Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

The team traveled westward, crossing the Guanzhong Plain, passing over the Longshan Mountains, and entering the Hexi Corridor.

The scenery along the way gradually became desolate, with sandstorms raging. On this day, the outline of Wuwei City could be seen in the distance.

Li Yuan reined in his horse and gazed into the distance, feeling melancholy. He had followed Chen Shuo here that day, and now they were worlds apart.

Wuwei City was the seat of the Hexi Circuit and one of the most important military strongholds on the northwestern border. The city walls were tall and thick, and patrolling soldiers came and went in an endless stream, exuding a solemn and murderous atmosphere.

At the city gate, Han Chong, the head of the Demon Suppression Division, had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the group approaching, he quickly stepped forward, greeted Li Yuan with a smile, and bowed, saying, "Lord Li, you must be tired from your journey."

The two had met twice before and were considered old acquaintances; at that time, Han Chong was still the deputy director.

Li Yuan dismounted and returned the greeting: "Lord Han, you are too kind. I will have to rely on you a lot in the future."

Han Chong laughed heartily and enthusiastically led the way: "Lord Li, what are you saying? You are the inspector, it should be me cooperating with you."

This person is adept at navigating social situations and never offends anyone, which is how he managed to thrive in the complex Hexi region.

"I've already had a welcome feast prepared; let's eat and chat."

Li Yuan did not refuse; this was a common practice in officialdom. Although it was called a welcome dinner, it was actually just a meeting with various forces.

The banquet was held in Tingfeng Tower, the largest building in the city, and was personally presided over by Lü Ming, the military governor of Hexi. Behind him was a large group of people, including the magistrates and inspectors of Hexi Circuit.

"Lord Li is a young and outstanding talent, a prodigy unlike any other in our Great Tang Dynasty. To meet you today is truly an honor, haha..."

Lu Ming, in his early fifties, was all smiles and immediately took Li Yuan's hand in a warm greeting.

"I have met Grand Secretary Lü, but I am unworthy of such an honor."

Li Yuan greeted him politely. Lü Ming was a military man with the title of Tong Pingzhangshi, which in theory meant he was equivalent to a prime minister. He was a true regional warlord of the Tang Dynasty, so Li Yuan naturally dared not be presumptuous.

The guests and hosts took their seats. The banquet in the Northwest was completely different from the exquisite banquet in Chang'an. There were large chunks of beef and mutton, large jugs of mare's milk wine, and even the songs and dances of the northern beauties were lively and fast-paced.

During the banquet, Lü Ming waved his hand, intending to present Li Yuan with several singing girls: "Lord Li has come from afar and has no one to take care of him. Why not keep these girls here to serve him personally?"

This was both a gesture of goodwill and a way to plant people. Li Yuan was not a true young man; he understood the ways of the world. If he refused today, he would not only be slapping Lu Ming in the face, but he also wouldn't be able to stop Lu Ming from sending more people.

He smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Master Lü. I will accept this gift with pleasure."

The two singers immediately swayed their hips and sat down next to Li Yuan, serving him drinks. Ji Fanghua, who was standing nearby, was slightly taken aback. She had never seen Li Yuan act like this before, but she did not suspect anything, knowing that Li Yuan must have his reasons for doing so.

The banquet was a great success, with guests and hosts enjoying themselves until late at night. Li Yuan, his steps slightly unsteady, escorted Lü Ming out.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Excellency. I am deeply humbled."

"I am an old friend of Commander Luo. You are one of his capable subordinates, so how could I not take care of you? If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to me."

Lu Ming boasted, "In this Hexi region, I still have a say."

Li Yuan sneered inwardly. The supply problems in Hexi Road had been repeated. If it weren't for Lü Ming's tacit approval, things wouldn't have come to this.

If he wanted to regulate the Hexi Corridor and ensure the smooth flow of supplies, he would inevitably clash with Lü Ming over interests. From the very beginning, the two were destined not to be on the same side.

It's nothing more than pretense and probing, a mutual test.

As soon as they turned the corner, Lü Ming's expression darkened: "This kid surnamed Li is hiding his true abilities; he's not simple at all."

A magistrate surnamed Wu standing nearby sighed, "No wonder the court's plot to kill him failed. He's certainly a remarkable figure. It seems there's going to be some excitement in Hexi Road from now on."

Lu Ming frowned: "A new broom sweeps clean. Keep a close eye on things these days. Don't let him get any leverage over you. It would be best to shift the blame and make him fight that guy."

He gave a sinister smile as he spoke.

"Your Excellency is brilliant! What a brilliant plan to kill two birds with one stone, making them fight like the snipe and the clam."

Magistrate Wu immediately began to flatter him.

As soon as Lü Ming and the others left, Li Yuan's expression immediately cleared up, and there was no trace of drunkenness left.

"Master Han, let's find a quiet place. Please give me a detailed account of the situation in Hexi Circuit."

Han Chong dared not refuse: "I have prepared a courtyard for you, sir. Please."

Upon arrival, they found themselves in a three-courtyard house. Li Yuan had Ji Fanghua and her entourage settled in, while he listened to Han Chong's introduction.

"Lord Li, to be honest, the Demon Suppression Division is currently in a rather awkward position in Hexi Circuit."

Han Chong took a sip of tea and said with a wry smile, "Before the war broke out in Longyou, our Hexi region was the front line against the demon race, with strong troops and ample supplies."

"But now, the main battlefield has been pushed to Longyou, and Hexi has become the rear, with most of the elite troops being transferred away."

He sighed and continued, "The remaining troops are barely enough to defend the city, but they are not up to the task of launching an offensive."

"Small groups of demons frequently raid the border, making them difficult to track. Every time we set out, we come up empty-handed, which is very frustrating."

Li Yuan already knew about these things, but he didn't interrupt and just listened quietly.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Han Chong tentatively said, "Lord Li, the border of Hexi Circuit is too long. In my opinion, why don't you set up the patrol office in Wuwei? There is a ready-made government office here, and I can discuss anything with you at any time."

"As for the inspection, just send your subordinates. You can stay here and take command."

Li Yuan smiled slightly and shook his head: "I appreciate Lord Han's kindness, but the duty of an inspector is to patrol the border, not to be stationed there. I have already thought about it and plan to set up my post in Suzhou."

"Suzhou?"

Han Chong was startled, but quickly calmed down. "That place is nothing like Wuwei. It's remote and desolate, and the conditions are harsh."

He secretly observed Li Yuan's expression: "Besides, it's too close to Longyou. If a war breaks out there, it's easy to get caught in the crossfire."

Li Yuan's heart sank. This Han Chong was definitely suspicious. If things went wrong, he might already be one of Lü Ming's men. He would have to be careful of him in the future.

"It is precisely because it is close to Longyou that I am stationed in Suzhou," Li Yuan said solemnly. "Although there are no large-scale battles in Hexi, as the throat of the northwest, all military supplies must pass through here."

"Those demon kings dare not confront Longyou head-on, so they detour to attack Hexi. Suzhou is the gateway to Hexi. With me guarding it, we can support Longyou when we advance and protect Hexi when we retreat. It's a win-win situation."

Seeing that Li Yuan had made up his mind, Han Chong's eyes flickered, and he didn't dare to persuade him any further. He could only say, "Since Lord Li has already made up his mind, then I won't say anything more."

"I've already spoken to people in Suzhou and asked them to cooperate with your work. Also, I'll send you an errand boy..."

Han Chong's eyes darted around, and he was about to take the opportunity to plant a spy next to Li Yuan, but Li Ren waved him off.

"I just saw Brother Shi Yong. I've worked with him before, so we're acquaintances. Why don't we send him instead?"

Shi Yong was an upright and straightforward man, a hothead, and absolutely unsuitable to be a spy. However, since Li Yuan had already named him, Han Chong could not refuse and had no choice but to comply and send someone to summon Shi Yong.

A short while later, a burly man walked in from outside the door, clasped his hands in a salute to Li Yuan, and said, "Greetings, Lord Li."