Volume Two: Lord and Grandson Chapter 52: Tea in the Western Garden
Wei Fufeng waited outside the city for three days, prepared at any moment to respond to any possible unrest within. In the end, everything remained calm; his grandfather successfully took command of all forces. The other five counties under Jinzhou’s administration sent in their two hundred conscripted militia, and with the former “old prefect” now gone, allegiance naturally shifted to the new prefect.
His grandfather had also forced the surrender of Yinghu Fortress, gaining six hundred troops and over thirty thousand bushels of grain. After reorganizing, the total military strength stood at four thousand two hundred, two hundred of whom were prison guards, not counting Fufeng Army’s pikemen.
Grandfather sent a letter summoning Wei Fufeng into the city. He took the carriage sent for him and entered. Ever since his grandfather took the stage, Wei Fufeng had withdrawn from Jinzhou’s affairs, tacitly agreeing to let his grandfather take the lead, wary of his kin interfering within his domain.
The carriage drove directly to the West Garden. Wei Fufeng alighted, noticing that all the guards were his own Fufeng Army pikemen. Lu Tao, now promoted to Commander of Horse and Foot, stood respectfully at the gate and saluted as he saw Wei Fufeng.
Wei Fufeng smiled and nodded, entering the garden. Not long ago, Lu Tao had recommended fourteen prisoners to him, among them a man named Tong Shan, renowned for his strength. The fourteen prisoners were held in the county prison; Wei Fufeng had personally recruited them, and upon their surrender, introduced them to his father as prison guards.
Led by a militia guide, he entered the West Garden, the air filled with birdsong and floral fragrance—a place truly suited for nurturing the mind. As he passed beneath a hillside, he saw four prison guards standing vigil, Tong Shan among them.
Wei Fufeng smiled and nodded to the four, who silently saluted him with clasped fists. He walked up the stone path to the summit, arriving at a pavilion.
Inside, a table was set; his grandfather and father sat diagonally across from one another, enjoying tea. Wei Fufeng stepped in and bowed respectfully, “Grandson greets Grandfather.”
Grandfather smiled and nodded, saying, “You’ve come. What do you think of the scenery here?”
Wei Fufeng looked around and nodded; the view was vast. From the hilltop, white mist drifted nearby, and in the distance the Han River surged eastward, flocks of white gulls circling above sails clustered on the water, while further still, mountains stretched endlessly.
“Grandfather, though this place is within the city, one can behold all the splendor of the land.” Wei Fufeng replied softly.
“Well said. Sit.” Grandfather said with pleasure.
Wei Fufeng sat opposite him, pouring himself tea, listening as Grandfather spoke gently, “Jinzhou’s feng shui is excellent. If I meet a good end, I wish to be buried here.”
Wei Fufeng was startled. Wei Xuan remarked in surprise, “Father, after a hundred years, you should be interred in the ancestral tomb.”
Grandfather shook his head. “Don’t you think I ought to be the founding ancestor?”
Wei Xuan’s lips moved. “Father, you are certainly qualified to be the founding ancestor, but it would risk a rift with the main branch in Jingzhao.”
“Foolish. Have I ever received support from Jingzhao all these years? Our branch and theirs have long been divided in practice. Now that I have gained power, am I to let the main branch meddle in Jinzhou? If I die well, I shall be the founding ancestor of the Jinzhou Wei clan.” Grandfather rebuked.
“Yes, I see my error.” Wei Xuan nodded quickly.
Wei Fufeng inwardly smiled wryly; even his grandfather harbored concerns about the main branch interfering with Jinzhou’s governance—a worry not unfounded, as the main branch could easily assign their own to Jinzhou, such as military officers.
Wei Xuan hesitated, then said, “Father, you have spoken of relying on the Chang’an Wei clan.”
Grandfather frowned slightly. “Is there only one branch of the Wei clan in Jingzhao? What I meant by support was the support of all the noble families of Chang’an. Now that we have power, we can safeguard their interests, and so they are willing to back us.”
Wei Xuan nodded, and Grandfather continued quietly, “Do you know what it means for the guest to overshadow the host?”
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“Yes, I know.” Wei Xuan replied.
“You know, yet you don’t grasp its true meaning. We have seized Jinzhou, possess thousands of troops, and our presence threatens the main branch in Jingzhao, who fear we may usurp their authority and influence.” Grandfather explained gently.
Wei Xuan was taken aback. Grandfather shook his head. “You’re not in their position, so you don’t see their peril.”
“Forgive my dullness.” Wei Xuan said anxiously.
Grandfather waved his hand. “Enough, let us turn to business.”
He then looked at Wei Fufeng and said kindly, “Fufeng, Jinzhou is now stable. You may return your forces to Lantian County.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “Grandson will depart at once.”
Grandfather smiled. “There’s one more task I need you for: I require your troops to escort three thousand bushels of grain to Chang’an. Your fifth uncle will lead three hundred militia to accompany you.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. “Only the pikemen here can be used—other troops would stand out too much.”
Grandfather nodded with satisfaction. “I have already submitted a report to the court detailing how Jinzhou was taken, and offered grain to support the emperor’s campaign against Li Keyong. I have also asked the emperor to select a main branch kinsman to inherit the County Duke’s estate.”
Wei Fufeng nodded. Wei Xuan suddenly asked, “Father, will letting a royal kinsman inherit the estate hinder us?”
Grandfather turned kindly. “Letting the emperor choose a kinsman to inherit the estate benefits us more than it harms. First, it wins the emperor’s trust. Second, it legitimizes our entry into Jinzhou. Third, it makes Yang Fuge wary and less likely to attack Jinzhou, since Yang is in Chang’an and serves the emperor.”
Wei Xuan nodded. Grandfather added, “As for any hindrance, I, as the prefect with real control over military and civil matters, will remain in charge. The kinsman will merely be a wealthy nobleman, new to Jinzhou, unable to win the support of the estate’s original retainers.”
Wei Xuan nodded again. Grandfather went on, “I have appointed Erlang as judge. You will assist him in sorting the estate’s lands—we must retain at least thirty percent.”
Wei Xuan nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Wei Fufeng said, “Grandfather, I have a suggestion.”
“Oh? Speak.” Grandfather turned to him.
Wei Fufeng replied, “Grandfather mentioned the estate’s retainers. According to my subordinates, their fighting power is strong. I suggest they be sent out of the city; it’s not wise to keep them here for now. They could be tasked with suppressing bandits.”
Grandfather nodded. “I’ve looked into the estate’s retainers; most have families. If sent out, I’m not worried about their betrayal.”
“Grandson also suggests not appointing men from Shangzhou as officers among the retainers. Warriors respect the strong and disdain the weak; appointing weak men as leaders only alienates the retainers.” Wei Fufeng added.
“You mean to promote the able among the retainers?” Grandfather asked.
“Yes. I recommend the four guards at the foot of the hill; they could each lead a hundred men against the bandits, and later be rewarded with official rank according to their merit. Positions earned through merit are cherished, and they will be grateful for Grandfather’s favor.” Wei Fufeng said.
Grandfather nodded. “Since you recommend them, let them lead the troops against the bandits.”
“May Grandfather personally bestow the appointments.” Wei Fufeng said respectfully.
“Very well. Have them come up.” Grandfather agreed.
Wei Fufeng rose and went outside, instructing the militia to summon the guards from the hillside below. He returned to the pavilion and sat.
A moment later, the four guards arrived outside the pavilion, saluted respectfully, but said nothing.
Grandfather looked out and said, “My grandson says you are brave and strong and recommends you to lead troops against the bandits. Are you willing to safeguard the region, suppress the bandits, and become military officers?”
The four guards were surprised, glancing at Wei Fufeng’s back. Soon, Guard Tian Wen replied respectfully, “I am willing to serve, my lord.”
The other three followed suit. Grandfather said, “Good. You still belong to the county office. I appoint you as captains, each to lead a hundred men against the bandits. Rewards will follow your achievements.”
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“Thank you for your grace, my lord.” The guards bowed in thanks.
Wei Fufeng turned and said, “Remember, suppressing the bandits is to protect the people. If you take the opportunity to harm them, you will lose everything.”
“We dare not.” The four guards replied with uneven but earnest respect.
Wei Fufeng turned back, raised his bowl, and drank tea. Grandfather waved his hand. “Go now and wait below.”
The four guards respectfully withdrew, returning to the foot of the hill. Wei Fufeng then rose and bowed. “Does Grandfather have any further instructions?”
“No. Go, and may your journey be smooth.” Grandfather said kindly.
Wei Fufeng bowed to his father. “Father, I take my leave.”
Wei Xuan hesitated. “For the campaign in Hedong, you may have your subordinates lead the troops.”
Wei Fufeng shook his head. “Father, sometimes marching and toiling alongside my men is most important.”
Wei Xuan was momentarily stunned, then said quietly, “Go, then.”
“Your child takes leave.” Wei Fufeng bowed and departed.
Watching Wei Fufeng’s retreating figure, Grandfather sighed, “A golden carp is not meant for the pond; when it meets wind and cloud, it transforms into a dragon. Alas, I am old.”
Wei Xuan quickly replied, “Father, you are still vigorous, not old at all.”
Grandfather laughed, rising to gaze at the distant Han River, and Wei Xuan joined him in silent contemplation.
After a while, Grandfather said, “Shilang, you are right; many great leaders transform into dragons at my age.”
Wei Xuan nodded, saying, “Father, you are absolutely right. You are not old.”
Grandfather smiled, then said, “Go back. I will arrange the military matters. You handle the land affairs—Erlang is in charge, do not contest him.”
“Second brother is skilled in finances; I won’t argue.” Wei Xuan replied.
...
Wei Fufeng left the county seat and returned to the woods to wait.
After a while, Lu Tao led the Fufeng Army pikemen to the edge of the woods. Wei Fufeng ordered the troops in the forest to return to Lantian County, then led the pikemen to Yinghu Fortress, where grain carts already awaited outside.
“Ha, Fufeng, you’ve arrived. Let’s go.” Fifth Uncle greeted him heartily; though actually the third son, with Wei Zhaodu’s sons counted, he was ranked fifth.
“Fifth Uncle.” Wei Fufeng smiled and saluted, then set out with him.
Wei Fufeng was not close to his fifth uncle, mainly because they seldom met; he only knew that Fifth Uncle often traveled.
Second Uncle managed business affairs, Eighth Uncle worked as a clerk in Luonan County under Shangzhou, Ninth Uncle had passed away, Tenth was his father, Twelfth Uncle was said to be working in Chang’an, and Fourteenth Uncle was unemployed, practicing martial arts.
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