Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3782 Like music in harmony, nothing is out of tune.
Outside Ye City, at the camp of the Flying Cavalry.

Wei Yan and Gan Feng left, the sound of their horses' hooves like muffled thunder, gradually fading into the distance and finally disappearing into the cold autumn night wind.

Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao stood on the earthen slope, watching the billowing dust gradually fade from view, neither of them speaking immediately.

The autumn wind fluttered the tricolor flags, casting swaying shadows on their heads and bodies, as if the unspoken thoughts in their hearts were also swaying along with them.

The delicate, brief balance that had existed between the three was completely shattered with Wei Yan's departure, leaving an awkward atmosphere in the air.

This silence between the two lasted for quite some time. Neither of them took the initiative to leave. They both seemed to be processing the new situation brought about by Wei Yan's departure, and weighing how to deal with the changes to come.

In the end, Zhao Yun broke the silence first, inviting Zhang Liao to sit in the central command tent.

Zhang Liao did not refuse.

The two returned to the central command tent. Zhao Yun dismissed the guards and personally picked up the copper pot that was warming on the small red clay brazier. He poured a bowl of boiling soup for Zhang Liao and himself, his movements slow and steady, just like the impression he usually gave people.

The soup was just ordinary tea leaves with ginger slices and a little salt added—a warming remedy. In this increasingly chilly autumn season, besides providing warmth, it also showed a touch of pragmatism and clarity.

"Wen Yuan," Zhao Yun pushed the earthenware bowl towards Zhang Liao, his tone calm and devoid of much emotion, as if casually mentioning a colleague, "Wei Wenchang's departure, though a shrewd move, is truly worrisome. The situation in Shandong is complex, with powerful warlords and fortified strongholds everywhere, and the hearts of the people are unpredictable. It's unlike the northern deserts, where one can gallop freely and settle scores. He only has two thousand light cavalry; even with Colonel Gan's assistance, he's isolated far from home. Supplies, intelligence, and a retreat route are all major problems."

Zhao Yun's concerns were genuine and not exaggerated.

As the Protector-General of the Northern Regions, he was responsible for the safety of every army, let alone a general of Wei Yan's caliber.

Zhang Liao accepted the earthenware bowl with both hands. The warmth of the bowl seeped through his palms, the steam illuminating his eyes and brows, seemingly dispelling some of the chill. Zhang Liao nodded slightly. "The risks are indeed considerable. However, both of them are exceptionally brave and fearless, capable of taking on ten thousand men, and are not merely reckless. If they can support each other, act with restraint, strike swiftly, and exploit weaknesses, they might be able to stir up a storm in Shandong, leaving Cao Cao's army vulnerable from both sides and uneasy."

After Zhang Liao finished speaking, he glanced at Zhao Yun and changed the subject, saying, "Sometimes, in a stalemate, it is precisely this kind of sharpness and courage that is needed to break free. Compared to the unknown dangers of Shandong, I have heard along the way that the northern borderlands have a completely new look, which has amazed me. I've heard that caravans of merchants are constantly passing through the northern deserts, and Han and non-Han people live together, creating a scene somewhat reminiscent of the bustling cities and prefectures of the interior. Is this really true? It's clear how much effort the Protector-General has put into governing the desert over the years."

This was not a simple compliment, but a well-timed and weighty introduction. It smoothly picked up on Zhao Yun's topic about Wei Yan, and naturally and cleverly shifted the focus of the conversation to Zhao Yun himself and the Northern Region he managed, opening up a topic for in-depth discussion. It also subtly led the conversation to a deeper level, concerning the responsibilities, careers, and future directions between the two.

Zhao Yun hadn't expected Zhang Liao to change the subject so quickly. He had been thinking about how to better start a conversation, but Zhang Liao had already done it first...

Zhao Yun did not respond immediately, but instead held the warm ceramic bowl in both hands, as if he was recalling something.

After all, the northern desert region was a vast territory where he had devoted countless efforts and witnessed the changes of the Hu people...

There are vast grasslands, majestic mountains, rushing rivers, and all sorts of people who depend on this land.

Hu people.

They are human too.

There is joy and sorrow, savagery and cruelty, and also kindness and weakness.

"The Northern Regions..." Zhao Yun began slowly, his voice low and reminiscent, as if touching upon a long and weighty era. "To my shame, I came from a poor family in my early years, and later had the good fortune to serve under my lord... At first, I only knew how to charge into battle and kill the enemy, thinking that securing the borders and maintaining peace was simply a matter of being skilled in archery and horsemanship, having strict military discipline, and enforcing the law. It wasn't until I was ordered to guard the desert, and received my lord's constant guidance and instruction, that I realized the vastness of the world and the profoundness of governing a country, which cannot be achieved solely through martial prowess. My lord often said, 'The way of the king is boundless, not only in warfare, but also in education, in the economy, in ensuring the people's well-being, and in bringing peace and submission to all directions.'"

At this point, Zhao Yun paused, as if sorting through the complex thoughts and memories in his mind, before beginning his true 'narration'. This narration was far from a simple recounting of events; every experience and every action contained rich details and deeper meanings. It was a presentation to Zhang Liao of a complete, even three-dimensional, picture of governance in the northern regions, and also a subtle expression of Zhao Yun's own thoughts and ideals.

"The northern frontier is bitterly cold, and survival is difficult. The various nomadic tribes rely heavily on animal husbandry for their livelihood. In the past, whenever there was a severe snowstorm, the land was covered in ice and snow, and cattle and sheep froze to death. In their desperate search for survival, these tribes would often resort to risky tactics, raiding southwards. Our Han army was exhausted from constantly intercepting and pursuing them, resulting in countless deaths and injuries year after year. The Han people on the border also suffered greatly, and the hatred only deepened, seemingly without resolution… Later, our lord argued that this was not due to the inherent evil nature of the nomadic people, but rather to the pressures of their environment, a struggle for survival, and not a simple matter of good or evil… To truly eradicate this border threat, we must first address the root cause, alleviate their survival difficulties, and guide them towards civilization."

Zhao Yun said slowly.

This was a major shift in his thinking after he came under Fei Qian's command.

The view shifted from "only dead Hu people are good Hu people" to "Hu people who originally returned to Han culture are also good Hu people"...

This signifies Zhao Yun's complete abandonment of the so-called "good and bad" dichotomy and his shift towards a deeper and more concrete approach to problem-solving.

Among the Han people, there was originally a theory of "human nature is evil and good" during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. However, Fei Qian gave a summary that was more in line with the experience of later generations: people influence the environment, and the environment also influences people. Morality is the upper limit of people, while law is the lower limit of people.

The reason why the Hu people did not consider killing to be evil was because in their land, killing was not a crime.

Even in later generations, in some remote and desolate places, killing is not a rare occurrence.

The reason why in most countries in later generations, killing people at will would violate the law is that in most countries in later generations, the rulers understood that society needs order and stability in order to create surplus value. If people kill and cause chaos every day, how can there be any surplus value to accumulate?
Fei Qian's idea of ​​not categorizing "Hu people" as purely "evil" is somewhat similar to that of Liu Yu, the former governor of Youzhou, but he goes a step further because Fei Qian also demands military guarantees, technological superiority, cultural erosion, and economic control...

Zhao Yun slowly said, "Therefore, over the years, I have diligently followed the lord's established strategy, selecting seventeen sites of varying sizes in strategically important locations such as the foot of Yinshan Mountain, Yunzhong County, and Wuyuan County, where water and grass are abundant and transportation is relatively convenient. Trade between Han and non-Han peoples is not prohibited; instead, troops are dispatched to protect the markets, fair trade rules are established, and a small tax of one-tenth is levied, with the proceeds used to support the border troops and maintain road and post stations."

Zhang Liao listened silently, nodding occasionally.

"When this initiative was first launched, it faced considerable resistance. There was much criticism in Guanzhong, and even the northern border generals were puzzled. The Hu people were also hesitant and observing. Initially, the Hu people only drove cattle and sheep, bringing coarse hides to exchange for necessities like grain, salt, and ironware. Later, Han artisans intentionally entered the market or were hired by Hu tribes, teaching them how to tan leather more finely, making it more durable and beautiful; teaching them how to weave thicker, warmer, and more exquisitely patterned felt and carpets. Their products, after processing, increased in value many times over, naturally allowing them to exchange for more goods and improving their lives. Even… many Han artisans, due to their superior skills, were highly regarded by Hu nobles and treated as honored guests." Zhao Yun refilled Zhang Liao's teacup, his voice still steady and measured, but the scene he described was magnificent, presenting a frontier landscape different from the bloody battles of the past, instead full of vitality and integration.

"Wen Yuan, have you ever seen a Xianbei noble chieftain who once only knew how to draw his bow and shoot eagles now take pride in wearing a jade pendant or jade ring exquisitely carved by the craftsmen of Bingzhou? Have you ever seen a prince of the Jiankun tribe in the west earnestly haggle with a Han merchant from northern Bingzhou in broken Chinese, just to exchange a set of warm-glazed porcelain tea set produced in Guanzhong for his queen? Yun Du has seen all of these things with his own eyes."

Zhao Yun smiled. "Even more so, some smaller tribes, such as the Rouran remnants and Gaoche remnants that have submitted to the Han Dynasty, seeing that they could live in peace and prosperity and be free from the bullying and exploitation of larger tribes as long as they obeyed the laws of the Han and accepted investiture and administration, have actually sent envoys to request submission, willing to become bulwarks of the Han and be its eternal subjects."

"Regarding these Hu people, I petition the Lord to allow their leaders' sons to audit classes at the Imperial Academy in Chang'an and learn our etiquette and classics; to grant their leaders Han surnames, such as changing Ashina's surname to Shi, and Silifa's surname to Li... and to allow their people to graze and live in designated pastures... However, they must also select their able-bodied warriors according to the size of their tribes and incorporate them into the army, under the unified command and training of Han generals, to jointly conquer with our army those stubborn remnants of the Xianbei and Wuhuan bandits who still enjoy raiding the border regions..."

At this point, Zhao Yun's smile faded, and he sighed softly.

"However... the Northern Desert... is just... too vast..."

Zhao Yun's soft sigh contained countless unspeakable hardships endured through wind, frost, rain, and snow; countless days and nights of painstaking effort; and also his regret at facing the vast northern deserts and the unfinished task of assimilating the Hu tribes into Han culture...

"The Northern Regions are truly vast, stretching from Youyan in the east to the Western Regions in the west. Numerous tribes exist, with diverse races, varied languages, and complex and fickle human nature. The work of education and cultural integration cannot be accomplished overnight." Zhao Yun's barely concealed emotions were once again suppressed beneath a calm expression.

"Even now, some tribes in remote areas beyond the Liaodong border still harbor extreme hatred towards Han people, either because the blood feud from past Han conquests remains, or because they have been manipulated and incited by certain powerful leaders, chieftains, and shamans with ulterior motives. They frequently descend from the mountains to plunder caravans and border residents. Furthermore, there are the Semu people of the northern regions, cruel and cannibalistic, impossible to communicate with. Despite repeated attempts at suppression and pacification, they are like weeds on the grasslands, impossible to eradicate. This is a major concern for Yun, and I deeply feel my inadequacy, constantly fearing I will fail my lord's trust..."

Zhao Yun's gaze lingered on Zhang Liao's face and body. "Governing the Northern Regions is like cultivating a millennia-old wasteland. We've only just begun. The subsequent deep cultivation, irrigation, irrigation canals, seed selection, and seedling training, ensuring the land remains Han territory and its people are forever Han subjects, requires decades of unwavering dedication. The process is intricate and complex, involving tribal balance, personnel allocation, weighing interests, and the urgency of education. A slight misstep could undo all previous efforts and even trigger new unrest..."

Zhao Yun's lengthy narration, seemingly an introduction of his work to his "colleagues," was in fact a deep, even frank, "confession" to Zhang Liao.

Zhao Yun described in detail the current situation in the Northern Region and his core strategy for governing the desert, which was to follow Fei Qian's instructions to focus on economic and cultural integration, supplemented by military deterrence and strikes. He explained the remarkable achievements and models that had been made, but also pointed out the thorny problems that the Northern Desert still faced.

Especially the stubborn forces in Liaodong, and the Semu people north of the Gobi Desert...

Through these narratives, Zhao Yun was actually conveying to Zhang Liao that his many years in the northern deserts were not out of greed for power or to establish a separatist regime, but rather because he genuinely had unfinished business to attend to.

The governance of the northern desert is a long-term, complex, and meticulous systemic project that requires immense patience, wisdom, and resolve. It cannot be replaced by simple military conquest or oppressive rule.

Although Fei Qian has not yet given clear instructions...

Obviously, Fei Qian wouldn't be so foolish as to issue such an order at this time, but Zhao Yun wasn't stupid either; he could guess some of the meaning.

If Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao could get along and reach an agreement, then during the conquest of Hebei, a natural transfer of power would occur, with Zhao Yun returning to the central government and Zhang Liao taking charge of the northern region.

If two people are incompatible and can't communicate, then even without a direct and explicit order to replace them, there will be an effective buffer period, allowing for further arrangements later.

Therefore, Zhao Yun's words were tantamount to a veiled message to Zhang Liao: You need to understand these situations thoroughly; you must resolutely continue these unfinished tasks; and you should learn from these lessons. It's not that I'm unwilling to relinquish power, but rather that I hope the transfer of power will be smooth, allowing this hard-won integration and the frontier cause to continue and develop, so as not to fail my lord's expectations…

Zhang Liao listened quietly, his eyes focused. Throughout the entire process, he neither interrupted Zhao Yun nor immediately offered any of his own "insights" or "comments" on Zhao Yun's actions.

This is something that many people cannot do...

In particular, some self-satisfied people are unwilling to be listeners; they prefer to "give pointers" and "evaluate."

Clearly, Zhang Liao was a good listener. He listened patiently from beginning to end, and even after Zhao Yun stopped, he didn't immediately say anything. Instead, he pondered quietly for a moment before slowly saying, "The Protector-General's management of the northern frontier, employing both kindness and severity, has turned hostility into friendship, guiding livelihoods to solidify the people's hearts. This is truly an unparalleled achievement, far surpassing ordinary feats of slaying generals and capturing flags. Upon hearing this, I can only feel deep admiration."

Zhang Liao first sincerely and generously affirmed Zhao Yun's achievements, saying that he had been listening attentively. Then, he subtly changed the subject, not commenting on the merits or demerits of Zhao Yun's actions in the northern desert, but instead began to share Zhang Liao's own experiences...

Similarly, each of Zhang Liao's narratives is subtly pointed and rich in meaning: "Previously, Liao, following the orders of his lord, was not always stationed in Guanzhong and Longxi; he also led troops westward, venturing into the snowy plateaus. The scenery there was vastly different from Guanzhong and the northern frontier; the sky was exceptionally high and blue, the land boundless and expansive, and the people were both fierce and simple, possessing their own unique way of life."

Zhao Yun smiled slightly and nodded. "I'd like to hear the details."

Zhang Liao began to describe that mysterious land: "The Hu tribes in the snowy region traditionally worshipped local deities. They primarily practiced shamanism, worshipping mountain spirits, lake spirits, and celestial gods. Their actions and decisions relied heavily on divination and fortune-telling. Their livelihood depended almost entirely on nomadic herding, moving with the flow of water and pasture. Life was extremely difficult, and the tribes had been locked in generations of feuds and deep-seated resentment over grazing land."

"In the snowy regions, there is often miasma, invisible yet penetrating to the lungs and heart; the slightest carelessness can lead to its harm. Even though our Han army is superior in armor and weaponry to the Hu, the miasma will cause us to suffer heavy losses, killing a thousand enemies but losing eight hundred of our own. Our lord understands this situation and has taken advantage of it. He has spread the teachings of the Five Gods to the snowy regions," Zhang Liao said slowly. "Without swords or spears, without engaging in warfare, but with medicine, agriculture, and craftsmanship as the pioneers, the Five Gods travel through the snowy regions, spreading their teachings and personally demonstrating how to treat injuries with herbs, how to use earth and stones to ward off wind and snow, and how to irrigate crops with snowmelt..."

"Initially, just like in the northern regions, when the Hu people saw the Han people arrive, some were afraid, and some even harmed them. However, seeing the sick healed, the residents find peace, and the crops grow well, their hearts gradually turned to them. Now, in the snowy regions, large and small tribes, the chieftains consider it an honor to invite a Taoist priest from the Five Directions to their tribe, treating them as honored guests. The old shamans and sorcerers have either converted to new doctrines or gradually disappeared into obscurity."

Zhang Liao looked at Zhao Yun and said, "In the snowy regions, Taoism is the primary means of assimilation, which differs from the northern deserts. It's not merely about forcing them with force; it's the way of our Han people—it brings peace, sufficiency, and stability. This is also what our lord often speaks of: the Han people's way of both civil and military affairs, the power of balance and gradual influence, far beyond the path of relentless military force."

Zhao Yun nodded slightly.

Both men are smart people.

This is one of the reasons why Fei Qian and Pang Tong felt comfortable sending Zhang Liao.

Seeing that Zhao Yun seemed to understand the meaning of his words, Zhang Liao then naturally, yet inevitably, veered towards a more sensitive topic...