Chapter 107: Preparing for a Rainy Day

"Yes, exactly, the Western Turkic Khaganate." Li Wenyuan nodded. "They have always been a thorn in my side and must be eradicated. However, our intelligence network regarding them is virtually non-existent, which is highly detrimental to any future military campaigns. That is why I brought you here; I want you to shift your primary focus toward the Western Turkic front."

Qiu Niang nodded. "It is true that the Night Owls have had very little penetration into the Western Turkic territories. But this is unavoidable, given how vastly different the nomads' customs, languages, and appearances are from those of us in the Central Plains."

"That is why we now have a better excuse to plant our agents within the grasslands."

"Is the Governor referring to the establishment of licensed merchants?"

"Exactly. The method you mentioned for producing canned milk tea gave me further ideas. Every winter, a large number of livestock die due to disease or harsh weather, all of which goes to waste. I was thinking, what if we processed this meat into broth and sold it to the Western and Eastern Turks? They need items that are easy to carry, don't they? If we design the containers to be square, specifically shaped to fit the saddlebags of their horses—no, let’s not use theirs, let’s design and produce our own leather pouches to mount on the horses, using the hides of those very livestock. We won't just sell the canned meat broth; we will sell the leather pouches to carry them as well." Li Wenyuan wore the expression of a cunning merchant.

"Has the Governor considered developing Yi-fu noodles as well?" Qiu Niang tilted her head and asked.

"Yi-fu noodles?"

"Yes. If Yi-fu noodles were paired with the canned meat broth, it would be an irresistible delicacy for the Turks, who have always lacked agricultural products. Selling them as a set would make them even more popular."

"I am beginning to realize that it is a waste of your talents to work in intelligence. Have you considered going into business?" Li Wenyuan said with a smile.

"Forget it. I prefer staying in my Night Owl nest," Qiu Niang replied, looking repulsed.

"I am only joking with you, don't take it to heart. Your idea is quite interesting. Once we reach Dunhuang Commandery, proceed with your plan. Use this opportunity to embed our agents among the Turks. However, take note: these 'fourth-grade' canned meats, made from livestock that died of disease, must never under any circumstances enter the Central Plains. We must not poison our own people."

"Rest assured, Governor. Even if it means taking a loss in the domestic market, I will ensure these fourth-grade cans never enter the interior. I will organize a dedicated team to handle external sales and monitor internal circulation. With the food safety regulations in the Western Regions Code, I doubt anyone would dare to violate this," Qiu Niang assured him.

Li Wenyuan nodded and began to map out his next steps. Except for Yiwu Commandery, which remained under Li Gui for the time being, the other three commanderies had already been targeted for conquest. Reports from both the Night Owls and military intelligence indicated that the garrisons consisted only of the elderly, the infirm, or incompetent cowards with no combat capability. The ease with which these commanderies were being reclaimed was unimaginable; as Qiu Niang had put it when delivering the intelligence, this was not a war—it was an armed parade.

Reclaiming three commanderies at once was enough to satisfy the imperial court, but it meant Li Wenyuan now had to foot the bill for the subsistence welfare of the commoners in these regions. This western expedition had exhausted most of the government granaries, and the civilian grain reserves were earmarked for the coming year's relief—they could not be touched.

Sighing, Li Wenyuan calculated his options. "It seems I must buy grain."

As for buying grain, he had initiated the imperial examinations, gradually abolished slavery, dismantled major clans through various means, and uprooted the pawns of many factions. He was now effectively standing in opposition to the Guanlong aristocracy. Buying grain from the Jiangnan region would involve an overly long transport route, and he could not risk the stability of his governance on such an uncertainty. At this thought, one person came to mind: Xue Ju.

Xue Ju’s family, like Li Gui’s, had long been entrenched in Jincheng with deep pockets and a friendly relationship with Li Wenyuan. Furthermore, Xue Ju's second son served under him as the Governor of Wuwei Commandery—a place Li Wenyuan considered his own stronghold. Should he send someone to contact Xue Ju about purchasing grain? The resources held by such an aristocratic family were enough to cover this year's grain shortage. He decided it was worth a try.

With this in mind, Li Wenyuan ordered his accompanying messenger to go to Wuwei and ask Xue Renyue to inquire on his behalf whether Xue Ju would be open to a grain trade.

In the distance, the silhouette of Dunhuang Commandery appeared. Li Wenyuan looked at Qiu Niang. "Qiu Niang, after all this time, have you learned to ride at full gallop?"

"Care for a race?"

"Haha, let's race then! Whoever arrives at Dunhuang last must host a banquet at the city's most famous tavern for our entire party. How about it, Qiu Niang?"

"Fine by me! I usually eat and drink at the Night Owl nest, which is quite bland. I shall take this chance to enjoy a proper feast at your expense!" With that, Qiu Niang whipped her horse and surged ahead.

Li Wenyuan watched her take the lead, shook his head with a smile, and turned to the rest of the group. "If you can't keep up, don't expect me to pay for your meal!" He dug his heels into his horse's flanks and gave chase.

The group galloped along the main road, racing and cheering in a lively display. Farmers working in the fields nearby, who had been organized by Zhang Juntai to resume production, stopped their work to watch. An old farmer asked one of the newly appointed Dunhuang officials, "Who are those people, riding so fast on the main road? Is there another war?"

Because of Li Wenyuan’s influence, these officials from the Political School carried no airs and were very approachable, helping the commoners shed their fear of officials and embracing the new policies, which directly benefited them.

The official recognized Li Wenyuan from the graduation ceremony where he had delivered a speech. He replied to the farmer, "That is our Governor. He is here on official business in Dunhuang, likely to oversee the distribution of this year's relief grain."

"That's the Governor? He's quite young."

"Indeed, he is young and full of promise."