Chapter 95: Selecting The Worthy And Returning South
The warfare in Zhenzhou is over, but a whole bunch of follow-up matters has only just begun. The Imperial Court commended the Wu Family Army for pacifying Prince Lelang within half a year, but made no mention at all of the previously promised title of “Commander” for Wu Hanluan.
The disciples from Zhenzhou noble families who came to pledge allegiance were very anxious. They offered plans and strategies, urging Wu Hanluan to demand it from the Imperial Court. After all, without an official title, these pledging disciples worried they would become abandoned sons of their families. These days, not everyone has the confidence of Zhuge Village Husband to determine at first sight that the boss has a great future.
Wu Hanluan dismissed these disciples. Compared to outsiders, he trusted his own clever mind, Wu Fei. However, Wu Fei got along poorly with these Northern scholars and was unwilling to mingle closely with them.
…Contradiction Split Line…
Wu Fei was checking the household registers of every family in Zhenzhou in the treasury; he clearly understood that the Imperial Court’s previous promise had conditions: Zhenzhou’s noble families, having survived the calamity, realigned with Da Yao, while the Wu Family Army suffered heavy casualties.
At that time, the Imperial Court would have the Wu Family Army disband the main camp, allow the Wu Family and other local noble families to be granted official positions simultaneously, and only then bestow the title of Commander in Zhenzhou upon the Wu Family.
But after this battle, he (Wu Fei) had torn half of Yongzhou away and was confronting Wei Guan, so the Imperial Court had no reason to make the Wu Family disband the camp.
Furthermore, the local noble families were also left greatly depleted in vital energy after being tormented by Prince Lelang.
Under such circumstances, the Imperial Court dared not grant the Wu Family any prestigious titles.
Of course, after this great victory, the Wu Family Army also developed expansion aftereffects. In the Wu Family Army Northern Army, the “Wu Family faction,” “outsider surname faction,” the previously joined “poor family faction,” and the now defecting “noble family faction” from Zhenzhou and Yongzhou all began engaging in mountain topism.
Moreover, Grasping Sparrow did not want to get involved in Northern Army matters and only thought of returning home, so upon leaving, he used some rather crude methods that intensified local contradictions in Zhenzhou, which slightly affected communication between the Wu Family Army Northern Army and local noble families.
After Prince Lelang lost power, the harsh officials who had served him were terrified, and Wu Fei extended a thick leg for them to cling to. Of course, Wu Fei did not keep useless people and required them to cooperate in scouring local talent resources.
In the spring of Shu Tian Calendar year 33, the “elegance-imitating” Wu Fei held a poetry gathering in Zhenzhou; he used special means (kidnapping and threats) to invite 135 famous scholars from Zhenzhou. Also invited were those families that had previously attached to Prince Lelang and were now out of favor.
Without doubt, Zhenzhou’s famous scholars had considerable integrity. When Wu Fei ordered them to compose poems narrating the event of “Zhenzhou’s rain turning to clear skies,” one poem after another was produced ostentatiously.
Under the automatic translations by those harsh officials eager for self-preservation, Wu Fei reviewed these poems: some hid insults in acrostics, others used a toad stepping on a lotus leaf to metaphor the Wu Family Army’s current rise to power!
Wu Fei appeased the excited harsh officials: But who am I? Am I so petty as to start a literary inquisition?
Among these poems, Wu Fei still spotted some that expressed hopes for the Wu Family to nurture the people in Zhenzhou, manage farming, and other practical matters. The authors of these poems, totaling 21, were marked by Wu Fei on the green list of the cooperative faction to be left in Zhenzhou for Wu Hengyu.
Wu Fei instructed the Security personnel: “Be sure to arrange horse carts for those on the green list, send them home, tell them to close their doors and refuse visitors, ignore whatever happens outside these few days, and give them a heads-up that the vacant official positions this year will be given to them.”
As a modern person, Wu Fei had fallen out badly with the noble families, but as a good student, Wu Fei would not blindly copy the liberation answers from his previous life.
Because if he rigidly copied the answers from his previous life, Wu Fei should call out to the current harsh official groups, who were even more authentically red-rooted, fitting the poor family persona, and proactively aligning with him: “Comrades.”
No investigation, no right to speak. After confirming the harsh officials were being vehemently denounced by public sentiment, Wu Fei checked their records. Not checking was ignorance; checking revealed the harsh officials’ glorious achievements.
Wu Fei Security members, passing through one rural village after another, inquired about many related situations, including one representative case.
When Security personnel encountered a centenarian elder in a certain village, they discovered he originally had a full house of children (without children, it would be impossible to live to old age; without modern medical care, coupled with laborious life, one illness would mean croaking at forty or fifty).
Yet this elder was now alone, his family destroyed, the reason being: rounds and rounds of taxes levied by the harsh officials.
If Wu Xiao Que’s skinning was forced buying and selling, bypassing poor wretches who could never afford things; then the harsh officials directly targeted the weakest struggling portion and squeezed them relentlessly, heedless of lives.
Xuan Chong had some aversion to small-time upstarts who “rose rapidly after being spotted for talent upon taking office.” What talent-spotting? Without assessment standards, it was just about currying favor adequately.
Anyone in a high position is still mortal, impossible to see through a person in a short time, and if someone can be “seen through quickly,” it means they hide deeply.
Such “outstanding” types, when rising high, see only celestial beings in their eyes; when fallen into prison, they immediately pick up the “barefoot in mud” buff from childhood, repeatedly wailing they forgot their roots, lost their senses, or making excuses like “temptation too great,” annoying Xuan Chong to the point that for a time he began despising such origins, deeming them unfit for office.
Most of the harsh officials Xuan Chong had caught in Zhenzhou were like this. Shackled by soldiers, they one by one wailed about their aging mothers above and young children below, models of filial piety, begging for mercy.
After the victims wailed, these harsh officials could bend and stretch without awkwardness, kowtowing in all directions admitting fault, stirring pity in everyone’s hearts toward their attitude.
Like a frog successfully jumping from a small pond to a lotus leaf on a large pond, yet failing to truly enter the large pond, merely using it as a further springboard. After gaining broad authority they were most proud of, the harsh officials lacked awareness of advance and retreat, had no measure of taking and giving. Unable to restrain greed, they infinitely overdrew from loopholes in the default rules of the “masses.”
Xuan Chong: In the countryside of the ox-plowing era, those around who “help each other during steady labor” number no more than ten; with hundreds, interpersonal dealings are superficial, unrelated to real affairs, happening daily. Thus, talents from there have “management” mindsets limited to small circles, and in large circles, they subtly become “scheming.”
Xuan Chong patching: If they have undergone collective trials of “fighting together” and public value reshaping like “factory collaboration,” one cannot judge heroes by origin.
Xuan Chong recalling his previous life, between the blood-and-fire generation and the only-child generation, under heaven the displaced populace of decades ago no longer existed (trials ended), with 90% of the people engaged in agricultural production, industrial total mobilization still in early stages (value reshaping not started). The “talents” rising then perfectly fit his rigid views.
…Administration in law and in people…
These days, poor families also have over 20 mouths, with plowing oxen and four or five male laborers. Even if given exam opportunities, they have knowledge but no life exchanges with a sufficient number of same-age peers with similar knowledge; thrust into the current administrative system requiring high “rule-of-man” thresholds, they cannot handle management of over a hundred people. Their behavior ultimately becomes eager for quick success, completing targets without bottom lines.
Any progressive policy needs people to implement it, and people’s character strongly correlates with family and social environment; this is why Wu Fei, as a modern person, instinctively dislikes noble family direct legitimate sons and clans, yet must cooperate with noble family groups.
Wu Fei determined: If he really adopted the correct experiences from education in his previous life, using small households of this era, his series of people-benefiting policies would all turn into harsh rule.
Currently, Lingnan is developing large workshop systems, producing a generation born under industrial collaboration groups, future good cadre seedlings. But time is too far off. Wu Fei cannot wait; the world is in great chaos, needs to quickly find a talent system.
After inspection and calculation, Wu Fei figured that under current productivity, even a five-person household with popularized ironware and plowing oxen can only sustain literacy education for a young child from a reading mister for three years from age seven to ten if there are five consecutive years of good harvests.
Wu Fei: In this farming era, whether the birth clan is large, if connections are broad, if uncles and elders solidly contact various industries, if year-end gatherings telling stories matter, determines if the younger generation has a big-picture view.
And only historically sufficiently prosperous regions can nurture diverse industries, producing in interactions “broad-minded” talent groups, i.e., “heroes from the land.”
Why is Eastern Ou’s U District so absurd? Facing Ou Alliance’s false promise allowing third industry docking, they chopped off the money-making hand of second industry (eastern industrial zone).
Tracing back to society before their industrial age, most were serfs, serfs only mind their own bowl, don’t care if others’ bowls shatter, “under heaven prospers, every man responsible”? They don’t have it.
Among Europe’s many small sparse-population countries, such mindset abounds: don’t care at all if other places suffer, “as long as I have a chance to live well, even if false, others’ life or death what to me?” And further, my personal
Harsh officials think exactly this way. In overly closed environments, mindsets circle only those nearby; upon sudden power, they treat outsiders as grass dogs.
…Value talented persons, distance petty people, what if talented persons unwilling to come? Grab…
In the ranks, Wu Fei already has standardized assessment selection for Squad Leaders, but in selecting officials and personnel, with insufficient productivity, can still only examine origins.
Of course, Wu Fei avoided direct power hereditary lines, selecting more collateral branches, and tested more slave-born and concubine-born sons, this type with collective production and life experience yet not detached from personal farming.
At the poetry gathering, Wu Fei crudely divided these famous scholars into two waves. Those “nobly principled” daring to mock him were “regarded as heavenly beings” by Wu Fei and forcibly brought out of closed-door cultivation. As for those who spoke nicely, Wu Fei felt they should play good roles in the countryside.
Meanwhile, the eloquent young talents from Zhenzhou’s major noble families, unaware of their fate after the poetry gathering, had already learned from Wu Hengyu’s side that the army would be handed to Wu Hengyu, and Wu Fei was to leave. Thus, they mocked the harsh officials aligning with Wu Fei: “When winter wind comes, the grasshoppers can no longer chirp.” And treated Wu Fei coldly.
A day later, the young people from various noble families turned pale seeing the large soldiers come to arrest them; Wu Fei forcibly conscripted them.
Wu Fei sincerely invited: I truly love talent too much; Southern Border lacks education and indoctrination, needs your literary aura to nourish it.
At Wu Hanluan’s residence, Wu Fei ignored the complaining gazes of various clan leaders, greeted Uncle directly, then holding a list, said to these locals: “Inviting (grabbing) one person is too against human feelings; a family must be complete, grab (invite) according to the three clans of barbarians.”
Wu Hanluan helplessly told these visiting clan leaders that his brother had only this one precious shoot, truly unable to overrule Wu Fei.
One shichen later, at Wu Fei’s local residence, it was bustling with visitors, servants carrying gift packages seeking audience one after another.
These noble families and clans who had previously built good relations with Wu Hengyu suddenly realized they forgot the Wu Family’s next Military Master and all rushed over collectively.
Wu Xiao Que iron-facedly rejected the suddenly enthusiastic visitors: “Do I lack that bit of gift?”
He directly returned the gifts and told the visiting noble family representatives: “I want to share weal and woe with you all.” Wu Fei with his sparrow tail crest had no young master air, but rather a petty man’s face of “one bird in hand, under heaven is mine.”
Amid everyone’s helplessness, a noble family member said: “You abduct me southward, not afraid I’ll be resentful?”
Wu Fei looked at him unangered and laughed loudly: “Not afraid. Forced melons aren’t sweet, but they quench thirst.” This answer left the questioning scholar speechless then helplessly shaking his head: The General is candid. Yet they didn’t know Wu Fei still held back a line: Worst case, feed you Yellow Millet Dream.
At this moment, Wu Fei felt just like the supervisors of “high-tech electronics industrial parks” beyond the southern border in his previous life: regardless of willingness, once I abduct the people, you can be made useful.
Over the next several days
Wu Fei soldiers, with harsh officials’ assistance, went door-to-door grabbing people one by one, and the harsh officials fully exploited their “once in power, no measure in actions” flaw: Wu Fei clearly wanted only ten people, they grabbed twenty for him.
If not for Wu Fei emphasizing no women at all, they could have sent him a batch of beauties. Oh, the noble families also sent Wu Fei a batch of 14-year-old girls.
Wu Fei hesitated for a moment; after all, keeping them around was quite pleasing to the eye.
Ultimately sensing the System recording something, Wu Fei: “I think this is still too heartless; none even 18 yet.”
Thus Wu Fei returned all these girls and wrapped red envelopes for each one.
During Shu Tian Calendar year 33 month 1 this period, the various noble families for the first time experienced the scene of harsh officials levying corvée in villages falling on their own heads. With soldiers backing them, these harsh officials broke down doors, dragged people out, then fawningly introduced to the Wu Family Army Centurions the reputations and deeds of the conscripted ones one by one.
…Way of Heaven cycles well, whom does Heaven spare…
Just as Wu Fei happily led the people back to his fief in Fen Xing City, right on his heels the Imperial Court envoy arrived in Zhenzhou to announce the decree to Wu Hanluan.
Wu Fei rushed back to Fen Xing City with a crowd of “talented persons,” butt not yet warmed on the seat, and Wu Hanluan rode the Winged Tiger back.
Wu Hanluan feinted, first inquiring about Southern Border arrangements half a year hence, then mentioned: “Miss Li’s wedding.”
Wu Fei was stunned, muttering inwardly: “Isn’t it an arranged marriage? Just go through the motions then enter the bridal chamber, everything per procedure.” But on the surface, Wu Fei told Wu Hanluan: All up to Uncle’s arrangements.
Wu Hanluan smiled: “This matter may have changes.” — Wu Fei was stunned, thinking darkly: “Could it be my harsh treatment of the scholarly world led to infamous reputation, and Li Family called off the wedding?”
In this dynasty’s turbulent times, Wu Fei as an “adjuster” was well aware, but prepared for being sprayed with dog blood.
Wu Fei looked at Wu Hanluan and asked: “The Imperial Family has their eye on me?”
Wu Hanluan: “Yes, I tried recommending other talented individuals from the clan, but the Imperial Court seems to have someone watching our family, naming you specifically. As for the Li Family side, they can be your equal wife.”
After speaking, Wu Hanluan looked at Wu Fei; regardless of Wu Fei’s willingness, the Wu Family now still relied on this “loyal” image.
Just as Wu Fei sought excuses —
…System: New task, Northern Journey. Rewards three academic credits upon completion…
Wu Fei: “Give me time to ease in; I still have matters to handle in Southern Border.”
Wu Hanluan nodded: “Naturally, you must arrange Southern Border matters well before going. Yao Capital is no dragon’s lair or tiger’s den; after marrying there, no need for two years, I’ll maneuver in court to have Your Majesty release you back.”
Wu Fei nodded, breathed a sigh of relief.
Wu Hanluan added: “However, your key to returning from Yao Capital lies in whether you and that Imperial Family woman granted in marriage can produce a child or half in this year. (I.e., the Wu Family’s hostage to Emperor Shu shifts from Wu Fei himself to his own legitimate son.)
At this point Wu Hanluan somewhat sternly scolded Wu Fei: “You’re not young anymore; don’t toil daily in camp, leave me the family some heirs.”
Speaking of heirs, Wu Fei thought of something; that Yao San Gu had been “fated” since last June, now a year, no news—could it be “miscarried”?
Meanwhile, Wu Fei deflected to Wu Hanluan: “Uncle, why not tell Hengyu.”
Unbeknownst, Wu Hanluan confidently replied: “Hengyu’s concubine has already borne a son; don’t dodge!”
Wu Fei stunned, immediately reacted: “I have a nephew; why did no one tell me?”
Wu Hanluan flatly: “Concubine (Yu Li) born, he will still enter clan cultivation later; no need to publicize.”
Wu Fei silently nodded; “child honors mother,” concubine-born naturally no banquet.
Regarding going north, after checking data, Wu Fei first considered worst case: going north means being hostage, this has some risk.
In Cheng Dynasty’s end, tyrannical monarch detained vassal lords, minced the hostage princes sending gold, silver, and jewels begging mercy, fed to vassal lords. Result: this self-proclaimed Heaven’s Mandate monarch’s “liege-vassal” relations with under heaven vassal lords became extremely fragile. Emperor Shu of Da Yao has ruled for decades, his credibility still guaranteed. Wu Family has no intent to rebel under Emperor Shu.
Wu Fei summarized intel and said to Wu Hanluan: “About when to go? I don’t want to delay this year’s southern spring plowing and sowing.”
Wu Hanluan looked at Wu Fei and nodded: “If you’re willing, fine; Imperial Court will send people, then you decide how to respond to the envoy; as for departure time? Wait till you finish matters.”
Wu Fei muttered: “How can matters ever finish?”
Wu Hanluan suddenly confident in tone: “Then make them wait! As long as you stay busy at the border, Imperial Court people must wait.”
Wu Fei hearing Wu Hanluan’s emphasized explanation, stunned, suddenly realized he was too rigid. Long in military, focused on “timed, fixed-point” handovers, unadapted to political deceit.
This “marriage alliance” initiated by Da Yao was a condition proposed by Emperor Shu, and Wu Family also qualified to set conditions.
…Vermilion Bird Constellation begins returning south…
Shu Tian Calendar year 33, Wu Fei and party arrived at Yongji Pass.
Famous scholars from Zhenzhou, plus three thousand farmers, artisans, and musicians attached to them, also just saw the strange boulders and plants south of Brocade Chicken Mountain, unfamiliar to home, while hearing hard-to-discern dialect mountain songs, and for a moment the procession wept incessantly.
Wu Fei stopped, had soldiers push a boulder, and began carving inscribed text on it. The inscribed text recorded the surnames of each family brought from Central Plains this time, and the renowned names of the scholars spreading education and indoctrination.
Wu Fei’s inscribed text was carved with particular care. The famous scholars originally wanting to lament being exiled to the edge of the world shifted attention, no longer crying and clamoring, and began arguing with Wu Fei over the order of names on the stele.
This stele is the “Welcoming Sages Stele”.
