The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 390 The flames of war are about to rise on the eastern front, and the Daoist sect will flourish.
Outside Longmen Temple, deep in the Longmen Mountains, a field is turning a vibrant green.

An elderly man in his sixties, with his trousers rolled up and his feet in the mud, was working in the field with a hoe in his hand.

His hair was gray but he was still vigorous, and his face was full of wrinkles but exuded a sense of peace. He was none other than Qiu Chuji, the recluse of Changchun.

Dressed in a coarse cloth shirt, he looked no different from an ordinary old farmer. With practiced skill, he cleared away the weeds between the paddy fields.

"Master, we are back."

Just then, footsteps came from the ridges of the field. Two young Taoist priests dressed in blue robes carried cloth bags and walked quickly towards the field. They were Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang, disciples of Qiu Chuji.

Qiu Chuji stopped hoeing, straightened up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked at the two men: "Did you find anything interesting at the market today?"

Yin Zhiping put down the cloth bag and said softly, "Master, this is quite something."

"Everyone in the market is saying that the Qin army has won a great victory in its western expedition."

"Not only did they completely destroy the Liao Kingdom, but they also conquered the Ghurid Kingdom and the Western Karakhanid Kingdom. Even the Delhi Sultanate and the Khwarazmian Kingdom, which were thousands of miles away, were taken down by the Qin army."

"We'd never even heard of these small countries before, and they were wiped out in no time."

Li Zhichang nodded in agreement, his tone full of amazement: "The people all say that the Qin army's fighting power is simply divine."

"As soon as the cannons fired, the city walls collapsed, and the cavalry charged forward, the enemy couldn't stop them at all."

"The armies of those Western Region states were like paper in front of the Qin army, and they were defeated in just a few rounds."

"Now the entire Western Regions have become Qin territory."

"Yes, yes, and the storytellers exaggerated it, saying that when the Qin army went on campaign, not a blade of grass would grow..."

The two of them chatted back and forth, sharing all the news they had heard at the market. Their words revealed their shock at the Qin army's fighting prowess and their amazement at the Qin state's strength.

After listening, Qiu Chuji simply sighed softly, picked up a gourd by the field, took a sip, and spoke with a touch of melancholy.

"The rise of the Qin state was indeed an inevitable trend, but countless lives were lost in the battles along the way."

"As the saying goes, 'He who values ​​himself as the world can be entrusted with the world; he who loves himself as the world can be entrusted with the world.'"

"The Tao emphasizes valuing and enjoying life. Life is the most precious gift bestowed by the Tao. The happiness of this world and the well-being of the people are more important than the expansion of territory."

Upon hearing this, Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang's expressions gradually faded, and they lowered their heads, saying, "Master's teachings are correct, we understand."

Qiu Chuji waved his hand and said gently, "It's not your fault. It's just that people value achievements more than they remember the hardships behind the battles."

"Alright, stop standing there. Put away the oil, salt, soy sauce and vinegar you brought back. Zhiping, go fetch two buckets of water. Zhichang, turn over the herbs that are drying. After you finish your work, we'll cook some porridge for lunch."

"Yes, Master." The two responded and immediately went about their tasks.

Qiu Chuji picked up the hoe again, his gaze sweeping over the distant mountains, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Before the Qin state occupied Longxian, Longmen Temple had a lot of private land at the foot of the mountain, which were given by high-ranking officials and nobles to pray for blessings or seek guidance.

Qiu Chuji originally didn't want it, but thinking of the large number of poor disaster victims, he had no choice but to accept it.

At that time, the people of Guanzhong were poor and there were disaster victims everywhere, so Qiu Chuji gave these fields to the poor people to cultivate.

Most of the rent collected was used to provide relief to disaster victims, while he and his disciples lived a simple life with coarse tea and plain food.

Later, the Battle of Guanzhong broke out, and the Qin army occupied Long County. They implemented the policy of "land to the public," which confiscated all private land and then distributed it to the people for cultivation according to their population.

Those who disagreed were labeled as "Jin army spies" and were either executed or sent to the mining area for reform.

It was extremely domineering and powerful, but it also fit the early days of a dynasty, a time of chaos mixed with a sense of flourishing order.

At first, Qiu Chuji was worried that the people's lives would become even more difficult, but to his surprise, after the Qin army collected taxes, they only levied 20% of the land rent and 20% of the tax revenue, and there were no other exorbitant taxes.

As long as the people were willing to work, they could become self-sufficient, and the number of disaster victims gradually decreased.

Seeing this, Qiu Chuji took the initiative to hand over the private fields of Longmen Temple, leaving only these few dozen acres of land on the back mountain for himself and his disciples to cultivate. They paid taxes and rent as well, which was enough to make a living.

The policies of the Qin state had little impact on these Taoist priests who were truly dedicated to cultivation and self-sufficiency.

But for those monks who own thousands of acres of fertile land and live a life of luxury with the offerings of believers, it is a catastrophe.

The temples' fields were confiscated by the government, and the monks lost their source of income. Unwilling to work in the fields, their lives plummeted, and many temples quickly fell into disrepair.

Thinking of this, Qiu Chuji gently shook his head, stopped thinking about it, and focused on tending the fields.

A gentle breeze swept through the mountains, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees, making everything seem peaceful and serene.

But this tranquility was broken as noon approached.

A disciple responsible for receiving worshippers in the front hall rushed over, his voice urgent: "Master, a Qin army has come down the mountain..."

"Judging from the flags, they seem to be from the Longxian garrison. They say they want to see you."

Qiu Chuji paused in his hoe, looked up at the foot of the mountain, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.

The Longmen Mountains are located on the border between Qin and Jin, where the situation was already tense. The sudden visit of the Qin army is of unknown purpose.

He put down the hoe, patted the dirt off his hands, and said to his disciple, "I understand. Go and tell them that I will come back in a moment after I change my clothes."

"Yes," the disciple replied and left.

Qiu Chuji returned to the temple, changed into a neat gray Taoist robe, tidied his appearance, and then slowly walked towards the front hall.

In front of Longmen Temple, a team of over a hundred people stood in neat formation, their green sun and moon battle flags fluttering in the wind.

At the front of the procession stood two men, one dressed in plain clothes and the other in armor. They were Gao Zhongyi, the governor of Weibei, and Zhao Dachuan, the garrison commander of Longxian County.

As the Qin state continued to expand its territory and its internal governance needs became increasingly complex.

The original seven field troops were gradually unable to meet the comprehensive defense needs.

Apart from the First Garrison, which is permanently stationed in the central area, the other six garrisons are all deployed in key border locations.

The three towns of Guanzhong, Lingzhou, and Mobei faced the threat of the Jin Dynasty directly, while the fourth town in Gansu guarded the Hexi Corridor, both to prevent the Tibetan forces on the plateau and to serve as strategic support for the defense lines of Guanzhong and Lingzhou.

Meanwhile, the third town of Suyab and the fifth town of Transoxiana, located far to the west, also shouldered significant border defense responsibilities.

In contrast, large-scale battles were no longer seen in the heart of Qin, so there was no need to waste a large number of elite troops stationed there; only a small number of elite troops were needed to maintain stability.

Therefore, apart from retaining a portion of the field army as a stabilizing force, local defense mainly relied on the garrison regiments set up in each state.

These garrison regiments were set up in each state with three to more than ten units, depending on actual needs, and were all under the control of the local general or commander-in-chief.

Each garrison regiment has a strength of about 1,200 men. Its generals are mostly officers from the Seven Garrisons who have been transferred to civilian positions, while the soldiers and junior officers are recruited from civilians or converted prisoners of war.

The garrison regiment also differed from the Seven Garrisons in its organizational structure: the Seven Garrisons were initially established in accordance with the household registration system, and were designed to adapt to large-scale cavalry warfare.

The garrison regiment is mainly composed of infantry and adopts a five-level organizational structure of "regiment-battalion-sentry-team-squad".

The commanding officers were successively called garrison officers, battalion officers, sentry officers, and squad officers, with the lowest level being a squad of about ten people.

In terms of equipment, since they were not front-line field troops, most of the soldiers in the garrison regiment only wore leather armor, and only officers of the rank of squad leader and above were qualified to wear cloth armor.

For example, Zhao Dachuan, the garrison commander of Long County, wore a yellow cloth armor.

He originally belonged to the First Garrison, but the Qin army did not have green cloth armor, so the demobilized generals continued to use the armor color of their original units.

These armors have been worn by them in bloody battles for many years, covered in knife marks, and stained with the blood of their enemies.

……

Qiu Chuji had dealings with the Qin state's Longxian government over private land matters at the foot of Longmen Mountain, and was also acquainted with Zhao Dachuan.

However, this time Zhao Dachuan was accompanied by an unfamiliar middle-aged man. Judging from his demeanor and Zhao Dachuan's attitude towards him, he seemed to be of a higher status.

"General Zhao, it's been a long time," Qiu Chuji said first, his tone calm.

Zhao Dachuan bowed and asked, "Master Dao, how have you been?"

"I am here today to accompany my master on this visit."

After saying that, he introduced Gao Zhongyi next to him, saying, "This is Governor Gao of Weibei. He has come up the mountain on special occasion to discuss important matters with the Taoist priest."

Gao Zhongyi smiled faintly and bowed slightly, saying, "I am Gao Zhongyi. I have long admired the noble character of the Immortal Changchun. It is an honor to meet you today."

Qiu Chuji quickly returned the greeting: "Lord Gao, you are too kind. This is a humble abode in the mountains. If you two do not mind, please come in and I will serve you tea."

The three walked into Longmen Temple side by side. Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang had already tidied up the tea room and quickly served them hot tea when they came in.

The tea soup was clear and fragrant, dispelling the chill of the mountains.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Qiu Chuji put down his teacup, his gaze falling on Gao Zhongyi, and got straight to the point: "As the governor of Weibei, Lord Gao, the area under your jurisdiction is right on the border between Qin and Jin, and you are very busy with affairs."

"You came up the mountain today specifically for a chat, surely not just for idle talk?"

Gao Zhongyi put down his teacup and said sincerely, "I have come here today to pay homage to the Daoist Master's holy countenance and to listen to his teachings."

"Over the years, the Taoist priest has spread benevolence and educated the people. The people of Guanzhong all respect the Taoist priest. I even admire him. Having heard his Taoist teachings, I feel that his reputation is well-deserved."

"Secondly, I am also entrusted by the King to discuss with the Taoist priest a major matter concerning the future of the Taoist sect."

He paused, his tone becoming increasingly solemn: "Now, our Qin state has achieved a great victory in its western expedition, and the vast territory of the Western Regions has been brought under our control."

“But in the Western Regions, barbarians live together, and many people believe in foreign religions.”

“Over the years, they have suffered greatly from the ravages of war, yet they still do not know the value of peace. If they are not educated, they may rebel in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chuji's eyes flashed with understanding, but he did not respond, only listening quietly.

Gao Zhongyi continued, “Taoism is the orthodox religion of China. It emphasizes following the way of heaven and values ​​happiness in this world, which coincides with the Qin state’s national policy of ‘letting the people live and work in peace and contentment’.”

"I would like to ask, Daoist Master, do you have any plans to spread Taoism to the Western Regions?"

“Using Taoist teachings to educate the barbarians of the Western Regions, making them aware of etiquette and the value of stability, would not only reduce rebellions in the Western Regions but also allow the benevolence of Taoism to benefit more people. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?”

These words were both Gao Zhongyi's suggestion and implicitly reflected the needs of the Qin state.

Religion was an indispensable cultural element of this era. Li Xiao disliked religion, and many Qin generals, including himself, did not believe in it. However, many ethnic groups in the Western Regions were devout believers, especially the True Catholics, during a period of rapid expansion in the Western Regions.

This foreign and radical religious cultural invasion had a significant impact on the rule of the Qin state.

Unless Li Xiao kills all the local people and relocates a large number of Han Chinese to settle there.

However, this massive project cannot be completed in a short period of time.

Therefore, Li Xiao needed local religious sects to carry out cultural integration and continue to stabilize Qin's rule over the Western Regions.

Qiu Chuji, as a renowned Taoist master, was the best candidate to promote this matter.

In a corner of the tea room, Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang stood, barely daring to breathe, yet they heard every word of the conversation between the two men.

Upon hearing the phrase "to spread Taoism to the Western Regions," Yin Zhiping's eyes were filled with excitement.

If we could take this opportunity to spread the teachings of Quanzhen Taoism and Longmen School to the Western Regions thousands of miles away, it would be to carry forward the sects and make them great. This is something that many Taoists dream of.

Li Zhichang also secretly looked up at Qiu Chuji, his eyes full of expectation, hoping that his master would agree.

But Qiu Chuji fell silent, his brows furrowed slightly.

After a long silence, he sighed softly: "Lord Gao, it's not that I'm unwilling, but the situation in the Western Regions is complicated, and the people have different beliefs. If we go there rashly, I'm afraid it will be difficult to achieve anything."

"Moreover, there are not many disciples at Longmen Temple. If the old Taoist leaves, there will be no one to take care of the education of the people in Guanzhong."

Gao Zhongyi had already anticipated Qiu Chuji's hesitation. He smiled slightly, his tone relaxed yet hinting, "Daoist Master, there's no need to worry."

"The education and civilization of Guanzhong is the responsibility of the Qin government. As for the candidates for missionary work in the Western Regions, Taoist priests are not the only ones who can be selected."

He paused for a moment, then slowly said, "The Zhengyi sect is also a legitimate Taoist sect. They have many disciples and have always been keen to expand their influence."

"If you find it difficult, I can write a letter inviting the Taoist priests of the Zhengyi sect to the Western Regions. I'm sure they would be happy to seize this opportunity."

These words, though seemingly ordinary, contain a hidden threat.

Qiu Chuji felt a chill run down his spine. Although the Zhengyi and Quanzhen sects both belonged to Taoism, they also had factional competition.

If the Zhengyi sect were to enter the Western Regions first, it would be even more difficult for the Quanzhen sect to establish itself in the future.

It is even possible that in the future, they will not be able to protect their base in the Central Plains, and their believers will be taken away by the Zhengyi Sect.

Moreover, he knew that if the Qin state truly invited the Daoist sect, it was not for the purpose of spreading their religion, but rather to use religious factions as a check and balance to consolidate its rule over the Western Regions.

If he insists on refusing, he will not only miss the opportunity to develop his sect, but may even lose the support of the Qin government, making it difficult for Longmen Temple to establish itself in Guanzhong in the future.

Qiu Chuji was silent for a moment, then looked up at Gao Zhongyi with a firm gaze: "Lord Gao, there's no need to bother inviting others."

"After much deliberation, the old Taoist priest felt that spreading Taoist teachings and educating the people was the duty of a Taoist priest."

"If the people of the Western Regions can live in peace and prosperity because of Taoism, it is also the merit of the old Taoist."

"This old Taoist is willing to personally lead his disciples to the Western Regions to meet the King of Qin and discuss the matter of spreading the religion."

Gao Zhongyi immediately smiled, stood up and cupped his hands: "Daoist Master, you are truly wise and righteous. I admire you."

"If Your Majesty were to know of this, you would surely be very pleased. I will immediately send someone to report to Your Majesty and arrange for the Taoist priest to travel to Jinzhou."

Qiu Chuji nodded slowly: "Thank you for your trouble, Master Gao. But I have a request."

"Going to the Western Regions to spread our teachings must be done gradually. We must not force the people. Please tell the King of Qin to give this old Taoist enough time and autonomy."

"It's natural."

Gao Zhongyi readily agreed: "His Majesty has always valued the wishes of the people and will certainly respect the Taoist priest's ideas."

He secretly thought to himself that spreading the Daoist teachings to the Western Regions was a political mission that had to be accomplished no matter what.

Should the people not be forced?

If they don't force you, are they going to give you eggs instead?
Enraged, the Qin army seized their two eggs and watermelon.

This old Taoist priest is still too naive.

Let's see how it goes. If all else fails, we'll select a few of his apprentices to work for him.

The three finalized some details, and as evening approached, Gao Zhongyi and Zhao Dachuan got up to say goodbye.

Qiu Chuji escorted them to the outside of the temple, and only after watching their procession gradually disappear into the distance did he slowly turn around and return to the temple.

As soon as they entered the temple gate, Yin Zhiping and Li Zhichang eagerly surrounded them.
Yin Zhiping said excitedly, "Master, we finally have the opportunity to go to the Western Regions to spread our teachings! This is a great opportunity to carry forward the glory of our Dragon Gate Sect!"

Li Zhichang nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with excitement: "Yes, Master, if our Grandmaster were alive, he would be overjoyed."

Looking at his two disciples' excited expressions, Qiu Chuji smiled gently, but also with a hint of worry.

"The journey to the Western Regions will not be easy."

After leaving Longmen Mountain, Gao Zhongyi and Zhao Dachuan did not return to Xianyang as originally planned. Instead, they turned their horses around and headed straight south, galloping towards the Qin army camp in the southern part of Long County, by the Wei River.

The camps stretched for miles, with crimson sun and moon battle flags flying high on the camp walls. The sounds of clashing armor, neighing warhorses, and soldiers drilling mingled together, showcasing the iron-blooded might of the Qin army.

"Kill, kill, kill!"

This is the Qin army's main camp in Long County, where a 10,000-household unit and 5,000 iron cavalry are stationed.

Facing Baoji City across the Wei River, it was the Qin army's front line against the Jin army.

Gao Zhongyi did not immediately enter the military camp, but instead walked to the Wei River and looked towards Baoji City on the opposite bank.

Baoji was once a bustling city, a hub of commerce due to its location on a vital route through Guanzhong.

But now, the city walls are mottled, the smoke from cooking fires inside the city is sparse, and even the fields outside the city are mostly abandoned, revealing patches of dry, cracked yellow earth, showing a desolate scene.

"Your Excellency, look at the state of the south bank; it's much worse than last year," Zhao Dachuan said with a touch of regret as he followed beside him.

As the garrison commander of Long County, he was stationed on the front line year-round and had a thorough understanding of the situation on the south bank.

"Ever since our Qin state implemented the policy of public ownership of land north of the Wei River, the gentry, officials, and wealthy people on the south bank have been in a panic, selling off their houses and farmland and trying every means to move their families to the Central Plains."

"Rural land prices on the south bank have plummeted to rock bottom, and hardly anyone dares to take them on."

Almost all the wealthy people who could escape have fled.

They knew very well that the Qin state was never lenient with the gentry; not only would they confiscate their private land, but they might also be punished and their homes ransacked.

Who wants to stay here and wait to be purged?
Gao Zhongyi followed his gaze to the south bank, a faint smile playing on his lips, and nodded gently: "This is a good thing."

"Their escape shows that they have lost confidence in the Jin army and believe that our Qin state will eventually attack, and the Jin army cannot stop them."

He turned to Zhao Dachuan, his tone analytical: "Without these gentry and landowners, the Jin dynasty's rule on the south bank will be in serious trouble."

"No one was farming the land, and no one was helping the government collect grain, so tax revenue also plummeted."

"The land on the south bank can no longer support the Jin army on the south bank."

"They could only transport grain from the Central Plains, and the losses and transportation costs along the way were a considerable burden."

"Even if we don't start a war, just by dragging things out, we can wear down the Jin army."

In contrast, the Qin state had already completed land distribution in the Weibei region and fully launched agricultural production, with sufficient stored grain to support its large army.

On the official road leading to the Longxian camp, logistics teams now travel in an endless stream, with carts and horses loaded with grain, fodder and weapons, continuously transporting them to the camp.

In recent days, such transport teams have become increasingly frequent and dense.

All signs indicate that the Qin soldiers are making intensive preparations to launch an attack on the Jin army on the south bank.

The war in the Western Regions has come to an end. The First, Third and Fifth Divisions have defeated several countries in the Western Regions and achieved great military exploits, making the generals on the Eastern Front extremely envious.

They were unwilling to fall behind and were eager to make a difference.

After two years of rest and recuperation, the Qin army in the four eastern garrisons has recovered its strength and morale is high. They are all eager to fight against the Jin state and are determined to recover the entire Guanzhong region in one fell swoop.

The battle plan had already been submitted to Longcheng and handed over to Li Xiao, who was in the Western Regions, but approval had been delayed.

"My lord, the brothers on the western expedition have conquered several countries and made great contributions."

"Our generals on the eastern front are very envious and are eager to start a war with the Jin army as soon as possible to recover the entire Guanzhong region. We cannot be outdone by our brothers in the Western Regions."

Hearing Zhao Dachuan's words, a sharp glint flashed in Gao Zhongyi's eyes: "It can't be rushed, but it will be soon."

"In short, we cannot let our brothers go hungry or lack weapons on the battlefield."

As the governor of Weibei, Gao Zhongyi's duties differed from those of governors of the hinterland such as the Gobi Desert and Xizhou, whose primary focus was on developing the people's livelihood and economy.

He essentially served as the "chief steward" of the Guanzhong army, coordinating logistics, allocating resources, and prioritizing the success of the war effort.

After saying that, the two walked towards the military camp.

Gao Zhongyi showed his identity token to the centurion at the camp gate. The centurion dared not delay and hurriedly went to the main tent to report. After receiving permission, he personally escorted Gao Zhongyi into the camp.

As for Zhao Dachuan and the other garrison soldiers, they had to rest in the unused tents in the camp and were not allowed to wander around at will.

Passing through the ranks of drilling soldiers, we arrived at the central command tent.

Soon, the tent flap was lifted, and a burly general wearing a red cloth armor came out.

It was Qin Xiong, the commander of the 50,000-household unit of the Second Town stationed at the Longxian camp, who was also Li Xiao's cousin.

"Lord Gao, you've finally arrived."

Qin Xiong stepped forward, patted Gao Zhongyi on the shoulder, and said warmly, "Come in quickly, we're waiting to discuss logistics with you."

　Chencang was originally located on the north bank of the Wei River. During the Tang Dynasty, the center of gravity shifted south. During the An Lushan Rebellion, the north bank was completely abandoned and renamed Baoji. Therefore, Baoji at this time was located on the south bank.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)