Wei School's Three Good Students

Chapter 220 Counting the Outstanding Figures!
In early 4 of the Tongzheng calendar, Xuan Chong turned his attention back to the north from the south. This long and tedious southern campaign finally came to an end.

The gentry of the central region mocked Xuan Chong, asking why he, with his military strength, didn't come to contend for supremacy but instead went to some remote corner to fight a few useless natives for his own amusement. This was because the gentry mistakenly believed that "they are the only resource."

After Xuan Chong and his students, who had just graduated from school, finished their self-indulgent bullying of the locals in the south, they finally assembled a group of key personnel needed to conquer the world.

Xuan Chong uses the rapid shuttle capability of his mecha to travel between the north and south; however, he usually makes one trip every seven days. When he returns, he only hastily attends important ceremonies such as the Spring Festival and Autumn Festival, and after finalizing the matters to be decided, he hurriedly returns to the far south.

Now Xuan Chong has finally shaken off the troubles in the south. During his half-year stay in Dingling City, Xuan Chong has sent half of the Da Yao soldiers back and replaced them with locally recruited Feather Clan members.

The number of high-ranking officers in Dingling City gradually decreased to six hundred, and they were no longer members of the official legion; most were now merchants. Xuan Chong left only twenty nominal soldiers to ensure that the able-bodied men of the officers could be in charge during any unrest.

The strategic retreat in southern Xinjiang involved not only the withdrawal of a few hundred people from Dingling City, but also the withdrawal of an entire strategic line.

This route includes the commercial fortress of Jingjiyuan, as well as the southward-moving Tusi reclamation groups that developed along the northern slope of Wangfeng Mountain.

After the complete withdrawal, the military forces of the Feathered Clan and the Thorn Kingdom underwent a replacement. The number of races along the trade route decreased, and the forces maintaining local order were mainly composed of Forest Feathered People, Kingdom Feathered People, and mercenaries from the Hundred Tribes of the Southern Frontier.

However, when Yao Shang passed through here, the cart tracks, metric system, and books he used were no different from those in Da Yao.

This strategy was completely reversed, taking more than half a year, because the retreat was like this:
1: Originally, most of the forces in Dingling City were Forest Feather Clan members. These Forest Feather Clan members withdrew to their original Thorn Plains.

2: In the city of Thorn Plains, most of the garrison soldiers were natives from the vicinity of the Great Yao Boundary Marker; they were conscripted for labor and were about to return home.

3: Near the boundary marker of Da Yao, the inns that had been busy serving the army were staffed by immigrants from the four southern prefectures of Lingjiang, who had now returned home.

The advance of Xuanchong involved pumping water at each stage; during the advance, the auxiliary troops recruited from the local area were changed, while only the core officer corps was retained.

This is not the legendary Alexander the Great's expedition: bringing tens of thousands of troops from his homeland, maintaining the same troops and men along the way, and advancing to the Indus River Valley.

Therefore, during the strategic retreat, Xuan Chong also called people back from each region level by level. In the end, this large-scale retreat reached Yongji Pass, with a total of 15,000 people returning from the south, including not only troops but also a large number of civilian officials.

In the first half of the fourth year of the Tongzheng calendar, from the Thorn Plains to the four prefectures of Lingjiang, and then to Fenxing City, carts and horses transporting bamboo slips and documents became exceptionally common. In particular, the settlements in the southern part of Lingjiang, which were like "isolated islands," were also imbued with a scholarly atmosphere. The post stations along the roads cleared out a large area, paved it with stones, and formed a "book-drying" square.

With such a large group of people returning, Xuan Chong was to arrange "new jobs" and "new positions" for them. Just then, things also became clearer for Da Yao.

…We respectfully invite the Lord of War to return…

In the spring of the third year of the Tongzheng era, Wu Hengyu, after abandoning the Bo King's lineage, moved south to annex various feudal lords.

After capturing Yaodu, facing the numerous armies of the southern alliance, he dispatched 50,000 troops in the Battle of Fushui. These 50,000 troops were divided into seven armies. He led one cavalry army alone, successfully outflanking and routing the allied forces. The other armies, under orders, pursued their victory, trampling the enemy and causing a complete rout.

Narrator: Why not a single force? Because the major merchants in Bohai are currently unable to be mobilized to one place. In order to prevent the major suppliers of grain and fodder from causing trouble, Wu Hengyu had no choice but to divide his forces to attack them.

It is said that after this battle, many military strategists in the east and south of Da Yao dared not look Wu Hengyu in the eye.

In his arrogance following the victory, Wu Hengyu became extremely arrogant. Unable to resist the persuasion of wealthy merchants from Bohai and the advice of his men in the Eastern Market, he launched a massive search of Yaodu. This was not indiscriminate looting, but a well-organized and disciplined house-to-house search. Wu Hengyu's army abducted able-bodied men and women, transporting them to the impoverished Yan region.

Then Wu Hengyu had Xian Daoren and other sorcerers use the power of mountains and rivers to change the water veins entering Yaodu, intending to take the nine heavenly palaces with them; however, after these nine heavenly palaces were freed from the constraints of the Yaodu water veins, they flew into the sky and could no longer be seen.

The Heavenly Palace soared into the sky. Wu Hengyu, feeling embarrassed and perhaps realizing his own actions were somewhat immoral, hastily left the Bo King's faction in the desolate city of Yao and retreated back to Bo. As for the impending battle between Zhao Cheng and Xuan Chong, he chose to remain a bystander!

Wu Hengyu made this decision based on the advice of his advisors; of course, these advisors all had their own "blue stars" in their eyes.

The strategists advised, "At this moment, the only heroes in the world are you and Zhao Cheng. Your reputation is already renowned throughout the land, while Zhao Cheng's opportunism is far inferior to yours! If you succeed in your attack now, all will be well, but if you make the slightest mistake, wouldn't Zhao Cheng steal your glory?"
Duke Zhen has been building up his strength in the west for several years, and his kingdom is now stable. Although you, General, are renowned and are Duke Zhen's elder brother, his subordinates do not feel your power or influence. It would be better to let Zhao Cheng contend with Duke Zhen first. If Duke Zhen's power weakens, it will not be too late for you to make your move.”

Therefore, Wu Hengyu believed in guiding Xuan Chong that "he should not serve as Xuan Chong's vanguard."

However, in reality, Wu Hengyu's own people also disagreed with rescuing Zhao Cheng; the wealthy merchants and powerful clans in Bo were busy digesting the newly occupied territories, forming marriage alliances with the aristocratic families in those areas, and stabilizing their territories. They had no time to stab Zhao Cheng in the back at this time.

Currently, scholars across the land, after analyzing the overall situation, believe that Zhao Cheng must first fight Xuan Chong to gain power. Wu Hengyu, however, believes that he should strike later to gain the upper hand.

After Wu Hengyu's strategic retreat, Zhao Cheng quickly sent troops into Heluo. Although he failed to capture Yaodu, he seized six cities in the east and deployed defensive forces there.

In the autumn of the third year of the Tongzheng era, Zhao Cheng, without any interference, conquered all seven prefectures in the western half of Da Yao, excluding Xuanchong. Hou Hao then became the undisputed ruler of the north.

...Is the situation settled?...

As for Ningzhou, internal strife within the Yan family has led to internal strife and depletion of resources within Ningzhou.

Emperor Tongzheng had just entered his adolescence and wanted to rule in his own right, but ended up getting involved in the conflicts; little did he know that his actions aroused serious resentment within the Iwa family.

That year, he was humiliated and dragged out of the palace, forced to kneel in the ancestral temple for a day and a night by the lord of the Yan family.

The newly enthroned lord of the Yan family showed no respect for Yao Jun, arrogantly declaring, "The Emperor considers all matters of the world to be his own family's affairs; however, the land of Ningzhou is also my family's affair. The Emperor currently resides in my family; if he were to break his promise and act immorally towards the world, it would mean that my family has betrayed the world." He then seized the imperial seal and other tokens.

Despite Ningzhou's overstepping of its bounds, no other vassal states came forward to welcome the emperor. After all, everyone, from top to bottom, was preoccupied with their own immediate affairs and had no time to look up.

The common people were thinking about where to dig up grass roots to fill their stomachs; the soldiers were wondering why the meat they had been eating these past few days tasted sour; and the scholar-officials were thinking about how to preserve their families in this chaotic world.

Because in this era, the powerful lords have already lost their strength in the chaos of war; and the powerful families of the world have also realized that in this world, the strong can rule with absolute power.

The order is collapsing; even the emperor's reign is short-lived. What about the feudal lords?

…arch-rivals…

In June of the fourth year of the Tongzheng calendar, in the Tengxing Pavilion within the main city of Yuzhou, Zhao Cheng sat in the lord's seat.

The number of his advisors and generals is dozens of times greater than it was five years ago. These talented individuals are actively helping him keep abreast of the world's affairs.

At this moment, all the noble families and talented individuals in the hall were focused on Wu Hengyu, the Prince of Bo in the east. However, Zhao Cheng's gaze shifted to the regions of Zhen, Yong, Xia, and Xiang. This was because he had received intelligence that Xuan Chong had returned.

Zhao Cheng murmured, "Why did you come back?" Then Zhao Cheng said with relief, "Indeed, your appearance at this crucial moment in the grand scheme of things is just right."

A few years ago, Zhao Cheng had no energy left to deal with matters in the west. Taking Zhengzhou would require the full strength of the nation, a third of Hao Kingdom's military force, and sufficient strategic deception of the east to buy six months of time.

According to Zhao Cheng's plan, after suppressing Wu Hengyu's strategic forces in the east for another year or two, he would personally lead an army of 300,000 men to the west and take Zhendi in one battle.

But now, just as his army was about to reach 300,000 men, Xuan Chong returned.

Zhao Cheng didn't believe that Zhen would remain peaceful after Xuan Chong's return. He held this adversary, whose military strategy was a perfect match for his own, in high regard. He knew that if he were in Xuan Chong's position, he would definitely take action against Hou Hao.

Zhao Cheng now has a larger territory, but he also faces the same troubles that Emperor Shu once had. At this point, he often cannot withstand fighting on two fronts.

The Central Plains had enjoyed a long period of peace, and military strategists were generally incompetent. However, after these past few years of fighting, they have become quite capable. …Severing ties…

On the other side, in Huangyu City, a towering platform stands abruptly in the north. Compared to the nine floating palaces in the capital city of Dayao, this newly built General's Platform, although only on the ground, is identical in its brickwork and architectural style to that of the emperor.

This is the Bowang Mansion. It was originally built for Xu Siwang. After the Battle of Fushui, when Xu Siwang was "sent back" to Yaodu, Wu Hengyu became king and lived here.

In the years of the Tongzheng calendar, as the competition among the feudal lords entered its second half, those who survived were all given titles by the declining royal family of Da Yao.

This pavilion is thirty zhang high. With just a slight tread of wind from this high platform, the black steed can carry Wu Hengyu straight into the sky. There are also celestial boats that can take off and land on both sides.

Whether or not it constitutes overstepping one's bounds is only a matter of time.

Wu Hengyu was looking at the map when he saw the letter from his hometown. After confirming that Xuan Chong had returned, he nodded: "Hehe, he's finally back."

Then, Wu Hengyu's son, Wu Ming, said, "It seems that Uncle Fei hasn't received his title yet. He hasn't gone through the process of being made a king."

Wu Hengyu frowned: "He wouldn't even accept the title of king?"

Wu Hengyu opened the letter, glanced at it, paused slightly, then frowned and said, "He does have some self-awareness. Humph, he went for a stroll in the south and now he's telling me he needs to rest and recuperate! Lazy donkeys produce a lot of shit and pee."

An advisor said, "Compared to the struggle for supremacy in the Central Plains, Wu Yuanchang values ​​the Southern Frontier more, so naturally he will prioritize the South over the North."

Wu Hengyu: "After we finish conquering the Central Plains, he'll come back to steal chickens? Even if we win, the world will still look down on him."

…decision…

In Lelang City, Zhendi. With Xuan Chong's complete return, the first thing he had to face was the eager urging of his officials to ascend the throne; as for the royal residence, it was already prepared; and the title of Prince Zhen had also arrived.

Over the past few years, Xuan Chong had long known that Emperor Tongzheng had bestowed upon him the title of "King"; however, given his subordinates' eagerness for further developments, Xuan Chong dared not add the title "King of Chen".

Xuan Chong: A king must be virtuous. "Virtue" means ensuring that the people of a region are wholeheartedly devoted to him; his current achievements are merely "guarding the borders." In the distribution of profits from all southward expansion and the establishment of factories, he only benefits the group most closely following him, completely failing to win the hearts of the people.

If he continues to use the title of general, no one will identify him, but if he uses the title of "King of Zhen," it will give some people a reason to oppose his uprising.

At this point, Xuan Chong did not want to give his opposition any reason.

At this moment, Xuan Chong, who firmly upholds "loyalty" to the major line, declares: to oppose me is to oppose the major line, to be a traitor, and to be sent to the southern border to serve as a garrison.

Note: Xuan Chong learned from the Security Bureau that there were quite a few rebels under his jurisdiction, and that many of the "local accents" in Zhao Cheng's area were scholars from his own region. How did these people end up with Zhao Cheng? Xuan Chong did not believe that it had nothing to do with the powerful families of Zhen.

When it comes to expanding territory, Xuan Chong prefers to use the title of General Who Conquers the South from Da Yao; because at present, most people in Da Yao do not even know where the outer boundary line is.

Immigrants flocking to the border regions need several generations to stabilize the situation; it takes more than ten generations of governance to bring the territory into the country.

If I use the name of the King of Chen and we lose the next big battle, this title, which may not be authentic in the future history books, will seem illegitimate as a stamp on newly conquered land!

After Xuan Chong returned to the Wu family, he began to "pacify the rumors and rectify the people's hearts." He explicitly issued documents to various regions, stating that he was "of meager virtue and unworthy to be called king, only fit to protect the state of one region."

Under the recommendation of various parties, Xuan Chong "reluctantly" agreed to accept the title of "Lord Chen".

Xuan Chong considered this title based on the achievements of "Duke Mu of Qin": "He benefited twelve states, expanded his territory by a thousand miles, and became the hegemon of the Western Rong."

Once upon a time, when Xuan Chong was in a lower position, he despised etiquette and wished he could overstep it every day; but now, approaching forty and having become the ruler of a region, he has begun to abide by etiquette.

Xuan Chong: This is because when I was young, I didn't consider the consequences, and since I was all alone, I overstepped my bounds without thinking that I would have to pay my subordinates' salaries after taking over! But now that I have a large family business, I really have to consider paying my subordinates' salaries, so I don't dare to overstep my bounds at all.

In the past, ordinary people were far less concerned about respecting small business owners who earned tens of thousands a month than people in Miou.

In terms of etiquette and law, one can gain corresponding social recognition when doing things.

This situation is completely nonexistent in Western maritime and commercially driven countries, such as a certain beacon country. Some mafia families, after laundering their money, enter politics. At this level, they can directly rise to the top of parliament and eventually become the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

This is completely unimaginable in the East.

Even the coal mine owners themselves are recipients of this kind of ideological imprint, usually eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants and soaking in public bathhouses, keeping a very low profile.

Back to the present, Xuan Chong is very clear about his own "level"!
Wu Hengyu can be king, but Wu Yuanchang cannot. Zhao Cheng can declare himself king, but Xuan Chong cannot!

How is this level determined? It's determined by the ability to dominate the world and the established fact of conquering several states. Once someone achieves success in this area, scholars from all over the world will see them as a viable option to serve.

So far, although Xuan Chong has been on a southward expedition, he has only conquered undeveloped and desolate lands. Insiders highly regard Xuan Chong's military abilities, but the world has yet to see Xuan Chong's blade drawn from its sheath! The lands under his command so far are all expansions of the existing territories conquered by Wu Hanluan.

So while he has managed the region very well and boosted productivity significantly, in reality, compared to Zhao Cheng and Wu Hengyu, he is just a wealthy coal mine owner.

Now Xuan Chong must use his "military achievements" to prove that he has the ability to bring other states under his control in this struggle for supremacy!

Only in this way can we gain the following of more talented people.

However, times have changed, and scholars from other parts of the world no longer believe that, now that the struggle for supremacy has entered its second half, there are still "new players" who can enter the game.

Several years ago, during the tumultuous upheaval in the land, although the domestic economy was devastated, all the powerful families and scholars had already chosen sides. (This was actually very unfair to scholars; those who joined later in the political arena and then switched sides were considered traitors. Even if they rejoined, this stain on their record would prevent them from rising to important positions.)
According to traditional theory, conquering a country requires the support of powerful families. Otherwise, even if a place is captured, the land cannot be measured, taxes cannot be collected, and the only option is to levy taxes by force. Ultimately, the country will be unable to maintain its rule for long and will eventually leave.

In the East, as long as the land, the means of production, exists, even if only a few dozen households remain, they can recover and rebuild.

For those vying for supremacy, there is never a shortage of farmers, but what their empires lack are talents who can statistically analyze the output of the local means of production.

Now the people of Shihlin don't believe that Hsuan Chung can continue to compete even if he missed the first half!

…The weapon used for hunting deer can be a feudal lord's sword, or it can be a teacher's ruler…

Xuan Chong arrived at the government office, where Wu Juwang was already present, along with hundreds of other officials, all cooperating with Xuan Chong to verify the current national strength. After reviewing the statistics on steel, bronze, grain, and roads under construction over the years, Xuan Chong smiled at Wu Juwang and the others, and slowly said, "Gentlemen, the world does not recognize your talents! Next, we will shift our focus from the southern border back to the north."

Wu Juwang and the others' eyes lit up, and they all looked at Xuan Chong.

Xuan Chong addressed Wu Juwang and the people behind him, reciting in a light and excited tone: "All have passed away; let us look to the present for truly remarkable figures!"—The people he had trained were about to reveal their abilities to the world.

All the young people felt a burning passion ignite in their hearts as they looked into Xuan Chong's expectant gaze.

In particular, Wu Juwang recalled his meeting with Xuan Chong in Yaodu back then, as well as the bits and pieces of his personal teachings over the years; the name Xuan Chong gave him back then, in retrospect, had planted the seeds of expectation more than a decade ago! Compared to the "serving the country" that welled up in the hearts of others now, Wu Juwang understood in his heart that "a scholar will die for one who understands him."

(End of this chapter)