Volume One: Governor of Southern Rivers Chapter 30: The Journey Home
Wei Fufeng, as the supreme ruler of Southern Sichuan, rarely involved himself directly in the administration of governance, dedicating most of his time to military affairs and the appointment of officials.
It was precisely because he established a comprehensive bureaucratic system that the rule of Southern Sichuan swiftly transitioned into efficient official administration.
The Governor’s Office, the Transport Bureau, and the White Tiger Hall formed a system of divided military powers—oversight of law, finance, and force. Combined with the civil management system of the Military Bureau and local officials, this ensured that every official understood their responsibilities and how to execute them.
The founding of the Southern Sichuan governorship brought Wei Fufeng a mindset entirely different from that of most officials. He had to consider both internal and external affairs, worrying whether the rule over Southern Sichuan might collapse, and whether his own life would be spared.
Most of the officials, however, focused on immediate interests; they felt little existential threat. During the Three Kingdoms period, Lu Su said to Sun Quan, "All the ministers of Jiangdong could surrender to Cao Cao, only you cannot. If the ministers surrender, they might still retain wealth and status, but you would lose your life and your family would be annihilated."
As the governor of Southern Sichuan, Wei Fufeng understood well that if the governorship fell, he would inevitably share its demise.
His heart was always torn—he often contemplated fleeing with his treasures, choosing survival and a life of comfort over power.
Yet the desire for authority was too difficult to relinquish.
After resolutely leaving Shangluo County for Bashu, within mere months, Wei Fufeng transformed from an insignificant illegitimate son of a minor family into a figure ruling over several hundred thousand people.
"It’s time to leave; survival is everything," Wei Fufeng forced himself to think.
Though the outlook for Southern Sichuan governance was increasingly optimistic, war is merciless; should Yang Shouliang’s army arrive, everything in Southern Sichuan might turn into a nightmare.
As Xiaoxue ground ink, Wei Fufeng took up his brush to write appointments on official documents. He had previously summoned some military supervisors to ask whether they would be willing to transfer to local government roles.
Wei Fufeng planned to replace incompetent or potentially problematic county officials.
He also consulted some of the Tiger Guards to see if they would take up posts as Left and Right County Constables.
Wei Fufeng intentionally hinted at official appointments: only military supervisors qualified to be transferred to civil posts, Tiger Guards could become local military officials.
Military supervisors directly under the Governor’s Office, in truth, held duties that easily made enemies; overseeing legal matters inevitably bred resentment.
Thus, Wei Fufeng decided that military supervisors could be sent out as county officials, enhancing their prospects for advancement.
He dismissed incompetent officials and promoted and reassigned a batch of others, determined to make all Southern Sichuan officials remember that their authority came from the governor.
Within the same office, a superior’s departure did not guarantee a subordinate’s promotion; if promoted, it often entailed reassignment.
Wei Fufeng gently put down his brush. The same brush, which months ago he wielded lightly, now carried the weight of fate for many.
Now, holding it in his hand, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, inscribing the joys and sorrows of countless lives.
“Xiaoxue, keep the seal safe. We’re ready to leave,” Wei Fufeng said after affixing the seal, his words resolute.
Xiaoxue responded softly, reaching out her delicate hand to take and secure the governor’s seal.
...
A thousand guards departed from Luxian, Wei Fufeng dressed in ordinary armor, blending in with the troops.
Xiaoxue, disguised as a young man in plain clothing, sat alone in a carriage, which concealed gold ingots and treasures that Wei Fufeng had prepared in advance.
The journey went smoothly into Changzhou territory. Wei Fufeng saw many civilians and soldiers diligently farming.
Many people, engaged in labor, chatted cheerfully with each other; their simple, honest smiles struck Wei Fufeng deeply.
---
“Yang He is a capable official, rare for me to have employed,” Wei Fufeng mused.
Yang He had initially been an investigator in the Governor’s Office, once supervising Li Chenggang’s forces south of the great river in Luzhou. Upon his return, he was hastily appointed by Wei Fufeng as the Prefect of Changzhou.
After victory in Dazhu County, Yang He showcased his talents in Changzhou—not only was civil administration orderly, but he also divided and persuaded the surrender of over ten thousand bandits spread across more than a dozen mountain strongholds.
Though Wei Fufeng admired Yang He’s achievements, he did not intend to meet him, his heart still conflicted.
Seeing the farming populace brought him shame; as governor, he was cowardly in not daring to remain in Southern Sichuan.
“Let’s go. All arrangements have been made as best as possible. They say man proposes, but heaven disposes. Even if I stayed, I could not do better,” Wei Fufeng consoled himself.
A thousand guards marched through Changzhou into Hezhou territory, passed through Tongliang County, and smoothly arrived at Hechuan County. After negotiations with the garrison, they were allowed to join the fleet docked at the wharf.
A thousand guards boarded the ships and set sail, hoisting sails to go upstream against the currents of the Jialing River.
...
Traveling upstream on the Jialing naturally took several times longer than the journey down. Wei Fufeng stayed hidden in the cabin as much as possible, enduring the tedious voyage.
Though Xiaoxue kept him company in the cabin, Wei Fufeng felt an emptiness within, unable to stop thinking about Southern Sichuan, even regretting his departure.
“Governor of Southern Sichuan? It seems but a dream,” Wei Fufeng sighed inwardly.
The governor, wielding supreme power in a region, his authority rivaling that of the emperor—it was won by deception.
But the heights were cold; to be governor was to wager one’s life.
Wei Fufeng, while in Southern Sichuan, lived in constant vigilance. Despite the appearance of being guarded by many soldiers, he feared assassination by his own guards most.
The sources of the guards were too complex. To avoid stirring panic and alienation, Wei Fufeng feigned trust and did not investigate the Tiger Guards’ backgrounds.
He knew that even guards with clear origins might not be trustworthy, so he always summoned at least four at a time, deliberately creating mutual restraint.
“On the road, sleep will be uneasy as well,” Wei Fufeng thought helplessly.
He feared not only betrayal and assassination by his own troops, but also ambushes along the way—another reason he regretted leaving, for traveling with supply ships was too conspicuous.
Xiaoxue sat nearby, occasionally glancing at him with her beautiful eyes. Wei Fufeng turned and smiled, “Do you wish to say something?”
Xiaoxue nodded, speaking softly, “I see you are unhappy, my lord. It seems you do not wish to leave Southern Sichuan.”
Wei Fufeng nodded, “Southern Sichuan is my foundation. Naturally, I am reluctant to leave.”
“If you are unwilling, you can return,” Xiaoxue whispered.
Wei Fufeng's lips curled into a wry smile, “I am going to Chang’an for more important matters.”
Xiaoxue replied, “I think you should not leave your base; matters can be entrusted to your subordinates.”
“I am going to Chang’an to see the emperor, and I wish to see my family as well,” Wei Fufeng said quietly.
Xiaoxue fell silent for a while. Then Wei Fufeng asked, “Xiaoxue, I have never asked about your background. What was your father’s post?”
“My grandfather was Chief Historian of Jiangling Prefecture, but he died during our family’s flight. Later, we reached Luzhou, and to survive, my father sold me,” Xiaoxue answered softly.
“So your family is in Luzhou?” Wei Fufeng asked.
“I do not know. I have been sold and should not harbor thoughts of disloyalty,” Xiaoxue replied, lowering her head.
Wei Fufeng murmured, then asked, “What are your father’s and uncle’s names?”
---
“Yang Qi, my uncle is Yang Lin. Neither ever served as an official,” Xiaoxue replied.
Wei Fufeng thought for a moment, then shook his head, “Among Luzhou’s officials, I have not heard of Yang Lin or Yang Qi.”
“They may no longer be in Luzhou. Our family was said to be heading west to seek refuge with the Prefect of Meizhou in Western Sichuan,” Xiaoxue whispered.
“Meizhou? Meizhou is said to have surrendered to Wang Jian. Now, the only places in Western Sichuan not clearly submitted are Yazhou, Shuzhou, and the areas held by the Weirong Governor in Pengzhou and Maozhou. Yazhou borders Tibet, vast and sparsely populated; Shuzhou, southwest of Chengdu, will inevitably fall to Wang Jian sooner or later,” Wei Fufeng mused on the situation in Western Sichuan.
After a while, Wei Fufeng said softly, “Xiaoxue, even if your family is in Luzhou, I cannot appoint relatives. Southern Sichuan is newly established; only employing talented people can stabilize hearts.”
“I understand. I dare not hope for your favor,” Xiaoxue replied gently.
Wei Fufeng nodded, then asked softly, “Xiaoxue, do you resent your family for selling you?”
“I do not. My family and I were once robbed by marauders. If my father hadn’t sold me in Luzhou, I would have been taken by bandits anyway. Besides, I am a woman; sooner or later I would leave my family and belong to another,” Xiaoxue answered quietly.
Wei Fufeng nodded. Xiaoxue glanced at him, lowered her gaze, and whispered, “Will you give me away someday, my lord?”
Wei Fufeng was momentarily startled, then replied softly, “No. You are Lady Qingxue’s maid.”
“You still miss my mistress,” Xiaoxue said softly.
Wei Fufeng nodded, “When I have leisure this time, I will certainly go to Mount Wudang to seek her.”
“If you cannot forget, my mistress will surely be delighted to know,” Xiaoxue whispered.
Wei Fufeng fell silent, a surge of warm longing rising in his heart.
In truth, his affection for Lin Qingxue was more akin to reverence—Lin Qingxue had accompanied him through perilous endeavors.
It was her companionship that gave Wei Fufeng immense courage and allowed him to act with composure.
Wei Fufeng and Lin Qingxue shared a bond forged through adversity; Lin Qingxue could have left him at any time, bearing no duty to risk her life alongside him.
Without her companionship, Wei Fufeng’s heart was plunged into anxiety and helplessness, ever wary of the guards around him.
“Xiaoxue, come here,” Wei Fufeng called softly.
Xiaoxue rose and approached. Wei Fufeng took her delicate hand, wrapped his arm around her, and drew her onto his lap, holding her close.
Xiaoxue lowered her head, her cheeks flushing with shy blush, her petite form tense. A large hand stroked her hair, his breath warm as he gently kissed her cheek.
“Xiaoxue, it’s not that I wish to neglect you, but my heart is always vigilant. I do not wish to drag you into danger; the heights are cold, and in Southern Sichuan, mutiny and seizure of power could happen at any time.”
Wei Fufeng whispered against her ear, knowing her wish—Xiaoxue longed for a stable home, afraid he might one day send her away.
“My lord, I am willing to serve you faithfully, to accompany you loyally all my life,” Xiaoxue choked softly, her petite form pressing close of her own accord.
Wei Fufeng pressed his face to hers, feeling warmth and, suddenly, a weight of responsibility.
Today’s confession meant he now bore responsibility for Xiaoxue’s happiness.
Previously, Wei Fufeng had deliberately kept his distance from her, avoiding emotional entanglement—so he could, without guilt, abandon her and flee alone if necessary.