Chapter 773: Six Liang Three

Escorted by 800 White Horse Yi Cavalry, Xu Fengnian did not head directly for Hutou City as originally planned to coordinate operations from the Protectorate of Huaiyang Pass. Instead, he was summoned to a location further south, a rare place in Northern Liang that could genuinely be described as picturesque, with abundant water sources and treacherous, strategically important terrain—naturally, it had not escaped the notice of military strategists. It was here that Northern Liang intended to construct a city even more magnificent than Hutou City. Giant timber, harvested from the deep mountains of Xishu and Nanzhao and stored in Northern Liang for years, along with countless massive stones—almost enough to hollow out the peak of Dayu Dongtian Mountain—were continuously transported along the wide postal road. Under the decisive command of the young prince, with the Qingliang Mountain Prince's Residence as the central hub, and the prefectural residences of the three prefectures and various garrisons as the primary forces, almost the entire Northern Liang territory, excluding Liuzhou, was set into rapid motion by this new city project, like the surging qi within a martial arts master. Xu Fengnian himself took on the temporary role of Chief Architect for the new city. Li Gongde, the Grand Administrator, and a Mojia Grandmaster served as Governors-General. Six individuals, including Wang Peifang, the Prefect of Liangzhou (who outranked the other four prefects by half a rank), and Wang Linquan, the former "God of Wealth" from Qingzhou, served as Deputy Supervisors overseeing specific affairs. In one swift move, all garrisons south of Liangzhou's border passes, along with over a hundred thousand registered laborers from the three prefectures (all under fifty years old), were mobilized and stationed there. Construction began with fervent energy.

In Northern Liang at that time, the only person who could issue commands to Xu Fengnian was undoubtedly Xu Weixiong, who had just been enfeoffed as Princess Fujing by the Liyang imperial court. In the twilight of the setting sun, Xu Fengnian, Xu Weixiong, and the powerful Governors-General and Deputy Supervisors walked slowly along the riverbank. The Mojia Grandmaster, who had emerged from Qingliang Mountain with Liuzhou Prefect Yang Guangdou to engage with the world, was temporarily unavailable. Thus, Li Gongde, one of the Governors-General, naturally had to be present to brief the young prince on the progress of the new city's construction. In recent years, Li Gongde had truly experienced the full spectrum of life. First, he ascended to the prestigious position of Grand Administrator, a second-rank official, becoming a top frontier administrator in the Liyang Dynasty. However, before he could settle into his new role, he encountered the turbulent "change of dynasty" in Northern Liang. Sure enough, Xu Beizhi silently stripped him of his firmly held additional title as Prefect of Lingzhou. Immediately after, Song Dongming was appointed as an uncustomary Deputy Grand Administrator, stationed at Qingliang Mountain. In the eyes of Northern Liang officialdom, this was naturally the new Prince of Liang's move for checks and balances. But just when everyone mistakenly thought Li Gongde would soon pack his bags and leave, the young prince promptly appointed him Governor-General of the new city. The desolate sight of the Grand Administrator's mansion with few visitors in early spring of the second year of Xiangfu was still vivid in the minds of Lingzhou officials, and many now regretted not having seized the opportunity to curry favor with him when he was out of favor. After arriving at the site, Li Gongde was a changed man, enduring rough conditions and outdoor meals alongside the Mojia Grandmaster. This even caused Tian Peifang, who was meticulous about his health, to suffer considerably.

Li Gongde, his throat dry from talking, casually unhooked a kettle from his waist containing water mixed with several heat-clearing Chinese herbs. He took a gulp, then sighed sincerely, "Your Highness, I've served as a local official in Northern Liang for most of my life, always racking my brains about the art of officialdom. Even when I got into that carriage after leaving, I was secretly just relieved that Your Highness hadn't forgotten me, Li Gongde. When I lifted the curtain and saw the cavalry guards dispatched by the Prince's Residence, and then those faces outside the carriage, fawning again, I felt immensely satisfied—it was like slapping them personally, such a relief."

Although Tian Peifang was the highly influential Prefect of Liangzhou, he was not entitled to walk alongside Xu Fengnian and Li Gongde; he had to maintain a few paces behind them. Because the Grand Administrator hadn't bothered to lower his voice, Tian Peifang heard everything. After mulling it over, he was utterly impressed by this old official, who was arguably the most skilled at navigating Northern Liang's bureaucracy. Lord Li's ability to seize opportunities was truly masterful, and his frankness, even at the cost of his own image, showed a profound understanding of how to curry and secure favor. Tian Peifang felt he had greatly benefited, experiencing the sensation that "listening to one's words is better than reading ten years of books."

Li Gongde turned his head north, glancing at the new city site, and chuckled softly, "Back then, I gritted my teeth and agreed for Hanlin to join the frontier army. Honestly, at first, I just thought my precious son could get by in the border army. With his father's connections, becoming a commandant would be enough. Then he could return home in fine clothes, to a place where his father's words still held sway, and rise rapidly through the ranks. Whether he became a general or a prefect later, it would be better than fighting for his life on the frontier. So when I heard that boy secretly became a White Horse Mounted Archer, I was scared out of my wits. When I heard Li Hanlin actually followed the Dragon-Elephant Army to invade Guse Prefecture, and as a vanguard scout at that, as his father, during that period, there wasn't a day I didn't burn incense, pray to Buddha, and beg the Bodhisattvas! So when Hanlin bounced back home, alive and well, with those young men he considered life-and-death brothers-in-arms, I, Li Gongde, wanted to scold him, but I couldn't bear to! How could I, Li Gongde, who loves to accumulate wealth and fears death, have given birth to such a son?!"

At this point, a strong sense of pride appeared on Li Gongde's face, and he laughed heartily, "How could I have given birth to a son who makes his father feel utterly ashamed?!"

Li Gongde, who was so busy he had blood blisters on his lips, paused. "So when this profligate rascal, who had squandered money since childhood, suddenly one day said he wanted to use the silver he earned from slaying Northern Barbarian heads to treat me to a small drink at Lingzhou's best restaurant... I, Li Gongde, felt more comfortable than when I became the much-coveted Grand Administrator of Northern Liang."

Xu Fengnian said softly, "Hanlin has already been promoted from Mounted Archer Squadron Leader to Commandant for his merits. When I encouraged him to join the army back then, it was actually like Uncle Li, I just wanted him to go to the frontier to settle down, to keep him from being idle and causing trouble all day in Lingzhou. At that time, the newly appointed Grand Administrator, Uncle Li, would surely be the most troubled. I also didn't expect Hanlin to be so transformed, becoming a top elite soldier in the Northern Liang border army all on his own."

Li Gongde suddenly lowered his voice and said hoarsely, "Honestly, if I could go back, I still wouldn't want Hanlin to join the army. After all, he's my only son. If he's gone, he's gone. Who will take care of me in my old age and perform my final rites? Will I, with white hair, have to bury my black-haired son? Even if Li Hanlin were a good-for-nothing for life, in a father's eyes, as long as he's alive and well, that's better than anything. But there's no going back in this world. Since Hanlin has come this far, no matter how much my heart aches every day, I can only do my best and leave the rest to fate."

Li Gongde, breaking etiquette, was the first to stop and turn, gazing at the city site. He murmured, "My Northern Liang will build tall structures here from flat ground; this city will dominate the border pass! I, Li Gongde, won't claim I'm contributing to the Northern Liang border army. It's just that I'm taking this opportunity to personally oversee things, to give my son, who is fighting on the front lines, an extra layer of support."

Fatherly love is like a mountain. All fathers in this world are inherently their sons' pillars of support, from beginning to end, from old age until death.

Li Gongde, somewhat flustered, gave a self-deprecating smile. "Your Highness, I'll return to my duties first, otherwise, that Mojia Grandmaster, who has a rather bad temper, will surely spray me with spittle."

Xu Fengnian smiled and agreed. After the Grand Administrator, the highest-ranking official present, departed, Wang Linquan, Tian Peifang, and the other Deputy Supervisors naturally filled the vacated positions. Wang Linquan, in particular, had a special status: not only had he been Xu Xiao's vanguard in his youth, but his daughter, Wang Chudong, was also a confirmed future princess consort of Northern Liang. This great joyous event had been continuously postponed at Qingliang Mountain only due to the hurried passing of the old Prince of Liang. In Northern Liang at present, among the two families with ties to the Prince of Liang's Residence, it was generally expected that the Lu family, hailing from a prominent clan in Qingzhou, would rise to prominence. However, as time passed, the outcome was unexpected: the Wang family, often scorned for their mercantile background, had distinguished themselves, while the Lu family seemed unable to adapt, with hardly any young members holding positions of real power in Northern Liang. Lu Dongjiang, the current head of the family, whose calligraphy skills were unmatched in Jiangzuo, was particularly disheartened. It was rumored that after several incidents, this "Lu Boke" had an irreconcilable conflict with his daughter, Lu Chengyan. Opinions varied within Northern Liang officialdom regarding this. What was once an even bet between the Wang and Lu families completely tipped in one direction after Wang Linquan was appointed Deputy Supervisor of the new city, while Lu Dongjiang was excluded from the role. However, perhaps to spare the Lu family too much embarrassment, a nephew of Lu Dongjiang was appointed as the Supervisor of Supplies for the new city's construction. Unlike the high-ranking yet temporary position of Deputy Supervisor, this was an official post in Northern Liang that could easily become permanent. At that moment, this Lu family member was closely following at a distance of twenty paces. Most Lu family men were dashing and refined, and this one was no exception. Today, he had specifically taken off his official robe and put on a brand-new, bright brocade attire, standing out exceptionally from the common crowd in the procession. Several scholars of similar age accompanied him.

Xu Fengnian actually recognized this person at a glance: Lu Chengsong, Lu Chengyan's cousin, and a prominent talent among the 'Cheng' generation of the Qingzhou Lu family. However, Xu Fengnian felt a bit helpless about this person's conspicuousness, like a crane among chickens. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is the simplest principle; standing out like a crane among chickens essentially means being out of place. In official circles, everyone blends in with the dust and light, and such sharp edges are highly avoided. After all, it's a completely opposite domain from the literary world, which values high standards and elegant detachment. No wonder the Lu family encountered resistance everywhere in Northern Liang. Xu Fengnian sighed inwardly. After chatting with his father-in-law, Wang Linquan, he deliberately turned and stopped, looking at Lu Chengsong, who was still three rows of officials away. The people present were all seasoned old foxes of officialdom, skilled and shrewd, and quickly made way. Lu Chengsong, who had been keenly observing the young prince's movements, quickly understood. He walked forward confidently and gracefully. After a few steps, he suddenly turned back, and then a young scholar hesitated before stepping out of the line and accompanying Lu Chengsong. This presumptuous action displeased all the officials, including Tian Peifang. Those with less self-restraint had already frowned. "Lu Chengsong, a mere seventh-rank Supervisor of Supplies, it's one thing that you get to meet the Prince thanks to your special status as a Lu family member, but what right do you have to bring an outsider along?"

Xu Fengnian feigned ignorance. After Lu Chengsong bowed, he smiled and asked, "How is Uncle Lu's health?"

After Lu Chengsong straightened his back, he did not bend it again. This small gesture further annoyed nearby officials. Although under the influence of the Grand General's disregard for minor formalities, Northern Liang did not strictly adhere to rules like "the Son of Heaven cannot be looked up at, and princes cannot be looked at directly," and transgressors certainly wouldn't need to gouge out their eyes in apology. However, Lu Chengsong's inherent arrogance, typical of central plains literati, was truly off-putting. Lu Chengsong maintained his indifferent demeanor, neither humble nor overbearing, and replied, "Uncle's health is good. He writes over a dozen pieces of calligraphy at home every day."

Even Tian Peifang couldn't help but roll his eyes. "This boy has something to say between the lines. Is he implying that 'Lu Boke' has to pretend to be leisurely because he can't realize his ambitions?" Tian Peifang narrowed his eyes, staring at the young face he had once seen at a banquet, feeling an urge to curse. Others might not know, but he, the Prefect of Liangzhou, knew very well: the Prince had intended to appoint Lu Dongjiang as Liangzhou's Vice Prefect, but this head of the Lu family disliked being an assistant and felt unhappy, so he refused. The Prince then proposed that he become the headmaster of Baima Academy, which was as famous as Qinglu Cave Academy, but Lu Dongjiang still wasn't willing. At that time, Tian Peifang even felt a bit guilty for occupying the "privy" of Liangzhou Prefect, and personally hosted a banquet to invite "Lu Boke." As a result, none of the Lu family men of Lu Dongjiang's generation showed up; only young men like Lu Chengsong, who hadn't even fully matured, entered the mansion. In contrast, Wang Linquan, who was of similar status to Lu Dongjiang and also a royal relative from Qingliang Mountain, was always amicable in every meeting, wasn't he? "What's wrong with scholars? I, Tian Peifang, am also a scholar whom even Yao Baifeng has praised a few times! Is it possible that only you Lu family scholars from Qingzhou are precious in this world, and our Northern Liang scholars are worthless? In the Liyang imperial court, among the older generation, there's Yao Baifeng, who presides over the Imperial Academy, and Yan Jiexi, a Grand Academician of the Hall of Literature. Among the younger generation, even if we don't mention that ungrateful Jin Lanting, there are still Chen Wang, who is already in a central position, and Sun Yin, who is famous throughout the capital?"

Xu Fengnian said genially, "Establishing a Deputy Grand Administrator for a circuit is now a fixed custom of the imperial court. Deputy Grand Administrator Song has been complaining to me that his duties are too heavy for one person to handle. After all, Northern Liang is different from other places, so asking the imperial court for one more legitimate Deputy Grand Administrator should not be difficult."

Sensing the hidden meaning, Lu Chengsong's expression inevitably grew excited, but his first reaction was to subtly glance at Wang Linquan, who stood beside Xu Fengnian, the latter remaining impassive.

Then Lu Chengsong introduced to Xu Fengnian, "Your Highness, this is Zhang Huanzhi, a highly renowned scholar in the Jiangnan literary circles. He excels in all four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, especially in painting mountains and rivers with a sense of perspective that makes a few feet seem like a thousand miles. Moreover, if Zhang Huanzhi were to take the imperial examination, he would certainly rank among the top three in the First Class. Hence, he has forsaken a brilliant future to come to Northern Liang alone."

Compared to the suave and famous Lu Chengsong, the young scholar named Zhang Huanzhi was much more reserved, bowing respectfully and saying, "This humble commoner Zhang Huanzhi pays his respects to Your Highness. I am filled with trepidation."

Tian Peifang carefully observed the expressions, ready to act. As long as the Prince showed even a hint of displeasure, he could ensure that this young man named Zhang Huanzhi would remain sidelined in Northern Liang officialdom indefinitely.

Xu Fengnian had already sized up Zhang Huanzhi. Upon hearing this, he smiled and said, "That must have been difficult for you."

Zhang Huanzhi was momentarily stunned. He lowered his head and said tremulously, "I wouldn't dare. After arriving in Northern Liang, seeing and hearing things for myself, I realized that Northern Liang is very different from what I imagined."

Xu Fengnian simply smiled and turned to continue walking. Before long, he dismissed Tian Peifang, Wang Linquan, and the others back to their duties, walking only with Xu Weixiong along the riverbank. Not far away were the White Horse Yi Cavalry, standing guard.

Xu Fengnian asked softly, "Did Xuanyuan Qingfeng voluntarily contact the Fuishui Residence?"

Xu Weixiong nodded, "The Daxueping side first contacted Liu Nirong of the Fish Dragon Gang. Both Wutongyuan and Fuishui Residence were a bit rushed, so we inserted many spies with Jianghu identities among those three groups. We also took the opportunity to relocate these foreign Fuishui Residence assassins back to Northern Liang; they were responsible for guiding public opinion."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "No wonder Xuanyuan Qingfeng said she wanted to fight me and have me lose to her back then. If I had known about this, I would have agreed. This favor is no small one."

Xu Weixiong asked, "How was it after you met Master and his party?"

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "After all, the old master still holds the position of Libationer of Shangyin Academy; his every move is constrained. Coming to Northern Liang has already crossed the bottom line of the Zhao Imperial family of Liyang. I suspect Qi Yanglong will soon devise a countermeasure in the capital, releasing news that he will assume the position of Grand Libationer once old Master Han returns from his travels."

Xu Weixiong turned her wheelchair, stopping to face the river, and sighed softly, "When Master intentionally didn't enter Liangzhou City back then, I knew he had made up his mind. If he had entered the city, we would have been disappointed, because it would mean he truly had no desires and would return to the academy with all his disciples. Since he avoided suspicion for the Liyang imperial court to see, it means at least one disciple will quietly remain in Northern Liang."

Xu Fengnian said in surprise, "Xu Huang, Sima Can, it would be excellent if just one of them stayed."

Xu Weixiong seemed lost in thought, perhaps recalling her student days at Shangyin Academy.

Xu Fengnian said gently, "Don't worry, the old master is still quite robust; he rode a horse for ten *li*."

Xu Weixiong looked up and glared, "And you didn't try to dissuade him?!"

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes and said, "At the time, the old master, relying on his seniority, insisted I escort them for twenty *li*. I was in a hurry to get to Huaiyang Pass, and besides, Xu Huang and others were already desperately trying to stop him, so I didn't say anything."

At this, Xu Fengnian grinned mischievously, "The old master only let me escort him for ten *li* in the end. He said my intention was enough, but I think he actually couldn't take it anymore."

A slight smile touched Xu Weixiong's lips.

Xu Fengnian squatted beside the wheelchair, rubbed his temples, and sighed, "Why are the Lu family members so stubborn? Has all the family's intelligence been concentrated on the old retainer Lu Feichi and Lu Chengyan? Wang Linquan is also no simple character. Although he has stood by and watched, he's been quite decent, not kicking the Lu family while they're down. But they are, after all, barely related families now. If Wang Linquan could take one more step back, Qingliang Mountain would be much more peaceful."

Xu Weixiong asked calmly, "So you deliberately proposed in front of everyone that Lu Dongjiang become that useless Deputy Grand Administrator, to put pressure on Wang Linquan?"

Xu Fengnian said bitterly, "It was a subtle hint, I suppose. But if I continue to ignore the Lu family, this prominent family, which was willing to relocate their entire clan to Northern Liang under the old retainer Lu Feichi, will probably be devoured by Northern Liang's local officials in less than three or four years, leaving nothing but bones. What time is it now? Even my Wutongyuan is secretly selling paintings, calligraphy, and antiques to exchange for salt, iron, and grain from other regions. But the Lu family? They've taken the gold and silver the old retainer painstakingly accumulated and used it to buy over thirty pieces of calligraphy and paintings alone! Since they've had no choice but to settle roots in our Northern Liang, they should at least follow Wang Linquan's example and buy land at reduced prices from families who have moved out of Northern Liang. Is this a time for feigned elegance? They're all there, smugly thinking they've gotten a huge bargain..."

Xu Weixiong suddenly said, gloating, "Actually, you've underestimated Wang Linquan's way of handling things. This 'God of Wealth' has quietly bought many priceless calligraphies and paintings at low prices since early spring, intending to humbly give them to the Lu family. But with your casual remark, tossing out a second-rank Deputy Grand Administrator, Wang Linquan can no longer give those gifts. Otherwise, not only would the Lu family not appreciate it, but old Lu Dongjiang and young Lu Chengsong would look down on them even more."

Xu Fengnian said annoyedly, "Sister, why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

Xu Weixiong smiled playfully, "Is it my fault then?"

Xu Fengnian immediately raised his hands, "It was my rash action."

Xu Weixiong sneered, "Rash? Would our Prince of Northern Liang act rashly? Otherwise, how could he have fought Tuoba Pusa, the second strongest in the world, all the way from the northern Western Regions to Xuelian City, battling so thoroughly and dramatically? It was truly magnificent! I'm even thinking of having a plaque made that says 'Number One Under Heaven' to hang at the main gate of Qingliang Mountain later. If you find 'Number One Under Heaven' too vulgar, how about 'Unrivalled in the World'? Isn't that more imposing?"

Knowing his second sister's temper, Xu Fengnian dared not retort in a way that would only add fuel to the fire. With a distressed face, he pulled a blade of grass from the ground, flicked off the dirt, and put it in his mouth.

Xu Fengnian suddenly sighed, "Running such a vast Northern Liang, with all its complexities, even a dog would find it tiresome after three years..."

Xu Weixiong reached out and slapped him hard on the head, "Who's the dog?!"

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, "Didn't I have a second half to that sentence? I was just about to say that only now do I realize how difficult it was for our father to manage everything."

Xu Weixiong looked towards the sky and murmured softly, "Indeed."

Xu Fengnian, who had been squatting, simply sat down on the ground, slowly chewing on the grass root.

For no particular reason, Xu Weixiong recalled a little folk song that had never gained widespread popularity.

Back then, she and his elder sister married far away in Jiangnan.

That day, a young boy in Wutongyuan tapped a wine bowl with his chopsticks.

*Sending you off a thousand li until rugged peaks turn to plains.**Reluctant to part, on the verge of leaving, I urge you to drink six and three.**One: May you always carry an oiled umbrella in rainy Jiangnan.**Two: May you lightly wave a fan in scorching summer.**Three: May you not forget to add clothes in winter.**Four: May you have many reunions each year without separation.**Five: May you be free from sickness and worries, always at ease.**Six: May you always be joyful, free from wind and rain.**Six and three.**The remaining three tenths.**I am in the Northwest, pass after pass.**Separated from you, mountain after mountain.**In the end, I only wish to know you are safe.*

Xu Weixiong let out a long breath, then turned and said gently, "Don't do anything foolish again in the future. It will make Mother and Father... and your sister worry."

Xu Fengnian hummed in affirmation, then spat out the grass root and looked into the distance, saying softly, "Tuoba Pusa has gone to Liuzhou, and Huang Man'er is there. I'm just worried."

Xu Weixiong lowered her head, her expression unreadable. The breeze ruffled the wisps of hair on her forehead.

Xu Fengnian stood up with a smile, "Sister, I'm heading to Huaiyang Pass. While Tuoba Pusa isn't at the border, I want to personally go to Hutou City. Sister, don't worry, I definitely won't act on impulse this time. As soon as things look bad, I'll pull out quickly!"

Xu Weixiong looked up and said inexplicably, "Call me Second Sister!"

Xu Fengnian scratched his head, "It's all the same."

Xu Weixiong waved her hand, "Go on. Once you're at Hutou City, twist off hundreds, even thousands, of Northern Barbarian heads!"

Xu Fengnian laughed heartily, "You said that yourself!"

Three days later, at dusk, when a solitary figure appeared on the city wall of Hutou City, the Northern Barbarian army, which had been attacking day and night for over a month, suddenly sounded the gongs to retreat, declaring an unprecedented ceasefire.

Watching that figure from afar, the entire Northern Barbarian army was struck with awe and dread.

At dawn the next day, a strong wind blew. King Dong Zhuo of the North Court, riding his horse amidst a dense formation of Northern Barbarian iron-clad guards, still dared only to advance a mere hundred paces from his formation. He gazed at the Hutou City wall. He uttered no grand pronouncements, simply raised his arm high, and then swung it down heavily.

Thus began the most brutal battle of the second year of Xiangfu.