The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 588 The Di People's Submission
The flickering candlelight in the main hall cast a long shadow of Qin Shou. He stared at the rugged mountainous region of Wudu on the map of Longxi, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table.

"By imperial decree, Zhao Yun is to lead three thousand elite cavalry as the vanguard to the border of Wudu immediately. Zhang He will lead ten thousand infantry to provide support." The emperor's voice was cold and stern. "But for now, do not attack; set up camp and await further orders."

He turned to Xun You and said: “Draft an edict of amnesty, clearly informing the Di people that: 1. The court has never had any plan to conscript the Di people to build roads; 2. Li Zhen, the prefect of Wudu, has been dismissed and investigated for unauthorized military action; 3. All those who lay down their weapons will be pardoned; 4. Those who are willing to accept registration and land distribution will have their taxes reduced for three years.”

Xun You bowed: "Your Majesty is wise. But who should be chosen as the envoy? This journey is extremely dangerous."

"I have my own considerations." Qin Shou's gaze swept over the assembled officials, finally settling on a lean-faced official, and he called out, "Deng Zhi."

The middle-aged civil official who was called out stepped forward and bowed: "Your subject is here."

"You possess exceptional courage and insight. Are you capable of undertaking the mission of offering amnesty to the Di people?"

Deng Zhi showed no fear and shouted, "Your subject is willing to go."

"Very well!" Qin Shou nodded and said, "Bring the best medicines from the Imperial Medical Bureau to treat the wounded Di people. Also bring a hundred bolts of silk and a thousand catties of salt and iron to show our sincerity."

Three days later, Deng Zhi led a small team of more than ten people to the territory of Wudu. What he saw along the way horrified him—burnt-down post stations, destroyed roads, and the corpses of Han and Di people lying in the wilderness.

Outside Baima Village, Di warriors drew their swords and nocked their arrows, warily surrounding the small delegation.

"I, Deng Zhi, the envoy of the Great Tang Dynasty, hereby receive an imperial edict from the Emperor to request an audience with Chief Yang Teng," Deng Zhi announced in a clear voice, his Di language, though somewhat broken, was distinct.

The Di warriors on the stockade wall looked at each other in disbelief. They hadn't expected the Han envoy to dare come directly to the heart of the rebellion, and they certainly hadn't expected him to speak the Di language.

A moment later, the gate to the village opened. Deng Zhi was blindfolded and led into the village.

When the blindfold was removed, he found himself in a spacious wooden hall, surrounded by Di chieftains glaring angrily. In the center, old Yang Teng sat imposingly on a tiger-skin chair, with young Yang Qianwan standing beside him.

"The Tang envoy has quite the nerve," Old Yang Teng sneered. "Isn't he afraid I'll cut off his head and hang it on the gate to keep Li Zhen company?"

Deng Zhi calmly bowed and said, "If the old chieftain kills Deng Zhi, he will only gain another head. But if he listens to my words, he may be able to save the lives of thousands of Di people."

He looked around and said, “I saw Di women and children hiding in the mountains along the way. I’m sure you all understand that if the imperial army really arrives, the outcome will be decided long ago. His Majesty sent me here not because our dynasty is incapable of suppressing the rebellion, but because he does not want to commit any more bloodshed.”

One of the leaders suddenly stood up, pointed at the other man, and roared angrily, "Stop threatening us! We Di people are not afraid of death!"

"Aren't you afraid that your children will become orphans? Aren't you afraid that your ancestral land will be soaked in blood?" Deng Zhi asked rhetorically, then opened the imperial edict. "By imperial decree, Prefect Li Zhen of Wudu has been punished. The court never planned to conscript Di people to build roads. This was an act of arbitrariness by corrupt officials, and it has now been investigated and dealt with."

A commotion broke out in the hall. Yang Qianwan said urgently to his father, "Father, I heard about this Envoy Deng when I was in Dunhuang. He is known for his integrity."

Deng Zhi continued, "His Majesty, knowing that the Di people have been wronged, has issued a special decree: all those who lay down their weapons will be pardoned; those who are willing to be registered as households and allocated land will have their taxes reduced for three years. Hunting grounds will also be preserved, and outstanding children can be selected to study at the Imperial Academy in Chang'an."

One of the leaders scoffed, "Can we trust the promises of the Han people?"

Deng Zhiling had his attendants carry in the gift chest: "These medicines, silks, salt, and irons are gifts from His Majesty. The imperial physicians are already outside the camp treating the wounded, regardless of whether they are Han or Di."

Just as the atmosphere eased slightly, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. A Di man covered in blood rushed in: "The Han army has ambushed our hunting party!"

Instantly, the sounds of swords being drawn filled the air, and Deng Zhi and the others were surrounded. "As expected, it's another trick by the Han people!" Old Yang Teng roared in anger.

Deng Zhi calmly replied, "If our army were to attack, why would Deng Zhi walk into a trap? Someone must be trying to sabotage the peace talks!"

Yang Qianwan hurriedly said, "Father, let me go and find out the truth first!"

The investigation revealed a shocking truth—the attackers of the Di hunting party were actually Qiang prisoners who had escaped from the imperial road, and they were wearing Han army armor that they had somehow acquired.

The truth came to light, and the Di leaders looked at each other in bewilderment.

Deng Zhi seized the opportunity: "As you can see, those who are sowing discord between the Han and Di peoples are not only corrupt officials, but also these desperate outlaws who hope for chaos in the world. Your Majesty is willing to make peace with the Di people and jointly build Wudu."

After a long silence, Old Yang Teng finally spoke: "Can we trust the Emperor's promise?"

Deng Zhi solemnly said, "His Majesty has issued an edict to reform the administration of Longxi and will send an honest and upright official. If the chieftain is willing, he may send his son to accompany me back to the capital to meet the Emperor in person."

Three days later, the Wudu rebellion was initially quelled. Most of the Di people laid down their weapons, and Yang Qianwan followed Deng Zhi to Chang'an.

In the palace, Qin Shou received the Di prince.

"You studied in Dunhuang?" the emperor asked kindly.

Yang Qianwan respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I studied Chinese classics under scholars from Dunhuang."

Qin Shou nodded: "Do you know why I insisted on building the imperial highway?"

"I don't know."

"It is not for conquest, but for communication," the emperor said. "With smooth roads, goods can circulate and cultures can blend. Han, Di, and Qiang people can all become subjects of the Tang Dynasty and share in peace."

He stood up and said, “Your elders and chieftains are getting old. When you return after completing your studies, you will inherit the position of chief. I hope that you will not only be the leader of the Di people, but also an official of the Tang Dynasty, and work for the benefit of the people of Wudu.”

Yang Qianwan was deeply moved and prostrated himself in gratitude.

The following spring, Qin Shou overruled objections and appointed the twenty-two-year-old Yang Qianwan as the Assistant Prefect of Wudu County to assist the new Prefect in governing the region. He also issued an edict to conscript young men from the Han, Di, and Qiang ethnic groups to jointly build roads, paying them wages, providing them with food and lodging, and strictly prohibiting any mistreatment.

The hot summer winds whipped up dust storms in Longxi. The Qiang tribes, dissatisfied with the numerous deaths and injuries caused by the construction of the imperial road, united to rebel. Thousands of Qiang cavalry raided the construction site of the Wudu section of the road, burning down the workers' sheds, looting supplies, and killing seven Han Chinese supervisors and more than ten Di laborers.

When the news reached the Wudu Prefecture, Yang Qianwan was discussing the distribution of autumn grain with the Han Chinese prefect. He immediately stood up and said, "My lord, please allow me to conscript Di warriors to assist the court in suppressing the rebellion."

The elderly prefect frowned: "The prefectural assistant must be cautious. The Di people have only recently submitted; if we allow them to lead an army armed, what if..."

“Precisely because the Di people have just submitted, it is all the more necessary to show our true intentions.” Yang Qianwan’s gaze was firm. “Moreover, the Qiang people burned and killed Di workers, and the Di people are already indignant.”

When the urgent military report arrived in Chang'an, Qin Shou was reviewing memorials. He immediately issued an edict: "Appoint Zhao Yun as the commander-in-chief and Zhang He as the deputy commander, leading 5,000 elite cavalry to quell the rebellion. The Di people of Wudu may be incorporated into the government army, under the command of Yang Qianwan, to cooperate in the battle."

(End of this chapter)