Volume Two: The Lord and His Grandson Chapter 88: Elder Uncle

Han Rui followed behind, secretly glad that he had shown proper respect to Wei Fufeng. His background was rough, and after arriving in Yancen City, he quickly learned about the affairs of Chuan South and Qianzhong Dao from the city garrison.

Chuan South had established a military governor, ruling over several hundred thousand people with a force of more than a hundred thousand. Han Rui had originally assumed that the chief secretary and the military governor of Chuan South had formed an alliance, and that the Chuan South troops had come to Jinzhou to assist in battle. It turned out that Chuan South and Jinzhou were essentially one family.

Wei Xun stepped out of the prefectural office. Having served long in the Ministry of Rites, he was habitually attentive to official protocol. Though Wei Fufeng was his junior, her rank and title surpassed his own, so he went out to greet her.

There was, in fact, another subtle but important factor: Wei Xun subconsciously considered himself subordinate to Wei Fufeng. His father, Wei Zhaodu, before departing for Luoyang, had said that Jinzhou was, in effect, under Wei Fufeng’s control.

Though Wei Xun was the son of a prime minister, he was cautious in conduct and strict with himself—plainly put, he feared bringing disgrace to his father. Having served as an honest official for years, and recently seeing his father's campaign falter, he had become all the more discreet.

A powerless official long constrained suddenly finds himself in a position of genuine authority. Deep down, he feared it was nothing but a fleeting dream, and felt immense gratitude toward the "benefactor" who had granted him such respect.

Wei Fufeng saw her uncle, dressed in bright crimson official robes, step out. She had seen him at ancestral rites, though Wei Xun might not recall her.

Wei Fufeng stepped forward to salute, and almost simultaneously with Wei Xun, who was leaving the office.

Both paused in surprise. Wei Xun, accustomed to official courtesy, quickly resumed protocol: “The Prefect of Junzhou greets the Military Commissioner.”

Wei Fufeng graciously accepted the salute, then bowed respectfully and said, “Niece Wei Fufeng pays respects to Uncle.”

Having exchanged greetings, the two entered the prefectural office together with mutual goodwill.

They proceeded to the secondary hall, sat, and conversed. Wei Fufeng asked if her uncle was adjusting well to Junzhou, if he needed anything, and naturally shifted the topic to the purpose of her visit.

Wei Xun was astonished after hearing her, and said in confusion, “Building a Daoist temple is fine—it can calm the people’s hearts—but moving the Temple of Gratitude might be improper.”

Wei Fufeng replied solemnly, “Grandfather would not order the relocation without reason. The Temple of Gratitude was built by imperial order. Grandfather wishes to make it the princely manor, so that the new military governor would find it difficult to win over the people of Junzhou.”

Wei Xun hesitated, feeling such an act was too sinister—later generations destroying what was bestowed upon their ancestors was a grave offense, inviting condemnation.

Though Wei Xun disliked the idea, he dared not openly contradict his uncle's decision.

Seeing Wei Xun’s troubled expression, Wei Fufeng added, “This is merely to inform Uncle; Grandfather has ordered Han Rui to carry out the details.”

Wei Xun secretly breathed a sigh of relief—it was no concern of his. Yet another matter came to mind, and he asked, “Fufeng, the Prince of Xicheng has come to Yancen City. How should I treat him?”

“Treat him with courtesy, meet his ordinary needs for food and clothing, but in military or administrative matters, simply say you cannot decide and suggest he consult the Prefect of Jinzhou. He may move freely within the city, but must not leave or ascend the walls. Even with Uncle’s permission, the garrison commanders will not allow it,” Wei Fufeng replied.

Wei Xun nodded, reassured. Then he heard Wei Fufeng say, “Niece feels that Uncle, like Granduncle, is an upright gentleman. Sadly, in these times of collapsing ritual and law, gentlemen are destined to suffer when dealing with rogues.”

Wei Xun’s heart warmed at this, feeling a resonance. No one likes to admit their own ineptitude; when achievements are lacking, one turns to external causes for comfort.

“Uncle, this is Jinzhou tea Father asked me to bring for you.” Wei Fufeng took out a delicate little box from her sleeve—actually prepared by herself.

Ah! Wei Xun received it with both hands, cherishing it, then affectionately asked, “How is Tenth Brother in Jinzhou?”

“Father serves as county magistrate in Jinzhou, diligent in administration. Second Uncle suggested he take up the post of chief secretary, but Father prefers to continue managing civil affairs.” Wei Fufeng smiled, and their conversation turned to family matters and relatives.

...

On the second day in Yancen City, Wei Fufeng and her two beloved companions set out for Mount Wudang. Along with a hundred of Fufeng’s troops, Lin Hu led five hundred garrison soldiers.

Lin Hu had left the Jincheng army and taken the post of Right Captain in Junzhou. Recently, he had persuaded more than three thousand mountain bandits to surrender, allowing them to become registered citizens or join militia and earn merit, for which Wei Liang appointed him Right Captain.

Both Left and Right Captains commanded the local garrison, answerable to the prefect, similar to military commissioners.

Since Junzhou was newly acquired, the gate guards in Yancen City were not under the prefect's control—they obeyed only the Jincheng Military Commissioner.

Before leaving Yancen City, Wei Fufeng made a point of visiting the Temple of Gratitude.

From outside, the temple looked dilapidated. Han Rui said there were more than two hundred monks. Though the temple was built by imperial decree, under Feng Xingshi’s rule its days had been harsh.

Wei Fufeng had instructed Han Rui to act in the name of the Prince of Xicheng, to load as many Buddhist artifacts onto carts as possible, especially scriptures and inscriptions, and to fulfill the monks’ requests as much as possible.

Han Rui naturally wished to serve the Military Governor. As soon as Wei Fufeng departed, he mobilized troops to surround the temple, coercing the monks to relocate, telling them to take whatever they could, and sending them to another great temple to continue their practice.

Faced with the soldiers, the monks had no argument and were forced to pack up.

Han Rui ordered his men to carefully move the Buddha statues onto carts, knowing that handling this assignment well would bring lasting rewards.

After the monks departed, Han Rui summoned many craftsmen, tore down the temple, repurposed usable materials for the construction of the princely manor, while the relocated monks were escorted back to Yuzhou by two hundred troops from Chuan South.

...

Matters that might harm one’s reputation are best handled by subordinates. Wei Fufeng and her party returned to the front of the Shanshui Temple, with the troops camped several hundred meters away. Wei Fufeng brought only ten guards into the temple.

After entering, she first paid respects to the deity. Lin Qingxue went to see her mother, while Wei Fufeng took out an ink sketch to show to the Daoist priestess, seeking her opinion.

After looking at the sketch, the priestess said calmly, “Your plan is too grand—no need for such extravagance.”

“Why does the emperor build splendid palaces? Their main purpose is to display dignity and authority. Though Daoism values quietude and nonaction, it also aspires to celestial abodes. My idea is to make Wudang’s Daoist temple flourish, and the best way is to build a place worthy of reverence,” Wei Fufeng explained.

The priestess replied coolly, “Excess leads to reversal. Such lavish construction breeds resentment among the people and is not worth it.”

“This is merely a preliminary plan. Construction will proceed gradually year by year—first, at the summit, a temple to Nuwa; in the middle, a hall for the Black Tortoise and the two sacred beasts; at the base, shrines for the land and mountain gods. Then, over the years, side halls, towers, cloud chambers, alchemy palaces, pavilions, and terraces,” Wei Fufeng explained.

The priestess nodded. “If you do not rush, it is feasible.”

Wei Fufeng smiled. “The autumn harvest is near—soon, people can start transporting bricks up the mountain.”

The priestess said, “Actually, what you should do most now is nurture your troops and defend your territory.”

Wei Fufeng smiled. “I believe the most important thing now is to win the people's approval. With their support, the soldiers of Junzhou will serve me loyally. Otherwise, rebellion or apathy is inevitable.”

The priestess said, “I thought you would only advance on Junzhou after several years—not so soon.”

“Opportunity must be seized. If Junzhou remained unavailable for long, I would not dare to attempt it,” Wei Fufeng replied.

The priestess nodded and asked, “What are your chances of holding Junzhou?”

“From what I know, the Army of Loyalty and Righteousness faces chaos in Huainan and threats from the northern Xuanwu army, so for now they can only defend their controlled territories. Junzhou, Fangzhou, and Jinzhou have already established the Zhaoxin Military Governor. The Army of Loyalty and Righteousness no longer has a righteous pretext to march,” Wei Fufeng replied.

“So Junzhou should remain peaceful for now,” the priestess said.

“I dare not guarantee peace. In troubled times, variables abound. Even if the Army of Loyalty and Righteousness cannot turn west, there are the Huashang Military Governor in the north and the Jingnan Military Governor in the south. I hear Feng Xingshi has fled to Jingnan,” Wei Fufeng replied.

“Jingnan has suffered greatly and will not act externally for now. The Huashang Military Governor is said to be a strong warlord,” the priestess said.

“Jingnan should not be underestimated. I’ve heard Cheng Rui commands fifty thousand elite troops and may covet Fangzhou,” Wei Fufeng said.

“Oh? So soon after the war, do they have so many men?” the priestess said in surprise.

“After Cheng Rui took Jingnan, many people returned from the mountains and other regions,” Wei Fufeng replied.

The priestess nodded and said calmly, “I will not meddle in worldly affairs. Do what you can.”

Wei Fufeng respectfully agreed. The priestess turned and left, and Wei Fufeng went to pay respects to his mother-in-law.

...

Lin Qingxue stayed on the mountain to accompany her mother, while Wei Fufeng took Xiaoxue and the troops back to Yancen City.

By the time they entered the city, lanterns had already begun to shine. Han Rui reported on the Temple of Gratitude, and Wei Fufeng was satisfied, instructing him to find skilled brick-makers and builders the next day.

After Han Rui left, Wei Fufeng went to the residence, and from outside saw the lights twinkling within.

A smile touched Wei Fufeng’s lips; during the siege, he had rarely met with Xiaoxue. Since Lin Qingxue had come to stay, he had scarcely been intimate with Xiaoxue.

He walked to the door, pushed open the half-closed wooden gate, entered, and ten guards stood silently outside; when the time came, another set would take over. Amber’s father was still guarding Yun County.

“You’ve arrived, young master. The water is hot—please soak your feet first.” Seeing Wei Fufeng enter, Xiaoxue stepped forward and spoke gently.

Wei Fufeng’s heart warmed and he nodded, closed the door, and turned. Xiaoxue helped him remove his robe, then went to pull out a chair, removed his boots, and placed his feet in the wooden basin, letting the warmth flow through him.

After enjoying it for a while, Wei Fufeng reached out and grasped Xiaoxue’s hand, gently pulled her to sit on his lap, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her jade-like cheek. Xiaoxue blushed and nestled against Wei Fufeng’s chest.

After a tender moment, Xiaoxue whispered, “Young master, why have you not consummated your marriage with Mistress?”

“I wish to do it properly after a formal ceremony—I do not want to let either of you down,” Wei Fufeng answered softly.

“Master should marry Mistress as soon as possible. Given her age, it’s better for her to conceive sooner,” Xiaoxue whispered.

Wei Fufeng murmured assent, considering where it would be best to wed Lin Qingxue. All her family was in Junzhou, so the ceremony should be held there.

Yet his father and grandfather would find it difficult to come, especially his grandfather, who disapproved of his risky journey to find Lin Qingxue.

...