Chapter 671: Knife and Sword, Together Beyond the Frontier

**Volume Three: Celebrating New Liang**

Late at night, a vast cavalcade quietly galloped out from the north gate of Liangzhou City. Among them were the eight hundred White Horse Volunteers, renowned throughout the land alongside the new King of Northern Liang; over a hundred swordsmen from the Wu family newly arrived in Liang; and more than a dozen Qi practitioners from the Nanhai Guanyin Sect. Leading the procession were Xu Fengnian, the current backbone of Northern Liang, dressed in casual clothes; Wu Liuding and Cuihua, the Sword Crown and his Sword Attendant; Tantai Pingjing, the chief Grandmaster of Southern Qi practitioners; and Sui Xiegu, the sickly-looking old swordmaster with white eyebrows. However, riding alongside Xu Fengnian were not any of the aforementioned individuals, but Xu Beizhi, who was supposed to be handling administrative affairs in Lingzhou. Xu Fengnian, far from minding Xu Beizhi's (nicknamed 'Ju Zi' or 'Orange') sudden arrival or his unauthorized departure, was overjoyed. Earlier that day, hushed rumors had circulated around Qingliang Mountain, claiming that when the dusty Governor arrived at the manor, the King himself brought him a washbasin, and even smiled as the Governor washed his face, which utterly perplexed the servants. Should they say the King was virtuous and respectful of scholars, or that the young frontier official Xu Beizhi was simply too influential? In any case, outsiders had always found it baffling how Xu Beizhi, the 'Northern Barbarian' and grandson of Xu Huainan (King of the Northern Courtyard), with such a sensitive identity, could rise so swiftly through the ranks of officialdom in Northern Liang.

Xu Beizhi brought a piece of news so bad it could be called a nightmare: all of Northern Liang's previous efforts and lavish spending on the Western Shu remnants, led by Su Su, the crown prince of the fallen Western Shu, had gone to waste. Worse, it had inadvertently emboldened Chen Zhibao, the King of Shu. As Xu Beizhi put it, Northern Liang had painstakingly fattened a guard dog, only to find it wouldn't even protect their home, let alone provide them with meat; instead, it might even bite them back in the future. Xu Fengnian remained relatively calm about this. After finding Su Su and the old scholar Zhao Dingxiu in the small city of Beiliang and interacting with them, he hadn't held much hope. For one, Su Su was too lazy; he might enthusiastically exert himself in the martial world, but when it came to strategic planning and schemes, Su Su would readily drop the ball if given the chance. Relying on this boy for Western Shu's restoration was even more disappointing than Northern Liang needing its own Crown Prince to carry the banner back then; it was sheer despair. Furthermore, Zhao Dingxiu, having made a comeback as a semi-imperial tutor, wouldn't care who helped with the restoration, as long as it happened. His slight connection with Northern Liang and Xu Fengnian wasn't enough for him to disregard the larger picture and contend with Chen Zhibao. Ultimately, the Zhao Emperor had initially sent Zhao Kai to the Western Regions with the 'bottle,' aiming to first sever Northern Liang's ties with Shu and Zhao, and then form a vast arc of encirclement with the three Western Regions. Unfortunately, Xu Fengnian's interception at Iron Gate Pass thwarted that plan. However, Chen Zhibao's ascension to king in Shu effectively continued the Zhao imperial court's established strategy for the Great Northwest. Although Xu Fengnian took advantage of this opening to first win over the Six-Pearl Grandmaster and extensively infiltrate the Western Regions, Chen Zhibao quickly retaliated, positioning himself in Western Shu with an eye on Nanzhao. It could be said that both sides had their victories and losses in this exchange, but for Tai'an City, observing from afar, and for Yuan Benxi (nicknamed 'Half-Inch Tongue'), it was a win-win situation. Without Shu and Zhao as strategic rear bases for Northern Liang to retreat to in unfavorable war situations, Northern Liang would be strategically extended. Even if the war intensified, they would have to fight to the death, exhausting all the family's accumulated resources from Xu Xiao's time.

However, if Xu Beizhi merely wanted Xu Fengnian to sulk, he wouldn't have personally visited Qingliang Mountain. The Governor of Lingzhou's urgent 'audience' brought a draft proposal concerning the reform of Northern Liang's honorary official titles. Previously, Xu Fengnian, acting on Chen Xiliang's advice, had undertaken a series of drastic measures to eliminate accumulated abuses in the Northern Liang army. A large number of captains and countless miscellaneous generals had been dismissed. This made the previously inconspicuous position of captain within the three prefectures of Liang, You, and Ling a powerful military office, second only to the three generals (one chief and two deputies) in a given prefecture. Subsequently, a large number of miscellaneous honorary titles, originally intended for meritorious officials to live out their retirement, were revoked, which shook the foundations of many influential military families in Northern Liang. After the older generation of generals and officers retired from the frontier, the honorary titles they hoped to pass down as family heirlooms were unceremoniously swept into the dustbin of history. Meanwhile, most of the younger generation within these families had not personally achieved merits. This created an invisible chasm, as the fuel for a family's legacy and succession had been removed.

Xu Beizhi stated that in an era of peace, whether Qingliang Mountain 'robbed the rich to aid the poor' or even 'killed the goose that laid the golden eggs,' it would not impede the Xu family's standing in Northern Liang. However, with a million Northern Mang troops pressing down, it was crucial to secure the cooperation of these military families.

After leaving Liangzhou City, Xu Fengnian remained silent throughout, as Xu Beizhi meticulously explained the pros and cons. Xu Fengnian wasn't someone who couldn't listen to advice, but he did find the matter somewhat difficult, or more precisely, had a hidden reason for his hesitation.

Had anyone else proposed this, Xu Fengnian would have adopted and implemented it without hesitation. But coming from Xu Beizhi, Xu Fengnian had to consider it very carefully.

Xu Beizhi paid no mind to Xu Fengnian's silence and continued outlining his vision for the Northern Liang army's grand structure. “The border army doesn't need unnecessary changes; they should just follow the old rules. Local, new, and old captains are also clear about their responsibilities. However, Northern Liang now needs more people willing to fight on the battlefield. In the war against Northern Mang, when it comes to commanding generals, Northern Liang has a slight edge; regarding the bravery of armored soldiers, Northern Liang holds the upper hand. But precisely because of this, we cannot lose too much to Northern Mang in terms of resilience. Northern Liang absolutely cannot win dozens of battles only to lose everything because of one major defeat!”

Xu Beizhi's eyes were resolute as he said gravely, “Northern Liang's foundation is not strong enough to begin with. Now, those military families who see no hope in continuing their legacy are rushing to leave Northern Liang. It's true that most of these people are parasites, but can they truly not be converted into Northern Liang's fighting force? Confrontations between nations have always been about who can endure more and take more punishment. According to my proposal, Northern Liang will establish three major martial honorary general titles—Zhen, Ping, and Zheng—comprising twelve specific titles. These are destined for the most outstanding individuals in the border army with distinguished military achievements. However, the next two ranks, 'Xiaozhu' and 'Xiaoqiwei,' totaling twelve grades of martial honorary officials, along with the two major civil honorary titles of 'Zhengzhiqing' and 'Zizhiching,' are truly tailored for those wavering observers: for military families willing to contribute money and effort, and for scholars willing to offer strategies and advice. Of course, for these honorary titles, you must ensure one prerequisite: they must be legitimate honors recognized by the Liyang imperial court. If possible, you should also request an imperial decree from the Ministry of War in Tai'an City, publicly announcing that the Zhao Emperor, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Personnel must not only acknowledge Northern Liang's various honorary official ranks but also promise that if Northern Liang's honorary officials wish to leave the territory and serve as officials elsewhere, they may be appointed to positions one or two ranks lower, without any pretexts or excuses for refusal!”

Xu Fengnian smiled wryly, “Ju Zi, do you really think the Ministry of War in Tai'an City is just some small courtyard of my family? Although I have a decent relationship with Lu Baijie, I'm certain that the Tangxi Sword Immortal will drop the memorial to the ground after receiving it. Currently, to suppress local forces, the court would readily sacrifice old generals like Yan Zhenchun and Yang Shenxing. How could they possibly contradict themselves? If they accommodate Northern Liang, and Gu Jiantang also demands a hefty price, do you think the Ministry of War and the one on the dragon throne would agree or refuse?”

Xu Beizhi shook his head decisively, “It's different. The Zhao family is preoccupied; currently, they rely on Northern Liang to fight to the death with Northern Mang. If this memorial is submitted, there's a fifty percent chance it will be approved.”

Xu Fengnian also shook his head, sighing, “It's not that the memorial can't be submitted, but you must understand something. Last time, relying on Song Dongming's suggestion for Northern Liang to send troops to quell the rebellion in Guangling Dao, the court grudgingly sent grain. I doubt it will happen this time.”

Xu Beizhi loosened his reins, rubbed his hands, and said softly, “The memorial isn't to be sent to the Ministry of War right now. It depends on when Cao Changqing thoroughly hurts the imperial court.”

Xu Fengnian nodded, then suddenly asked, “Do you know what I'm thinking?”

Xu Beizhi turned to look at him, and with a calm expression, counter-questioned, “Are you afraid that Chen Xiliang and I will be at loggerheads? That one mountain cannot hold two tigers?”

Xu Fengnian breathed a sigh of relief and joked, “It's good that you understand. Both of you are my friends and raw jade greatly valued by my master. I would be heartbroken to lose either of you.”

Xu Beizhi also asked, “Do you know what I'm thinking?”

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes, saying, “You might be a worm in my stomach, but I'm not one in yours.”

Instead of retorting sharply as usual, Xu Beizhi said, “I think once the war between Liang and Mang begins, we need to find a pretext to prevent Gu Jiantang's eastern front from watching us fight from the sidelines.”

Xu Fengnian was momentarily stunned, then said, “This would not only cross Yuan Benxi's bottom line, but I'm afraid even Zhang Julu and Qi Yanglong wouldn't agree.”

Xu Beizhi said indifferently, “Even Wang Xianzhi can lose; there should be no one in the world who can win every battle.”

Xu Fengnian was speechless.

This was perhaps the biggest difference between Xu Beizhi and Chen Xiliang. Chen Xiliang always preferred to start from subtle details, rarely giving a sense of grand, sweeping ambition with a single move. Xu Beizhi, however, was different; he seemed to have a more overarching and strategic perspective, focusing on the main points.

But there was no superiority or inferiority between the two.

At least, that's how it appeared for now.

Xu Beizhi chuckled without reason.

Xu Fengnian stared at him, utterly bewildered.

Under the moonlight, Xu Beizhi looked north and chuckled softly, saying, “When I was young, I always thought that one day I would follow my grandfather south to attack Northern Liang. I never imagined it would turn out the other way around.”

Xu Fengnian asked curiously, “Do you really have no one you care about back in the Northern Royal Court? For instance, any childhood sweethearts, any kindred spirits, or any scoundrels you particularly want to humble?”

Xu Beizhi's expression remained calm and collected as he softly replied, “No.”

A single strategy could be worth a city; a few words could establish the nation's foundation. Xu Fengnian awaited to see who would become Northern Liang's first strategist worthy of such praise.

Just then, one of the Wu family's hundred swordsmen spurred his horse forward, overtaking Wu Liuding and the female Sword Attendant's mounts, and approached Xu Fengnian's side. He cupped his hands and declared loudly, “I am Xie Chengan, a man from a fallen nation. Dare I ask, when Your Highness has time, would you be willing to spar with me?”

Xu Fengnian smiled, “Is it for yourself, Xie Half-Sword, or for Western Shu?”

Xie Chengan, who had once lost by only half a sword to the Western Shu Sword Emperor, replied honestly, “Both.”

Xu Fengnian pulled on his reins with both hands, lazily sprinkling salt on a certain centenarian swordmaster's wound. “Senior Sui,” he said, “someone wants to spar with me. Well, shouldn't they ask you first?”

Sui Xiegu, indeed Xu Fengnian's most recent defeated opponent, was so incensed that his white eyebrows fluttered wildly. He let out a cold snort but did not refuse.

The gaunt-faced Xie Chengan said calmly, “I know I am no match for Your Highness, but if I do not draw this sword in this life, my conscience will not rest.”

Cuihua, who had been resting with her eyes closed, spoke up coldly, “Xie Chengan, after entering the Tomb, what 'personal sword' do you have left to speak of?”

Xie Half-Sword's expression instantly darkened; he looked as if he wanted to speak but couldn't.

Wu Liuding laughed heartily, “No worries, no worries! Since we've all left that lifeless place, we don't need to be too particular about the rules. Grandfather Xie said it's a spar, not a fight to the death. I'm sure the King of Northern Liang is broad-minded. It would be unreasonable for him, being in an invincible position, not to even spar!”

Xu Fengnian turned to look at the Wu family's Sword Crown, who he never got along with. “Alright, how about we spar too?”

Wu Liuding snorted, then retorted angrily, “Afraid of you? You pick the place, I'll pick the time!”

Xu Fengnian said, “Right here.”

Wu Liuding shamelessly declared, “A hundred years from now!”

Most of the Wu family swordsmen had strange expressions. Having such a leader as their young master was truly embarrassing.

A middle-aged swordsman also quickened his horse's pace and asked with a smile, “I hear His Highness the King of Northern Liang started his martial arts training with the blade?”

Xu Fengnian smiled and asked, “What, Zhang Luantai, your peak battle before entering the Wu family sword tomb was a loss to Gu Jiantang. Are you now hoping to regain your standing by challenging me, who also practices with a blade?”

Zhang Luantai was forthright, nodding, “That is indeed what I thought, but it seems as difficult as ascending to heaven.”

The beautiful swordswoman, whom Wu Liuding called Aunt Nalan, did not join the front group but cleared her throat and asked loudly with a laugh, “Your Highness, I won't humiliate myself by challenging you to a duel. I just have a small question: Your Highness is so handsome. If I were ten or twenty years younger, could we live together?”

Xu Fengnian turned and smiled, “My lady, perhaps you could be a wet nurse for my children in the future?”

The woman's chest rose and fell with the horse's gait, a truly impressive sight. Hearing his retort, she wasn't angered but teased, “I should have known to seek out the Princess Consort back then and shamelessly become her sworn sister or something. Perhaps then, Your Highness would be calling me ‘that’ now.”

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, “Fortunately, you didn't become sworn sisters with my mother twenty years ago.”

Elderly swordmasters from the Wu family's Sword Tomb, such as Helian Jianchi and Sword Monk Cui Meigong, all smiled knowingly.

After a round of laughter, Xu Fengnian said, “All of you are renowned masters of the sword. However, as for sparring with me, I will not agree to it.”

For this journey, Xu Fengnian only wore a Liang Blade at his waist. He ran his fingers over the hilt, looked up at the sky, and smiled faintly, “When we reach the frontier, you might want to see how the best blade under heaven truly distinguishes itself.”

In the depths of winter, when snow falls, the Liang Blade, unsheathed, held horizontally and then vertically, cuts through snow when no one is watching. And when there are people, it severs heads and drinks blood.