Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3786 The prosperity of a nation lies in treating its people as if they were wounded; this is its blessing.
Following Pang Tong's order to send the cavalry into the city, Anyang was taken over and rebuilt under a new order.

Within the massive black army formation, separate teams emerged and moved silently and efficiently.

One group quickly took control of key locations such as the city walls, city gates, and government granaries; another group headed straight for the government offices; and yet another group began to organize manpower to prepare for opening granaries and distributing grain to appease the people.

On the city wall, the original Cao family banner was thrown into the mud, and in its place was a bright and dazzling tricolor battle flag...

That night, Anyang gradually calmed down amidst trepidation.

The Flying Cavalry Army was known for its strict discipline and never committed any offenses against the people.

Moreover, his act of opening granaries and distributing grain quickly won him a small amount of goodwill from the common people.

That's right, a 'weak' liking.

Why is it described as "weak" attraction?

The people of Anyang were grateful for the cavalry's act of "distributing grain," but this did not mean that the cavalry could immediately gain the complete trust of the people of Anyang by simply distributing grain once.

This situation was also common in later generations.

Relief stations and charitable institutions occasionally distribute food for free, and people express their gratitude when they receive it. However, this does not mean that the people who receive the food will immediately side with the relief station or charitable institution, or even fight to the death to protect its interests.

For ordinary people, food is a necessity for survival.

The cavalry's actions solved their immediate problem of hunger, and they were naturally grateful.

This is a direct reaction based on the survival instinct.

However, this gratitude is directed at a 'specific favor,' that is, gratitude for the specific act of 'distributing grain,' rather than recognition of the 'new regime' of the Flying Cavalry Army itself.

The people's thinking is very pragmatic.

"I'm grateful for the food you gave me today, but will you impose heavier taxes and harsher burdens tomorrow?"

"Your promise today sounds good, but what if you say tomorrow that everything you said doesn't count and you want to start over?"

Their long experience of suffering taught them that the rulers' "goodwill" was often temporary, purposeful, or even the prelude to the next, more severe exploitation.

After such historical memories and traumas are left behind, there will naturally be a reactive observation and repeated probing.

The memory of the oppression of the old rulers is still fresh, while the true face of the new conquerors is not yet fully clear.

In this context of extreme insecurity, any sudden act of "goodwill" will be met with skepticism.

The common people in feudal times had seen far too many "changing kings and flags on the city walls".

Every time a regime changes, the new power may initially make moves to win people's hearts and minds, but once it gains a foothold, its exploitative nature often resurfaces. Therefore, they develop a post-traumatic stress response-like self-protective mechanism, hesitant to give their trust easily, lest their hopes be dashed. More often than not, their approach is to "listen to their words and observe their actions."

There will always be some young people who naively believe that all "common people" are the same, but that's not actually the case. For example, in the Heluo region, if someone speaks ill of the General of the Cavalry, most of the newly arrived Heluo residents, who have only recently experienced the General of the Cavalry system, will simply say "Don't say that," and walk away, pretending they didn't hear it and didn't want to hear it. But if someone speaks ill of the General of the Cavalry in front of the people of Guanzhong…

The common people weren't fools. Compared to the young, naive sons of the aristocracy, the suffering masses possessed their own wisdom. "Opening granaries and distributing grain" was a one-time relief measure, only alleviating immediate hardship. What the people truly cared about were their long-term livelihoods: land ownership, tax burdens, labor obligations, and the fairness of the law, among other things.

These are not problems that can be identified or solved in a short period of time. Even if there are "announcements" or "disclosures," can they really be implemented? Just like the average salary in the United States, how many people actually earn more than the average?
If these problems are not resolved, the goodwill brought by a full meal is fragile and limited.

Within the feudal system, there was a vast chasm of exploitation between "them" and "us." Over hundreds and thousands of years, this antagonism has become an internalized, high wall of collective unconsciousness, which is difficult to break down in a short period of time.

What's even more interesting is that, although the old ruling order was oppressive, it was "predictable" for the people living under the old system...

Under the long-term oppression of the old system, ordinary people have figured out a set of "unspoken rules" and coping methods to survive in the cracks, such as bribing minor officials when handling affairs and concealing land ownership during the autumn harvest.

The arrival of the new order means that all rules are overturned and started anew, and it is full of uncertainty.

Even if the new rulers promise something better, the unknown itself is the greatest risk.

Therefore, the common people develop a peculiar "path dependence": "We may hate the old vampires, but at least we know how to deal with them; the new bodhisattva seems nice, but who knows when he might turn into a demon?"

Therefore, the process from "slight goodwill" to "genuine support" is a long one.

It took Fei Qian at least three to five years to truly win over the people of Guanzhong. So how could the people of Shandong and the Central Plains be so overjoyed and excited as soon as the Flying Cavalry arrived?

A slight positive impression is a good start. It means that the cavalry has taken the right first step and has not burned, killed, and looted like bandits, thus gaining the people's right to "not oppose" and "observe for the first time".

Next, it is necessary to demonstrate the difference between oneself and the old rulers through continuous policies, such as reducing taxes and corvée labor, distributing land, ensuring judicial fairness, and keeping one's word. Every fulfillment of a promise adds weight to that meager goodwill, while every change of heart or reneging diminishes goodwill and sows resentment.

Only when the people truly feel that life under the new regime has become more stable, dignified, and hopeful will their "weak goodwill" based on survival rationality gradually transform into "genuine support" based on recognition and trust.

Only then did the new regime have a solid foundation of legitimacy.

So how could the people of Heluo be like the people of Guanzhong?
How could the newly surrendered people of Anyang be the same as the people of Heluo?

The mere mention of the word "common people" implies that all people in the world are like this—either foolish or wicked.

Just like in Anyang right now, in the pitch-black night, some people hide in their homes, hoping that the Flying Cavalry Army can bring them a better life, while some Anyang residents secretly rappel down from a secluded corner of the city, stumble and fall to the ground, and then run desperately out of the city without looking back...

The scouts of the cavalry outside the city immediately discovered the situation and quickly reported it to the central command tent.

Pang Tong was examining the household registers and maps of Anyang under the lamplight. Upon hearing this, he merely raised his eyelids, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, and waved his hand: "No need to pursue them... Someone has to... go and deliver a message, tell the story of Anyang, doesn't he?"

The scout accepted the order and left.

Pang Tong lowered his head and continued processing official documents, the cold smile on his lips becoming increasingly pronounced.

Chess must be played one move at a time.

The player who wields the chess pieces never just looks at the pieces or the ground in front of them.

……

……

The news of the change of banners on the walls of Anyang spread like ripples from a boulder thrown into a calm lake to the main camp of the Flying Cavalry outside Ye City.

Upon hearing that General Fei Qian had personally arrived in Anyang, Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao dared not delay for even a moment. They properly entrusted the daily military affairs of the camp to their deputy general, and then mustered their most elite personal guard cavalry. They rode south across the desolate autumn fields to pay their respects to Fei Qian.

Two hundred li is not a long distance when galloping on horseback.

The sound of horses' hooves broke the silence, stirring up withered grass and dust.

Zhao Yun was clad in gleaming silver armor, covered by a plain white battle robe. His steed was magnificent. Despite the turmoil in his heart, his face remained calm and composed. Only a hint of solemnity between his brows revealed his inner turmoil.

Zhang Liao remained as composed as ever, clad in heavy black armor and a red-black cloak. Only when his gaze swept over Zhao Yun did a complex, indescribable expression flicker in his deep eyes. The two renowned generals rode side by side, saying little along the way, yet each was filled with turbulent emotions and countless thoughts.

The arrival of General Fei Qian at the front lines undoubtedly elevates the importance of the Hebei campaign to its peak, and the atmosphere of a final decisive battle seems imminent. At the same time, this also seems to concern the two of them, especially Zhao Yun, the Protector-General who has guarded the northern region for many years, regarding his future duties and destination.

The two men led their personal guards to the outskirts of Anyang City. They saw that the military camps were laid out according to the terrain, with a strict layout, complete with trenches and barricades. The patrolling soldiers were clad in bright armor, creating a solemn atmosphere. They couldn't help but exchange glances, raise their respective general's flags, and greet the approaching cavalry scouts.

After announcing their identities, the two were led by a military officer to the outside of the central command tent.

After straightening their slightly dusty armor and robes, Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity in each other's eyes. They took a deep breath and stepped together into the tent that symbolized the highest authority of the Flying Cavalry.

Zhao Yun walked ahead and saw that the tent was brightly lit by candles. A man stood with his back to the tent door, wearing the black and gold embroidered robes unique to the General of the Cavalry. He stood with his hands behind his back in front of a huge map of Hebei's mountains and rivers, his figure upright, as if he was deep in thought.

That silhouette, that bearing—at first glance, it was indeed exactly the same as Fei Qian's figure in my memory.

Zhao Yun dared not be negligent, nor dared to look directly at him closely. He immediately stepped forward a few paces, bowed, and respectfully paid his respects.

Zhang Liao lagged behind by half a step, but still followed closely.

"This humble general, Zhao Yun (Zhang Liao), pays his respects to my lord!"

The sound echoed clearly within the spacious tent.

However, the person standing with their back turned did not immediately turn around to offer gentle words of comfort as expected. A strange silence fell over the tent, with only the occasional crackling of torches and candlelight.

Just as the two were feeling slightly surprised, a slightly hoarse yet teasing voice rang out from one side of the tent: "Hehe, Zilong, Wenyuan, how have you been? It's been so long! How come your eyesight has deteriorated? You can't even tell our lord's true form from his disguise?"

Both of them felt a chill run down their spines and abruptly looked up in the direction of the sound.

Pang Tong was sitting calmly in the shadows on the left side of the tent.

Pang Tong, dressed in a black robe, was behind a table, leisurely sipping a cup of tea with a strange, ambiguous expression on his face.

The "Great General" who stood with his hands behind his back facing the map slowly turned around upon hearing the voice. Although his face was indeed eight parts similar to Fei Qian's, and could be considered a lifelike resemblance, upon closer inspection, his eyes and temperament were far from the deep, ocean-like, and imposing aura of the original. Instead, they subtly revealed a hint of restraint and rigidity that he was trying his best to conceal.

It was a body double!

Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao instantly understood why this person had turned his back and not responded when they bowed to him. Looking at the 'Fei Qian substitute' again, they noticed many differences, and a hint of surprise flashed across their faces. However, both of them were seasoned veterans with strong wills, and they quickly regained their composure.

Zhao Yun cupped his hands in greeting again, this time facing the direction of Pang Tong, his tone calm: "We were unaware that the strategist was here. We, Wen Yuan and I, were momentarily oblivious; we beg your forgiveness. Where is our lord now? Has he reached the front lines at Ye City?"

Zhang Liao glanced at Zhao Yun, but remained silent.

If Fei Qian truly avoided Zhao Yun and went to Ye City on his own, then the implications are naturally quite thought-provoking...

Zhao Yun's directness in asking Zhang Liao about the matter directly earned him Zhang Liao's respect.

Pang Tong did not answer immediately, but slowly put down his teacup, waved his hand, and signaled that the stand-in could leave.

Fei Qian's double respectfully bowed to Pang Tong and Zhao and Zhang, then silently retreated into the inner tent.

Pang Tong then stood up and walked to the huge map. He took the head seat, but didn't sit down immediately. His gaze lingered for a moment on Zhao Yun's calm face, as if trying to see through his placid exterior to the turmoil in his heart. He then swept his gaze over Zhang Liao's resolute face before waving his hand, "Generals, please sit."

Pang Tong's primary purpose in coming here was to convey the lord's established strategic plans, but he also had the intention of testing Zhao Yun.

The Protector-General of the Northern Regions, holding a high position and wielding great power, has guarded the frontier for many years and commands a large army. Now, facing potential strategic adjustments and personnel changes at the central government level, will his resolve remain as steadfast as a rock, and will he still firmly remember the fundamental principles upon which the Flying Cavalry Army regime stands?

Value the people and ensure their well-being.

This is of paramount importance, concerning the overall situation.

If he shows the slightest sign of abusing his power, being arrogant and disloyal, then with General Zhang Liao by his side, and with General Fei Qian's personal letter and tally in his pocket, he can take decisive action immediately according to the situation.

However, even though Zhao Yun's appearance has changed somewhat with age, he remains as open and honest as ever.

If Zhao Yun harbored ulterior motives, upon hearing that Fei Qian had arrived in Anyang, he would surely be suspicious and dare not easily leave the army, instead coming on light cavalry to pay his respects.

"Our lord is not here," Pang Tong said bluntly, making no attempt to conceal his intentions. "Anyang is a small town; why would our lord need to personally lead an expedition there? Our lord has already marched south."

"Heading south?" Zhang Liao frowned slightly and inquired, "Does our lord intend to engage Cao Cao in a decisive battle in the Yu and Yan regions, aiming to achieve victory in one fell swoop?"

Pang Tong shook his head and said, "Cao Cao's main force is not in Yu and Yan provinces, but in the He and Luo regions."

When Zhang Liao left Fei Qian's central army, Yique Pass had not yet been lost, so he was naturally unaware of the subsequent changes.

Pang Tong pointed to the map and gave Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao a general explanation of the current battle situation.

"Heluo, Luoyang?"

Zhao Yun's gaze suddenly sharpened.

Luoyang was the former capital of the Han Dynasty. Although the old Han forces represented by Cao Cao had moved the political center to Xuchang, its symbolic significance remained great. Moreover, it was located in the heart of the Han Dynasty and had convenient transportation.

Zhao Yun looked at Pang Tong and asked, "The Eight Passes of Heluo?"

Pang Tong nodded, his expression solemn, and further explained the strategic intent: "Indeed. By leaving the Si River, my lord, you are leading Cao Cao's army into the He-Luo region."

Pang Tong's gaze swept over Zhao Yun, and he said pointedly, "If we only seek to conquer cities and seize territory, how are we any different from the armies of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao?"

Zhao Yun frowned slightly. "Strategist, if we don't conquer cities and territories, wouldn't we be no different from the barbarians, prioritizing plunder?"

Pang Tong clapped his hands and laughed, "No, no! Zilong's question hits the nail on the head! Let me explain... Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, these barbarians, may seem to be of different lands and people, but in reality, they both treat the common people like weeds, nothing more than tenants tethered to the fields and livestock driven under the whip!"

"What our army seeks is not the bricks and stones of cities, but the hearts of the people within them. In the past, the Cao family of Xuzhou massacred and seized territory, instantly losing the hearts of the people; the lands of Guangling and Langya were devoid of life for three years. The Yuan brothers allowed their troops to plunder the people; the fertile fields north and south of the Yellow River were filled with starving corpses! Such 'conquest and territorial expansion,' even if it gains a thousand cities, will only leave us with scorched earth!"

Pang Tong, his sleeves fluttering, spoke with great emotion.

Pang Tong didn't articulate the concept of class as succinctly as he did nine years later, so he couldn't point out to Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao that Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were agents of the landlord class, gentry, and powerful clans. Their primary interest was land, so "conquering cities and seizing territory" was paramount to them. However, he did reveal the fundamental problem of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao's armies to Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao: they weren't blind to the people on the land, but rather they viewed them as worthless as weeds, easily regenerated even in the most desolate places.

Pang Tong, head held high and expression arrogant, said, "Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, seeing water, think of boats and oars, but they fail to see that the water that carries and capsizes the boat is none other than the common people! My lord, your military campaigns are about acquiring territory, governing it, utilizing it, allowing it to flourish and grow strong! Like a physician treating a serious illness, opening granaries is like continuing the bloodstream, equalizing land distribution is like strengthening the bones, and abolishing oppressive policies is like clearing the meridians! This is true 'conquering territory'! Conquering the hearts and minds of the people!"

"As for the barbarians," Pang Tong chuckled, clearly disdainful, "the barbarians enslave the people, they are lawless, they treat people as slaves, they turn people into objects! Even if they have temporary power, they can hardly continue the orthodox tradition of China! How can they be compared to the laws of our lord?"

Just then, Pang Tong seemed to suddenly remember something and asked, "By the way, where are Wei Wenchang's troops now? Are they left outside Ye City to monitor and contain Cao Cao's army?"

Zhao Yun was taken aback upon hearing this, and couldn't help but glance at Zhang Liao; both of them showed a hint of helplessness...

(End of this chapter)