Chapter 1067: Zhong E

Wang Yan swung his blade, striking in three directions.

First was punishing crimes and violations of law; second was beginning to collect his exclusive cleaning fees; third was measuring farmland and auditing household registrations.

Each of these three points alone would provoke fierce resistance, let alone doing all three at once. Moreover, this was a border region where the government's style of operation was already wild, and the great families were even wilder.

But it didn't matter, because even when doing all three things together, the focus remained primarily on punishing crimes and violations of law. After all, once the people were dealt with and the ringleaders of opposition eliminated, the rest—whether cleaning fees, farmland, or household registrations—were merely incidental matters.

Resistance would be suppressed by the Xiang Army with no mercy; if they fled, they would be left alone, free to run wherever they wished, since their property and enterprises remained right there. This was not like a thousand years later with a flexible financial system where wealth could become a string of digits, circle the globe one hundred and eighty times in a short period, and vanish without a trace.

If one had to rank them, Wang Yan preferred those who accepted their fate without resisting, next he liked those who fled, and only as a last resort did he have to deal with those who resisted. Because resisting required mobilizing troops, which meant casualties, which meant he had to allocate funds and grain for compensation, and that was not good. With such fate, it would be better to go to the front lines and pick fights.

Therefore, what Wang Yan practiced was plowing through courtyards and sweeping out lairs, like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, suppressing the great families within his jurisdiction with the fastest speed and the fewest casualties.

Stationed in Fushi, he issued order after order; the Xiang soldiers dispersed into eight teams of a thousand men each, spreading across the entire prefecture to block all major land routes and suppress every county. His trusted aides, selected by him from the prefectural yamen, went to each county to oversee operations. The large number of clerks needed were recruited from local impoverished scholars, with promises of job placements for those who performed well; even old fellows in their forties were bustling about energetically.

The academic atmosphere in Yanzhou was certainly inferior to that of the peaceful regions in the interior. Quotas here were also scarce; it had been several years since a Jinshi degree holder emerged. Opportunities for other various examinations were not plentiful either. Many people studied until their family fortunes collapsed, wasting half their lives for nothing.

Let alone being appointed as officials; Wang Yan simply opened the doors and created more clerk positions, and these people were so delighted they didn't know which way was north. It was respectable, the treatment was good, and there was a future. Moreover, at this time, it represented a certain degree of class mobility.

After all, becoming a clerk had thresholds and monopolies; outsiders found it difficult to break in. Even if outsiders managed to enter, other minor clerks would collectively ostracize them, making it impossible to last long.

But with Wang Yan in power, the situation was different; minor clerks were also subject to having their homes raided and being uprooted completely. The original ecosystem was utterly shattered, and everyone was trembling with fear, lacking the courage to cause trouble.

Therefore, under Wang Yan's leadership, the prefecture's officials and clerks were compelled to unite as one, operating the government machinery with high efficiency, filling prisons across the region in a very short time.

To use the words of those in the imperial court accusing Wang Yan, it was 'officials unable to live' and 'people unable to live,' as if Wang Yan intended to ruin Yanzhou, as if Western Xia could seize an opportunity to launch a massive invasion at any moment.

These people were simply shameless; when Wang Yan was in Jingcheng, no one had spoken such words. Apart from reports about the Sheng family lending money at usurious rates, everyone in the imperial court had praised him, saying he was fair and strict, generated much revenue, and was loyal to Great Song and loyal to the Emperor.

Now that he had been driven out of Jingcheng, these people surged forth again, making daily accusations against Wang Mou their leisure entertainment activity. It seemed that without accusing him once, the morning court session was held in vain, and no work could be conducted.

All these matters were reported to him via letters from Feng Jing; basically, it was all thunder with no rain. Jingcheng played its own games, and Yanzhou played its own. After all, there were eunuchs sent by the Emperor here, inspectors from the Policy Council and the Bureau of Military Affairs, and furthermore, the administrative seat of this circuit was located here, with various high officials also working in Fushi. Even though Wang Yan had prosecuted officials from the circuit yamen together with others, all kinds of inspectors were still trembling with fear.

Actually, generally speaking, the Prefect of Yanzhou was concurrently held by the Pacification Commissioner of Shaanxi, which facilitated coordinated decision-making and centralized power. But Wang Yan was special; they feared he lacked power, yet also feared he had too much power and would be hard to control. Furthermore, it was impossible to appoint Wang Yan again as a Vice Prefect; what if, at that time, Wang Yan lost his mind and conveniently defected to Western Xia?

Thus, this created the current awkward situation in Fushi City: three yamens, three sets of administrations. But although this situation was awkward, in actual interaction it was not awkward at all, because Wang Yan arrested everyone.

Since taking office, he had never gone to meet those who were nominally his superiors; instead, he had arrested many of their subordinates...

When he was Vice Prefect, he had offended every circuit-level official. When he served as Inspection Commissioner, he had dealt with no fewer than ten circuit-level officials. Now that he was Prefect, he feared circuit-level officials even less.

Of course, if he became a circuit-level official himself, and any prefecture-level official below him disobeyed his orders, that would be unforgivable; Wang Mou was indeed very double-standard.

Actually, the power of circuit-level officials here was not great; the most powerful was the Pacification Commissioner of Shaanxi, fully titled the Shaanxi Strategic Pacification Commissioner, who could mobilize troops from the five circuits of Shaanxi. In other words, their main responsibility was warfare against Western Xia. There was also the Transport Commissioner, who managed funds and grain. When necessary, a Propagation and Pacification Commissioner would be established, held by a Grand Councilor. That position was the overall commander of the war, possessing the authority to make immediate decisions and act expediently, serving as the primary person responsible for a full-scale war.

During the first Song-Xia War back then, Fan Zhongyan and Han Qi served as the principal and deputy Pacification Commissioners, with Xia Song as the Regional Commander while the two of them handled operations. In the end, the war went poorly, and everyone was dismissed together.

Speaking of which, upon learning that Wang Yan became Prefect of Yanzhou, Fan Zhongyan, far away in Qingzhou, specially wrote a very long letter to offer admonitions. After all, Fan Zhongyan had previously discussed military affairs with Wang Yan and knew that Wang Yan harbored ambitions toward the north. Seeing Wang Yan transferred to the border region, Fan Zhongyan's heart trembled.

After all, previously when Wang Yan caused turmoil internally, although the matters were equally significant, even severe consequences could be absorbed internally; but in the border region, it was different. One misstep could lead to full-scale war, which would be disastrous. Warfare against Western Xia was of course not just about Western Xia; to the north lay Liao, to the west Tubo, to the southwest Dali, and in the south various ethnic minorities in the mountains. Internally, due to various forms of high pressure, uprisings and rebellions occurred from time to time.

Internal troubles and external threats were not mere talk; if mishandled, it could lead to the destruction of the nation.

In his letter, Fan Zhongyan was truly earnest and painstaking, fearing that Wang Yan, eager for quick success, would rashly initiate war. After all, Wang Yan held troops in his hands; far away in Qingzhou, Fan Zhongyan had already imagined Wang Yan commanding twenty thousand elite troops, wondering how aggressive he would become.

Wang Yan replied to Fan Zhongyan's letter as well, speaking implicitly and explicitly about Fan Zhongyan's past experiences, lamenting the self-struggle that came with greater power, and the anxiety felt when issuing orders. To summarize, it boiled down to four characters: walking on thin ice.

Actually, Fan Zhongyan should have already died at this time, but because Wang Yan had previously helped regulate his body, resolved his mental knots, transmitted strengthening exercises known as Gong Fa, listed healthy dietary recipes, and even trained professional chefs. Due to all these combined factors, Fan Zhongyan was now living very well.

When they parted ways back in Hangzhou, Fan Zhongyan had said his demands were not high, merely collecting cleaning fees in Qingzhou would suffice. As a result, now he was like an old steelyard horse in the stable, vigorous despite age; over the past year in Qingzhou, he had similarly caused heads to roll. He forcefully implemented cleaning fees, measured farmland, and audited household registrations.

This was something Wang Yan could no longer persuade him against; he could only maintain frequent correspondence, conducting remote consultations. Fan Zhongyan clearly did not wish to die early; he wanted to solve as many problems as possible. Therefore, he cherished his situation, did not act too rashly, and did not overexert himself. However, assassination attempts were inevitable, and there was no way around that.

Overall, Fan Zhongyan's situation was good. His health was acceptable, and he looked likely to live another ten or eight years; having found a new method of operation and devoted himself to it, striving for it—for someone like Fan Zhongyan, this was excellent.

Matters elsewhere had little relation to Wang Yan. He was simply recruiting new soldiers and cleansing the entire Yanzhou region, and indeed achieved some gains.

Regarding wealth, the great families of Yanzhou were actually not poor. The prosperity of landlords was related to the quality of their land, but that only applied to small and medium landlords; only these small landlords would save and scrape together to accumulate family wealth, appearing somewhat pitiful, as they lacked the strength to break through regional limitations.

But when it came to large landlords who engaged in business, wealth accumulated much faster, and they were no longer restricted by geography.

From this perspective, the great families of Yanzhou had even more advantages; after all, they were close to Western Xia, making both legitimate foreign trade and secret smuggling much more convenient and familiar to them.

At this level, they certainly did not lack connections. Perhaps none of their own people were exceptionally powerful, but they could form marriage alliances, or use money; there were many methods. Power and profit corresponded to each other; having one meant the other was not far behind.

Therefore, one should not underestimate them just because they were located in a remote area.

The so-called gains naturally came from them. Because some of their people sold prohibited goods to Western Xia, providing items such as ironware. In fact, it was not only the great families of Yanzhou; powerful great families from other regions also engaged in such business. Furthermore, this involved matters of spies and infiltrators.

This was not unfamiliar, because previously when Wang Yan served as Inspection Commissioner in Jingcheng, he had also captured some spies from Liao and Xia. Such penetration was necessary. Using spies was an effective method of struggle passed down from a thousand years ago. Even a thousand years later, counter-espionage struggles were undoubtedly the top priority.

Relatively speaking, the Yanzhou area was certainly a disaster zone for penetration. After all, whatever movements occurred, the Yanzhou side could not cover them up. Thus, from merchants to officials, even to some farming commoners, and even further to soldiers and officers in the army at the front lines, some were spies, some sold information, and some participated in smuggling for profit.

It was precisely because of this that Wang Yan had his first interaction with border army generals, and of course, they were historical figures...

In the official quarters of the prefectural yamen, Wang Yan sat smiling behind his desk, drinking tea. Seated properly and upright in the lower position was a man in his twenties wearing casual clothes. Even wearing loose casual attire, it could not hide the strength of his body. The skin on his face was rough and slightly dark, with a full beard. His hands, resting properly on his knees, showed calluses.

Zhong E, twenty-seven years old this year, sat very nervously. Commanding several thousand troops stationed in Qingjian, engaging in daily skirmishes with the opposing Western Xia army, he felt neither panic nor nervousness.

But sitting before this Prefect, who was several years younger than him, his heart couldn't help but pound, because this Prefect's combat record was too terrifying. The preference for civil officials over military men was well-known, and he was fully aware of it, having felt it early on. But this smiling Prefect before him handled civil officials like dealing with chicklets, let alone a military general like himself.

Moreover, over the past few months, he heard about Wang Yan's awesome deeds every day, because arrests had reached all the way to Qingjian City. People he previously thought difficult to handle were already made to cry for their fathers and mothers before this Prefect even showed his face.

According to reason, he should have come to pay respects to Wang Yan long ago. After all, Qingjian fell under Yanzhou's jurisdiction; the city defenses, fortifications, and so on there were all responsible by Yanzhou's Xiang Army and personnel conscripted by the government. Funds, grain, and so on were also partially borne by the Yanzhou government.

But at that time, Wang Yan displayed his divine might, arresting and punishing whoever he encountered; people wished to flee ten thousand li away, so how would they actively seek discomfort? Therefore, he remained consistent with other military generals and did not come to seek trouble.

But now there was no choice; he had to come. Because officers and soldiers under his command had participated in smuggling and even sold out their deployment situations; this was a life-threatening matter.

"General Zhong need not be nervous."

Wang Yan put down his teacup and spoke with a smile. But his speaking made Zhong E even more nervous; visibly startled, he straightened his back even more.

Shaking his head with a smile, he said: "This official knows your Zhong family is loyal and righteous; presumably Western Xia has also tried to bribe you many times before, promising benefits, but your Zhong family has backbone and did not agree. Otherwise, why would it require so much effort? You could have simply opened Qingjian wide and let the Western Xia army march straight in. Therefore, today's matter must be that subordinates under your Zhong family army, blinded by money, acted privately."

Zhong E breathed a sigh of relief, bowed with clasped hands, and said: "The Prefect judges wisely; upon returning, this humble subordinate will definitely investigate to the bottom, to put the Prefect's mind at ease."

"It is not to put my mind at ease, but to put your mind at ease. You are a soldier, so in the presence of the Bureau of Military Affairs inspector, I will speak plainly with you."

Wang Yan waved his hand. "The world says this official is a cruel official; presumably you are also trembling with fear in your heart. The presence of spies and private trafficking of prohibited goods under your command is not unique to your Qingjian location. Along our entire Yanzhou defense line, such matters exist everywhere. Why did this official specifically summon you here? It is because your Zhong family is considered capable in managing troops, with few incidents of crimes among the people. All others are extremely arrogant, running rampant without fear.

With our dynasty's such regulations, they still dare to act this way; if there were no regulations, wouldn't they just plunder all the way and surround our Great Song capital? However, this official's authority is limited; ordinarily, I am already widely criticized. If I interfere in matters of the Forbidden Army, those in the capital will surely attack me collectively. Therefore, those people will all be dealt with by the Pacification Commissioner; their endings will not be good.

Bringing you here is to have you lead the Bureau of Military Affairs personnel to conduct self-investigation and self-trial. This avoids you meeting the same fate as others, causing Great Song to lose a capable general. Do you understand?"

Zhong E certainly understood; simply put, Wang Yan was now protecting him. Without Wang Yan, he would likely not pass through this ordeal easily and would definitely suffer some hardship. But with Wang Yan's clear attitude, the corresponding handling officials would have to respect Wang Yan's face, and his Zhong family would pass through safely with only a scare.

He couldn't help but glance toward the Policy Council and Bureau of Military Affairs officials, and even the eunuch, sitting nearby...

"No need to look at them; they are Imperial Envoys. I have always devoted my heart to our Great Song. I specifically invited these three to bear witness, not to intimidate you. Rest assured; I will submit a memorial explaining this matter. Go back and conduct a thorough investigation. As for the assets seized during the raid, the Prefectural Office will not claim them. Later, I will have several pigs sent over as the Prefecture's contribution to rewarding the troops, allowing the soldiers to enjoy some meat and train their skills properly."

"Thank you, Prefect!"

"Remember, train your skills well. Once affairs in the prefecture are properly arranged, I intend to visit the front lines. Do not disappoint me, Zizheng."

Zhong E clasped his fists and bowed: "I will certainly not fail the Prefect's expectations."

"Go."

Wang Yan waved his hand. Zhong E respectfully backed away two steps, bowed to the others, and only then turned to leave...

He vaguely felt that Wang Yan was trying to win him over, yet he was not entirely certain. Because Wang Yan was too ruthless, though he admitted the man was indeed impartial and upright, truly a good official. Before any crackdown targeted himself, even though he felt equally afraid, he still harbored a favorable impression of Wang Yan.

Today, he had arrived anxious and departed joyful. He remained unsure whether, beyond enforcing the law impartially, Wang Yan truly intended to win him over; he simply could not discern it...

Was Wang Yan trying to win him over? He was merely extending goodwill. He believed that if Zhong E possessed sufficient wit, he would certainly draw closer to him.

He had been in office for nearly half a year; most matters requiring attention had already been addressed, and now he was in the phase of wrapping up affairs.

The powerful families had been swept clean, and all triad organizations had been utterly crushed. Naturally, this meant devoting more resources to collecting sanitation fees, surveying farmland, and auditing household registrations, proceeding with land distribution and various statistical compilations. There was also the matter of introducing wealthy families from outside, since those with strength within the prefecture had been wiped out by him, resulting in a shrinkage of assets.

Furthermore, there were more detailed adjustments to the governmental structure and more meticulous planning and construction for Yanzhou. Various resettlement and construction projects needed to be accelerated, with funds gradually invested and efforts intensified to steadily improve the people's standard of living.

Most importantly, the Xiang Army must begin rigorous training. After such a long period, the troop numbers had not returned to their original level of proficiency, standing at only fifteen thousand. This was due first to recruitment issues and second to financial constraints. The expenses for the Xiang Army had to be borne solely by the Prefectural Office. Of course, as this was an extraordinary force, the Imperial Court provided subsidies. Yanzhou's finances were already poor; although subsidies were substantial, expenditures were equally high, making things quite difficult.

The current situation in Yanzhou was, in fact, very dangerous. One misstep, and the people would truly be unable to make a living...

In summary, there were four key points: distribute land, attract investment, develop infrastructure, and train the Xiang Army.

The goal was to make the people of Yanzhou wealthy and strong, to forge the Xiang Army into a combat-ready force, and then deploy them north to fight wars.

This was the established procedure, so Wang Yan had not spoken falsely to Zhong E. Once these tasks were completed and everything was on the right track, he truly intended to inspect the borders. Only after seeing the conditions in various locations would he know just how grand an undertaking to launch...