Chapter 104

Chapter 102 - Cizhou

Zhou Gui followed Xiao Chiye's instructions and set up a simple yet elegant homely feast in his courtyard. When Shen Zechuan entered, he found the garden to be unostentatious yet charming, with a close connection to nature, devoid of golden or jade vessels.

Zhou Gui greeted Xiao Chiye and led him to the seat of honor. It was the sixth month of Tianzheng, and a clear stream circled the small table, with drooping branches brushing against the water, creating a refreshing and lively atmosphere. Zhou Gui did not have any other servants attend to them; only Kong Ling stood by, pouring wine for the two.

Xiao Chiye washed his hands and watched as the cup was filled with wine. "You've put in a lot of effort, Minister Zhou, to prepare this Northern Frontier 'Horse-Riding March' for us. It's been many years since I last had a taste of it."

This wine was a grain liquor made by the Northern Frontier cavalry, strong and fiery. A few sips on a cold winter day could warm the body. It was called "Horse-Riding March" because thirty years ago, when King Xiao Fangxu of the Northern Frontier received news of the border sands' invasion on his wedding night, he didn't have time to change out of his wedding attire before mounting his horse to fight the enemy. Before his departure, the equally dressed King's new bride poured wine and shared a toast with him while he sat on his horse. This scene was common at the frontier, but with the name of King Xiao attached to it, people couldn't help but sigh, associating the phrase "Three hundred sixty-five days a year, mostly spent riding horses with a sword in hand" with the Northern Frontier cavalry.

Zhou Gui observed Xiao Chiye's tranquil expression and somewhat alleviated his anxiety. He said, "We're in close proximity to the Northeast Grain and Horse Route. Last month, when we escorted military provisions, the army sent over many jars of wine. I thought that since Your Excellency is about to return home, there isn't much in Zizhou to entertain you, so I can only offer this as a token of respect."

Xiao Chiye chuckled. "Food from the mountains and wilds has its unique charm. This table of dishes shows more sincerity than the finest delicacies in Qidu. Your Excellency needn't be humble. Preparing military rations is a complicated task, but Zizhou was able to seal and package them within a few days all thanks to your assistance. This toast is for you."

Zhou Gui did not dare to accept the honor so easily. He promptly stood up, raised both hands to present the wine, and drank with Xiao Chiye. After he finished his cup, he sat back down and said, "The Iron Riders of the North are fighting the Han She Clan on the frontlines. Military provisions are crucial to victory. It's my duty, so why would I deserve a special thank you from Your Excellency? I truly cannot accept this."

"Although Zizhou had a bountiful harvest last year, it provided aid to Duanzhou and the Northern Reaches consecutively at the start of spring. That was grain saved by the people of Zizhou. For this, I should also be thanking you," Xiao Chiye said as he lifted his hand slightly to block Kong Ling from pouring wine, adding, "Since this is a private banquet, there's no need to adhere strictly to formalities. Sir, please have a seat."

Kong Ling was quick to react. He bowed on the spot and actually took a seat.

"Sir, where are you from?" Shen Zechuan asked with a smile.

Kong Ling's mind raced. Seeing Xiao Chiye start eating, he knew that the main conversation tonight would be with this Magistrate Shen. He bowed his head and replied, "I dare not accept such an honorific title. I'm just an ordinary villager from the mountains. I'm from Dengzhou."

"Dengzhou is renowned for its scholars. May I ask how Sir is called?"

"My name is Kong Ling, and my courtesy name is Cheng Feng," Kong Ling said as he sat up straight, looking at Shen Zechuan. "Tantai Hu in the Imperial Guards is the younger brother of my best friend, Tantai Long."

"To meet an old acquaintance in a foreign land," Shen Zechuan turned to Xiao Chiye with a smile. "Ce An, let's arrange for Tiger to meet Mister Cheng Feng another day. It's not easy to come across each other in these chaotic times."

He addressed Xiao Chiye as Ce An, a name that was enough to make Kong Ling reassess this son of Shen Wei. When Shen Zechuan entered Cizhou, he had been unremarkable, or perhaps even less so than his appearance suggested. Kong Ling knew that he was Shen Zechuan, the Jin Yiwei Magistrate whom Tian Chen Emperor had personally promoted, but outside of Qudu, Shen Zechuan lost the foundation upon which he could wield power. In Kong Ling's eyes, he had no troops nor followers; he was merely a dependent who had fled here with Xiao Chiye. However, a dependent could not sit on equal footing with Xiao Chiye or address him by his courtesy name.

Xiao Chiye poured himself some wine and said, "It's up to you."

Zhou Gui glanced at Kong Ling, then at Shen Zechuan. Kong Ling stood up to offer a toast and said, "I've long admired your esteemed reputation, Magistrate..."

"There's no need to be so polite, Sir," Shen Zechuan said. "Please sit down. Let's chat while we drink."

Kong Ling said, "I'm just a lowly clerk under Your Excellency. How can I discuss matters with a Magistrate? It's already a blessing for me to be able to sit here and listen to your guidance after begging for a cup of wine."

Shen Zechuan's lips curved slightly as he said, "Mr. Kong is being too modest. I've heard that you once served as Tan Tailong's advisor in Duanzhou. When the Border Sand Cavalry invaded, Tan Taihu advocated for war, and his battle strategies were all crafted by you."

They had already dug up his background upon entering Cizhou. Kong Ling felt a sinking sensation in his heart as he replied, "I'm just an armchair strategist."

"Unfortunately, Tan Tailong died at Shen Wei's hands," Shen Zechuan sipped his wine. "Duanzhou fell without a fight."

Shen Zechuan spoke so nonchalantly, as if Duanzhou's collapse was like tearing a piece of paper—no hate, no resentment worth mentioning.

Kong Ling's expression darkened gradually. Sitting there, he forced a smile after a moment and said, "As an associate magistrate, you live a life of luxury in Qudu. How would you know the suffering of the people after Duanzhou fell? From the Tea Stone River to Dunzhou, a thousand miles of uncollected bones lie in the wilderness. It's not a big deal if Shen Wei is a coward, but he and Shen Zhouji set a trap and suffocated Tan Tailong to death during a banquet... After the defeat of Zhongbo's troops, I, Kong Chengfeng, could simply change masters and continue living. But the entire pro-war faction led by Tan Tailong was wiped out. You're right, it's truly a pity that Tan Tailong died at Shen Wei's hands. He was a fine lad of Zhongbo."

Shen Zechuan said, "Master survived a deadly ordeal, and with your talent, you could have found a patron in Qudu. Yet, you chose to stay in Cizhou. I don't understand."

Kong Ling tried to rise, but he couldn't leave his seat without permission. He looked up at Shen Zechuan and said, "How would you understand? The war brought devastation upon Zhongbo. There's neither fame nor fortune here; it might seem worthless to you, but for us, Zhongbo still has the potential to recover."

Shen Zechuan smiled wryly. "Duanzhou lost its garrison, and now a gang of bandits rules there. Fields lie barren, and there's no sign of life beyond the city walls. When you talk about a chance to recover, do you mean for all six states of Zhongbo or merely Cizhou? Cizhou is trying to maintain a delicate balance between Qudu and Libei while aiding Libei whenever they ask. I truly can't comprehend this."

Kong Ling abruptly stood up. "How could you understand Cizhou's predicament? After Zhongbo's defeat, Qudu was preoccupied with internal strife. We pleaded for help, but our requests were ignored. It was Lord who personally managed the cultivation of Cizhou's fields, which took three years to yield this bountiful harvest. Yes, Cizhou is caught between Qudu and Libei, but when Libei faced adversity, we offered all possible aid. To call Cizhou a turncoat is unjust!"

"Master is right," Shen Zechuan suddenly changed his tone, speaking seriously. "I know Cizhou faces challenges, which is why I came here to discuss with you both. Let's be straightforward. Lord refuses to let the imperial guards pass because he fears future repercussions from Qudu. But the current situation has crumbled, and holding on to the remnants is not a wise strategy. Han Cheng plotted against the emperor, and Cai An and I left Qudu not to escape but to regain control of the situation. The empress dowager manipulates the court, and noble families are once again isolating Qudu. How long can the Academy flourish? After Zhongbo's defeat, Lord and Master Cheng Feng repeatedly petitioned for aid, only to be met with Hua Siqian's indifference, thus squashing any hope for Zhongbo's revival. I've heard of the bandits in Zhongbo even back in Qudu. As long as these outlaws remain, Zhongbo will never be secure. How can you continue to revive Zhongbo under such circumstances? Starting anew from scratch requires great determination, and I admire your resolve. However, the path ahead is arduous. Why not change course and let Zhongbo handle its own affairs?"

Zhou Gui held his wine cup and pulled Kong Ling closer, saying, "Since the Deputy Governor is being so straightforward, I shall not beat around the bush either. The reason I refuse to let Lord Hou pass is indeed due to the fear that Qui Du might hold us accountable in the future, imposing heavier taxes on Ci Zhou. If Ci Zhou defies Qui Du's orders and acts on its own, it might find itself isolated and powerless in the long run. I have no troops at my disposal, no wealthy merchants to support me, and certainly no confidence like Li Bei. Despite your persuasion, Deputy Governor, I cannot afford to stake the lives of the Ci Zhou people on a gamble."

"On the contrary," Xiao Chiye gestured for Kong Ling to sit. "Lan Zhou said that not to encourage Your Excellency to fight alone. Qiuzhou borders the Northeast Grain and Horse Route. It currently lacks a complete defensive army of its own. If Your Excellency permits my troops free passage, my two thousand imperial guards can take on the responsibility of patrolling before Qiuzhou can form its own defense force."

Zhou Gui fell into deep thought, not uttering a word. Kong Ling spoke up, "Of course, Lord Marquis is as good as your word, but I must ask—now that Libei has rebelled, the Northeast Grain and Horse Route is naturally null and void. Where will the provisions for Libei's Iron Riders come from in the future? From Chizhou?"

"The Northeast Grain and Horse Route was specifically established for the transportation of supplies after the Northern Iron Cavalry's formation. Wouldn't it be a waste to abandon it?" Shen Zechuan twirled his wine cup leisurely, his gaze composed. "The combined forces of the Northern Iron Cavalry and the Imperial Guards amount to one hundred and forty thousand troops. Their future rations will still need to pass through the Northeast Grain and Horse Route."

Kong Ling exchanged a glance with Zhou Gui, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Lord Hou is currently burdened with the heinous crime of regicide. How could the Quxi Thirteen Cities dare to provide provisions for the Linbei cavalry anymore?"

Shen Zechuan offered a slight smile and said, "Quesi is Quesi, and Qidu is Qidu. Mr. Cheng Feng, since I dare to say this, I naturally have a plan. What do you think? If Lord Zhou agrees to let the imperial guards pass through tonight, Cizhou will no longer stand alone in the future."

Zhou Gui hesitated inwardly but spoke with a composed tone, "I have faith in Lord Hou's integrity, but I cannot trust the volatile nature of the current situation. Both of you assure me that the bandits will be dealt with only after the imperial army passes through. But if you break your promise after that, Jizhou will truly be in an abyssal predicament!"

"Take your time," Shen Zechuan put down his wine cup and spoke calmly. "I shall remain alone in Chizhou until the imperial guards quell the rebellion. If you still harbor any doubts, we can hand over Han Jin, who is currently in our custody, to you. That way, should we change our minds in the future, you can use Han Jin's life as an excuse to appease the anger of Qudu."

Li Jianheng is deceased, and news of a new sovereign in the capital city has been conspicuously absent. Signs of unrest have begun to surface across the domains, yet fear of the formidable Qidong Qi Clan restrains them from openly aligning with Beili and raising their own banners. However, Cizhou stands apart; being in such close proximity to the iron cavalry of Beili, should they truly gain military support, they would no longer need to endure subjugation under the commands of the aristocratic houses.

"I entered the city today, and news of my arrival has already spread throughout the capital," Xiao Chiye replied calmly. "Regardless of whether Your Excellency allows me passage or not, after tonight, Empress Dowager will harbor apprehension towards Ci State."

Zhou Gui's expression suddenly shifted, and he exclaimed, "Marquis, Assessor, you two!"

"Moreover," Shen Zechuan followed up promptly, speaking in a gentle tone, "If both of you wish to establish a well-rounded Zhizhou Defense Force, the first priority is to recruit soldiers and acquire horses. Zhizhou relies on its farmlands for sustenance, with no direct trade connections to Juexi or any ports. Relying solely on tax silver might take years before we can achieve our goal. Fortunately, I have some savings and am willing to contribute whatever little I can — can the Imperial Guards, Sir Zhou, be spared for this purpose?"

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Author's Note:

1: "On Horseback," Qi Jiguang

2: "The Zuo Zhuan"