A camp that stretches beyond sight, stationed on the banks of the Han River. This is the grand camp set up by Sima Yue in Jing County, utilizing the hundred thousand elite soldiers obtained from the court’s six armies. It is also his greatest reliance in quelling the rebellion against the pseudo-emperor. Since the expedition began, the remnants of the pseudo-emperor Sima Ying’s forces have suffered repeated defeats, retreating from Jiangxia to their own fiefdom.
By tradition, as long as the power-seeking kings return to their own fiefdoms, it signifies surrender, and no one will engage in warfare again. However, now that Sima Ying has declared himself emperor, there is no refuge. Sima Yue not only hasn’t halted the military operations but has tightened the pressure, aiming to completely eradicate this rebellious faction. Unfortunately, Chengdu is the stronghold that Sima Ying has built over a decade, solid as a rock. The war has temporarily reached a stalemate, becoming a protracted confrontation.
As the weather becomes colder, the logistical needs of this hundred thousand strong army pose a significant burden. There is also concern about whether the supply routes will be raided by rogue soldiers and if Luoyang will fall into the hands of the Xiongnu. Numerous matters pile up on his desk, enough to give Sima Yue a persistent headache.
However, despite the urgency of the situation, when he hears the news of the relief of Luoyang, Sima Yue’s face remains devoid of a smile. Liang Zixi, borrowing troops from the Tuoba tribe, crushed the thirty thousand troops attacking Shangdang and even killed the commanding general Liu Cong. The Xiongnu forces besieging Henan also withdrew to their old base. This is undoubtedly good news, but it shouldn’t have been directed by the young emperor.
Because the emperor allocated provisions to Shangdang, it led to Liang Zixi’s great victory? Hearing this rumor, Sima Yue couldn’t help but shiver. He has always known that Sima Tan is clever and astute, even earning praises in the palace, with some saying he resembles Emperor Wu. To guard against the young emperor taking control, he has placed many spies and trusted individuals within the palace. Who would have expected such a blunder the moment he left Luoyang!
This Liang Zixi is truly insidious! If not for this, why would Pei Dun die in battle as soon as he arrived in Bing County? And why, when he leaves, does he have to contact the palace?
This cannot be allowed to continue!
Sima Yue decides in his heart. However, now that he is leading the troops outside, Luoyang is extremely vulnerable. The strategic location of Bing County cannot be disturbed. Once the pseudo-emperor is eradicated, he must quickly return to Luoyang and regain full control. Liang Zixi cannot be left unchecked; only by removing the emperor’s lackeys can he keep him in check and obedient. If it weren’t for the pseudo-emperor causing trouble, why would he have appointed Sima Tan, such a difficult-to-control individual!
“Issue the order, intensify the siege! We must recapture Jing County this winter and quell the rebellion against the pseudo-emperor!” Sima Yue commands in a cold tone.
The already intense offensive and defensive battle became even more brutal with this command.
※
“The court has granted us the title of Dai Jun?” Tuoba Yilu’s face lit up with joy.
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Dai Jun is much better than their current capital, at least within the borders of You County, and it is very close to the central territories, making it a good place for development. This Liang governor is really generous. Just by sending troops to fight a battle, they obtained an entire commandery, much more generous than when Sima Teng was in charge!
However, while Tuoba Yilu was elated, Wei Cao’s expression didn’t look so good. “Khan Mogaoxing is too optimistic. There are some issues with this land.”
Seeing Tuoba Yilu’s confusion, Wei Cao explained carefully, “Dai Jun is too far from our tribe. Although it can control the central region, it means sacrificing our foundation. Moreover, Dai Jun is located in You County. Liang Zixi asked the court for the title, essentially using the generosity of others. If the Governor of You County, Wang Jun, gets annoyed, wouldn’t we have to fight another battle with him?”
Hearing the assistant’s explanation, Tuoba Yilu’s excitement finally faded a bit, and he frowned. “Are you saying Liang Zixi is wary of us?”
Wei Cao sighed, “Among all the governors of Bing County over the years, only Liang Zixi is willing to trade with our tribe. Salt, tea, cloth, and even alcoholic beverages, which were difficult to purchase before, can now be traded. But iron goods are still unavailable. Obviously, Governor Liang doesn’t want the Tuoba tribe to become too powerful. Now with various forces rising, and the Xiongnu on the side, it’s only natural for him to be cautious. However, since the other party is like this, we also need to think carefully about our actions.”
“Then… do we decline Dai Jun?” Tuoba Yilu’s voice carried some reluctance, but Wei Cao is his trusted advisor and the foundation of the Tuoba tribe’s growth over the years. His advice needs to be heeded.
“No need for that. Just…” Wei Cao pondered for a moment and suddenly said, “Just need to think clearly about how to proceed. If Liang Zixi wants to be at odds with You County, there’s business to be done!”
“What?” Tuoba Yilu felt a bit dizzy. “He uses our conflict with Wang Jun for business?”
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“If Liang Zixi has designs on You County?” Wei Cao, as if understanding the intricacies, smiled faintly. “If not, why would he use Dai Jun as bait? If Liang Zixi truly intends for You County, he must clash with Wang Jun. And who will be the one to stand against the Xianbei of the Duan clan at that time?”
Tuoba Yilu finally realized. Indeed, Dai Jun is just a prelude, a means to provoke discord between the two provinces for future planning. They are currently aligned with Bing County, and if the two provinces really go to war, Liang Zixi will inevitably need the Tuoba tribe’s military forces. And if they do manage to conquer You County, can Liang Zixi manage it all? He would undoubtedly have to allocate a significant territory to the Tuoba tribe, perhaps even uniting the three Tuoba branches!
That is the key to the rise of the Tuoba clan!
“The assistant’s strategic wisdom is truly unparalleled!” Tuoba Yilu laughed heartily. “With a clear understanding, things become much easier! Let’s send troops to Dai Jun first, secure our territory, and then see what happens!”
As for the rest, it depends on the reaction from Bing County.
※
At this moment, Liang Feng is sitting in someone else’s home. The Guo family of Jinyang invited him, and even as a governor, he couldn’t refuse. After the Battle of Shangdang, these remaining aristocratic families in Jinyang seem to have finally taken notice of him.
This is not surprising. Although most of the mainline families have fled Bing County, there are still quite a few influential families with distant relations. After all, the land and estates accumulated over these years are not something easily abandoned. Previously, Liang Feng’s conflicts with the court, his rivalry with Pei Dun, and the whole incident with the imperial examination had made these aristocrats uneasy. Now, with the victory in Shangdang, they seem to have developed an interest in the newly appointed governor.
Not just anyone can defeat the Xiongnu and even kill the beloved son of Liu Yuan. What Sima Teng failed to achieve in his time, Liang Zixi accomplished in just a few months in Jinyang. How could these aristocrats not be moved to form connections? It’s important to note that Hedong has been occupied by the Xiongnu, and the vast Pei and Wei families either defected or fled. In such a situation, it’s inevitable for high-ranking families to feel a sense of despair.
While others may find ways to migrate south, those who remain to guard their estates have fewer choices. The Wang family has always had good relations with Liu Yuan, and their true intentions are hard for others to fathom. The Guo family, on the other hand, is not willing to easily abandon their ancestral roots. Those lowly-born families who joined the Xiongnu might get a higher status, but these long-established aristocratic families would have to humble themselves before the Xiongnu. Which high-ranking family is willing to bow down to their own servants?
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So, when someone emerges who can uphold Bing County, no matter how disagreeable, they still need to establish some connections.
In this context, Guo Tong, the head of the remaining influential families left behind by the Guo family, invited Liang Feng to his residence for a feast, ostensibly to celebrate his mother’s birthday. The Guo family has many female adherents to Buddhism, so having Liang Feng, a devout Buddhist, come is entirely appropriate. However, the private discussions are not about Buddhist doctrines.
“I heard that Wang Mao is seriously ill… Alas, going through such tribulations is truly not easy,” the host at the hall sighed softly.
Liang Feng had known about Wang Wensheng’s illness, but when Guo Tong brought it up now, it wasn’t just a casual inquiry. He was probing into Liang Feng’s current relationship with the Wang family in Jinyang.
“Assistant Wang has been ill for two months, and I’ve sent people to inquire several times. But the journey to Yan County is long, and information is not flowing smoothly, causing concern,” Liang Feng also put on an appearance of regret.
The news of Liang Feng’s broken engagement with Wang Qiniang was already known, and their relationship had indeed cooled for a while. However, even without a marriage alliance, Liang Feng wouldn’t place the blame on Wang Wensheng. Later, during Wang Wensheng’s illness, they resumed exchanging letters. Unfortunately, the situation on the other side was not good; it seemed like an illness of the heart, beyond the cure of medicine.
Seeing that Liang Feng was still in contact with Wang Wensheng, Guo Tong nodded, “Born in such turbulent times, one can only go with the flow. I heard that Prince Langya has been ordered to station in Jianye, and the Langya Wang family is also accompanying him. If there’s a refuge in Jiangnan, there may be a large number of aristocrats migrating south again.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng’s heart trembled. If Prince Langya, Sima Rui, is stationed in Jianye, wouldn’t this mark the beginning of the Eastern Jin Dynasty? He is familiar with the phrase “Wang and Ma rule the world,” which refers to the events of the Eastern Jin. Wang Yan, who hails from the Langya Wang family, has now formed a close alliance with Sima Yue. During the period of Wang Dao’s influence, they even established a situation where the aristocracy and imperial power coexisted, a structure that resonated for a millennium.
Despite the surprise in his heart, Liang Feng deliberately responded, “Even Assistant Guo plans to migrate south?”
Guo Tong raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “If even I migrate south, what will happen to the Guo family estate in Jinyang?”
The implication in his words was clear. As the head of an influential family, he couldn’t escape his responsibilities, and ultimately, he had to stay and guard the family estate. However, the fate of the mainline families was uncertain.
It seemed that the trend of aristocrats migrating south was inevitable. These people had never considered what would become of the land they abandoned.
However, these were not concerns Liang Feng needed to dwell on. In fact, the more aristocrats fled, the easier it would be for him to govern the provinces. While he could think this way, he couldn’t say it outright. Liang Feng sighed, “After eradicating the pseudo-emperor, Luoyang can then focus on dealing with the Xiongnu. The pseudo-Han is just a minor ailment, with careful handling, there will eventually be a time to eliminate the chaos.”
“Exactly.” Guo Tong nodded in agreement, “When I invited the envoy here, I wanted to discuss the post-chaos governance. Bing County has gone without assessment for three years, and I remember the envoy was part of the last batch. Now that six commanderies have largely recovered, it’s time to restart the nine-grade assessment.”
Liang Feng’s eyebrows twitched at these words. Are they considering decentralizing power?
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The position of Zhongzheng officials has always been held by aristocrats from prestigious families. It is usually a concurrent position for current officials. Those who retire cannot serve as Zhongzheng officials. Wang Wen was the former Grand Zhongzheng of Bing County, but after his escape, he resigned from his official position, naturally vacating the position of Zhongzheng. In other words, Bing County currently has no Zhongzheng.
In normal times, the court would undoubtedly appoint a new Zhongzheng. However, with chaos in all the provinces, who would be concerned with selecting virtuous individuals? This matter has been postponed. And what Guo Tong desires is precisely the position of Grand Zhongzheng!
The Guo family is second only to the Wang family in Jinyang, and it’s even more powerful than the Sun family by several degrees. In the current situation where most mainline families have fled, Guo Tong indeed has the qualifications to vie for the position of Zhongzheng. With the authority to select virtuous individuals, the arrangements for personnel in Bing County, especially the assessment and evaluation of aristocrats, would be under his control. This is an immense power, enough to make someone like Guo Tong salivate.
However, just because he desires it, does that mean Liang Feng will easily grant it?
“If we can restart the assessment, that would undoubtedly be the best. However, with only one out of ten high-ranking families remaining in Bing County, even if we conduct evaluations, most would be from common families. Moreover…” Liang Feng suppressed the smile on his face, “Bing County is in a precarious military situation. Just assessing virtue might not be sufficient to defend the land and ensure the safety of the people.”
Guo Tong raised an eyebrow, “Governor Liang, are you suggesting abandoning the nine-grade system and adopting a merit-based selection?”
This statement was quite strong. The merit-based selection was the method of talent selection during the era of Wei Wu, but it offended the powerful families too much. This led to a reform by Emperor Wen of Wei after ascending the throne, implementing the nine-grade official system. If Liang Feng dares to advocate for a merit-based system, the entire high-ranking families in Bing County would likely become his enemies!
Liang Feng remained composed and said, “Lord Guo, your words are heavy. In Bing County, the various magistrates and leaders are all from aristocratic backgrounds. However, when selecting officials, they must possess both virtue and talent. Otherwise, not only would it endanger one’s own life, but it could also lead to the city falling into enemy hands. The position of Zhongzheng must be handled with great caution.”
This statement was balanced and careful, avoiding any clear mistakes. However, Guo Tong still sensed an underlying meaning. While officials in various provinces of Bing County needed both virtue and talent, recommending virtuous individuals to the imperial court might not be straightforward. If one wants to become the Zhongzheng, compromises must be made in personnel recommendations and appointments, at least relinquishing some control over personnel matters in Bing County.
Is this condition too demanding? In truth, even if Guo Tong himself became the governor of Bing County, he wouldn’t be pleased to have mediocre individuals under him. It’s not surprising that Liang Zixi, with his weak foundation, harbors ambitions for power. The stability of Bing County is the fundamental prerequisite for everything. If problems arise due to the appointment of mediocre talents, won’t he be the one at a disadvantage?
After some consideration, Guo Tong nodded, “Sir, your words are not wrong. The Guo family is based in Jinyang, and how could we not understand the importance of the matter?”
Seeing Guo Tong take a step back, Liang Feng smiled slightly, “Liang has just arrived in Jinyang and still needs assistance from various families to establish himself. Lord Guo’s understanding and reasonableness are indeed fortunate for me.”
Guo Tong laughed heartily, “Sir has a deep friendship with Wang Mao and with Sun Wenzhong taking up a position as a deputy. Although Guo has limited abilities, I will do my best to help.”
Wang Wen comes from the Jinyang Wang family, Sun Li is from the Sun family, and now Guo Tong represents the Guo family. The three major high-ranking families in Jinyang all have connections with the governor’s office. With Guo’s explicit support, Liang Feng can rightfully establish himself in Bing County. The significance of this cannot be understated.
Liang Feng also smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. These high-ranking families have been a constant trouble for him. If he uses too heavy-handed methods, there will inevitably be repercussions. However, if he keeps retreating, the real power will slip away. This is just one province; what if the entire country is like this? It’s better to wait patiently for the situation to deteriorate further, with Luoyang falling, and tens of thousands of elites migrating south. When all these high-ranking families flee, leaving behind an empty canvas, that’s when he can make his move…
However, as this thought emerged, Liang Feng broke out in a cold sweat. What was he really hoping for? To achieve this goal, how many innocent civilians would perish in the wilderness?
His fingernails dug into his palm. Liang Feng gritted his teeth, forcefully suppressing that chilling idea deep within his heart.
Babuu, please don’t become a tyrant…
A camp that stretches beyond sight, stationed on the banks of the Han River. This is the grand camp set up by Sima Yue in Jing County, utilizing the hundred thousand elite soldiers obtained from the court’s six armies. It is also his greatest reliance in quelling the rebellion against the pseudo-emperor. Since the expedition began, the remnants of the pseudo-emperor Sima Ying’s forces have suffered repeated defeats, retreating from Jiangxia to their own fiefdom.
By tradition, as long as the power-seeking kings return to their own fiefdoms, it signifies surrender, and no one will engage in warfare again. However, now that Sima Ying has declared himself emperor, there is no refuge. Sima Yue not only hasn’t halted the military operations but has tightened the pressure, aiming to completely eradicate this rebellious faction. Unfortunately, Chengdu is the stronghold that Sima Ying has built over a decade, solid as a rock. The war has temporarily reached a stalemate, becoming a protracted confrontation.
As the weather becomes colder, the logistical needs of this hundred thousand strong army pose a significant burden. There is also concern about whether the supply routes will be raided by rogue soldiers and if Luoyang will fall into the hands of the Xiongnu. Numerous matters pile up on his desk, enough to give Sima Yue a persistent headache.
However, despite the urgency of the situation, when he hears the news of the relief of Luoyang, Sima Yue’s face remains devoid of a smile. Liang Zixi, borrowing troops from the Tuoba tribe, crushed the thirty thousand troops attacking Shangdang and even killed the commanding general Liu Cong. The Xiongnu forces besieging Henan also withdrew to their old base. This is undoubtedly good news, but it shouldn’t have been directed by the young emperor.
Because the emperor allocated provisions to Shangdang, it led to Liang Zixi’s great victory? Hearing this rumor, Sima Yue couldn’t help but shiver. He has always known that Sima Tan is clever and astute, even earning praises in the palace, with some saying he resembles Emperor Wu. To guard against the young emperor taking control, he has placed many spies and trusted individuals within the palace. Who would have expected such a blunder the moment he left Luoyang!
This Liang Zixi is truly insidious! If not for this, why would Pei Dun die in battle as soon as he arrived in Bing County? And why, when he leaves, does he have to contact the palace?
This cannot be allowed to continue!
Sima Yue decides in his heart. However, now that he is leading the troops outside, Luoyang is extremely vulnerable. The strategic location of Bing County cannot be disturbed. Once the pseudo-emperor is eradicated, he must quickly return to Luoyang and regain full control. Liang Zixi cannot be left unchecked; only by removing the emperor’s lackeys can he keep him in check and obedient. If it weren’t for the pseudo-emperor causing trouble, why would he have appointed Sima Tan, such a difficult-to-control individual!
“Issue the order, intensify the siege! We must recapture Jing County this winter and quell the rebellion against the pseudo-emperor!” Sima Yue commands in a cold tone.
The already intense offensive and defensive battle became even more brutal with this command.
※
“The court has granted us the title of Dai Jun?” Tuoba Yilu’s face lit up with joy.
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Dai Jun is much better than their current capital, at least within the borders of You County, and it is very close to the central territories, making it a good place for development. This Liang governor is really generous. Just by sending troops to fight a battle, they obtained an entire commandery, much more generous than when Sima Teng was in charge!
However, while Tuoba Yilu was elated, Wei Cao’s expression didn’t look so good. “Khan Mogaoxing is too optimistic. There are some issues with this land.”
Seeing Tuoba Yilu’s confusion, Wei Cao explained carefully, “Dai Jun is too far from our tribe. Although it can control the central region, it means sacrificing our foundation. Moreover, Dai Jun is located in You County. Liang Zixi asked the court for the title, essentially using the generosity of others. If the Governor of You County, Wang Jun, gets annoyed, wouldn’t we have to fight another battle with him?”
Hearing the assistant’s explanation, Tuoba Yilu’s excitement finally faded a bit, and he frowned. “Are you saying Liang Zixi is wary of us?”
Wei Cao sighed, “Among all the governors of Bing County over the years, only Liang Zixi is willing to trade with our tribe. Salt, tea, cloth, and even alcoholic beverages, which were difficult to purchase before, can now be traded. But iron goods are still unavailable. Obviously, Governor Liang doesn’t want the Tuoba tribe to become too powerful. Now with various forces rising, and the Xiongnu on the side, it’s only natural for him to be cautious. However, since the other party is like this, we also need to think carefully about our actions.”
“Then… do we decline Dai Jun?” Tuoba Yilu’s voice carried some reluctance, but Wei Cao is his trusted advisor and the foundation of the Tuoba tribe’s growth over the years. His advice needs to be heeded.
“No need for that. Just…” Wei Cao pondered for a moment and suddenly said, “Just need to think clearly about how to proceed. If Liang Zixi wants to be at odds with You County, there’s business to be done!”
“What?” Tuoba Yilu felt a bit dizzy. “He uses our conflict with Wang Jun for business?”
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“If Liang Zixi has designs on You County?” Wei Cao, as if understanding the intricacies, smiled faintly. “If not, why would he use Dai Jun as bait? If Liang Zixi truly intends for You County, he must clash with Wang Jun. And who will be the one to stand against the Xianbei of the Duan clan at that time?”
Tuoba Yilu finally realized. Indeed, Dai Jun is just a prelude, a means to provoke discord between the two provinces for future planning. They are currently aligned with Bing County, and if the two provinces really go to war, Liang Zixi will inevitably need the Tuoba tribe’s military forces. And if they do manage to conquer You County, can Liang Zixi manage it all? He would undoubtedly have to allocate a significant territory to the Tuoba tribe, perhaps even uniting the three Tuoba branches!
That is the key to the rise of the Tuoba clan!
“The assistant’s strategic wisdom is truly unparalleled!” Tuoba Yilu laughed heartily. “With a clear understanding, things become much easier! Let’s send troops to Dai Jun first, secure our territory, and then see what happens!”
As for the rest, it depends on the reaction from Bing County.
※
At this moment, Liang Feng is sitting in someone else’s home. The Guo family of Jinyang invited him, and even as a governor, he couldn’t refuse. After the Battle of Shangdang, these remaining aristocratic families in Jinyang seem to have finally taken notice of him.
This is not surprising. Although most of the mainline families have fled Bing County, there are still quite a few influential families with distant relations. After all, the land and estates accumulated over these years are not something easily abandoned. Previously, Liang Feng’s conflicts with the court, his rivalry with Pei Dun, and the whole incident with the imperial examination had made these aristocrats uneasy. Now, with the victory in Shangdang, they seem to have developed an interest in the newly appointed governor.
Not just anyone can defeat the Xiongnu and even kill the beloved son of Liu Yuan. What Sima Teng failed to achieve in his time, Liang Zixi accomplished in just a few months in Jinyang. How could these aristocrats not be moved to form connections? It’s important to note that Hedong has been occupied by the Xiongnu, and the vast Pei and Wei families either defected or fled. In such a situation, it’s inevitable for high-ranking families to feel a sense of despair.
While others may find ways to migrate south, those who remain to guard their estates have fewer choices. The Wang family has always had good relations with Liu Yuan, and their true intentions are hard for others to fathom. The Guo family, on the other hand, is not willing to easily abandon their ancestral roots. Those lowly-born families who joined the Xiongnu might get a higher status, but these long-established aristocratic families would have to humble themselves before the Xiongnu. Which high-ranking family is willing to bow down to their own servants?
Advertisement
AD
So, when someone emerges who can uphold Bing County, no matter how disagreeable, they still need to establish some connections.
In this context, Guo Tong, the head of the remaining influential families left behind by the Guo family, invited Liang Feng to his residence for a feast, ostensibly to celebrate his mother’s birthday. The Guo family has many female adherents to Buddhism, so having Liang Feng, a devout Buddhist, come is entirely appropriate. However, the private discussions are not about Buddhist doctrines.
“I heard that Wang Mao is seriously ill… Alas, going through such tribulations is truly not easy,” the host at the hall sighed softly.
Liang Feng had known about Wang Wensheng’s illness, but when Guo Tong brought it up now, it wasn’t just a casual inquiry. He was probing into Liang Feng’s current relationship with the Wang family in Jinyang.
“Assistant Wang has been ill for two months, and I’ve sent people to inquire several times. But the journey to Yan County is long, and information is not flowing smoothly, causing concern,” Liang Feng also put on an appearance of regret.
The news of Liang Feng’s broken engagement with Wang Qiniang was already known, and their relationship had indeed cooled for a while. However, even without a marriage alliance, Liang Feng wouldn’t place the blame on Wang Wensheng. Later, during Wang Wensheng’s illness, they resumed exchanging letters. Unfortunately, the situation on the other side was not good; it seemed like an illness of the heart, beyond the cure of medicine.
Seeing that Liang Feng was still in contact with Wang Wensheng, Guo Tong nodded, “Born in such turbulent times, one can only go with the flow. I heard that Prince Langya has been ordered to station in Jianye, and the Langya Wang family is also accompanying him. If there’s a refuge in Jiangnan, there may be a large number of aristocrats migrating south again.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng’s heart trembled. If Prince Langya, Sima Rui, is stationed in Jianye, wouldn’t this mark the beginning of the Eastern Jin Dynasty? He is familiar with the phrase “Wang and Ma rule the world,” which refers to the events of the Eastern Jin. Wang Yan, who hails from the Langya Wang family, has now formed a close alliance with Sima Yue. During the period of Wang Dao’s influence, they even established a situation where the aristocracy and imperial power coexisted, a structure that resonated for a millennium.
Despite the surprise in his heart, Liang Feng deliberately responded, “Even Assistant Guo plans to migrate south?”
Guo Tong raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “If even I migrate south, what will happen to the Guo family estate in Jinyang?”
The implication in his words was clear. As the head of an influential family, he couldn’t escape his responsibilities, and ultimately, he had to stay and guard the family estate. However, the fate of the mainline families was uncertain.
It seemed that the trend of aristocrats migrating south was inevitable. These people had never considered what would become of the land they abandoned.
However, these were not concerns Liang Feng needed to dwell on. In fact, the more aristocrats fled, the easier it would be for him to govern the provinces. While he could think this way, he couldn’t say it outright. Liang Feng sighed, “After eradicating the pseudo-emperor, Luoyang can then focus on dealing with the Xiongnu. The pseudo-Han is just a minor ailment, with careful handling, there will eventually be a time to eliminate the chaos.”
“Exactly.” Guo Tong nodded in agreement, “When I invited the envoy here, I wanted to discuss the post-chaos governance. Bing County has gone without assessment for three years, and I remember the envoy was part of the last batch. Now that six commanderies have largely recovered, it’s time to restart the nine-grade assessment.”
Liang Feng’s eyebrows twitched at these words. Are they considering decentralizing power?
Advertisement
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The position of Zhongzheng officials has always been held by aristocrats from prestigious families. It is usually a concurrent position for current officials. Those who retire cannot serve as Zhongzheng officials. Wang Wen was the former Grand Zhongzheng of Bing County, but after his escape, he resigned from his official position, naturally vacating the position of Zhongzheng. In other words, Bing County currently has no Zhongzheng.
In normal times, the court would undoubtedly appoint a new Zhongzheng. However, with chaos in all the provinces, who would be concerned with selecting virtuous individuals? This matter has been postponed. And what Guo Tong desires is precisely the position of Grand Zhongzheng!
The Guo family is second only to the Wang family in Jinyang, and it’s even more powerful than the Sun family by several degrees. In the current situation where most mainline families have fled, Guo Tong indeed has the qualifications to vie for the position of Zhongzheng. With the authority to select virtuous individuals, the arrangements for personnel in Bing County, especially the assessment and evaluation of aristocrats, would be under his control. This is an immense power, enough to make someone like Guo Tong salivate.
However, just because he desires it, does that mean Liang Feng will easily grant it?
“If we can restart the assessment, that would undoubtedly be the best. However, with only one out of ten high-ranking families remaining in Bing County, even if we conduct evaluations, most would be from common families. Moreover…” Liang Feng suppressed the smile on his face, “Bing County is in a precarious military situation. Just assessing virtue might not be sufficient to defend the land and ensure the safety of the people.”
Guo Tong raised an eyebrow, “Governor Liang, are you suggesting abandoning the nine-grade system and adopting a merit-based selection?”
This statement was quite strong. The merit-based selection was the method of talent selection during the era of Wei Wu, but it offended the powerful families too much. This led to a reform by Emperor Wen of Wei after ascending the throne, implementing the nine-grade official system. If Liang Feng dares to advocate for a merit-based system, the entire high-ranking families in Bing County would likely become his enemies!
Liang Feng remained composed and said, “Lord Guo, your words are heavy. In Bing County, the various magistrates and leaders are all from aristocratic backgrounds. However, when selecting officials, they must possess both virtue and talent. Otherwise, not only would it endanger one’s own life, but it could also lead to the city falling into enemy hands. The position of Zhongzheng must be handled with great caution.”
This statement was balanced and careful, avoiding any clear mistakes. However, Guo Tong still sensed an underlying meaning. While officials in various provinces of Bing County needed both virtue and talent, recommending virtuous individuals to the imperial court might not be straightforward. If one wants to become the Zhongzheng, compromises must be made in personnel recommendations and appointments, at least relinquishing some control over personnel matters in Bing County.
Is this condition too demanding? In truth, even if Guo Tong himself became the governor of Bing County, he wouldn’t be pleased to have mediocre individuals under him. It’s not surprising that Liang Zixi, with his weak foundation, harbors ambitions for power. The stability of Bing County is the fundamental prerequisite for everything. If problems arise due to the appointment of mediocre talents, won’t he be the one at a disadvantage?
After some consideration, Guo Tong nodded, “Sir, your words are not wrong. The Guo family is based in Jinyang, and how could we not understand the importance of the matter?”
Seeing Guo Tong take a step back, Liang Feng smiled slightly, “Liang has just arrived in Jinyang and still needs assistance from various families to establish himself. Lord Guo’s understanding and reasonableness are indeed fortunate for me.”
Guo Tong laughed heartily, “Sir has a deep friendship with Wang Mao and with Sun Wenzhong taking up a position as a deputy. Although Guo has limited abilities, I will do my best to help.”
Wang Wen comes from the Jinyang Wang family, Sun Li is from the Sun family, and now Guo Tong represents the Guo family. The three major high-ranking families in Jinyang all have connections with the governor’s office. With Guo’s explicit support, Liang Feng can rightfully establish himself in Bing County. The significance of this cannot be understated.
Liang Feng also smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. These high-ranking families have been a constant trouble for him. If he uses too heavy-handed methods, there will inevitably be repercussions. However, if he keeps retreating, the real power will slip away. This is just one province; what if the entire country is like this? It’s better to wait patiently for the situation to deteriorate further, with Luoyang falling, and tens of thousands of elites migrating south. When all these high-ranking families flee, leaving behind an empty canvas, that’s when he can make his move…
However, as this thought emerged, Liang Feng broke out in a cold sweat. What was he really hoping for? To achieve this goal, how many innocent civilians would perish in the wilderness?
His fingernails dug into his palm. Liang Feng gritted his teeth, forcefully suppressing that chilling idea deep within his heart.
Babuu, please don’t become a tyrant…
