The so-called wearing plain clothes and going out is also known as white dragon and fish suit. Its feeling is similar to secret inspection.
Cao Rui's departure from the palace this time, although he did not clear the streets and seal off the roads, was still accompanied by many guards of the Guards Commandery.
Inside the official residence of the Grand Master of the Secretariat.
With Xin Zhi holding the imperial seal by his side, Cao Rui in simple clothes met no obstacles when entering or visiting the inner area.
A moment later, Cao Rui arrived at the main hall where Xu Shu was receiving officials from various garrison lands.
At this time, Cao Rui was dressed in a moon-white long gown, accompanied by Xin Pi, walking from the door to the inside.
Xu Shu, who was bent over to record something, heard the footsteps outside the hall, frowned and looked up, only to find that the emperor and Xin Pi had actually come over.
Seeing that Xu Shu needed to rise and bow, Cao Rui smiled and extended his right index finger, making a gesture to silence. Then he lightly pressed down with his right hand a few times, indicating for Xu Shu to sit down.
Xu Shu also noticed that the emperor's makeup today was different from usual. Since the emperor did not want to reveal his identity, he let it be.
The Grand Master of the Secretariat is the highest official in charge of garrison land.
In the Great Wei, garrison land is not just about planting and producing grain; it also involves the management and conscription of the people involved in garrison farming.
The people who are gathered in various garrison farms by the court are managed by the provincial governors, garrison farm commanders, and agricultural supervisors, which can be considered a quasi-military organization.
Therefore, among the Nine Ministers of Great Wei, excluding the Minister of Rites and the Grand Justice, the Grand Master of the Secretariat has a third place in terms of real power.
Just now, the garrison land official from Yu Province has reported.
Xu Shu reads the register and asks, "Where is the Garrison Land Official Yin Di from Liangzhou?"
At this time, Cao Rui and Xin Pi had already sat in the dark corner inside the hall, quietly watching the hall.
A middle-aged scholar with a dark complexion entered, bowed and saluted, saying, "Reporting to the Grand Master of the Secretariat, I am Yin Di, the Garrison Land Official from Liangzhou."
Xu Shu nodded, "The documents you sent from your state have been viewed by me. However, there are still a few things I need to clarify with you."
Yin Di replied: "The Grand Master of the Secretariat can ask whatever he likes."
Xu Shu asked, "Your state's documents mention that in Guzang County and Xidu County of Wuwei Commandery, a total of two thousand mu of garrison land have been expanded this year, and most of it has been allocated to the Qiang tribes?"
"Reporting to the Grand Master of the Secretariat, this indeed is the case," Yin Di said, bowing his hands. "At the beginning of this year, there was a rebellion in Quyang County of Xidu Commandery. Many Han people from Qiyang, Xidu, and Aniyang counties fled to neighboring Jincheng Commandery. After the rebellion in Xidu Commandery was quelled, many people still did not want to return and remained in Jincheng Commandery."
"The Xi Ping Commandery is located in the Hehuan Valley, surrounded by many Qiang people. General Commander of the Protectors of Qiang Land, Lu Gong, reported to the state that the Gengdang Qiang in Linchi and Xidu counties are requesting internal attachment."
"The state council decided to accommodate the nearly 5,000 people under the command of the Gengdang Qiang and, following the rules for civilian garrison land, settled them near Linchi and Xidu counties. This year, they have been ordered to cultivate 1,000 mu of land."
"At the same time, in Wuwei Commandery, the Tangu Qiang near Guzang City due to food shortages in their tribe, requested assistance from the state. Both the Governor and the Military Officer decided to hand over the unused land in the county for several years and provide some food aid to the Tangu Qiang."
"With a term of three years. The state will provide grain for the three years. The production will be collected by the state. After three years, the grain produced will also be divided into five-fifty and paid to the state."
Xu Shu nodded and said, "Liangzhou has a large area with a small population. Your state's arrangement of settling the Qiang people in this way is also a method of integrating them into the kingdom and accumulating grain."
Cao Rui whispered to Xin Pi, "Xin Jiong, Lord Lu Xun probably spoke to the emperor about this matter, but there are some differences with what Yin Di is saying."
Xin Pi was curious and asked, "Where is the difference?"
Cao Rui said, "It is not that the Gengdang Qiang are volunteering to submit, but that the Han people from Linchi and Xidu counties are all migrating to the interior. If we do not find them to work the land, it is likely that there will be no financial resources for military needs in these two counties."
"It's better to recruit the Qiang people to cultivate the land than to abandon it. In this way, the Qiang people can live, the state and county can get grain, and the surrounding Qiang people will also be loyal."
Xin Pi sighed softly, "The Qiang people are rebellious one moment and settled the next, we must be cautious."
Cao Rui smiled and said, "In this matter, I believe Lord Lu has more experience."
"According to his own account, when he served in Yangzhou, the Eastern Wu state, he campaigned against the Yan people and moved them from the mountains, dividing them into different treaties. He had a lot of experience in this."
"Your Majesty, how do you know that?" Xin Pi asked.
Cao Rui chuckled and said, "The Yan people did not want to pay taxes, so they gathered in the mountains. The Qiang people of Liangzhou actually understand the majesty of the court and are willing to pay taxes if they are treated equally. However, the previous Han court and officials never treated the Qiang people as human beings."
Xin Pi nodded silently.
Discrimination is not just against the Qiang people; the Han people in Liangzhou haven't fared much better either.
A moment later, Xin Pi said, "To prevent future troubles, some preparations need to be made in advance."
Cao Rui replied, "Indeed. Once the garrison land is planted for one or two years and the Qiang people see the stored grain, the state will make a move to grant them some Han surnames and then govern them in a divided manner."
"After fighting a few battles, sending out several troops, receiving some rewards, and having several officials appointed, they will gradually become loyal over time."
Xin Pi said, "Your Majesty is wise. The most pressing issue in Liangzhou at present is the lack of people."
"With fewer people, there will be a shortage of grain, a shortage of grain means fewer soldiers, and fewer soldiers mean difficulty in defense."
"Using the Qiang people for garrison farming is indeed a temporary solution."
At this time, after Yin Di and Xu Shu completed the report on the garrison land in Liangzhou, Xu Shu lowered his head and began to read the next name.
"Where is Dengai, the garrison land official from Yuzhou?"
A young official of medium stature and unremarkable appearance walked in, bowing and said, "Reporting, reporting to the Grand Master of the Secretariat, I am Deng Ai, the garrison land official from Yuzhou."
Deng Ai?
Although Deng Ai appears unremarkable from the outside, his name, Deng Ai, is enough to attract Cao Rui's interest.
Cao Rui listened to Deng Ai's report to Xu Shu with interest. Much of the content had already been mentioned in the memorial that Governor Huang Quan of Yuzhou had submitted to him.
Right after Deng Ai finished answering Xu Shu's question, Cao Rui sat by the side and cleared his throat.
"Deng Ai, if the court wants to mobilize grain from Yuzhou, how should it be transported?"
Hearing the voice, Deng Ai turned around and bowed, "May I ask who you are, your honor?"
Xu Shu quickly said, "Since it's just me, the official, asking, you can answer whatever you know."
Deng Ai immediately answered, "If so, the grain should be transported from the Zhi River, Ying River, Langdang Canal, and Guo River. After collecting them in the Huai River, it should be transported downstream to the Shouchun area."
Cao Rui chuckled softly, "Is this the route for transporting grain from Yuzhou to Yangzhou? What about transporting grain from Yuzhou to Chang'an?"
Deng Ai was taken aback for a moment, then said, "If Chang'an needs grain, why not transport it from the Hedong and Pingyang Counties?"
Xin Pi listened quietly to the side. At this time, he leaned over and whispered to Cao Rui, "Your Majesty, when Wu Di attacked Guanzhong, he did indeed get his grain from Hedong."
"Du Ji was the first in merit among all the prefects of the various commanderies in the empire, half of which was due to his contributions in supplying military grain."
Cao Rui did not pay attention to Xin Pi and continued to ask Deng Ai, "What if there is a shortage of grain in Hedong and Pingyang? What should we do then?"
Deng Ai opened his mouth but didn't know what to say for a moment. After several seconds of silence, he cleared his thoughts and asked, "Does the grain have to be transported from Yuzhou? Is it not known to you that the middle of the Zhi River at Zhao County in Hounong Commandery is called the Tuji Pillar?"
Cao Rui smiled indifferently, "I know. It's as if there's a war in Chang'an and it's unavoidable."
Deng Ai was perplexed and said, "The Han Dynasty established its capital in Chang'an, transporting grain and grass from the eastern part of the country to Chang'an city every year. There were about 10 million metric tons per year, but there was significant loss during the journey through Sha State's Tuji Pillar. However, after Liu Guangmou established his capital in Luoyang, there were no more transportation activities for over 100 years."
"If the grain is to be transported from the eastern part of the country to Chang'an, it must necessarily pass through Sha State's Tuji Pillar, a perilous terrain!"
Xu Shu was also puzzled at this moment.
"Your Majesty asked Deng Ai about how to transport grain from Yuzhou to Chang'an, which hasn't been done for over a hundred years!"
Cao Rui said indifferently, "Then tell me how to cross the Tuji Pillar in the Zhi River at Zhao County in Hounong Commandery."
The so-called Tuji Pillar in Sha County refers to a large natural rock in the middle of the Yellow River that obstructs navigation. The phrase "middle stream column" refers to this place, which is known as Sanmen Gorge in later times.
Deng Ai immediately said, "If transporting grain from Yuzhou to Chang'an, the grain should be collected from various counties and transported along the Langdang Canal, flowing upstream to the east of Tuji Pillar in Sha County."
"Get off the boat and turn to land transport, then reboard the ship west of Sha County's Tuji Pillar, and proceed through the Wei River and the waterway to Chang'an."
"Reporting to Your Honor, this is what I believe to be the method of transporting grain from Yuzhou to Chang'an with the least loss."
Cao Rui stood up, stretched his lazy muscles, and smiled at Xu Shu, saying, "Grand Master of the Secretariat! This person is quite good. Tell Huang Quan that I want him."
Xu Shu quickly stood up and bowed, "I don't know where the emperor wants Deng Ai to serve."
Cao Rui smiled and said, "Let him supervise the grain and grass supplies for all the armies in Guanzhong!"
"Following the order." Xu Shu smiled and replied, "You didn't bow when receiving an official title from the emperor? How could you be so foolish?" After saying this, Xu Shu walked forward and patted Deng Ai's back.
Deng Ai quickly knelt and bowed.
Cao Rui smiled at Deng Ai and then turned to leave the room. Seeing this, Xin Pi casually bowed to Xu Shu and followed after him.
……
Tian Yu sent Cao Shuang to seek assistance in Guangwu outside the city of Wangtao on the morning of the 25th day of the sixth month.
On the afternoon of the 26th day, Cao Shuang managed to locate Liu Ye and others after making several attempts.
On the evening of the 27th day, after a day of forced march, Cao Shuang and Liu Ye, Guan Jian, and others led the troops from Yanmen Commandery, just arrived at Loufan.
Meanwhile, Tian Yu was facing an even more dangerous situation.
Ko Bijin's personality truly deserves to be one of the most powerful people on the grassland at that time.
The Xianbei cavalry led by Ko Bijin trailed behind the 9,000 troops of Tian Yu.
However, over these two days, Ko Bijin never sent anyone to attack Tian Yu's main force but instead continuously harassed Su Li's Xianbei light cavalry and the Wufan light cavalry from Youzhou.
After two days, a total of over one hundred riders from the Wufan contingency force were injured, and nearly three hundred men from Su Li's division suffered casualties.
As the evening approached, Tian Yu led over 8,000 troops and set up camp by the riverbank northwest of Yingguan, near Sangjan River.
Tian Yu was inspecting the camp, checking on the wounded soldiers who had suffered from knife and arrow injuries in the past two days.
After calming a group of young soldiers from Youzhou, Tian Yu walked over to his military counselor He Xin.
"How is your arrow wound?" Tian Yu looked worriedly at He Xin's shoulder, which was still bleeding despite the bandage of hemp.
He Xin's face was pale, but he still forced a smile and said, "General, don't worry. These are just minor injuries to the flesh and skin. It's nothing! The arrows of the Xianbeis are rough, and the arrowheads that hit my shoulder were just made of bone. Just remove the layers of skin around the wound, and it will heal in no time!"
Tian Yu sighed lightly, "It has been two days. Ko Bijin bites at our heels and constantly tears at Su Li's Xianbei light cavalry and the Wufan contingency force. This actually adds to my concerns."
He Xin asked, "General, are you saying that Ko Bijin wants to weaken Su Li's troops and the Wufan people so that they can be subdued or flee?"
"If that happens, our 2,000 soldiers will be surrounded!"
"That's correct," Tian Yu nodded and said, "The matter of the moment is to cross the river and head to the opposite city of Maying as soon as possible tomorrow!"
"That's right! Just now, I sent someone to check, and the shallow parts of the river only reach up to the chest and abdomen. As soon as it gets light tomorrow, we must cross the river immediately and head to Maying City. With a city to shelter us, both the Wufan people and the Xianbei will not be able to escape."
"If we stay here, they might escape in just three days!"
He Xin sat quietly by the side, his expression gloomy.
Tian Yu is right. For Su Li's Xianbei tribe and the Wufan people of Dai Commandery, when it comes to escaping, they should run when their legs can carry them.
If too many of the troops are killed or injured, it would truly be a crime for the leader of the unit. If they can survive and return safely, the government may even forgive their past mistakes and try to integrate them again!
The Wufan contingency force and Su Li's Xianbei light cavalry would do well in battles where they are fighting with the wind at their back or in stalemates, but they would never fight to the death.
He Xin tried to struggle to his feet, but Tian Yu held him back.
"Tian Gong," He Xin said, "The most important thing at the moment is to determine the order of crossing the river tomorrow."
Tian Yu spoke slowly, "The Wufan contingency force are guest troops. It's important to stabilize them first."
"Our army will be divided into two parts. I will lead one thousand men, and you will lead the other thousand."
"Tomorrow, the Wufan people will cross first, followed by you with one thousand soldiers, and then the Xianbeis. I will hold back in the rear!"
He Xin's expression was urgent as he said, "General Tian, no, no, no! National affairs and the security of the North Frontier cannot be done without me He Xin. How can it be done without you?"
"Please, General Tian, cross first tomorrow and enter Maying with the Wufan light cavalry. I will hold back in the rear, and after the Xianbeis have crossed the river, I will be the last to cross!"
"Leading the Wufan people into Maying is indeed inseparable from me," Tian Yu sighed. "Zhao Bingcheng, can your shoulder still bear it? It would be better if you let the staff member Liu Qishu to hold back."
"Liu Qishu?" He Xin laughed and said, "He's just a bookworm, who is always quoting Confucius or Mencius. How could he be able to hold back?"
"General Tian, don't say more! The water doesn't even reach the chest and abdomen, so I'm sure I'll be fine!"
Tian Yu nodded heavily.
……
At dawn on the second day, the 3,000 Wufan light cavalry all crossed the river on horseback.
Then it was Tian Yu leading his 1,000 soldiers across.
When Tian Yu's troops began to cross the river, Su Li led over a dozen well-built guards to speak with He Xin.
"Director He," Su Li asked with a bow, "Last night, General Tian told me that we are to cross the river and head to Maying City?"
He Xin's injury was to his left shoulder, and at this moment, his right hand was already on the hilt of his sword.
"Yes, it is indeed Maying." He Xin looked into Su Li's eyes and said.
"Director He, we've thought it over in our camp last night," Su Li said hesitantly, "Can't we not go to Maying?"
"Although Maying City is tall and strong, if it's surrounded by Ko Bijin, it's still a death sentence. Couldn't we head south after crossing the river and go to Lufan instead?"
"Once we cross the Great Wall, Ko Bijin won't dare to come over. This way, everyone can be saved!"
He Xin's eyes showed a hint of something unusual, and he gave a subtle glance to the warrior beside him. In the span of a few moments, nearly fifty armored soldiers surrounded Su Li and others.
Su Li was shocked and quickly explained, "Director He, I really wasn't trying to escape! With General Tian nearby, if I escaped, how could I ever show my face again?"
"Director He, please consider what I'm saying. I truly believe that going to Lufan is better!"
He Xin drew his sword from his waist, not pointing it at Su Li, but with the tip facing the ground: "General Tian's orders, are these things for us to meddle with?"
"And let's not talk about how General Tian came to this place to encounter danger for you. Just by the fact that this is General Tian's order, how can you disobey?"
"If you don't want to be the leader anymore, in my opinion, your younger brother Su Tui has a face that suggests he could become a high official!"
Su Ti followed behind Su Li, originally just to add to the excitement and support the scene. But now, he had been accused by He Xin of such a crime, and he was at a loss for what to do. In the end, he knelt down on the spot, holding his brother's legs.
"Brother, I'm not guilty. I truly have no intention of betraying our cause..."
Su Li looked at the disgraceful brother in front of him, fuming with anger: "Get to the back! Director He is speaking with me. What business is it of yours?"
Su Ti nodded and moved to the rear.
He Xin opened his mouth and said to Su Li, "Let me explain to you clearly."
"Once we arrived in Wangtao, General Tian immediately dispatched someone to Guangwu to find Yanmen Governor Yue Gong for assistance. It is estimated that Yue Gong's troops will arrive near Maying today."
"Yue Gong's name, you wouldn't not know it, would you?"
Su Li's expression finally improved, and he even chuckled: "Director He, if you had said that earlier, I wouldn't have been so worried about Ko Bijin!"
"I'll leave the rear guard to Director He. I'll go back and prepare for the crossing."
"Yes, go quickly." He Xin watched as Su Li turned and walked away, but his eyes were filled with concern.
He Xin had said that Yanmen Governor Yue Gong's troops were on their way to help, but in reality, he had no idea if it was true or not.
Even if Yue Gong's reinforcements arrive as quickly as possible, that would be tomorrow or the day after.
Let's just cross the river first for now!
After the 3,000 Wu Han soldiers, 1,000 Wei soldiers, and 4,000 Xianbei soldiers crossed the river, half an hour had passed and the weather was gradually getting cooler.
He Xin glanced over and asked: "Director He, let's cross the river now!"
He Xin shook his head. "First, light a few things that can be burned in the camp to make it seem like we're cooking. After lighting the fire, put it out, and then we'll cross the river."
"Yes, sir." Du Bo answered.
An hour and a half after He Xin crossed the river, Ko Bijin's scouts finally discovered that Tian Yu's troops had all crossed the river and were heading towards Maying City.
Fuming, Ko Bijin ordered Yu Zhujian's troops, who were still on the north bank of the Sanggan River, to rush westward towards Maying City, intending to seize the city first.
At noon, Ko Bijin's son-in-law arrived at the city of Maying but found that the city was already flying Tian Yu's flags. He had no choice but to retreat and find Ko Bijin.
"Your Majesty, Tian Gong's troops have already entered Maying City. Although I saw a thousand or so troops outside the city, they were heading towards Maying."
"But without your command, I did not advance to make a surprise attack."
Ko Bijin indeed can be considered a "King".
Shortly after Cao Pi succeeded as the King of Wei and before he claimed the throne as an emperor, Ko Bijin sent envoys to present horses to the court. As a result of this tribute, Ko Bijin earned the title of "Accompanying Loyal King".
Ko Bijin sighed, "The reason I ordered you to kill Xia She a few days ago was to provoke Tian Yu into battle so that I could have the chance to kill Su Li and these Wufan dogs from Dai Commandery, thus uniting the grasslands. Do I really want to bear the reputation of a rebel?"
"Since they have all entered the city, let's besiege Maying City!"
"Send a message to General Tian Yu, saying that this is an internal matter of our Xianbei tribe. Hand over Su Li and promise us the freedom to graze north of the Sanggan River, and we will withdraw our troops!"
"Yes, sir!" Yu Zhujian received the order and left.
Ko Bijin rode a white horse and looked up at the rolling clouds in the sky, long sighing.
There are so many distinguished Han people in the south. Yan Rong left, and now Yue Gong. Yue Gong is gone, and now Tian Yu.
When will it be possible to expand the territory as much as the great Khan Tanshihai did?
……
At this time, Liu Ye and Guanhou Jian, along with the three thousand troops from Yanmen Commandery, had arrived at a distance of fifteen li from Maying City.
As the sky grew darker, Liu Ye ordered the troops to set up camp on the spot. After receiving the order, Feng Po quickly distributed the tasks.
Cao Shuang looked worried and said, "General Liu, we are only fifteen li away from Maying City. Why don't we keep going for another one or two hours to rest at Maying City?"
Liu Ye looked at Cao Shuang and said, "Zhao Bo, I know you are anxious to provide relief, but it's really not advisable to advance recklessly now that the sky is getting dark."
"Can you be sure that Tian Yu has reached Maying City?"
Cao Shuang shook his head, but then nodded: "General Tian Yu has told me that he is definitely heading towards Maying City."
Liu Ye explained, "He can say what he wants, but as the son of the Grand General, I am an envoy holding a jade seal, and there is also a 2,000-cow official here who is only 26 years old."
"General Tian Yu is in danger. Are we all going to follow him into danger?"
"What does General Liu mean by that?" Cao Shuang asked in confusion.
As the son of Cao Zhen, Liu Ye patiently explained: "Zhao Bo, Maying City is surrounded by flat land. If Ko Bijin comes, he can only surround the city and wait for Tian Yu to break out."
"Could Ko Bijin actually attack the city?"
Cao Shuang thought for a moment and said, "This is true."
Liu Ye nodded, "If Tian Yu can enter the city, he will be safe for at least a few days. Even if he is surrounded, with our assistance both inside and outside, there won't be much trouble."
"If Tian Yu hasn't entered the city yet, we won't be able to do anything by entering Maying City ourselves!"
Seeing Cao Shuang lost in thought, Liu Ye said, "The most urgent thing now is to find Tian Yu's troops and inform them that we have three thousand troops outside."
"Zhao Bo, as the envoy sent by Tian Yu, are you brave enough to set out to find him now?"
Cao Shuang clasped his hands and bowed: "General Liu is right. I'll set out immediately!"
Liu Ye nodded and said, "The nine horsemen you brought, I don't think they are much use. Go to Zhonggong, look for twenty horsemen from our Luoyang escort, and follow you together!"
"Yes, sir!" Cao Shuang replied. (Chapter ends)
