Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3798 Peace Before the Battle
The autumn wind brought a chilling atmosphere, sweeping over the Taihang Mountains and swirling around Henan, seemingly gathering strength, searching for an opening, and preparing to pounce on the Heluo region.

Jia Qu's original rest time had to be postponed due to the sudden arrival of military news.

The generals gathered in the central command tent to discuss their strategy for advancing into the Heluo region.

This is a matter of deeper significance, concerning the future, and how this traumatized land of Heluo can overcome its calamities and be reborn.

A huge map of the Heluo region was hung inside the central command tent.

Fei Qian stood with his hands behind his back in front of the map, his gaze sweeping over the mountains, rivers, passes, and cities on it.

Generals Jia Qu, Huang Cheng, Jiang Jiong, Zhu Ling, and Xu Ding stood on either side, holding their breath and concentrating.

Xu Chu?

Xu Chu stood outside the main tent. As Fei Qian's direct bodyguard, he generally did not participate in military discussions unless Fei Qian requested it. Moreover, the main generals were all gathered in the central command tent. If any emergency occurred, someone would need to handle it immediately.

"Liang Dao and Shu Ye, you've traveled a long way across the Taihang Mountains," Fei Qian turned around, first welcoming Jia Qu and Huang Cheng again, who had led their troops and provisions across the Taihang Mountains, then said in a deep voice, "The supplies and provisions have arrived on time; your hard work and merit are truly commendable. Now that the military provisions are ready, we can proceed with our operations without restraint."

Jia Qu cupped his hands, his expression calm and composed, showing no signs of fatigue despite the long journey and lack of immediate rest. "My lord is wise. The autumn harvest in Taiyuan and Shangdang is complete, and most of the new grain has been stored. This first shipment of grain amounted to 800,000 shi, and subsequent shipments can continue via the Zhiguan and Taihang Passes. The autumn harvest in Henan was also meager, which will supplement our supplies."

Fei Qian nodded and said, "The grain and fodder obtained from Wen County can also be used... In this way, it will be sufficient to support the operation of the large army..."

Fei Qian paused, looked around, and then raised his voice, "According to the reports from the Grand Minister of Agriculture and the scouts at the front, Cao Mengde's raids on the Heluo region have been extremely devastating. Wherever he goes, he burns granaries, destroys fields and irrigation ditches, and abducts people. His intention is not merely to seize a single city or piece of land, but to emulate Xiang Yu's burning of Xianyang, aiming to turn the heart of the Heluo region into a wasteland and destroy our army's foundation for recovery."

Upon hearing this, the generals inside the tent all showed anger on their faces.

Although the use of brutal methods in military operations is common, the Heluo region has suffered countless calamities.

Especially after Fei Qian took over Heluo, he focused on restoring production and resettling refugees, and his efforts were initially successful. However, Cao Cao trampled on his efforts in this way, which naturally made everyone very unhappy.

Huang Cheng's eyebrows shot up, and he said hatefully, "That traitor Cao is despicable! My lord, I request to be the vanguard and drive him out of the Heluo region, tearing him to pieces!"

Fei Qian waved his hand, "It's not about expelling... but about staying in Heluo... However, before we discuss strategy, I'd like to talk about how to revitalize Heluo after the war..."

Huang Cheng was taken aback, and the other generals were also somewhat confused.

this……

Shouldn't we just assign the first, second, third, and fourth points, then prepare ourselves and launch the attack?

Why talk about the post-war issues first?
Why not discuss it after the war?
The generals looked at Fei Qian, somewhat puzzled.

Fei Qian didn't offer much explanation, but instead looked at the composed Jia Qu and slowly spoke, his tone grave, "Liang Dao, you have guarded Bingbei for several years, governing the people with great skill and achieving remarkable results. Now, the Heluo region has just been pacified, yet it is still scarred and devastated, especially the Henan prefecture. Cao Mengde's campaign was brutal; he not only burned granaries and destroyed cities, but also massacred and looted. The surviving people have either lost their homes and families, or been displaced, their fields lie fallow, and all industries have withered. The tragedy is probably even worse than when you first arrived in Shangdang and Taiyuan."

Fei Qian paused, observing Jia Qu and the others' reactions, before continuing, "The people of the Heluo region are a diverse group, repeatedly ravaged by war. Besides the local remnants, there are also people forcibly relocated from Yan, Yu, Qing, and Xu provinces by Cao Cao's army. They were already suffering from displacement and hardship, and this war has added further wounds. Although the evil of Cao Cao's army is obvious, and most people should understand right and wrong, the repeated disasters inevitably leave some disheartened, losing faith in the court, the government, and even their future. This is especially true for the widowed, orphaned, and lonely; their desolation and hardship are unimaginable."

Fei Qian walked up to Jia Qu, his gaze deep: "I intend to hand over the governorship of Henan to you once the situation stabilizes. Liang Dao, if you were to govern this region, how would you proceed in the face of this situation, allowing it to recuperate and rebuild, and implementing our army's new policies to revitalize this once prosperous central region?"

This is a weighty and arduous proposition.

Entrusting a region ravaged by war and with a demoralized population to one person tests not only their governance capabilities but also their conviction and wisdom.

but……

Why ask this now?
Jia Qu glanced at Fei Qian, then at the surrounding generals, and seemed to understand something.

The military officers present were mostly older than Jia Qu.

Although Henan Yin is now in a state of disrepair, it was once the capital of the Han Dynasty, and its status even surpassed that of Guanzhong and the Three Auxiliary Regions!

If someone doesn't have some real skills, how could they possibly hold their position?
That's one reason, and another reason...

Jia Qu lowered his eyes slightly and did not answer immediately, clearly thinking rapidly.

The tent fell silent for a moment, with only the autumn wind howling outside, adding to the desolation.

After a moment, Jia Qu raised his head, his eyes revealing a clear and resolute expression. He cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "I am deeply grateful for your trust, my lord. The situation in Henan is indeed more difficult than it was in Bingbei back then, but the principles of governance remain the same, the core of which is still 'pacifying the people,' 'imparting knowledge,' and 'enabling hope.' While the old system of Bingbei can be consulted, it should be adjusted according to local conditions, striving for thoroughness, and above all, patience is essential."

Fei Qian nodded. "Please speak."

"The most urgent task is to 'pacify the people,'" Jia Qu explained clearly. "This 'pacification' encompasses both physical and mental well-being."

"Personal safety is the foundation of a nation's livelihood. With the war initially over, we must swiftly eliminate the remaining enemy forces, severely punish bandits, and restore order. We can follow the old example of Bingbei, gathering able-bodied men, regardless of their origin or migration status, to jointly repair ruins, mend roads, dredge ditches, and build temporary shelters. We should not impose forced labor, but rather provide daily rations, tools, or offset future land taxes as payment. This will ensure the people have something to do and enough grain to eat, preventing hunger and cold in the winter; this is the foundation for stabilizing public sentiment. As for the widowed, orphaned, lonely, disabled, and seriously ill, we should establish government-run relief centers, providing them with porridge and medicine to preserve their lives. Although this will be extremely costly, if they are allowed to starve to death along the roads, the people's hearts will be lost, and everything will fall apart."

Fei Qian, taking the lead, said: "In chaotic times, severe laws must not be abandoned, but benevolent governance should also be implemented. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures; preserving life should come first, then other endeavors. In the past, Yu controlled the floods and brought peace to the world; the Duke of Zhou subdued the barbarians and drove away wild beasts, bringing tranquility to the people. Both prioritized the well-being of the people. This suggestion is excellent."

Jia Qu continued, “The way to peace of mind is profound. We must use practical policies to dispel fear, resolve grievances, and rekindle hope. First, we should clearly announce the new policies, especially regarding the land tax system. We should quickly dispatch officials and those in the army who are literate to go deep into the villages and towns, and widely announce that all unclaimed wasteland that the people wish to cultivate can be inspected by officials, and according to the old system in Bingbei, the land will be exempt from tax for three years, half tax for five years, and permanently returned to the people after ten years.”

Jia Qu paused briefly, then said solemnly, “Most common people are illiterate. This policy must be personally implemented in the fields, repeatedly proclaiming its importance so that even women and children understand it. The people of Shandong must understand that they are not discarded like worn-out shoes by the Cao family, nor are they outsiders despised by the Heluo region. They only need to cultivate this land to hope for land ownership. As for the former inhabitants of Heluo, they should also be comforted and allowed to reclaim their original houses after inspection. If they have been destroyed, they should be helped to rebuild them. Both new and old people should benefit from the new policy, thus avoiding discord and conflict. In the past, Guan Zhong governed Qi by promoting trade and accumulating wealth, sharing the same likes and dislikes as the people, which enabled him to unite the feudal lords nine times and bring order to the world. We should emulate his leniency and harmony, ensuring that each person finds their place.”

Fei Qian nodded slightly.

"Secondly," Jia Qu said, his eyes filled with sorrow, "those whose families have been destroyed by war are especially destitute, particularly orphans and children. We must plan for the long term. We can establish orphanages and almshouses in Luoyang and other major cities in the surrounding area to take in young children. We should not only provide them with food and clothing, but also hire teachers to instruct them in literacy and arithmetic. As they grow older, depending on their aptitude, we can teach them agricultural and industrial skills so they can become self-reliant and avoid the plight of begging and hiding. Although the cost will be considerable, if these children are trained, they will surely become pillars of the Henan governor's reconstruction efforts and true heroes of the new government. As for widows, we can organize spinning and weaving businesses, paying them wages to ensure their livelihood and dignity. The lonely should also be employed, so as not to cause resentment. In the past, during the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, orphans and widows were cared for, and granaries were full. We should continue this benevolent policy."

Fei Qian looked at Jia Qu and said approvingly, "Liang Dao's consideration of this matter demonstrates his benevolence. In chaotic times, the lonely and widowed suffer the most. If they can be properly settled, it will be an immeasurable act of merit." Jia Qu bowed slightly in greeting and continued, "Now that 'pacifying the people' has been implemented, 'instruction in trade' should be carried out. This 'trade' refers to livelihood occupations, as well as the occupations of all crafts. Henan Prefecture is located in the Central Plains, a hub of waterways and land routes, and already possesses a foundation for commerce and industry. Reviving production cannot rely solely on agriculture. We should fully utilize the new policies of 'delegating duties to specific individuals' and 'making all trades professionals.'"

"Agricultural affairs are of utmost importance," Jia Qu said, outlining his plans. "Besides allocating land for reclamation, we should quickly transfer drought-resistant, early-maturing seeds and new agricultural implements from Bingbei and Guanzhong, and have the officials in charge of agricultural promotion promote and teach them. We should also repair damaged irrigation systems. We can demarcate areas to trial the proven methods of alternating fields and dividing fields from Bingbei to enrich the soil and increase the annual harvest. At this time, the Grand Minister of Agriculture also has good methods that we can follow. In the past, Zhao Guo taught the people to practice alternating fields, and the annual harvest was often more than one bushel per mu of arable land, with the best performers achieving double that. This is all worthy of emulation."

"The rise of industry and commerce is also crucial," Jia Qu said in a deep voice. "We should draw on the experience of Bingbei and adapt it to the realities of the Heluo region. First, taking advantage of the need for post-war reconstruction, government-run workshops should prioritize recruiting skilled migrants to participate in pottery making, iron smelting, tool making, and city construction, thus both providing for their livelihoods and promoting construction. Second, we should vigorously encourage private artisans to resume their businesses and establish workshops, granting regular tax reductions or even loans to ironworkers, woodworkers, and weavers who are the first to resume production, to help them purchase materials and tools."

"With the prosperity of agriculture, industry, and commerce, the Heluo region can naturally be revitalized." Jia Qu's eyes gleamed. "We should issue an edict to Luoyang, Yanshi, Gongxian, and other key locations to establish tax-exempt zones to attract merchants from all directions. At the same time, market officials should organize local merchants to re-establish markets and facilitate trade. Salt, iron, and cloth from Guanzhong and the north can be transported here to exchange for local medicinal herbs, artifacts, and grains. Once trade routes are open, wealth can accumulate, the people's labor can be relieved, and the markets will revive. Although market taxes are temporarily waived, the increased population will, in the long run, outweigh the disadvantages. In the past, when Taigong Wang was enfeoffed in Yingqiu, the land was saline and the population was small. However, he developed commerce and industry, benefited from fish and salt production, and people flocked to the area. Now, the Heluo region is as advantageous as Qi."

Fei Qian, taking the lead, said: "Using industry to promote construction and commerce to revitalize the market. Liang Dao's strategy is profoundly insightful and essential for governing the world. With the great chaos just quelled, such decisiveness is precisely what is needed."

"Finally, this 'hope'..." Jia Qu's voice was firm and powerful. "When I was in Bingbei, I knew that the common people could endure temporary suffering, but they could not bear the endless night of despair. Therefore, in Henan, I must ensure that all people, whether they are relocated from their old homes, engaged in farming or manual labor, or even retired soldiers, know that in this land of Heluo, as long as they work hard and abide by the law, there will surely be a ladder to advancement, an opportunity for improvement, and the hope of bringing glory to their families."

"Farmers who have a bountiful harvest not only have enough to eat, but can also sell surplus grain to accumulate wealth and property. Their children may be recommended for admission to newly established village schools or county academies due to their contributions to land reclamation. Craftsmen with excellent skills and tools will not only receive generous compensation, but may also be awarded the title of Master Craftsman, as is the case in northern China, and promoted in rank. Merchants who conduct honest trade will not only profit, but will also receive rewards, and their children will have no shortage of opportunities to enter education and officialdom. Those who have retired from the military will, in addition to being granted land, be given priority for promotion to positions such as patrol inspector, village head, neighborhood head, and militia instructor based on their military experience, thus both serving the local community and securing their future."

Jia Qu concluded, "Governing Henan for the first three to five years will likely yield little benefit in terms of tax revenue; on the contrary, it will require the court's full attention. The government's primary task is to create a fair, orderly, and hopeful environment. Lightening taxes and levies will allow the people to recuperate, encouraging all industries will bring them profit, and broadening opportunities for advancement will give them hope. Once the people's livelihood improves and their hearts are more at ease, Henan, with its strategic location and rich heritage, can not only restore its former glory but also surpass it! When the Zhou dynasty moved east, Luoyang was revived; will it not be the same now?"

At this point, Jia Qu suddenly had more insights. Besides the reasons he had previously guessed were why he had to publicly explain his policies and strategies for governing the Heluo region, there was also Jia Qu's own statement at the end that it required the "devotion of the imperial court"...

The Heluo region has lost too much blood and clearly needs to be transfused to other areas for a period of time. The generals present are likely to have the opportunity to take charge of a region in the future, so Fei Qian's decision to have Jia Qu explain the governance strategy of the Heluo region in public was indeed well-intentioned.

After Jia Qu finished speaking, all the generals in the tent immediately looked at him with admiration.

Yes, these military officers may understand many of these principles, but to actually explain them clearly and logically on the spot is something not everyone can do...

"Excellent! 'Peace for the people, instruction, and hope'—every word is a gem!" Fei Qian exclaimed, clapping his hands. "With such insightful vision and the ability to govern with benevolence, I can rest assured that the governorship of Henan is entrusted to you!"

Fei Qian surveyed the room. "The art of war says, 'Do not seek victory, but consider defeat.' Today, I would also like to borrow Liang Dao's words to tell you all… Before battle, consider security!"

Fei Qian reached out and patted the massive map hanging behind him. "What is this place? It is the land of the Great Han!"

Fei Qian's gaze swept over the generals. "If it were foreign lands, that would be one thing... But since you are all subjects of the Han Dynasty, let's first consider how to ensure the people's safety before discussing victory or defeat!"

The generals couldn't help but feel a chill.

These days, Fei Qian has sensed a certain amount of pride among the soldiers.

Seeing the expressions on his generals' faces, he knew his words had touched them somewhat. He then slowly walked into the tent, pausing deliberately to give them time to think before speaking: "You are all seasoned generals, veterans of countless battles. Since you joined my army, you have charged into battle, invincible in every direction. The northern barbarian dust has been quelled, and the wolves of Guanzhong have fallen. Now you have defeated Cao Cao's army in the Heluo region. This is truly gratifying."

At this point, Fei Qian paused again, his face serious, and said, "There is an ancient saying: 'Even a large country will perish if it loves war; even a peaceful world will be in danger if it forgets war.' Yet, observing the camp today, I hear only celebratory words, rarely any words of warning; I see only banners obscuring the sun, rarely considering the dangers of battle! This is not a good omen!"

The generals couldn't help but feel a little nervous, because this wasn't an isolated case. Even Huang Cheng, who had come to provide reinforcements, felt that they had to seize this last "opportunity," or they wouldn't get any meat...

If the generals in the army are like this, then the military officers and soldiers below them are more likely to develop feelings of pride and impatience.

Under normal circumstances, it might not be a big problem, but if an accident occurs, this kind of emotion can be fatal...

Fei Qian spoke forcefully: "In the past, Zhao Kuo merely read his father's books and regarded the Qin army as nothing more than clay chickens and earthen dogs. At Changping, in one night, 400,000 brave soldiers turned to dust. Xiang Yu broke the cauldrons at Julu, and the feudal lords crawled on their knees, not daring to look him in the eye. Yet, his stubbornness and self-will ultimately led to his farewell to his concubine at Gaixia. I ask you all, were these two not at the height of their military might?"

The tent was completely silent, except for the crackling of the torches and braziers.

Fei Qian smiled, easing the tension slightly, but his words still made some of the generals break out in a cold sweat: "Yesterday, while inspecting the camp, I overheard some people saying, 'The Cao family's forces are all enemies; we should follow the example of Bai Qi burying his soldiers alive!' What do you all think?!"

Before his generals could respond, Fei Qian slammed his hand on the table. "This is utterly absurd! In the past, when Tang and Wu revolutionized the land, the sacrifices to the Three Honored Officials were still preserved; when the Duke of Zhou campaigned eastward, he did not kill those who had been coerced into joining him. Now, Cao Cao has seized Shandong. While the gentry and powerful families who sided with him should certainly be eliminated, what crime have the common people committed? They are merely peasants forced to take up arms, starving civilians coerced into joining the army!"

Fei Qian reached out and picked up a scroll of secret reports from the table, gesturing for the guards to pass it to the generals for them to read in turn. "Some time ago, we received news that Cao Cao's army was spreading rumors in Shandong, claiming that our army would commit massacres and looting upon entering the city… Have you all seen the pine trees of Mount Song? The wind and frost may wither their branches and leaves, but they cannot harm their roots. The millions of people in Shandong are truly the foundation of China. If we treat them all as enemies because of Cao Cao's evil deeds, wouldn't that be tantamount to cutting ourselves off from the world?"

Upon reading this, the generals expressed their anger at Cao Cao's army for spreading rumors.

Fei Qian nodded and said, "When Emperor Guangwu entered Hebei, he burned the slaves' documents; Emperor Gaozu established the Three Laws, abolishing all the harsh laws of Qin. Today, we are here to comfort the people and punish the guilty; we should emulate this benevolent act!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Cheng stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This humble general is foolish and dull-witted, and once argued that if we were to win, we should annihilate the entire enemy army… Now, having heard your teachings, my lord, I understand the true meaning of your prioritizing the people! Now that you have shown me the way, how dare I not follow it diligently?!"

Jiang Jiong also knelt down, saying, "This humble general is willing to swear a military oath! If my vanguard slaughters the innocent and plunders the people, I, Jiong, will commit suicide to atone for my sins!"

The generals in the tent took turns swearing oaths, their voices like thunder.

Fei Qian gestured for his generals to rise, his voice turning somber: "In the past, Shang Yang moved a log to establish trust, ultimately strengthening the Qin dynasty. Now, we aspire to achieve unparalleled feats; how can we emulate Xiang Yu's tyranny? As Lao Tzu said, 'In a battle of wits, the one who grieves prevails.' Our actions are not out of cowardice, but out of compassion for the common people!"

"The land of Heluo is already devastated, with nine out of ten houses empty. Hasn't Shandong also suffered the same fate at the hands of the Cao family and local powerful clans, with fields littered with bones? If we continue our tyranny, how are we any different from jackals and tigers?"

Fei Qian surveyed his generals one last time, his words carrying immense weight: "My lords, remember this! The might of weapons may subdue people temporarily, but benevolent governance brings peace to the world. The people of Shandong eagerly await the arrival of our royal army, not another ferocious foe! This battle is not only to rescue the people from their suffering, but also to demonstrate our new policies to the world! Anyone who dares to forget their roots and become arrogant…"

Fei Qian said in a deep voice, "Don't blame military law for being merciless!"

The generals bowed in reverence.

Outside the tent, the sound of a night watchman's clapper was heard as the third watch approached.

As dawn broke, Fei Qian's final admonition echoed on the wind: "The books say, 'The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.' I hope you gentlemen will always keep this in mind, so that your years of toil in battle and the blood and sweat shed on the battlefield will not be in vain… Then great achievements can be accomplished, and peace can be expected. Your merits must not be squandered due to a moment's negligence!"

The generals responded in unison, "We will remember this!"