Chapter 220: Countless Romantic Figures!
In the first year of the Tong Zheng Calendar, Xuan Chong shifted his attention from the Southern Region back to the North. This smelly and protracted Southern campaign had finally ended.
Scholars in central Da Yao mocked that Xuan Chong, with his military strength, did not compete for supremacy under Heaven, but instead went to remote corners to fight a few useless natives for self-amusement? — This was because the scholars mistakenly believed “they are the only resources.”
After Xuan Chong took “those just out of school” students to the Southern Region to bully natives for “self-amusement,” he finally assembled a batch of key cadres needed for contending under Heaven.
Xuan Chong traveled back and forth between the north and south using the mecha’s rapid traversal capabilities; but basically it was once every seven days, returning only briefly to attend important rituals like the spring sacrifice and autumn thanksgiving, confirming and completing pending matters before hurrying back to the extreme south.
Now Xuan Chong had finally cast off Southern Region affairs. In the past half year in Ding Ling City, Xuan Chong had sent half of the Da Yao officers and soldiers back, replacing them with locally recruited Feather People.
The number of Da Yao people in Ding Ling City gradually dropped to six hundred, no longer formal army corps members, most being merchant caravan people. Xuan Chong only kept twenty nominal soldiers to ensure that in times of chaos, the Yao Person youths could be rallied.
Southern Border strategic contraction meant withdrawing not just those few hundred in Ding Ling City, but an entire strategic line.
This line included the merchant forts in Thorn Plains, as well as the southward Tusi reclamation groups along the northern slopes of Wang Feng Mountain.
After full withdrawal, the military forces of the Feather Tribes and Thorn Country locals underwent a round of replacement. The people on the trade routes appeared less Da Yao-like, with local security mainly taken over by Forest Feather People, Kingdom Feather People, and mercenaries from the Southern Border hundred tribes.
But when Da Yao Merchants passed through here, the rail gauges, metric standards, and books they used were no different from those inside Da Yao.
This strategic full withdrawal took over half a year, because the withdrawal proceeded as follows:
1: The original forces in Ding Ling City were mostly Forest Feather Tribe; this part of Forest Feather People withdrew to their native Thorn Plains.
2: In the cities of Thorn Plains, most garrison soldiers were natives near the Da Yao border markers; those conscripted for labor service were returning home.
3: Near the Da Yao border markers, all along the inns serving the busy army, the laborers drafted were immigrants from the Southern Ling River four commanderies, now also returning.
Xuan Chong’s advance had been a step-by-step draining; during advances, what changed were the locally recruited vassal armies, retaining only the core officer corps.
This was not the legendary mode of Alexander the Great’s expedition: bringing tens of thousands of troops from home, keeping troops and horses unchanged along the way, advancing to the Indus River basin.
So during strategic withdrawal, Xuan Chong also step-by-step called back people from each area. In the end, this great withdrawal reached Yongji Pass with fully fifteen thousand returning from the south, not just troops, but also large numbers of civilian officials.
In the first half of the fourth year of the Tong Zheng Calendar, from Thorn Plains to Ling River Four Commanderies, then to Fen Xing City; along this route, carts and horses transporting bamboo slip documents became especially common. Especially those Southern Ling River settlements in “isolated island” states also absorbed literary air. Complementary post stations on the roads cleared large areas of land, paved them with stones, forming “book-drying” plazas.
And after this large batch of people returned, Xuan Chong needed to arrange “new jobs” and “new positions” for them. Just at this time, things on the Da Yao side also became clear.
…Respectfully invite the Military Master to return…
In spring of the third year of the Tong Zheng Calendar, Wu Hengyu in the North, after sidelining Prince Bo’s line, moved south to annex various vassal lords.
After seizing Yao Capital, facing the allied southern armies, in the Fu Shui battle he dispatched fifty thousand troops. These fifty thousand troops were divided into seven armies. He personally led one cavalry army, completing envelopment, causing the vassal lord alliance to collapse. The other armies pursued the victory on orders, enemy troops trampling each other in flight, the whole army routed.
Aside: Why not one route? Because Bo Prefecture’s great merchants could not be gathered in one place; to prevent supply grain and grass bigwigs from causing trouble, Wu Hengyu had to divide forces to strike.
It was said that after this battle, many military strategists in eastern and southern Da Yao dared not look Wu Hengyu in the eye.
Victory-mad Wu Hengyu could not resist persuasion from Bo Prefecture great merchants and Eastern Market Army subordinates’ remonstrations, conducting a great search of Yao Capital. This was not chaotic looting, but organized and disciplined house-to-house searches; Wu Hengyu’s army abducted youths and women, transporting them to barren Yan Land.
Then Wu Hengyu had Xian Daoren and other masters use mountains and rivers power to alter the water veins entering Yao Capital, wanting to take away even the nine Heavenly Palaces; but after these nine Heavenly Palaces lost Yao Capital water vein restraint, they flew into the high sky and became invisible.
The Heavenly Palaces thus flew into the sky; Wu Hengyu found it pointless, seemingly self-aware his actions were somewhat immoral; thus he hastily placed Prince Bo’s line in this desolate Yao Capital before hurriedly withdrawing to Bo Prefecture. As for the great war about to occur between Zhao Cheng and Xuan Chong, he chose to watch from the sidelines!
Wu Hengyu making such a decision came from his advisors; of course, these advisors all had “blue stars” in their eyes.
Advisors persuaded: “At this time, under Heaven heroes are only you and Zhao Cheng. Your prestige now shakes under Heaven; Zhao Cheng is opportunistic, far inferior to you! If you act now and succeed, fine; but if there’s the slightest mishap, would it not let Zhao Cheng seize your prestige?
Duke Zhen has accumulated strength in the west for years, state stable; even though General you have mighty prestige, long brother of Duke Zhen; but Duke Zhen’s subordinates feel no grace or authority from you, better let Zhao Cheng and Duke Zhen fight first; if Duke Zhen weakens, you act later not too late.”
Thus Wu Hengyu under guidance believed: “I cannot be vanguard for Xuan Chong.”
However in reality, Wu Hengyu internally also disagreed on rescuing Duke Zhen; Bo Prefecture great merchants and great clans were digesting newly occupied areas, busy with marriage alliances and stabilizing territories with those areas’ noble families, no time now to stab Zhao Cheng.
Currently, scholars under Heaven analyzing the general situation believe: Zhao Cheng growing big must first fight Xuan Chong. Wu Hengyu believes: I should strike later to control.
After Wu Hengyu’s strategic concession, Zhao Cheng swiftly sent troops into Heluo; though not taking Yao Capital, he seized six cities in the East, deploying defensive troops.
In autumn of the third year of the Tong Zheng Calendar, with no interference, Zhao Cheng took all seven prefectures in western Da Yao’s half-wall except Xuan Chong’s. Later Hao became the unique magnate in the North.
…The general trend seems set?…
As for Ning Prefecture side, due to internal Yan Family strife, Ning Prefecture’s internal forces were in infighting.
Tong Zheng Emperor just entering adolescence wanted to rule personally, but intervened in the strife; unbeknownst to him, his actions caused severe resentment within Yan Family.
That year, he was humiliatingly dragged from the palace, forced by Yan Family head to kneel in the Imperial Ancestral Temple for a day and night.
Yan Family’s newly succeeded head lacked respect for Yao Lord, boldly declaring: “Son of Heaven thinks all under Heaven affairs are his family affairs; yet Ning Prefecture land is also my family affair. Son of Heaven now resides in my home; if he loses trust and virtue under Heaven”! That is, my family bears under Heaven. Thus seizing the Imperial Seal and other tokens.
Under such transgression, no other vassal lord forces came to re-welcome the emperor. After all, everywhere from top to bottom were busy with immediate matters, no time to look up.
Common people pondering where to dig roots for food; officers and soldiers pondering why the meat these days was so sour? As for scholar-officials, pondering how to preserve their families in chaotic times.
Because these days, vassal lords with some strength had all lost power in the melee; moreover, under Heaven noble families all saw clearly: this under Heaven, the strong can act arbitrarily.
Order collapsing, even Son of Heaven not lasting, then what of vassal lords?
…Arch-nemesis…
Sixth month of the fourth year of the Tong Zheng Calendar, in Yu Prefecture main city, Tengxing Pavilion, Zhao Cheng sat in the lord’s seat.
His advisors and military generals were dozens of times more than five years ago. These talents were actively helping him monitor the under Heaven general situation.
At this time all noble family talents in the hall stared at eastern Wu Hengyu this Prince Bo. But Zhao Cheng’s gaze shifted to Chong, Yong, Xia, Xiang areas. Because he got intelligence that Xuan Chong was back.
Zhao Cheng murmured: “Why did you come back?” Then Zhao Cheng relaxed: “Indeed, at this critical moment of under Heaven strategizing, your appearance is just right.”
A few years ago, Zhao Cheng had no spare capacity for western affairs. Attacking Zhenzhou required national power, mobilizing one-third of Hao State troops, plus sufficient strategic deception in the East for half a year.
Per Zhao Cheng’s idea, in another year or two, after suppressing Wu Hengyu’s eastern strategic forces once more, he would personally lead troops, committing three hundred thousand to take Chong Land in one western battle.
But now, just as his troop strength neared three hundred thousand, Xuan Chong returned.
Zhao Cheng did not believe Chong Land would remain stable after Xuan Chong’s return. — He had special appreciation for this opponent complementary to himself in military strategy. Because he knew, if he were in Xuan Chong’s position, he would definitely act against Later Hao.
Zhao Cheng now had larger territory, but also Emperor Shu’s past troubles. Now he often could not withstand two-front warfare.
In the past, Central Plains region had long peace, military strategists generally very weak, but after these years of killing, all quite seasoned.
…Severing kinship…
On the other side, in Huangyu City, a conspicuous high platform built due north. Compared to Da Yao Capital City’s nine suspended high-air palaces, this new general’s platform, though only on ground level, had bricks and tiles and architectural style no different from the Emperor’s.
Here was Prince Bo’s Mansion. Originally built for King Xu Si. After Fu Shui battle, “sending back” King Xu Si to Yao Capital, Wu Hengyu claimed king title and resided here.
And in these Tong Zheng Calendar years, as under Heaven vassal lords’ contention entered the second half, those surviving were more or less granted titles by the declining Da Yao royal family.
This tower thirty zhang high, Wuzhui on this high platform with a slight wind step could carry Wu Hengyu straight to the clouds. Its two sides could accommodate sky boat takeoff and landing.
Transgression or not, only a matter of days.
Wu Hengyu was looking at the map when he saw a letter from home; confirming Xuan Chong’s return, he nodded: “Heh, finally back.”
Then Wu Hengyu’s son Wu Ming said: “Uncle Fei there seems never to have accepted enfeoffment. He did not go through the enfeoffment king program.”
Wu Hengyu frowned: “Offered him king title and he unwilling?”
Wu Hengyu opened the letter, glanced, first slightly stunned, then frowning said: “He knows his place, hmph, ran to Southern Region for a lap, now tells me he wants to recuperate! Lazy donkey shits and pisses a lot when mounted.”
Nearby advisor said: “Compared to Central Plains contention, Wu Yuanchang values Southern Border more, naturally south first then north.”
Wu Hengyu: “After we finish Central Plains, he sneaks back to steal chicken? Even if winning, under Heaven people still look down on him.”
…Decision…
Chong Land, Lelang City. With Xuan Chong’s full return, first to face was subordinates rubbing fists for advise to ascend; as for prince’s mansion, ready-made; Duke Zhen’s title also arrived.
These years, Xuan Chong long knew Tong Zheng Emperor granted him king title; of course Xuan Chong facing subordinates’ eager follow-up ideas dared not add “Duke Zhen” title.
Xuan Chong: King must have virtue. “Virtue” means ensuring one area’s populace wholeheartedly toward oneself; his current merits merely “guarding the fence.” In all southern reclamation and factory interests distribution, only letting closest following group profit, far from populace toward himself.
Continuing to use general title, no one would say anything, but using “Duke Zhen” title would give some people reason to rebel against him.
Xuan Chong now did not want to give any reason to his opposing factions.
At this time, Xuan Chong upholding “loyalty” to Da Yao: opposing me is opposing Da Yao, is rebel, to be all sent to Southern Region for garrison.
Note: Xuan Chong through Security Bureau knows now under his rule there are quite many rebels; Zhao Cheng there has many “hometown accents” from his ruled areas’ scholars; how these people went to Zhao Cheng side? Xuan Chong does not believe unrelated to Chong Land’s noble families.
To say opening borders and reclaiming, Xuan Chong also preferred using Da Yao Southern Expedition General title; because currently inside Da Yao, most common people do not even know where the outward-pushed border line is.
Immigrant border-filling needs several generations to stabilize; over a dozen generations of governance to truly incorporate territory into the state.
If using Duke Zhen name, then in next great war if defeated, this future possibly not orthodox title stamped on newly opened lands would seem irregular!
After Xuan Chong returned to Wu Family, began “pacifying rumors and rectifying hearts.” Clearly issuing documents to places claiming himself “virtue shallow, unfit for king title, can only protect one side state altars.”
Under various recommendations, Xuan Chong “reluctantly” accepted “Duke Zhen” title.
This title Xuan Chong weighed was calculated per Duke Mu of Qin merits “benefiting state twelve, opening land thousand li, hegemon over Western Rong.”
Once upon a time, Xuan Chong in subordinate position despised ritual system, itching to transgress daily; but now nearing forty, as one area’s lord, began strictly observing ritual system.
Xuan Chong: This is because, in youth, not considering costs, and single bachelor, transgress and done, never thought after transgressing to power, need to pay wages to subordinates! But now family and business big, really must consider paying wages to subordinates, so dare not transgress at all.
This not, previous life common people, on respecting monthly income over a hundred thousand small bosses, far less concerned than over there in America.
On ritual law, can get corresponding social recognition when doing things.
This situation completely nonexistent in western ocean commerce-heavy countries, e.g. certain lighthouse country, some black mafia families after whitewashing enter politics, such level existences directly mix into parliament, endure to House speaker identity.
This in East completely unimaginable.
Even coal bosses themselves are audience of this thought imprint, usually eating at fly restaurants, soaking public bathhouses, very low-key.
Back to present, Xuan Chong very clear on his own “level”!
Wu Hengyu can claim king, Wu Yuanchang cannot, Zhao Cheng can self-establish as king, but Xuan Chong cannot!
This level how determined? Is contention under Heaven ability, is established fact of taking several prefectures’ lands. Once achieving in this aspect, under Heaven scholars will see as choice project to join.
Xuan Chong to date, though far expedition south all the way, but opened only savage lands. Insiders very recognize Xuan Chong military strategist ability, but under Heaven people have not seen Xuan Chong’s blade drawn from sheath! His subordinate lands to now are expansions of Wu Hanluan’s established territory.
So though now governing Chong Land very well, productivity advanced a big step; but actually compared to Zhao Cheng and Wu Hengyu, just a money-rich coal boss.
And now Xuan Chong must use “battle merits” to prove, in this contention under Heaven great situation, he has ability to take other prefectures under his command!
Only thus can get more talented people to follow.
But times changed, under Heaven other places’ scholars do not believe, now in under Heaven contention second half, still “new player” can enter.
Because years ago when under Heaven drastic changes, though exhausting internal lands’ economy, various noble family scholars all took sides done. (This actually very pits under Heaven scholars, late half enter, if come join then all second ministers. Even re-side, with this stain cannot climb to important positions.)
Per traditional theory, contending under Heaven must get noble families’ support, otherwise even taking one place, land cannot be measured, taxes cannot be counted, only violent collection, ultimately due to inability to rule long-term will leave.
This Eastern place, as long as land this production material remains, even only dozens of households can recuperate.
For deer hunters, under Heaven never lacks farming people, but own empire lacks talents to count that area’s production materials output.
Now scholar circles do not believe Xuan Chong missing first half can still continue deer hunt!
…Hunting deer can be with the sword of vassal lords, or with the ruler of teaching…
Xuan Chong arrived at official office, Wu Juwang already there, along with over a hundred large and small persons in charge, all cooperating with Xuan Chong to verify accumulated national strength. After Xuan Chong reviewed these years’ steel, bronze, grain, and road construction statistics data, he smiled at Wu Juwang and others, slowly saying: “Gentlemen, under Heaven all do not recognize your heroism! Next we shift work focus from Southern Border back to North.”
Wu Juwang and others’ eyes lit up, all staring at Xuan Chong.
Xuan Chong to Wu Juwang and people behind him, tone light and with a hint of excitement recited: “All gone, counting romantic figures, still look to today!” — Those he cultivated would now show numbers to under Heaven people.
All youths met Xuan Chong’s expectant gaze, hearts igniting with fervor.
Especially Wu Juwang recalling his first meeting with Xuan Chong in Yao Capital years ago, and these years’ bits of personal guidance memories; the name Xuan Chong gave him back then, today seen, this expectation planted over a dozen years ago! Compared to others’ surging “render service” in hearts, Wu Juwang understood “a scholar dies for his bosom friend.”
