Supreme Golden Palace

Chapter 232 Constellations (Part 1)

Lü Shang nodded, his eyes glancing at the officials from the prefecture who were lined up to welcome him at the city gate. He said, "There's no need for a welcome feast yet. Now that I've come to quell the rebellion, military affairs should be my priority."

"After entering the city, I would like to ask Governor Wei to gather his officials so that we can discuss the matter of suppressing the rebellion together."

Upon hearing this, Wei Ji remained composed and immediately replied, "Indeed, military intelligence should be the priority; it was my oversight."

Having said that, he turned and led Lü Shang into the city, with Chief Clerk Yang Wang following closely behind.

After Wei and Yang left, officials from the prefecture led their clerks forward to settle the infantry and cavalry that Lü Shang had brought.

Inside the main hall of the governor's office, candles were lit, casting a warm glow on the map on the wall.

Wei Ji led Lü Shang to the guest seat next to the main seat, and Yang Wang led his subordinates to stand on both sides. The hall was so quiet that only the crackling of candle flames could be heard.

After Lü Shang took his seat, his gaze first fell on Chief Clerk Yang Wang. When he was on his way to take up his post in Liangzhou, he passed through Qinzhou, and it was Yang Wang who led people to welcome him on the banks of the Wei River. The two had met once before.

After nodding slightly to Yang Wang, Lü Shang turned his gaze to Wei Ji and said, "Lord Wei, I have already read the documents issued by the prefecture to various counties in Qingshui County. They say that Liu Chong, the commander of the General Administration, led the prefecture's troops to a great victory over the main force of the Qiang bandits, beheading countless people."

"However, although Zhong Qiang has suffered a heavy blow and its vitality has been greatly damaged, there is still the Dangchang Qiang causing trouble. If we want to pacify Longyou, we cannot tolerate the Dangchang Qiang bandits. I wonder if Governor Wei has any good plan to suppress the Dangchang Qiang bandits?"

Faced with Lü Shang's question, Wei Ji frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Lord Lu, you may not know this, but the Dangchang Qiang are different from the Zhong Qiang. Although the Zhong Qiang are fierce, they gather in the mountains and forests, while the Dangchang Qiang are scattered west of the Tao River. Their tribes are mixed, and most of them live in the mountains."

"They scatter into the mountains in peacetime and gather as a retinue in wartime. If our army rashly attacks and suppresses them, they will flee into the deep mountains. After our army withdraws, they will come out of the mountains again to plunder the prefectures and counties. This cycle repeats itself, making it very difficult to eradicate the bandit problem."

"Well said, when scattered, they are the people; when gathered, they are thieves."

Lü Shang sneered and said, "No wonder he dared to rebel; he was certain the court couldn't do anything to him."

As he spoke, his gaze suddenly fell on a middle-aged clerk in the hall. A thought struck him, and he pointed at the clerk and said, "Just now, when Magistrate Wei spoke of the Qiang people of Dangchang, I noticed that you looked calm and composed, as if you had a plan. I wonder if you could say it in public?"

The middle-aged clerk was taken aback, then straightened his robes, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "This humble official, Fang Yanqian, Registrar of the Qin Prefecture General's Office, greets Lord Lu."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, breaking the silence in the hall.

Lü Shang raised his hand to gesture for him to rise, and said, "Military Advisor Fang, there's no need for such formalities. Just now, Prefect Wei mentioned that the Qiang people of Dangchang are difficult to subdue. I see that you seem to have a plan in mind. Why don't you speak?"

"this,"

Fang Yanqian looked troubled. He first looked at Shangguan Weiji, and then nodded slightly to him.

Fang Yanqian then said slowly, "My lord, Duke Lu, although the Qiang people of Dangchang live scattered in the mountains and forests and seem difficult to eradicate, they actually have three weaknesses that can be exploited."

Lü Shang looked at Fang Yanqian and said, "Oh? There are actually three drawbacks?"

Fang Yanqian lowered his head and said, "Yes, there are indeed three drawbacks."

"One drawback is that the tribes are numerous and not a unified whole. Most of the chieftains are hereditary and each has their own personal grudges. In the past, they often fought over borders and water sources. They are only temporarily united now, and their hearts are not united."

"Secondly, these people rely heavily on farming and trade for their livelihood. Now that the border fortresses are closed and trade has been cut off, and spring planting is approaching, if our army cuts off their supply lines and hinders their spring planting, the people will surely start to desert within two months."

"There are three disadvantages. Among the Qiang captives, many happen to come from tribes on the outskirts of Dangchang. Most of them were forcibly conscripted into the army and harbor deep resentment towards their chieftains. They can be used as guides to learn about the mountain paths and the distribution of their tribes,"

A glint flashed in Lü Shang's eyes, and he leaned slightly forward, saying, "In your opinion, what should we do?" "I believe we should not rely solely on military force," Lü Shang replied.

Fang Yanqian said softly, "We can select those who are sensible from among the Qiang prisoners, promise them the right to return home, and have them spread the word to the various tribes of Dangchang, thus sowing discord among them."

"Then, the elite cavalry under Duke Lu's command split into several teams, led by Qiang prisoners, to raid the grain stores of various tribes, burning their stored grain and cutting off their lifeline,"

"Your Excellency previously ordered the repair of fortresses and strongholds in Tao and Min prefectures. You may further order the fortresses and strongholds along the border to strengthen their patrols. Whenever a Qiang tribe approaches, they should only defend and not attack, and strictly prohibit any grain or supplies from entering the mountains, trapping them within the forests."

He paused for a moment, then said, "By using both kindness and force, we can disrupt their livelihoods and sow discord among them. Within a month, some tribes will surely surrender. Once their internal forces have collapsed, we can then launch a large-scale attack on the ringleader tribe and pacify them in one fell swoop, without consuming too much manpower and supplies from our prefecture."

After a moment of silence, Wei Ji clapped his hands and sighed softly, saying, "Xiao Chong's strategy is like cutting off the fuel supply at the root of the problem, far superior to a direct attack. It saves manpower and relieves the food shortage, it's brilliant!"

Lü Shang nodded and sighed, "Military Advisor Fang is truly talented. Given your abilities, it's a waste of your talent to hold the position of Registrar's Advisor."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was taken aback, even Wei Ji raised his eyebrows slightly.

Fang Yanqian's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed again, saying, "Lord Lu is too kind. I have merely been performing my duties and offering my humble opinions. I dare not accept the title of 'great talent'."

Although the position of Registrar is not high, it carries considerable power and responsibility.

He was in charge of recording all the documents of the various departments, impeaching the good and the evil, and upholding the discipline of the prefecture and state.

All matters concerning the various departments had to be reviewed by him, and any discrepancies or errors found were to be reported. He himself was appointed by the governor above and commanded the officials of the various departments below, so his power and authority far exceeded that of his subordinates.

Lü Shang waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on Wei Ji, and said, "Lord Wei, in times of quelling the rebellion, it is most important to know how to use people wisely."

"Since Military Advisor Fang is familiar with the situation of the Qiang people in Longyou and can offer good strategies for suppressing the bandits, why not temporarily appoint him as the Secretary Military Advisor and have him assist me in military affairs to quell the Qiang rebellion? What do you think?"

Wei Ji paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Xiao Chong is resourceful and should be entrusted with important responsibilities. The position of Secretary-General, responsible for military documents and advising on military affairs, is a perfect fit for his talents. This matter will proceed as you wish, Duke Lu."

Seeing Wei Ji agree, Lü Shang's smile widened. He cupped his hands to Wei Ji and said, "Lord Wei is very kind and unconventional. I thank you. With a capable officer like Fang Canjun, the Qiang rebellion can be quelled."

Thus, with Lü Shang and Wei Ji agreeing, Fang Yanqian was placed under their command.

After the two men reached an agreement, Fang Yanqian could only say, "Since you, Lord Lu, and the Prefect, have placed such trust in me, I dare not fail to serve you to the death!"

Seeing that Fang Yanqian had agreed, Lü Shang's smile deepened, and he raised his hand to signal him to return to his place.

"With Fang Yanqian around, how could Fang Xuanling possibly escape my grasp?"

With a thought, Lü Shang's eyes gleamed with a deep, dark light, and he could see a wisp of pale blue aura surrounding Fang Yanqian.

Green aura is one of the noble auras in the world. Those who possess such aura are either blessed by virtuous ancestors or have accomplished descendants.

Without a doubt, given Fang Yanqian's family background, it was certainly not due to the virtues of his ancestors.

"Fang Xuanling, the future Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty!"

(End of this chapter)