Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 415 I am a barbarian
Li Shuang stayed in Weizhou for more than a month before leading his fleet to continue their journey and enter Jizhou.

Jizhou was one of the ancient Nine Provinces and the ancient name for Hebei. Today, the territory of Jizhou has changed continuously, and it is just one of the provinces in Hebei.

After Erzhu Rong's death, Gao Qian led his troops to seize Xindu and take control of Ji Province.

Following the Yongji Canal northward, after reaching Su County, the stronghold of the Bohai Gao clan, Li Shuang ordered the fleet to stop.

Feng Longzhi and the officials of Jizhou were already waiting.

Feng Longzhi was the governor of Ji Province, but the real big boss behind the scenes was Gao Qian.

However, Gao Qian was not in the waiting line at this moment.

Gao Huan led his men to Youzhou, and Yuwen Tai led his men to Xiangzhou. The aristocratic families in Hebei all hoped that the two groups could make peace, but they could not predict what would happen in the end, and even felt a bit of fear.

Back when the troops of the Six Garrisons wreaked havoc in Hebei, they were all firsthand witnesses.

Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai were both in the army of the Six Garrisons.

Although they have all reformed now, no one knows for sure whether they have truly laid down the sword or are just pretending to.

Gao Qian was also afraid, but he was more resistant. As Li Shuang got closer and closer to him, Gao Qian stayed in his own manor, claiming to be ill and not going out, only letting Feng Longzhi handle things for him.

The Feng family of Bohai was renowned for its legal expertise and was a family of legal scholars.

Feng Longzhi was over fifty years old, but his appearance and demeanor were quite extraordinary.

“Your ancestor, I have long admired your name! Meeting you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved.”

Feng Longzhi was put in front of Gao Qian, and he thought he would be reprimanded. But to his surprise, Li Shuang was unusually warm towards him.

Upon meeting, Li Shuang took his hand and began to inquire about criminal law.

After Xindu was captured by the troops of the Six Garrisons, the people in the city suffered looting and humiliation, and the treasury was emptied, leaving them in a state of utter misery.

During his years as governor, Feng Longzhi governed Ji Province with great efficiency and transformed Xindu from a desolate place ravaged by the Six Garrisons into one of the major cities in Hebei Province, demonstrating his exceptional abilities.

Gao Qian and Feng Longzhi were about ten years apart in age. Feng Longzhi was born after Gao Qian. Although he did not suffer any major grievances, he was not exactly happy either.

Gao Qian was essentially a wandering knight-errant, skilled at breaking rules, while Feng Longzhi came from a family of legal scholars, skilled at establishing rules.

If we go back a few hundred years, people like Gao Qian and Feng Longzhi would have joined the Mohist school and the Legalist school respectively, and the two sides would have been mortal enemies.

Gao Qian usually did not interfere in Feng Longzhi's governance of Jizhou, but he also had absolutely no interest in listening to him talk about criminal law.

But now, this young King of Qin, who is not yet thirty, is humbly asking Feng Longzhi for advice on his expertise, which makes Feng Longzhi feel flattered.

As they chatted, seeing that Feng Longzhi was quite engrossed in the conversation, Li Shuang asked:
"As you know, the court is currently facing difficulties, and all expenditures are being reduced. In recognition of the victory in the reconquest of Sichuan, the court has granted me nine prefectures with 100,000 households. I was initially unwilling to accept this, but my ministers persuaded me, and in order to repay the emperor's favor and uphold the law, I had no choice but to accept it. However, I have no idea how to govern these nine prefectures with 100,000 households. Can you help me resolve this doubt?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Longzhi's expression changed.

We were having such a great time chatting that we didn't realize Li Shuang was setting a trap for him!

Now, the aristocratic families of Hebei, facing Li Shuang, an outsider, have disregarded past grievances and are generally maintaining a tacit understanding, aiming for "non-violent non-cooperation."

Feng Longzhi was not optimistic.

Non-violence is certainly non-violence, but whether or not to cooperate is not up to the various aristocratic families.

The knife is in their hands!

Feng Longzhi's pessimism does not mean he wants to change sides, nor does it mean he wants to watch the breach open up from his side.

Any tree that is beautiful in the forest will be destroyed by the wind!

Feng Longzhi understood this principle very well.

At that moment, Feng Longzhi's smile faded, he stroked his beard, and said:
"The way to govern a country does not lie in the details of its laws! The Qin laws were comprehensive, with regulations for everything, big or small, yet the Qin dynasty only lasted two generations; Emperor Gaozu of Han made a simple law of three chapters, which could be established by a commoner. Although it was crude, the Guanzhong region was well-governed."

Li Shuang listened and asked:
"But are you unaware of the differences?"

The Way of Fenglong:

"It all comes down to a single word: trust!"

Li Shuang nodded, but then heard Feng Longzhi continue:
"Shang Yu moved a log to establish trust, which enabled Qin to become powerful among the states. The laws and regulations are well-structured, but without the word 'trust,' they become a source of chaos. If Your Majesty wishes to bring peace to the world, you must first obtain this one word."

Feng Longzhi's words were actually quite clever. He didn't give Li Shuang any specific advice, so whatever Li Shuang did afterwards, he couldn't be traced back to Feng Longzhi.

The word "trust" he used at the end clearly meant that Li Shuang needed to gain the trust of the powerful families in Hebei in order for Hebei to remain stable.

"I have learned much from the words of my ancestors."

……

After meeting with Li Shuang, Feng Longzhi returned to Xindu.

However, before things had even settled down for a few days, Gao Qian summoned him.

Gao Qian's manor was located between Xindu and Suxian, less than half a day's journey from Xindu.

The manor was very large, with thousands of servants and hundreds of acres of surrounding fields. Mulberry, jujube, peach and pear orchards stretched as far as the eye could see. Water was diverted into the fortified village in the center of the manor, which was surrounded by it to serve as a fortress.

Gao Qian's residence was located in the center of the manor; it was a courtyard house surrounded by beautiful scenery.

But Gao Qian's condition was somewhat abnormal at this moment; his eyes were red, and he looked like a bloodthirsty beast.

Upon seeing this, Feng Longzhi assumed something had happened in Youzhou or Xiangzhou, and asked:

"Did the Huai Shuo people make the move, or the Wu Chuan people?"

Gao Qian sneered and said:
"You still have time to worry about others, but our place is about to catch fire."

Feng Longzhi frowned; clearly, Gao Qian's anger was directed at him.

"Qian Yong, what does that mean?"

Gao Qian stared at Feng Longzhi and asked:

"Did you tell Da Yeshuang that to stabilize the situation in Hebei, you should keep your word?"

Feng Longzhi listened, nodded, and said:

"I said it!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Qian's anxiety finally subsided.

"After listening to your words, Ohno Sō decided to establish a prefecture in Shindō to pacify the hundreds of thousands of people in Hebei."

Feng Longzhi was stunned, then he erupted in anger, shouting:

That's not what I meant!

Gao Qian noticed something was wrong when he saw Feng Longzhi acting this way, but he was not pleased with himself.

"What's the use if that's not what you meant? Ohno Sō tells everyone that it was your idea."

Upon hearing this, Feng Longzhi turned deathly pale.

Gao Qian, standing to the side, complained:

“Zu Yi, how many times have I told you? Da Ye Shuang is different from us. Don’t be fooled by his good looks and the ethereal appearance he has in his Taoist robe; he’s just a bandit. You should speak as little as possible in front of him. Why did you still go up to him?”

Feng Longzhi was filled with regret at this moment. He looked at Gao Qian and asked:
"What about that?"

"Ono Sō is here, so it will be difficult to get rid of him now. We can only take it one step at a time."

After speaking, Gao Qian looked at Feng Longzhi and instructed him:
"Don't go up to him and give him anything to say."

"If you get any closer, I'll be a donkey!"

……

After listening to Gao Qian's words that day, Feng Longzhi returned to the governor's mansion in Xindu.

After Li Shuang established the Hebei branch of the Qin Prince's Mansion in Xindu City, many people began to look at Feng Longzhi differently.

That's the look you give a traitor!

Feng Longzhi wanted to explain, but he couldn't explain it clearly.

Li Shuang did indeed learn from his words, but he did so selectively. If a child had stood before him, Feng Longzhi would most likely have said, "This child is beyond redemption!"
But the person standing in front of him was the King of Qin. He acted like a rogue, and Feng Longzhi dared not say anything except curse in his heart.

Feng Longzhi wanted to avoid Li Shuang, but unfortunately, the governor's mansion and the Hebei branch of the Prince of Qin's mansion were very close to each other. Feng Longzhi wanted to avoid them, but he couldn't avoid them no matter what.

"Zu Yi, why haven't I seen you around for so long?"

Looking at Li Shuang's smiling face, Feng Longzhi felt like crying but had no tears in his heart.

I'm getting on in years, can't you find someone else to scam?

"Your Majesty, I have been ill and recuperating recently. Today I had some rare free time and wanted to go out for a walk, but I did not expect to run into Your Majesty."

The atmosphere between the two was somewhat subtle. Feng Longzhi seemed to be both reluctant and welcoming, while Li Shuang took the initiative to get close to him.

“You must take care of your health, descendants. Recently, many people in Hebei have fallen ill. For example, Lu Wenwei from the Lu family of Fanyang and Cui Ling from the Cui family of Qinghe, there are dozens of them. So many virtuous and respected people have all fallen ill. Why do you think that is?”

"..."

Feng Longzhi certainly knew why.
Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai led their men to the other side's territory. At first, they maintained their restraint, but as they stayed there, they became less restrained.

Feng Longzhi had met the Six Garrisons soldiers before and was familiar with their methods. But after witnessing Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai's actions, Feng Longzhi could only sigh inwardly: What are Ge Rong and Du Luozhou? They're not even worthy of carrying their shoes.

Good heavens, that was truly masterful, like a butcher carving up an ox—his skill was divine. The wind that blew up was strong enough to knock the roof off.

In contrast, things are relatively peaceful in Jizhou.

"I am foolish and do not know why!"

Feng Longzhi wanted to quickly move on from this matter, but Li Shuang had no such intention.

“My ancestor is a wise and talented man. I benefited greatly from hearing his trustworthy words that day. My ancestor, please do not refuse and speak frankly.”

"..."

So after all that I've said, you only remember these two words, huh?
Feng Longzhi had the urge to raise his hand and slap Li Shuang's smiling face a dozen times.

"It's not an excuse; I truly didn't know!"

Seeing Feng Longzhi's appearance, Li Shuang's smile became even more sincere.

“Descendants, please speak frankly and need not worry. This matter is none of your concern!”

Not even worthy of six ears?
If I utter a single word, the night soil collectors on the streets of Xindu City will know it tomorrow.

Feng Longzhi shook his head and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Your Majesty thinks too highly of me. I am now in my fifties, old and frail, and no longer able to shoulder heavy responsibilities. In a few days, I will request the court to allow me to retire and return to the countryside to enjoy my retirement and spend time with my grandchildren."

Let whoever wants this damn official position take it; I'm not going to serve him anymore!

Feng Longzhi thought this viciously to himself.

Li Shuang listened and slowly nodded, saying:
“What the ancestor said is true, I understand.”

With that, Li Shuang turned and took her leave.

But seeing Li Shuang's appearance, Feng Longzhi felt uneasy.

What do you unserstand?

Seeing Li Shuang's imposing gait, Feng Longzhi felt a pang of panic and shouted from behind:

"Your Majesty, I didn't say anything!"

……

Gao Qian's manor.

When Feng Longzhi stood in front of Gao Qian, the fifty-something-year-old man looked like a student who had made a mistake.

Gao Qian lay on the chair with a damp cloth draped over his forehead, looking genuinely ill.

“Zu Yi, what did I tell you last time? Why didn’t you understand?”

The debate over the Fenglong controversy went as follows:

"It really has nothing to do with me! I didn't say anything that day, and I don't know why the court suddenly summoned you to court."

Gao Qian was speechless.

Li Shuang came here to seize territory. Once he leaves, it's hard to say who will own Jizhou in the future.
"Then why does he say it was you who said it?"

Feng Longzhi angrily said:

“I can confront Ohno Sō. How can anyone under heaven slander someone’s innocence like this?”

"Confrontation?"

Gao Qian listened, waved his hand, and said:
"Forget it, I've already written to my third brother Ao Cao and asked him to mediate. This can't go on like this. Let Da Ye Shuang give us a figure. We can pay for it ourselves. It's better than what Lu Wenwei and Cui Ling did."

Seeing the methods of Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai, and witnessing the plight of the Lu family of Fanyang and the Cui family of Qinghe, Gao Qian completely lost his former ambition.

But at this moment, Feng Longzhi was nothing like Gao Qian; he seemed determined not to let the matter rest and said:

"If you won't fight for it, I will. I want to know how this has anything to do with me?"

With that, Feng Longzhi turned and walked away.

Gao Qian struggled to his feet and urged from behind:
"Our ancestors, we don't need to!"

Watching Feng Longzhi walk further and further away, Gao Qian sighed:

"What are you arguing about? Does Ohno Sō even understand reason?"

……

Feng Longzhi, looking menacing, found Li Shuang and bowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, what is the reason for the court's summons of Gao Qian to court?"

Li Shuang was reading a book when he slowly said:

"Wasn't that what Zu Yi told me back then?"

"When did I ever say that!"

Li Shuang put down the book in her hand, looked at Feng Longzhi, and asked:
"Do you remember when the Japanese emperor asked why so many highly respected scholars had fallen ill?"

Feng Longzhi nodded and said:
"If Your Majesty asks this, I will say that I do not know."

Li Shuang smiled and said:

"What did the ancestors say back then?"

Feng Longzhi had a very good memory and immediately replied:

“I said, ‘Your Majesty thinks too highly of me. I am now in my fifties, old and frail, and no longer fit to bear heavy responsibilities. In a few days, I will request the court to allow me to retire and return to the countryside to enjoy my retirement and spend time with my grandchildren.’”

Li Shuang nodded and said:

"This is it!"

Feng Longzhi was dumbfounded. What do you mean, "that's it"?

But then Li Shuang stood up and said:

“Zu Yi mentioned the word ‘Gao’ and the word ‘Tian’. Tian refers to Qian (乾). Zu Yi’s words clearly mean that the illness of these highly respected scholars is a warning from Heaven to the court. The court should give important positions to scholars like Gao Qian so that no worthy person will be overlooked!”

"..."

Feng Longzhi looked at Li Shuang, the veins on his forehead bulging.

Ohno Sou, you fucking understand every single word I say!

Who taught you that!

Feng Longzhi clenched his fist, feeling as if his inner power was about to explode!

……

(End of this chapter)