Chinese New Year

Chapter 628: It’s over, just brush off your clothes and go away

It was the end of March when the army returned to Jicheng.

Duan Mobo brought his family, a total of about 3,000 tribes and 20,000 people, to the Gaoliang River area southeast of Jicheng, where they rested.

He did not rest here for long, but selected two thousand cavalrymen, joined forces with the troops of other leaders of the Duan tribe, and headed straight to Shanggu and Guangning areas to hunt down Su Shuyan.

The Xianbei cavalry had a total of 10,000 people, led by Duan Pidi and Duan Wenyang. After replenishing supplies in Beiping and Yan State and raising the horses to be fat and strong, they set out in large numbers.

There were rarely repeated tugs of war between the grassland tribes. Usually, the battles were short and fierce, and the winner was decided immediately. Especially in the spring, neither side could afford to delay.

Shao Xun waited patiently in Jicheng, checking to see if there was any unfinished business.

More and more staff members gathered here, but most of them are from Hebei.

Most of them did not have strong abilities, but just like many companies in later generations liked to hire employees who brought their own resources, Shao Xun would rather keep them for free and make use of these people with varying levels of ability.

If you use it, the local nobles will feel at ease and can share the benefits, so they will decide to support you no matter what you do.

"The clothes, carriages, and palace equipment have been loaded onto the carriages and sent to Yecheng." Liu Anzhi, a cavalry official, reported quietly, "The palace has already been built in Junyi. Should we send it over?"

"Has Yu Yuangui already started the work?" Shao Xun said, "He's moving pretty fast."

"Last year, we captured 20,000 enemy soldiers, along with their families, and all of them were released to Junyi. Yuan Gui didn't want to keep them in vain, so he built the palace first." Liu Anzhi replied.

The captives he mentioned were actually quite untrue. Many of them were temporarily conscripted by Shi Le and Liu Yao, and most of them only served as soldiers for a few days before being captured.

Under normal circumstances, these people would be released. For example, when attacking Yecheng the year before last, most of the captured Shi Le soldiers were released and sent home, but this year they were not. Instead, they were sent to Junyi with their families to build palaces and cities.

"Let's transport it over. Wang Jun has long wanted to become emperor, and he has almost prepared all the carriages, clothes, and utensils. It would be a pity to destroy them..." Shao Xun said shamelessly.

"As ordered."

After Liu Anzhi left, Mao Bang, the internal historian of Yan who took office in February, came to see him.

"There is a drought this spring. It is a warning from God. The prisoners should be pardoned," said Mao Bang.

"Good." Shao Xun nodded and agreed: "All the counties in Yan State should stop spending unnecessary money. Don't send pigs and sheep to the government. For the last ten days or half a month, eat some vegetables."

"As ordered."

"How is it? Can you be competent for the internal history of Yan?" Shao Xun asked, looking at the student he had taught for many years.

Mao Bang was originally a Zhonglang official in the Chariot and Cavalry Shogunate, but has now resigned and taken up the post of Internal History of Yan, in charge of these ten counties.

"Without Lord Yuan Qing, it would be difficult to do the job." Mao Bang replied.

Shao Xun was a little surprised.

He was not surprised that Mao Bang said he could not do well as the internal historian of Yan State, because this was inevitable. How could you, a civil servant born in a mud-legged army household, thrive in Yan State where powerful people were everywhere? They didn't even need to confront you openly, but could make you miserable by making a little trouble in secret.

He was surprised that Mao Bang was so honest and admitted that he was able to do this with the support of Liu Han, who introduced many people to him.

"I heard that Liu Yuanqing taught you a lot of academic knowledge?" Shao Xun asked.

Mao Bang was startled and said, "I just have some doubts about academic matters, so I want to ask for your advice. Master Shao, I..."

"Ha. Every profession has its specialties, and Master Shao's knowledge is mostly in military affairs. It's not a bad thing that you are eager to learn. Don't worry. But you need to find the right balance." Shao Xun comforted him.

"I will follow Master Shao's instructions."

Shao Xun waved his hand and asked Mao Bang to leave.

A moment later, Yang Yu, who had been appointed as the secretary of the General's Office, reported: "The most important thing for farming is oxen. There has been unrest this spring, and the barbarians are having a hard time finding food. If they want to sell calves, it would be a good idea to buy some and train them to help with farming."

"Shi Lun is thoughtful. I hadn't thought of this." Shao Xun praised, "Today, order all counties to buy calves and discipline them. The price may be enough to fill the grain warehouse in Jicheng."

"There are still 600,000 bushels of grain and beans in the warehouse."

"That's enough." Shao Xun heard this and said, "Shi Lun is indeed a talent for doing things. He should work as a secretary for a few years to get familiar with the affairs of the shogunate. He will still be of great use in the future."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Lord Ming."

After Yang Yu left, Pei Xian, who had taken office in February as the Internal History of Fanyang—the King of Fanyang was Sima Li, who was still a rich man in Guangchengze—came to report: "Wang Jun is corrupt and violent. The people in the eight counties of Fanyang are very poor and have many outstanding debts. Last year, they transported military rations, and now they are building fortresses. The labor is very hard, and it also affects farming. So please forgive their outstanding debts."

Shao Xun looked at Pei Xian.

After Wang Jun fell from power, Zao Song and Zhu Shuo presented a lot of wealth to the emperor, and they were still wealthy. However, Xun Chuo and Pei Xian had no extra wealth at home, only books, and were very honest.

How should we evaluate Pei Xian?
From a military perspective, he was a piece of trash. He abandoned the army and fled, killing countless people. Shao Xun was so angry that he cursed and wanted to kill him.

But Pei Xian was unwilling to surrender to Sima Rui's regime, and he ran around everywhere with a firm attitude. He was also an honest official, although his ability to govern the local area was not very good.

People are complicated, and Shao Xun doesn't know how to evaluate this person.

In short, he was a piece of shit as a general and didn't accomplish much as a local official, but his moral level was high and he was a virtuous but incompetent person.

Shao Xun originally did not want to use him as the Internal History of Fanyang, but Lu Zhi strongly recommended him, so he accepted the offer.

Today, Pei Xian requested the cancellation of the arrears of money and grain, which was actually entrusted by the nobles of Fanyang. Shao Xun knew it very well.

"As you request." He said, "You are the Internal History of Fanyang. Although you cherish the people's strength, there are some things you have to do. The two towns of Lulong and Yuyi are very important. The people must be recruited in place without any mistakes."

"Yes, sir." Pei Xian bowed and replied.

After Pei Xian left, Xun Chuo, Liu Han, You Tong and others came one after another and reported the affairs of the state one by one.

They were busy like this for several days, until mid-April, when good news came from the north: the Duan Xianbei troops divided into three groups, defeated the Wuhuan, beheaded more than 3,000 people, and Su Shuyan led his two sons to surrender.

Only one day later, Liu Ying returned to Jicheng and reported that Murong Wei had presented him with a hundred horses and was willing to establish an alliance. At this point, Shao Xun finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that there were still many things to do in Youzhou. If possible, it would be best to stay for another year to stabilize the situation. But he couldn't wait any longer. The soldiers had been on the expedition for a long time and couldn't wait any longer either - after two years of fighting, the child was one year old, and this kind of bloody thing might not be impossible to happen.

On April 17, Shao Xun gave Su Shuyan's two sons the names Su Zhongyi and Su Zhongshun.

Su Zhongyi was appointed as the commander of Huaihuang Town, with an army of more than 16,000 men.

Su Zhongshun was appointed as the commander of Beikou Town, with an army of 12,000 men. Beikou, later known as Gubeikou, was located in the northeast of Miyun District.

Su Shuyan led his family, servants, confidants, and guards, totaling more than 5,000 people, and followed Shao Xun south.

Also moving south were more than 4,000 Jie tribes and 25,000 people, led by Zhi You and others. Among them were even small clans and tribes that had sneaked over from Dai County. Due to the Tuoba turmoil, many people were afraid of being liquidated, so they voted with their feet and the appeasement process continued.

Then, another 15,000 men were separated from the 25,000 men and moved to the area between Wuzhong and Xuwu, where they built a military city called Jingsai, and appointed Zhi You as the commander of Jingsai.

The pot of half-cooked rice in Youzhou was finally almost finished.

But this is not the end, it is just the beginning. In the near future, Youzhou will probably have a lot of shit going on, so it is time to consider arranging a trustworthy person to guard this place.

The selection of candidates must be carefully considered.

******
Before leaving, there is one last important thing to do!
Shao Xun asked people to count Wang Jun's inheritance, and the result was eye-opening.

He was silent.

The wealth of a state can be exchanged for a lot of grain in Henan, and it can even build Junyi City better. After all, this will be the place where the Jin emperor will live and work before he abdicates.

Shao Xun withdrew his gaze from the glittering wealth with difficulty, cleared his throat, and said in a pretentious manner: "I will not go back on my promise to others. This money——"

Cui was also here. She had just finished bathing and seemed a little weak. She screamed "Ah" and accidentally fell into Shao Xun's arms.

Her face suddenly turned red, and she stood up in a hurry, but she made a mistake in her haste and stepped on the hem of her skirt. She fell down again, exposing her smooth shoulders. Her clothes were crooked on her chest, and most of her white snow-white skin was exposed and trembling.

Cui was so ashamed that she covered her face and seemed about to cry.

Little green tea, fuck!
Shao Xun cursed inwardly, and without any hesitation, he covered it with his rough big hands and rubbed it wantonly.

"No, my lord. Don't do this." Cui shed tears and choked up, "Please, I want to get married."

She cried and struggled. After a few struggles, more clothes fell off, and her posture became more seductive.

Damn it! Little Green Tea knows how to have fun!
Shao Xun picked her up directly, skinned her like a little lamb, and put her on Wang Jun's bed.

"My lord, I really want to get married..." Cui was still struggling, kicking her jade-white legs back and forth.

After a moment, accompanied by an unbearable hum, Cui suddenly straightened her instep, bent her toes hard, and trembled slightly.

After a long exhalation sound, Cui's legs relaxed slightly and quietly wrapped around Shao Xun's waist and back.

……

After a long time, Cui snuggled in Shao Xun's arms, her eyes swollen from crying.

Shao Xun had to say many words of comfort.

There was definitely some acting involved on Cui’s part, but – it was her first time.

Shao Xun was very surprised by this.

After playing with so many women, this is my first virgin wife.

"I can't get married." Cui looked at Shao Xun pitifully with tears in her eyes.

"Follow me from now on and become my wife." Shao Xun said, "When you return to Qinghe, your uncles and brothers will covet your money, which may not be a good thing."

Cui hugged him tightly and cried, "Now that things have come to this, what use is there for me to have money?"

Shao Xun said a little embarrassedly: "I'll keep it for you first."

Cui buried her face in his arms and whispered, "My dear, you are a hero in the world and have great things to do. If this little money can help your great cause, feel free to use it. Just - just remember my kindness."

"Of course I won't forget." Shao Xun patted Cui's snow-white beauty and said.

Cui's face turned red again, with a hint of joy in her eyes.

Nothing happened all night.

The next day, before dawn, Shao Xun quietly got up, exercised in the yard for a while, took a quick shower, and then crawled into the bed of Liu Ye, who was still sleeping soundly, hugged her and took a nap.

On April 20th, the army marched south and arrived in Yecheng in early May.

He did not stay here. After picking up the woman and children, he went straight to Fangtou and crossed the river to Junyi in mid-May.

All the officials of Yanzhou, both great and small, were present to welcome the governor.

After some social engagements, Shao Xun temporarily moved into the Liang Palace, where several rooms had just been built.

Someone was waiting for him in the Liang Palace.

This person was wearing a pure green silk robe, and his eyes were full of murderous intent. After his gaze passed over Liu Ye, it fell on Cui. He suddenly felt disgusted, aggrieved, and angry.

Because there were outsiders present, Shao Xun had no choice but to kneel down at her feet.

(End of this chapter)