Jinting Han people

Chapter 193 Pre-War Banquet (4k)

Liu Xian was right. Many things that people think they cannot accomplish are actually just so-called impossible shackles that people have set for themselves using their imagination.

After the elders made their promise, about three or four days later, Liu Xian received a lengthy list of over 800 people who expressed their willingness to contribute to the pacification effort. With the help of the Hedong Shu people, led by Zhuge Pan, Liu Xian's subsequent actions became very smooth.

He first promoted his plan to the refugees, then personally participated in mobilizing them. After establishing the first settlement, the first canal and the first refugee camp followed suit. Within just two weeks, over 100,000 Hedong residents had been organized and hurriedly began clearing wasteland and cultivating the land.

Zhuge Pan played the most direct role in handling the aftermath. Of Zhuge Liang's descendants, only two remain: his legitimate son, Zhuge Jing, currently serving as an official in a foreign country. The other is Zhuge Pan, the son of Zhuge Liang's adopted son, Zhuge Qiao. He wasn't known for his talent, but thanks to Zhuge Liang's legacy, he earned respect and trust from the world.

Apart from these, the person who played the most important role was actually Fan Jian, the former minister of Shu Han.

Fan Jian was one of the key officials who served alongside Zhuge Zhan and Dong Jue. After the fall of Shu Han, due to his prominent political position, he served as a clerk in the Jin Dynasty, earning him considerable respect from Sima Yan. He was also instrumental in overcoming Deng Ai's injustice. Now over ninety years old, Fan Jian retired to Puban, unable to meet with Liu Xian. Yet, he expressed his support, telling his family, "This is all for the sake of peace and stability. It's a matter of honesty and openness. There's nothing to hide."

Fan Jian's support helped most people put aside their doubts. After many years, they united again and fought hard to survive this disaster. By July, the chaotic scene on both sides of the river was gone, replaced by cultivated fields and solemn settlements.

Liu Xian took advantage of this opportunity and even built several docks in the north of Xiayang and the north of Fenyin, and opened a new ten-mile canal on both sides of the river. In this way, people's livelihood was greatly improved and the people no longer had to worry. Although it could not be said to be a peaceful scene, at least the refugees no longer looked like refugees.

All of this was seen by the local people. Although Liu Xian did not take credit for it, everyone said that it was the credit of County Lord Liu and that he was destined to achieve great things.

These achievements were also noticed by Zhang Gui, commander of the Western Expedition Army. After everything was on track, Zhang Gui sent a letter to Zhang Hua. The content of the letter was basically to fulfill his previous promise to Liu Xian, hoping to arrange for Liu Xian to serve as a military officer in the Western Expedition Army.

However, there was also some special content in his letter, which he emphasized: "I have recently heard that there are people in the court and the public discussing the harm of virtuous ministers. Some believe that the reputation of virtuous ministers harms the Sage. However, Heaven and Earth value the virtuous. How can we punish the virtuous? In recent years, Guanzhong has regarded Sun Xiu as the main culprit, causing chaos and suffering for the people. There is also the intention of harming the virtuous. This is a reversal of yin and yang, an act of holding the divine tool upside down. How can we tolerate it? Brother, you are in the position of Prime Minister, and the whole world is watching. You must not help the abuse and destroy the righteous. If you promote the four evils and drive out the six virtuous, then the country will be ruined."

The meaning of the letter was actually to persuade Zhang Hua to drive Sun Xiu away.

Zhang Gui had endured Sun Xiu in Chang'an for four years, and now, with the Xiongnu rebellion looming, he saw it as a good time to warn the court. He was concerned about the state of the country in recent years. Officials, instead of focusing on governing properly, were preoccupied with currying favor with the Empress Dowager's clique and amassing wealth. The soldiers were also being deprived of their pay, unable to even perform the basic duties of protecting the country and the people. This deeply troubled him.

This riot reflects the bad influence of the court's chaotic rule for several years. Zhang Gui hopes to take this opportunity to make suggestions and hope that the court can reform itself, repent, dismiss the treacherous ministers one by one, govern the world with the kingly way, and regain the hearts of the people.

Zhang Gui was acutely aware of the potential impact of this petition. It was a political gamble, and success or failure would have far-reaching consequences. Success would mean he could replace Sun Xiu in governing Guanzhong; failure would mean the end of his political career.

However, in Zhang Gui's view, this was not a bad thing. After all, if the court continued to turmoil like this, who knew what kind of chaos would happen next? Even if he failed, he could take the opportunity to leave the political vortex and enjoy a period of leisure.

It was also under this premise that he was preparing to fight against the rebels.

With the court's adoption of the strategy of spreading a network on all sides, soldiers from Hongnong, Xihe, Shangdang, and Taiyuan were mobilized. Just as Zhang Gui had anticipated, by the time he received news that the troops were in place, it was already late July, with the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner.

During these two months, the rebels in Linfen did not sit idly by and wait for death.

Hao San seemed to have seen through the Jin army's deployment. He led his troops to attack frequently, first attacking Anyi and then attacking Pingyang, all in order to mobilize the Jin army. However, what he did not expect was that Zhang Gui's will was so firm that no matter how the rebels moved in Hedong, he would guard the ferry and not move an inch.

As reinforcements were deployed from various regions, the rebels' offensive momentum weakened significantly. By the time they attacked Anyi, the counties were already well-prepared and had begun fortifying their defenses. Zhang Gui only deployed 1,000 additional troops to Hongnong to defend the city. A relatively standard offensive and defensive battle resulted in heavy casualties for the rebels. Although they captured the city after three days of hard fighting, they also suffered heavy casualties of over 4,000 men.

The next time the rebels tried to attack Pingyang, the situation was even more bleak. Pingyang's city defenses were far stronger than those of other cities. It had all the necessary defenses, including sheep and horse walls, moats, and watchtowers. After only two days of attack, the rebels heard that Zhang Gui had sent reinforcements to support them, so they had no choice but to retreat. There was no hope of breaking the city at all.

At this point, the Xiongnu in the rear entered a dormant period. They began to vigorously reorganize their army and no longer launched blind attacks. Instead, they inquired about the movements of the various Jin armies while secretly sending people to break out and try to contact the local Hu people in Guanzhong, so that they could also take advantage of the situation to rebel and disrupt the Jin army's deployment.

Unfortunately, these Hu people were unfamiliar with the area, and the local Hu people only knew Hedong at best. They were completely clueless about the specific situation in Guanzhong. Most of them had no chance of breaking out of the Jin army's blockade. Even if they succeeded, they would be unable to contact many local Hu tribes in Guanzhong, let alone incite them to rebellion.

In other words, if Hao San wanted to break out of the encirclement, his greatest hope should have been his fellow brother Hao Duyuan, but the enemy was far away in Shuofang, and Zhang Gui had already made precautions and arrangements. This made Hao Duyuan's response a luxury.

Up to now, although the Huns in the rear still retain considerable morale and military strength, from the overall situation, it seems that the game is already a dead end.

It was time to close the net. Thinking this, Zhang Gui ordered all the generals to gather at the main tent on August 15th, and also ordered a two-day banquet for all the troops.

All the units that received the military order understood its meaning. This was probably a farewell drink before launching the attack.

According to the regulations, Liu Xian brought his two county lieutenants, Zhang Gu and Xue Xing, to the banquet. It can be seen that there were about a few hundred people present, and all the officers above the eighth rank in the army came to the banquet.

The banquet was held beside a stream, surrounded by fruit-bearing persimmon trees. Maids and servants were busy around the campfire. Dogs and sheep, their fur removed, were grilled on the grill, hot oil dripping from their golden skins, and a mouth-watering aroma wafted everywhere.

As soon as he walked in, he saw Li Ju waving at him, and then ran over and said, "Brother, long time no see."

Liu Xian was also very happy to see Li Ju. He shook Li Ju's hand and said, "Shihui is going to make another contribution! I still remember your magic arrow last time!" Then the few of them walked to a campfire where no one was there, each found a stool to sit on, talked and laughed together, and talked about their recent experiences.

Since everyone believed this battle was a sure win, they were all quite relaxed, and the conversation didn't even include much analysis of the battle. But Xue Xing couldn't hide his excitement. He was about to meet Zhang Gui, commander of the Western Expedition Army.

Although Xue Xing's recognition of Liu Xian had deepened after spending some time together, and he regretted his earlier rash promise to Wang Wan, believing he had done something wrong, people were always happy to have more choices, as it was a symbol of power.

Xue Xing thought that after meeting Zhang Junsi today, he had a chance to make a choice with dignity. Whether leaving Xiayang or staying in Xiayang, he had to talk it out with the county lord. As long as he opened his heart, there was no problem that could not be solved.

He now has some understanding of Liu Xian's style of doing things. Instead of avoiding it, it is better to face it seriously. Having a heart that dares to take responsibility can move people more than any sweet words.

This peer became strong because he did not escape from his true self and saw through all the falsehoods and illusions in his heart.

While he was lost in thought, Zhang Gui strolled over, raised a glass of wine, and said to Liu Xian, "Huai Chong, how is your shoulder injury healing? Can you still fight in the battlefield?"

Liu Xian quickly raised his glass in greeting, saying, "Since I'm so highly regarded by the military commander, how dare I not risk my life on the battlefield?"

"Hahaha, you're a versatile person. You've done everything I've asked you to do well. You don't have to risk your life on the battlefield every time." Zhang Gui downed his drink in one gulp and simply sat down with them. He picked up a knife and began cutting the lamb ribs on the grill. He cut a few pieces of meat for everyone present. Liu Xian introduced his two county lieutenants to Zhang Gui. Zhang Gui smiled and then skillfully asked his attendants for a bowl of dogwood sauce and pepper.

Everyone ate the meat with the sauce, saying it was delicious. Zhang Gui was very pleased, and the relationship between superiors and subordinates seemed to have become closer.

Zhang Gui then said to Liu Xian, "I've already submitted the paperwork for your promotion. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, there will be news by the end of this year. If there's an opportunity, I'll also recommend you return to Beijing."

This was exactly what Liu Xian had always longed to do. He was deeply grateful and thanked Zhang Gui repeatedly. Zhang Gui smiled and said, "It's not a big deal. I'm just promoting talented people for the country. I'm already over forty, and the future of the world belongs to you young people. As it stands now, the country is bound to face many troubles in the future, and we'll need you to quell them one by one. Keep working hard."

After saying this, he took his leave and went to visit the officers of other departments.

It was still half an hour before sunset, and the setting sun, shimmering against the lingering clouds, created a breathtaking scene. Li Ju was delighted to hear that Liu Xian was being transferred to the Western Expedition Army. He raised his glass to Liu Xian again and said, "Haha, big brother, are you finally going to make the leap? Please take good care of me in Chang'an!"

Liu Xian also laughed and said, "No, no, in the military department, Shi Hui is my predecessor..."

While the two were chatting, Xue Xing was in a daze. During this short conversation with Zhang Gui, he was shocked to discover a fact: Zhang Gui didn't recognize him at all.

It was normal for him not to know what he looked like, since it was their first meeting. But Xue Xing recalled Wang Wan's statement. Didn't he claim to be familiar with Zhang Gui? Was he missing for six months to use Zhang Gui's channels to secure him a position? But why did Zhang Gui remain indifferent when he heard his name? Was he trying to avoid suspicion? But when he discussed Liu Xian's future just now, he didn't seem to be avoiding suspicion at all.

Xue Xing had to come to an answer that he didn't want to face, that is, Wang Wan probably lied to him and he didn't know Zhang Gui.

Once a person understands the truth, a series of lies will collapse. Xue Xing then realized: What is his plan? What does he want me to do? Is Mingji's identity real? What kind of trap has he stepped into? These questions surfaced in his mind, making his hair stand on end.

Liu Xian, who was standing by, noticed something was wrong and called out to Xue Xing several times before bringing him back to his senses. He asked, "Jida, what's wrong? What happened?"

Xue Xing had originally intended to have a heart-to-heart talk with Liu Xian, but he suddenly realized he was trapped in a large net. He didn't dare to say anything more, so he just smiled bitterly and said, "Hey, it's nothing. I just feel a little reluctant to see you go."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian burst into laughter and said, "I can't bear to leave Ji Da either! If I really get to the Zhengxi Army Headquarters, I'll transfer you there within half a year. What do you think?"

"Yes Yes……"

After this conversation, the matter was settled. They continued to eat and drink together, occasionally joking with their colleagues, but Xue Xing was already losing his appetite. His previously clear plans for the future had become muddled.

Before they knew it, the sky had become pitch dark, but the banquet was just about to reach its climax when someone beat the military drum, playing a stirring piece of music for everyone in the audience. Some people began to howl and dance with swords in the firelight, and the atmosphere became extremely lively.

Liu Xian clapped his hands and thought: I have learned a new trick. It turns out that the pre-war banquet can boost morale so much.

However, at this moment, an unexpected guest suddenly arrived outside the banquet. Under the starry night, a fire dragon of moderate length suddenly appeared in the distance, undulating back and forth on the hillside. It was not stopped by the Jin army's checkpoints, but rushed straight to the banquet without any hindrance, as if there was something urgent and sudden.

In fact, it was indeed so. Amidst the laughter and joy, Sun Xiu suddenly appeared at the banquet with his team. His appearance was so unexpected that the joyful atmosphere in the scene was instantly stuck and then disappeared.

But Sun Xiu still smiled. He looked at everyone, his face flushed with joy as he announced something: "Everyone, from this moment on, I, Sun Xiu, will be responsible for suppressing the rebellion."

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(End of this chapter)