At the border area between Xihe Commandery, Shangjun, Huangshui, and Liangzhou, the forces of Liangzhou Governor Feng Zhao, the Shaodang Qiang, and the Beihe Qiang were intertwined. To the north, they could communicate with the Xiongnu, making the situation complex and prone to frequent skirmishes.
Since seizing Bingzhou last year, Wei Shao’s first action was to station troops in the wilderness of Xihe, build fortifications, and establish communication over a distance of twenty li. He left Zhang Jian, Li Chong, and Wei Liang to guard the area, demonstrating his strong determination to pacify this region.
The situation had initially been brought under control, with all parties coexisting peacefully in this area from the middle to the end of last year. Unexpectedly, at the beginning of this year, the Shaodang Qiang made the first move, launching a cavalry attack on Shangjun. Due to constant vigilance, they were quickly repelled without causing significant damage. However, suspecting Feng Zhao of Liangzhou was involved behind the scenes, Wei Shao personally rushed from Youzhou to take charge of the situation.
A few days ago, after finishing the defense arrangements in Xihe, Wei Shao wanted to return to Jinyang briefly. Before leaving, out of concern, he took only a small escort to survey the terrain near the Great Wall in Jingbian. They unexpectedly encountered several hundred of Feng Zhao’s troops, and suddenly arrows rained down upon them like a storm.
Fearing for Gongsun Yang’s safety, Wei Shao prioritized protecting his retreat. In doing so, he was unfortunately struck in the arm by a poisoned crossbow bolt. Upon returning, he took to his bed.
This bed rest lasted for seven or eight days.
As night fell, the plains on both sides of Xihe were pitch black, and the fortified camp was eerily silent. Only the monotonous footsteps of patrolling soldiers walking on the wooden planks of the defensive walls could be heard.
In Wei Shao’s tent, candles burned brightly.
The generals Zhang Jian, Li Chong, and Wei Liang, who had come to visit, had already left. Wei Shao’s complexion was slightly paler than usual, but his spirit was good. He wasn’t lying down, but sitting upright behind his desk, still engaged in a candlelit discussion with Gongsun Yang.
On the desk before him lay an exquisitely drawn sheepskin map, three chi-squares.
Wei Shao’s gaze fell upon the map. As Gongsun Yang spoke eloquently, a vision of the future map of this region once again floated before his eyes.
Eliminating Feng Zhao, who had long been a pawn of Xing Xun, and pacifying Hexi would allow them to connect with Yumen to the west, opening up the route for exchanges with the Western Regions.
Most importantly, to the north, it would sever the communication and connections between the Qiang, Rong, and Xiongnu.
From a military perspective, this was the key point.
Only by eliminating the hidden dangers in the rear could he launch a southward campaign without worries.
“…Why are Liangzhou’s troops so fierce? Among them, twenty thousand are Qiang and Hu soldiers who were enticed to join,” Gongsun Yang explained.
“Thirty years ago, when Duke Li was the Protector General of the Qiang, many Qiang tribes, including the Shaodang, were impressed by his prestige and persuaded each other to surrender, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Lonxi also enjoyed peace for several decades. Unfortunately, Duke Li was later slandered by treacherous officials and died unjustly in the imperial prison. History also states, ‘The Qiang value honest officials. Previously, eight commandants were fond of wealth and goods, which caused them suffering. When Huan was upright and clean, his influence and transformation were greatly effective.’ This shows that Qiang and Hu originally admired loyalty and bravery, and respected honest officials. However, after their internal migration, their customs became different, and their languages were not mutually intelligible. They became incompatible with the Han people, and both sides were wary of each other. The Protector Generals of the Qiang appointed by the imperial court after Duke Li had the title in name only. Not only were they unable to fulfill their responsibilities of protection and leadership, but they also instigated discord and were greedy and cruel without limit. This led to intense conflicts and frequent rebellions, even to the point of them uniting to plunder the commanderies and counties.”
Wei Shao listened intently.
“Your Lordship’s urgent task is to pacify the border. If the Qiang can be pacified, that should be the top priority, as winning their hearts is the fundamental solution. As long as the Qiang are loyal, Feng Zhao is not to be feared. Without Feng Zhao and the Liangzhou troops to rely on, Xing Xun would be like a beast with one of its claws removed. What is there to fear?”
Gongsun Yang continued, “Among the Qiang and Hu now, the Shaodang and Beihe tribes are the greatest. The Shaodang are militarily strong, but the Beihe chieftain is highly respected and virtuous. All the Qiang people in the Huangshui area know and revere his name. Those who attacked Shangjun last month were the Shaodang; the Beihe did not participate. Your Lordship can start with the Beihe. If Your Lordship trusts me, I am willing to seize an opportunity to visit the Beihe on your behalf and convey Your Lordship’s conciliatory intentions. Once the Beihe submits first, the remaining Qiang tribes such as the Yin, Senlang, and Zhong will surely follow suit. As for the remaining Shaodang, even if they don’t surrender, how could they withstand Your Lordship’s military might?”
Wei Shao immediately shook his head. “Sir, this plan is excellent. However, you need not personally risk danger. I can send another envoy.”
Gongsun Yang said, “Your Lordship risked your life for this humble servant. Fortunately, Your Lordship is blessed by heaven, otherwise, even if I died ten thousand deaths, I could not atone for my guilt! It’s merely a trip to Huangshui on Your Lordship’s behalf, spending a few words. What danger is there to speak of? If someone else goes, I won’t be at ease. Your Lordship’s grand plan is paramount, please grant my request.”
As Wei Shao hesitated, Gongsun Yang smiled and added, “In the future, if we subdue the Qiang and Hu, Your Lordship can appoint a trusted person as the Protector General of the Qiang, to hold the banner and lead the protection, to address grievances, to inquire about hardships. Then how can the western border not be pacified? With the western border at peace, planning great endeavors, and even extending Your Lordship’s prestige to the Western Regions in the future is not impossible!”
A faint light flashed in Wei Shao’s eyes as he smiled and said, “In that case, I’ll trouble the Military Advisor!”
Gongsun Yang replied, “This is precisely my duty as your advisor. There’s no need to speak of trouble!”
Wei Shao’s mood fluctuated slightly. He pressed both hands on the desk and stood up abruptly, saying, “If the pacification succeeds, I’ll credit you with a great achievement, Military Advisor!”
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly felt slightly dizzy and swayed a little. Although the movement was minimal and he quickly steadied himself, continuing to chat and laugh, it had not escaped Gongsun Yang’s notice. Gongsun Yang hurriedly stood up to support him, saying, “It’s getting late. Your Lordship’s illness has not yet fully recovered, it would be best to retire early. I’ll take my leave now.”
Wei Shao pushed away the hand extended to support him, laughing, “I’m not a woman who can be knocked over by a gust of wind. It’s just a minor flesh wound, and I’ve been resting for many days. Why are you making such a fuss, sir? I’ve long since recovered, it’s just that you all love to make a big deal out of nothing, not allowing me to do this or that…”
He suddenly seemed to remember something and said, “Since things are temporarily settled here, I’ll set out for Jinyang tomorrow! If there’s any urgent matter, send a swift horse to report.”
Seeing that Gongsun Yang was about to speak again, he waved his hand to interrupt, “There’s no need for the Military Advisor to persuade me further. I know my own body best. Besides, the journey from here to Jinyang is convenient. I’ll set out early tomorrow morning.”
…
The day His Lordship returned after being hit by the poisoned arrow, he initially lay in bed for three days. As soon as he could get up and walk, he started thinking about returning to Jinyang.
Gongsun Yang, of course, tried his utmost to prevent this.
He also had some medical knowledge and knew that given His Lordship’s current condition, the greatest taboo was long-distance travel. He earnestly advised him that rest was advisable.
Having finally managed to pacify him, seeing that he now mentioned returning to Jinyang again, seemingly unable to contain himself, Gongsun Yang couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He said, “There’s something I must say, I hope Your Lordship won’t be offended.”
Wei Shao looked at him. “What could there be to take offense at?”
Gongsun Yang said, “Your Lordship is wounded and recovering. You should have someone attentive by your side to care for you so that you can recover quickly. There is no suitable person in the camp to take care of you. I know that Lady must have arrived in Jinyang by now, so I took the liberty of sending a letter to Jinyang a few days ago, informing Lady of Your Lordship’s condition and requesting her to come and attend to your illness. If Lady received the letter and set out, I estimate she should arrive in a day or two. Your Lordship need not return; please wait patiently. This will avoid Lady arriving only to find that Your Lordship has left.”
Wei Shao was stunned and hesitated for a while before saying, “This… this… seems somewhat inappropriate… The military regulations have seventeen articles and fifty-four capital offenses, one of which is that women are not allowed to be hidden in the camp… Although I am the commander, it wouldn’t be right for me to break this rule…”
Gongsun Yang said seriously, “How can Your Lordship say such a thing? How can a Lady be compared to ordinary women? Moreover, Your Lordship is not receiving Lady into the camp without reason, but because you are poisoned and injured, and truly need Lady’s attentive care to recover quickly. How can this be considered breaking the rules? General Zhang, General Li, and General Wei are all hoping that Lady can come soon to take care of Your Lordship’s wound.”
Wei Shao’s heart was already starting to flutter uncontrollably, but his face showed an even more serious expression. After a moment of difficulty, he finally said reluctantly, “Although I still think it’s inappropriate, the Military Advisor has already sent the letter without my knowledge, so I…”
He suddenly remembered something: “There won’t be any danger on the road, will there?”
Gongsun Yang quickly replied, “Your Lordship, please rest assured! Besides sending a letter to Lady, I also sent a letter to Jia Huben. With Jia Huben escorting her, the journey will certainly be safe!”
Wei Shao finally felt completely at ease and nodded solemnly, “I understand. Sir, you’ve had a busy day, you should also return to your tent and rest.”
…
After Gongsun Yang left, how could Wei Shao have any desire to sleep? Lying on the camp bed, he tossed and turned, becoming more awake the more he tried to sleep. Finally, he got up and sat at his desk to read military books.
His eyes were fixed on the characters on the bamboo slips, but a wisp of his soul unconsciously began to float away slowly.
He knew she had already arrived in Jinyang.
At first, before he was injured, the reason he hadn’t returned was not only because he was tied up with affairs here, but also because he felt somewhat lacking in confidence.
After all, she had been dead set against coming, and it was he who, worried about leaving her alone at home, had forcibly brought her over.
Now it was fine. Although he had accidentally been injured and had been bedridden for a few days, still feeling dizzy, there was an unexpected gain: she was coming of her own accord.
For the first time, Wei Shao felt that Gongsun Yang was truly his indispensable right-hand man and confidant. Taking an arrow for him that day was worth it.
Wei Shao thought about how he should behave in front of her when she arrived.
Should he tell her that he was already much better, so she needn’t worry about him anymore, or should he put on a bit of an act to gain her sympathy?
This decision was incredibly difficult, even more so than planning military strategies and deploying troops.
Wei Shao pondered for a long time, still unable to resolve this dilemma, when suddenly another thought popped into his mind.
In fact, could it be that she was still harboring resentment towards him, so even though she knew he was injured, she had hardened her heart and didn’t care about his life or death?
Wei Shao then became unsettled by this new thought that had emerged in his mind.
If she had such a hard heart, not caring about his life or death even knowing he was poisoned and injured, then…
Then she shouldn’t expect him to be courteous to the Qiao family either! If one day he felt inclined and wanted to take action, she shouldn’t come crying and begging him!
Wei Shao made a harsh resolution. He thought about how since the beginning of the year, just because he had drunk too much one night and said a word about her cutting off ties with the Qiao family, she had been giving him the cold shoulder, let alone voluntarily sleeping with him.
He increasingly felt that Gongsun Yang’s letter must have been written in vain.
The initial excitement, joy, and anticipation in Wei Shao’s heart, like the tide after its time, slowly receded, and finally, he felt somewhat vexed and could no longer concentrate on the military book.
He felt a bit tired.
Dealing with this woman was exhausting, both physically and mentally.
At this moment, outside his tent, there suddenly came a series of footsteps, from far to near, slightly chaotic, seemingly interspersed with a few deliberately lowered voices.
…
The day after receiving the letter, Xiao Qiao had Jia Si send her to Xihe Commandery early in the morning. Disregarding the hardships of the journey, they rushed all the way, finally arriving here late at night.
Just now, the carriage stopped outside the camp gate. She wore a cloak over her body as she alighted from the carriage.
The centurion responsible for guarding the gate had been instructed by Gongsun Yang beforehand and knew that Lady might arrive in these two days. He immediately granted her entry, personally leading her inside, hurrying towards the central military tent.
Xiao Qiao’s heart was anxious as she followed the centurion hastily into the military camp, passing one tent after another, finally stopping in front of the large tent.
“Reporting to Your Lordship! Lady has arrived!” the centurion announced.
There was no immediate response from inside.
Xiao Qiao, feeling anxious, directly lifted the tent flap and entered.
The candles in the tent were still burning.
As she looked up, she saw Wei Shao lying motionless on a camp bed, as if he had fallen asleep. She hurried over. When she got close, she slowed her steps, and finally sat down gently beside him, holding her breath as she examined him closely. Seeing him lying obediently on the pillow, eyes closed, his face a bit pale, looking quite different from his usual irritating appearance, she suddenly felt a pang of heartache and couldn’t help but gently grasp one of his hands.