Martial Arts: My achievements in Beiliang were so great that they threatened the lord's positio

Inside the prefect's residence, servants were busy tidying up the house and moving supplies, while thousands of soldiers' families were settled in the East Market area behind the residence.

"Manager Zhang, please make sure to check the goods carefully when they are put into storage, and make sure to verify the accounts clearly."

The head maid, Mu Qing, was meticulous in her work and feared making mistakes, so she went to the backyard to repeatedly instruct the servants.

"Miss Qing, don't you trust Uncle Zhang to handle things?"

The lame old man chuckled and replied, "If there's even the slightest error in the accounts, Uncle Zhang will wring his own head off."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."

Mu Qing nodded: "I'll go tidy up the room for you, young master."

The once quiet prefectural residence gradually became lively, with people coming and going in an endless stream.

Lin Xuan toured the mansion inside and out, visiting all the courtyards and rooms before returning to the main hall.

A huge map of Yan County was spread out on the table. Apart from the brothers Zhang Wei and Zhang Long, who had already gone to Duanlong Pass, all of his trusted generals were gathered here.

"The autumn harvest season will be in another month."

Lin Xuan sat down, picked up his teacup, and slowly said, "With Duanlong Pass in place, the Northern Python is temporarily safe, but the surrounding Hu and Qiang tribes will definitely come to plunder."

"Please feel free to speak your mind and share your thoughts."

"The three prefectures of Higashihara will be the first to be impacted."

Wang Qing stared at the map with a solemn expression: "The western counties are adjacent to the Dafu Mountains, and the terrain is undulating, so grain production has always been low."

The most productive counties in the entire Yan Commandery are concentrated on both sides of the Chang River, which is the most troublesome part.

There were only three cities to the east, and the terrain was open, which was completely unable to stop the Qiang cavalry from launching a surprise attack.

If they continue to plunder during the autumn harvest, countless people in the entire Yan County will suffer from hunger and cold this winter.

Tian Hu, Meng Jiao, and Huyan Lie were all seasoned veterans. With just a few glances at the map, they quickly grasped the current situation. "The most important thing right now is to ensure the safe completion of the autumn harvest in all the counties along the Chang River."

Lin Xuan looked at Meng Jiao: "Go on."

"Simply playing defense won't work."

Meng Jiao pondered for a moment, "Yan County stretches for five hundred li from north to south, with flat terrain, and the Hu and Qiang cavalry are as swift as the wind."

Even if we increased our numbers to eight thousand, let alone the current eight hundred, we still wouldn't be able to hold out.

"Then let's take the initiative."

A sharp glint flashed in Tian Hu's eyes. "If we can't hold out, we might as well strike first and target a few Hu and Qiang tribes to set an example and warn them."

Once the autumn harvest is over, we will immediately recruit new soldiers and intensify their training.

I remember the adults mentioning that the prince promised to provide five thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry with military equipment? Give me a winter, and while I dare not say I can train an elite cavalry, it would be no difficult task to organize several thousand decent cavalrymen.

Next spring, we will push the battle line forward, deep into the territory of the Hu and Qiang people, relying on the three cities in the east to sustain our war effort and keep them from having any peace.

"At that point, let's see how they'll still have the mind to steal grain."

"This idea is feasible."

Wang Qing expressed his agreement.

"Eight hundred people are definitely not enough."

Meng Jiao said in a serious tone, "The archery and horsemanship skills of the Hu and Qiang people in Yan should not be underestimated. In terms of archery and horsemanship, these tribal cavalry can even surpass the Northern Python Iron Cavalry."

"The problem is that we don't know exactly how many soldiers the Yan County currently has, or what their combat strength is."

Tian Hu rubbed his palms together, eager to try. "As long as we're not too bad, we'll soon be able to teach those Qiang people a lesson."

"The roster contains eight thousand people."

Lin Xuan smirked. "It's actually only five thousand."

Even before setting off, he had sent people to Yan County to secretly gather intelligence.

"Zhang Song may not be very capable, but he's certainly bold."

Meng Hu snorted coldly, "Sir, should we take him down first?"

"It's not advisable to move him for now."

Lin Xuan shook his head. "Killing him now would likely cause unrest among the people of Yan County."

His finger moved to the Chang River on the map: "I originally planned to build a fortress along the Chang River, east of Dongyuan County, to defend against the Hu and Qiang peoples."

But now I've changed my mind.

His gaze swept over the crowd: "Just as you all said, it's impossible to hold out."

We must first take decisive action to intimidate and establish our authority.

"Hehe, sir, why don't you choose two targets?"

Tian Hu grinned.

"I've already made my choice."

Lin Xuan's finger landed about 300 miles east of the Chang River. "The Helan tribe here has a population of about 20,000 and can field about 4,000 cavalry. It is the largest Hu and Qiang tribe within a radius of several hundred miles."

We'll use them as a warning to others.

"Who's going?"

"Wow!"

Meng Jiao interrupted, "I'll fight anyone who tries to argue with me."

"There's no use in you being anxious. I should be the one to lead the charge."

Tian Hu refused to back down.

"You two have more battle achievements than me, so it's my turn this time, isn't it?"

Hu Yanlie quickly interjected.

"Stop fooling around."

Tian Hu readily agreed.

"I only need four thousand people."

Hu Yanlie looked at Lin Xuan.

"I only need three thousand."

Meng Jiao immediately responded.

"Two thousand is enough for me."

Tian Hu pushed the two of them aside.

"There's no point in arguing about it."

Lin Xuan made the final decision: "This is our first battle to establish ourselves in Yan County, and we must fight it well."

So the three of you go together.

Tian Hu was appointed commander-in-chief, with Meng Jiao and Huyan Lie as his deputies.

"cough,"

Wang Qing interjected at the opportune moment, "My lord, isn't it a bit too early to decide who will lead the troops? We haven't even gotten our hands on the military power in Yan County yet."

As night deepened, the prefect's mansion was brightly lit.

Zhang Song and Wen Cheng sat at the table, their expressions revealing a hint of unease—Lin Xuan had not yet shown up.

Faint music drifted from outside the hall, where several women were dancing gracefully, their gauze skirts billowing in the air.

But the two of them had no heart to appreciate the scenery.

"Zhang Sima, Wen Zhubu, the lord has important matters to attend to and has ordered me to come and keep him company first."

As Wang Qing spoke, he poured wine for the two of them.

"It's alright, it's alright."

Zhang Song quickly waved his hand.

Wang Qing sat down next to Wen Cheng and sighed softly, "People from various county offices have been coming to see me one after another today, with one matter after another, as if there's no end to it all."

Wen Cheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked in a low voice, "Is the lord receiving officials from various government offices?"

"Exactly."

Wang Qing nodded, "This one wants grain, that one wants soldiers, and some even ask for money right off the bat."

The county magistrate of Dongyuan County went even further, requesting that the magistrate send troops to assist with the autumn harvest.

"The matter of military affairs is nothing more than soldiers, horses, money, and provisions."

The lord has just arrived today, and there are insufficient soldiers, a shortage of food, and very little silver in the treasury.

I went to check the treasury in the afternoon; there were only a few loose copper coins left.

Wang Qing shook his head. "The land of Yan County is indeed difficult."

"Indeed."

Wen Cheng and Zhang Song echoed in unison, "The Hu and Qiang tribes have repeatedly invaded, causing widespread suffering and empty treasuries. We are also deeply worried day and night."

"I don't think so."

Wang Qing suddenly sneered, "Although Yan County is located on the frontier, it is still a county-level administrative region. How can its treasury be so empty?"

Wen Cheng's shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly, and Zhang Song quickly gave him a look.

"There must be worms hiding in the county."

Wang Qing slammed his hand on the table, his voice turning stern, "Your Excellency hates these kinds of people the most in your life."

Back in the Northern Liang, countless corrupt officials were beheaded.

Zhang Song and Wen Cheng's faces were slightly pale, but they still tried to remain calm.

"I was just expressing my feelings today, so please don't spread what I just said."

Wang Qing's tone softened slightly, "A new official must establish his authority upon taking office."

If anyone looks down on adults, they will naturally be the first to be punished.

"Absolutely, absolutely."

Zhang Songqian laughed twice.

"These people are truly audacious."

Wen Cheng echoed this sentiment.

"What the master means is that he is new to Yan County and unfamiliar with many things, so he will need to rely on the two of you more in the future."

Wang Qing smiled and said, "If you two can help replenish the treasury and recover the lost money, grain, and weapons, it will be a great achievement."

"Your humble servant will do his utmost to live up to your expectations."

Zhang Song stood up, his words earnest.

"The same applies to Wen Mou."

Wen Cheng immediately stood up.

"well."

Wang Qing nodded with a smile, "No wonder the lord praised you two as loyal and brave ministers who would never stoop to associating with those parasites."

"open!"

"What are you doing?"

At this moment, a group of soldiers escorted two bound men to the outside of the hall.

"What's all this commotion about?"

Wang Qing frowned and shouted.

"By order of Your Excellency, the captured corrupt officials shall be escorted to the Prefect's residence for Your Excellency's personal interrogation."

The centurion at the head of the group clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and reported the news.

"The master is handling official business in the backyard."

Wang Qing instructed, "Bring it over."

"this……"

The centurion hesitated for a moment, but seeing Wang Qing's expression darken, he had no choice but to bring the two officials closer.

"What is your position?"

"I am the granary manager."

"This humble official is on duty guarding the armory."

"My lord, we have been wronged."

The two subordinates prostrated themselves and kowtowed.

"With all the evidence against you, how dare you deny it?"

The guard leader presented two ledgers and a stack of letters: "Chief Secretary Wang, these are the accounts obtained from the residences of the two men and their correspondence with the Hu and Qiang tribes."

The two men were ashen-faced.

"Confess! Who ordered you to do this?"

Wang Qing's expression was stern.

Zhang Song and Wen Cheng suddenly turned pale.

Zhang Song, who came from a military background, frequently gestured to the two men with his eyes.

"Confess immediately!"

The guard leader drew his sword and held it to the side of the armory guard's neck, who trembled with fear and felt a chill run down his spine.

"When Your Excellency was about to take up your post, the King of Beiliang made it clear that: within the territory of Yanzhou, the appointment, dismissal, life and death of officials can be decided independently without the need to report to the emperor."

Wang Qing coldly said, "If you refuse to tell the truth, you will not live past tomorrow."

"Lord Zhang, Lord Wen, please save us!"

The minor official collapsed to the ground, pleading with Zhang Song and Wen Qing.

"You have colluded with the Hu and Qiang tribes, and embezzled government granaries; your crimes are unforgivable, how could I possibly spare you!"

Zhang Song rebuked him outwardly but inwardly weakly.

"Zhang Sima, you can't just stand by and watch someone die!"

The armory guard was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face.

"explain!"

"Who is the mastermind? Who are the accomplices?"

Wang Qing demanded an explanation in a stern voice.

"Chief Secretary Wang, such treacherous individuals should be executed without mercy!"

Zhang Song urgently offered his advice.

"Since Zhang Sima does not care about our past relationship, don't blame me for being heartless."

"I'm willing to confess!"

The minor official pointed angrily at Zhang Song, gritting his teeth, "The masterminds behind this are those two!"

"good!"

The granary manager also identified Zhang Song and Wen Cheng.

"You are all making baseless accusations!"

Wen Cheng blushed, his eyes filled with panic.

Zhang Song slumped in the chair, his eyes vacant.

Done

It's all over.

At this moment, Wen Cheng and Zhang Song had only this thought in their minds.

They will be the first sacrifices made by the new prefect Lin Xuan to establish his authority, destined to be burned to ashes and leave no trace.

"Arrogant!"

Wang Qing's sharp shout suddenly ignited a glimmer of light in their otherwise lifeless hearts.

"Zhang Sima and Wen Zhubu are loyal and virtuous ministers personally praised by Your Excellency. How could they possibly collude with you?"

Wang Qing, enraged, pointed his halberd at the two officials and shouted angrily, "You must be desperate and resorting to baseless accusations!"

"Exactly!"

Like a drowning man clutching at a floating weed, Wen Cheng found his courage from nowhere.

"Prefect Wang, please do not listen to slanderous words. My innocence and that of Sima Zhang are beyond question!"

"They framed us!"

"This is undoubtedly a false accusation!"

"I humbly request that Chief Secretary Wang and Your Excellency investigate this matter thoroughly!"

This prefectural clerk almost swore an oath to heaven to show his sincerity.

"How dare you!"

Wang Qing snatched the cold knife from the soldier's hand. With a flash of cold light, two heads rolled off, and blood spurted out.

The two officials died with their eyes wide open, their faces filled with fear and bewilderment.

They never understood why they were still slaughtered after confessing.

"Wang hates these kinds of people who make baseless accusations the most in his life."

Wang Qing threw his knife to the ground, his face ashen.

As he turned around, his expression had returned to calm. He waved his hand and said, "Drag him away."

"Yes, ma'am."

The two buckets of well water were poured out, and the bloodstains were completely wiped away.

"Zhang Sima and Wen Zhubu, it seems that there are treacherous villains lurking in the prefectural government. You two must be more careful in your future actions."

Wang Qingsu said solemnly, "If such false accusations were to occur again, even if Your Excellency trusts you two, he may still have doubts."

"Chief Secretary Wang, I swear to Heaven that if I ever harbor any disloyal thoughts in the future, I will surely be punished by Heaven!"

Zhang Song hurriedly pledged his loyalty.

"Okay, then that's settled."

Wang Qing smiled and nodded slightly.

Zhang Song and Wen Cheng finally felt relieved. Neither of them were stupid, and of course they had noticed it.

Today's banquet, meant to intimidate and scare them, is clearly a show put on for them.