Taiheiki

Chapter 210: Marquisship
"Yes!" Yuan Shao replied. He hesitated for a moment, then asked in a low voice, "What about the matter of the Northern Army Commander?"

"It's alright!" Yuan Wei waved his hand: "Just give it to the General. In the end, the General and our Yuan family are friends, not enemies. Recruiting soldiers outside is also an extremely important position. He is exchanging this with you because the position of Marquis of the Northern Army is too important. He would be restless if he didn't keep it in his own hands."

"I understand!" Yuan Shao nodded. "Then, Uncle, is there anything you would like to advise me on regarding the recruitment of soldiers?"

"Just be careful!" Yuan Wei laughed. "Benchu, you're only twenty years old, yet you've already been ennobled and your name is known throughout the land. There's no need to rush things. You should understand the principle that haste makes waste, right? Wei Cong is indeed a brilliant talent. Having him as an assistant would certainly make things twice as easy. But a dragon emerges from a pond; how can human power limit it? Our Runan Yuan clan, counting from our ancestor Yuan An, is already the fifth generation to you. We've experienced countless twists and turns and hardships along the way. The reason the Runan Yuan clan has been able to continue to this day and grow stronger is because of eight words: 'The kingly way is broad and impartial, without favoritism or partisanship.' Do you understand?"

"I've learned my lesson!" Yuan Shao said in a deep voice. The eight characters Yuan Wei had just spoken came from the Book of Poetry, meaning that those in power should act justly and not form cliques for personal gain. Yuan Wei said this not because the Yuan family had actually done so in the past, but to give Yuan Shao a warning.

Ultimately, large families like the Yuan clan of Runan certainly had a division of labor in each generation. Some acted as vanguards, while others were prudent and ensured the family's stability and development. In Yuan Shao's generation, although the Luoyang campaign against the eunuchs had made Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu famous throughout the land and they were clearly leaders of the new generation of factions, historically, the Yuan family had always maintained a good relationship with the eunuchs. They were even considered to be scholars who were dependent on the eunuchs, which was the mainstream of the Yuan clan of Runan. The one in this generation who followed this pro-eunuch path was Yuan Ji, the eldest son of Yuan Feng and the half-brother of Yuan Shu.

Judging from this generation, both in terms of age and family background, Yuan Ji should be the new head of the Runan Yuan clan. This is a tacit understanding already held by the brothers Yuan Wei and Yuan Feng. It is certainly a good thing that Yuan Shao can bring increased power and prestige to the family.

However, this must not disrupt the power balance within the family, nor cause internal strife; otherwise, it would be a net loss. Yuan Shao's southward campaign not only granted him a noble title, placing him among the top nobles of the Eastern Han Empire (a Marquis of Ting was already a Marquis of Che; under normal circumstances in the Han Dynasty, there were no dukes, so a Marquis of Che was the highest title), but also secured powerful external support from Wei Cong. While Yuan Kui and his brothers were alive, things were manageable; but if they had died, Yuan Ji alone might not have been able to suppress the challenge posed by his brother Yuan Shao.

"That's good!" Seeing his nephew's obedient demeanor, Yuan Wei nodded in satisfaction. "Benchu, you must remember, titles, power, and prestige are important, but ultimately we all belong to the family. That is the foundation of everything. Without the family, we are nothing! You must not put the cart before the horse!"

As he left the courtyard, Yuan Shao's last words still echoed in his ears. He understood his uncle's warning: as a scion of a powerful family, while enjoying the advantages and privileges he was born with, he was also bound by the responsibilities that came with it. If he hadn't felt the latter before, today was the first time he truly felt it.

Now, two paths lay before him: either, as Yuan Wei had suggested, abandon his ideals and live a peaceful and comfortable life like his ancestors; or, as he had spoken with Wei Cong in Jiaozhou, purify the realm, cleanse the court, and establish a new Han dynasty. This path, however, was fraught with danger and hardship, and even his own family might become his enemies. Thinking this, Yuan Shao's eyes flickered; clearly, he was caught in a profound contradiction and confusion.

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Panyu.

The newly decorated main hall of the governor's mansion was a sea of ​​jewels, feathers, and magnificent brocades. Generals and officials stood on the left and right sides, below the steps, jostling each other like fisherwomen on a dock.

Wei Cong's men all dressed up in their finest attire today. Wu Deng's military cap was adorned not with ordinary pheasant feathers, but with two extremely rare falcon feathers. In addition, there was a sable tail at the back of his cap, making him look exceptionally imposing and spirited. Opposite him, Huang Ping wore a black Shu brocade robe, a Jinxian cap on his head, and held a court tablet in his hand, looking dignified and majestic.

The others also did their best to dress themselves up. They whispered among themselves, sometimes making noise, sometimes shouting. Only Kong Gui dressed as usual, his expression calm. Wei Cong, who was above everyone else, wore a scarlet brocade robe, his expression dignified, deep in thought, as if waiting for something.

Yuan Tian arrived late, and it took him a while to find his place. Just then, the sound of drums and music started, startling him. He quickly straightened his clothes, bowed his head respectfully, and waited for the arrival of the imperial envoy.

Unlike last time, this time the imperial envoy from Luoyang was a eunuch, restoring the custom of the past. This envoy, representing the emperor, took the most prestigious position in the hall; even Wei Cong himself had to kneel before him. Yuan Tian quickly knelt as well, facing the edict's backside, awaiting its reading.

Unlike later edicts, most imperial edicts of that time were written in a straightforward style, without much ornate language, making them understandable even to someone like Yuan Tian, ​​who only had a rudimentary understanding of literature. The edict began by praising Wei Cong's achievements in conquering the Lin-yi Kingdom and quelling the rebellion in Jiaozhou. It then pointed out that Jiaozhou was a remote region inhabited by both Han and non-Han peoples, and was currently in a period of great turmoil. Only a high-ranking official could ensure the stability of the region and protect its people. Therefore, Wei Cong was appointed Governor of Jiaozhou, a position above that of a prefect, wielding supreme military and political power over the entire prefecture.

Although it was a solemn occasion for the reading of the imperial edict, the people kneeling on the ground still cheered excitedly. This appointment solved the problem of Wei Cong's legitimacy in governing Jiaozhou once and for all. In the past, although Wei Cong held the positions of Governor of Jiaozhou and Protector of Baiyue, there was no superior-subordinate relationship between him and the prefects of various counties in Jiaozhou. At most, he had the power to supervise the prefects and to allocate troops and requisition military supplies during wartime.

Although no prefect would be foolish enough to defy Wei Cong's will, given his strong military and the recent conquest of Linyi, it was still a hidden problem. But now, this concern has been resolved. In the words of the Han Dynasty, "the distinction between ruler and subject has been established." What compels the officials and scholars in Jiaozhou to submit to Wei Cong is no longer just violence, but also the political ethics and morality of the time.

The eunuch reading the imperial edict paused briefly, then continued reading once the hall quieted down. Soon, Yuan Tian heard his name in astonishment—the edict announced that, in order to reward Wei Cong for his merits in eliminating the rebels Zhu Da and others, conquering the Lin-yi Kingdom, and enhancing the prestige of the Han Dynasty in foreign lands, Wei Cong, Yuan Shao, and three others were enfeoffed as Marquis of Che, and Wen Sheng and seventeen others were enfeoffed as Marquises of Guannei. Yuan Tian was one of those four Marquises of Che, though he was the last, a Pavilion Marquis with a stipend of only two hundred households—but it was still a Marquis of Che whose title could be passed down to his descendants!

"Old Yuan, you've struck it rich this time! You've been promoted to a noble title! You'd better do me the honor of joining us tonight so we can all have some fun!" The butt in front of him suddenly turned into a smiling face.

"Yes! This is Marquis Che! So many people risk their lives to meet him, and you're lucky enough to get to meet him this time! You absolutely have to come tonight!" An invitation came from behind.

"Go away, go away, go away, what are you all arguing about? Your master hasn't even spoken yet!" This time it was Wen Sheng who spoke, his face showing traces of jealousy: "All of you come to my house tonight, not one less, or you'll be disrespecting me!"

The imperial edict had just been read aloud, and everyone quickly fell silent, following Wei Cong in bowing to the eunuch who had read it to express their gratitude. As soon as the ceremony ended, people stood up, forming several small groups, congratulating each other, complaining, and speculating—the entire hall resembled a giant hornet's nest. "Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency!" Wei Cong smiled and bowed to the eunuch who had finished reading the edict, saying, "I have prepared wine and some local specialties from Jiaozhou in the side courtyard; please accept them, Your Excellency!"

"Thank you, Lord Wei!" The eunuch felt flattered. Having survived the recent purge, he was naturally a marginal figure in the court. Before coming here, he had heard some stories about Wei Cong and thought he was an extremely arrogant and difficult fellow. However, he did not expect him to be so easy-going, approachable, and reasonable. This was a pleasant surprise.

"Guards, escort the angel to the next courtyard to rest!" Wei Cong waved his hand, sending away the eunuch who had delivered the decree, and returned to his seat. Kong Gui walked over and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Lord Wei, on achieving your wish!"

"I wouldn't dare!" Wei Cong laughed. "Well? Is Master Kong willing to relinquish the position of Prefect of Panyu and accept the post of Assistant Prefect?"

Kong Gui did not reply immediately, but pondered for a moment, and Wei Cong did not urge him. At that time, Jiaozhou had three most important cities: Guangxin, Panyu, and Jiaozhi. The former was a transportation hub for entering the Lingnan region via the Xiang River, Lingqu Canal, and Pearl River system, while the latter two were the political and economic centers of the Pearl River Delta and the Red River Delta, respectively.

For Wei Cong, Panyu was undoubtedly the most important of the three, as it was the first territory he occupied and the one he invested the most effort and resources in. The Prefectural Governor (别驾) was the deputy to the Governor, in charge of documents, political coordination, and local inspections, second only to the Governor in rank. He often acted on behalf of the Governor, especially when the Governor was away. Wei Cong's proposal was essentially an olive branch extended to Kong Gui, turning him from a friendly ally into the second-in-command of Wei Cong's military and political group.

"Duke Wei has inquired, how dare Kong Gui disobey?" Kong Gui finally lowered his head and bent his knees before Wei Cong. Wei Cong quickly reached out to help him up, stopping him from bowing: "Duke Kong, why do you do this? Please rise!" After saying this, he stood up, took Kong Gui's right arm with one hand, and said to the crowd: "Gentlemen, Duke Kong has assumed the position of Prefectural Governor. From now on, he will be my deputy. Why don't you all pay your respects to him!"

Everyone hurriedly bowed to thank Kong Gui, and Wei Cong then appointed Huang Ping to succeed Kong Gui as the governor of Nanhai. Unbeknownst to them, the transfer of power was completed.

When the ceremony ended, most people left with great enthusiasm, but a small group stayed behind. They gathered around Wei Cong to discuss something more important and more private.

"The imperial court has already paid the reward money, now it's our turn to do the work!" Wei Cong said with a smile.

"You mean we should head north to attack the Moth Bandits from both sides?" Fifth Deng laughed. "Then please allow me to be the vanguard this time!"

“You will lead your own army, and the vanguard will be someone else!” Wei Cong waved his hand.

"Lead your own army?" Fifth Deng was stunned: "Your plan is—?"

"Ah Sheng, unfold the map!" Wei Cong stood up, supported himself on the table with both hands, and leaned over the map: "This time I don't plan to take the same route I came from. I plan to take the waterway to Guangxin first, then go north along the Li River to Shian, then take the Ling Canal to Lingling, then take the Xiang River into Dongting Lake, and go straight to Baling!"

"So you're planning to attack the Wuling barbarians first?" Wen Sheng asked in surprise.

“Not bad!” Wei Cong nodded. “Of course, on the surface, I will pretend that I will still take the old route of crossing the Five Ridges and heading north from Yuzhang. Fifth Deng, your task is to make a show of force and let the world think that I will take that route!”

"This subordinate understands!" Fifth Deng nodded solemnly. The route Wei Cong chose this time was actually the main route used by the armies of the pre-Qin and Han dynasties to attack the Lingnan region. The Lingqu Canal, built during the Qin Dynasty, was a testament to the wisdom of the ancient Chinese people. It connected the Xiangjiang and Lishui river systems, allowing ships to travel between the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers. Although it involved a significant detour, it actually saved a considerable amount of money in terms of transporting large quantities of supplies and personnel.

Wei Cong had another unspoken reason for his plan: by taking this route, his direct target would change from the Moth Rebels to the Wuling Barbarians. However, the court could not punish him for this, since the Wuling Barbarians were also members of the rebel army and had allied with the Moth Rebels. Attacking the Wuling Barbarians could be seen as part of pacifying the Moth Rebels. Moreover, soldiers act for profit, and generals in the field may disobey the emperor's orders.

"How many troops does the lord intend to send?" Huang Ping asked. Before becoming the governor of Nanhai, he was actually Wei Cong's financial manager. Since Wei Cong was going to send troops, he naturally had to calculate and prepare how much military supplies to prepare first.

"The soldiers who participated in the southern expedition last time should not be conscripted this time!" Wei Cong said. "How many of the rest can be conscripted?"

"Four or five thousand should be no problem!"

"Then we'll conscript three thousand men, recruit another thousand, and conscript two thousand from the vassal barbarians, plus thirty war elephants, that should be about right!" Wei Cong calculated. "By the way, isn't there a merchant from Gou-ting in Panyu? We'll write him a letter in the name of the governor, instructing him to send his troops to agree to meet at Shian at the end of the year and march north together to attack the bandits!"

(End of this chapter)