Niujiao tribe. “Tonto pays his respects to Lord!”
The two tribal chiefs bowed respectfully, and gradually, others realized what was happening and began kneeling one after another. In this vast camp with over a thousand people, as everyone knelt like obedient lambs, a powerful and intimidating atmosphere naturally emerged.
Liang Feng squinted slightly, raising his voice, “You were originally citizens of the Jin Dynasty, born in Bing County, raised in the Central Plains, but was misled by the pseudo-Han rule of the Xiongnu. Now, are you willing to return to the country and submit to my administration?”
The chief of the Niujiao tribe understood Chinese and immediately choked up, saying, “If the Bodhisattva is willing to shelter me, I will willingly submit!”
Others gradually responded one after another. The Bailu tribe leader also felt a glimmer of hope. The lord didn’t disdain their Xiongnu bloodline but straightforwardly acknowledged these Xiongnu tribes from Bing County as subjects of the Jin Dynasty. Indeed, even the Xiongnu were originally subjects of the Jin Dynasty, so why wouldn’t they be?
Seeing the growing support below, Liang Feng nodded, “Since you are subjects of my rule, you should be under my control. Ninety miles from Jinyang, near the place called Wu Xiang, there is a lush valley with nearby fallow fields, enough to support several thousand people. I can grant you this piece of land. After overcoming the famine next spring, you will pay taxes like the people of Jinyang. However, as an exchange, each tribe must contribute half of its warriors to serve me.”
The Bailu tribe leader hastily raised his head, “Lord, our tribe is already small. If we allocate so many warriors, we may not be able to defend ourselves against the enemy…”
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Liang Feng waved his hand gently, “The valley is surrounded by the jurisdictions of my various counties and poses no threat from bandits. You can live in peace. As for the warriors, as long as you provide enough, I’ll exempt you from half of the taxes.”
As these words were spoken, it immediately caused a stir among the people. This offer was much more generous than they had imagined! The Bailu tribe leader looked at the figure on the horse, feeling excited and trembling. Under the rule of the Xiongnu, they had to participate in battles, but the spoils of war were meager, and they had to provide a large amount of grain, fodder, and livestock. The pressure of farming and animal husbandry fell on the elderly, weak, women, and children. Several dozen people would die from exhaustion and illness every winter.
Now, with land for grazing and farming, a stable and worry-free home, and even exemption from taxes for participating in battles, could there be better conditions than this?
Before he could speak, the leader of the Niujiao tribe shouted, “Merciful Buddha, grant us a peaceful abode! I am willing to offer my strength like a loyal dog or horse for the Buddha!”
He voiced the sentiments of everyone. The Bailu tribe leader also lowered his head, paying homage to the person seated on the horse. He did not treat these Xiongnu tribes as inferior servants but regarded them equally, just like the common people. Escaping from Lishi was indeed the right choice!
Watching the newly affiliated people bowing and pledging allegiance, Zhu Fada couldn’t help but sigh softly. Lord Liang Feng didn’t actually need him. With such preferential treatment, within a year or so, the Xiongnu tribes in Lishi might all flee. This was a soothing balm for these nomads and also a warning for himself.
After settling everything, Liang Feng turned to Zhu Fada and said, “The master has worked hard on the journey. Now that Huai’en Temple has been repaired, you can invite your esteemed teacher to Jinyang.”
Zhu Fada understood the implied meaning in Liang Feng’s words. He intended for them and the monks from Huai’en Temple to stay together, not planning to establish separate temples. Seeing the scene today and considering Liang Feng’s recent appointment as the military commander, Zhu Fada clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist mantra, “Thank you, Lord, for accepting us. I will spread the teachings of Buddhism widely and stabilize the people’s hearts.”
Was this understanding of his position? Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Thank you, Master.”
※
Advertisement
“The prefectural treasury needs to be counted as soon as possible. The grain convoy to Xinxing will depart tomorrow. Make sure to prepare enough forage as well.”
These days, Duan Qin hardly slept. With the renewed war in Xinxing Commandery, as the rear, they needed to supply enough provisions. This unexpected large-scale war required a considerable amount of food and forage. Fortunately, Zhang Bin’s extraordinary ability allowed the six thousand reinforcements from the Tuoba tribe to bring their own provisions, saving a significant portion of the treasury. However, sufficient fodder still needed to be prepared. This battle heavily relied on cavalry, and maintaining the horses’ strength was of utmost importance, making it no easy task.
After Pei Dun’s death, the Prefectural Government naturally reverted to the Provincial Governor’s Office. The former Steward Liu and Sergeant Zhang were also dismissed from their positions, making the affairs of the Provincial Governor’s Office suddenly busy. However, Duan Qin showed no signs of fatigue. It was as if some kind of power surged within him, providing him with inexhaustible energy!
After handling the affairs of the prefectural treasury, he summoned the chief scribe and instructed, “The Xiongnu tribes settled in Wuxiang must quickly report their household population for registration to facilitate their settlement. Also, the area will be used as a new settlement, and in the future, refugees from Wuxiang can consider settling nearby. Water facilities should be prepared promptly, as the rainfall this autumn is insufficient, and precautions should be taken against possible spring drought next year.”
With Xinxing Commandery on the verge of pacification, there was an unexpected turn of events in Si County. The Hu monk Zhu Fada indeed proved to be quite useful. The Xiongnu tribes, who were formerly slaves and were now disenchanted with the pseudo-Han rule, began migrating towards Jinyang. If more tribes could be attracted away, leaving Lishi as an empty city, it might not even require sending troops to make the Xiongnu withdraw from Bing County. This way, the entire Bing County would return to the hands of the Lord.
How much time had passed? The scorched earth was about to recover its vitality. And this was just the beginning.
On the day when Zhang Bin came to join, Duan Qin was also sitting in the room, listening to everything he said. At that moment, he almost forgot his identity as a strategist. Yes, step by step, he had walked out from the small Gaodu, followed his Lord to Luguan, and then from Shangdang to Jinyang, with each step being extremely challenging. However, he had never thought that his Lord could replace the Sima clan!
Why not? The Sima clan had taken away the legitimate succession of Cao Wei, a mere fifty years ago. And Wei Wendi’s seizure of the Han Dynasty’s throne, unifying the northern territories, was just eighty years ago.
Was the world truly settled? Not really. On the contrary, because of the conspiracies to usurp the throne by these two dynasties one after another, turmoil persisted, and treacherous officials ran amok. Even if the emperor was changed in Luoyang, what difference did it make?
The Sima clan didn’t deserve to hold this world! Looking at Liu Yuan, Sima Ying, and even Wang Jun who dominated You County, Wang Mi who rebelled with an army, all these power-hungry individuals, was there anyone among them comparable to his Lord?
Only his Lord could truly stabilize this land! And he, unexpectedly, failed to see this and needed others to enlighten him!
At that moment, Duan Qin understood that his talents might be far inferior to Zhang Bin’s. But this realization did not make him feel disheartened; instead, it filled him with determination. Among the Three Heroes of the Early Han, wasn’t Xiao He far inferior to Zhang Liang and Han Xin? However, without Xiao He, there would be no inexhaustible food and wealth for the country. He might lack the talents of Zifang, but he could be a great administrator who could stabilize the rear.
Once he understood this point, Duan Qin felt as if the world before him had changed. Besides these current affairs on his plate, he had another task: to help his Lord distinguish among his subordinates. Who could collaborate on the grand cause, and who might lean towards the Sima clan? He would personally discern each one, ensuring that the hearts of the people remained loyal to his Lord.
With such a goal in mind, what did these trivial matters before him matter?
After giving careful instructions, Duan Qin once again opened the documents, took up his pen, and began reviewing them.
