novelSusiti Chapter 40 Brothers North and South, Order and Chaos, Rise and Fall
Chapter 40 Brothers North and South, Order and Chaos, Rise and Fall
By the end of September, the various armies had gradually returned to Bianjing. Following the imperial court's orders, the Imperial Guards were rotated out and disbanded. Li Xuan, the newly appointed commander of the Second Army of the Left Wing of the Black Spear Dragon Cavalry, was in his Bianjing camp overseeing the internal distribution of profits among the top commanders.
In this Northern Expedition, the first command sent out over six hundred men, of whom more than twenty were killed and over fifty were wounded. The casualty rate exceeded ten percent. Fortunately, the medical treatment was effective, and the wounded soldiers recovered quickly, able to return to their camps after another month of recuperation.
Just now, Li Jin announced how much wealth they had amassed during this period. At first, the brothers listened with great interest, but after a while, they inevitably got tired of standing in formation.
Especially since the imperial court's rewards for the victory had already been distributed, the new month's salary had arrived, and the holiday was already granted; all that was left was to collect this bonus before leaving the camp to enjoy themselves. But Li Jin was still being so rigid and inflexible; how could anyone stand it? Unfortunately, military discipline was strict, so everyone could only curse him inwardly.
Li Chang whispered to Li Xuan, "Brother Xuan, just announce how much money we made and how much everyone will get, then start distributing it. The brothers are all satisfied now."
Li Xuan insisted, "It's better for the brothers to be calm than angry. Money matters are crucial to the success or failure of our army. If they're angry, discipline will definitely suffer. Brother Jin is right to do this, and it lets the brothers know that he's serious and responsible, and he's not slacking off."
To put it simply, it's all about the sense of ceremony. A sense of ceremony is very important; many military salutes are honed through this process. Li Jin read aloud the various lists one by one so that every officer and soldier could feel the solemnity and seriousness of the dividend distribution ceremony.
In truth, Xiangzhou was a poor place. Li Jin led his men to dig three feet into the ground, emptying the cellars and secret rooms of wealthy households just to barely meet their quota. Ordinary soldiers ultimately received a full thirty strings of cash, equivalent to thirty months' salary. The captains received fifty strings, roughly five quarters' salary. Commander Li Xuan received five hundred strings. The fallen soldiers received fifty strings according to the captains' standard. This profit-sharing meeting was thus considered a complete success.
Since none of them were locals, and the soldiers had nowhere to go after leaving the camp, several hundred of them simply followed Li Xuan to Sweetwater Lane.
Li Xuan bought more than twenty houses in Sweetwater Lane, and they have all been renovated. These people just happened to come and fill the houses to capacity.
Those without beds rolled up thick layers of straw and laid them on the ground to make makeshift beds. Anyway, during their vacation, they just came back to sleep; they spent the day out having fun.
The influx of hundreds of men with cash into Sweetwater Lane resulted in a surge in local spending. Family-run shops, some without even having made their own signs, broke down walls to open for business.
The rich aroma of mutton, chicken, fish, and other meat dishes lingered throughout the neighborhood where Sweetwater Lane was located. The neighborhood head, along with the residents, was racking their brains to innovate and create new dishes, determined to keep this consumer boom within their community. And look, the man singing with his granddaughter in the corner shop is the neighborhood head. He's really going all out to make money.
Li Xuan returned home with five hundred strings of cash, where Feng Niaoniao and the children came to greet him. The eldest and second sons happily bowed to their father, straightened up, and exclaimed, "Father, Mother is pregnant! We're going to have a younger brother and sister!"
Li Xuan was actually seething with anger and wanted to go home to vent, but the good news of Feng Niaoniao's pregnancy overshadowed everything. He excitedly grabbed his wife's hand and said, "Really? How long has it been? No wonder you looked so plump when I walked in."
Feng Niaoniao shyly brushed her husband's hand away and said, "It's not the first time. The first time is awkward, the second time is familiar, and the third time is even more sudden. After having our second child at home, I couldn't get pregnant no matter what, but as soon as we came to Bianjing, I got pregnant. It's really a trick of fate. Not to mention me, my sister-in-law is pregnant too. Your Li family is having double happiness this time."
This is truly good news. Li Ji has only spent ten days with Pan Ziying after their marriage, yet the time was so short, but the results were remarkable. No wonder she's been with him for eighteen years—she's got real energy!
Li Xuan, holding his wife's hand, led their two children into the house and said, "Brother Ji probably doesn't know this good news yet. We take turns on leave, and after we finish eating, I'll go to the military camp to tell him."
After the meal, Li Xuan reported to Feng Niaoniao: "During this expedition, the team received 500 strings of cash privately, which has already been loaded onto carts and transported back. My lady, please put it into the warehouse later."
Feng Niaoniao clapped her hands happily; "You've come at the perfect time. Brother Chang, have you and your personal guards received your share of the money?"
Li Xuan said, "Everyone has received their share. Everyone who went into battle got a share. Chang Ge received fifty strings of cash, which is the captain's share, and each of the personal guards received thirty strings of cash."
Feng Niaoniao breathed a sigh of relief, then cheered up: "What a coincidence! I've found a piece of land I like outside Bianjing. I've inquired about it and plan to buy it and set it up as an estate. Our family has 270 strings of cash, and the imperial court has also sent 500 bolts of silk. I was just worried that while we have the money to buy the land, we don't have enough to cultivate it and set up the estate."
As the capital, Bianjing's prices are bound to soar in the future. We need our own estate to provide for our needs and ensure our long-term survival. It will also allow us to make arrangements for your men who may be homeless or injured in the future.
Upon hearing about buying land, Li Xuan asked with concern, "How much is it for? What kind of land is it?"
Feng Niaoniao closed the doors and windows, took out the topographical map and manor design drawings she had drawn, and said, "This is not arable land; it's overgrown with weeds and overgrown with weeds. There are 1,200 mu of dry land and 2,400 mu of forest. It will cost a total of 300 guan to purchase it from the county government. The imperial court encourages land reclamation, which is why it's so cheap. This place is not far from Bianjing; it will only take a quarter of an hour by carriage."
Although the farmland is adjacent to the river, the riverbank is full of rocks and difficult to manage, and the farmland is much higher than the riverbed, requiring extensive water conservancy projects to draw water. Therefore, no one is interested in it. I think that since we are new to Bianjing, we will definitely not be able to compete with the truly prominent families for good farmland. Fortunately, the court is encouraging land reclamation, and these wastelands and forests have been barren for a long time, and the location is quite good. With some time and effort to cultivate them, they will surely become a good estate. Three hundred strings of cash are really not expensive.”
Li Xuan laughed and said, "Whatever you say, my lady. How about this: when you went to inquire about the price, I was just a lowly ninth-rank official. Now you, my husband, are an eighth-rank official. Tomorrow I'll go to the yamen and ask. After all, we're responding to the imperial decree to reclaim wasteland; let's see if we can negotiate the price down a bit. Three hundred strings of cash before the promotion, and three hundred strings after—isn't that a promotion without any real benefit?"
Feng Niaoniao said happily, "That's good. It's more convenient for you, as the head of the family, to handle these kinds of negotiations at the government office. Go and ask your sister-in-law if Ji-ge has received the letter. If not, remember to send a letter to her. We're acquiring property, and your sister-in-law is also acquiring property. If Ji-ge has any spare money, he should give it to her to help him establish himself in Bianjing."
Li Xuan readily agreed, and Feng Niaoniao urged him to hurry up and find his younger brother and sister-in-law, as she still had to teach her sons.
There were almost no private academies in Bianjing City, and the teachers who traveled from house to house to teach were not as skilled as Feng Niaoniao and Li Xuan. In her spare time from housework, Feng Niaoniao simply opened her own classes to teach her son, adopted son and daughter, and the children of her retainers.
Li Xuan knocked on the door of Li Ji's residence, but did not go in. Instead, he explained his purpose from outside the door.
Pan Ziying said gratefully, "I'm sorry to trouble you, brother. My sister-in-law instructed me yesterday that the servants in the house cannot enter the military camp, so please ask you to do it for us. This is the letter. I'm honored to ask you to make the trip."
Besides expressing her longing and sharing good news, the letter also described Pan Ziying's plans and arrangements for running her and Li Ji's small family business during this period.
Pan Ziying's dowry included two estates, so her approach to acquiring property differed from Li Xuan and Feng Niaoniao's. She planned to first purchase shops within the inner city, allowing the estates outside the city to handle production while the shops inside would handle sales, creating a vertically integrated operation that would multiply profits several times over. Even laborers could be hired directly from the estates, ensuring they were trusted and reliable.
In the camp, Li Ji was first informed of the good news by Li Xuan, and he was so overjoyed that he was stunned. Li Xuan stepped forward and nudged his younger brother, and Li Ji suddenly hugged Li Xuan and burst into tears, crying, "I have an heir! I have an heir! May our parents in heaven bless us, our family line will continue!"
Li Xuan was both amused and exasperated, yet deeply understood the situation. In those days, being the only son in a family line wasn't exactly a good reputation. Li Xuan and Li Ji both happened to be the only sons in their families, and back in Guangling, when the older women were gossiping about them, they lost points because they were their parents' only children.
Li Xuan's improved score was due to Feng Niaoniao's successive births of sons. This successfully reversed the ratings of Li Xuan herself, as well as her parents and grandparents. Li Ji's parents' ratings depend on Li Ji's own performance.
After reading his wife Pan's letter, Li Ji sent his personal guards to escort the money he had obtained back to the capital with Li Xuan. He would need to stay in the camp for five more days before he could have a holiday.
The next day, Li Xuan went to the county government office to argue with the magistrate, insisting that the county government lower the price under the pretext of reclaiming wasteland for the imperial court.
In chaotic times, low-ranking civil officials generally lacked confidence when facing military generals. Li Xuan, however, put on a show of great acting skills, brazenly raising the banner of the imperial court's policies without batting an eye. In the end, he acquired the land for 150 strings of cash, even extorting an additional 500 acres of barren, dry land.
He understood Feng Niaoniao's thoughts perfectly. As long as the Great Zhou Dynasty developed better and better, the area a quarter of an hour by fast horse or a quarter of an hour by carriage from the capital would become prosperous in the future. For now, don't worry about whether it's desolate or not, the important thing is to get it under control as soon as possible.
So in the afternoon, the county government's household registration officials led a group of people to accompany Li Xuan, his wife, and their child to the site to measure and establish the boundaries.
The future estate was located in the southeast of Bianliang, which corresponded to the fact that the Li family came from the southeast. In order to take care of his pregnant wife, Li Xuan and his party walked for a full quarter of an hour before arriving. A large area of flat but grassy dry land appeared before Li Xuan's eyes. Judging from the remaining traces, there had been people there decades ago, but now it was all yellow earth.
Upon arriving at the edge of the field, Li Xuan suddenly drew his sword and plunged it deep into the ground before pulling it out. He then grabbed some soil he had turned up from the deeper layers, examined it closely, and breathed a sigh of relief. This was normal soil, suitable for growing crops.
Looking up, he saw 1,700 mu of dry land and 2,400 mu of mountain forest stretching as far as the eye could see. A surge of pride welled up in Li Xuan's heart: "This is my land!"
Feng Niaoniao said with a smile, "My lord, the river in the east connects directly to the Bian River and the Tongji Canal. As long as the rubble beach is cleared and a wharf is built, the produce in the manor can be transported to Bianjing or Guangling in a continuous stream."
There are many clear springs in the mountains south of my home, indicating that the groundwater here is abundant and readily available. Whether we build waterwheels to draw water from the river to the east, construct waterways to bring water from the mountains, or dig wells, as long as we are determined and work hard, there will surely be a day when barren land is transformed into fertile fields.
Li Xuan chuckled and said, "Not only that, but after the court unifies the north and south and the whole country, the number of candidates coming to take the imperial examinations will fill Bianjing. Chang'an is large, and it's not easy to live there. How can Bianjing be exempt from this? Our estate is convenient for traveling to and from Bianjing by water and land. We can rent it to the candidates at a cheap price, and the profits will be considerable."
Feng Niaoniao said with a laugh, "Does my lord think he can use this to get closer to the candidates and gradually build up my family's network of civil officials? Even if I break all the counting rods, I still can't keep up with my lord's calculation speed."
Li Xuan couldn't help but laugh and said, "It's all for the sake of the children. Not only can I use it, but future generations can also use it to make friends with scholars. As long as the world is at peace, there will be countless good days ahead."
Feng Niaoniao sighed, "When will there be peace?"
Li Xuan glanced around and whispered, "It won't be long. In mid-October, the imperial court will send troops to the Jianghuai region."
Feng Niaoniao was startled. Perhaps due to the sensitivity of a pregnant woman, the usually graceful and dignified Feng Niaoniao became incoherent: "How could it be so soon? The Imperial Guards haven't had a chance to rest for long, and you're going to the front lines again? Is the day to attack Jianghuai coming so quickly? What about the villagers, my parents, and Uncle Yuantu? What will happen to them?"
Li Xuan recalled what he had seen and heard in Hebei; the absurdity and tragedy of the chaotic world lingered in his mind. He firmly told his wife, "We must hurry, the sooner the better. This world cannot continue to descend into chaos."
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Coincidentally, Li Xuan was inspecting the wasteland he had purchased in the north when Li Jue was pulling down his trousers, putting on his shoes, and walking out of the fields. Late September and early October, with the autumn harvest approaching, Li Jue was busy traveling between various villages and settlements every day.
With two harvests a year, the autumn harvest is the most important. Looking at the boundless wheat fields and rice paddies, Li Jue felt a great sense of pride. These were the results of his hard work and dedication, leading more than 10,000 troops and thousands of soldiers' families from scratch.
While the wars in the north continued unabated, the State of Yu enjoyed many years of peace. Li Jue, who had been promoted and appointed as the military governor of Desheng Army and the military farm commissioner of Luzhou, was wholeheartedly dedicated to promoting the military farms and resettlement of retired soldiers.
Over the years, he lived and worked in the fields, leading retired soldiers to reclaim more than 6,000 hectares of wasteland, and increasing the reclaimed land by the militia to 9,000 hectares. (Here, 100 mu is taken as one hectare)
What's truly remarkable is that he didn't keep a single acre of private land and declined numerous requests and favors. The once handsome and refined young man now looks like a farmer. When he meets Li Xuan, the "Date-Faced Gentleman," again, they'll likely be more like brothers than when he was the handsome young man.
The more effort you put in, the more you will be rewarded. Li Jue not only rose through the ranks but also earned the deep respect of those "unreasonable" warriors. The militia households and retired garrison soldiers regarded Li Jue as their second father. Even the garrison soldiers who had not retired would praise Li Jue as a true hero.
Even the residents outside of Li Jue's jurisdiction praised him highly.
Because Li Jue consistently handled the conflicts between military settlements and civilian land ownership exceptionally well, he protected the interests of both military settlement households and civilian households. Every dispute was resolved clearly, transparently, impartially, and fairly, earning the trust and respect of everyone.
Thanks to Li Jue's efforts, the barriers and misunderstandings between the civilian and military households in Desheng Junjie Town gradually disappeared. Before they knew it, the children from both sides were playing together, and no one mentioned thieves or conscripts anymore, nor did any warriors carry knives and spears to rob innocent people.
Seemingly glimpsing the wonderful life after retirement, the soldiers who hadn't yet retired were no longer as arrogant and domineering as before. They brought their families, prepared gifts, and earnestly requested Li Jue's help in planning a new estate for them to settle down.
In the former desolate territory of the Desheng Army Military Governor's Office, ravaged by warlords, new villages have sprung up one after another. No wonder the military governor dared to disregard the opinions of some incompetent people in Jinling, not only promoting Li Jue repeatedly but also entrusting him with all the military farm management rights of the entire town. Such pragmatic intellectuals are rare talents in any era.
Looking at the bountiful harvest this autumn, Li Jue sighed, "All these years of hard work have been worthwhile. As long as this grain is harvested, the soldiers and civilians of Desheng Army can have a good New Year. If the soldiers and civilians have a good New Year, then the world will be at peace."
The subordinate official flattered him, saying, "He has enabled the people to cultivate the land, open up the wilderness, increase production and develop industries, and bring peace and happiness to the army and the people. Prefect Li's achievements are immortal, and he will soon be ennobled and appointed prime minister."
Li Jue served as an official in Desheng Army. His superiors liked him, and his subordinates could only admire him, not like him. This superior was too honest and too pragmatic, forcing everyone to spend only a few days a year in the government office. Every day, he would wake up and deal with old farmers, and he hadn't worn his official robes in a long time.
Li Jue laughed and said, "Thank you for your kind words. Who wouldn't want a bright future? I'd love to sit in the Hall of State Affairs too. There are so many capable officials in the world, it's all up to fate. It's a pity that after years of hard work, all I've achieved is land ownership for the farmers. Don't even think about recruiting scholars to educate the military households. There aren't many educated people in the Jiangbei region."
Another subordinate official said, "While Your Excellency's ambition is admirable, our Desheng Army is indeed unable to achieve it. In my humble opinion, Your Excellency is already educating and guiding the military households engaged in land reclamation."
Li Jue turned around and asked, "Oh, I've never taken on a single disciple, so where would I get the instruction?"
The other party replied, "Although Your Excellency has never held a formal lecture, your teachings are as warm as a spring breeze, and everyone knows them. Throughout history, the effectiveness of education has been achieved through verbal instruction, personal example, and moral instruction."
The magistrate personally cultivated the fields, encouraged the people to live in peace, upheld justice, and benefited all people. He himself was frugal and honest, and refused any requests. Even when he went to a rural family to borrow a bowl of water, he would leave them a lump of salt. He was truly honest and never took anything from them, and never cheated the young or the old.
Although Your Excellency has not uttered a word, your actions and moral teachings have already permeated the hearts of all soldiers and civilians of Desheng Army. Your Excellency, everyone has a heart of flesh and blood. Although we may not understand written language, we can tell right from wrong.
Actually, it wasn't that they didn't understand the principles before, but often those principles didn't work; righteous reasoning was less effective than twisted reasoning, and honesty was less convenient than wickedness. Naturally, the atmosphere was chaotic and the situation was appalling. Now that the magistrate has provided a space where principles work, how could the soldiers and civilians not be educated by the magistrate?
Li Jue remained silent for a long time. These words seemed familiar, as if Li Xuan had said them before. Back then, they were both fifteen or sixteen years old, and Li Xuan had gained a clearer understanding of the world through his work smuggling salt. After more than a decade of conflict, it seemed Li Xuan's perspective was indeed correct.
While everyone was wondering why Li Jue was silent, Li Jue bowed to the official and said, "I have learned a great deal from your words. Please accept my bow."
The officials all stepped aside and bowed to Li Jue, saying, "We dare not accept the courtesy due to the magistrate."
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Desheng Army Military Governor's Office
Li Jue was summoned back from the countryside by the military governor's messenger.
The military governor laughed and said, "Hehuang (Li Jue's courtesy name was Hehuang), you've worked hard. During the busy farming season, you supervise production, and during the off-season, you oversee military training at various militia settlements. Do you know that your office is gathering dust?"
Li Jue said embarrassedly, "The General has shown me great favor, how could I not repay him wholeheartedly? Besides, now that I wear this official robe and bear this responsibility, I must produce results. Otherwise, I won't feel secure receiving my annual salary."
The military governor brought out a cloth-covered plate from the table and said to Li Jue, "Here is two hundred taels of gold. Consider it my reward for your hard work over the years. I know you are an honest official, and I'm afraid you haven't accumulated much wealth besides your salary. Take it all, so your family doesn't suffer without enjoying anything. From now on, you should be more open-minded and not be so stubborn. Taking a step back will open up a whole new world."
Li Jue looked at the military governor with some surprise and said, "Why do you say that, Your Excellency? Is it because I have done something wrong? You may punish me, why do you do this?"
The military governor sighed, "I came from the Great Yu Dynasty and watched the world crumble day by day. Fortunately, Heaven sent down a talent like Hehuang. It is because of this that I, in my seventies, can see the wasteland turn into fertile fields and the people return to peace. Hehuang feels that I have done you a favor by promoting you. But Hehuang's actions are also a comfort to me, who has spent my whole life wandering and barely surviving in this chaotic world."
Hehuang, I am getting old and will soon retire. The court has decided to send Liu Yanzhen to take over as military governor of Desheng Army. You did not bribe him when you were appointed, yet you rose through the ranks thanks to my promotion. With him as military governor, your life will certainly not be easy.
When it's time to let go, let go. Jiangbei is the front line against the Northern Army. Liu Yanzhen is nothing but an incompetent coward, a favorite of the Emperor. How dare he stay here long? He's only here to gain experience; he'll return to the capital as Prime Minister in a year or two. Don't clash with him. If things get really bad, resign and return home to find another way out. Although I've retired, I can still speak for His Majesty. You must preserve your usefulness; I'll find you another official position in the future.”
Li Jue smiled bitterly and said, "Liu Yanzhen is both greedy and tyrannical. When the imperial court holds the imperial examinations, candidates cannot even enter the examination hall without giving him gifts. They have to pay him a registration fee to register, an entrance fee to enter the examination hall, and money for writing materials when submitting their papers. They also have to make money at every level from the list of successful candidates to their ranking and official appointments."
"If this man becomes the military governor, he will surely plunder the Desheng Army extensively. The soldiers and civilians have finally enjoyed a few years of peace; how could I, for my own safety, abandon them? Rest assured, Commander, I am not the kind of person to seek death. Liu Yanzhen is a close advisor to the Emperor, his wealth and power are all in Jinling; he certainly won't stay here long. As long as I deal with him and delay him, he will surely return to the capital within a year or two. What can he do to me then?"
The military governor looked at Li Jue with admiration: "Very well, you have never experienced such great danger since you entered officialdom. Perhaps it is not a bad thing to go through this. I will try to live a few more years and watch you enter Jinling from Desheng Army, put on the purple robe and sit in the Secretariat. At that time, I will die without regrets."
Moved, Li Jue advised, "Marshal En, please don't say such unlucky things. You are an evergreen pine; living to be a hundred years old is not a problem."