Guiyi Fei Tang

Chapter 102: Adjust measures to local conditions
"Don't be in a hurry, line up properly!"

"Don't push in the back!"

"Name?"

In mid-July, outside Shandan City, there was a bustling crowd, and more than 2,000 people wearing tattered fur coats looked particularly miserable under the midday sun.

Their hair was disheveled, their faces were lined with wrinkles as deep as canyons, and their hands and feet were covered with scars.

Even so, there is still a gleam of hope in their eyes.

The lively scene attracted children in Shandan City. They watched the group of people from a distance, and occasionally their childish laughter could be heard as they played.

The laughter attracted quite a few people, and the Han slaves of the same age looked at them, looking a little restrained.

The older Hannu looked at them as if he saw the future.

The northwest wind blows, bringing with it the fragrance of grass and trees and a vibrant future.

Cui Shu stood at the city gate, brows furrowed as he registered all the slaves and distributed new clothes.

Because the rescued Han slaves were too excited, the order at the scene was somewhat chaotic.

The Han slaves were very enthusiastic. They pushed and shoved, vying to complete the registration in advance, as if that would allow them to escape from their suffering one step earlier.

There was a hint of pity in Cui Shu's eyes, but due to his duty, he could only command the soldiers coldly and maintain the final order.

The scene outside the city was like a microcosm of an era. Joys and sorrows, births and deaths were intertwined at this moment. Everyone was struggling for survival, but Liu Jilian on the city wall witnessed everything silently.

"Two thousand one hundred and sixty-four. I counted them when I came here."

Standing next to Liu Jilong, Shang Duoluo spoke tentatively.

He had already told Liu Jilong about Shang Bibi's request. Because he was worried that Liu Jilong might be angry, Shang Duoluo was a little cautious.

However, he still underestimated Liu Jilian's magnanimity. For Liu Jilian, as long as he could get enough Han people, he would do everything he could to get food.

"You have done a good job. With these two thousand people, Shandan will be able to move to a higher level."

Liu Jilong looked at Shang Duoluo with a happy tone, which made Shang Duoluo feel like spring breeze.

"Just don't blame me for making the decision on my own."

Shang Duoluo's words were a bit too direct, but Liu Jilong didn't care. After all, that was just Shang Duoluo's personality.

He looked around outside the city. In addition to the more than 2,000 rescued people, there were more than 3,000 horse-drawn and ox-drawn carts that followed Shang Duoluo to Shandan.

They came to transport the second batch of grain, but Liu Jilong said, "I understand the request of Shang Jiedushi, but Shandan also needs to store grain."

"Including the 10,000 dan of grain that has not been transported, I will lend another 10,000 dan of grain to Shang Jiedushi, and also 5,000 sheep. How do you think?"

"I'm grateful for the governor's great kindness!" Shang Duoluo knelt on one knee and bowed, but Liu Jilian raised his hand to help him up.

"You brought back a thousand elite cavalry from Shanzhou. I should be the one trying to curry favor with you. Don't feel sorry for me all the time."

Shang Duoluo originally had more than 300 elite cavalrymen under his command. After going to Shanzhou this time, Shang Bibi originally wanted to hand over the more than 700 elite cavalrymen who had surrendered to him to Shang Duoluo to come to Shandan for food.

It was only under Tuoba Huaiguang's persuasion that Shang Bibi finally left less than 200 elite cavalry and allowed Shang Duoluo to bring 1,000 elite cavalry.

However, these so-called 1,000 elite cavalry were of poor quality. Not only were the horses skinny, but even the cavalry were starving.

So much so that after they arrived in Shandan, they have been eating since half an hour ago.

Liu Jilong could also see the Shanzhou cavalry sitting and eating in front of a row of wooden sheds not far away.

"The other six hundred people you brought with you need to be well cared for for a while. Also, their horses are too thin. Go find Zhang Chang and get ten shi of soybean feed for the horses."

"Yes!" Shang Duoluo bowed in response. His every word and action was now influenced by Shandan, and he unconsciously moved closer to the Han people.

Seeing his changes, Liu Jilong was delighted and patted him:
"Well, you've been tired these days."

"Rest in Shandan for three days first, and then send food and livestock to Shanzhou after three days."

"Yes..." Shang Duoluo bowed in response, and then went downstairs to rest at Liu Jilong's signal.

Watching him leave, Liu Jilong retracted his gaze and continued to look at the people outside the city who were constantly registering.

Time passed slowly, and three hours later all the people had been registered. Cui Shu also came up with the household registration documents and found Liu Jilong.

"Zhechong, the people that Shang Duoluo brought back this time have been recorded."

"Five hundred and seventy-six households, more than two thousand two hundred and eight people."

"Including them, there are more than 14,200 people in and outside the city, and 2,200 Han and Fan soldiers."

"But it's a compromise..." Cui Shu said hesitantly:

"There are more and more foreign soldiers in Shandan. I'm worried..."

"Are you worried that they will take over your position?" Liu Jilong expressed his concerns, and Cui Shu nodded in acknowledgement.

"Your worries are not without reason, but I believe that after this battle, the promotion documents from Dunhuang will soon be sent to Shandan, and Shandan's military strength may also increase significantly."

Liu Jilong was in a good mood, Cui Shu could sense it, so he nodded and said:
"It would be great if we could increase the number of troops. Anyway, Li Biejia has transported 50,000 dan of grain from Zhangye. Even if we hand over more than 13,000 dan of grain to Shang Duoluo to take back to Shanzhou..."

Before he could finish, Liu Jilong interrupted and said, "Shang Bibi asked me to borrow grain. I borrowed 10,000 dan of grain and 5,000 sheep."

"This..." Cui Shu's words were on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't know what to say to Liu Jilong.

Seeing his appearance, Liu Jilong laughed heartily: "Don't worry, if he doesn't return them in the future, I won't return the 1,000 elite cavalrymen he left with me!"

During the conversation, Liu Jilong walked towards the city.

At sunset, two figures, one tall and one short, returned to the yamen and went to rest.

When Liu Jilong returned to the inner hall, he happened to see Cao Mao practicing calligraphy.

He walked up to it and took a look, then nodded and said, "Well written, much better than mine."

"Zhe Chong, how can I compare with you?" Cao Mao's face got a little hot after being praised.

"It's indeed better looking than mine, no need to be modest."

Liu Jilong confirmed with a smile. After all, although he had been practicing his calligraphy for more than a year, it was basically very precise.

In comparison, even people who don’t understand calligraphy can see that Cao Mao’s calligraphy has some talent.

"Practice calligraphy well, maybe you can become a great calligrapher in Hexi in the future."

After patting him, Liu Jilong returned to his main seat and picked up his sword to maintain it.

After about a quarter of an hour, Cao Mao finished practicing calligraphy and quickly packed up the paper, pen, inkstone and ink in the study, and went to the kitchen to boil hot water for Liu Jilong.

When he brought out a basin of water for Liu Jilong to soak his feet, Liu Jilong thought of the things in the military camp and couldn't help asking, "How are you doing in school these days?"

"I'm learning very well, and the teachers are teaching very well, but the Mandarin is a bit difficult to pronounce, so I need to practice more."

After all, the Han people in Hexi have not spoken Chinese for decades, and there are relatively few people like Liu Jilian, especially among the civilians.

Because of this, learning Chinese is no easier than mastering a foreign language.

Liu Jilong taught Cao Mao some methods of learning Chinese. After exchanging a few words of greeting, he washed his feet and went to rest.

The next day, Liu Jilian sent a handwritten letter to Zhangye reporting on the increase in Shandan's population and the changes in the situation in Hehuang.

When Zhang Huaishen received this handwritten letter, it was already the third day since Shang Duoluo returned to Shandan.

"The population of Shandan has increased, which is a good thing."

"But the forces under Lun Kongre are falling apart, which is a bit disadvantageous to us."

In the inner hall of Zhangye, Zhang Huaishen frowned and analyzed, and in front of him was a familiar figure.

"Indeed, Liu Jilong said before that if Lun Kongre's army were to fall apart, the tribes suffering from famine due to the drought would flock to Liangzhou in large numbers."

"If they surrender to Liangzhou, it will be even more difficult for us to recover Liangzhou."

Suo Xun raised his head and looked at Zhang Huaishen, and Zhang Huaishen nodded in approval.

After taking a breath, Zhang Huaishen looked at Suo Xun again: "Now that you are the commander of Zhangye, you must not slack off in training the troops."

"Yes, sir!" Suo Xun took a deep breath and responded. He knew how heavy the burden he had was.

My father had fought hard to fight for this position from those guys. If I can't hold on to it firmly, I will lose more than just my face.

While thinking this, Suo Xun cast his eyes towards a piece of silk book on the table.

"Since you are here, let the Tangqi of Shandan deliver this silk book of reward to Shandan."

Zhang Huaishen picked up the silk book and gestured. Suo Xun also took it respectfully, stood up and walked out of the inner hall.

Soon, he saw the Shandan Tangqi. However, among this group of more than ten Tangqi, there was not a single face that Suo Xun was familiar with.

Maybe he had never met them, or maybe those familiar faces had been promoted one by one under the leadership of Liu Jilong.

"Send the silk book to Shandan. Don't lose it." "I obey your orders!"

Under Suo Xun's instructions, the Shandan Tang riders did not dare to delay. After simply restoring the horsepower, they set out on the return journey.

Two days later, the silk letter of reward was delivered to Shandan.

After learning the content, Liu Jilong summoned all the generals at the rank of brigade commander and above in the city.

As everyone gathered together, Liu Jilong picked up the silk book and said, "This is the reward silk book from Dunhuang."

Just one sentence made everyone's heart jump to their throat.

Liu Jilong opened it in front of everyone and made its contents public.

As expected, Liu Jilong was promoted to the position of Shandan Zhechou Duwei and temporarily served as the county magistrate.

Li Yizhong, the former Right Guoyi Commander, took over Liu Jilian's former position as Left Guoyi Commander.

The deputy general Jiu Juyan was promoted to the rank of Right Fruit and Brave Commandant, the colonel Chen Jingchong was promoted to the rank of deputy general, and the brigade commander Zheng Chu was promoted to the rank of colonel.

In addition, Cui Shu was promoted to the position of Shandan County Magistrate, and several of his straightforward subordinates were also promoted to clerks of the Six Departments of Shandan, which was an unexpected surprise.

After the reward, the silk book also recorded the dispatch of Guasha officials to serve as Shandan's chief clerk, county lieutenant, and clerk. At the same time, three officials would bring 32 direct officials to assist Liu Jilong in governing Shandan.

Generally speaking, the Dunhuang side, or perhaps Zhang Yichao's intention, was to let Liu Jilian take charge of the military and political power of Shandan.

In order to let him work with confidence, he was not only promoted to the rank of Zhechou Duwei, but also directly appointed as the magistrate of Shandan County.

Although some obstacles need to be planted later, these few people alone will not be able to hinder Liu Jilong.

Because of this, Liu Jilong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Haha, Director Zheng, you've only just been promoted to captain!"

"If you ask me, you should have been as shameless as us and accepted the position of lieutenant."

“Yes, haha…”

Zhang Chang and his friends teased Director Zheng, and Director Zheng's face turned red.

At the beginning, he followed Liu Jilong and won the merit of being the first to reach the enemy, but he felt that he was not qualified for the position of a colonel, so he chose to be a brigade commander with real power.

At that time, he felt that although Zhang Chang and his friends had obtained the rank of colonel, it was only an honorary position after all, while he, although only a brigade commander, had real power and was happy about it.

I never thought that a year later, Zhang Chang and his men had consolidated their positions as captains through battles, and I have only now caught up with them.

Moreover, if Zhecho had not insisted on taking me along during the second Eastern Expedition, the credit would have belonged to Zhang Chang.

Thinking of this, Director Zheng wiped his nose awkwardly and did not refute.

Compared to Zhang Chang and his friends teasing Zheng Chu, Ma Cheng did not tease them. Instead, he smiled and said to Cui Shu and his friends, "Congratulations to County Magistrate Cui, and Lieutenants Liu and Wang!"

"We just managed to gain some tiny contribution from Zhechou." Cui Shu and his companions were very humble.

Seeing that they were being modest, Ma Cheng stopped congratulating them and turned around to join Zhang Chang and the others in teasing Chen Jingchong, Zheng Chu and the others.

Sitting in the main seat, looking at the happy scene in front of him, Liu Jilong also interrupted:

"Okay, where are we now?"

"I called you here not just to see you guys competing and teasing each other, but for something else."

As Liu Jilong finished speaking, everyone shut up one after another. Jiu Juyan, who was sitting at his seat, bowed and said:
"Zhechong, I wonder when we will lead our army eastward?"

"Yes, Zhechong!"

"Donglue has to take me with him this time!"

Several people were talking at once, but Li Yizhong, who was sitting in the first seat on the left, shook his head and said, "I'm afraid the Liangzhou East Strategy will have to be put on hold for the time being!"

"Why?"

"Why did you stop?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chang and others were stunned.

Although Li Yizhong's prestige in Shandan was not high, he had just been promoted to the rank of Zuo Guoyi Duwei, so his opinion was particularly important.

While they were stunned, Geng Ming, who had just been replaced from Qilian City, scratched his head and asked, "Is Li Guoyi worried that Liangzhou is prepared?"

As soon as he said this, the others looked at him. He said awkwardly, "I was just guessing."

"What a wild guess, you are right." Zhang Chang affirmed:

"We killed so many people in Liangzhou and lost more than 600 armors. It would be strange if they didn't prepare for it."

Ma Cheng nodded in approval, looked at Liu Jilong and said:
"Zhechong, we killed a lot of the elite cavalry from Liangzhou. With the thousand elite cavalry from Shanzhou brought back by Shang Duoluo, we can also mobilize more elite cavalry to Donglue. There is no need to be afraid of them."

After Ma Cheng finished speaking, Zhang Chang, Geng Ming and Zheng Chu also nodded in agreement. They all felt that there was no need to be afraid of Liangzhou.

Seeing them say this, Jiu Juyan said in a deep voice:
"Don't forget, the reason why we succeeded in our two previous Eastern Strategies was because Liangzhou was not prepared for us."

"If Liang Province is well prepared, then we only bring half a month's worth of military rations with us each time we go east. If we run out of food and fodder, we will have no choice but to return empty-handed."

Jiu Juyan pointed out the shortcomings of Shandan Donglue, but Zhang Chang said:

"Liangzhou is certainly well-prepared, but our army is strong and powerful. In a field battle, they may not be our opponent."

"That may not be the case." Jiu Juyan confirmed Zhang Chang's words, but then continued:

"But we took the Ganzhou grasslands during our two eastern expeditions. Even if Shang Moling is stupid, he should have sent people to patrol the north."

"If we are discovered by the patrolling scouts, the beacon fire will quickly alert the tribes in Liang Province, and these guys will drive the herds south."

"That's why if you want to capture the herd, you have to be prepared to go south."

As he finished speaking, he glanced at everyone, and their expressions gradually became solemn.

Seeing that they were silent, Jiu Juyan also fell silent. Instead, Li Yizhong chuckled and said, "You guys..."

"You have been discussing this for a long time, why don't you ask Zhechong what he thinks?"

After explaining, Li Yizhong took the initiative to bow to Liu Jilong and said, "I'm afraid Zhechong already has a plan in mind."

The words awakened the dreamer. Jiu Juyan and the others looked at Liu Jilong and raised their hands to bow: "Please give us your instructions!"

In response, Liu Jilong, who was sitting high in the main seat, just chuckled.

He was very satisfied with the debate just now. At least they were no longer "students" who only asked him questions, but each had their own opinions.

Although they didn't come to a conclusion after discussing it, having this opinion was enough.

Thinking of this, Liu Jilong spoke in front of everyone:
"There are large amounts of farmland outside of Fanhe and Jialin cities. Now that our Shandan population is strong, the people can harvest the food outside the city themselves, so the soldiers don't have to participate in the autumn harvest."

"In that case, why not lead the army eastward and plunder all the food outside Fanhe and Jialin cities?"

Liu Jilian's idea was thus exposed. He wanted to follow Zhuge Liang's example and harvest the wheat in Shanggui, and harvest the millet and wheat in Fanhe openly.

"This..." Li Yizhong hesitated, "If we do this, we will have to fight against Fanhe's foreign troops."

"It's not a big deal that Fanhe has few soldiers, but what's scary is that the Fan troops from Jialin, Guzang, Changsong and other cities will come out in full force."

He expressed his concerns about Liu Jilong's plan, and Jiu Juyan and others also looked worried.

Facing their hesitation, Liu Jilong looked at them with a burning gaze: "I am not afraid that they will not come, I am only afraid that they will not dare to come!"

Hearing this, everyone was excited, and Li Yizhong even stood up and bowed, saying:

"Please give me some advice on how to fight this battle!"

"Please give me your instructions!!"

All the generals stood up and bowed, waiting for Liu Jilian to tell them how to fight this battle.

But in the face of their expectations, Liu Jilong stood up and said with a smile:

"It's useless to say more now. No matter how many arrangements we make, half of them will be ruined once the army moves."

"When the two armies confront each other, the remaining half will also be destroyed."

"Adapt to local conditions and change with the times. That's all I want to tell you."

He stepped down from his high seat, entered the hall, and looked around.

"You can figure out how to fight, but once we're in the battle, you'll know how I fight."

"What you need to do these days is to think about how to fight, and then train the soldiers to make the army strong and powerful."

After he finished speaking, he also began his own explanation:
"Tomorrow I have to go to Zhangye in person to discuss something with the governor."

"If this is accomplished, the recovery of Liangzhou will be just around the corner!"

(End of this chapter)