“Rong’er, the chilled sweet rice wine, use less.” Watching his son enjoy the meal, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile.
Since the end of the New Year, Liang Feng has become busy again. In preparation for the imminent acquisition of Ji County, the imperial examination in Jinyang had been reopened, ready to recruit officials. Two imperial examinations in one year were quite surprising, but there was no other choice. The vast territory was eagerly awaiting capable individuals, and there was no time for reservation. Moreover, with the current stability in Bing County and the news of the imperial examination spreading far and wide, candidates from humble backgrounds or minor aristocratic families in other states and counties were flocking to seek opportunities. In such a situation, not holding the examination would be a waste.
With this major event, other matters had to take a back seat. The examination only took two days, but the grading process took more time. After the announcement of the examination results, it would coincide with the Hanshi Festival on the third day of the third lunar month. At that time, manpower would be organized to conduct the assessment of the Nine Ranks, marking the significant restoration of the Zhongzheng in Bing County after four years. In addition, with Guo Tong serving as the Zhongzheng, appointed by the court, there might be further complications.
However, no matter how busy he was, Liang Feng still managed to set aside a day to spend the Hanshi Festival with his son.
The Hanshi Festival was not a major holiday but rather a custom in Bing County. During these three days, people refrained from lighting fires and consumed only cold food. In the chilly spring, eating cold meals for three days seemed impractical. However, even when Emperor Wu of Wei issued the “Clear Punishments Edict,” it failed to stop the customs of the Hanshi Festival. Under Liang Feng’s administration, there were slight modifications, reducing the three-day observance to one day, set on the day before Qingming.
Qingming was only a solar term in the lunar calendar at this point, not a real festival, and had no associated customs. Liang Feng introduced a practice from the future, observing Hanshi by abstaining from fire and eating cold food, and then lighting fires and conducting tomb-sweeping on Qingming. This alternation of yin and yang, mourning and seeking renewal, was more readily accepted by the people. Although the time for consuming cold food in spring was shortened by only two days, it held significant meaning for the frail elderly and children. Simply reducing the time of drinking cold water might prevent numerous infections.
However, the Governor’s Mansion had no such concerns. The water had been boiled and cooled the day before, and plenty of pastries and cold dishes were prepared. Even traditional festival foods like dried porridge and sweet rice wine were modified. For example, the sweet rice wine, originally made by simmering glutinous rice and barley into a curd-like texture, with crushed almonds added. In the hands of the chefs in the Liang mansion, during the cooking process, they added sheep’s milk and dried fruits, making them refreshing when cold and rich and pure when hot. During the Cold Food Festival, it was distributed to the staff of the mansion, serving as a ritual.
Liang Rong was in the sweet-toothed phase of his youth, naturally loving this sweet-like sweet rice wine. Hearing his father’s advice, he reluctantly put down the spoon and picked up a piece of sliced boiled lamb, savoring it slowly. The meat was tender, fragrant, and devoid of any gamey smell. It was rich in flavor and color, complemented by sweet sauce or fragrant vinegar, creating a unique taste. Besides these two items, there were four kinds of pastries and two vegetable dishes on the table; it hardly looked like a Hanshi Festival.
Liang Rong was well aware that these were preparations for the feast, catering to his preferences. In the past few days, the Chongwen Academy had officially moved to Jinyang, and he had resumed his studies, spending even less time with Liang Feng. However, Liang Rong never felt lonely because, in these subtle moments, he could sense his father’s care for him. Compared to classmates separated from their parents in the academy, he considered himself very fortunate.
After leisurely finishing the meal and rinsing his mouth, Liang Rong couldn’t help but ask, “Father, are you going to the Yamen?”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Why? Does Rong’er want to accompany Father for a post-meal walk?”
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Caught with his intentions exposed, a hint of shyness appeared on the young boy’s face. “Father, it’s been a long time since Rong’er played chess with you.”
Having discerned his son’s thoughts, Liang Feng smiled, “Then let Father see how much Rong’er’s chess skills have improved.”
Although chess was an essential part of aristocratic education, Liang Rong naturally had to learn it. However, at this moment, he shook his head, “Rong’er wants to play Go.”
During their time confined to the Liang mansion, father and son used to play Battle Chess frequently, sometimes spending a couple of hours on it. However, after Liang Rong started school, they played it less often. Even Liang Rong was beginning to miss it.
The corner of his eyebrows twitched involuntarily, and Liang Feng also remembered the days of the past, but back then, it wasn’t just Liang Rong who pestered him to play Go.
Nowadays, at most, two letters arrive from Ye City in a month, both encrypted military reports. What else could they say? There have been months of such unseen days, but the letters from another province, are indeed different.
However, these thoughts were quickly suppressed, and Liang Feng smiled faintly, “What’s the matter? Recently learned military strategy and want to give it a try? Qingmei, fetch the chessboard…”
Liang Rong’s chess skills had indeed improved, perhaps from reading more military books and gaining some awareness of formations. However, before they could play a few rounds, their match was interrupted by an urgent letter.
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The headquarters was attacked by bandit troops, the Western Prefect Feng Chong died in battle, and the Provincial Inspector Ding Shao moved to defend Qinghe. Ji County is in danger!
Setting aside the letter in hand, Liang Feng sighed, “War is about to begin.”
※
“General, the bandits in Zhao Commandery have been eradicated. We’ve annihilated a thousand enemies and reclaimed the three counties of Zhongqiu, Pingji, and Gaoyi.”
Outside the dilapidated city walls, banners fluttered, and the army was ready. The once Zhao Commandery’s administrative center had now become a military camp. After the fall of Xindu, Yiyan led his troops along Zhao Commandery, clearing out the bandits. Though several months had passed since the bandits ransacked the area, the order in various counties had yet to be restored. When the bandits attacked the cities, they demolished the county offices, killed officials, and looted granaries. Losing the officials who managed the people, the commoners below naturally became headless flies. In just a few months, the cities were left desolate, resembling ghostly ruins.
Even if the bandit threat is eliminated, can this city be restored to its former state?
“Order the staff officer to enter the city and take over the defense!” Yiyan commanded the military marshal standing beside him.
This time, the most significant difference from the past was the inclusion of the staff officers. Most of the troops in Bing County were accompanied by staff officers, but these individuals were not private subordinates of the generals. Instead, they were directly appointed by the Provincial Inspector’s Office, consolidated into a unit, providing strategic advice and other military support to the generals. Because such talents were limited, the number of staff officers was not large, and even a ten-thousand-strong army might not be able to fully staff ten officers. However, in Yiyan’s army this time, there was an entire battalion of staff officers!
These individuals were selected from various counties in Bing County, having undergone several assessments. They had outstanding political achievements and exceptional abilities, and many had experience in crisis management. Their responsibility was not to engage in warfare but to swiftly enter the cities after the battle, take over administrative affairs, and manage the governance of the captured cities.
The recent marauding armies had caused significant havoc, rendering the cities they plundered incapable of establishing effective administrative structures, creating a power vacuum. Whether it was the court or the Provincial Inspector of Ji County, there was no time to manage these fallen isolated cities. This situation presented the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the counties of Ji County.
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AD
As long as these officials take charge, stabilize the populace, soothe their grievances, establish effective defense mechanisms, and undertake various administrative tasks such as cultivating land and accommodating refugees promptly, the resources captured during the war, including food and supplies, can be quickly utilized, transforming into manpower resources. It’s worth noting that the bandit armies not only looted cities but also targeted numerous aristocrats and officials. Many of the non-transportable supplies were abandoned and burned, but a significant amount of wealth remains in the hands of the bandit forces. If all of them can be thoroughly defeated, a substantial windfall is within reach.
Jiang Ying swiftly replied, “I’ll arrange it immediately. But General, are we only attacking Zhao Commandery? What about Changshan Commandery?”
Changshan Commandery controls the mountain pass, a critical area contested by the bordering Counties of You and Bing. Leaving it unattended would be a missed opportunity.
Yiyan shook his head, “We can’t afford to delay. Within ten days, Wang Jun will undoubtedly mobilize his forces!”
Jizhou is not the sole focus; Wang Jun, to the north, has long harbored intentions. Upon hearing the news of Xindu’s fall, how could he ignore such an opportunity? His Xianbei cavalry excels in raiding, and within ten days, his massive army will be at the city gates. Facing an opponent with one hundred thousand cavalry while he has less than ten thousand mixed infantry and cavalry, how can they compete?
Now is not the time for a gradual approach; a thunderous strike is necessary!
Jiang Ying, also well-versed in military matters, changed his expression upon hearing this, “But the rebel forces number more than thirty thousand, and they are newly victorious, their morale is high. Engaging them immediately might prove to be challenging.”
The Provincial Inspector’s Office had set many strategies, one of which was to seize more cities in Ji County while Wang Jun mobilized. However, while the strategy was established, the specific command authority still rested in Yiyan’s hands. As long as he issued the order, tactical adjustments could be made accordingly.
“The enemy’s cavalry is numerous, and after a significant victory, they are highly likely to escape from Ji County. If we want to intercept them, we must engage in a decisive battle as soon as possible,” Yiyan’s voice was cold, devoid of any hesitation.
It was no longer just a matter of territorial occupation; it involved intercepting a large quantity of supplies and seizing the crucial opportunity to claim military achievements before Wang Jun. Yiyan had a clear understanding that the Lord desired not only the territory of this province; merely occupying cities would eventually lead to others seizing them. If, however, he could secure the title of Governor of Ji County through military achievements, it would make a significant difference.
Currently, Ji County had no one leading its forces, and even the position of Provincial Inspector was precarious. Delaying at this moment would mean losing the greatest military gains.
Hearing Yiyan’s words, Jiang Ying drew in a breath, “General’s concerns are justified. However, our forces are ultimately inferior to the enemy’s!”
These were not seasoned warriors of Bing County but freshly trained recruits who had yet to set foot on the battlefield. Compared to the bandit armies, they were only slightly stronger. Moreover, their numbers were only seven thousand, not even a third of the enemy’s. Could they win in such a hastily initiated battle?
“No matter. This battle is worth a try,” Yiyan’s gaze turned toward the dilapidated city walls beside him, and he answered in a deep voice.
During the cleansing of Zhao Commandery’s bandits, Yiyan had made significant preparations and thoroughly investigated his opponents. The leader of the bandit forces was also a Jie tribesman—a figure who, instead of seeking refuge with the Lord, had brought calamity upon his fellow kin in the province. This ignited a strong desire for battle within Yiyan; he was no longer the naive youth who would say things like “persuade those rebellious kin to join our Lord.”
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For such a leader of bandit forces, he needed to be eliminated completely! Allowing him to grow in power could potentially influence other kin. Under the Lord’s arrangement, the Jie tribes had been reluctantly accepted into Bing County, allowing them to live peacefully in Shangdang like other subjects. If any trouble arose, who could save them?
The leader of this army was no simple character! For the Lord, for Bing County, the hidden danger must be eliminated as soon as possible!
“Rong’er, the chilled sweet rice wine, use less.” Watching his son enjoy the meal, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile.
Since the end of the New Year, Liang Feng has become busy again. In preparation for the imminent acquisition of Ji County, the imperial examination in Jinyang had been reopened, ready to recruit officials. Two imperial examinations in one year were quite surprising, but there was no other choice. The vast territory was eagerly awaiting capable individuals, and there was no time for reservation. Moreover, with the current stability in Bing County and the news of the imperial examination spreading far and wide, candidates from humble backgrounds or minor aristocratic families in other states and counties were flocking to seek opportunities. In such a situation, not holding the examination would be a waste.
With this major event, other matters had to take a back seat. The examination only took two days, but the grading process took more time. After the announcement of the examination results, it would coincide with the Hanshi Festival on the third day of the third lunar month. At that time, manpower would be organized to conduct the assessment of the Nine Ranks, marking the significant restoration of the Zhongzheng in Bing County after four years. In addition, with Guo Tong serving as the Zhongzheng, appointed by the court, there might be further complications.
However, no matter how busy he was, Liang Feng still managed to set aside a day to spend the Hanshi Festival with his son.
The Hanshi Festival was not a major holiday but rather a custom in Bing County. During these three days, people refrained from lighting fires and consumed only cold food. In the chilly spring, eating cold meals for three days seemed impractical. However, even when Emperor Wu of Wei issued the “Clear Punishments Edict,” it failed to stop the customs of the Hanshi Festival. Under Liang Feng’s administration, there were slight modifications, reducing the three-day observance to one day, set on the day before Qingming.
Qingming was only a solar term in the lunar calendar at this point, not a real festival, and had no associated customs. Liang Feng introduced a practice from the future, observing Hanshi by abstaining from fire and eating cold food, and then lighting fires and conducting tomb-sweeping on Qingming. This alternation of yin and yang, mourning and seeking renewal, was more readily accepted by the people. Although the time for consuming cold food in spring was shortened by only two days, it held significant meaning for the frail elderly and children. Simply reducing the time of drinking cold water might prevent numerous infections.
However, the Governor’s Mansion had no such concerns. The water had been boiled and cooled the day before, and plenty of pastries and cold dishes were prepared. Even traditional festival foods like dried porridge and sweet rice wine were modified. For example, the sweet rice wine, originally made by simmering glutinous rice and barley into a curd-like texture, with crushed almonds added. In the hands of the chefs in the Liang mansion, during the cooking process, they added sheep’s milk and dried fruits, making them refreshing when cold and rich and pure when hot. During the Cold Food Festival, it was distributed to the staff of the mansion, serving as a ritual.
Liang Rong was in the sweet-toothed phase of his youth, naturally loving this sweet-like sweet rice wine. Hearing his father’s advice, he reluctantly put down the spoon and picked up a piece of sliced boiled lamb, savoring it slowly. The meat was tender, fragrant, and devoid of any gamey smell. It was rich in flavor and color, complemented by sweet sauce or fragrant vinegar, creating a unique taste. Besides these two items, there were four kinds of pastries and two vegetable dishes on the table; it hardly looked like a Hanshi Festival.
Liang Rong was well aware that these were preparations for the feast, catering to his preferences. In the past few days, the Chongwen Academy had officially moved to Jinyang, and he had resumed his studies, spending even less time with Liang Feng. However, Liang Rong never felt lonely because, in these subtle moments, he could sense his father’s care for him. Compared to classmates separated from their parents in the academy, he considered himself very fortunate.
After leisurely finishing the meal and rinsing his mouth, Liang Rong couldn’t help but ask, “Father, are you going to the Yamen?”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Why? Does Rong’er want to accompany Father for a post-meal walk?”
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AD
Caught with his intentions exposed, a hint of shyness appeared on the young boy’s face. “Father, it’s been a long time since Rong’er played chess with you.”
Having discerned his son’s thoughts, Liang Feng smiled, “Then let Father see how much Rong’er’s chess skills have improved.”
Although chess was an essential part of aristocratic education, Liang Rong naturally had to learn it. However, at this moment, he shook his head, “Rong’er wants to play Go.”
During their time confined to the Liang mansion, father and son used to play Battle Chess frequently, sometimes spending a couple of hours on it. However, after Liang Rong started school, they played it less often. Even Liang Rong was beginning to miss it.
The corner of his eyebrows twitched involuntarily, and Liang Feng also remembered the days of the past, but back then, it wasn’t just Liang Rong who pestered him to play Go.
Nowadays, at most, two letters arrive from Ye City in a month, both encrypted military reports. What else could they say? There have been months of such unseen days, but the letters from another province, are indeed different.
However, these thoughts were quickly suppressed, and Liang Feng smiled faintly, “What’s the matter? Recently learned military strategy and want to give it a try? Qingmei, fetch the chessboard…”
Liang Rong’s chess skills had indeed improved, perhaps from reading more military books and gaining some awareness of formations. However, before they could play a few rounds, their match was interrupted by an urgent letter.
Advertisement
AD
The headquarters was attacked by bandit troops, the Western Prefect Feng Chong died in battle, and the Provincial Inspector Ding Shao moved to defend Qinghe. Ji County is in danger!
Setting aside the letter in hand, Liang Feng sighed, “War is about to begin.”
※
“General, the bandits in Zhao Commandery have been eradicated. We’ve annihilated a thousand enemies and reclaimed the three counties of Zhongqiu, Pingji, and Gaoyi.”
Outside the dilapidated city walls, banners fluttered, and the army was ready. The once Zhao Commandery’s administrative center had now become a military camp. After the fall of Xindu, Yiyan led his troops along Zhao Commandery, clearing out the bandits. Though several months had passed since the bandits ransacked the area, the order in various counties had yet to be restored. When the bandits attacked the cities, they demolished the county offices, killed officials, and looted granaries. Losing the officials who managed the people, the commoners below naturally became headless flies. In just a few months, the cities were left desolate, resembling ghostly ruins.
Even if the bandit threat is eliminated, can this city be restored to its former state?
“Order the staff officer to enter the city and take over the defense!” Yiyan commanded the military marshal standing beside him.
This time, the most significant difference from the past was the inclusion of the staff officers. Most of the troops in Bing County were accompanied by staff officers, but these individuals were not private subordinates of the generals. Instead, they were directly appointed by the Provincial Inspector’s Office, consolidated into a unit, providing strategic advice and other military support to the generals. Because such talents were limited, the number of staff officers was not large, and even a ten-thousand-strong army might not be able to fully staff ten officers. However, in Yiyan’s army this time, there was an entire battalion of staff officers!
These individuals were selected from various counties in Bing County, having undergone several assessments. They had outstanding political achievements and exceptional abilities, and many had experience in crisis management. Their responsibility was not to engage in warfare but to swiftly enter the cities after the battle, take over administrative affairs, and manage the governance of the captured cities.
The recent marauding armies had caused significant havoc, rendering the cities they plundered incapable of establishing effective administrative structures, creating a power vacuum. Whether it was the court or the Provincial Inspector of Ji County, there was no time to manage these fallen isolated cities. This situation presented the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the counties of Ji County.
Advertisement
AD
As long as these officials take charge, stabilize the populace, soothe their grievances, establish effective defense mechanisms, and undertake various administrative tasks such as cultivating land and accommodating refugees promptly, the resources captured during the war, including food and supplies, can be quickly utilized, transforming into manpower resources. It’s worth noting that the bandit armies not only looted cities but also targeted numerous aristocrats and officials. Many of the non-transportable supplies were abandoned and burned, but a significant amount of wealth remains in the hands of the bandit forces. If all of them can be thoroughly defeated, a substantial windfall is within reach.
Jiang Ying swiftly replied, “I’ll arrange it immediately. But General, are we only attacking Zhao Commandery? What about Changshan Commandery?”
Changshan Commandery controls the mountain pass, a critical area contested by the bordering Counties of You and Bing. Leaving it unattended would be a missed opportunity.
Yiyan shook his head, “We can’t afford to delay. Within ten days, Wang Jun will undoubtedly mobilize his forces!”
Jizhou is not the sole focus; Wang Jun, to the north, has long harbored intentions. Upon hearing the news of Xindu’s fall, how could he ignore such an opportunity? His Xianbei cavalry excels in raiding, and within ten days, his massive army will be at the city gates. Facing an opponent with one hundred thousand cavalry while he has less than ten thousand mixed infantry and cavalry, how can they compete?
Now is not the time for a gradual approach; a thunderous strike is necessary!
Jiang Ying, also well-versed in military matters, changed his expression upon hearing this, “But the rebel forces number more than thirty thousand, and they are newly victorious, their morale is high. Engaging them immediately might prove to be challenging.”
The Provincial Inspector’s Office had set many strategies, one of which was to seize more cities in Ji County while Wang Jun mobilized. However, while the strategy was established, the specific command authority still rested in Yiyan’s hands. As long as he issued the order, tactical adjustments could be made accordingly.
“The enemy’s cavalry is numerous, and after a significant victory, they are highly likely to escape from Ji County. If we want to intercept them, we must engage in a decisive battle as soon as possible,” Yiyan’s voice was cold, devoid of any hesitation.
It was no longer just a matter of territorial occupation; it involved intercepting a large quantity of supplies and seizing the crucial opportunity to claim military achievements before Wang Jun. Yiyan had a clear understanding that the Lord desired not only the territory of this province; merely occupying cities would eventually lead to others seizing them. If, however, he could secure the title of Governor of Ji County through military achievements, it would make a significant difference.
Currently, Ji County had no one leading its forces, and even the position of Provincial Inspector was precarious. Delaying at this moment would mean losing the greatest military gains.
Hearing Yiyan’s words, Jiang Ying drew in a breath, “General’s concerns are justified. However, our forces are ultimately inferior to the enemy’s!”
These were not seasoned warriors of Bing County but freshly trained recruits who had yet to set foot on the battlefield. Compared to the bandit armies, they were only slightly stronger. Moreover, their numbers were only seven thousand, not even a third of the enemy’s. Could they win in such a hastily initiated battle?
“No matter. This battle is worth a try,” Yiyan’s gaze turned toward the dilapidated city walls beside him, and he answered in a deep voice.
During the cleansing of Zhao Commandery’s bandits, Yiyan had made significant preparations and thoroughly investigated his opponents. The leader of the bandit forces was also a Jie tribesman—a figure who, instead of seeking refuge with the Lord, had brought calamity upon his fellow kin in the province. This ignited a strong desire for battle within Yiyan; he was no longer the naive youth who would say things like “persuade those rebellious kin to join our Lord.”
Advertisement
AD
For such a leader of bandit forces, he needed to be eliminated completely! Allowing him to grow in power could potentially influence other kin. Under the Lord’s arrangement, the Jie tribes had been reluctantly accepted into Bing County, allowing them to live peacefully in Shangdang like other subjects. If any trouble arose, who could save them?
The leader of this army was no simple character! For the Lord, for Bing County, the hidden danger must be eliminated as soon as possible!
