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

Chapter 59 Target: White Grass Tribe

The following morning, in the main hall of the old house where Zhao Mingcheng lived.

A map of the Hehuang region was spread out on the wooden table.

Zhao Mingcheng, Liu Zhongwu, and Xia Zheng stood around the table, discussing which tribe to choose for the peace treaty.

Tong Guan was also standing nearby, his finger lightly tracing several marks on the map as he recounted the details of the surrounding tribes that he knew.

"Lord Zhao, the leader of this Baicao tribe on the map is named Tashi Dorje, which translates to 'Auspicious Vajra' in Tibetan. His name sounds imposing, but his personality is—"

Tong Guan's lips curled slightly. "He's very cautious, even cowardly. Last year, before the royal army arrived, Xi Sheluo Sa invited him to fight against the heavenly army, but he declined, saying that his tribe was too weak to participate in important matters."

When Wang Qianxia attacked Qingtang, he led his people and cattle and sheep to flee to the southern valleys early on, and only returned quietly after the war subsided.

This unit was of moderate strength. Because it avoided battle in time, its losses of people and livestock were not significant, and its grain reserves should be considerable.

Moreover, they are not too far from the Black Tent tribe. If we can make a deal with the White Grass tribe, the news will spread and serve as an excellent example for the Black Tent tribe and other observing tribes.

Tong Guan was very familiar with the situation of the Baicao tribe.

Liu Zhongwu pondered for a moment.

"This group is indeed a good target. However, given their cowardice, they are even less likely to trade with us, especially since Commander Wang previously—"

Liu Zhongwu didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: Wang Shan's infamous reputation had already spread throughout the Hehuang region.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Mingcheng nodded.

"It is precisely because they are timid that they are more likely to try it when it is safe and profitable. This time, we are going to be sincere in our purchase of grain, and we must also ensure safety."

I intend to lead the team myself, with the Duke of the County as the interpreter and guide, and General Liu leading ten elite guards to accompany me.

Our team should keep small to show we won't break the law. Goods will be clearly priced, and transactions will be completed on-site with no delays.

Then, Zhao Mingcheng looked at Tong Guan and said, "In addition, I need to trouble you, Tong Gongfeng, to send your men, who are familiar with the terrain and are good at moving around, to find out the exact location of the Baicao tribe and the surrounding terrain in advance. During the transaction, set up sentries on the outer roads to monitor whether any spies of Xisheluosa or other unscrupulous people are approaching."

Tong Guan cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Excellency has considered everything very carefully. I will go and arrange the necessary personnel immediately."

Just as they were talking, a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.

Interspersed among them were the gatekeeper's low-pitched dissuasion and Wang Shan's rough and impatient voice.

"Get out of the way! I have business with Zhao Fuyu!"

The people inside the hall exchanged a glance.

Liu Zhongwu placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, Tong Guan narrowed his eyes, and Xia Zheng subconsciously shrank his neck.

Zhao Mingcheng remained expressionless and called out to the guards at the door.

"Please invite General Wang in."

As the door opened, Wang Shan, dressed in casual clothes and without armor, strode in.

His face was gloomy. His gaze first swept across Tong Guan's face, then landed on Zhao Mingcheng. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and spoke in a stiff tone.

"Lord Zhao!"

"General Wang, what brings you here so early?" Zhao Mingcheng asked calmly.

Wang Shan stopped beating around the bush.

"I am a rough man, so I will speak frankly. I heard that last night, Master Tong brought a batch of grain and fodder, which should have relieved the urgent needs of the soldiers and civilians of Shanzhou."

But how come we heard that you, sir, directly put this batch of grain into your own granary? Sir, the army is short of food, and the soldiers are starving. Is your handling of this situation... inappropriate?

In Wang Shan's opinion, since Tong Guan was escorting the grain, he should be handed over to him, the garrison commander of Shanzhou.

However, Zhao Mingcheng withheld the grain, clearly using this as an excuse to choke him and avenge yesterday's humiliation.

Before Zhao Mingcheng could speak, Tong Guan suddenly chuckled, his voice high-pitched and somewhat grating.

Wang Shan glared at him.

"Young Master Tong, what are you laughing at?"

Tong Guan still smiled, but his eyes were cold as he spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Commander Wang has probably misunderstood. The several thousand bushels of grain that our family sent last night were neither allocated by the Military Commissioner nor distributed by the Transport Commissioner."

It was our family who, seeing the hardships on the front lines, went to great lengths to scavenge these goods from the gaps in the warehouses along Qin Feng Road, and begged and pleaded with the laborers to deliver them.

Our lord respects Governor Zhao for his dedication to public service and his desire to implement policies to stabilize the border and bring peace to the people. That's why we entrusted the grain to Governor Zhao for overall management. We'll see whether it's used to appease the army or for the pilot program of purchasing grain through foreign trade, in order to plan for the long term.

From the very beginning, this grain wasn't something that should be given to anyone in particular; it was something we could give to whomever we wanted. For Wang Qianxia to say this makes it sound as if Lord Zhao had stolen your grain—that's not fair at all.

Tong Guan's words, though seemingly gentle, were actually quite forceful, leaving Wang Shan speechless, his face turning red and then white.

He then realized that this grain was not regular military rations; that eunuch Tong Guan had only sent it because of Zhao Mingcheng's influence!

He had come to question me so early in the morning, but it turned out he had misunderstood the situation and made a fool of himself.

Zhao Mingcheng spoke at the opportune moment, his tone calm.

"General Wang's concern about provisions is a matter of duty. Tong's timely assistance is a great help, and I thank him on behalf of the soldiers. As for how to use the grain, I have already considered it. We don't need to worry about provisions anymore. The most important thing right now is to choose a tribe we can get along with."

Zhao Mingcheng pointed to the map on the table, "I am currently discussing with General Liu, Attendant Tong, and the Duke of the County that we plan to try to purchase more grain and livestock from the nearby Tibetan tribes in order to solve our long-standing problem."

Since the general is here, why don't we discuss this together? If you think this matter is feasible, perhaps we can both contribute our efforts. If the general thinks it is not feasible—"

He paused, then looked calmly at Wang Shan. "Go back and continue with your military affairs."

Zhao Mingcheng has already given Wang Shan a way out. If he's willing, he can take the opportunity to chat; if not, then he shouldn't get in the way.

Wang Shan felt a tightness in his chest, but Tong Guan's words and Zhao Mingcheng's calm attitude made him realize that he was neither in the right nor in the right.

Especially those several thousand bushels of grain, which are indeed life-saving right now, and the power to control the grain is in Zhao Mingcheng's hands.

His expression shifted, but he eventually pulled out a chair and plopped down on it, his back hard.

"Since it's for procuring provisions, this humble general—will listen."

Seeing Wang Shan sit down, Zhao Mingcheng didn't say much, but briefly explained the goals and preliminary plans that had just been agreed upon.

Wang Shan initially kept a straight face, but when he heard that the target was the Baicao tribe and its leader, Zaxi Duoji, his eyebrows twitched, as if he remembered something.

After Zhao Mingcheng finished speaking, he remained silent for a moment, then took the initiative to speak.

"The White Grass Tribe—that Tashi Dorje, I vaguely remember him. Before the siege, that old fellow ran faster than a rabbit, even dismantling his camp, clearly not wanting to get involved."

His tribe's able-bodied men were mediocre in combat, but they were excellent herders. Last winter's snowfall was light, so their cattle and sheep should be fat. And perhaps they really did have stored grain.

Wang Shan provided some rare and useful information.

Zhao Mingcheng nodded.

"General, you have long served on the frontier and are discerning in your judgment of people and their feelings. In that case, this unit is even more worth trying."

Now that Wang Shan had spoken, he seemed to have relaxed a bit.

"However, Lord Zhao, this old fellow is timid as a mouse and very suspicious. Even if there are few of you, he might not dare to open the gate for a transaction if you come directly to his door like this. In my opinion, it would be better to send a trustworthy person, preferably someone who can put him at ease, to deliver a message in advance, clearly state the terms, and agree on a time and place for the transaction outside, so that he doesn't think we are trying to trick him into opening his gate."

This makes a lot of sense, and it fits perfectly with the "advance communication" part of Zhao Mingcheng's plan.

Zhao Mingcheng readily agreed and looked at Xia Zheng.

"The general's words are reasonable. Duke, do you have any prior ties with the Baicao tribe? Could you send a trusted confidant to make contact with them first?"

"I'm busy with this," Xia Zheng said hurriedly.

"Tashi Dorje—I met him a few times during the grand ceremony years ago. We are not close, but we have no enmity either. Send someone with my token and words to him, and he should be willing to see me. However, to persuade him, I must offer him benefits and guarantee that there will be no danger."

"That's natural." Zhao Mingcheng nodded. "We can promise them that the transaction price will be based on the usual Han-barbarian trade, plus half a percent or ten percent. They can choose the transaction location, but it must be an open, flat place with good visibility. We will only bring the agreed number of people, and the transaction will be completed on-site. We will not stay any longer. As for the matter of Tong Gongfeng, liaison, and reconnaissance, your people will need to take care of it."

This is Tong Guan's job; this is what he does.

Tong Guan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Don't worry, sir. Our men may not be good at much else, but they are quite skilled at running errands, delivering messages, and keeping watch. They will know the surrounding area within a ten-mile radius very well, and they will even know if a strange eagle flies by."

As Wang Shan listened to their discussion, his gaze fell on Zhao Mingcheng's calm and directing face, and his unease grew stronger.

This scholar was young, but he was experienced and thoughtful in handling affairs. He had Liu Zhongwu, a veteran general, and Tong Guan, a eunuch, was willing to run errands for him. Even Xia Zheng, a defeated general, was obedient to Zhao Mingcheng.

Looking at ourselves, we have achieved great military exploits, but we have been put on the defensive due to insufficient supplies and ruthless tactics. We were already at a disadvantage in yesterday's conflict.

Ultimately, we still have to rely on this scholar-official from Bianjing for food supplies.

Wang Shan felt conflicted, a mixture of resentment and apprehension that he had to acknowledge.

He was at odds with the military commissioner Sun Lu and had no dealings with the transport commissioner Li. Although the prime minister Zhang in the court supported his expansion of the border, he was too far away to help him in his immediate predicament.

For now, it seems that we really have no choice but to follow Zhao Mingcheng's path and see how things go?

"General Wang," Zhao Mingcheng's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"To ensure the smooth running of the transaction and to guard against attacks from Cisalpinea or other unscrupulous individuals, I need a force to covertly guard the perimeter of the transaction site and control key routes. This matter is of utmost importance and can only be undertaken by a seasoned general with a renowned reputation. I wonder if the general would be willing to condescend to take on this important task?"

Wang Shan was taken aback and looked up at Zhao Mingcheng.

The other party's gaze was open and his tone sincere, entrusting the important task of guarding him with a gesture of trust.

Zhao Mingcheng gave him face and also gave him the power to participate in and supervise the matter, seemingly not taking yesterday's events to heart.

Even if Wang Shan was arrogant, he knew he could distinguish between what was important and the big picture.

He hesitated for a moment, then clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Since you trust me, sir, I will obey your orders. I will ensure the smooth operation of the transaction."

These words were still spoken with a firm tone, but they no longer had the fiery edge of yesterday.

"Very good." Zhao Mingcheng nodded and began to assign tasks.

"Alright, the plan is set, let's split up and carry it out. Your Excellency, choose a quick-witted and reliable person to take your token and letter to the Baicao tribe to contact Tashi Dorje, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and arrange a time and place. You must have a reply by tomorrow no later than noon."

"Yes, sir." Xia Zheng accepted the order.

"Tong Gongfeng, send out capable scouts to thoroughly investigate the area around the Baicao tribe, especially the terrain and paths near the agreed transaction location, for any signs of unusual activity. On the day of the transaction, your men must be scattered around the perimeter as lookouts."

"I understand, I'll get on it right away," Tong Guan replied, bowing.

"General Liu, select ten of the most reliable and capable soldiers from your troops and my guards, prepare vehicles, and count the first batch of cloth, salt, tea, and silver for the transaction, ensuring they are of sufficient quality and quantity. The day after tomorrow, you, the Duke, and I will travel together."

"This subordinate obeys the order," Liu Zhongwu said solemnly.

"And General Wang," Zhao Mingcheng said, finally looking at Wang Shan.

"Please select two hundred elite cavalry. The day after tomorrow, you will set off at dawn and secretly deploy at key positions three to five miles outside the trading location."

"Keep your flags down and conceal your movements. If the transaction goes smoothly, observe the situation; if things change, or if you discover traces of the Xisheluosa tribe, then obey my orders to either drive them away or intercept them, ensuring the safety of the operation."

Zhao Mingcheng's arrangements were very clear: Tong Guan was in charge of guard duty, Liu Zhongwu was in charge of protection, and Wang Shan was in charge of military operations.

Seeing that Zhao Mingcheng had arranged everything in an orderly manner, with everyone fulfilling their duties without any difficulty, Wang Shan's last bit of unease disappeared.

This scholar wasn't just all talk; he actually had a methodical approach to things.

He stood up and solemnly clasped his hands in greeting.

"Rest assured, sir, I know what is important. I will certainly not let the barbarian thieves disturb your business."

With the mission assigned, everyone dispersed to prepare.

Tong Guan moved closer to Zhao Mingcheng and chuckled softly.

"My lord, Wang Shan, that stubborn ox, seems to have been put in a bridle today."

Zhao Mingcheng shook his head, his gaze distant.

"It's not about putting a bridle on us, but about sharing the burden and temporarily suppressing our emotions. The affairs of the Hehuang region are complex and multifaceted. If we cannot work together internally, how can we quell external threats? I hope this grain purchase agreement will be a good start."

"I admire your magnanimity, sir," Tong Guan said sincerely, and then went to make the arrangements.

The courtyard returned to tranquility, with only the cold wind sweeping through.

Zhao Mingcheng walked into the courtyard and looked up. The sky above Shanzhou City was covered with low-hanging leaden clouds, indicating that it would be another bad day.