Chapter Eight: A Small Test of Skills in Cutting Flesh and Eating Game, Feigned Martial Arts and Fabricated Literature Stirring Up Suspicion of Troops

"Eating lamb all year round, one either becomes mad or turns into a barbarian!" I silently cursed in my heart, yet I still had to maintain a smile on my face. I instructed the three noble chieftains to each present a lamb, and a cook to come forward, to roast and carve it right in front of me, accompanied by fine wine.

If it were truly a hasty response, facing over three hundred fierce-looking Qianghu, their faces full of flesh and eyes gleaming with malice, who could leap up at any moment to chop off their own heads, even the greatest heroes of the age might not be able to articulate such a coherent statement immediately. In fact, I rehearsed this statement in front of the mirror no less than thirty times.

The two parties took their seats according to the hierarchy of host and guest. The chieftain of the Langqiang—whose name I cannot recall due to its tongue-twisting nature—first ordered that a person be bound. I was taken aback, not knowing the reason, only to hear the translator accompanying the chieftain say: "This man is the chieftain of the Eheng Qiang. He offended the magistrate last time, and has been specially bound here to apologize."

The Qiang chieftains immediately presented me with a list of tributes, which included not only fat sheep but also furs, medicinal herbs, fine horses, and so on, making for a rather generous offering. Each of them boasted that their tribe's sheep were the most plump, the best in the region. I smiled and said, "With so many sheep you've brought, how could you possibly eat them all..." The chieftain of Zhong Qiang, who spoke simple Chinese, quickly interjected, "If the esteemed one cannot finish, you can take some back to Xiangwu to eat. If you wish to eat again next time, we will present more. We can also send a few skilled roasters to the esteemed one, so you can enjoy roasted sheep every day, non-stop throughout the year..."

The Qiang chieftains praised, saying that this wine is sweet, clear, and fragrant, indeed a fine brew. Seizing the opportunity, I remarked: "There are many troubles in the mountains, and the Shu bandits have repeatedly invaded our territory. If you all can assist this governor in repelling the enemy and achieve merit, the court will surely reward you with imperial wine, which is far superior to my humble offering." The Qiang chieftains echoed my words, but I could sense without needing to listen closely that few among them were sincere.

The Qiang and Hu stared at each other, still hesitating. I hurriedly added, "Fuhan is a thoroughfare between the north and south. I will remain here to dissuade the troops from Liangzhou and the Xianbei! If the court does not heed my request, I shall die for all of you; that is the mark of a true man!" Though my words were spoken with fervor, my attention was focused on the dagger at my waist. Should anyone dare to act rashly, both Tu and I would immediately abandon our pens and ink, draw our blades, and carve a bloody path to escape—based on years of fighting experience, as long as these more than three hundred men did not swarm me all at once, I could still preserve my life. In truth, my attention was fixed on the dagger at my waist. Should anyone dare to act rashly, both Tu and I would immediately abandon our pens and ink, draw our blades, and carve a bloody path to escape—based on years of fighting experience, as long as these more than three hundred men did not swarm me all at once, I could still preserve my life.

In fact, I am quite clear in my mind that even if the troops from Longxi could split themselves, they would not reach five thousand. Moreover, I cannot deploy all of them to Fuhan. The billowing dust in the distance is merely a result of over three hundred people running back and forth, trampling the ground. I have carefully considered the terrain and measured the distance, believing that even if a certain Qiang person had the vision of a thousand miles, they would not be able to discern the exact number of this troop in a hurry. I noticed several Qiang chieftains trembling as they gripped the handles of their swords, estimating that even if they had once harbored murderous intent, that intent has now been forcefully suppressed.

Fortunately, it wasn't too long of a wait, probably just about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Suddenly, a rider came galloping in, accompanied by a chilling wind. The soldier on the horse almost rolled off directly, landing in front of me on one knee, clasping his fists: "My lord, Chen Zhengxi has already left Chang'an, and the Liangzhou troops are also preparing to march south. Please make your preparations swiftly!"

If it were Old Ma speaking these words, it would be much simpler. Unfortunately, Old Ma's manner of speaking is rather sarcastic and lacks any authority. Moreover, having Qin Rui by his side could serve as a bodyguard, a capability that Old Ma does not possess.

I pretended to be greatly alarmed, standing up with a start and nearly overturning the tables in front of me. "Why the urgency, this is..." The surroundings immediately fell silent, and the Qiang and Hu people all stared wide-eyed, turning their anxious and fearful faces towards me. I deliberately surveyed them with a sorrowful and indignant expression, then sighed deeply: "To be honest with you all, someone has reported that the Eastern Qiang are colluding with the Shu bandits, and orders have been issued for the troops of Yong and Liang to rise up and suppress them... The official document just now was regarding this matter..."

Indeed, my plan has many flaws. For such a significant matter, how could the Yongliang army have already begun to act, and even the troops from Longxi have reached Fuhan, while I, as the governor, have only just received the official document from the court? However, I suspect that those rough and straightforward Qiang people would not have anticipated this. As soon as the soldiers finished reporting, my voice rang out again: "There is no time to lose; I will immediately draft a memorial. Everyone, please come over and list the names of all the departments present today... Hmm, also include the departments with which you have connections. I stake my life on it; you are all loyal subjects of the Wei Dynasty!" Saying this, my voice rose again: "There is no time to lose; I will immediately draft a memorial. Everyone, please come over and list the names of all the departments present today... Hmm, also include the departments with which you have connections. I stake my life on it; you are all loyal subjects of the Wei Dynasty!" As I spoke, I extended my hand, and Qin Rui handed me the prepared plain silk and writing materials.

First, draw out the short sword, each cut a piece, dip it in salt and take a bite. The gamey flavor is quite strong, but in this way, it becomes even more fragrant and moist, soothing to the lungs. For a moment, I almost forgot my own plans, my hands kept waving, my teeth kept chewing, and my lips and chest were all covered in grease

I carefully read the official document that the old horse drafted and that I had modified and polished twice. While I sighed in admiration of my own eloquence, I frequently shook my head, making a troubled expression. Then I closed the document, casually tucked it into my bosom, and looked around at the various Qiang chieftains, forcing a smile as I said, "What’s the matter, everyone? Let’s drink. How does the wine from the Central Plains suit your tastes?"

Having finished writing, I pointed at the Qiang and Hu leaders and said: "Come, come, tell me the names of all your tribes, so that I may include them in my report and defend you all." The Qiang chieftains looked at each other, none daring to speak, as if no one even wanted to approach me within five steps. I had not anticipated such behavior from them; it seemed that these foreign tribes were not as bold as I had thought. While I was contemplating how to urge them with words, suddenly a young man jumped up from the back row, clasped his hands in salute, and loudly said in Han language: "The governor is kind-hearted and truly wishes to save us; what are you all still hesitating for?" I had not anticipated such behavior from them; it seemed that these foreign tribes were not as bold as I had thought. While I was contemplating how to urge them with words, suddenly a young man jumped up from the back row, clasped his hands in salute, and loudly said in Han language: "The governor is kind-hearted and truly wishes to save us; what are you all still hesitating for?"

As soon as I finish speaking, it will be Qin Rui's turn to take over: "My lord, I am willing to lead the five thousand troops of this county to live and die alongside you! The Qiang people are innocent; it is the court that unjustly wages war. If we cannot stop this, then let these five thousand troops become a river of blood to protect loyalty and expose treachery!" Heaven knows how much effort I put into teaching this beast such eloquent phrases, especially in getting him to refrain from calling himself 'my lord' and instead refer to himself as 'this humble one'; it was almost more difficult than prohibiting him from fighting!

Listen to this name: Eheng, it clearly suggests that the Qiang people, when hungry, will resort to violence. One must not push them to a dead end, or the consequences will be endless. I see that the Eheng Qiang chief is already quite old, with white hair and a face full of wrinkles. I truly cannot imagine that such an elderly man, nearing his end, could have a young and beautiful daughter... Or perhaps Su Duwei is actually only interested in older women... I see that the Eheng Qiang chief is already quite old, with white hair and a face full of wrinkles. I truly cannot imagine that such an elderly man, nearing his end, could have a young and beautiful daughter... Or perhaps Su Duwei is actually only interested in older women... I must go back and inquire more from Xiao Ma.

I carried with me thirty cavalrymen, led by Qin Rui, along with twenty servants, to hunt in the outskirts of Fuhan and to meet with the Qiang chieftains. A large tent was set up south of Fuhan City, and the banners of the Great Wei were raised. Over three hundred Qiang chieftains, along with their families and subordinates, came to pay their respects, followed by ten large carts, over a hundred horses, and nearly a thousand sheep

Today's Fuhan County is not much like a city; rather, it resembles a large earthen enclosure, with a gap on the eastern side. The number of households within the city is merely over one hundred, and there are about seventeen or eighteen local soldiers stationed here. In fact, if Fuhan were captured, it would effectively cut off the route for the Liangzhou troops to advance south. Why, then, do the Shu bandits repeatedly invade from the north, often overlooking this point? I must wait until I see this city with my own eyes to realize that a place like this is hardly worth attacking, and even if it were captured, it could not be held.

Not long after, perhaps just the time it takes to drink two or three cups of wine, suddenly a cloud of dust rose, and the sound of galloping hooves approached rapidly from the east. A messenger rode in, dismounted at the side of the tent, and breathlessly presented me with a document that had long been prepared. I unfolded the document, pretended to read it, and frowned as I did so—immediately, the surroundings fell silent, and the Qiang chieftains looked at me, unsure of what had happened.

The ancient city of Fuhan is located to the west of the Tao River, serving as a crucial route for those traveling north to Liangzhou. During the late Eastern Han period, Song Jian raised a banner of rebellion here, declaring himself "King of Pinghan at the River's Head," and established a stronghold for over thirty years, until he was ultimately defeated by the compassionate Marquis of Shanglong. The Marquis of Xiahou was indeed a renowned general, skilled in cavalry, and wherever he went, it was as if the wind swept away the clouds—his approach to the common people and cities was no different; he left nothing but destruction in his wake, turning Fuhan into ruins. It was not until the Huangchu period that it was rebuilt. Thus, later, when the Marquis of Xiahou was defeated and killed in Hanzhong—legend has it that he was beheaded by an old soldier at the foot of Dingjun Mountain—this could be seen as a fitting retribution.

Unfortunately, before I could finish eating, I started to feel a bit nauseous. The food from the Qianghu region is like this; it is incredibly delicious at first bite, yet the spices added are too few to allow for more consumption, as eating more might lead to vomiting. Since my appetite had faded, a plan resurfaced in my mind. I subtly exchanged a glance with Qin Rui, who was standing beside me. He nodded to indicate his understanding, then retreated behind the tent to make arrangements.

The Qiang chieftains all looked ashen, with a few instinctively placing their hands on the hilts of their knives, poised to rise. Without waiting for their reaction, I shouted loudly to seize the initiative, then a long string of words spilled from my mouth: "I know you gentlemen do not rebel, otherwise, how would you dare to come to meet me? The court's mobilization this time is so swift, it is certain that someone intends to frame you all. Do not be afraid, I will report to the current emperor and clarify the loyalty and treachery for you!" The court's mobilization this time is so swift, it is certain that someone intends to frame you all. Do not be afraid, I will report to the current emperor and clarify the loyalty and treachery for you!

The noble chieftains of the Qiang people nodded repeatedly, showering me with flattery—of course, compared to my subordinates, their compliments lacked eloquence and seemed overly straightforward. They did not understand that the best meat is rich yet not greasy, and that good words are those that flatter without mockery. When their words became excessive, it instead felt like mockery. I waved my hand to interrupt them and said: "Talking without substance leaves one parched; I have fine wine from the Central Plains, and you will bring forth fat lambs. Let us drink wine and eat meat, and then have a proper discussion."

I am not a warrior who remains unperturbed in the face of calamity, yet as a scion of a once-prominent family (albeit now fallen), I have spent many years honing the art of cursing inwardly while smiling outwardly. I engaged in toasts with the chieftains, managing to conceal any signs of impatience. Before long, the lamb was roasted, and the cook used a small, sharp knife to cut it into large pieces, deliberately presenting the most succulent hind legs before me. With three noble chieftains and three whole sheep, that amounts to six legs, the aroma wafting enticingly, yet I am uncertain how many meals it will take to finish them.

My words flowed continuously without any pause, allowing me to lead those Qiang chieftains by the nose, leaving them no time to think. As the preface concluded, I turned to inquire of the newcomer: "Where are the various armies?" The soldier reported loudly: "Chen Zhengxi's troops have set out for Chang'an and have already crossed the Wei River; the troops from Liangzhou and the Xianbei tribes are stationed at Zhiyang City this morning. Our forces from Longxi are also ready to march, please give your orders, my lord!" As he spoke, he pointed into the distance, and I turned to ask again: "Where are the various armies?" The soldier reported loudly: "Chen Zhengxi's troops have set out for Chang'an and have already crossed the Wei River; the troops from Liangzhou and the Xianbei tribes are stationed at Zhiyang City this morning. Our forces from Longxi are also ready to march, please give your orders, my lord!" As he spoke, he pointed into the distance, and indeed, I saw billowing dust and banners obscuring the sun.

A long sigh escaped my heart as I pushed aside the wine cup and roasted lamb, clearing a space on the table. I spread out a piece of plain silk, dipped my brush in ink, and began to compose a memorial to the court. This piece of writing flowed effortlessly, with my calligraphy and composition speed being second to none in the world—of course, I had long prepared a draft in my mind. I could not afford to give the Qiang chieftains too much time to breathe and contemplate at this moment.

The Qiang chieftains originally intended to line up and enter the tent to pay their respects to me; however, their numbers were simply too great. I feared that they would all rush into the tent, and without the need for assassination, they could crush me just by crowding in. Therefore, I made a last-minute decision to host an outdoor banquet. The blankets on the ground were all provided by the Qiang people, and aside from the five or six sets of tableware I had prepared, all the utensils were also from the Qiang. The only notable offerings I had were three antelopes and half a dozen birds I had hunted in the past two days, as well as three jars of fine wine purchased from Chang'an.

I comforted that old man—actually, this was said for the ears of the other chieftains. After finally untying him, I even invited him to sit at the side seat. Upon returning to my own seat, I resumed the conversation to reassure the three chieftains: "Your loyalty to the court is well known to this governor. Otherwise, how would I dare to come alone to meet you? Ah, hahahaha"

In fact, I have not revealed a single word of this plan to Su Duwei. If he insists on following me, I would find it difficult to stop him, and the situation would become quite troublesome. If the plan fails, it is ninety-nine percent likely to be due to his interference; if the plan succeeds, he will certainly want to take a share of the credit. After I have worked hard for half a day, to have a shameless and incompetent person take away a portion of my hard-earned success, how can I possibly swallow that!

The atmosphere of the banquet became less lively due to my forced smile, but this was part of my plan. If that group of Qianghu were completely oblivious and insensitive, forgetting the official document I had just received, then the subsequent performances would not go well. At this moment, I was truly anxious, fearing that the second swift horse would arrive too late. However, this slight display of my mindset would serve as a perfect foreshadowing for my future plans.

I feigned surprise and hurriedly got up to assist the old man, intending to personally untie him. The ropes were tied very tightly, and I exerted a great deal of effort, sweating profusely before finally managing to free him. Fortunately, I could talk while untying the ropes, preventing any awkward silence. I said: "On that day, Officer Su acted out of drunkenness and committed a mistake; what crime does the old man have? Officer Su felt extremely regretful and ashamed afterward, saying: 'I can no longer face the Qiang people.' You see, he didn't agree to come this time either..."