Entrepreneurship in the Late Tang Dynasty

Chapter 138 Three Thousand Miles

The next day, at dawn, Zhao Huai'an entered Rongzhou again. Prefect Pei Ke led the entire staff of the prefecture and military offices out of the city to welcome him!
Last night's battle was a negligible victory for Zhao Huai'an, but for the officials of Rongzhou, it was an unprecedented triumph!

Looking at the battlefield outside the city, still bearing the remnants of its former state, some of the Rongzhou generals couldn't help but sigh:
“In the past, those barbarian tribesmen were fierce and terrifying, but in yesterday’s battle, they were like clay chickens and earthen dogs. Under the infantry and cavalry of those Baoyi tribesmen, they were as weak as children. Is it that the barbarian tribesmen are nothing special, or that these Baoyi tribesmen are so strong?”

Is there even a question? At this moment, the Rongzhou troupe was stunned as they watched the Baoyi approach. The previously riotous group fell silent.

At the head of the procession, Prefect Pei Ke stepped forward, followed by a young man who was about seven feet tall. He immediately bowed to Zhao Huai'an, who was approaching, and said:

"Zhao Dalang is indeed a fierce tiger of our Western Sichuan. He defeated the Liao in one battle. After this battle, I'm afraid those Liao people won't recover for several years. Dalang, you have truly brought several years of peace to the people of Rongzhou."

When Zhao Huai'an heard the nickname "Ferocious Tiger of Western Sichuan," he was quite taken aback, wondering when he had acquired such a nickname.

However, after hearing about the years of peace, Zhao Huai'an said quite naturally:

"If the Liao people recover their strength in a few years and make a comeback, what will become of the people of Rongzhou? Therefore, it is still the right way to strengthen the military."

After Zhao Huai'an finished speaking, Pei Ke smiled and then said this reasoning:

"Dalang is indeed a hero, with the ambition to conquer the southern lands in one battle. But the reality is that since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, for nearly two hundred years, the Tang Dynasty and these Liao people and Tuman have been like this, with both sides in a sticky and ambiguous relationship, sometimes fighting and sometimes making peace. Now, we can have several years of peace after one battle, which is truly a blessing for the people of Rongzhou."

Zhao Huai'an was taken aback for a moment, thinking to himself that what Pei Yuanlian said made sense. In the current situation where they couldn't even solve the miasma problem, thinking about achieving victory in one battle was indeed a bit of wishful thinking.

If he remembered correctly, the Ten Thousand Mountains opposite Rongzhou should be the areas of Guizhou and Guangxi. It seems that effective rule only existed there during the Qing Dynasty. Now, asking Pei Yuanlian to resolve this issue hundreds of years in advance is really bullying them.

Having been given a slight scolding by Pei Ke, Zhao Huai'an was a little embarrassed and could only ask:

"But we still need to think about what to do in four or five years, since we won't have any troops like mine to help Rongzhou then."

But to everyone's surprise, Pei Ke replied quite matter-of-factly:
"Ha, by then I will have already been transferred to another prefecture. If there is any trouble, it will be the next governor. As for how that person will resolve the chaos, we will have to trust the wisdom of the successor."

Zhao Huai'an was speechless, only able to say that what the round-faced man said made perfect sense! No wonder he was an old bureaucrat!

However, at this moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Zhao Huai'an's mind:
"How could these Liao people have such a convenient coincidence, attacking Rongzhou City precisely when the Xichuan army was suffering a great loss?"

However, Zhao Huai'an also felt that he was overthinking it, and that it might just be a coincidence.

Zhao Huai'an shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore. Unexpectedly, Pei Ke suddenly pulled out the young man standing behind him and reprimanded him:

"Kneel down and kowtow to your uncle."

Without much hesitation, the young man kowtowed to Zhao Huai'an, his uncle who was not much older than him.

Zhao Huai'an was dumbfounded, not knowing what this old bureaucrat Pei Ke was up to, but he still quickly pulled the young man up.

Then Pei Ke, who was standing next to him, laughed and said:
“Zhao Dalang, we are sworn brothers, so we should treat each other as equals. This is my son, Pei Desheng. He has been with me during my years in office and is quite capable in managing affairs of the government. You are going to Guang Prefecture, aren’t you? I see that although you have many intelligent and talented people under your command, I’m afraid they don’t know much about government affairs. If you don’t have your own staff to manage the affairs of the prefecture, you may be deceived by the powerful officials and magistrates of the prefecture.”

Although Zhao Huai'an was caught off guard by gaining a nephew, he knew that Pei Ke's words made a lot of sense.

He had previously discussed this matter with several staff members under the shogunate. Each of them had their own strengths, but none of them had ever worked under the governor or been part of the shogunate.

For example, Wang Duo was just a money and grain official under the Xichuan government. Although he was proficient in several areas, he had never served under any governor, so he was not clear about the operation of the governor's government.

Zhang Guinian was the same. He later confided in Zhao Huai'an that he had served as a staff member for a high-ranking official in Chang'an, so he had a good understanding of the court and the situation in the country. However, he had never served under a local governor, so he was not very good at it.

As for Xue Hang and He Weidao, needless to say, they are still in the learning-by-doing stage, how could they help Zhao Huai'an handle various matters behind the scenes?
Therefore, Zhao Huai'an does indeed need an advisor who understands the affairs of the governor's office. It doesn't necessarily mean that he should be given a specific position, but rather that the advisor should have an understanding of the power dynamics and details of the various systems under the governor's office. Only in this way can Zhao Huai'an understand what the people below are doing and avoid being fooled.

Zhao Huai'an still remembers a teacher saying that Emperor Yongzheng, known as a great ruler, was shrewd and capable, and it was difficult for his subordinates to fool him. Once they realized they could not fool him, his subordinates became even more ruthless.

It is said that the reason why Emperor Yongzheng was able to be so shrewd and capable was because he participated in a lot of government affairs when he was still a prince, and had a deep understanding of the operation of the central government. Later, he also participated in the inspection and acceptance of large-scale projects such as the Yongding River, the Yellow River, and the Huai River, so he had enough experience in dealing with people and situations below.

Therefore, he was able to maintain control skillfully and did not deceive his subordinates.

Zhao Huai'an was also aware of his own situation. He was indeed skilled in interpersonal relationships, but he had absolutely no understanding of the Tang Dynasty's government. Therefore, if he wanted to run the governor's government well, he needed such an experienced person.

From this perspective, Pei Yuanlian really did help him.

However, Zhao Huai'an still wanted to conduct an interview, since the position was quite important. So, he disregarded Pei Ke's feelings and directly asked his son questions on the spot.

This young man is quite capable; he has a certain understanding of the various departments under the shogunate, including the stables, the military headquarters, the provincial administration, the military commanders, and the clerks.

Zhao Huai'an was pleased, patted Pei Desheng on the shoulder, and laughed:
"That's right, like father, like son. From now on, work hard for your uncle and you'll never be any weaker than your father."

After offering a few words of encouragement to the young man, Zhao Huai'an pulled Pei Ke aside and whispered:

"Old Pei, what are you trying to do with this shill you gave me?"

Pei Ke didn't hide anything, after all, he and Zhao Huai'an had a life-or-death friendship, so he told him about his plan for his son.

It turns out that he wanted to use Zhao Huai'an as an opportunity to help his son jump to a government position in Huainan, partly because it would offer a better future, and partly because he could make a lot of money there.

Pei Ke himself was only a fourth-rank prefectural governor. According to the imperial system of hereditary privilege, he could only appoint his son to a minor official position below the seventh rank, and he could only stay in Xichuan.

He himself was like that back then, and it took him more than ten years to become a county magistrate. This was only because of the opportunity presented by the Nanzhao War; otherwise, he might never have been able to become a full-fledged official.

Because this was the path he had taken, Pei Ke did not want his son to follow in his footsteps.

Besides being granted official positions through patronage, there were two other paths: the imperial examination and becoming a secretary in a government office.

But he knew his family's situation; could they even pass the imperial examinations? So joining the inner circle was the only option.

If he had a choice, he would certainly have preferred his son to join Gao Pian's staff, but he was not familiar with Gao Pian, let alone try to establish a relationship with him.

But this Zhao Huai'an is different.

This man appears upright and honest. Although he is a bit simple-minded, these are excellent qualities for an official. Moreover, he is a skilled fighter, young, and has a good reputation. It is said that Gao Pian recommended him for the position of governor, so he has connections in Chang'an.

Therefore, according to Pei Ke's judgment, Zhao Huai'an's future prospects are such that becoming a military governor is not an option.

Now he arranged for his son to work under Zhao Huai'an early on. Later, when Zhao Huai'an rose to power, his son also came from the position of military governor.

Military governors (Jiedushi) could directly appoint their subordinate prefects (Cishi), and the imperial court would generally approve such appointments except in special circumstances.

So when Zhao Huai'an becomes a military governor, it won't be a piece of cake for him to arrange for his son to become a prefect.

What if Zhao Huai'an can't do it? Well, that's where the harsh truth comes in. Pei Ke had previously told his son the reality: Zhao Huai'an's chance of going from prefect to military governor is far greater than your chance of going from a seventh-rank official to a fourth-rank official.

That's how cruel it is, because that's how his father lived.

However, Pei Ke also laid down the law for his son, telling him to first enter the inner circle, and if there really was no future for him, then he shouldn't be afraid, because even if he, Pei Ke, died, his son, who was granted the privilege of being a seventh-rank official, would still be around.

At worst, I can come back and work as a seventh-rank official again; it won't take more than a few years.

Moreover, Pei Ke had truly laid everything out with Zhao Huai'an, and he wasn't worried that Zhao Huai'an would think that he and his son were being suspicious; this was only to be expected.

When it comes to people and things, isn't it just a matter of helping others when you're doing well, and helping others when they're doing well, so that we can all make progress together?

Besides, he has a big business deal with Zhao Huai'an, so it's only right that he put someone in his shoes.

Yesterday, Zhao Huai'an discussed terms with Pei Ke, saying that he wanted to allocate a piece of land on the east bank to build a dock, and then build warehouses and wineries there.

Although it's unclear how Zhao Huai'an, a mere governor of Guang Prefecture, could protect the businesses in southern Sichuan, it's not his responsibility; he has many other things to do with Zhao Huai'an.

Therefore, he would have many more opportunities to deal with Zhao Huai'an in the future. Sure enough, Zhao Huai'an didn't mind Pei Ke's thoughts at all. After all, whether he could become a military governor was still unknown. What was there to be afraid of in exchanging future conditions for the present?

Zhao Huai'an even went so far as to pat his chest and make empty promises to Pei Ke:

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of my nephew's future. Forget about becoming a prefect, you can't even imagine how high he can go in the future! Don't be so short-sighted!"

These words startled Pei Ke, who assumed that Zhao Huai'an also wanted to become a Gao Pian.

After Zhao Huai'an accepted Pei Desheng as a friend, their relationship became even more harmonious. Suddenly, Pei Ke hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice:
"I heard from Zhao Liulang that you are not married yet. I have a daughter who is quite beautiful. Once you settle down in Guang Prefecture, I will have my family take her to see you."

Zhao Huai'an glanced subconsciously at Dong Gongsu, who was talking to Zhao Liu behind him, then lowered his voice guiltily:
"Wouldn't that be inappropriate? How could a young lady of marriageable age come to Guangzhou to see me? By the way, how old is Miss Pei?"

When Pei Ke heard the first half of the sentence, he was about to nod, inwardly cursing himself for being senile. But after hearing the second half, he paused for a moment, then his face broke into a wide smile:
"At sixteen, the prime of youth, just right!"

Then Zhao Huai'an grasped Pei Ke's hand and said sincerely:

“Old Pei, your son is all alone in Guangzhou. It would be right for your family to go and visit Pei Dalang in Guangzhou.”

Pei Ke laughed even more heartily, and then straightened his back immediately, showing no trace of the embarrassment he had felt yesterday when he was clinging to Zhao Huai'an's leg and wailing.

He patted Zhao Huai'an's hand and smiled:

"Then you must work hard!"

Zhao Huai'an was stunned for a moment, cursing inwardly that the matter hadn't even been settled yet, and this round-faced guy was already putting on airs. Sure enough, old bureaucrats always knew how to take advantage of others.

Suddenly, Zhao Huai'an looked at Pei Ke's round face with suspicion:

Wait a minute, Old Pei has a round face, could his daughter also have a big face? That won't do.

Therefore, Zhao Huai'an said even more subtly:
"Well, after your family visits Pei Dalang, don't rush to leave. I've heard that Gwangju has beautiful scenery. I'll arrange for someone to take them sightseeing in the area."

Pei Ke chuckled to himself. This Zhao Da looked like a roughneck, but he turned out to be quite interesting and knew about spring outings.

So he started to think about it.

Logically speaking, Zhao Huai'an's rank is already higher than his, so his daughter marrying Zhao Huai'an is considered a step up for him. However, the Pei family is a top-class family among the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families. Even the emperor couldn't get them before, and now you, a mere governor, can marry one. That's already incredibly lucky.

Although this reputation has become increasingly less valuable in recent dynasties, it was still a prestigious family! Marrying their daughter to Zhao Huai'an was a good match.

After thinking it over, Pei Ke felt it had potential, so he called his son over and gave him another hint:
"Don't call me 'uncle' anymore, it messes up the generational hierarchy!"

Pei Desheng looked bewildered, but he was always obedient, so he ignored Zhao Huai'an's strange expression and obediently called out:

"My lord!"

This made Zhao Huai'an feel a little better. If Pei Desheng had called him "Brother Zhao," he would have definitely given the young man a hard time.

……

The fleet rested for two more days in Rongzhou. It wasn't that Zhao Huai'an was greedy for the wine there, but rather that the fleet needed to rest on land after a long journey by boat.

The people were actually fine, but the large animals in the cabin still needed to go ashore to eat fresh fodder, especially the warhorses from the plateau, which had to be properly cared for; they were more precious than people.

In the past two days, through Pei Ke's introduction, Zhao Huai'an has successfully recruited a hundred volunteers from the Qing Qiang. It is still too early to tell how well these people fight, but their pole-climbing skills have already left Zhao Huai'an speechless.

Among the hundred men was a warrior named Wang Yuanxiao, who was said to be a descendant of Wang Ping. Zhao Huai'an was not sure if this was true or not, but that did not stop Wang Yuanxiao from believing it and always taking his ancestor as his role model.

When he learned that Hu Baoyi, a hero from Sichuan, was recruiting soldiers in Rongzhou, he brought his familiar companions and several other warriors from tribes who were unwilling to die in the mountains, and they all came out of the valley to join the recruitment.

Wang Yuanxiao then performed a move that astonished Zhao Huai'an and the other righteous generals. He climbed up Rongzhou City using only a bamboo pole, a feat that amazed everyone present.

Sometimes Zhao Huai'an would think, how many heroes there are in this world, especially in these inconspicuous mountain forests and wild grasses, there are such heroes and warriors.

This is true of Wang Yuanxiao, and it is also true of the descendants of Chuankang Qiang Kangbao who previously led the Su Neng Benma.

In this light, I have made the right move, bringing together these heroes along the river to serve me and further strengthening the foundation of Baoyidu.

Two days later, after resting and replenishing their supplies of food, fodder, fruits, and meat, Bao Yidu set sail again, as they still had a long way to go by water.

On the day of departure, Dong Gongsu, who was on the deck, saw Pei Ke, the governor of Rongzhou, seeing him off on the shore, and felt a sense of crisis.

He was extremely familiar with the smiling face of the governor of Rongzhou; it was exactly the same as when he looked at Zhao Huai'an, a smile that said, "With such a fine son-in-law, what more could a man ask for?"

Damn it! Everyone's after my son-in-law!
……

After departing from Rongzhou, they sailed along the Minjiang River for a few days and arrived at Luzhou, the hometown of Dong Gongsu.

It was there that Zhao Huai'an learned of Dong Gongsu's strength; he had thousands of servants and hundreds who could operate sails and steer ships, making him a true tycoon.

Dong Gongsu warmly entertained Bao Yidu in Luzhou, during which time a hundred sheep were consumed, demonstrating his extravagance.

On the second day, Old Dong even brought his thirteen-year-old daughter over, which startled Zhao Huai'an. Fortunately, it was just a brief meeting.

Sure enough, the daughter of a wealthy family is well-nourished. At only thirteen, she has already grown up like an adult. No wonder Dong Gongsu is so eager to marry off his daughter now.

This time, Dong Gongsu didn't mention marrying off his daughter again. Anyway, he had already entered the core of Zhao Huai'an's riverside business network. He didn't need to bring it up; Zhao Huai'an would bring it up himself. After all, who could feel at ease without a marriage alliance?
Sure enough, on the third day, Zhao Huai'an, slightly tipsy, whispered in Dong Gongsu's ear, taking advantage of the alcohol. No one knew what they were talking about, but the two of them seemed very happy.

This time, however, Zhao Huai'an did not recruit volunteers in Luzhou. Although the Luzhou barbarians were an elite force even in the Song Dynasty, Zhao Huai'an still set sail downstream.

Here, Dong Gongsu also parted ways with Zhao Huai'an and the others. He was to be in charge of Zhao Huai'an's riverside trade route in Luzhou, but he arranged for a fleet of ships to accompany Zhao Huai'an.

The fleet was fully loaded with well salt from Luzhou, which they would sell in the Huaihe River region. All the proceeds would be used as initial capital for Zhao Huai'an's development in Guangzhou.

Not only that, Dong Gongsu also arranged for his sixteen-year-old eldest son, Dong Guangdi, to join the fleet, just like Pei Ke, the governor of Rongzhou, so that he could work in Guangzhou.

He's been sending his daughter and money, and now even his eldest son. Dong Gongsu is investing more and more, and now he's completely stuck.

Thus, after leaving Luzhou, Zhao Huai'an traveled through Hejiang and Yuzhou, where he recruited a hundred Ba people as followers. He then continued down the Yangtze River.

The subsequent waterway journey was smooth, passing through Fuzhou, Zhongzhou, Wanzhou, Kuizhou, Guizhou, and Xiazhou, crossing the treacherous Xiling Gorge, and then from Yiling to Jiangling, and then to Ezhou.

During their journey, which covered three thousand li by water and took sixteen days, they enjoyed eleven large banquets, met with nine governors, recruited eight hundred volunteers along the river, and finally arrived at Ezhou, a major town on the Yangtze River, on the twelfth day of the fifth month.

Here Zhao Huai'an has two choices. One is to directly switch to the waterway here, go north along the Yun River to Suizhou, then go ashore here and walk east for a while to reach Shenzhou, and then arrive in Guangzhou a few days later.

This route was faster, but Zhao Huai'an still chose the second route, which was to continue down the Yangtze River, then turn into Chaohu Lake at Ruxu River near Luzhou, then continue along Shishui River to Feishui River, then reach Shouchun, and from Shouchun go against the Huai River to finally reach Guangzhou.

The reason for choosing this more troublesome route, besides the need to thoroughly improve this trade route connecting the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, was more importantly due to the prevailing mentality of "not returning home in glory is like wearing fine clothes at night."

If Zhao Da becomes rich and doesn't go back, wouldn't that be a waste of his wealth?

So, after Zhao Da left Ezhou, he only had one meal with Pei Wo, the governor of Qizhou. Pei Wo was a close relative of the round-faced Pei Wo, and he had specially obtained a letter from Pei Ke to entertain Zhao Huaian, the future son-in-law of the family.

Zhao Huai'an was completely unaware of this, and taking advantage of the rare westerly winds this month, he led his fleet straight down to the Ruxu River.

Next stop, Shouzhou!

The people of his hometown, Zhao Da, who fled there years ago, has returned!

(End of this chapter)