Volume One The Southern Frontier Chapter 11 Negotiating with a Tiger

The three gathered in the room to discuss the surprise attack on Luzhou.

Old Feng listened to the plan and questioned, "General Wang, don’t you think this is too reckless?"

"As long as there is a chance of success, we should take the risk. The new Prefect has just arrived; the people of Luzhou are wavering. Once the Prefect is executed, most will hesitate and watch," Wang Meng replied.

"I’m concerned that you won’t get to see the Prefect. As the one guarding this region, he won’t easily meet with strangers," Old Feng said.

"I can pretend to be a messenger," Wang Meng replied.

"Even as a messenger, the Prefect would not approach so easily," Old Feng insisted.

"He will likely meet. The new Prefect of Luzhou is a sycophant and a mediocre man. If I pose as a personal guard of Gu Yanlang, he will definitely grant me an audience," Wang Meng asserted.

"Luzhou is a prosperous key region under the Eastern Sichuan Command. Would Gu Yanlang really appoint a mediocrity to guard it?" Old Feng questioned.

"Gu Yanlang has his own methods of employing people," Wang Meng answered.

Old Feng nodded, "A surprise attack is a gamble with one’s life. I don’t want General Wang to fall into grave danger."

"Thank you for your kind concern, Judge Feng," Wang Meng responded.

Wei Fufeng smiled, "General Wang, if we seize Luzhou, how do we get there?"

"Following the flow of the Jialing River will take us straight to Yuzhou. From Yuzhou, we could head upstream on the great river to reach Luzhou, but I don’t think we should take the water route through Yuzhou. Sailing upstream may not be smooth. We could land at Hezhou, travel southwest by land to Dachu County in Changzhou, and from there, take the waterway into the Tuo River, which leads directly to Luzhou," Wang Meng explained.

Wei Fufeng nodded, "Good. We will disembark at Hezhou and let the Inspector proceed to Yuzhou."

Having settled the route, Wei Fufeng dismissed Wang Meng to rest and kept Old Feng for further discussion.

Looking at Old Feng, Wei Fufeng asked, "What do you think are the chances of seizing Luzhou?"

"There’s about a thirty percent chance. I’ve looked into Wang Meng’s background. He used to serve under Yang Shili, the Eastern Sichuan Commander. After Yang Shili’s defeat, he followed his superior to the Western Shannan Command. There, he was known as a fierce general but was not trusted by Commander Yang Shouliang, remaining merely a squad leader," Old Feng said, emphasizing his investigation.

"He was once under Yang Shili of Eastern Sichuan, so he must be familiar with the region," Wei Fufeng remarked.

"Familiarity alone is not enough. Without an inside contact in Luzhou, his plan is nothing but a moth to the flame," Old Feng retorted.

"An inside contact?" Wei Fufeng pondered, then replied, "Perhaps there is one."

"If there is, it hides a great risk," Old Feng murmured.

Wei Fufeng nodded, "I know it’s like bargaining with a tiger. He wants to use my righteousness to gain footing in Luzhou, and he wants Yang Shouliang to mobilize troops to distract Eastern Sichuan’s forces."

"If he does take Luzhou, I fear you’ll end up imprisoned," Old Feng cautioned.

Wei Fufeng nodded, then asked, "Has the wine been delivered?"

"There are three main boats, each carrying a jar under the guise of the county office," Old Feng answered.

Wei Fufeng nodded thoughtfully, then said, "Go investigate matters in Eastern Sichuan. Focus on the relatives and in-laws of the Commander, as well as the Prefects of Luzhou and Changzhou."

"Yes, anything else, young master?" Old Feng asked.

"Nothing for now. Thank you for your efforts," Wei Fufeng replied, and Old Feng took his leave.

Wei Fufeng also left, heading to the inn where the lady in green resided. He knocked, and she opened the door to let him in.

After closing the door behind him, Wei Fufeng turned and smiled at the lady in green.

"Sister," he addressed her affectionately after gazing at her.

The lady in green’s delicate face remained calm, her voice soft, "Purple robe and jade belt—you are now a high official of the Tang Dynasty."

Wei Fufeng shook his head lightly, "The court is in decline; most high titles are empty names. Mine is but a hollow honor."

She spoke calmly, "You have many guards now. You shouldn’t share a room with me."

"With you by my side, I can rest peacefully. I need your support, and your presence conceals my humble origins. Please continue to be patient with me," Wei Fufeng pleaded softly.

She was silent for a moment, then asked gently, "When can you go to Chengdu?"

"I must help my great uncle win. If he fails in West Sichuan, he’ll be dismissed, and the Wei clan will suffer even greater hardship. That’s why I seek to gain military power in Luzhou," Wei Fufeng explained.

She shook her head softly, "Your path will take a long time."

"You have avenged your great grievance, your heart is free. Why not stay with me for the long term?" Wei Fufeng gazed at her, boldly confessing.

She shook her head, "We are not the same. I don’t wish to be entangled in worldly affairs, only to live quietly from now on."

"Sister, in troubled times, there’s no place truly quiet. Even a remote temple cannot escape bandits and war. To retreat alone into the mountains is not a lasting way to live," Wei Fufeng argued.

She shook her head and silently turned away.

Wei Fufeng looked at her beautiful silhouette, feeling warmth within. These days, though they had only interacted respectfully, a tacit affection had grown.

Softly, he moved closer, approaching her, and asked in a low voice, "Sister, could you tell me your name? I wish to remember it in my heart."

"Our meeting is by fate, and fate will part us. There’s no need to know too much," she refused gently.

"You know my name; you should let me know yours. Even if we part, I don’t want my beautiful memories to be marred by regret," Wei Fufeng insisted.

She was silent, and he waited quietly. After a moment, she relented, "You win. My name is Lin Qingxue."

"Qingxue, Sister Qingxue, I will remember it," Wei Fufeng said earnestly.

Lin Qingxue turned to him, "I’ve been accommodating your company only to repay a debt of gratitude."

Wei Fufeng nodded. Lin Qingxue continued, "What is your position, and what do you need me to do? I will try my best to assist you."

Wei Fufeng nodded, stepped forward, and explained quietly.

Lin Qingxue’s delicate face showed surprise as she listened. Wei Fufeng then handed her the command seal, which she examined.

"This seal is for you, Sister," Wei Fufeng said.

Lin Qingxue shook her head, returning it, "Such an important item should never leave your side."

Wei Fufeng smiled and shook his head, "As Commander, my official attire is authority enough. The seal is heavy and burdensome for ceremony. You should hold it; when needed, my command will make you appear even more distinguished."

Lin Qingxue nodded. Wei Fufeng saw clearly in his heart: the seal itself was lifeless, and the value of this Southern Sichuan Command seal was less than that of a single military crossbow.

Eunuch Yang Hui, though lacking this seal, could easily procure a replacement.

...

Early the next morning, Wei Fufeng, Lin Qingxue, and Old Feng left the inn together by carriage, heading out of the city to the docks.

Upon arrival, they boarded a troop transport headed downstream.

Wei Fufeng, Yang Hui, and Wan Long each took command of the three largest ships.

Five subordinates guarded Wei Fufeng’s ship, while Old Feng’s vessel was accompanied by a squad of soldiers.

As they boarded, Old Feng joined Wei Fufeng on his ship.

After departure, they continued their discussion in the cabin, focusing on Eastern Sichuan affairs. Old Feng had gathered much information from merchants in the city.

Wei Fufeng listened intently. The Eastern Sichuan Commander Gu Yanlang and his brother Gu Yanhui had both served in the Divine Strategy Army.

Gu Yanhui was now in Chengdu, representing the Eastern Sichuan forces, commanding several thousand troops under Wei Zhaodu.

Gu Yanlang was talented in military affairs and skilled at networking, having close ties with Wang Jian.

His brother Gu Yanhui preferred the company of nobility from Chang’an; most of his officials were from aristocratic families.

After listening, Wei Fufeng asked, "Old Feng, you said Wang Meng intends to pose as a messenger. Does he have any means to gain trust? Otherwise, even with an inside contact, the Prefect wouldn’t let him approach so easily."

Old Feng considered, "Perhaps he has forged documents bearing the Eastern Sichuan Command seal."

Wei Fufeng nodded, "The current Eastern Sichuan Command seal must have once belonged to Yang Shili."

Old Feng nodded, "With forged documents and an inside contact, once the Prefect is dead, public sentiment will indeed waver."

"If there is no inside contact, even documents won’t accomplish the task," Wei Fufeng countered.

Old Feng nodded, "It’s a hard decision. Using Wang Meng to seize the city risks him turning on us; not using him means the plan cannot proceed."

"We must not use him. I will seize the city myself," Wei Fufeng said calmly.

"Young master, you must not risk yourself," Old Feng cautioned.

"I have a plan—tell me if it’s feasible," Wei Fufeng said softly.

"Please, young master," Old Feng replied.

"I want to pose as Gu Yanhui’s brother-in-law, go to Changzhou to meet the Prefect, and claim to have been appointed the Defense Commander of both Changzhou and Luzhou, styling myself as the Southern Sichuan Defense Commander," Wei Fufeng said.

"Defense Commander? You intend to take command of the troops first," Old Feng remarked.

"Yes. In Shangzhou and Jinzhou, there was once a Jinshang Defense Commander, whose authority was equal to that of a regional commander. I have official documents and the command seal. The rank of Defense Commander is neither too high nor too low, making it easier for the Luzhou Prefect to accept," Wei Fufeng explained.

"But you still need documents from the Eastern Sichuan Commander," Old Feng said.

"That depends on whether Wang Meng has them. If he does, I’ll go to Luzhou; if not, I’ll head to Yuzhou and adapt," Wei Fufeng replied.

"When will you act?" Old Feng asked.

"Tonight. I’ll summon Wang Meng," Wei Fufeng said.

"Tonight? It will be difficult to clean up afterward," Old Feng cautioned.

"Tonight is the most unexpected moment. The river flows smoothly outside, and we could reach Hezhou in five or six days. If we land and act, we may lose out. As for cleaning up, strip the bodies and toss them into the water. Then have Wang Dahu don the armor and disguise himself, leaving the ship at night," Wei Fufeng explained.

Old Feng nodded, "What about the Inspector?"

"They are difficult to eliminate. Let them go to Yuzhou. If we take Luzhou, their presence will actually be beneficial, forming an apparent supporting force," Wei Fufeng said.