Chương 434: Heading South to Jiaozhou

The people of Yizhou have suffered for so many years; we cannot let them suffer any longer.

Officials in various prefectures and counties should be selected from those who are hardworking, diligent, and familiar with government affairs, drawn from the Youzhou Academy.

Especially in those counties in the south, the situation is complicated, and we need to send capable people there.

Fang Xuanling cupped his hands and said, "My lord, rest assured, we have already made arrangements for some of them, and quite a few are willing to go to Yizhou. The rest are being arranged and will be finalized in a few days."

Du Ruhui added, "The grain and supplies are also ready, enough for the counties and prefectures of Yizhou for half a year. I have already had a distribution plan prepared, and it will be distributed as soon as the officials arrive."

Xun Yu said, "The people of Yizhou have suffered from war for a long time and urgently need to be pacified. I have already selected a group of officials familiar with the administration of the south, who can take up their posts after the army withdraws. In addition, there are many barbarian tribes in the south, and experienced people need to be sent to pacify them. We cannot rely solely on force."

Liu Ce nodded and then instructed, "Also, you must make proper arrangements for this year's spring plowing to ensure everything goes smoothly. Yizhou is a major grain-producing prefecture, and this year's spring plowing cannot be delayed. Seeds, farm tools, and oxen must all be prepared in advance; we can't afford to be caught off guard at the last minute."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xun Yu, and the others, though unsure why Liu Ce had specifically instructed them about spring plowing, responded in unison:

"Rest assured, my lord, we will do our utmost to ensure the spring planting goes smoothly!"

Liu Ce nodded without explaining further.

He can't exactly say, "I used a favorable weather card, and I guarantee this year will be blessed with good weather and a bountiful harvest." You just need to do your jobs well, and God will take care of the rest.

However, even with a favorable weather card, people still have to do what they're supposed to do.

Seeds, farm tools, oxen, and irrigation systems—none of them can fail.

"Agricultural officials in each prefecture and county must go down to inspect the area, checking if there are enough seeds, if farm tools are damaged, and if there is a shortage of oxen. They must also inspect the water conservancy facilities, repairing what needs repairing and cleaning what needs cleaning."

Liu Ce explained each point one by one, "Also, in those newly recovered territories, the people have just submitted, and their hearts are still unsettled. We must pay even closer attention to spring plowing. We can't let the people feel that life is harder now that they have a new master."

Fang Xuanling noted everything down and solemnly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost and live up to your trust."

Liu Ce nodded in satisfaction.

He knew in his heart that the "Good Weather Card" had already taken effect.

This year, the entire northern region will enjoy favorable weather and abundant harvests, resulting in an even greater crop yield.

If Yizhou could also enjoy this good weather, then this year's granaries would truly be overflowing.

Once Yangzhou is taken back, the world will truly be at peace.

He leaned back in his chair, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled slightly.

almost.

...

Just as Qi Jiguang was pacifying Yizhou, another major drama was unfolding in Jiaozhou to the south.

Yue Fei led an army of 40, 000 southwards.

This force was also composed of elite troops: Yue Fei's own troops, plus Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhang Liao each leading 10, 000 elite soldiers, totaling more than 40, 000 men.

Their equipment was equally excellent, including bright armor, horizontal swords, long swords, and crossbows.

The grain supplies were allocated from Jingzhou and transported to Cangwu by water, which was faster than by land.

The army marched south for almost two months and was soon approaching the territory of Cangwu County.

That night, Yue Fei lit lamps in his command tent and summoned Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhang Liao.

Outside the tent, the damp night wind of Lingnan blew, making people feel sticky.

Inside the tent, candlelight blazed brightly. Yue Fei spread out a map of Jiaozhou and, getting straight to the point, laid out a complete picture of Jiaozhou for the group.

"Gentlemen, we are almost at Cangwu County. The reason I called you here today is to clarify the situation in Jiaozhou, so that you won't be completely clueless and lose your composure when you arrive."

Yue Fei pointed his finger at the map, speaking plainly and clearly:

"Zhu Fu, the governor of Jiaozhou, is the son of Zhu Jun, the former Grand Commandant. This guy is just a figurehead; the only territory he can really control is Cangwu Commandery!"

Zhang Fei's eyes widened upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but curse:

"Good heavens! This Zhu Fu is just a figurehead governor? He only governs one prefecture, yet he dares to submit a surrender document to my elder brother, saying he's submitting to Jiaozhou? Isn't that just deceiving people!"

Yue Fei smiled and continued:

"The only place he has real power is Cangwu County. As for the other six counties, Nanhai and Hepu, he can only say a few words around the county seat. In the vast mountains and countryside, the local powerful clans and Li and Liao tribes have the final say, and they don't pay any attention to his decrees."

He paused, then his tone became more serious:

"As for the four prefectures of Yulin, Jiaozhi, Jiuzhen, and Rinan, he doesn't even have a foothold in them and has absolutely no real control over them. Whether they recognize him as their governor depends entirely on their mood."

Guan Yu stroked his long beard, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice:

"General Yue is absolutely right. Jiaozhou is remote, and the imperial court has historically had weak control over it. Local powerful clans and barbarian chieftains are deeply entrenched. It's understandable that Zhu Fu is incompetent and lacks virtue, unable to maintain order. But I wonder, who truly holds the reins in Jiaozhou?"

"Good question."

Yue Fei nodded, then placed his hand heavily on Jiaozhi Commandery on the map, continuing to break it down for the group, explaining the situation of each commandery in detail:

"Let's start with our first stop, Cangwu County. This is the seat of the Jiaozhou Governor's Office, and Guangxin City is Zhu Fu's stronghold, the only place where he can truly have control."

"The Prefect of Cangwu, Shi Huang, is just his lackey, living entirely off Zhu Fu. All the power in the prefecture is in Zhu Fu's hands. Once we arrive, we'll secure this place first, which will be like having a bridgehead for our southward advance."

"Look at Jiaozhi Commandery, that's the heart of Lingnan! Half of Jiaozhou's population and resources are here. In the fourth year of the Zhongping era, Shi Xie was appointed governor of Jiaozhi by the court, and he's been in office for almost four years now. He's very well-established."

He emphasized, "The Shi family is a top-tier clan in Jiaozhou. Shi Xie's father, Shi Ci, was the governor of Rinan. The family has been operating in Jiaozhou for decades, with disciples and former officials everywhere. They are the true local tyrants of Jiaozhou."

Zhang Liao frowned and asked, "Shi Xie? Who is this man?"

Yue Fei continued, "Shi Xie, courtesy name Weiyan, was from Guangxin, Cangwu. His father, Shi Ci, served as the governor of Rinan during the reign of Emperor Huan. In his youth, Shi Xie studied in Luoyang under renowned teachers and was later recommended as a filial and incorruptible official, eventually rising to the position of governor of Jiaozhi."

"This man is quite learned, kind, and popular. Under his rule, Jiaozhi has been relatively stable in recent years. Moreover, not only is he capable himself, but his three younger brothers—Shi Yi, Shi Yi, and Shi Wu—are also serving in various prefectures of Jiaozhou. The brothers hold the military and political power of Jiaozhou in an unbreakable alliance."

Zhang Fei slapped his thigh and grinned, shouting:

"Who cares about Shi Xie! We have 40, 000 troops right here, and we brothers are here too. If he knows what's good for him, he should surrender right now. If he dares to say no, I, Old Zhang, will lead my troops to raze his Jiaozhi Prefecture to the ground and make sure he knows why the flowers are so red!"