Jinting Han people

Chapter 256 Pingxi Military Division
Liu Xian was quite satisfied with Meng Ping's performance in Niyang.

Although he had initially struggled with the climate and environment, the young man showed some signs of discomfort. He would tire visibly during training, occasionally feeling dizzy and retching. However, his foundation was strong. It was clear that Meng Guan had trained him extensively, so whether it was horseback riding, archery, or swordplay, Meng Ping had a solid foundation. After just two weeks, he had already integrated well into military life.

In the eighth year of the Yuankang reign, life in Guanzhong remained peaceful. After relieving Niyang, Qi Wannian's army remained stationed in Wugong. Judging from the movement of food and fodder, he had no intention of resuming hostilities. According to spies, the rebels were also experiencing a difficult winter.

It seems the famine not only starved the Jin people, but also faced a severe food and fodder crisis for the rebels. After all, the barren lands of ten counties were clearly too much to support an army of over 100,000 men. Even if the rebels plundered the ordinary Han people and tribes for food and fodder, it would not completely solve the problem. Therefore, the rebels would not be able to launch another attack before this year's summer harvest.

Liu Xian was delighted to learn that peace in Guanzhong would last until June. If Meng Guan could arrive with reinforcements in time, the rebels would be deterred from making any rash moves, let alone plundering civilians. This meant that for at least this year, the people of the county would be able to harvest some crops and find some respite, and famine could be contained.

Indeed, things are moving in this direction. Starting in late March, Beidi County harvested its first batch of winter beans, and by April and May, wheat had gradually matured. Sorghum and millet were also growing well. The once barren fields were now covered in a vast expanse of green. If the harvest went smoothly, this year should be a bumper harvest.

At this time, the Western Expeditionary Army finally sent another force to Niyang, which was a signal that another round of military mobilization was about to begin.

When Liu Xian received the news and went to the city gate to greet him, he unexpectedly discovered that the messenger was none other than Zhang Gui, the former commander of the Western Expedition Army.

After four years of not seeing each other, Zhang Gui was still as energetic as before. Seeing Liu Xian's surprised expression, he couldn't help but laugh and dismounted, saying:
"Huai Chong, what's going on? Looking at your eyes, I thought I was a dead person who just crawled out of the grave!"

"Lord Shi Yan, have you been reinstated?"

"Yes, I'm the commander of the Western Expedition Army again. Why, are you not happy that an old man like me is back?"

Liu Xian quickly saluted and replied with a smile:

"No, no, seeing that Lord Shi Yan is still as elegant as ever, I just thought that with you here, the rebels will surely be easily destroyed and will be vulnerable. I was so happy that I was crazy."

After hearing this, Zhang Gui burst into laughter again and said cheerfully:

"Haha, it's not easy to hear compliments from Huai Chong."

But his expression immediately changed, and he said solemnly, "But flattery won't kill the enemy. When I was unemployed in Luoyang, I heard about your reputation in the bloody battle of Niyang. I wonder if I can have the honor of seeing your powerful army with my own eyes after coming all this way today?"

"It would be a blessing to receive guidance from Master Shi Yan!"

Liu Xian was naturally eager to learn from good advice. Of all the people he had met since entering the Pass, Zhang Gui was his most distinguished figure. In both his conduct and his work, he had achieved the lofty ideal of tranquility, awe-inspiring. During the suppression of the rebellion in Hedong, Liu Xian had benefited greatly from Zhang Gui's guidance. Later, he felt deeply sorry for Zhang Gui's imprisonment in a prison cart and was delighted to see him again today.

Several people immediately went to the military camp east of Niyang City for inspection.

By this time, Li Han and Suo Jing had already led their troops back to Chang'an, leaving behind about 5,000 men in Niyang. Upon hearing the order, these soldiers immediately lined up in the training ground in the center of the camp.

A sea of soldiers filled the open space of the training grounds. It was the hottest time of the day, the sun blazing brightly, the sunlight seemingly burning one's skin. Even with the whistling wind, the heat still felt intense. But without the general's orders, they stood motionless in the sun.

Zhang Gui, accompanied by Liu Xian, walked past the battle array one by one. He saw the soldiers standing motionless under the scorching sun, armored and armed with bows and arrows, their swords wielding, as solemn as wild beasts waiting to pounce. He could not help but admire them and said to Liu Xian and Zhang Guang:
"The warriors from the north seem to have iron in their bodies, and the murderous look in their eyes can make the enemy tremble with fear! It's a pity that they are a little thinner!"

Being thin was natural. Over the past year, Liu Xian had ordered his soldiers to cultivate the land, but the food they received was barely enough to fill their stomachs. As a result, many soldiers were starving. Under such circumstances, it was indeed not easy for the Niyang soldiers to maintain a certain level of combat effectiveness.

After the inspection, it was time to welcome the guests. Zhang Gui saw the humble dishes on the banquet table and saw Liu Xian's simple style. He couldn't help but sigh again:
"The country's policies in recent years have indeed been inappropriate. You soldiers on the front lines have worked really hard."

Liu Xian was used to this, and he said frankly:

"It's not a big deal if it's hard work, but I'm afraid the soldiers will die in vain, dying with nothing to gain!"

This remark resonated instantly. For the past few years, the imperial court had been plagued by incompetent decisions, with no single instance of proper conduct. Almost all the soldiers on the front lines were completely lost in thought, unsure of the true value of their lives.

Even Zhang Guang, who always obeyed military orders, couldn't hold it in any longer and asked Zhang Gui:

"General Zhang, do you think there is any hope for this year's war?"

Zhang Gui's expression remained unchanged. He had been questioned countless times along the way and was used to it. He didn't keep anyone in suspense and, at the banquet, he spoke about his mission this time:

"I'm here only to conduct a brief investigation and give you a brief briefing to prepare you all. We'll discuss more details with the Duke of Shanggu once we arrive in Chang'an."

Everyone pricked up their ears and listened attentively when they heard this: "Please speak."

Zhang Guitui: "First, the court's supplies have arrived. Please report last year's losses, as well as the number of soldiers, food, and armor needed this year. Next month, I will transport this batch of supplies."

This was necessary preparation for the march and battle. Liu Xian replied, "Don't worry, Lord Shi Yan. I have drawn up a list and will give it to you for review later."

Zhang Gui nodded, and then he talked about the second thing:
"The announcement is very simple. At the end of this month, the Duke of Shanggu will lead 20,000 reinforcements to Chang'an. After reorganizing the troops, he will hold a military meeting on the 15th of next month."

Hearing that the reinforcements were only 20,000, everyone present showed disappointment. Xue Xing at the side couldn't help but ask:

"Lord Zhang, only 20,000 men? Isn't that a bit too few?" Zhang Gui smiled, stroking his beard. "Quality is more important than quantity. Although this reinforcement force is only 20,000, they are warriors from Sanhe, carefully selected by the Lord of Shanggu, and accompanied by 5,000 imperial guards. Whether it's armor, horses, or weapons, they are all the finest in the world. If used properly, they can be as powerful as a 100,000-man army."

He didn't want to dwell on this topic any longer. After drinking a bowl of tea, he said to Liu Xian:
"Huai Chong, you must quickly sort out all the affairs of the county. Leave the military affairs to Zhang Jingwu first, and then come back to Chang'an with me immediately."

Liu Xian was surprised and asked, "Lord Shi Yan, what does this mean? Didn't you say that the military meeting would be held next month?"

"Yes, but your status is special. The Duke of Shanggu specifically asked you to go to Chang'an first to finalize the general strategy with him."

"I have a special identity?"

Liu Xian was confused at first, but then he suddenly realized that Meng Guan must be trying to help him because they were old friends, and let him participate in the important task of formulating the strategy, so that he could take credit for any success he achieved.

While Liu Xian was happy, he also had some concerns: "I hold a low position and am on the front lines. If I rashly go to Chang'an, I'm sure people will criticize me!"

"Hey, don't worry." Zhang Gui pulled out a small package from his bosom and handed it to Liu Xian, saying, "Take a look. This is what the Duke of Shanggu asked for you."

Liu Xian weighed it twice, opened it, and saw that it was actually a silver seal with a green ribbon. Turning it over, he saw the eight characters "Seal of Liu Xian, Commander of the Pingxi Army" written on the seal. He was startled at first, then a little bit in disbelief, and looked up at Zhang Gui for confirmation:
"Mr. Zhang, this is..."

Zhang Gui's expression relaxed a little, and he said slowly:

"The hard work you've put in Guanzhong over the years is well known to everyone. This is what you deserve."

"From now on, you are no longer the governor of Beidi. The Duke of Shanggu has already agreed that he will be the commander-in-chief of this rebellion, and you and I will be the vice-commanders. It is only natural for us to go to Chang'an to plan the overall strategy. You don't have to worry."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian heaved a long sigh of relief and asked, "What about the county sergeants here..."

"It will be under your command, including the Li Han, Suo Jing, and Huangfu Shang tribes."

Without waiting for Liu Xian to finish, Zhang Gui answered first. He knew that Liu Xian was thinking about the ownership of Beidi County. This should be the last thing Liu Xian cared about.

Liu Xian felt that everything was going incredibly smoothly. The last time his life had been so smooth was when he entered the officialdom. Thanks to the kindness of Yan Fugong, he had unexpectedly received the rank of Zhuoran Second Rank Township Official. At the time, Liu Xian hadn't felt anything, but now, after experiencing so many ups and downs in the officialdom, he had come to understand that this was a symbol of the political peace during Sima Yan's reign.

But it was nonsense to ask Liu Xian to believe that the political situation would be peaceful under the rule of the Hou Party. Liu Xian could only think in another direction, perhaps Meng Guan had used some special method to convince Jia Mi.

Regardless, Liu Xian finally made another step forward. He no longer hesitated and said to Zhang Guilu:
"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Zhang, to wait for me for two days."

Over the next two days, Liu Xian reviewed all the county's affairs. Three main priorities were: first, ensuring the smooth completion of this year's summer and autumn harvests. Second, maintaining the training of the county soldiers. Third, guarding against a sudden rebellion after Liu Xian's departure. Liu Xian assigned Zhang Guang to temporarily serve as prefect, while Li Sheng, Xue Xing, and others assisted in civil affairs within the county. Zhang Gu and Sun Xi maintained training, and Liu Yi, Zhang Guang's former subordinate, monitored the rebels' movements.

After giving these instructions, Liu Xian took Hu Mogen and other twenty or so Hu people as guards and set out on the journey to Chang'an again with Zhang Gui.

This was Liu Xian's fourth trip to Chang'an. On previous trips, every time he arrived in Chang'an, he felt the city had become more dilapidated than the last time, yet it always struck him as a majestic and majestic city. But this time, when Liu Xian arrived, he only felt boundless desolation.

Outside the mighty Han Dynasty's Western Capital, one of the Five Capitals of the Cao Wei Dynasty, and the birthplace of the Sima clan, there was surprisingly no market. Along the way, apart from the croaking of frogs and the chirping of cicadas, there was little other sound. Looking around, dilapidated buildings abounded, and the occasional whitening of bones could be seen. There were few pedestrians, not even beggars. Even after entering the city, I finally saw some living citizens, but the numb expressions on their faces only exacerbated the feeling of deadness.

Seeing this, Liu Xian couldn't help but think that even if the situation before him hadn't completely lost the people's hearts, it was probably close. If the Jin Dynasty was defeated again this time, no matter how the situation in the world was calculated, at least in Guanzhong, the situation would completely turn to Qi's favor.

But he then thought of what Zhang Gui said when he came. The reinforcements Meng Guan brought this time were only 20,000 people. Could these 20,000 people really turn the situation around?

This doubt did not last long. Three days later, Meng Guan led his army into Chang'an. Liu Xian went to greet them with Sima Rong. The Guanzhong officials held a brief military review at the Chucheng Gate, which amazed Liu Xian.

Amidst the stirring drumbeats, Liu Xian saw the front row of five thousand elite imperial guards march past. They were clad in dark, luminous iron armor, with brown rhinoceros hide shoulder pads and armor skirts draped around their arms and lower torsos. Unlike the common soldiers' arrow-proof collars and leather helmets, they wore black helmets studded with dyed yellow feathers. Their long collars perfectly protected their necks and heads, leaving only their eyes, noses, and mouths exposed, rendering them truly invulnerable.

It had to be said that Liu Xian had been away from Luoyang for so long that he had almost forgotten the lavish equipment of the palace guards there. Back when he was in the Eastern Palace, he had assumed that all armies were similar to the palace guards. But after arriving in Xiayang, he realized the vast disparity between ordinary soldiers and the palace guards. As time passed, he had almost forgotten this disparity, only to see it again!
The soldiers behind the night guards were less well-equipped, but they were also all in fine iron armor. Each one held a long spear, with a short crossbow and a high-quality ring-handled sword hanging from his waist. These heavily armored soldiers strode across the earth, and with the trembling of their armor, the ground shook. It was as if they contained the power to shake the earth and mountains.

The last to appear were the commander of the army that came to quell the rebellion and his personal soldiers.

Meng Guan led his Shanggu knights before the crowd. Their attire was extravagant, especially their mounts. Their warhorses wore dark cyan iron armor, their heads covered in a single, yellow-painted iron veil, adorned with a dozen red feathers. Their tails also featured red parasitic fans, providing protection from rear-end attacks. Bow pouches hung on either side of the saddles, overflowing with arrows.

When these knights reined in and marched forward, their iron hooves struck the ground like thunder, their iron armor vibrated in the air, the feathers on their veils and the parasites on their tails, and the bow bags on both sides swung together, it was as if the gods had descended, which was terrifying.

Thinking of Zhang Gui's words "it can withstand an ordinary army of 100,000", Liu Xian had a different feeling. He thought: This is indeed not something an ordinary army can defeat.

Meng Guan was among these iron-clad knights, wearing bright yellow armor, a Pixiu-style cloud-shaped helmet on his head, and a dark red cloak with a yellow dragon pattern on the outside. With the yellow dragon flag held high by his personal guards, he looked solemn and shining in the sunlight, making him very conspicuous.

After arriving at the city gate, Meng Guan dismounted and stood before Sima Rong, the Prince of Liang, to salute. As he passed by Liu Xian, he turned around, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile:

"Huai Chong, how are you?"

(End of this chapter)