Volume Two: Grandfather and Grandson, The Lord and His Vassal Chapter 69: Return to Southern Sichuan

Lost in thought, he was roused by the amber-armored father within the cabin calling them to dine. Wei Fufeng rose and entered the ship’s hold, joining the guards for a meal; the four young women he had brought along were on another boat.

In the army, Wei Fufeng maintained strict self-discipline and seized every opportunity to deepen his bonds with the soldiers. Their vessel moved slowly against the current, but after four uneventful days they reached Fuzhou. Wei Fufeng quietly relaxed—he had feared searches along the way, but they had met with no hindrance. This smooth passage was due, in part, to the peace in the region; moreover, any conflict upon the great river risked disaster for both sides.

Upon arrival, Wei Fufeng slipped unnoticed into the county seat of Fuling, heading first to the military headquarters to meet with local officials. Zhao Yidou, hearing that the Military Commissioner himself had arrived at the gate, hurried out to receive him.

The officers who came out to greet them paid Wei Fufeng their respects with great deference. Wei Fufeng lifted Zhao Yidou up, gave his shoulder a familiar pat, and the two exchanged a look full of mutual understanding before Zhao Yidou stepped aside to invite him in.

Now clad in a purple robe and jade belt, Wei Fufeng strode into the Fuzhou Military Headquarters with the dignity befitting his station. Once inside, he issued the command for the military officers of Fuzhou to assemble—Zhao Yidou himself had no authority to summon them.

The main hall could not accommodate so many, so Wei Fufeng took his seat just outside the doors. Along both sides of the corridor, numerous seats had been arranged. Standing behind him was the amber-armored father, imposing as an iron tower, drawing every eye.

Each official entering the gate came before Wei Fufeng, announced himself, and paid his respects, after which a ceremonial officer would direct him to an appropriate seat. As the recent war had only just ended and there was still fear of a counterattack, the Leopard Banner and Phoenix Banner camps remained stationed in Fuzhou.

Surveying the gathered assembly—over a hundred civil and military officials filling the courtyard—Wei Fufeng addressed them calmly: “Today’s meeting concerns military affairs only; civil officials need not attend.”

After a brief pause, he continued, “While I was stationed in Jinzhou, I heard of the great victory of the Southern Sichuan Army. I was overjoyed, and felt that the months of hardship you all endured had not been in vain.”

He paused again, then said, “You may know that my family and I took Jinzhou by force. Why did we seize Jinzhou? It was to ensure the survival of the Southern Sichuan Army. Jinzhou borders Xingyuan Prefecture; by taking Jinzhou, we have placed a blade at Xingyuan’s back.”

“Now, though Jinzhou is not formally under our command, it boasts a force of ten thousand, of which three thousand Jinzhou troops are as formidable as the Leopard Banner.”

“My greatest achievement was my journey to Hedong. There, the Chief Minister Yang Fugong was at odds with the Hedong Commander. Yang repeatedly obstructed military provisions, leaving the army with only thin gruel each day. I persuaded Commander Zhang Jun to petition His Majesty, requesting the recall of five thousand troops to Chang’an, stripping Yang Fugong of his control over supplies and dismissing him from his command of the Divine Strategy Army. Thus, Yang Shouliang lost his patron at court.”

The officials listened in astonishment. Many could not grasp the full implications, but dared not whisper among themselves and risk disrespect.

Those who understood realized Wei Fufeng was making it clear he had not been idle while away.

He went on: “At present, the forces in Jinzhou restrain Yang Shouliang from launching a southern offensive, but he still commands eighty thousand troops in Xingyuan. He may yet be compelled to attack us again—we must not become complacent.”

“Sir, why would Yang Shouliang be compelled to attack again?” Zhao Yidou stood and asked.

Wei Fufeng silently praised Zhao Yidou’s discernment—he knew when to step in at key moments.

He replied, “With Yang Fugong dismissed by His Majesty, the next step will surely be to strip him of all external power. Yang Shouliang of West Shannan, Yang Shouzhen of Longjian, and Yang Shouhou of Wuding all face removal. Thus, Yang Shouliang must seize Bashu swiftly and defend it against the court.”

Zhao Yidou nodded. “So, the post of Military Commissioner of West Shannan will soon change hands.”

Wei Fufeng nodded. “Had the Hedong campaign not ended in disaster, His Majesty would have already removed Yang Shouliang, but he fears fighting on two fronts and has postponed that step.”

Zhao Yidou nodded. Wei Fufeng turned. “Wang Ze!”

“Here, sir!” Wang Ze, the Troop Marshal, stood and saluted.

Wei Fufeng looked at him. “I had anticipated a protracted siege in Fuzhou when the enemy sent fifty thousand south. It was you who reported the situation promptly to the Commander, offered your counsel, and enabled the Southern Sichuan Army to seize the moment. I hereby promote you to Commander. Take your seat.”

“I thank you for your trust, sir.” Wang Ze replied respectfully and took the seat below Gan Fengchi.

Wei Fufeng then addressed the assembly: “Your merits have been recorded in the Governor’s Office. The ranks you hold today are your due; what more could you seek but honors to pass down to your descendants? I shall reward merit step by step, to the benefit of your parents and children.”

The officials on both sides nodded. To become a hereditary marquis was itself a great fortune—positions such as Military Commissioner and Prince were far more difficult to attain.

Wei Fufeng rose and clasped his hands behind his back. “Commanders and Agricultural Commissioners, stay behind. The rest of you may return to your duties.”

The martial and civil officers rose, saluted, and withdrew in an orderly fashion.

The four Commanders and four Agricultural Commissioners remained, moving into the hall for further discussion.

After taking their seats, Zhao Yidou smiled. “Sir, those who returned from Chang’an speak of its wonders. I wonder when I might join the Fufeng Army and see Pingkang Ward for myself.”

Wei Fufeng paused, then smiled. “If you wish to go, perhaps next year. It’s good to travel and see the world—life’s rarest joys are in grand sights.”

Zhao Yidou nodded. Gan Fengchi said, “I found my journey to Hedong worthwhile. Chang’an is truly magnificent, though it has lost the glory of the Great Khan.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, then asked, “Any suggestions?”

The eight officers exchanged glances. Finally, Gan Fengchi spoke. “Sir, do you plan to expand eastward? If we open the Three Gorges, we can link up with Jinzhou.”

Wei Fufeng replied, “I have considered seizing the Three Gorges, but it is untimely. Kuizhou is the lifeline of the Jingnan Commandery. Yang Shouliang once took Kuizhou, but Cheng Rui fought desperately to reclaim it.”

Gan Fengchi nodded. Wei Fufeng continued, “If we advance into the Three Gorges, our lines become overextended and vulnerable, and we risk losing the legitimacy granted by the court. For now, we must consolidate our base. Should Jinzhou require aid, Jingnan’s commander will not obstruct us.”

The officials nodded. Wei Fufeng went on, “There are two strategies for consolidation. One, strengthen our defenses—build forts around Fuzhou, Changzhou, and Rongzhou. Two, expand into Qianzhong Circuit, using both might and conciliation to bring the Liao tribes to heel, and recruit their warriors into our forces.”

Zhao Yidou nodded. “I’ve heard that several subregions in Qianzhou have already submitted to us. The Liao people need salt, cloth, and porcelain, while we need their medicinal herbs and mountain goods.”

Wei Fufeng nodded. The Prefect of Qianzhou, Zhang Wencheng, was skilled in both civil and military affairs; he had once served as Troop Marshal and, with Wei Fufeng’s support, had taken Luzhou. The Qianzhou Commander, Lu Qing, had long been instructed in policies for handling the Liao tribes. Zhang Wencheng’s efforts were bearing fruit.

They continued their discussion. Gan Fengchi proposed moving the General Headquarters to Baxian in Yuzhou, making Yuzhou the administrative center of the Southern Sichuan Army. Yuzhou, centrally located, bordering Qianzhong, and at the confluence of land and water routes, had always been a place of culture and kings.

When the meeting ended and the officers had withdrawn, Wei Fufeng left the headquarters for the Prefect’s office. Zhao Yidou sent someone after him to confirm where he would be resting, and whether his earlier remarks should be circulated to the troops.

Wei Fufeng replied that he would rest at the Prefect’s office, and that his statements should be sent as official documents to the Governor’s Office for the military record, not publicly broadcast.

Wei Fufeng was satisfied with Zhao Yidou’s abilities, but did not intend to promote him further; Commander was the highest military office for now. He had no wish to appoint a Deputy Military Commissioner, as the Governor’s Office already fulfilled that role. Zhao Yidou’s promotion to Commander had been exceptional—many officers and generals had also received rapid promotion. If they proved capable, their advancement was justified; if not, they would be dismissed or demoted.

Arriving at the nearby Prefecture, Wei Fufeng saw his future father-in-law, resplendent in scarlet robes, waiting to greet him at the gate.

Wei Fufeng stopped outside the door to receive his salute, then respectfully addressed him as “Uncle” and returned the courtesy. Together they entered the dilapidated office.

In the main hall, Wei Fufeng saw a lovely lady in a short jacket and skirt—Lady Fourteen—standing with her, with Mingyu, Amber, and Xiaoxue off to the side, along with four maidservants.

Wei Fufeng stepped forward and greeted the lady, “Your nephew pays his respects, Aunt. I hope you are well.”

“My lord is too courteous, please be seated,” she replied with a half-bow, her beautiful eyes alight with joy.

Wei Fufeng nodded and took the main seat with his future father-in-law across the table.

Lady Fourteen approached and asked softly, “Husband, are you hungry? The bamboo tube rice is delicious.”

Wei Fufeng smiled gently. “I’ll speak with Uncle first. Just bring tea, and when we’re finished, I’ll join you for bamboo rice.”

Lady Fourteen nodded quietly and withdrew.

Li Ji waved his hand, and Lady Fourteen’s mother silently led the others out, including Amber’s father, who went to speak with his daughter outside.

Amber, dressed in pale yellow, was tall and fair, her complexion glowing with health—no longer wan with hunger—a slender, elegant beauty.

Her father, clad in battered armor marked by countless blows, exuded a fearsome aura and the reek of blood, yet his eyes rested on his daughter with gentle affection.

Inside, Wei Fufeng turned to business with his future father-in-law, requesting that he visit each noble and wealthy family in Yuzhou on his behalf, delivering Ministry of Personnel documents and letters confirming their hereditary military ranks.

Li Ji replied, “Even so, you cannot erase the resentment of those clans—Yuzhou lost not only their lands, but also their private troops and stores.”

Wei Fufeng answered, “I only hope to mitigate the resentment and restore our reputation for treating the nobles well. The Southern Sichuan Army needed to purge internal threats and strengthen itself—Yuzhou was not at fault. The only mistake was the killing of the Prefect.”