Chapter 295: The Lady Zhe

The Zhe family's influence in the northwestern region of the Great Han had already grown very considerable. Their rise could even be traced back to Zhe Congruan's grandfather's generation—Fu and Lin prefectures were treated as one unit. His father, Zhe Silun, had even served as Prefect of Linzhou and died in office, so in the Fu-Lin region, the Zhe family could be said to have deep roots. Compared to them, the Yang clan of Linzhou could only be considered "local gentry."

Of course, the Zhe family's true rise came from the position and reputation that Zhe Congruan had carved out over decades of fighting blade-to-blade in this chaotic age.

In his youth, Zhe Congruan had followed the Later Tang's Emperor Zhuangzong in conquering the realm, serving as one of Li Cunxu's yabing officers. To be fair, among those who came from Li Cunxu's yabing guards, personal attendants, and close ministers, there really were an extraordinary number of formidable men.

After the Later Tang was established, Zhe Congruan was appointed Prefect of Fuzhou, and then began his career of garrisoning the frontier that lasted over twenty years. Through the rise and fall of three dynasties—Tang, Jin, and Han—amidst the turbulent storms of the age, he stood unshakable throughout. He resisted the Khitan, protected his homeland, and especially during Shi Jingtang's cession of Yunzhong, he labored with all his heart to maintain Han rule over Fuzhou, never once bowing his head to the Khitan.

When Liu Zhiyuan governed Hedong, the relationship between the two sides was maintained reasonably well.

When Shi Chonggui broke off relations with the Khitan and the two states clashed, Zhe Congruan also led his troops north to attack. But constrained by his strength, although he achieved some gains, in the end he lacked the momentum to press further.

When Liu Zhiyuan proclaimed himself emperor and founded his state, Zhe Congruan was also among the few local powers to respond and support him first. Of course, one cannot rule out that Fuzhou lay right beside Hedong's home base—if that region were not stable, Liu Zhiyuan could not have felt at ease marching south.

To win over the Zhe family, Liu Zhiyuan elevated Fuzhou to Yong'an Army and promoted Zhe Congruan from Militia Commissioner to Military Governor, a status that continued to this day.

Over more than twenty years, the Zhe family's influence had penetrated into every village and town of Fuzhou. In fact, Fuzhou had long become the Zhe family's private preserve, and Zhe Congruan's prestige there was unassailable. His two sons also assisted him, dividing responsibility for the prefecture's military and civil affairs.

Were it not for the limited geography and development potential of the Fu and Lin prefectures, which made them unable to survive independently, and had Zhe Congruan not been a man of vision and foresight, the Zhe family of Fuzhou would probably not have differed much from the Tangut Li clan occupying Xiazhou.

This time, Zhe Congruan came to the capital, of course, to pledge his loyalty. Like all the military governors of the Great Han, he had been watching since the Liu family seized the Central Plains and established the Great Han. Only after Li Shouzhen's rebellion was put down and Liu Chengyou returned from his personal campaign did he make this proactive, positive move.

Though far away in the northwestern frontier, he had still heard of Liu Chengyou's various actions during the ten months since his accession, especially the edicts and policies Liu Chengyou had issued to the whole realm.

Kaifeng city was right before his eyes, but actually entering the city still required a considerable stretch of road.

"Among the military governors who have arrived in the capital, who is already here?" Sweeping his gaze over the petty official who was attentively leading his horse ahead, Zhe Congruan suddenly spoke up, inquiring of him.

Upon the question, the hostel manager immediately replied respectfully: "To answer Your Excellency, as far as this humble one knows, those who have come to the capital in the past half month include Governor Murong of the Taining Army of Yunzhou, Governor Zhang of the Chengde Army of Hengzhou, Governor Wang of the Henghai Army of Cangzhou, Governor Liu of the Pinglu Army of Qingzhou, Governor Li of the Yongqing Army of Beizhou, and Governor Guo of the Zhangde Army of Xiangzhou. Governor Guo of Xiangzhou, I hear, only arrived yesterday evening..."

Hearing the answer, Zhe Congruan pondered for a moment and asked: "All Hebei military governors... how is it that no military province from the Central Plains has come to the capital?"

"Your Excellency, forgive this humble one for not knowing—that is beyond what I could know."

"Mm!" Zhe Congruan nodded in acknowledgment but did not press the petty official. His still-sharp eyes showed a hint of contemplation.

The moment he started thinking, his aged appearance showed through—after all, he was getting on in years. Noticing the weariness that inadvertently appeared on Zhe Congruan's face, Zhe Saihua could not help but urge him with concern: "Grandfather has been too tired on this journey. Better to get to the hostel early and rest."

Feeling his little granddaughter's thoughtfulness, Zhe Congruan returned to his normal bearing, back straight as a ramrod: "This old man's body is still hale and hearty—I can eat meat and draw a bow. This bit of hardship is nothing compared to fighting wars!"

Seeing her old grandfather's stubborn refusal to admit his age, the young girl could not help but laugh charmingly and immediately agreed with him. Her grandfather was gentle and humble in temperament, with a good temper—he just refused to acknowledge his age.

Entering the city, under the hostel manager's arrangements they took up residence in the guest hostel for honored visitors. The situation was reported upward, and soon word of Zhe Congruan and his granddaughter's arrival in the capital reached Liu Chengyou's ears.

In recent days, Liu Chengyou had personally received each and every military governor who came from Hebei, showing full respect.

Indeed—when the news arrived, Liu Chengyou was just in conversation with Guo Jin, Military Governor of Xiangzhou, quite "cordially."

Guo Jin's resume needed no introduction, nor was there anything remarkable about it. Like most military men, he had served as a Military Governor and imperial army commander back in the Later Jin dynasty.

After the founding of the state, he received a post in the imperial army and was greatly trusted by Liu Zhiyuan. When the Xiangzhou military governorship fell vacant, the assembled ministers proposed that since Guo Jin had garrisoned Anyang years ago, he could clean up the ruin and desolation there, and so he was again made Military Governor of the Zhangde Army.

It seemed that after the founding of the Great Han, Guo Jin's fortunes were far better than most of the old ministers of the Shi Jin. And the reason he received such favor was simple—like Chancellor Dou Zhengu, he had an old connection with Liu Zhiyuan. In Liu Zhiyuan's words, he was an old minister of his native land; Guo Jin was from Jinyang in Taiyuan.

"Grand Commandant Zhe has arrived. Issue an edict for the attending officials to serve him well—all care and provisions must not be lacking!" Liu Chengyou showed a "delighted" expression and immediately conveyed his imperial will.

Hearing this, an old man with thick whiskers and graying hair, dressed in brocade robes and seated in the hall, could not help but rise and take his leave: "If Your Majesty has matters to attend to, your servant shall withdraw!"

This man was Guo Jin. It was plain to see that the old fellow seemed somewhat ill at ease. His exchange with Liu Chengyou was clearly not as "pleasant" as it appeared on the surface.

For during their idle chat, Liu Chengyou had seemingly casually mentioned one matter. Guo Yunming and Guo Jin were of the same clan, and the two had private dealings with each other. Previously, Guo Yunming had presented Guo Jin with imperial wine, and Guo Jin had openly accepted and enjoyed it.

Liu Chengyou had only mentioned it as if in jest, but Guo Jin was frightened—the death of his clansman was hardly news.

Though there were unruly and overbearing military governors in the realm who wielded their power arrogantly, those who took the initiative to come to the capital for audience still harbored a measure of reverence and closeness toward the court. And Xiangzhou's strength was not enough to support Guo Jin in harboring any thoughts of defying the court.

Therefore, the man maintained an attitude of deference throughout—at least before the sovereign. Liu Chengyou had received reports from the Wude Office that this Governor Guo, upon entering the city, while not exactly bullying and domineering, could still be described as ostentatious.

Of course, Liu Chengyou had only given him a simple warning. Toward military governors who took the initiative to come to the capital and submit, he could hardly be overly demanding.

"Minister Guo, return to your residence for now and rest. Tomorrow, come to the palace to attend the Winter Solstice banquet!" Looking at Guo Jin, Liu Chengyou's smile appeared remarkably gentle.

"Yes!"

Only after Guo Jin's respectful figure disappeared from view did Liu Chengyou withdraw his gaze. Thinking of Zhe Congruan's matter, he murmured to himself: "From Fuzhou to the Eastern Capital, over mountains and rivers all the way—more than two thousand li. This Grand Commandant Zhe was willing to brave wind and frost to come in person—that truly shows his sincerity!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou's words, Wang Qiwu, who was attending at his side, said proactively: "Duke Zhe has garrisoned Fuzhou for the state for over twenty years, protecting the culture of the Central Plains. His toils and merits are great, and he is worthy of admiration."

"Where has he been arranged?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Wang Qiwu: "Xiangfu Hostel."

Liu Chengyou said without hesitation, instructing Wang Qiwu: "Let Duke Zhe rest for half a day. Then you will personally go to welcome him into the palace to see me."

"Yes!"