Chapter Nine: In a Moment of Crisis, Deng Ai Submits a Memorial, Anticipating the Enemy and Gaining the Upper Hand, Jiang Wei is Left Helpless

Essentially, the military throughout the entire county has been gradually brought under my control, including the forces of Lieutenant Su stationed in Didao. The six counties of Longxi, along with the river passes of Heguan, Didao, and Lintao to the west and south, originally fell under the jurisdiction of the Didao Commandant. However, Lieutenant Su has been caught in a predicament, compounded by being ensnared in the frivolities of the city, languishing in Xiangwu and refusing to leave the city. What can he possibly manage? As a dignified Prefect, how could I not take on this heavy responsibility for him? Of course, the real reason is quite simple: I truly do not feel at ease letting that incompetent fellow lead the troops, as he would undoubtedly drag me down!

"Hmm," I nodded, "He loses battles year after year, yet still sleeps soundly; that truly shows a lack of heart and concern." "It is said that there is a wild beast in Shu, resembling a black-eyed circle, much like Jiang Wei," Liu Rui continued, "Not long ago, he returned to Chengdu and then headed straight north to Xiabian, running around all day; no wonder he has no appetite..."

I shot him a glare: "This is utterly unreasonable! Am I a person who covets bribes? Although the court has exempted us from taxes this year, which of the expenses for repairing the city, pacifying the refugees, or preparing military supplies does not require money? Are you planning to bear all these costs by yourself?" Hearing this, the great hero Li Yue shrank his neck in fear and dared not speak again. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Old Ma clearly showed a look of delight, so I turned to him: "Xin Xiang, the finance supervisor, do you have anything to say?"

Less than three days after Governor Wang's departure, the new governor entered Chang'an. This individual, with the surname Zhuge and the given name Xu, prompted me to immediately ask Old Ma to prepare gifts for a visit. Governor Zhuge was very pleased with the gifts I presented and offered kind words of consolation. However, another matter did not proceed as smoothly—the General of the Western Expedition, Deng Ai, was promoted due to his achievements in Didao and also took on the role of Protector of the Eastern Qiang. He established his base at Dongting, located on the front lines against Shu. Although Dongting is not within my jurisdiction, it is too close for comfort, and I felt compelled to respond. Yet, this stubborn individual showed no understanding of human sentiments, returning my gifts unopened and attaching a heartfelt letter urging me to govern the people justly and to refrain from such petty tricks.

While I was redeploying some troops from Lintao, I stayed in Xiangwu City to watch the excitement. Indeed, as soon as Jiang Wei arrived at the western county city, Deng Anxi led his army to confront him. The Shu bandits, seeing no opportunity to exploit, took a detour to the west to seize Shiying, intending to threaten Deng Anxi's hometown of Dongting. Jiang Boyue, you have been opposing Deng Jiebai for quite some time; do you not know that this person is cautious in warfare and always prioritizes his family? As a result, the Shu bandits encountered a hard obstacle at Shiying, and after another significant detour, they swiftly shifted to the eastern front, heading straight for Shanggui. Jiang Boyue, you have been opposing Deng Jiebai for quite some time; do you not know that this person is cautious in warfare and always prioritizes his family? As a result, the Shu bandits encountered a hard obstacle at Shiying, and after another significant detour, they swiftly shifted to the eastern front, heading straight for Shanggui.

However, disregarding the overall situation, failing to assess the enemy's vulnerabilities, and rashly advancing troops seems to be a tradition of the Shu rebels. Initially, when Zhuge Liang's rebels emerged from Qishan, they were similarly uninformed about the incompetent son-in-law, Xia Houmao, stationed in Chang'an, and thus hesitated to attack. They were also unaware of the three commanderies' rebellion and response, leading to a slow military advance. Furthermore, they were oblivious to Cao Yuanhou and Zhang Zhuanghou having ascended the ridge, and sent a civilian official, Ma Su, to guard Jieting. Adhering to such a blind and haphazard strategy, it is indeed surprising that they did not suffer defeat.

In dealing with the situation at Shao He, General Chen certainly would not truly advance. He merely dispatched Colonel Hu Fen to lead two thousand cavalry eastward, ostensibly to reinforce the troops in Liangzhou, but in reality, he likely intended to serve as a supervisory force. I stayed in Fuhan for three days, and as Colonel Hu's troops approached Xiangwu, I used this as an excuse to return with the hostages sent by the various Qiang tribes. To block the Liangzhou troops for them? What a joke, the Liangzhou troops would not move south at all, what am I even blocking!

In fact, not to mention the Qiang and Hu ethnic groups, even among pure Han people, those of less noble birth find it exceedingly difficult to attain official positions. However, I believe that even Qin Rui understands this, though the Qiang chieftains may not. Thus, several tribes obediently offered their submissions or promised to return with hostages. Zhong Aihua was overjoyed, reveling in the opportunity to infiltrate the Central Plains regime. "This fool might actually be a useful fellow," I couldn't help but think to myself. Thus, several tribes obediently offered their submissions or promised to return with hostages. Zhong Aihua was overjoyed, reveling in the opportunity to infiltrate the Central Plains regime. "This fool might actually be a useful fellow," I couldn't help but think to myself.

Well, in that case, I have decided to calculate based on the highest expenditure, to allow for a bit more wealth, so as to avoid being caught in a difficult situation later. Therefore, let us exempt this county from one-tenth of the tax; the people will surely be overjoyed and grateful for the heavenly grace. Do any of you have further opinions?

The source of the message can be traced back to Liu Rui and Liu Jiming. I was busy calculating how the tax revenue from that year would be utilized—according to past practices, half of the tax revenue must be submitted to the court, 20% allocated for local expenses, and 30% for the salaries of the governor's officials. However, this year, the half that is to be submitted can be exempted. Liu Rui came in to present several documents and took the opportunity to share some of the latest intelligence from Shu: "Jiang He - Tu - Shuwei has recently been eating less and has lost weight. It is said that he has dark circles under his eyes all day, as if he is suffering from lack of sleep."

Thus, Madam Pingping served as the governor for about half a year. By the leap month of April in the third year of the Zhengyuan era, Inspector Wang left Chang'an and was reassigned to the position of Minister of Personnel—perhaps Sima Gong finally realized that this renowned scholar of idle talk was not suited for border defense. With his departure, the long history, chief clerk, and various officials assigned to me in Longxi could not maintain their positions; some followed their lord to the capital to enjoy a life of luxury, while others I could not bear to see, and I subtly and overtly pushed them out, leaving many positions vacant—I do not know where Inspector Wang had found so many idle guests to appoint in the first place.

This was indeed the result of my quick thinking, not part of the original plan. As soon as I heard about Zhong Aihua's identity and interests, I immediately turned my thoughts and suggested: "The reason the Eastern Qiang tribes have been framed is due to the lack of support in the court. If you are willing to entrust your young men to me to take back to Xiangwu, on one hand, it would prove your loyalty, and on the other hand, they could learn Han literature and obtain official positions, allowing you all to rest easy from then on"

"Shut up!" Almost everyone shouted in unison. ... But we were still a step too late to stop it; the "auspicious sign" of the young horse had already taken effect. Indeed, it was not yet October, and that idiot Jiang Wei was once again mobilizing troops from Qishan...

However, it seems that the Su Duwi is unlikely to go on an expedition now... He has long been drained by wine and lust (of course, Xiao Ma has made significant contributions), his face resembles that of a skeleton, his arms like bamboo poles, and his waist is akin to that of a shrimp. It is said that when asked to lead troops into battle, his face turns ashen. I said to him: "Why not report that you are gravely ill and bedridden, and I will send someone to replace you in guarding Lintao, how about that?" Upon hearing this, the Su Duwi's eyes sparkled with a long-lost light, he tugged at my sleeve and gasped, saying: "I am truly grateful for your kindness!" After saying this, he turned and returned to his bed—of course, he did not go to rest due to illness, but rather to lie down... It is better not to mention it.

You insolent fellow, I will surely kill you! I cursed Deng Anxi a thousand times in my heart, yet on the surface, I could not afford to lose face and had to find a way to remedy my blunder. Deng Anxi is also a favored person in front of Sima, and I cannot leave him with a bad impression. Well, you think highly of yourself, don't you? Then I shall pick some words you like to hear. I replied to him, stating that it was not my intention to flatter my superior, but rather to express concern for the people of Longxi who have suffered from war, are impoverished, and are unable to fill their stomachs. I hope he can consider the long-term stability of the country and assist in petitioning for the exemption of this year's taxes.

It was merely a casual remark, yet unexpectedly, within just a few days, that fool Jiang Wei actually rushed straight to the western county of Tianshui to launch an attack. This also highlights Jiang Wei's incompetence; he has never understood the principle of "knowing oneself and knowing the enemy, one will never be defeated in a hundred battles." Did he not send anyone to scout and find out that Deng Anxi had stationed troops at Dongting? Dongting is only a day's ride away from the western county; can he guarantee that he will capture the western county and set up defensive positions within two days?

Certainly, those Qiang and Hu people within my territory in Longxi will not be aware of these details. Even if they were to know, they would not comprehend the causal relationships involved. In their view, it is clearly my petition—though in reality, it was burned upon my return. Who would dare to present such a thing to the officials?—that saved the lives of their entire clan. I have used the authority of the court to intimidate them, and in addition, I have shown them personal kindness, while also gathering a group of hostages. I do not believe that within three to five years, those Qiang and Hu will dare to act recklessly again.

Old Ma and the others spend their days drooling over those vacant positions. Of course, I cannot neglect them; I understand the principle that if I eat meat, everyone else can have soup, and that it is beneficial for both parties. Therefore, I appointed Old Ma as the head of the finance department, Little Ma as the chief clerk in charge of documents, the water tank as the head of the postal service, Li Yue as the head of security, Liu Rui as the head of the review department, and that beast Qin Rui as the commander of the military department

This strategy proved effective. Deng Anxi immediately reported to the court. In June of that year, an imperial edict was issued, completely exempting the various taxes of Longxi, Nanan, and Tianshui. Upon receiving the edict, I was overjoyed and hurriedly summoned my advisors to discuss: "The court has fully exempted our county from taxes; how much should we still collect in the autumn? Fifty percent? Seventy percent?"

I would rather he follow the rules set by others; then, just as Zhuge Liang exhausted his efforts without being able to emerge from Qishan, Jiang Wei would similarly be stuck in a predicament until death. I immediately wrote a letter to express my judgment and concerns to Deng Anxi, who, being somewhat knowledgeable, ordered the Didao Commandant to station troops in Lintao and prepare for a strict defense.

Li Yue was the first to speak: "Since the court has issued an edict for a complete exemption, how can you, my lord, not comply? If you have any expenses, our Li family is willing to take the lead in offering contributions." I understood his meaning; no matter how much I consume or enjoy, the quantity is extremely limited. If the taxes of this county are completely exempted, the Li family, with its vast land, would save far more than ten million.

I originally let information go in one ear and out the other, as it had never been of any use to me. However, upon hearing this, I couldn't help but feel a sudden jolt and hurriedly grabbed the map to take a look. "Could it be that he returned from Chengdu and immediately went to Xiaobian?" I pressed Liu Rui, who was startled and timidly nodded. "This is bad!" I slapped my thigh, "This fellow is likely to mobilize troops again!"

Thus, I dispatched Li Yue, the commander of the Di Dao garrison, along with the eight hundred newly recruited cavalry from the county (these horses were all purchased at a low price from the Qiang people through Zhong Ai Hua), to immediately leave the city and head to Lintao. Qin Rui was very dissatisfied with this: "Why does the lord, who commands the troops, not lead them himself, but instead entrust them to that rogue Li Yue?" I thought to myself, "If I give you the troops, you would only squander them!" However, I replied, "Jiang Wei may not necessarily cross the Tao River again; I estimate he will most likely come out of Qishan and head towards the western counties. By that time, Deng Anxi will surely send our county's troops to reinforce, and you will have your opportunity to make use of them. Going to Lintao now is merely for show; a talented person like Shouchang should have good steel used where it counts!"

Thus, I stayed in Fuhan for a full three days, pretending to wait for the Liangzhou troops to march south. Of course, I was well aware that the Liangzhou troops would not march south at all; their target was the Shao He Qiang within Liangzhou, and how could they possibly cross into Yongzhou? The intelligence regarding the Shao He Qiang secretly colluding with the Shu bandits was something I submitted to Prefect Wang, who then reported it to the court—regarding the rebellious sentiments of these Qiang and Hu, the court has always preferred to believe in their existence rather than their absence, and would not conduct a thorough investigation.

Although Jiang Wei is the "Commander of Military Affairs" for the rebel state of Shu, his foundation within the false court is quite shallow, and his authority is not high. Therefore, he has been stationed in Hanzhong for many years, focusing on incursions to the north. Now it is September, a time without festivals or significant events; why would he return to Chengdu? Moreover, after a trip to Chengdu, he would immediately rush to Xiabian, which is located in the northwest of Hanzhong, right at the southern strategic route of Qishan. Zhuge Liang, that scoundrel, has launched military campaigns from this very place several times. Does Jiang Wei intend to follow in his footsteps?

Hastily returning to Xiangwu, I welcomed Captain Hu into the city and treated him with great hospitality. Captain Hu is a true soldier, devoid of desires; apart from a slight ambition for fame and fortune, he has no interest in fine wine or women. Therefore, I will focus on his ambition for fame and fortune, praising his military leadership and bravery in battle, assuring that he will one day become a pillar of the court. Captain Hu grinned widely, laughing all day long, and I believe that upon his return to Jingzhao, he will certainly speak highly of me in front of Governor Wang and General Chen.

I have an additional question regarding this statement. As soon as the words and the image in the book were spoken, Xiao Ma began to speak: "If it is confirmed that taxes will still be collected, I suggest we collect them half a month earlier. Last year, when the Shu bandits rushed us to collect grain, they came to invade and cut down a lot of wheat, causing many common people to be unable to pay their taxes and forced to flee. If Jiang Wei comes again this year..."

In the second year, specifically in the first month of the third year of Zhengyuan, the troops from Liangzhou and the Xianbei soldiers joined forces with the Hu general's army and achieved a great victory over the Shaohe Qiang. The Qiang chieftain was beheaded, and his head was sent to the capital. The remnants fled across the border to Qilian. Shaohe is a branch of Shaodang, and as a result, the Shaodang Qiang were also implicated, suffering the loss of several hundred men. The chieftain hurriedly sent envoys to Gu Zang to express submission to the governor of Liangzhou, thus narrowly escaping a great disaster. However, it cannot be said that this was merely luck, for if the court had truly organized a full-scale offensive against the Shaodang Qiang, the outcome of such a conflict would have been uncertain. This is also the reason why I initially framed the Shaohe Qiang rather than the Shaodang Qiang. A small group like the Shaohe Qiang, if someone claims they have rebelled, the court would undoubtedly mobilize troops immediately to suppress them. If it were the Shaodang Qiang, however, the powerful figures in the court would have to weigh their options, and they might even investigate the source of the information, which would leave me in a precarious position.

In plain attire, the Qiang and Hu people, in just a moment, I truly reveled in my success for several months afterward, continuously praising my unparalleled ingenuity and courage. However, I must also admit that the words of that Qiang youth at a critical moment greatly assisted me. This youth is the nephew of the Qiang chieftain, and out of admiration for the culture of the Central Plains, he took a Han name, adopting the surname Zhong and calling himself Zhong Aihua. This individual is of unattractive appearance, lacking in eloquence, with a large head but little intellect, a big belly yet devoid of strategy, yet he possesses a loyalty that is truly commendable.

Old Ma hurriedly handed me a document detailing the expenditures required in the county for the coming year when I asked him. I must admit that, although he spends lavishly, Old Ma's mind has always been clear on such matters. He not only listed the minimum expenses but also the maximum expenses. If we consider the minimum expenses, only a 20% tax would be required, whereas based on the maximum expenses, over 70% would need to be collected

The Qiang chieftains transitioned from shock and anger to fear, ultimately entrusting their lives to me. Such psychological shifts require a catalyst, and the words of Zhong Ai Hua became the best trigger. As a result, the Qiang chieftains not only requested that I list the names of their more than twenty tribes in my memorial, but also agreed to send several noble individuals as hostages to demonstrate their loyalty—Zhong Ai Hua was also among those hostages.