Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson Lords Chapter 103: A Tea-Time Conversation Between Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law (Part One)
As the year drew to a close, Wei Fufeng needed to journey to Jinzhou for a reunion, while his future father-in-law’s family planned to return to Chang’an for their own gathering.
Out of courtesy, if Wei Fufeng was to go to Jinzhou, he would have to pay a visit to the Li family residence.
After some discussion, Lin Qingxue, Xiaoxue, and Amber stayed behind in Yuzhou.
In Yuzhou, Wei Fufeng solemnly declared Lin Qingxue as the Great Madam, her status effectively representing Wei Fufeng and granting her the authority to handle military and administrative affairs under his command.
Amber’s relatives from Shangzhou were brought to reside in Bacheng.
Amber’s uncle, who had lost a leg, was appointed by Wei Fufeng as the deputy chief of the military office in Qianzhou. Qianzhou had four military offices under the Yingtian command, and Amber’s uncle served beneath the Yingtian official.
When appointing him, Wei Fufeng reminded Amber’s uncle to take pride in having served under the Fufeng army, noting that his injury had been sustained during the Hedong campaign. Amber’s uncle fully understood and was deeply grateful.
Wei Fufeng set off quietly by boat, with Lin Qingxue, Xiaoxue, and Amber watching from the city tower until the vessel was no longer visible.
Parting once again from his beloved, Wei Fufeng felt a pang of sorrow and reluctance. For safety, he remained hidden in the cabin, accompanied by only ten guards on this journey, although upon reaching Fuzhou, three hundred soldiers awaited to escort him.
Upon arrival at Fuzhou, his future father-in-law and the soldiers were already aboard a ship at the dock.
As soon as Wei Fufeng’s boat docked, the fleet immediately set sail. After leaving Fuzhou, Wei Fufeng moved to his future father-in-law’s ship to meet with him.
Entering the cabin, he found the family standing inside. Wei Fufeng approached respectfully and greeted them, then sat down with his future father-in-law. Fourteen-niang and Mingyu brought tea, fruit, and pastries.
Fourteen-niang wore a lotus-green dress, her hair loosely tied after flowing over her shoulders. Her full cheeks displayed a hint of shyness, her smile charming and lovely. She had blossomed into a radiant young lady, no longer the tender girl Wei Fufeng remembered from their first meeting.
Wei Fufeng smiled warmly at Fourteen-niang and Mingyu, his gentle gaze conveying greetings and affection.
Fourteen-niang shyly stepped away with noticeably hurried footsteps, as if returning to her former spirited self.
Mingyu departed with dignified grace; at eighteen, she had grown even more elegant and refined, her bearing noble as if a lady from a wealthy family. Indeed, in Fuzhou, no one regarded her as a servant.
Wei Fufeng smiled and turned his head, sipping his tea thoughtfully, reflecting on how nearly two years had passed.
Two years ago, he was an unremarkable and lowly illegitimate son. Now, he wielded great power as a regional overlord.
“Fufeng, do you have plans to advance into Jingnan?” his future father-in-law quickly broached the strategic matter.
“No,” Wei Fufeng replied. “Cheng Rui enjoys deep popular support in Jingnan. To forcibly invade would only lead to mutual destruction. The south of Sichuan, Badong, and Jinzhou all need long-term stability and a firm foundation.”
“Uncle believes precisely because Cheng Rui is beloved by the people, we should seize the opportunity sooner rather than later. The longer we wait, the greater the price we’ll pay,” Li Ji expressed his viewpoint.
“Uncle, strategically, the southern Sichuan forces have the advantage in launching an attack on Jingnan, but if they cannot achieve a swift victory, it will become a prolonged siege and war of attrition. Back then, Qin Zongquan’s forces besieged Jiangling for over a year without success. The result will be the same for southern Sichuan,” Wei Fufeng explained.
Li Ji considered this and nodded. Wei Fufeng continued, “A sharp sword hanging over the enemy’s head will keep them in constant fear. Under such pressure, Cheng Rui must strengthen his army, which will increase the exploitation of Jingnan, breeding resentment among the people.”
Li Ji’s expression shifted slightly, instantly grasping the meaning of the highest form of warfare: subduing the enemy without battle.
Wei Fufeng added, “If the southern Sichuan army remains inactive, it maintains the initiative. Neither the Fengxiang army, the Eastern Sichuan forces, nor the imperial court dares advance into southern Sichuan.”
Li Ji nodded in agreement. Wei Fufeng went on, “Jingnan, like Chengdu, is fertile land stretching thousands of miles. It is hard to conquer, but even harder to hold.”
Li Ji acknowledged this with a nod. Wei Fufeng continued, “I’ve heard that the Xuanwu army in Henandao seized Shouzhou during the chaos in Huainandao. Their southern ambitions are now clear. In a few years, they may attempt to capture Huainandao and old territories in Shannan East Road. We cannot afford a war of attrition with Cheng Rui.”
“The Xuanwu army seized Shouzhou?” Li Ji was surprised.
Wei Fufeng nodded. “After suppressing the Hedong rebellion, the Xuanwu army’s strength expanded further. They took Caozhou in the north and Shouzhou in the south. Next, they may push into Huainandao or move toward the old lands of Shannan East Road.”
Li Ji frowned. Wei Fufeng added, “Also, Fengxiang’s military governor Li Maozhen, after capturing Western Sichuan, now aims for Eastern Sichuan and Shannan West Road. Therefore, southern Sichuan cannot spare too many troops.”
Li Ji said, “I heard that during the Hedong campaign, Li Maozhen’s forces were fragile. Having only recently taken Western Sichuan, the people have yet to accept him.”
Wei Fufeng smiled. “Your words, respected father-in-law, imply a suggestion to launch an attack on Western Sichuan.”
Li Ji nodded. “Chengdu’s fertile land and rapid recovery make it a prize we should seize early, striking first.”
“We do not plan to take Western Sichuan,” Wei Fufeng explained calmly. “First, the southern Sichuan army’s combat effectiveness is weak. Second, Li Maozhen is recognized by the court. If I take Western Sichuan, I would lose court support and likely be branded a rebel. I would risk losing my position as military governor of southern Sichuan.”
Li Ji was momentarily stunned, then nodded in understanding.
Taking a sip of tea, Wei Fufeng continued, “Father-in-law, while you’re in Fuzhou, have you heard of Military Governor Lei Man of Wuzhen?”
Li Ji nodded. “Yes. Lei Man holds Yan and Langzhou, located west of Dongting Lake and east of Qianzhong Road. His influence over the Liao people in Chenzhou and Xizhou is significant.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “Lei Man is said to be of Liao descent. During the Huang Chao rebellion, he seized Yan and Langzhou, pledging allegiance to Gao Pian to receive an official post. He is close to the adjacent Liao communities, many of whom have yet to pledge loyalty to me.”
Li Ji said, “Lei Man’s power should not be underestimated. Son-in-law, do you intend to attack Lei Man? The Wuzhen military governor is under the jurisdiction of the Xuan king’s fief.”
“Before taking Jingnan, we cannot attack Lei Man,” Wei Fufeng replied. “He is like a mountain bandit, frequently raiding Jingnan and causing Cheng Rui great harm.”
Li Ji nodded. “I’ve heard Lei Man is brutal and fierce, behaving like a bandit. That is characteristic of the Xidong-born Liao people.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “To the south of the Wuzhen army lies the Wuan military district (Changsha). I have intentions to develop there.”
Li Ji was slightly surprised. “Wuan army was once the Hunan Inspection Commission. I hear the current military governor is Zhou Yue.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “Zhou Yue was formerly the governor of Hengzhou under Hunan’s commission. During the invasion of Jingnan by Qin Zongquan’s forces, he rebelled and attacked Tanzhou and Changsha. The Hunan Inspection Commission sought help from Qin Zongquan’s forces, inviting the wolf inside and was destroyed. Zhou Yue defeated the invading forces, seized Tanzhou and Changsha, then petitioned the court and was recognized by the current emperor as military governor of Wuan.”
Li Ji listened and bitterly smiled. “The court is foolish to continually tolerate and recognize rebels. The result is loss of prestige, an unworthy cost.”
Wei Fufeng ignored Li Ji’s lament and continued, “Hunan has experienced several brief bouts of chaos, leaving the people and power structures in disarray. The turmoil between Sun Ru and Yang Xingmi caused refugees to flee downstream to Jiangxi and Hunan. Capturing Hunan would gain us a population of displaced people.”
Li Ji nodded. “Hunan borders Qianzhong Road. Do you plan to advance into Hunan via northern Qian territory?”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “If we take Hunan, we can petition the court to become the military governor of Wuan army and quietly build strength in the south, perhaps even reestablishing the territory Liu Bei once held during the Three Kingdoms.”
Li Ji was momentarily stunned, then nodded. “Ancient Liu Bei indeed used the Xiang River as a boundary, controlling Hunan and Guizhou, rivaling Sun Quan of Eastern Wu.”
Wei Fufeng said, “Given the current situation, it seems the realm will be divided among several powerful fiefs: Fengxiang army under Li Maozhen, Hedong army under Li Keyong, Xuanwu army under Zhu Wen, and either Sun Ru or Yang Xingmi in Huainan. Our development can only move southward. The south is fragmented and weak. By taking Hunan, we can become a strong fief in the southwest.”
Li Ji nodded. “It’s unwise to challenge the northern powers directly. The chaos between Sun Ru and Yang Xingmi weakened Jiangnan. Perhaps we can take advantage of their strife.”
Wei Fufeng shook his head. “We must not be overly greedy. Like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, the cost outweighs the gain. If we extend too far, we risk overextension and collapse.”
Li Ji nodded. Wei Fufeng continued, “The greatest fear for later generations is internal betrayal. Rushing to conquer vast lands, even with a military office to keep balance, cannot prevent powerful generals from becoming ambitious. Many officers, once commanding large armies, desire the position of military governor. If granted, they become a fief within a fief. If denied, resentment brews, sowing the seeds of rebellion.”
Li Ji nodded solemnly. Wei Fufeng added, “In March, I will personally lead the campaign to Tanzhou to lay the foundation for southern expansion.”
“If you lead troops to Tanzhou, southern Sichuan will inevitably be left vulnerable. Won’t the Fengxiang army from Western Sichuan seize the opportunity to invade southern Sichuan?” Li Ji expressed concern.
“The Fengxiang army is mostly a disorganized rabble,” Wei Fufeng responded. “Li Maozhen’s focus is stabilizing Western Sichuan. In fact, his frontlines are stretched thin. Fearing desertion, the Fengxiang forces are dispersed for defense.”
Li Ji nodded. Wei Fufeng added, “According to intelligence, Li Maozhen is most concerned about Fengxiang Prefecture. Previously, a surprise large army took Western Sichuan, but now he dares not send such a force southward. If Fengxiang Prefecture is weakened, the court will surely seize the chance to take it. Fengxiang Prefecture and Tongguan are too important to the court.”
“You mentioned Li Maozhen aims to take Eastern Sichuan and Shannan West Road,” Li Ji said.
Wei Fufeng replied, “Li Maozhen’s territory is now long and narrow. The Eastern Sichuan army can strike in the middle. It’s said they have allied with Sun Kui. Once Li Maozhen stabilizes Western Sichuan, he will attack Eastern Sichuan. Compared to that, southern Sichuan is furthest from Fengxiang Prefecture. If Fengxiang is attacked, Li Maozhen won’t have time to send reinforcements.”
Li Ji nodded. Wei Fufeng went on, “Perhaps, as soon as I lead the expedition, Li Maozhen will immediately advance into Eastern Sichuan.”
Li Ji was momentarily startled, then realized with surprise, “We worry about Li Maozhen attacking us, but Li Maozhen also fears southern Sichuan’s assault. He even fears a joint attack by southern Sichuan and Eastern Sichuan against Western Sichuan.”