Chapter 228: Great Protector Of The Northern Frontier, Eight Divisions Adviser
In winter, all warfare in the Northern Frontier completely stops, and the enemy would not choose to attack at this time either, otherwise there would be no need for the Northern Frontier Army to act—Old Man Heaven would punish them first.
Thus, Li Xiao summoned the generals from each department to assemble in Jin Prefecture, mainly to discuss the establishment of the Great Protector’s Mansion and the expansion of the three garrisons.
The location chosen for the meeting was Dragon City.
The weather was bitterly cold, so construction work in the outer city had to stop, but the inner city had already been completed.
After simple renovations, the Great Protector’s Mansion revealed its partial outline to everyone for the first time.
In the front courtyard, within the great hall, all the generals gathered; at a glance, there were fully dozens of them, all chiliarchs and above.
Dragon City’s security measures had also reached the highest level.
The inner city was filled everywhere with fully armed Imperial Guards on patrol, and the Great Protector’s Mansion similarly had numerous guards protecting it.
It was truly guarded airtight to prevent anyone from exploiting any loopholes.
The weather was cold, with snowflakes drifting lightly in the air, but the atmosphere inside the great hall was exceptionally lively.
Fire basins half a person’s height stood at the four corners of the great hall, with fist-sized coke burning red-hot, crackling with sparks, warming the hall as if it were spring.
The generals wearing cotton armor had already removed their helmets, their collars open and sweating profusely, veins jumping on their bronze necks with each breath.
Some simply leaned their armor against the corridor pillars, revealing sweat-soaked undergarments inside, casually grabbing a wine jar from the table and pouring it into their mouths.
“Er Hu, that armor of yours needs washing.”
Watching Er Hu eating and drinking without any decorum, Da Hu laughed and cursed: “Soak it in water, and the blood and sweat on it could pickle pickles through.”
After he spoke, the surrounding generals burst into hearty laughter.
Er Hu took pride in it, gnawing on a sheep bone and bragging to Da Hu and the others about his glorious deeds in the Southern Xinjiang.
“This cotton armor has followed me, brother, from the Eastern Capital all the way to Jimo; over those months, it was stained with the blood of at least hundreds of enemies…”
As Er Hu spoke, spittle mixed with bits of meat sprayed everywhere, with Da Hu sitting next to him suffering the most.
“Let me tell you, the women in Southern Xinjiang are really juicy, the kind that squirt water when you pinch them.”
“Too bad I came in such a hurry this time; otherwise, I’d have brought back a few hundred to let you all have a taste~”
Er Hu’s words were quickly drowned out by jeering laughter; seven or eight wine bowls clinked together with a “clang,” and these generals drained their alcoholic beverages in one go, fully displaying the boldness of Northern Frontier men.
On the other side, Chen Chong and Han Jiuyuan sat together, watching Er Hu’s posture opposite them, their mouths twitching involuntarily.
“This is the future son-in-law?”
“He’s really too~”
Talking openly in front of his future father-in-law about how many women he had snatched—was this appropriate?
Chen Chong had been stationed in the Great Desert for camp cultivation and had only recently returned to the Northern Frontier.
But he learned that his wife had taken his daughter to the Li Family.
The madam and old madam of the Li Family seemed very satisfied with his daughter and wanted to marry her to Li Erhu as his wife.
Er Hu was Li Xiao’s own younger brother, held military power, had illustrious military merits, and was one of the most powerful figures in the Northern Frontier.
Being able to take Er Hu as a son-in-law naturally made Chen Chong very happy too.
It was just that Er Hu’s rough and carefree temperament really gave Chen Chong a bit of a headache.
But this was only a minor issue.
Chen Chong was still very willing to accept this marriage alliance.
Noticing that he had been focused on Er Hu, Han Jiuyuan beside him chuckled: “Meng Shi, congratulations on gaining such a fine son-in-law!”
Meng Shi was Chen Chong’s courtesy name.
The two had met during their time at the royal court; their relationship back then wasn’t particularly close, but after coming to Jin Prefecture, due to their similar backgrounds, they had vaguely formed a small group.
“Heh heh heh, congratulations to you too.” Chen Chong also nodded lightly with a smile.
“I heard Ying’er is already pregnant; congratulations.”
The two didn’t drink much, just reminiscing, while also enjoying the dances in the hall.
There were probably a dozen or so dancing girls, all Naiman girls and Uyghur girls.
Being able to sing and dance well was truly their talent.
Once everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Li Xiao ordered the dancing girls to withdraw.
The clamor in the hall receded like the tide, the crisp clink of wine bowls being set down on the tables clearly audible.
The generals stopped their joking, their gazes all fixed squarely on Li Xiao.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen everyone so lively.”
Li Xiao, wearing a black cotton robe, slowly stood up, his slightly oppressive gaze sweeping over the generals in the hall one by one.
With a light sigh, he said: “These past few years, we’ve all either been fighting wars or on the road to fight them; many old brothers have died on the battlefield.”
“But this governor is still very fortunate that you’re all still alive and well, able to drink and eat meat with this governor, play with women together, kill enemies together, and witness the prosperity of our Northern Frontier together.”
……
“You are all my Li Xiao’s brothers and kin; when we first raised arms, I said that as long as I Li Xiao have a bite to eat, I would never let you go hungry.”
“Now, we have firmly established our foothold in the Northern Frontier, with the seven states of the Northern Frontier all under our control.”
“This is not just my Li Xiao’s achievement, but also all of yours, and even more so the glory of those millions of fallen comrades.”
“This glory, I Li Xiao will not monopolize.”
Li Xiao’s gaze heavily swept over the generals in the hall; seeing their resolute expressions, Li Xiao nodded slightly and began announcing the formal orders.
“This governor has decided to formally establish the Northern Frontier Great Protector’s Mansion, governing Jin Prefecture, Great Desert, Western Sea, Yin Mountains, Yili, Seven Rivers, and North Sea—seven states encompassing thirty million qing of territory.”
Thirty million qing is three billion mu, which converts to two million square kilometers in modern units.
The current Northern Frontier’s territory includes roughly the entire modern Northern Frontier and Yili, the entire Seven Rivers Basin, one-third of Mongol Empire territory, and the upstream region of the Irtysh River.
Even without formally establishing a country, this vast two million square kilometers of land undoubtedly made the Northern Frontier a colossal behemoth in this era.
Far exceeding Western Xia’s eight hundred thousand square kilometers, comparable to Southern Song’s national territory, it was a powerful force second only to Jin Dynasty’s three million six hundred thousand square kilometers.
For such a vast area, simple vertical management was no longer sufficient to meet ruling needs.
Especially since the Northern Frontier’s population would continue to grow in the future, gradually moving away from the current condition of vast land with sparse population.
Therefore, it was necessary to establish a stable and efficient ruling system.
Establishing the Great Protector’s Mansion system was imperative.
“The number of townspeople in each department of our Northern Frontier is growing; the three garrisons’ establishment can no longer manage all the townspeople, so this governor has decided to expand to six garrisons.”
As Li Xiao’s words fell, the generals all stood up and shouted loudly: “The Great Protector is wise.”
“The Great Protector is wise!”
They had long known about the expansion to six garrisons and were secretly excited inside, all waiting for this day.
They had followed Li Xiao on campaigns in the south and north; although at the beginning it was simply to resist injustice and protect their families, as their status rose higher, their original intentions had changed.
Who doesn’t want to rise in rank, get rich, have a beautiful wife and fertile sons, and enjoy eternal wealth?
Then, at Li Xiao’s signal, Gu Zizhong stood up, respectfully holding a bright yellow silk scroll with both hands, gently unrolling it, and standing in the hall, reading aloud:
“It is said that Heaven’s way is manifest, protecting the common people; the borderlands are majestic, not to be coveted. The land of the Northern Frontier has majestic mountains and rivers, fertile fields stretching thousands of li, it is Huaxia’s divine territory, the vital dragon vein.”
“In the past, Wei and Huo struck north against the Xiongnu, sealing Mount Zhuliu, displaying Great Han’s might; Li Jing and Li Ji pacified the Turkic, watering horses in the great desert, manifesting Great Tang’s prowess. Now we find ourselves in chaotic times, witnessing the common people of the Northern Frontier mired in dire straits—how can we not step forward, emulate the sages, and save the people from peril?”
“To protect the borders and secure the people, safeguard our territory, we resolve to establish the Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion, with Jin Prefecture Li Clan’s Li Xiao as Great Protector, overseeing military and political affairs.”
……
A grand article was read by Gu Zizhong with rising and falling intonation, stirring the emotions of the generals in the hall to greater heights.
Later, this article would spread throughout the Northern Frontier’s states, announcing the formal establishment of the Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion to the world.
Then, all the generals in the hall stood up, placing hands over chests in salute to Li Xiao: “Paying respects to the Great Protector, paying respects to the Great Protector.”
“Paying respects to the Great Protector!”
Before this, although Li Xiao had already been called Great Protector, the Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion was still in the preparatory stage.
Now, all matters were ready, and the Great Protector’s Mansion was formally established.
“No need for excessive ceremony.”
“Everyone, rise.”
Li Xiao lightly raised his hand in signal.
Then, Gu Zizhong took out another scroll and read aloud: “It is said that a state’s safety depends on worthy talents; border stability relies on good officials.”
“The Northern Frontier embraces mountains and rivers, screens the Central Plains; Hu cavalry spy, war clouds ever gather. The Great Protector bears Heaven’s mandate, overseeing military and politics; now broadly enlisting heroes, granting key positions, together building the Northern Frontier’s ironclad defenses.”
“By decree: Jiu Meng’an He as Governor’s Mansion Sima, concurrently Military Affairs Department Staff Officer, in charge of army training and battle formation deployment.”
As the words fell, Jiu Meng’an He, wearing a plain white cotton robe, walked to the center of the hall, heavily placing hand over chest in salute and saying: “This subordinate obeys the command and will not fail the Great Protector’s trust.”
The position of Sima generally handles military decisions, similar to Song Dynasty’s Bureau of Military Affairs.
The Military Affairs Department is like the Ministry of War, a specific executive department responsible for army logistics, military training, soldier rosters, and so on.
But because Li Xiao is a military commander, there is no need for a Privy Councillor as a direct military decision-maker.
Thus, this function is replaced by Li Xiao; the Sima’s status is high, but its authority is greatly diminished.
Therefore, Li Xiao also appointed Jiu Meng’an He as Military Affairs Department Staff Officer, mainly responsible for army logistics and daily training, not directly leading troops.
After Jiu Meng’an He stepped back, Gu Zizhong read: “Han Jiuyuan excels in planning and calculations, adept in statecraft.”
“Specially appointed Household Affairs Department Staff Officer, overseeing money and grain taxation, military equipment expenditures; must assess situations, balance budgets, fill the treasury to support military needs, allocate supplies to secure people’s livelihood, ensure orderly flow of goods, no shortages in military and political affairs.”
The Household Affairs Department is equivalent to the Ministry of Revenue, responsible for the Northern Frontier’s finances and taxation.
Han Jiuyuan was once the royal court’s Minister of Revenue and is now continuing his old profession.
The position of Household Affairs Department Staff Officer belongs to none other than him.
“This subordinate obeys the command and will not fail the Great Protector’s trust.” Han Jiuyuan walked to the center of the hall and bowed deeply in thanks.
“Advisor Chen Chong, versed in agriculture, skilled in camp cultivation. From this day forward, appointed Camp Cultivation Department Staff Officer, supervising Northern Frontier camp cultivation affairs, planning land reclamation, water conservancy, promoting farming techniques, to suffice military grain and enrich people’s livelihood.”
Chen Chong walked into the hall, smiling as he bowed in thanks: “Thanks to the Great Protector; this subordinate will not fail the trust.”
The Camp Cultivation Department is responsible for Jin Prefecture’s grain and other supplies.
Besides managing those camp cultivation slaves, it is also responsible for building granaries, stockpiling Jin Prefecture’s grain, and transporting it to the battlefield during wars.
Moreover, Jin Prefecture’s grain, like salt and iron, is under exclusive management; even grain grown by townspeople cannot be casually sold or traded.
It can only be sold to the specialized Hexi Grain Store, then delivered by the Hexi Grain Store to the Camp Cultivation Department warehouses.
The existence of these two departments ensures the stability of Northern Frontier grain, preventing unscrupulous merchants from exploiting opportunities.
“Jin Prefecture Luo Clan’s Luo Ping, with illustrious military merits, loyalty proven; now appointed Salt and Iron Department Staff Officer, controlling the lifeline of Northern Frontier mining. Must strictly crack down on smuggling, stabilize prices, open mines to smelt iron, boil mountains for salt, using resource profits to fill the treasury and supply military needs.” Gu Zizhong continued reading.
At these words, everyone in the hall was shocked.
Some newly attached generals weren’t too familiar with Luo Ping, but the old Jin Prefecture generals knew him all too well.
Luo Ping was one of the founding merits who rose up with Li Xiao.
He campaigned against the Geluolu People, crossed Golden Mountain to attack the Naiman People, fought countless wars, but due to health reasons, had left the military.
But no one expected Li Xiao to bring him out again this time.
Luo Ping and his son Luo Meng had already received Li Xiao’s instructions and were now standing in the hall.
For the position of Salt and Iron Department Staff Officer, Luo Ping had no objections; after all, his age wasn’t too great, just that his body was bloated, and an injury from a few years ago hadn’t healed neatly.
He couldn’t go to the battlefield anymore, but he was willing to come out of retirement to manage such logistical matters.
He wore a wolfskin coat, pot-bellied, his bloated form like a mountain of meat.
His face always wore a smile, like Maitreya Buddha, but staring at him for long revealed a faint chill.
Just like being stared at by a ferocious wild beast.
Although Luo Ping hadn’t been on the battlefield for two years, the baleful aura on him hadn’t been worn away by a comfortable life; it remained terrifying, just hidden.
Standing in the hall, Luo Ping chuckled, placing hand over chest: “Thanks to the Great Protector; this subordinate will ensure those slaves are managed obediently.”
Li Xiao nodded lightly with a smile: “This governor naturally believes in Uncle Luo’s abilities.”
“Having fought so many tough battles, a mere group of defanged slaves certainly won’t stump Uncle Luo.”
“However, though public duties are important, Uncle Luo must still take care of his health.”
Compared to the last time he saw Luo Ping, he had grown even fatter now.
At least two hundred fifty jin and up, and not particularly tall; his body was all meat, which worried Li Xiao quite a bit.
“No problem, haha; this subordinate’s body can hold out for decades more—holding my great-grandson won’t be an issue.” Luo Ping said, drawing laughter from the generals in the hall.
Li Xiao also nodded with a chuckle; his nephew Luo Wenzhong was only two years old this year.
As for the Salt and Iron Department, it is not literally just salt and iron monopoly, but responsible for managing all natural mines in the Northern Frontier territory, such as salt mines, iron mines, coal mines, gold mines, etc.
Equivalent to the modern Ministry of Natural Resources.
Moreover, the Salt and Iron Department and Chen Chong’s Camp Cultivation Department are the only two departments under the Great Protector’s Mansion, besides the six garrisons’ regular army, that hold military power.
Because camp cultivation and mining require large numbers of slaves.
Just at Golden Mountain iron mine and Western Sea coal mine alone, there are over ten thousand slaves digging nonstop every day.
So, besides an army stationed around the mines, those directly managing these slaves are under Luo Ping’s Salt and Iron Department.
Every mining area has a dedicated Mine Guard Team, responsible for watching slaves, supervising their mining, and suppressing slave rebellions.
Only when the Mine Guard Team can’t control the situation do the surrounding garrison soldiers step in to suppress.
The Mine Guard Teams aren’t very large; taking Golden Mountain iron mine as example, the team has only over three hundred men, managing over five thousand slaves.
Moreover, most Mine Guard Team members are retired or disabled garrison soldiers.
They have rich combat experience, equipped with advanced weapons forged in the Northern Frontier; as long as it’s not a large-scale mine slave rebellion, they can suppress it.
Similarly, coal mines, gold mines, salt mines, etc., all have Mine Guard Teams, all under Luo Ping’s jurisdiction.
Mainly because Luo Ping, as a former high-level Jin Prefecture Army officer, has sufficient prestige and is ruthless enough to keep those mine slaves in line.
Moreover, Chen Chong’s Camp Cultivation Department also has large numbers of retired or disabled soldiers forming Field Guard Teams.
Both are real-power departments under the Great Protector’s Mansion.
After confirming the four departments’ staff officers, Gu Zizhong continued reading the next department.
“Appoint Zhang Xinghua as Merit Assessment Department Staff Officer, in charge of officials and officers’ assessments, performance evaluations, military merit records.”
As the words fell, Zhang Xinghua walked to the center of the hall, placing hand over chest: “This subordinate obeys the command and will not fail the Great Protector’s favor.”
The Merit Assessment Department is equivalent to the Ministry of Personnel.
But in the current Northern Frontier, where military prevails over civil, officials’ assessments are completely nominal.
So the Merit Assessment Department’s main target is still the military.
Primarily responsible for recording mid- and low-level generals’ military merits, weighing errors, comprehensively considering recommendations from various departments’ generals, determining promotions and punishments, then reporting to Li Xiao.
Actually, this should have been the Ministry of War’s task.
But Li Xiao didn’t want the Military Affairs Department’s power to grow too large; after all, it controls personnel promotions, like the Ministry of Personnel’s chief official, so he separately established the Merit Assessment Department.
“Li Dongzhi is proficient in mechanical arts, deeply understands military equipment principles; appoint as Armaments Department Staff Officer, overseeing weapons forging, armor repairs, and related matters.” Gu Zizhong said loudly.
Another new department appeared, the Armaments Department.
It was actually the original Hexi Armaments Shop; Li Dongzhi was Li Xiao’s paternal uncle, Li Sanzhi.
After redoing the clan genealogy, Li Xiao personally changed his name to Li Dongzhi.
The original Hexi Armaments Shop was established by Li Xiao and was the Li Family’s private property.
But an industry like military industry, concerning the state’s lifeline, must be controlled by the Governor’s Mansion.
Li Xiao’s positioning of the Hexi Merchant Guild is clear: as the Great Protector’s Mansion’s downstream industry, handling extensions that the Great Protector’s Mansion finds inconvenient or lacks energy for.
But it cannot become the master.
Otherwise, wouldn’t the Northern Frontier become a regime controlled by capital?
Besides, as long as the Northern Frontier’s territory is large enough, even just scraps from the Great Protector’s Mansion would be enough to stuff the Hexi Merchant Guild.
After all, in this field, no one can compete with the Hexi Merchant Guild.
“Hu Li is quick-witted and eloquent, versed in rites and propriety; appoint as Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer, exclusively handling diplomatic affairs.”
As the words fell, a skinny figure eagerly walked to the center of the hall.
His expression agitated, eyes brimming with hot tears as he looked at Li Xiao.
While others placed hand over chest in salute, he directly knelt on both knees, saying in a trembling voice: “This subordinate thanks the Great Protector for his trust.”
“This subordinate will exert utmost efforts for the Great Protector, go through fire and water, die a thousand deaths without regret.”
Hu Li was too excited.
His original name was Huli, just a slave, passed around multiple times, always living a vagabond life.
Until four years ago, during the Eastern Capital campaign against the Naiman, by a stroke of luck he was captured by Li Xiao and became Li Xiao’s slave.
Then began his skyrocketing life, renamed Hu Li.
In just four short years, from slave to current Northern Frontier heavy minister, serving as the Governor’s Mansion’s Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer.
Perhaps some looked down on him for his origins, but he didn’t care.
At this moment, Hu Li only thought: a scholar dies for his bosom friend.
Since his master trusted him, he certainly couldn’t disappoint his master and must do well as this Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer.
Seeing Hu Li’s appearance, Li Xiao shook his head lightly, slightly admonishing: “Stand up; you are now the Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer, representing the face of our Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion.”
“Do not kneel to anyone.”
Hu Li’s expression still agitated, he stood up, nodding repeatedly: “Yes, yes, yes~”
Then, with an excited look, he greeted Zhang Xinghua and the others.
In response, Zhang Xinghua and the others smiled back.
A hero is not judged by origin.
Hu Li’s abilities were still commendable; first, his language talent.
He knew Chinese Language, Khitan Language, Uyghur Language, Turkic, Naiman, and multiple ethnic languages.
Then, his smooth handling of affairs; he could chat with anyone, a rare diplomatic talent.
Li Xiao’s use of talent was not restricted by background.
After finishing Hu Li’s Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer, only Gu Zizhong himself remained.
At this moment, he cleared his somewhat parched throat, unconsciously straightened his back, and shouted in an even louder voice: “Gu Zizhong is upright and steady, incorruptibly just, proficient in law, perceptive and decisive, strictly adhering to regulations.”
“Now specially appointed as Law Enforcement Department Staff Officer, managing judiciary, trying military and civilian cases, maintaining local order, implementing law, making the common people live in peace and contentment, ensuring long-term stability on the frontier.”
As the words fell, Gu Zizhong immediately saluted Li Xiao respectfully: “Thanks to the Great Protector for his heavy trust; this subordinate will not fail the entrustment and will serve the Great Protector wholeheartedly.”
The Law Enforcement Department is actually equivalent to a castrated version of the Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and Censorate; all three are shouldered by Gu Zizhong alone.
Besides ordinary townspeople’s crimes, the Law Enforcement Department also oversees monitoring officials and generals’ illegal acts.
Its power is still very great.
After reading all these officials, Li Xiao said to these eight: “Having accepted these positions, take guarding the territory and securing the borders as your duty, the people’s welfare as your concern.”
“Fulfill your duties diligently, do not fail the heavy trust; if achievements are made, generous rewards will follow; if negligent, strict punishment without mercy. Hope you unite in effort to protect Northern Frontier peace.”
As the words fell, the crowd bowed: “We will strictly obey the Great Governor’s teachings.”
Thus, all eight departments under the Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion were fully appointed.
Respectively: Sima concurrently Military Affairs Department Staff Officer Jiu Meng’an He;
Household Affairs Department Staff Officer Han Jiuyuan;
Camp Cultivation Department Staff Officer Chen Chong;
Salt and Iron Department Staff Officer Luo Ping;
Merit Assessment Department Staff Officer Zhang Xinghua;
Armaments Department Staff Officer Li Dongzhi;
Court of Diplomatic Relations Staff Officer Hu Li;
Law Enforcement Department Staff Officer Gu Zizhong.
These eight departments form the basic structure of the current Northern Frontier Governor’s Mansion.
However, compared to a complete imperial court, these departments are far from sufficient and will naturally be supplemented later.
After finishing the appointments of the eight departments’ staff officers under the Governor’s Mansion, next came the military generals’ appointments.
Six Garrisons!
Instantly, the Northern Frontier Army’s generals’ gazes toward Li Xiao became even more agitated.
