Wei School's Three Good Students

Chapter 68 A Royal Cause Does Not Remain Confined to One Side.

In July of the 31st year of the Heavenly Calendar, south of Yongji Pass, the rainfall was as predicted by the divination and divination method. The amount of rainfall was similar to yesterday. This indicates that the southern Xinjiang region was not affected by the Central Plains' evil moon's destruction of its mountains and rivers.

Wu Fei glanced at his third aunt under the eaves. Her beautiful face was as gloomy as water. Wu Fei said, "Hmm, I guess she's on her period."

Wu Fei, the chief accountant of the Wu family army, sighed when he received the request for military supplies from the northern army.

Regarding the Northern Route Army's reasons for sending troops to restore order to the world, Wu Fei took a deep breath and commented, "It's both simple and complex."

In contrast, the Southern Route Army's current deployment is much more straightforward and unpretentious.

Under Wu Fei's principle of "distribution according to work," all soldiers of the Southern Route Army had a consistently crude and uniform understanding of leaving the pass: ensuring a free and open market in southern Xinjiang.

Because the reasons for the two armies fighting on the northern and southern routes have been completely different in recent years, and the northern army consumes twice the amount of food and supplies as the southern army, many people in the southern border region who also have children in the northern army have started to complain about the northern army's military campaigns.

Many of the women in the village, upon seeing the women whose men had gone to Beijing to work, would whisper among themselves, shake their heads, and sigh.

Especially the words of some gossipy village women: "Tell me, what's so great about protecting the imperial court? Over the years, there have been wars and earthquakes every year, and the emperor hasn't even come out to admit his mistakes."

These village women didn't realize that if they were speaking like this in the north, under the emperor's very nose, they would most likely be arrested and imprisoned by the officials, followed by a crackdown on local customs. But now, what could they do? The emperor's rule was not evident in Lingnan! The officials here turned a blind eye to the increasingly rebellious words of the ignorant people below.

In the three southern prefectures of Da Yao, the Da Yao brand still shines brightly among officials and wealthy families. But among the country folk? After years of being bribed with "small favors" by Wu Xiaoque, Da Yao's benevolence has been relegated to the cellar, sitting at the same table with rats stealing potatoes.

Xuan Chong's note in his "homework book": When the ruling class of a group cannot meet the standards of "rites and music" that they claim to uphold, then they should not attempt to continue to use "rites and teachings" to drive the people to willingly enter the pot like firewood.

The common people in the lower and middle classes seem to be "blindly" obeying orders, like quicksand waiting to be gathered together; but in reality, everyone has their own internal account. When the ruling class only focuses on the growth of their own opportunistic accounts and does not check the accounts in the hearts of the people, then the division begins.

…Wu Fei's social class was ultimately different from that of the common people; as a lord, one had to be aware of loyalty to the dynasty…

In recent years, Wu Fei has continued to provide the Northern Route Army with sufficient military supplies in a high-quality and efficient manner. One cart after another of wooden oxen and flowing horses, their wide single wheels leaving unique, wide ruts on the roads they traveled.

Regarding the idea of ​​saving the world, Wu Fei's "unwillingness to do it" does not mean he is "holding back".

The "stock" of supporting the imperial court is something every local power with ambition should invest in now. What if it succeeds? What if the imperial court is truly saved?
Even if we take a step back and assume that Da Yao has not completely lost the hearts of the people, even if his direct forces are wiped out today, there are still plenty of forces willing to come and support him, such as Wu Fei.

The reason is that the current status of various armed factions within Da Yao is too low. The newly powerful figures who rose through military merit also hope that Da Yao will recognize their position.

According to the pattern of the Han Dynasty's replacement, the armed faction must first obtain the title of "King of a Different Surname". Only when the King of a Different Surname replaces the court and begins to win over talents from all over the country, and completely transforms the court's etiquette and system into the old version of the past, can he take over the dynasty.

What are the essential elements for unifying the country? Sima Zhao's flawed answer, "whoever has the strongest army and the most powerful horses wins," was copied haphazardly by uneducated students, resulting in a large number of failing grades during the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Because during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the "strongest and most powerful" armies were always concentrated in one province. During a certain ten-year period, the armies of one province were stronger and more powerful than those of other provinces that were devastated. However, once the armies of one province successfully suppressed the whole country for a time, as time went on, the other provinces recovered, and then it was the turn of the imperial army to become weak.

The standard answer is to use Zhu Yuanzhang's suppression of the Huaixi nobles. When an emperor seizes power, he relies on the troops of one state, but when he defends power, he must win the hearts of the people of all states.

Therefore, before the old legal system is completely destroyed by some fool, new ambitious individuals must obtain sufficient legal authorization within the old legal system.

The legitimacy of the old dynasty is a problem that all rebels, no, all those who replace it, must face.

The "previous dynasty" that Xuan Chong experienced before his time travel was militarily weak, had too many unequal treaties with foreign powers, and the people's hearts were scattered. There were even anti-ethnic sentiments. Many of the upper class of the previous dynasty made no secret of their willingness to serve foreign tribes. It was one of the weakest legal systems in five thousand years. Therefore, the powerful people at that time could kick over this legal system and directly create a new world.

After establishing his state by overthrowing the wicked, Da Yao enfeoffed people, established a system of rites and rituals, and unified the compilation of the calendar and the laws governing mountains and rivers, which continues to this day, representing a strong legal system. This legal system is now widely recognized by people from all walks of life—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Wu Fei concluded: His family was currently only at the Marquis level. This status was far from sufficient to participate in the game of vying for supremacy. They had to continue supporting Da Yao to ensure their own rank steadily increased.

To put it more directly, the talents recruited by the Wu family as marquises are only mid-level talents from a corner of the southern border. However, if they obtain the title of "One-Word King" of Da Yao, they can recruit top talents from all over the world by virtue of the "One-Word King" title when Da Yao himself is unable to take responsibility.

This is the "official" copyright of Da Yao.

…They're aware of the importance of this, but too lazy to put in the effort…

Wu Fei now finds the personnel situation in the Northern Route Army troublesome, and the internal idealism is as unstable as a bomb. This is due to Wu Fei's own "laissez-faire" mentality and his unwillingness to work hard. However, this does not mean he is short-sighted and will directly give up dividends.

Note: Yuan Shikai's father died early in his life, and Yuan Shikai's family kicked him out of the house without giving him any travel expenses. Later, after Yuan Shikai became successful, he did not share his profits with his family members back home. Therefore, in modern history, the Beiyang clique was relatively more progressive than the Huai clique. Unlike Li Hongzhang, Yuan Shikai did not have his family involved in politics.

It's one thing if the Yuan family can't foresee Yuan Shikai's future achievements, but Wu Fei currently has unwavering faith. He's certain that Wu Hengyu's Northern Route Army will cause a major stir in the north, and will definitely produce a prince in the future.

Wu Feimei thought to herself: once Wu Hengyu gets the title of King, she can get a share of the profits and receive the title.

Why should they get dividends if they don't risk their lives? Because when the Northern Route Army was first established, it received a stable supply of provisions without any discounts, all under the family's name. And even if Wu Hengyu's side fails, they still retain influence in the Southern Frontier.

When the time comes, raising the name of Wu Hengyu, whether it's gathering half the world's unwilling talents to fight again, or prioritizing the well-being of the people, ending the calamities of war, and using the title given by the previous dynasty and the existing military strength as bargaining chips to demand that the new dynasty grant him the title of founding duke, completely integrating him into its meritorious order, and even forming a marriage alliance with it, all of these are within his grasp.

Wu Fei looked ahead a hundred years and then commented on the strategic choices he faced today: If he abandoned the Northern Route Army, abandoned the imperial cause, and chose to isolate himself, then at best, he would only be a "small Central Plains" in the south.

They imitated everything from the Middle Kingdom, but in the eyes of the real people of the Middle Kingdom, it was like trying to draw a tiger but ending up with a dog instead.

A king's cause cannot be confined to a corner! Once the world is settled, if one is content with a corner of the land, the talents under one's own system will be devoted to the world and will be pumped away like water by the powerful forces that will rise in the central region of the future. The system will completely decay in just a few generations.

Xuan Chong brought to the discontented intellectuals in the southern frontier a century later: In this isolated region, the family property belongs to the Wu family, but talented people have their own grand ideals. Why should my ideals protect your family property? Why can't I seek employment in the Han court, fight against the Wu family's disloyalty, and strive for fame and glory in expanding the territory?

…The dividing line between wooden oxen and sailboat transportation…

Along with the provisions Wu Fei delivered, there was also a heartfelt family letter.

Wu Fei: "Uncle, you must be careful out there and take care of your health. You are unfamiliar with the place up north, so don't be a hero in any situation. Wait until things are clear before taking action." However, Wu Fei's "emotional appeal" was ineffective.

Wu Hanluan's reply was very simple: He gave him a year.

Clearly, Wu Fei's desire to "lie down" might fool outsiders, but his own family saw right through him.

Wu Hanluan and Wu Hengyu were adamant: "If they're your nephews (brothers), then come and chop them down!"

…The dividing line of hard work…

In the summer of the 31st year of the Tianli calendar, the situation left Wu Fei with very little time.

Several years ago, Wu Fei had a very simple plan for his life.

Wu Fei: I was tasked with defending the border for Da Yao, spending ten years clarifying the situation in the southern frontier. I firmly suppressed the barbarians and served as a border general.

However, times change too fast. First, the evil sect in the southern border came to deliver their heads, giving him a wave of military experience. Then, the central region of Da Yao underwent a change in its landscape, making his journey to the north inevitable.

Looking at the lightning and thunder in the sky, Wu Fei sighed, "A major upheaval!"

Beside Wu Fei, Third Aunt, dressed in a light blue dress and holding a cloak, walked over and said, "My lord, it's cold."

Wu Fei glanced at the sorcerer. To be honest, ever since her last outburst, this demoness had really come to terms with it. She even followed him back to the Wu family and, with the help of his uncle, was given the title of concubine. He didn't understand what she was after.

But now they are treated with courtesy.

Wu Fei: "Third Aunt, you go back first, I'll go down and check on the fields."

…walk down the dividing line of the city gate…

Rainwater trickled down the city wall, and the potato fields outside were lush and green, the tubers in the soil brimming with juice. Ah, at this time of year, the potatoes were still crisp; eating them was enough to satisfy a hunger. A few months later, after the army had crossed the border, these potato fields would be ready for harvest.

The good growth of the sweet potatoes in the fields outside the pass this year is thanks to the great battle two years ago. The mountains and rivers received enough sacrifices, and the land irrigated with blood is extremely fertile! Even the fish in the mountain springs are fatter than in previous years.

In the more distant city of Fenxing, beside the ditch, the Wu family army stationed there also scattered sweet potato tubers and established military settlements on the thousands of hectares of land obtained after the fire, with each plot of land being managed by a different battalion.

With the large-scale northward transport of easily transportable millet to support the Northern Route Army's offensive, the Southern Route Army needed to strengthen its strategy of "finding food in enemy territory."

By not sending grain across the mountains from Yongji Pass, a lot of waste was saved on food for people and horses.

The strategy was two-pronged: first, purchasing from the chieftain-like tribes, and second, farming in the area outside the Great Wall.

The chieftains used cloth and salt as currency, but due to the profit-driven nature of merchants, the prices of these goods were unstable.

As for the farmland developed by these military settlements outside the Great Wall, the logistics department purchased it at 15% of the price of grain from inside the Great Wall.

When the grain purchase price was set, the accountant sent by the Wu family thought it was too high. The managers of the tenants believed that the sweet potato grain should not be purchased at the price of millet. However, Wu Fei insisted that he was definitely not losing money! This was because the accountant had not considered that most of the grain was used for the southern expedition, and all the grain used for the southern expedition had transportation costs.

At that moment, Wu Fei stared wide-eyed at this excellent accountant sent by his own family. Later, feeling that the accountant had ideological problems, he transferred him away and replaced him with another accountant from his son's land reclamation project outside the Great Wall.

The inside and outside of the Great Wall are separated by only a wall, but some people inside the Great Wall cannot bring their mindset to the outside. Just as some people who once thought "life is peaceful and carefree" cannot understand "carrying heavy burdens," they can make a TV series about poor people sound like a disaster. This is because people who live an easy life truly do not understand hardship.

Wu Fei: This farmland is outside the protection of the city walls! Currently, only those with knives dare to cultivate this land. To some extent, the grain harvested this way is also tainted with blood.

Under the system set up by Wu Fei, merchants could obtain titles by making payments during wartime, especially since this involved supplying strategic materials to the front lines.

Wu Fei reprimanded some of the idiots in the logistics department: "You can try to buy grain at prices within the Great Wall, but only if those wealthy and powerful families within the Great Wall dare to buy houses and settle down south of Yongji Pass one day. Then Wu Fei will definitely sell it to them at the prices within the Great Wall to support their land reclamation."

Wu Fei didn't think the old accountant in the house was bad; rather, he felt that the accountant was just clueless. He transferred him away because he was afraid that this gentleman, who was used to "peaceful days," would have his old teeth knocked out by the group of hot-headed young men under his command.

…The dividing line where the dragon-horse knights escorted them…

After Wu Fei arrived in Fenxing City, the rain continued for a while until the dry season arrived. Wu Fei then stationed himself in Fenxing City and issued the troop deployment order to Yongji Pass.

After staying in Fenxing City, Wu Fei participated in this round of potato and grain harvesting.

Thousands of soldiers dug for food in the soil, and the occasional appearance of a rat or snake would cause a commotion in the ranks. Behind them, the wooden oxen continuously loaded the dug potatoes away. Hmm, why not use the wooden oxen to plow the land? Wu Fei had tried; the horsepower wasn't enough, and the wood's torque strength wasn't sufficient. This thing could be used to ram people, but it would break down quickly when digging.

Soon, the harvest from each field was piled up on the drill ground according to the ownership of each team's assigned plot.

Last October, the grain harvesting process involved publicly classifying the harvest into "grades" in the main camp's drill ground. Each team would then carry out their "measuring boats," pile the potatoes inside, and push them into the pond for measurement. The accounts would be settled immediately, and the camp leader of each team would share the money with his brothers that very night.

The "measuring boat" was a public tool within the city. After use, it would be painted, and the waterline markings on the boat would be left unmodified under the witness of all the officers before being sent to the warehouse and sealed for use the following year.

Measuring boats isn't ideal for precise measurements, but this object is huge! There are only four of them, making them less susceptible to substitution like larger units such as the large measuring vessel. Furthermore, the graduations on the measuring boat are under constant scrutiny by thousands of eyes, making tampering impossible!
Don't be fooled by the fact that the soldiers are all roughnecks, with 90% of them only having a literacy rate of less than 100%. These days, the latrines of each camp are clearly marked, and the camp leaders even require each soldier not to go to other camps to have diarrhea.

In the army, whenever it came to the distribution of benefits to the lower levels, Wu Fei designed a system where "arguments" were not allowed.

The first batch of grain stored up in Fenxing City appeared in the warehouses, marking the start of the second half of the year 31 of the Shutian Calendar. This time, Wu Fei would be employing even more advanced military tactics.

(End of this chapter)