Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson Lords Chapter 104: Tea and Conversation Between Father-in-law and Son-in-law (Part II)

Wei Fufeng nodded and said, "Gu Yanhui and Sun Kui are dull-witted men who fail to grasp the principle of striking first. They fear losing to Li Maozhen and seek temporary safety, not realizing that sooner or later they will have to fight Li Maozhen to the death. If Sun Kui petitions to attack Li Maozhen, I will certainly participate, but I will also bear the consequences of actively provoking fire upon myself."

Li Ji said, "Perhaps their hesitation comes from worrying that Southern Sichuan will end up as the bystander."

Wei Fufeng nodded, "If I can protect myself, I would not recklessly take risks. It’s difficult not to end up as the bystander."

Li Ji inwardly admired Wei Fufeng’s confidence. Facts spoke louder than words: entering Southern Sichuan to establish a base, seizing Jin Prefecture, capturing Badong—Wei Fufeng’s proactive strategy always prioritized clever planning, with military action as a secondary measure.

In his contemplation, Li Ji couldn’t help but ask, "Fufeng, when do you think it will be appropriate to advance into Western Sichuan? Surely not after Li Maozhen takes Eastern Sichuan and Xingyuan Prefecture?"

Wei Fufeng sighed quietly. Li Ji’s mindset reflected that of many officials in high positions, all eyes fixed on Chengdu, believing that controlling Chengdu was the key to advantage, while viewing regions beyond as wilderness.

After a moment’s thought, Wei Fufeng said, "If Li Maozhen pushes into Eastern Sichuan, I might advance to seize Hezhou. If he moves on Xingyuan Prefecture, I will definitely capture the prefectures in the western mountain route of Southern Sichuan, such as Bazhong, to form a strategic defense line including Hezhou, Langzhou, Bazhou, and Bizhou."

Li Ji nodded. Wei Fufeng continued, "Holding Bazhong, south of Xingyuan Prefecture, will allow us to expand influence and ease Li Maozhen’s hostility, making him psychologically feel that marching south to compete is not worth it, possibly shifting his focus to consolidating Xingyuan Prefecture."

Li Ji nodded again. Wei Fufeng took a sip of tea and added, "Recently, your son-in-law has made a new realization. If I do not engage Li Maozhen directly, using him to attract the court’s attention, it will also alert the Hedong and Xuanwu armies."

Li Ji glanced at Wei Fufeng in mild surprise. Wei Fufeng added, "When a powerful vassal reaches the level of Cao Cao, ambition arises to control the emperor and command the princes. If Li Maozhen secures Western Sichuan, then Eastern Sichuan and Xingyuan Prefecture, he may aim to control the court."

Li Ji’s fingers trembled slightly as he lifted his tea bowl, inwardly startled by Wei Fufeng’s words. It was clear that Wei Fufeng deliberately tolerated Li Maozhen’s rise.

Calmly sipping tea, Wei Fufeng changed the subject, "Father-in-law, has there been any news from Uncle Li Xianbo? He still hasn’t arrived in Zhongzhou for his appointment."

Li Ji replied candidly, "My second brother hasn’t taken up his post. In a letter, he said it was at the behest of Wei’s uncle, who fears revealing matters concerning Badong. Also, my brother is needed in the court to gather intelligence." He showed no surprise at Wei Fufeng’s ‘ignorance.’

Wei Fufeng nodded and sincerely said, "When you return this time, after the New Year, I will marry Ninth Lady and Fourteenth Lady."

Li Ji responded, "After the New Year, aren’t you supposed to lead a campaign in Hunan?"

"I can marry first and then set out," Wei Fufeng replied.

Li Ji’s expression turned serious, "Don’t let personal matters interfere with great affairs. You and Ninth Lady are still young; it’s better to wed after securing Hunan."

Wei Fufeng could only nod. In truth, he was not in a hurry, but having married Lin Qingxue, he needed to show sincere intentions toward the Li family. He believed Li Ji was not unwilling to marry off his daughters; with Wei’s current achievements and titles, the match was well suited.

...

As the boat sailed through the Three Gorges, Wei Fufeng no longer maintained constant vigilance; Badong had become his territory. Yet, to conceal his movements, he had to stay inside the cabin.

They arrived smoothly at Kuizhou, where, upon landing, Wei Fufeng faced inspection by the local militia.

Badong’s military forces were divided into two groups: twenty thousand troops from Southern Sichuan’s military, and the militia under the administration of the regional governor.

The Southern Sichuan troops were split into two parts: ten thousand guarding Guizhou, ten thousand guarding Kuizhou. They did not engage in local duties but stayed in the city for training or labor, such as manufacturing military equipment.

Wei Fufeng had told Li Ji he wouldn’t advance into Jingzhou for now—that was a cautious stance. Once the opportunity arose, they would certainly seize the chance to take Jingzhou, making the territory more defensible.

After the inspection, they were allowed through. Wei Fufeng, clad in chainmail, mingled among the soldiers and marched on foot toward Jin Prefecture.

...

At noon, they rested in Wuxi, where Wei Fufeng ate with the soldiers.

At this moment, Fourteenth Lady sought him out. Wei Fufeng left the group to speak with her privately.

"Husband, why don’t you ride in the carriage? Why don’t you eat with us?" Fourteenth Lady asked shyly and innocently.

"I’m marching outside and need to train myself. I can’t indulge in ease," Wei Fufeng answered with a warm smile.

Fourteenth Lady softly acknowledged and whispered, "Mother said that once we reach Jin Prefecture, Mingyu will accompany you instead of going with us to Chang’an."

Wei Fufeng nodded. Fourteenth Lady shyly asked, "After the New Year, will you go to Chang’an?"

"I should pay New Year’s respects to Lord Li Qin, but I must go quietly, without drawing attention," Wei Fufeng replied gently.

"Why can’t it be public?" she asked, puzzled.

"As Military Commissioner, I cannot leave my post without permission to visit the capital. If the court finds out, I could be punished. So I must visit discreetly," Wei Fufeng explained.

Fourteenth Lady nodded and whispered, "I won’t tell anyone."

Wei Fufeng smiled and nodded warmly, "Go back now."

Fourteenth Lady nodded and softly said, "It’s cold in Chang’an. Husband, dress warmly."

Wei Fufeng smiled and nodded. Fourteenth Lady turned shyly and walked away. Wei Fufeng watched her beautiful figure until she disappeared, then turned and walked back.

...

Arriving south of the Han River, they beheld a majestic great city. His prospective father-in-law and family were full of awe.

That day, Jin Prefecture was blanketed by a heavy snowfall. The city walls were covered in white, resembling a white dragon stretching across the sky from afar.

Entering the city, the scenery was a silver-clad wonderland. They saw a winding river flowing like a dragon through the city, spanned by bridges and dotted with boats.

"Husband, this place has navigable rivers just like Bacheng," Fourteenth Lady said innocently.

Wei Fufeng smiled, "Jin Prefecture lies embraced by the Han River. It’s suitable to dig canals to form rivers within the city, which helps with boat traffic, sewage drainage, and irrigation. The city’s construction was modeled after Bianliang."

Li Ji nodded, "Bianliang, home of the Xuanwu army, thrived thanks to the Grand Canal as a hub of culture and commerce. No wonder the Xuanwu commander Zhu Wen became so powerful."

"Bianliang sits in the heartland of the Central Plains, a battlefield for four great wars. It’s easy to build strength there, but just as easy to perish," Wei Fufeng shared his viewpoint.

"Fufeng, if you had to choose, where do you think is best for making a lasting base?" Li Ji asked.

"Either the Central Plains or Hedong. The Central Plains excel in agriculture and commerce; Hedong is suited for offense and defense. Hedong has horse pastures, fierce and warlike people. Taiyuan’s agriculture rivals Chengdu’s. Unfortunately, Li Keyong was poor at governance, like a steppe warrior favoring war and plunder. He may not withstand Zhu Wen in the end," Wei Fufeng replied.

Li Ji shifted and asked, "What do you think of Han Jian? You seem to underestimate his power?"

"Han Jian controls a strategically doomed region. To the north are the Hezhong and Hedong armies, east lies the Xuanwu army, and we restrain the south. When Xuanwu grows strong, it will surely target the western Tang court. Han Jian will become an obstacle," Wei Fufeng answered.

...

"Fufeng, do you think Han Jian might launch an attack on Jin or Jun Prefecture?" Li Ji asked.

"Fifth Uncle sent me intelligence that Han Jian once secretly stationed troops at Wuguan in Shangzhou, intending to strike Jun Prefecture. But Fifth Uncle’s elite Jincheng army was stationed there. Han Jian couldn’t seize Jun quickly and had to retreat. His weakness is his army’s inability to leave Tongguan for long," Wei Fufeng answered.

Li Ji was surprised. He had meant only to warn, but Jin Prefecture had already clashed with Han Jian’s forces. Judging by Wei Fufeng’s tone, Han Jian was not a serious threat.

Wei Fufeng added, "Han Jian will attack Jin or Jun again someday. The south is his only chance to expand."

Li Ji nodded and asked, "Could the Loyalty and Righteousness army or Jingnan collude with Han Jian?"

"The Loyalty and Righteousness army is unlikely to collude with Han Jian. When we seized Jun and Fang Prefecture, they remained silent. They fear Han Jian occupying Jun more than anything," Wei Fufeng said.

"And Jingnan?" Li Ji asked.

Wei Fufeng shook his head, "Also unlikely. Cheng Rui prefers to recuperate. If he allied with Han Jian, he might at most seize Fang Prefecture but would face direct threat from Han Jian—not worth the risk."

Li Ji nodded, "Like lips and teeth, the Loyalty and Righteousness army and Jingnan both fear Han Jian. The Wei family’s presence in Jin Prefecture acts as a de facto barrier."

Wei Fufeng said, "Han Jian’s land is a battleground with no wealth to rely on. In contrast, Li Maozhen controls the fertile Wei River granary and has seized Chengdu’s rich lands. In the future, Yangzhou may fall to Li Maozhen, and Tongguan could be taken by the Xuanwu army or preemptively by Li Maozhen."

Li Ji worried, "If Yangzhou falls to Li Maozhen, won’t that pose a great threat to Jin Prefecture?"

"We cannot compete with Li Maozhen for Yangzhou; it’s hard to defend. But if we seize Jingzhou, Jin Prefecture can be defended without worry," Wei Fufeng replied.

Li Ji nodded. Wei Fufeng added, "Jin Prefecture’s grand riverside city was built mainly for defense."

Li Ji nodded, his eyes catching the sight of numerous troops drilling in the distance, the beating of drums and shouts stirring a heroic spirit. Both men silently observed.

...

The boat reached outside the inner city and passed through the water gate into the inner city.

Inside were neat rows of thatched houses—barracks and civilian dwellings; renovations were ongoing and could not be completed soon, but the plan was set.

The boat docked a hundred meters inside the inner city. Wei Fufeng disembarked and stood at the shore, waving farewell to Fourteenth Lady and Mingyu.

Li Ji, as the governor of Fuzhou, should pay respects to Wei Fufeng’s grandfather since he had come to Jin Prefecture.

After they disappeared from view, Wei Fufeng and ten subordinates headed toward the inner city’s south gate.

The inner city gates were all guarded by Fufeng’s troops, outwardly called the Jincheng army—a clever ruse substituting one army for another, whose secrecy they hoped to maintain as long as possible.

One subordinate went ahead to notify. When Wei Fufeng arrived, the military commander Wang Hai was already waiting at the gate. Wei Fufeng approached, received the respectful salutes of the soldiers, and then ascended the city tower.