Chapter 1068: Provocation

In winter, Yanzhou stretched out as far as the eye could see, a landscape of yellow earth and withered grass, imbued with a heightened sense of grim desolation.

Yet across the land of Yanzhou, a fervent enthusiasm for construction burned high and hot. Even though many projects halted during the winter, there remained much work to be done in preparation for the production and construction activities of the coming spring.

Moreover, not all projects had stopped; simple tasks like digging pits and mining continued, performed by those petty officials, wealthy families, and criminal gangs who had previously been captured. After all, this was already the Northwest; one could not simply exhaust them by sending them all the way to Lingnan. Besides, Yanzhou was precisely in need of manpower, so naturally, these people could not be wasted.

The rule was inevitable: as long as they did not die from labor, they would labor until they died, allowing the final sparks of their remaining lives to warm this ancient land beneath their feet, making their last contribution to the people living upon it.

In a courtyard near the official road, wisps of cooking smoke rose from the chimney of a house built from yellow earth mixed with straw and stacked stones. Through the open gate, where sunlight streamed in, an old man could be seen working with wood by a fire stove, while two small children nearby played with the wood shavings he had planed off.

Hearing the commotion, the old man lifted his head to see a large crowd approaching from outside, many of them armored soldiers. Among them, he recognized a few individuals; they were officials from the county, now standing with obsequious smiles behind a man whose posture was straight, wrapped in a fur-lined coat, wearing a gentle smile.

The old man froze for a moment, rubbed his eyes, and then hurriedly ran out, dropping to his knees with a clatter.

"Greetings to Your Excellency, greetings to Your Excellency..."

Wang Yan was already walking inward; smiling warmly, he supported the old man, preventing him from kneeling: "Why is the elder so polite? How can I bear such a great courtesy?"

"How can Your Excellency not bear it? This old man has even set up a tablet for Your Excellency's eternal life at home. On the first and fifteenth of every month, I burn incense in reverence, only hoping that Your Excellency will live a long life of a hundred years."

Wang Yan shook his head with amusement; far too many people had set up such tablets for him. In Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Jingcheng, and now here in Yanzhou. Although he had been assassinated in Hangzhou while the common people watched as spectators, and similarly in Jingcheng where no one offered help, even becoming a topic of idle chatter and laughter among the capital's populace after meals and tea.

But that did not hinder their reverence for Wang Yan, nor did it stop them from wishing him a long life of a hundred years. They certainly knew who treated them well; it was just that at certain times, they had to consider themselves first.

If fewer people had sought to kill him, and if just one bold voice in the crowd of onlookers had shouted out and led the charge, those attempting to kill him would have been beaten to death on the spot.

This was not about promoting any sort of elitism; rather, it was because the common people needed someone to lead them, someone to tell them how to act. Just as Zhang Ma Zi took office in Goose City, he had to take the lead, he had to set the example; only then would the people, suffering under oppression and exploitation, dare to resist, forming an unstoppable force to overthrow and shatter that darkness...

He accepted the good intentions of the people. Although, wishing him a hundred-year life seemed almost like a curse, given that he was not yet twenty-four this year and still had plenty of living to do...

Little Wang Dongliang followed beside him, asking with a smile: "Does the elder finally know who our young master is?"

The old man gave a slight snort of petty pride: "This old man is not a fool; after all these days, how could I not have figured out the flavor of things? As the saying goes, that day when I asked Lord Wang, you young fellow were holding back laughter, originally just watching this old man make a fool of himself. Your Excellency, please come inside and drink some hot water to warm your body."

Seeing the old man looking bewildered at the group freezing outside, Wang Yan patted the old man's arm: "There is no need to pay them any mind."

The old man couldn't help but glance at the large group shivering over there, paying particular attention to the few officials he recognized, before leading Wang Yan and his servant into the house, busying himself to prepare two bowls of hot water with broken tea leaves.

Wang Yan then had Little Wang Dongliang take out two pieces of yellow sugar, making sugar water for the two children to drink, while the old man's movements remained as natural and fluid as ever.

"Elder, has your life improved over these past several months?"

"Improved? How could it not be, Your Excellency? Since the day Your Excellency departed, within a month, men came to seize the entire family of the Liu wealthy household, followed by officials from the county coming to clear the land registers, and this old man was re-registered. To be honest with Your Excellency, I initially thought of fleeing, but later heard that taxes were greatly reduced, and my two grandchildren could even receive a sub... what..."

"Subsidy," Little Wang Dongliang interjected with a smile.

"Yes, exactly, a subsidy. They say that come spring, they will find a teacher to start a school right in the Liu family's estate, and my two grandchildren will not need to pay any tuition fees. Being able to read and write means the future will not be lacking; they will surely secure a decent livelihood, find a wife, and support their families. As for this little granddaughter, she too can marry into a good family. And that is not all; the county cleared the land registers and allocated ten mu of land to this old man, requiring only a tax of one part in ten. Although farming alone is still tiring, there is now hope in my heart."

"Rest assured, Elder; cases of isolation, widowhood, old age, and weakness like yours have all been registered. When spring plowing begins, the county will send personnel to assist. If the county lacks manpower, I will dispatch soldiers; if that is still insufficient, I will mobilize the Forbidden Army troops. At that time, it will be enough for the elder to boil some hot water to quench the soldiers' thirst."

"Thief..."

Wang Yan shook his head: "If any soldier dares to offend the people, or if the county official cannot be trusted, the elder should endure the humiliation and come to beat the drum outside the gate of Fushi City; at that time, I will certainly make them mine for the rest of their lives. Even if I am later transferred elsewhere, the elder can still find members of my merchant caravan, tell them the truth, and they will report it to me; we will likewise ensure that those who harm the people pay the price."

"Good, good, Your Excellency is a great official, a truly great official..."

They chattered on for quite some time, mostly with the old man recounting the tremendous changes that had occurred in his life over the past half-year.

Although Wang Yan, as an official, did not hold good intentions in his heart, his 'bad intentions' were not directed against the broad masses of the Song people; on the contrary, his 'bad intentions' were precisely for the sake of these people, so naturally, he was someone who truly got things done.

In truth, the common people of the Great Song lived in bitterness and struggled to survive, to the extent that many of Wang Yan's actions, though only just beginning, had already given the people a chance to live anew, to breathe a sigh of relief. It allowed them to profoundly recognize the difference from the past and tangibly feel the enormous changes. If compared, their sense of happiness was actually the greatest.

Under his strict orders, policies were basically implemented in reality. The wealthy families were confiscated, lands were distributed, taxes were reduced, criminal gangs vanished, the large mansions of the wealthy were converted into schools, and various construction projects for roads and water conservancy were undertaken, hiring laborers with money. Attracting investment from wealthy families stabilized prices within the prefecture. All these things were extremely beneficial for the common people, so their feelings about them were naturally the deepest.

As the old man spoke of these matters, the smile never left his face; he said he wanted to live a few more years, waiting for Lord Wang to govern Yanzhou even better.

"Your Excellency is no longer holding court in Fushi; why have you come out? Is it to inspect the areas below, to see if anyone is deceiving Your Excellency?"

"The elder is wise; yes, exactly that. Furthermore, I am also going to look at the north."

"Oh, is Your Excellency going to war? Aiyo, if only this old man weren't so old, otherwise I would have enlisted as a recruit to follow under Your Excellency's command; that would bring peace of mind. There is a young fellow in our village who was selected for the Boxiang Army. It is said he died during the confiscation of the wealthy households, and now his family lives the best in the village. With Your Excellency leading the army, fighting must be extremely formidable; once the Western Xia are defeated, everyone's life will be easier..."

The common people might not necessarily hate the Western Xia, but they truly and tangibly hated the numerous taxes and corvée labor duties that arose due to border affairs, all of which were tangibly apportioned onto their shoulders...

Wang Yan merely responded with a warm smile, not explaining to the old man about how pulling one hair affects the whole body, because this time he had indeed come out specifically to pull that one hair.

Over this past half-year, he had comprehensively adjusted Yanzhou, mobilizing nearly the maximum power available from all aspects of the prefecture, arranged personnel matters, and completed a three-year plan for Yanzhou's future.

As long as development proceeded step by step, supervision work was done well, and problems were adjusted in time, there would basically be no major issues. Therefore, Wang Yan left Fushi and headed toward the northern front lines...

Bidding farewell to the old man whose days now held hope and who wished to live a few more years, Wang Yan led his team continuing northward, with their first stop being Qingjian.

Qingjian held considerable strategic importance; perhaps on a large map it did not occupy an advantageous position, but it guarded against the Western Xia, preventing their armies from surging down along the Yellow River, breaking through Yanzhou, reaching Guanzhong, then knocking at Tong Pass, crossing Luoyang, entering the North China Plain, and directly taking Bianjing. Similarly, it kept the Western Xia armies from easily crossing the Yellow River, climbing over Mount Taixing, and reaching the North China region.

Moreover, in the direction of Lishi (Lüliang) on the opposite bank of the river, large armies were stationed, guarding against the Western Xia armies crossing the Yellow River. Thus, with Hedong providing resistance and Hexi having Yanzhou on this side, the Western Xia were firmly pinned outside Guanzhong and Taiyuan.

But it was merely holding them at bay; the Song-Xia wars had lasted a hundred years, fought on this land of the Loess Plateau until both sides were battered senseless, yet the Zhao Song dynasty never managed to fight their way out. Eventually, all were harvested by the later Jin Kingdom, and finally annihilated by the descendants of Genghis Khan.

When Wang Yan arrived in Qingjian, Zhong E, having received news early, led the civil and military officials of Qingjian to welcome him with utmost respect, creating a grand spectacle.

"Having not seen each other for several months, the Prefect is still as handsome and spirited as ever."

"Zizheng is also full of vigor."

Introduced by Zhong E, Wang Yan smiled and met every civil and military official in Qingjian whose eyes were filled with curiosity as they looked at him, after which he accompanied Zhong E to tour various parts of Qingjian.

The main purpose was to watch the soldiers drill, feel the military prestige of the Zhong Family Army, inspect the barracks and the camp, talk with the soldiers, and so on. Basically, it belonged to the routine operations of a leader inspecting a military camp.

Overall, the conditions were relatively harsh, basically belonging to the category of eating poorly and sleeping poorly. Of course, there was no help for it, since the conditions of this era were simply like this.

"Zizheng commands troops with great skill."

After touring around, Wang Yan still gave a very high evaluation; as a martial general, Zhong E's level was sufficient.

"The Prefect overpraises me; this is merely my duty."

"Fulfilling one's duty is already not easy." Wang Yan shook his head with a light smile. "Although I have not seen the garrison situations of the Forbidden Army elsewhere, this official can imagine that Zizheng must be the best among them."

"This humble servant dares not claim credit; if it comes to commanding troops, who can compare to Duke Di? I hear that Duke Di has already pacified the Nong Zhigao rebellion and returned in great victory."

Although Zhong E said he dared not claim credit, he immediately brought up Di Qing. Speaking of Di Qing's triumphant return, his face was filled with longing...

"This official has felt Zizheng's heart devoted to serving the country."

"It is difficult..." Zhong E shook his head, carrying a somewhat desolate air.

Wang Yan perceived it; Zhong E's discouragement did not stem from the battlefield, but from above.

Of course, this was no surprise; literature was valued while martial arts were slighted. Even someone as formidable as Di Qing, after returning from pacifying this rebellion, would be manipulated by civil officials. From the dog's head growing horns at home to sleeping in the Buddha Hall of Daxiangguo Temple, everywhere there were problems; in short, they just found him disagreeable.

Relatively speaking, generals of Zhong E's caliber were actually quite comfortable; they had far fewer troublesome matters, even though they still fought while wearing shackles.

Zhong E's despondency lasted only a moment before he rallied his spirits and continued, "Prefect, shall we go up to the tower to take a look?"

Wang Yan gladly agreed, following Zhong E up to the city tower.

"Over there is where the Western Xia army is stationed. Over these years, they have built houses and constructed city walls. Opposite us are approximately five thousand troops; their commander is Yeli Zhong, no incompetent fool, but a man of considerable courage and strategy. It is said he has some relation to Yeli Wangrong, though the truth remains unknown."

Yeli Wangrong was a famous Western Xia general who participated in the renowned battles of Sanchuan Kou and Haoshui Li Chuan, even capturing Song generals Liu Ping and Shi Yuansun, both of whom were quite formidable. However, Liu Ping did not surrender and died, while Shi Yuansun was later released and eventually died in depression.

Yet Yeli Wangrong's end was not favorable; he was killed by Li Yuanhao. Some say it was because Li Yuanhao deposed his empress, and Li Yuanhao's empress bore the surname Yeli. Others say it was because he fell for Zhong Shiheng's stratagem of sowing discord.

Regardless of the reason, it largely boils down to discarding the bow once the birds are gone.

Wang Yan nodded, then turned to ask, "I presume the enemy provokes us constantly, leaving us no peace. Zizheng, in your opinion, if your Zhong Family Army were to engage them in battle, what would be our chances of victory?"

"Regarding the Prefect's question, this humble subordinate has often pondered it. This place offers no cover, a flat expanse where one must rely on sheer force to fight. Our Great Song youths are no weaker than the Western Xia barbarians; with equal troop numbers and full military equipment on both sides, the odds of victory or defeat should be fifty-fifty."

Wang Yan said nothing, merely tucking his hands into the sleeves of his greatcoat, standing straight as he gazed at the Western Xia camp less than five hundred meters away.

At this distance, details were indistinct; one could only see a cluster of human figures over there. No matter how sharp his eyesight, it was impossible to see clearly what they were doing from such a distance. However, one could roughly sense that the Western Xia side was rather at ease. Of course, in terms of living conditions, both sides were much the same.

Looking up at the great sun in the west, it appeared large, round, and very red. Pity there were no clouds in the sky; otherwise, it would have been the beautiful sight of fire-colored clouds stretching a thousand li.

Zhong E did not disturb him; knowing Wang Yan was talented, he assumed Wang Yan was admiring the scenery and holding back to compose some melancholy poem. Naturally, everyone else remained utterly silent, daring not to breathe too loudly for fear of disturbing Wang Yan.

After quite some time, Wang Yan gave an order without turning his head: "Call Zhang Da."

Xiao Wang Dongliang answered with an "Ai," turned around on the city tower, cupped his hands around his mouth like a trumpet, and shouted loudly for the man.

Before long, Zhang Da walked up: "Sir."

"Have you rested well?"

"We drank hot water and ate dried rations; the brothers are all fine."

"Do you have the courage to go meet the Western Xia barbarians?"

Before Zhang Da could speak, Zhong E gave a start: "Prefect, this cannot be done..."

Seeing Wang Yan turn his head, Zhong E swallowed hard, feeling a thumping unease in his heart, yet he still forced himself to meet Wang Yan's gaze and continued speaking, "Prefect, we must absolutely not lightly initiate hostilities."

"Zizheng is a military general; how is it that upon hearing of battle, you become afraid? Do you suppose this official is so unwise as to send a thousand men into battle? This is merely a provocation. There is no reason why the Western Xia barbarians can come to provoke us, yet Great Song cannot go to provoke them."

Wang Yan waved his hand. "Zhang Da, select one du of men and go fight the Western Xia. Zizheng, have wine served to the lads; let them drink and then go kill a few."

"Yes!" Zhong E spoke no more nonsense; he turned and gave a wink to his subordinate, who went to arrange matters, while Zhong E immediately rallied his own men, assembled forces, and marched out of the city to provide support.

"Zhang Da will lead his own du of brothers into battle; Sir, just watch!" Zhang Da shouted loudly, turned, and left, his momentum already rising.

Watching Zhang Da depart with excitement, Xiao Wang Dongliang stepped closer: "Young Master..."

"Life and death are fated; you must think this through carefully."

"I have practiced Wu Gong for so many years and consumed so many of Young Master's precious medicinal ingredients; now that I have a chance to display my skills, if I do not seize it, I would be failing Young Master's cultivation of me. Even if I die, I will have no regrets!"

"Go then."

Xiao Wang Dongliang knelt and kowtowed, then turned and ran off, descending the city tower to find people and equip himself with armor and weapons...

Wang Yan did not stop him; everyone has their own fate, and he could not stop those destined to die. Moreover, Xiao Wang Dongliang's words were not wrong; he had indeed invested heavily in this boy, whose combat skills were adequate and who understood military formations and combined attacks, so there should be no major issues.

Actually, the goal for cultivating Xiao Wang Dongliang was to make him a qualified intelligence chief. However, since Xiao Wang Dongliang was only fifteen, he was not yet capable of assuming that role. Currently, all intelligence work was handled by the old steward, Wang Manfu.

This was because Wang Yan currently did not prioritize the timeliness of intelligence, but rather the comprehensiveness of information. Because his life was still very long, he could afford to be leisurely...

As Wang Yan's order was issued, even Zhong E could not stop it; the entire Qingjian region sprang into action. The soldiers, now aware of the situation, cursed while fully arming themselves, both to support Zhang Da and the other Xiang Army troops and to prevent any larger unforeseen incidents that might catch them off guard.

Zhang Da, Xiao Wang Dongliang, and the others paid no heed to all that; they organized their equipment, wiped their blades, checked their crossbows and shields, and sharpened their spears on the bluestone with a rapid chua-chua-chua sound at the last moment.

Yet it was not silent; instead, everyone talked and laughed. Although they had all written last wills before leaving Fushi, at this moment they were still settling affairs with one another, momentarily creating a lively atmosphere.

Until several large jars of wine were carried up, they simply downed a bowl in one gulp. They did not smash their bowls to boost morale, as that would be truly wasteful. But their morale was not poor, for they had no worries weighing on them. Furthermore, since the Sir had sent out his most trusted book boy, what did they have to fear? If they died, they died!

The city gate slowly opened. Zhang Da, now promoted to commander, delivered a final address, instructing everyone not to panic and to act just as they had during training.

Subsequently, they walked out of the city gate with firm strides, formed their ranks, their armor plates rustling, their steps uniform, advancing toward the opposite side with such resolve.

"Wuu~"

A desolate horn sound rose, followed immediately by the heavy, thumping beat of war drums: dong-dong-dong.

Wang Yan held drumsticks in both hands, striking the war drums with all his might to cheer on his good lads.

Visible to the naked eye, the distant Western Xia camp fell into a panic, but within a short while, they tacitly dispatched a squad of one hundred men.

Their configuration was largely the same as Wang Yan's side: over ten cavalrymen, with the rest being infantry armed with blades, shields, and spears. Simultaneously, more than a thousand men surged out from the enemy city gate to provide support, and the sound of war drums rose on their side as well.

As the two squads of one hundred men each took their positions a hundred meters apart, the drumbeats suddenly became Lao Jiang, the tempo accelerating; both sides shouted "Ah!" and charged directly at each other...