Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 291 Preparation

"The Imperial Secretariat received an imperial edict, which reads: 'I have heard that the Book of Changes records meritorious service, and the Rites of Zhou elucidates the principles of feudalism. You, General Jianwei Liu Daogui, are of resolute character and possess profound courage. You guard the strategic Huai and Si rivers, serving as a bulwark for Jiankang for a thousand miles. You have repeatedly defeated the barbarian invaders of Yan, Qin, and Hu, recovering lost territories and displaying the prestige of the nation for thousands of miles.'"

He hereby enfeoffs you as Baron of Lanling County with three hundred households, and your fief is as usual. You shall spread your might and strategy, and pacify the border regions. Do not falter in your seven captures, and persevere in your nine campaigns.

On the day of Renchen in the first month of the first year of Yuanxing.

For such a great achievement as recapturing Yan and Yu and forcing Murong De to retreat, all he received in return was the title of Baron of Lanling County with a fief of three hundred households, without even the title of "founding a kingdom." Liu Daogui secretly mocked Huan Xuan's stinginess.

These aristocratic families, without any merit, were born as dukes of Nanjun or marquises of Lantian, and upon reaching adulthood, they were either generals of the pacifying army or generals of the right army.

However, considering that Liu Laozhi's military achievements were so great, yet he was only a founding baron of Wugang County, Liu Daogui felt relieved.

Being granted the title of baron was already a very remarkable thing in their eyes.

This is not a reward, but their charity, and they are even using Liu Daogui's territory to give charity to Liu Daogui...

Lanling was originally under the jurisdiction of the government.

The same was true for his elder brother Liu Yu, who was only granted the title of Baron of Wuyang County, with a fief of three hundred households, and was appointed Governor of Bingzhou.

There's nothing of substance to it; they're all just nominal positions.

Liu Zun grumbled, "If I had known this would happen, I should have let Murong De conquer Xiapi and stabbed a knife in their head!"

Liu Daogui glanced at him sideways. "Are you stupid? Xiapi is our territory. The imperial court doesn't even care much about Luoyang, so why would they care about Xiapi?"

Gao Xun said, "Huan Xuan is extremely foolish. Removing Liu Laozhi and the generals of the Northern Army would have been the best opportunity to win them over, but he did the opposite and arbitrarily suppressed them. Isn't he afraid of arousing the dissatisfaction of the Northern Army?"

"If Huan Xuan chooses the aristocratic clans, he will definitely abandon the Northern Army. Right now, the only force that can threaten him in the entire Jiangdong region is the Northern Army. Do you think he won't try to win them over?"

Liu Daogui actually understood Huan Xuan's thoughts very well.

As one of the elite clans, the Huan family would certainly not betray their own class. Jiangdong relied on the alliance of the gentry to live peacefully for so many years, which was far more stable than the northern nomadic states.

After Huan Xuan usurped the throne, he would be the biggest beneficiary of this framework, so how could he possibly break the existing order?

The Northern Army was filled with a large number of military men from humble backgrounds, which naturally put them in opposition to the aristocratic families.

Internal strife was a tradition among the aristocratic families since the Wei and Jin dynasties. Huan Xuan could achieve two goals at once by suppressing the Northern Army forces and integrating the aristocratic families.

After recovering Nanyang, Shunyang, and Xiangcheng, Huan Xuan officially proclaimed himself king in Jiankang, received the Nine Bestowments, established the State of Chu, and divided ten prefectures—Nanjun, Nanping, Tianmen, Lingling, Yingyang, Guiyang, Hengyang, Yiyang, and Jianping—into the State of Chu. At the same time, he set up the Prime Minister's Office.

They were making final preparations for usurping the throne.

Huan Xuan accomplished everything that Huan Wen failed to do during his lifetime.

Liu Daogui submitted a congratulatory memorial, showing respect by saying many kind words. At the same time, he requested that Liu Guangzhi, Gao Xun, Liu Muzhi, Mao Dezhu, Wang Zhongde, Wang Yuande, and Liu Huaishen be appointed as governors of various prefectures in Yanzhou.

These people had risked their lives for him, yet the imperial court ignored them. Liu Daogui could not accept that.

However, as before, the memorial was sent out and disappeared without a trace.

Huan Xuan is currently busy usurping the throne and has no time to deal with this matter.

Instead, Murong De sent an envoy to "discuss important matters".

“My main objective is to attack Xuzhou, and I have not violated Governor Liu’s territory. Our two families were originally enemies. Now that the Jin dynasty has lost its virtue and Huan Xuan is about to usurp the throne, he will not tolerate the governor after he succeeds. My lord is willing to become sworn brothers with the governor, and together we will march south, conquer Jiankang, capture and kill Huan Xuan, and divide the land of Jiangnan equally!”

This envoy was also a scholar, acting as an advocate for the Hu people, and even had a hint of pride on his face.

Murong De's southward campaign was incredibly successful. He swept across the area east of Xuzhou, capturing tens of thousands of civilians and seizing countless amounts of money and grain.

Having gotten such a great deal, I naturally want to do it again.

“Governor…” Liu Muzhi frowned.

Liu Daogui waved his hand to stop him, looking at the envoy, "How do you know that Huan Xuan will definitely succeed?"

The envoy spoke eloquently, “Is there even a need to ask? Huan Xuan’s claim to the throne is an imitation of Cao Mengde and Sima Zhao. My lord often says that Jiangdong is full of rats, but only the Northern Army Commander Liu Laozhi, General Jianwu Liu Yu and the Commander are heroes of our time. If the Commander raises his arm and calls, the Northern Army will surely rise up in response…”

"Afterwards, the Northern and Western armies fought amongst themselves, greatly weakening their strength. Murong De was able to take advantage of this weakness and conquer Jiangzuo, right?"

Liu Daogui's face was full of sarcasm. He knew he was ambitious, but he wasn't stupid.

Murong De's attempt to sow discord was utterly futile.

This plan is anything but smooth. Just two months ago they were all sharpening their knives, and now they want to become sworn brothers and attack Jiankang together...

Murong De has great ambitions...

"The governor has occupied Yanzhou. He is either an ally or an enemy of our country! Our lord has more than 100,000 armored soldiers and 40,000 elite cavalry. Yanzhou is flat and indefensible. By the time our army arrives, it will be too late to regret it!"

"Are you threatening me? What kind of person is Murong De? He dares to swear brotherhood with me? Go back and tell him to bring it on! If he doesn't come, one day I will crush Guanggu and cut off his head. Men, throw him out."

Liu Daogui was not easily intimidated. If Murong De had such abilities, he wouldn't have attacked Dongguan Langya in the first place; he would have led his troops to attack long ago.

There is no room for two tigers in one mountain.

Murong De occupied the three counties of Langya and Dongguan in Donghai, and his conflict with Liu Daogui had become irreconcilable.

“My lord is the grandson of Emperor Wuxuan, the son of Emperor Wenming, and the younger brother of Emperor Chengwu. His power shakes the northern lands, and none in the world dare to disobey him. You are but a poor scholar from Jiangzuo who has only recently seized the Huai and Si rivers by chance. You are ignorant of your destiny and your defeat is imminent!”

Liu Daogui cursed Murong De, but he became agitated.

Those who don't know might think that Murong Hui and Murong Huang were powerful rulers like Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, who only had the chance to rise up because they encountered the Sima family.
Among the scholars of the North, there are men of unyielding integrity like Xin Gongjing, but most are like those before us, who have knelt for too long, unable to stand up, and willingly serve as dogs for foreign tribes.

Throughout history, there has never been a shortage of such people.

"Drag him away, behead him, and have the others take his head."

He sought death himself, and Liu Daogui could only see him off.

“You—” The envoy’s expression changed.

Shen Qingzhi had already entered with two guards on duty, and carried them out like chickens.

Liu Muzhi said, "When two countries are at war, envoys are not to be killed. Why should the commander bother with such a person?"

"Since Murong De is already preparing to attack Jiangzuo, we have no choice but to resort to this desperate measure to intimidate him."

Donghai borders Guangling. If Murong De were a little bolder, he could send light cavalry south, and with some more ships, he could launch a surprise attack on Jiankang.

He captured many merchant ships and warships in Langya Port.

They had the means to launch a surprise attack on Jiankang.

If he were to go to Jiankang to kill the powerful and influential families, Liu Daogui would not care. However, if he were to travel south from Guangling, he would definitely pass through Jingkou.

When the Yan army attacked Langya and Donghai counties, they burned, killed, raped, and looted, committing all sorts of atrocities. It was unimaginable that they would pass through Jingkou.

His suggestion to become sworn brothers and divide Jiangnan equally was an insult to Liu Daogui's intelligence, showing a complete disregard for the Northern and Western Prefectures.

Jiangzuo is the last stronghold of China. If Liu Daogui does this, he will be a sinner for all time.

The Jin dynasty is like meat that can only rot in the pot.

Even if Huan Xuan eats it, it cannot be carried away by the Hu people!

Liu Muzhi said, "It seems the Commander-in-Chief is determined to fight the Yan Kingdom?" Liu Daogui countered, "Once a cat has tasted fish, it can't stop. Murong De doesn't dare to attack the Wei Kingdom; he will only head south. Can he really expect to keep to himself and not interfere with me?"

"Of course not. It's just that the Yan state dominates one side, and can attack or defend at will. The governor is hampered by Huan Xuan in the south, and Tuoba Gui in the north is no benevolent man either. Since we failed to capture Puban and enter Guanzhong this time, we will definitely look south to the Central Plains. There are tigers and wolves everywhere in this world."

Compared to these people, Liu Daogui's strength is too weak.

Caught between the north and the south, its foundation is too shallow.

In fact, before Liu Daogui, there were Wen Xiang, Zhang Yuan, Liu Li and others who had carved out their own territories in this area, and later there was Zhai Liao. Without exception, they all perished.

Liu Daogui is still able to maneuver around the situation because Huan Xuan is busy usurping the throne, and Tuoba Gui has not yet dealt with Hebei.

Of course, these are just general considerations; the real deciding factor is the battlefield.

“They are wolves and tigers, but aren’t we? Don’t forget we have the Northern Army behind us.” Liu Daogui was not fighting alone; he also had his elder brother Liu Yu in the south.

"The Northern Prefecture?"

"Huan Xuan thought that without Liu Laozhi and by eliminating a few veteran generals, he could suppress the Northern Army. He was too naive. His biggest mistake was shutting out the Northern Army," Liu Daogui said decisively.

Liu Yu led 5,000 elite troops from the Northern Army to capture Xinye, defeat Qin general Yang Fosong, and recover Shunyang. Although his position was not promoted, his prestige soared.

Including his previous military achievements, he was already the nominal Governor of the Northern Army.

Liu Muzhi quickly realized, "So that's how it is. Now, if Huan Xuan makes a single wrong move, the opportunity will come. With the Governor and General Jianwu joining forces, who in the world can stand against them? This is the power of a dragon and a tiger!"

"Huan Xuan didn't just make one mistake, but three. First, he shouldn't have rushed to declare himself king. Second, he kept the Northern Army out. Third, he colluded with the aristocratic families, which greatly alienated the people!"

Cao Cao and Cao Pi endured decades of hardship before finally succeeding the Han dynasty and establishing the Cao Wei dynasty.

It took four generations of successors—Sima Yi, Sima Shi, Sima Zhao, and Sima Yan—to finally usurp the throne.

Huan Xuan is only thirty-three years old this year. He has plenty of time, including the legacy left by Huan Wen and Huan Chong. He has plenty of time to integrate the internal affairs, cultivate confidants, and consolidate his foundation. However, he is in a hurry to declare himself king, and the mess of the Sima family is suddenly dumped on his shoulders.

On the surface, they seem glamorous, but in reality, they're caught in a dilemma.

"Report! Tuoba Gui, due to the Rouran invasion of southern Mongolia, accepted Yao Xing's request for peace and withdrew his troops from Puban!" the scout reported from outside the hall.

The Rouran and the Tuoba Xianbei share the same lineage. Their tribe, Mugulu, was originally a slave under Tuoba Liwei. When they rose to power in the northern desert, they initially paid tribute to the Tuoba tribe with horses, livestock, and sable furs.

Their troops consisted of a thousand men, each with a general; a hundred men formed a banner, each banner with a commander. Those who were the first to scale the walls were rewarded with spoils, while those who retreated were killed by having their heads struck with stones. Their fighting strength was quite formidable, and they quickly unified the northern desert region and began to invade the rich southern desert region.

The Rouran had become a major threat to the State of Wei.

"The north can be peaceful for a while. Let's seize the time to reorganize our troops and prepare for war. Even if we can't destroy Southern Yan, we must at least inflict a heavy blow on them and recover the three prefectures of Donghai, Langya, and Dongguan!"

Liu Daogui keenly sensed that an opportunity had arrived.

With a powerful neighbor lurking to the north, we can't act freely.

Tuoba Gui turned back to deal with the Rouran, giving Liu Daogui a strategic opportunity.

"That's exactly what I was thinking!" Liu Muzhi agreed wholeheartedly.

Since a battle is inevitable sooner or later, it's better to strike first.

In the water-rich Huaibei region, Liu Daogui was not afraid to fight the Yan army.

In this land of countless battles, forgetting war leads to certain death. War is the norm in the Northern Kingdom, and the military households, slave households, and soldiers within its borders have long been accustomed to this kind of life. The slave households are the most enthusiastic, as they have an urgent need to change their status quo.

During the last invasion of Qingzhou, many people made a fortune by burning, killing, and looting. Some were even converted into civilian households ahead of schedule due to their military achievements, making those who did not participate in the war extremely envious.

Liu Daogui was in charge of the army, and Liu Muzhi was in charge of administration.

He was incredibly audacious. At the beginning of this year, he executed a distant relative of the Liu family and a member of the Cao family for embezzling public funds and neglecting his duties.

They didn't even give Cao Ji face, and all the departments and offices were solemn.

Even Liu Zun is avoiding him...

Afterwards, he vigorously promoted people with real talent.

Liu Daogui had secretly observed that he was unconventional in his use of people, employing old farmers from the fields as his servants and promoting wounded and disabled veterans to clerks.

He also reappointed and dismissed officials in various prefectures and counties.

The local customs changed dramatically, becoming much more standardized than Liu Daogui's system, and order was basically restored in the counties and prefectures of Yanzhou.

Immediately afterwards, they publicized the benevolent policies of Yanzhou, stating that as long as one was from Jin, each household could occupy 60 mu of land and be exempt from taxes for three years for land reclamation.

Wild people scattered in the mountains and marshes voluntarily surrendered, and bandits in Mount Tai and Mount Funiu also came down from the mountains to become good men.

In just two or three months, the number of people increased by more than 20,000.

In particular, Taishan County saw an increase of over two thousand households, greatly strengthening the border defenses.

Even many Jin people within the territory of Yan State went so far as to bring their families into Mount Tai, traversing mountains and valleys to join the rule of Yanzhou.

These measures have greatly increased Yanzhou's strength.

If it weren't for the Yellow River blocking their way, Liu Daogui estimated that the people of the north would have all migrated south.

In military affairs, Liu Daogui was equally dedicated, working day and night. He hadn't returned home for the past two months, spending his time training new troops and handling military matters in the barracks. This year, he also added 3,000 naval personnel.

Let the young men of Wuxing return to Jiangdong and recruit warriors skilled in naval warfare.

In these battles, the men of Wuxing proved their bravery. Even when facing the cavalry of the Hu people, they did not hesitate. The courage and bravery of the Jiangdong men were once again displayed in them.

To expand his navy, Liu Daogui "borrowed" 100,000 strings of cash from Cao Ji to build small and medium-sized warships.

If we want to recover the three counties of Xudong, the navy is definitely the first choice. We can use the Yi River, Si River and Wu River to restrain the cavalry of Yan.

With a powerful navy, they could even sail deep into the heart of Southern Yan, leaving Murong De unable to attend to both ends.

Having a formidable enemy by your side is actually a good thing.

Officials, civilians, and soldiers within the territory felt threatened and thus shared a common goal, uniting like never before.

After all, having tasted the benefits of Jianwei Military Prefecture, they were no longer willing to become slaves of the barbarians.

While Liu Daogui was busy preparing for war, Murong De was also training his troops. Taking advantage of Tuoba Gui's campaign against the Rouran, he recruited a large number of former Xianbei troops from Hebei.

They also exchanged glances with Goguryeo by sea, purchasing warhorses and provisions.

With the collapse of the Later Yan, the shackles that had been weighing on Goguryeo were broken.

Goguryeo also welcomed a wise ruler, Go Tamdeok, who called himself "King Gwanggaeto Tae-wang." His ambition was evident from his name. He trained a large army by land and sea and actively waged war against Baekje in the south, conquering fifty-eight castles and besieging its capital, Wirye Castle.

Having conquered Baekje, they then strengthened their military and set their sights on the Liaodong region.

In this era, from south to north, from east to west, almost all ethnic groups were actively striving for progress, and even the small southern kingdom of Linyi was eyeing Jiaoguang covetously.

Only the Jin dynasty remained in a half-dead state.

(End of this chapter)