Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 229 Hot Discussion
Located at the southwesternmost tip of Wuyuan Commandery, bordering Shuofang Commandery, Shang Commandery, and Xihe Commandery.

This is a vast, desolate wilderness, a natural passage for barbarian raiders to plunder southwards or for routed soldiers to flee.

"Damn it, this awful weather!"

Lu Bu cursed, "The weather had only been nice for a few days after the start of spring, and now the wind is howling again."

He licked his dry, chapped lips, a metallic, bloody taste filling his mouth.

It has been almost half a month since I received Zhang Xian's order to lead the wolf cavalry to patrol the vast buffer zone at the junction of these four prefectures.

Braving wind and rain every day, they traversed the wilderness, hills, and valleys, but apart from a few scattered wild sheep and the frozen remains of livestock, they didn't even see a decent-looking Hu person.

This made him, who was used to charging into battle, slaying enemy generals and capturing flags, feel a kind of stifled irritation.

"General, the scouts report that a small group of Hu cavalry, about sixty riders, has been spotted thirty miles ahead, near the border of Shuofang County. Judging from their attire, they appear to be a defeated Xiutu Hu."

Lieutenant Wei Xu rode closer and reported loudly, his voice distorted by the wind.

"Xiu Tu?" A fierce glint flashed in Lü Bu's eyes, as if he were a hungry wolf that had smelled blood.

"Qiangqu is dead, how dare these stray dogs roam under my nose? Issue the order! Everyone come with me to loosen up their muscles! Remember, try to capture them alive! Wuyuan is short-handed for the construction of the city!"

"Order!"

A fighting spirit ignited in the eyes of the wolf riders, and the fatigue from their long journey vanished instantly.

For them, fighting and killing are the best pastimes of the day.

With a long neigh, the warhorse reared up and charged forward!
Five hundred wolf riders followed closely behind, their hooves crushing the withered grass and splashing black mud, leaving a trail across the wasteland.

The location of Xiutuhu is a deep, dry river valley with steep, weathered rock walls on both sides.

When Lü Bu led his wolf cavalry to the high slope on the south side of the valley like a divine army descending from the sky, the sixty-odd exhausted Xiutu tribe cavalrymen who were driving a flock of thin sheep at the bottom of the valley were instantly thrown into panic.

Having already experienced the might of the Han army, they didn't even have the thought of resisting and immediately knelt down to surrender.

"Damn it, what bad luck!"

Lu Bu spat and angrily pointed his double-toothed halberd.

"Take him into custody."

"promise!"

Several teams rushed out from the left and right, and in a few quick moves, they bound all sixty-odd people by the hands and feet.

Wei Xu stepped forward to question him, and after a short while...

"General, we've gotten the answer."

Wei Xu brought over a Hu man who looked like a minor leader. The Hu man's face was covered in snot and tears, and his crotch was soaked and smelled foul.

"They were scattered by the Youyi Army near Yunzhong Shaling and wanted to cross here to escape to Shuofang to seek refuge with a Shuofang Hu tribe called Bayanzhuo."

They said... in Shaling, the Yuwen and Tuoba tribes have been having a lot of friction lately, almost coming to blows over a few pastures for wintering. Also, before they escaped, they seemed to have seen Han Chinese knights enter the Tuoba tribe's camp; there weren't many of them, but they looked very skilled...

"Han Chinese knights? They've entered Tuoba's camp?" Lu Bu's eyes narrowed, a hint of contemplation flashing in his fierce gaze.

"Tuoba... what is this old fox up to? And the Yuwen tribe... dog-eat-dog?" A cruel smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

“Interesting, Song Xian. You take a team and escort these guys and the sheep back to Jiuyuan to be dealt with by General Huang. The rest of you, come with me to the border of Shuofang County to pay a visit to that Bayanzhuo guy!”

"promise!"

The crimson warhorse reared up again and let out a neigh.

Lu Bu spurred his horse and led his wolf riders, kicking up clouds of dust.

His mission is not just patrolling and clearing out, but also to take the initiative and nip any potential threats in the bud.
-
Compared to the bustling activity in Yunzhong and Shuofang counties, the area around Jiuyuan City in Wuyuan County was a scene of bustling construction activity and orderly progress.

The place is filled with a vibrant energy of rebuilding after devastation, as well as a reassuring sense of stability.

Huang Zhong stood with his hand on his sword atop the newly built watchtower at the east gate of Jiuyuan City.

He stood tall and straight, like the majestic Yinshan Mountains behind him.

His imposing body was encased in cold armor, and his sharp gaze swept over the bustling scene below the city.

He was granted the title of Protector of the Xiongnu and appointed as the Governor-General of Wuyuan's military and political affairs. This heavy responsibility made him never dare to slack off.

The widening and deepening of the moat below the city is nearing completion.

Thousands of captive barbarians, amidst whips and shouts, carried heavy stone blocks and rammed earth like ants.

The Han soldiers supervising the work had cold, stern eyes and gripped their sword hilts tightly.

Further away, the new city wall, built upon the ruins of the old city, has taken shape, with a height and thickness far exceeding those of the past.

"General Huang!"

A clerk from the county government, sweating profusely, ran up the city wall and presented a document.

"Han Changshi reports urgently! It is said that the Yinshan River Valley Craftsmen's Camp has successfully produced 300 curved plows and 50 new animal-drawn seed drills! Along with 5,000 shi each of carefully selected cold-resistant wheat and bean seeds, Han Changshi inquires whether these agricultural tools and grains should be prioritized for distribution to the newly relocated people or for military settlements?"

Huang Zhong took the bamboo slips, quickly scanned them, and said in a deep voice: "Agriculture is the foundation of the people! The newly arrived migrants are in dire need of spring planting to settle down and make a living, so they should be given priority in being allocated! Order the officials in charge of the migrants to do a good job of receiving and registering them, and make sure that every curved plow and every grain of rice is used to cultivate the new fields!"
As for the needs of the military farms, I will request them from Taiyuan myself!

"Yes, sir!" The clerk in charge of the work acknowledged the order and left.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar.

Wu Qiong, the city gate captain, rode up the city wall on horseback, his expression somewhat complicated.

"General Huang!" Wu Qiong bowed respectfully, his tone showing a subtle increase in respect compared to when he first arrived.

In the past few days, he was allowed to observe the people's conditions inside and outside Jiuyuan City. What he saw and heard completely overturned his understanding of the border region and Zhang Xian's power.

"Commander Wu," Huang Zhong returned the greeting, his voice deep and steady.

"The borderlands are bitterly cold, and the captain must be working hard. I wonder how you've felt these past few days?"

Wu Qiong took a deep breath and pointed to the newly reclaimed fields outside the city, which were neatly planned and crisscrossed by ditches.

He was pointing to the agricultural officials who were guiding migrants on how to use new agricultural tools along the field ridges.

Pointing to the distant site of the Craftsmen's Camp, where black smoke billowed and roared, he sighed sincerely.

"It's breathtaking! General Huang is strict in his military discipline, and Chief Clerk Han is a master craftsman! What's even more remarkable is the people's hearts... I've traveled to all the resettlement sites inside and outside the city, and the people I've seen, though their faces are pale and their clothes are patched, all have bright eyes and work with method and order!"
Everyone speaks of General Zhang and General Huang with deep gratitude! They all express hope for the future! Such a scene... is rarely seen even in the heart of Sili!

He paused, then pointed to the barbarian prisoners working under the whip, his tone carrying a hint of complexity.

"Building a mound of corpses to intimidate the enemy, and employing prisoners to strengthen the city's defenses... Although the methods are cruel,... extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Judging from the results, the walls of Jiuyuan New City have increased by more than ten feet in just ten days!"
Such speed…unheard of! This humble official…has learned a great deal.”

He spoke the last three words with some difficulty, but they were truly from the bottom of his heart.

He witnessed firsthand how this ruined city, under an iron-fisted and efficient organization, rose again at an astonishing speed.

Huang Zhong stroked his beard, his face showing no sign of triumph, only solemnity.

"Commander Wu is too kind. This is all thanks to the lord's appropriate strategy, the soldiers' dedication, and the people's loyalty. The barbarians fear our power but do not appreciate our virtue, so we can only resort to swift and decisive measures."

"Building cities and pacifying the people is for long-term stability and security. As for the Jingguan (a mound of corpses)..." His gaze fell on the grim, white giant tower that stood solemnly beside the road to the north.

"That is to tell all the barbarians who covet Han territory that those who offend our mighty Han will surely meet their end!"

Wu Qiong followed his gaze and, even though they were far apart, the invisible malevolent aura emanating from the Jingguan (a mound of corpses) seemed to penetrate the space, sending chills down his spine.

He paused for a moment, then changed the subject: "I observe that the soldiers and civilians here are of one mind, and all industries are beginning to flourish. General Zhang's management of the northern frontier has truly made great contributions to the country."

However… the court in Luoyang is rife with undercurrents, and there are many voices criticizing General Zhang. As the Marquis of Jinxiang, who holds the central command and oversees the military affairs of three prefectures, he must be even more cautious and prudent to avoid giving others a handle to use against him.”

This statement already carried a hint of well-intentioned reminder.

Huang Zhong's eyes flashed, and he gave Wu Qiong a deep look before clasping his hands in greeting.

"Thank you for your guidance, Captain Wu. Zhong is a military man. He only knows how to be loyal to his lord, perform his duties diligently, and protect the borders and people. Matters of the court are not my concern, nor do I dare to discuss them. My lord will make his own decisions."

Wu Qiong understood immediately that Huang Zhong was making a statement: Zhang Xian's will was the highest principle here.

He said no more, cupped his hands and said, "My mission is accomplished, and my impressions are complete. I will soon set off to return to Luoyang to report back. General Huang, take care!"

"Captain, proceed with caution."

Huang Zhong returned the greeting.

After seeing Wu Qiong off, Huang Zhong turned his gaze back to the Yinshan Mountains in the north.

Reports of Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao's raids, Liu Bei's secret reports, and intelligence about Lü Bu's encounter with the enemy while patrolling the border all flowed to him like a stream.

He knew that a storm was brewing in the clouds and that the calm in Wuyuan was only temporary.

He must stand firm like the hardest rock, providing the most stable support for the sword ahead. "Pass on the order!" Huang Zhong's voice was resolute, echoing above the city wall.

"All beacon towers and garrisons are to be on high alert! The number of mobile sentries is to be doubled! All battalions of the Armored Army are to cancel all rest and take turns guarding the city walls! The reserve Wolf Riders stationed in the rear are to be ready to attack at any time!"

"Notify the resettlement areas to speed up spring planting! All workshops to work in shifts day and night to ensure the production of military equipment and agricultural tools!"

"Tell Chief Secretary Han that military equipment production must be accelerated!"

"promise!"

The orders were quickly relayed down.

The soldiers marched faster, the craftsmen pounded their hammers more swiftly, and the farmers shouted louder.

This new city, rising rapidly from the ruins, has sharpened its claws and waits quietly for the coming storm.

Huang Zhong's imposing figure stood atop the city wall, his beard and hair fluttering in the wind of the frontier.
-
Half a month later.

With Wu Qiong's return, disputes arose again in the Luoyang court. The ministers argued about the same few points, relentlessly attacking Zhang Xian.

Where there are those who criticize, there are also those who defend.

Putting everything else aside, at least Liu Hong's expectations were met. He was quite content watching the ministers go about their business every day, and even his body, which had been weakened by wine and women, showed some improvement.

Although the emperor temporarily suppressed the clashes in the imperial court, their ripples quickly spread to the streets and alleys, teahouses and taverns, and even the Imperial Academy.

Zhang Xian, the name of a border general who was originally somewhat distant and vague to the people of Luoyang, suddenly became the most talked-about topic in the streets and alleys overnight.

"Have you heard? General Zhang, who slaughtered so many barbarians in Bingzhou that a mound of ten thousand skulls was erected, is about to receive another reward from His Majesty!"

"Tsk tsk, a mound of ten thousand skulls! Just thinking about it is chilling! But... good riddance! Those damned barbarian dogs should have been dealt with like this long ago!"

"Hmph! His sins are too numerous, they offend the heavens! I think the court should punish him!"

"Bah! What do you know? This is called using killing to stop killing! Without General Zhang's ruthless methods, could the northern frontier be peaceful? I heard he also invented some new plows and seed drills, making farming much faster! The people of Bingzhou must be living a very good life."

"Hmph, living a good life? I bet they're being treated like cattle! Grain coupons and work points? That doesn't sound like the laws of the court! And those noisy, evil weapons? They must be some kind of sorcery! No wonder he took in so many Yellow Turban rebels. Yuan Situ was right, such people are definitely treacherous villains! Sooner or later they'll bring chaos to the world!"

"Bullshit! General He is protecting General Zhang! I think you're just jealous of his achievements!"

Similar debates were taking place in every corner of Luoyang.

In teahouses, restaurants, or even on the street, people can easily start arguing over a single word.

Most of his supporters were ordinary people, merchants and laborers. They admired Zhang Xian's martial arts skills and regarded him as a hero who protected his country.

Opponents were mostly self-proclaimed intellectuals, scholars who believed in Confucian benevolence and forgiveness, and some merchants whose interests might be harmed. They feared Zhang Xian's ruthless methods, worried about his growing power, and regarded him as a potential traitor to the country.

This heated debate also swept through the empire's highest institution of learning, the Imperial Academy.

"Fellow students! Zhang Xian is a scoundrel with a bloodthirsty nature. He built a Jingguan (a mound of corpses) to show off his power and treated the barbarians like cattle and horses. His actions are cruel and inhumane. How is he any different from a beast? Moreover, he has overstepped the law by privately issuing grain coupons and work points, and has taken in a large number of refugees and privately amassed armor and weapons. His intentions are unfathomable!"
We, who have studied the classics, should understand the greater good. How can we stand idly by and allow such treacherous and wicked people to grow in power? We should jointly submit a petition to the court, requesting that they be punished according to the law!

A young student, dressed in a scholar's robe, stood on the stone steps and shouted passionately.

"My friend, you are mistaken!"

A tall student with piercing eyes stepped forward from the crowd.

"Who are you?" the student who had shouted earlier asked with a hostile look.

The man cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said, "I am Ruan Yu, a disciple of Mr. Cai Bojie. I was passing by the Imperial Academy when I heard your words were somewhat biased."

Ruan Yu cupped his hands in greeting to the students who had gathered around him.

"General Zhang drove the barbarians north and restored our Han territory. This is an unparalleled achievement! Although the Jingguan (a mound of corpses) is cruel, it deterred the villains and protected the borders and people. It is an extraordinary act done in an extraordinary time!"

As for grain coupons and work points, they were merely expedient measures for resettling refugees and restoring production during wartime. Bingzhou paid its taxes in full last year, and the refugees returned home. This was all thanks to them!
How can we then cling to old ways and, with the narrow-minded views of pedantic scholars, harshly criticize a general capable of defending the country? We should emulate Ban Dingyuan, abandon our pens for the sword, and march north to the frontier to assist General Zhang in sweeping away the barbarian invaders, thus living up to the learning we have accumulated throughout our lives!

His words caught the attention of some of the students present, who then began to speak up.

"Brother Ruan is absolutely right!"

"Brother Ruan, you're so generous! Count me in!"

"Yes! Instead of just talking here, let's go to the border and make a name for ourselves! General Zhang can use his ingenious craftsmanship to enrich the people and strengthen the army. He must be someone who is eager to find talented people!"

Most of those who spoke were young students from poor families who had no way to advance their careers. Ruan Yu's words ignited their passion.

"Absurd! To associate with butchers is not the conduct of a scholar."

Some people also angrily denounced it.

"Whether he is a butcher or a hero is not for you pedantic scholars to judge! We shall go to Wuyuan ourselves and see for ourselves!"

Ruan Yu showed no weakness.

Within the Imperial Academy, the distinctions between different schools were clearly defined.

Many scions of prominent families echoed Yuan Wei's views and launched a verbal and written attack on Zhang Xian.

Many scholars from humble backgrounds who longed for a better life were attracted by Zhang Xian's martial arts skills and the new atmosphere emerging in Bingzhou, regarding him as an enlightened ruler who could break the monopoly of aristocratic families and realize their ambitions.

A debate about loyalty and treachery quickly turned into a choice between staying and leaving.

Some young students who aspire to excel have already begun to secretly make connections, pack their bags, and prepare to embark on their journey north.

This northward undercurrent even affected some lower and middle-ranking officials in Luoyang.

Cai Residence.

Cao Cao was looking at some excerpts of court debates that his servants had brought him.

He originally came to the Cai residence to borrow books, but unexpectedly his attention was drawn to these excerpts of debates.

He was not tall, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his face was resolute, giving him a chivalrous air.

"Building the city in ten days, raising it by one zhang... Light cavalry, burning grass and intercepting merchants... What skill! What spirit!"

Cao Cao put down the notes, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. His eyes gleamed with a complex light, a mixture of appreciation, admiration, and longing.

"Mengde, are you looking at news from Bingzhou?"

A clear voice rang out, and Cai Yong, a court advisor, entered. He immediately recognized the excerpt in Cao Cao's hand, something that had recently become widely circulated in Luoyang.

He was both Cao Cao's elder and his friend, so their interactions were quite natural.

"Teacher Cai."

Cao Cao rose and bowed, then pointed to the excerpt.

"Zhang Zixu is truly an extraordinary man! He has turned the northern frontier upside down, but... it has also brought about a new atmosphere. After seeing all this, I wish I could go to Wuyuan in person to observe their military bearing and skillful tactics, and to discuss military strategy with heroes like Huang Hansheng, Zhao Zilong, and Lü Bu!"

His tone was full of longing. He had always been ambitious and considered himself knowledgeable in military affairs. Naturally, he longed to make achievements on the frontier and leave his name in history.

Zhang Xian's actions in the northern frontier, whether through iron-fisted methods or industrial innovations, deeply resonated with his inner desire to achieve great things.

"Mengde is a man of great talent and ambition; he will surely be extraordinary in the future."

Cai Yong knelt down and smiled, "Although Bingzhou is far away, with your talent, you may one day be able to emulate General Zhang and defend the border for the country."

As a court advisor, he knew far more about the debates in the court than Cao Cao did. In addition, he was learned and talented and cared more about the people's livelihood and education. Therefore, he had a good impression of Zhang Xian's construction projects and measures to bring peace to the people.

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes gleamed even brighter. Just as he was about to speak, a minor official hurriedly entered to report.

"Reporting to Commandant Cao, the Prefect has ordered you to immediately assume your post as Chancellor of Jinan! The document is here!"

Cao Cao was taken aback, then took the document.

Jinan, located in Qingzhou, is not remote, but it is still thousands of miles away from the war-torn northern frontier that he longs for.

His passion and desire to make a name for himself seemed to be doused with cold water by this transfer order.

"The Prime Minister of Jinan..." Cao Cao held the document in his hand.

He knew that this was the reward for the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

If it weren't for Zhang Xian's affair, he would have been happy to be appointed as the chancellor of Jinan. But now that his ambition had just been ignited, he couldn't go there, so he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

Cai Yong noticed Cao Cao's disappointment and comforted him, saying, "Jinan is also an important place. Mengde can use his talents to govern the people and build up his reputation. He will surely rise to prominence in the future."

Cao Cao snapped out of his daze and gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

"I apologize for making a fool of myself in front of Master Cai. Alas, I only lament that I cannot share a drink with the former general in person. However, we also have our own ambitions!"

"One day, I will surely be able to discuss heroes with the former general over wine!"

(End of this chapter)