I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

After bidding farewell, Zhao Mingcheng headed west from Bianjing, passed through Tongguan, and crossed Mount Hua, traveling day and night through arduous journeys.

By the time they arrived in Qin Prefecture, it had been several days since they left the capital.

Qinzhou was an important town on the ancient Silk Road, the first major city after leaving Chang'an to the west, and a crucial node connecting Guanzhong to the Hehuang region.

The city is nestled against the mountains and overlooks the water, and its scenery is quite different from the prosperity and splendor of Bianjing. The streets are filled with shops trading furs, medicinal herbs, and tea and horses, and the faces of the pedestrians have a more rugged and weathered look, typical of the frontier.

Zhao Mingcheng and his entourage stayed at the official post station in the east of the city.

The inn was quite large, but simply furnished, with thick walls and narrow windows, clearly built to the standards of a border town, emphasizing sturdiness and practicality.

He had just settled in, washed up, and changed into a narrow-sleeved robe that allowed him to move around easily when a servant came to report to him.

"My lord, General Liu Zhongwu has arrived outside the post station and is waiting for us with his troops."

"Please come in quickly." Zhao Mingcheng straightened his clothes and walked to the front hall of the post station.

Outside the hall was a small courtyard made of rammed earth, where a hundred cavalrymen stood silently.

These cavalrymen were quite different in temperament from the imperial guards and palace guards of Bianjing.

Most of them had dark reddish-brown complexions, their cheeks bearing the marks of long-term exposure to the high-altitude sun. They were not all burly, but their sharp and capable demeanor was striking.

Their mounts were all tall and strong Hequ horses or foreign horses, with neat saddles and bridles.

Although they stood still, they exuded an aura of battle-hardened, fierce, and austere soldiers, clearly indicating that they were elite troops.

Behind them were several large carts filled with cloth, tea, and salt. These were the items Zeng Bu had instructed Liu Zhongwu to bring, as they were more useful than money in Qinghai.

The leading general, about thirty years old, was not fully armored, but wore a grayish-blue military uniform with a half-worn leather armor over it, and a long sword hung at his waist.

He was quite tall with broad shoulders and a straight back, but he didn't have the physique of a muscular, burly man; instead, he appeared rather thin.

He stood with his hands at his sides, calmly watching Zhao Mingcheng walk out of the hall.

"This humble general, Liu Zhongwu, pays his respects to Envoy Zhao, the Pacification Commissioner."

Upon seeing Zhao Mingcheng emerge, Liu Zhongwu immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed, giving a standard military salute.

The hundred riders behind him also bowed in unison on their horses, their armor rubbing together and making a low, clattering sound, their movements perfectly synchronized.

"General Liu, there's no need for such formalities. All the soldiers have worked hard, please rise quickly." Zhao Mingcheng took a few quick steps, offered a helping hand, and spoke with a gentle yet dignified manner.

He sized up Liu Zhongwu and secretly praised him, "He is indeed a remarkable person."

Liu Zhongwu was the father of Liu Qi, a famous general of the Southern Song Dynasty. In his later years, Liu Zhongwu was in charge of the Mingdao Palace.

In the original history, Gao Qiu was trained under Liu Zhongwu when he was in the army.

"Thank you, sir." Liu Zhongwu straightened up and stepped aside. "This humble general has been ordered by the Privy Council to select one hundred elite cavalrymen from among his troops to serve under your command. These one hundred men are all veteran soldiers of the Western Army, accustomed to mountain roads and able to endure the bitter cold. Several dozen of them are fluent in foreign languages ​​and are suitable to serve as guards and guides."

"Thank you for your trouble, General." Zhao Mingcheng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the hundred silent, iron-willed cavalrymen, and his heart calmed down slightly.

With this force, we finally had some support in this unfamiliar and dangerous place.

"Gentlemen, you have come a long way and must be tired. Please make arrangements for the brothers to rest and have a meal. General Liu, if there is nothing else, please come inside for a chat. I have some border matters to discuss with you."

"Your subordinate obeys." Liu Zhongwu turned around and whispered a few words to a squad leader, who clasped his hands in acceptance and went to arrange the soldiers.

Liu Zhongwu followed Zhao Mingcheng into the front hall.

Coarse tea had been prepared in the hall, and the two took their seats as host and guest respectively.

Liu Zhongwu stood tall and straight, even when seated, his back was ramrod straight, his hands were neatly placed on his knees, and his eyes were level as he waited for Zhao Mingcheng to ask him questions.

His posture was respectful, yet without any hint of flattery.

"General Liu, I am here on imperial orders to pacify the Hehuang region. I am new to border affairs and even more of a novice in military matters. General, you have long been stationed in the western frontier and your reputation is well-established. I will need your assistance this time."

Zhao Mingcheng got straight to the point, his tone sincere.

"Your Excellency is too modest. I am but a lowly military man who only knows how to obey orders. The Privy Council once wrote that Your Excellency is a man of exceptional talent and vision. This trip to the west will surely open a new chapter for the Hehuang region."

"Given the command, I will obey without question."

Liu Zhongwu not only demonstrated his obedience but also elevated Zhao Mingcheng's status and pointed out Zeng Bu's instructions, implying that he already knew the key to the matter.

Zhao Mingcheng understood immediately; he knew this was a code from "one of their own."

He smiled slightly, stopped being polite, and turned to ask about practical matters.

"General, since your journey from Jingyuan, have you heard anything about the recent situation in Xihe and Qingtang? The transportation of grain and fodder, the activities of the tribes, the morale of the army—if you have any information, please do not hesitate to inform me."

Liu Zhongwu pondered for a moment, then said.

"I dare not conceal this from you, sir. After receiving the order, I rushed to Qin Prefecture day and night, and also sent scouts to inquire along the way. I heard that... although Qing Tang has fallen, General Wang Shan and General Wang Min have a deep-seated feud, almost to the point of being irreconcilable."

Sun Xianggong, the military commissioner of Xihe Lanhui Road, seems to be showing favoritism, and General Wang Shan, whose military power has been stripped, harbors considerable resentment. As for provisions…

At this point, Liu Zhongwu frowned slightly.

"Since the start of military operations last year, the suffering of the people in Guanzhong, Qinfeng and other areas in transporting goods has been indescribable. This year, there is a slight drought in Guanzhong, and grain prices have already begun to rise."

The army's provisions at the front are likely...unsustainable for long. On the tribal front, defeated chieftains like Xisheluosa have fled into the mountains, colluding with other tribes to launch small-scale raids on supply lines and scouts; these incidents are frequently reported. Many are also surrendering to other tribes, causing widespread anxiety and uncertainty.

What Liu Zhongwu said basically matched Zhao Mingcheng's analysis in Bianjing and what he saw along the way, but was more specific.

"General, what do you think is the most urgent matter?" Zhao Mingcheng wanted to hear the opinion of this frontline general.

Liu Zhongwu said solemnly.

"In my humble opinion, Qinghai is newly acquired, like a child carrying gold in the market. The most important thing is to stabilize the internal situation. First, stabilize the morale of the army. Disharmony among generals is the way to defeat, and the court must make a clear decision. Second, stabilize the supply lines. Without food, the army cannot be mobilized, and if the supply lines are unstable, the morale of the army will surely collapse. Third, stabilize the tribal tribes. We cannot simply use high pressure. We should use both suppression and appeasement, and divide and conquer them. This is the best strategy."

The concept of "securing the interior," "securing the grain supply routes," and "securing the Tibetan tribes" is concise and clear, highly consistent with Zhao Mingcheng's core idea of ​​"stabilizing the borders," and places greater emphasis on military realities.

Zhao Mingcheng nodded in approval.

"General's words are insightful and align perfectly with His Majesty's intentions. Stabilizing the tribes is of paramount importance. His Majesty has already ordered the surrendered Xia Zheng to accompany him in order to win over the old followers. General, do you think this man is capable?"

Liu Zhongwu's eyes flashed, clearly indicating that he was aware of the court's use of arbitrary charges, and he spoke cautiously.

"Xia Zheng has just been defeated and has surrendered; his intentions are difficult to fathom. However, he is, after all, the former ruler of Qinghai, and his name still retains some influence among the Tibetans in the Hehuang region. If used properly, it would indeed be a good move. But we must be wary of his duplicity or his attempt to use this opportunity to grow too powerful."

"Yes, using its name to control its power is the way to govern it," Zhao Mingcheng interjected, and the two exchanged a glance.

After this conversation, Zhao Mingcheng had a very good impression of Liu Zhongwu, feeling that he was indeed a rare general who was both literate and martial, and knowledgeable about the border situation.

Liu Zhongwu also quietly put aside his initial doubts that this young civil official might be "armchair strategist".

He also felt that Zhao Mingcheng was clear-headed, pragmatic, and willing to listen, and was not a bookish idiot who was out of touch with reality.

After resting for a day in Qin Prefecture and replenishing some supplies, the team continued westward.

Liu Zhongwu's hundred elite cavalrymen escorted Zhao Mingcheng's carriage and a small number of baggage carts in the middle, moving swiftly and with strict security.

The further west you go, the higher the terrain becomes, and the drier and colder the climate becomes. Although it is only early autumn, the mornings and evenings are already bone-chilling.

The scenery along the way changed from fertile plains to rolling loess hills and deep river valleys.

Several days later, they arrived in Xizhou.

This place served as the Song army's forward base for managing the Hehuang region. The city was even more strategically important than Qinzhou, and the military command headquarters was located here.

Zhao Mingcheng and his party did not enter the city directly, but set up camp on a sheltered riverbank five miles south of the city as agreed.

The Tibetan leader, Xia Zheng, and his followers mentioned in the decree will reunite with the troops here.

In the afternoon, the sound of hooves echoed in the distance, raising dust as about a hundred riders came winding their way from the western mountain road.

These knights were dressed very differently from the Song army. They mostly wore dirty old leather robes, their hair was braided into countless thin braids or draped over their shoulders, and their faces were smeared with oil to protect against the wind and sand, making them look rugged and down-and-out.

Their mounts were mostly Tibetan horses, which were quite stamina-rich but rather short.

The caravan also included dozens of yak oxen, carrying tents, leather bags, and other items, making them appear quite bulky.

The leader looked to be in his forties, tall but with a slightly hunched back. He wore a once-glorious but now faded and worn-out brocade-trimmed leather robe and a faded rolled-brimmed leather hat.

His face was dark, his wrinkles were deep, and his eyes were cloudy, having lost the sharp gleam that a great ruler of the grasslands should possess.

This man was the former ruler of Qing Tang, now the Duke of Guiyi – his Han name was Zhao Huaide, and his original name was Xia Zheng.

The blind army stopped about a hundred paces away from the Song army camp.

He urged his horse forward alone and slowly arrived at the camp. His gaze swept somewhat blankly over the orderly ranks of Song cavalry, finally landing on Zhao Mingcheng, who was surrounded by Liu Zhongwu and others and standing at the camp gate.

He hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly dismounted, his movements even a little unsteady. He then touched his chest, bowed, and spoke in Chinese with a heavy Tibetan accent.

"Your humble servant... Zhao Huaide, by imperial decree... awaits the orders of the angel."

His voice was dry and lifeless.

Zhao Mingcheng sighed inwardly the first time he looked him over.

Where is even a trace of the aura of a powerful warlord in this man?

He was clearly a dejected man whose spirit had been completely broken by war, defeat, and exile.

To make him a fulcrum for "using barbarians to control barbarians," we must first give him some hope, something tangible and tangible that he can grasp.

"Your Excellency, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."

Zhao Mingcheng stepped forward, offered a helping hand, and spoke calmly.

"You have had a long and arduous journey. His Majesty knows of your sincere allegiance and has specially ordered me to come and comfort you. He also hopes to leverage your prestige in the Hehuang region to pacify your former subordinates and bring peace to the area. From now on, we will need your continued assistance."

Xia Zheng straightened up, his eyes still dark, and said in a low voice.

"A defeated general, a homeless dog, dares not speak of 'reputation.' But whatever the angel commands, Wilde... obeys without question."

Zhao Mingcheng glanced at his equally dejected and ragged followers behind him and whispered a few words to Liu Zhongwu.

Liu Zhongwu nodded and ordered his soldiers to take some tea bricks, cloth, and salt from the supplies they had brought with them and deliver them to Xia Zheng's troops.

"These are gifts from the Emperor to you and your people, to temporarily supplement your expenses," Zhao Mingcheng said to Xia Zheng, who looked astonished. "Have your people settle down first, and then you can come into my tent to talk."

Xia Zheng looked at the supplies that were extremely precious to the Tibetan tribes, and a flicker of emotion finally appeared in his eyes.

He turned and shouted a few words to his men in Tibetan. The men looked on with disbelief and surprise, dismounted, and began to receive supplies amidst the chaos and gratitude. The atmosphere in the camp became a little more lively.

Inside the central command tent, Zhao Mingcheng dismissed his attendants, leaving only Liu Zhongwu by his side.

He invited Xia Zheng to sit down and poured him a bowl of hot tea.

"Lord of the County," Zhao Mingcheng said, getting straight to the point.

"You submitted to the Song Dynasty, seeking nothing more than to save your life, perhaps... also hoping to find a way for your people to survive, or even to restore some of your former wealth and status. Is that not it?"

Xia Zheng held the warm teacup, his fingers trembling slightly. He hadn't expected this young Song official to be so direct.

He was silent for a moment, then spoke in a hoarse voice.

"The angel... is right. Now, all I ask for is a pasture to settle these people who followed me but were displaced because of me, so that they may have food to eat, clothes to wear, and no more being bullied... That would be enough. As for the past..."

He shook his head bitterly.

"What if I say it's not just this?" Zhao Mingcheng asked, staring into his eyes.

Xia Zheng was startled, looked up, and the faint light in his eyes flickered uncertainly.

"The Hehuang region is vast, and there are many Tibetan tribes. Xisheluosa, under the banner of avenging you and restoring Tibet, has rallied many tribes dissatisfied with the status quo to continue their resistance against the imperial court," Zhao Mingcheng said slowly.

"Although you have lost, your title remains. If you were to step forward and tell those tribes that have been coerced, oppressed, or simply watching in bewilderment that submitting to the Song Dynasty is not the end of the world, but rather allows them to retain their pastures and livestock, with their chieftains still managing their tribes. They could also use their livestock and grain to fairly exchange for tea, cloth, salt, and even... titles and rewards from the imperial court. How many tribes do you think would be willing to listen to you then?"

Xia Zheng's breathing quickened slightly; he understood the meaning behind Zhao Mingcheng's words.

Is this an attempt to help him regain his influence?

But he still had doubts.

"Angels...the court, can you really do this? Not seize our pastures? Not slaughter our children? And even engage in fair trade?"

"I am acting on imperial orders to appease you, and my words are measured," Zhao Mingcheng said solemnly.

"What the court desires is peace and long-term stability in the Hehuang region, not short-sighted measures. I have already made this clear to His Majesty, and I have come here to test its implementation." He glanced at Liu Zhongwu.

"General Liu is here, and he can testify that as long as you behave yourselves, pay tribute on time, and manage your businesses diligently, you can each live a peaceful life."

Liu Zhongwu spoke up at the opportune moment.

"My lord, what Lord Zhao said is a new policy of the imperial court. If you can help the court stabilize the Hehuang region, it will be a great achievement. At that time, not only will your people be able to live in peace, but you yourself will also be able to restore your prestige in the tribe."

Xia Zheng's hand holding the teacup trembled even more violently, not from fear, but from excitement.

The dejected lifelessness in his eyes was replaced by a faint, rekindled flame of ambition.

He needs this! He needs it so badly!

Now, a path that could potentially recover some of the losses and even restore dignity and power seems to be right in front of us.

Xia Zheng put down his teacup, left his seat, and knelt down on both knees with the most solemn Tibetan etiquette, bowing his head to Zhao Mingcheng.

"Angel... no, Lord Zhao! If you truly keep your promise and grant our people a way out, I, Huai De... am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

I still have some old acquaintances and followers in this Hehuang region. If Your Excellency allows me to act expediently, I, Huai De, will certainly persuade them to submit to the court and join forces to defeat the rebels, including Xi She Luo Sa!

Zhao Mingcheng and Liu Zhongwu exchanged a glance.

"Please rise, Your Excellency." Zhao Mingcheng personally helped Xia Zheng to his feet, his tone solemn.

"If we join hands to stabilize the Hehuang region, we will be doing a service to the court and bringing blessings to you and your people. We will discuss the specifics of how to proceed later."

Remember, from this day forward, you are the "Advisor to the Barbarian Tribes" of my Pacification Commissioner's Office, and your people will also be under the protection of the mission. However, there is one condition…

Zhao Mingcheng's tone turned stern.

"Having received an official position and a salary from the imperial court, one must be loyal and dutiful, and must not outwardly comply while inwardly disobeying, much less secretly collude with traitors; otherwise, military law will be merciless, and the wrath of Heaven is unpredictable!"

"Huai De understands! I would never dare to betray your trust or the Emperor's grace!" Xia Zheng quickly assured him, not daring to be negligent.

Outside the tent, the autumn wind swept across the riverbank, bringing the chill of the distant snow-capped mountains.

Inside the tent, a new alliance has been formed.