Chapter 106: Pacification

He handed Ye Ying's reply letter to Li Wenqing.

"Have a look yourself."

After reading the letter, Li Wenqing also looked shocked.

"It... it's actually the former dynasty's imperial guards! What... what should we do?"

"This is no trivial matter; it must be reported immediately."

Jiang Xiaomu said in a low voice.

Li Wenqing nodded repeatedly.

"What Mr. Jiang says is absolutely correct; I will immediately draft a memorial and submit it."

However, Jiang Xiaomu stopped him.

"No, this matter should not be made public."

"You only need to report this matter secretly to the Prefect."

"As for how to handle it, leave the decision to the Prefect."

Although Li Wenqing did not understand, he still did as instructed.

He rushed to the Governor's Mansion on a whipped horse; after the guard announced him, he almost trotted into Prefect Zhao's study.

Upon entering, he saw Prefect Zhao angrily slamming a case file onto the face of a kneeling military officer.

"Trash! Five hundred elite troops—actually routed by a rabble!"

"Does the court feed you just to eat free rice?!"

Prefect Zhao roared, spray almost hitting Meng Fei in the face.

Li Wenqing quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said:

"Please calm your anger, Prefect! Commander Meng's defeat this time was not due to lack of effort..."

Prefect Zhao gave him a sideways glance and snorted coldly:

"Not lack of effort? Was it desertion in battle? Fear of death and greed for life?"

"I'd like to hear what lofty opinion you have!"

Li Wenqing calmly presented the note Jiang Xiaomu had given him and said:

"Please look, Prefect; these bandits are not a rabble."

"They are remnants of the former dynasty's imperial guards, each well-trained and well-equipped; Commander Meng's defeat is understandable."

Prefect Zhao snatched the note, read it quickly, and his expression grew solemn.

He waved his hand, signaling Meng Fei to rise.

"Step back; we'll discuss this later."

Meng Fei, as if granted a pardon, rose and withdrew, glancing gratefully at Li Wenqing before leaving.

"Master Tang," said Prefect Zhao after Meng Fei left.

"Give the fallen soldiers' families compensation and properly console them."

"Yes, sir."

The elderly man beside him bowed in assent and turned to leave.

Prefect Zhao rubbed his forehead and said to Li Wenqing:

"Come, accompany me to the garden to relax."

The two arrived at the garden; Prefect Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, and after a long while he asked:

"County Magistrate Li, in your opinion, how should we deal with these bandits?"

Li Wenqing pondered for a moment, then said:

"Prefect, the former dynasty's imperial guards are formidable; a direct clash would likely be more costly than worthwhile."

"In my humble opinion, it would be better to outwit them."

"Oh? Outwit them? Please elaborate."

Prefect Zhao became interested.

"I think we can make use of their identity as former dynasty's imperial guards."

Li Wenqing continued slowly.

"Having taken to banditry, they are already wanted criminals of the court."

"But perhaps they still harbor a loyalty to the emperor and a desire to serve the nation."

"We can send emissaries to persuade them to surrender, offering official posts so they may redeem themselves through service."

Prefect Zhao stroked his beard, thinking in silence.

"Of course," Li Wenqing continued:

"Persuasion to surrender is merely a stopgap; if they remain obstinate and refuse to submit, we can still launch a suppression later."

"Doing so would give us a righteous cause and also avoid blame from the court."

Prefect Zhao nodded, a flash of appreciation in his eyes, and said:

"County Magistrate Li's words are most sound; this matter is of great importance, and I still need to consider it carefully."

"I understand, sir."

After Li Wenqing left, Prefect Zhao paced alone in the garden, tightly gripping that note, his brow

furrowed.

"The remnants of the former dynasty's imperial guards are no small matter; mishandling them could cost you your hat at best, or your life at worst."

"Master Tang!"

Prefect Zhao suddenly raised his voice, his tone tinged with irritation.

In a moment, a stooped old man with a goat beard hurried in, bowing and saying:

Sir, what are your orders?

Sir Zhao passed the letter he held over and said in a low voice:

Let's see, what medicine is Li Wenqing selling in his gourd!

Master Tang took the letter and read it carefully.

Sir, I believe the County Magistrate Li's proposal… is feasible.

Master Tang spoke slowly, his tone hesitant.

Sir Zhao suddenly turned, stared at Master Tang, and said in an unhappy tone:

Feasible? Haven't you seen what this letter says? The former dynasty's forbidden army!

This is a grave matter that could get you killed! Offer amnesty?

What if they feign allegiance while secretly scheming?

Master Tang stroked his goat beard and spoke calmly:

Please calm your anger, Sir; I naturally understand the pros and cons.

But at present, it seems the only viable course is to offer amnesty.

Oh? What do you mean?

Sir Zhao's tone softened a bit, and he gestured for Master Tang to continue.

Sir, although these former dynasty's forbidden troops have become bandits, they were once the Imperial Court's elite.

They are strong in battle and well equipped; if we attack forcibly, we will surely suffer heavy losses.

Furthermore, the Imperial Court is presently beset by troubles.

If fighting breaks out again, it will surely stir up turmoil at court and abroad, to your detriment, Sir.

Master Tang analyzed.

Sir Zhao nodded in agreement.

Master Tang then said:

The County Magistrate's proposal is not entirely without merit.

We can first send someone to offer amnesty to test their attitude.

If they genuinely submit, it will naturally be a happy outcome for all.

If they pretend to submit, we can also use this to ascertain their situation and then make plans.

Hmm…

Sir Zhao pondered a moment, then asked:

Who should we send for the pacification mission?

Master Tang pondered briefly, then said:

Sir, I think only the County Magistrate is fit for this.

Li Wenqing?

Sir Zhao looked doubtful.

The County Magistrate is careful, good at reading people and speech, and eloquent.

This time, going to offer amnesty will surely convince those mountain bandits.

Master Tang twirled his goat beard and spoke with confidence.

Sir Zhao's brows eased a little; after thinking it over, he slapped the table.

Good! Following Master Tang's advice, send Li Wenqing to Black Wind Valley to negotiate!

Upon receiving the order, Li Wenqing felt a chill down his back.

The former dynasty's forbidden troops? That gang of outlaws—going myself to pacify them, isn't that like a sheep entering a tiger's den?

His thoughts raced, and suddenly he thought of Jiang Xiaomu.

He hurried in a fluster to Jiang Xiaomu's dwelling.

Mr. Jiang, save me!

Li Wenqing, ignoring propriety, shouted out.

Jiang Xiaomu raised his head, gave him a half-smile, and said:

Sir Li, what's the matter? Could it be that Sir Zhao is planning to move against you?

Worse than that!

Li Wenqing slumped onto the stool, face ashen, and said:

Mr. Jiang, you must save me! My life is now in your hands!

Jiang Xiaomu raised his brows, then returned the cricket in his hand to its cage.