Chapter Thirty: Managing the Western Regions

Li Wenyuan stood with his hands at his sides, waiting outside the door for Yang Guang’s summons. Before long, a young eunuch emerged and called out, “Which one of you is General Li Wenyuan? His Majesty wishes to see you.”

Li Wenyuan hastily straightened his robe and followed the eunuch into the grand hall. Yang Guang stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the map hanging on the wall, seemingly lost in thought. Upon hearing footsteps behind him, the eunuch announced, “Your Majesty, General Li has arrived.”

Yang Guang finally turned around and slowly sat behind the desk, addressing Li Wenyuan, “You have long resided on the northwestern frontier, often dealing with the nomads. What do you think is the key to handling them?”

Li Wenyuan, having learned from the eunuch who had delivered the imperial summons that Yang Guang was concerned about the northern nomads, had already pondered the matter on his way. He replied fluently, “Your Majesty, the nomads lack iron, skilled blacksmiths, and are not adept at agriculture. We can use these weaknesses to restrain them and suppress their ambitions to move south.”

Yang Guang listened but did not continue on that topic. Instead, he shifted the conversation, “You defeated the rebels and forced them westward in just a few days—truly a fierce general.”

Li Wenyuan was unsure of Yang Guang’s intentions but replied honestly, “Your Majesty’s divine might is unstoppable; no mere rebels could withstand it. This time, I fought alongside General Qutu, and our soldiers exerted themselves, forcing the rebels to flee west. I intend to join General Qutu in reorganizing our forces and pursue the rebels until they are completely eradicated.”

Yang Guang nodded and picked up a memorial, breaking the seal in front of Li Wenyuan and reading it. Halfway through, he asked, “The Jincheng Commandery is near Wuwei. When the northern nomads invade every winter, do they ever enter Jincheng?”

Li Wenyuan answered truthfully, “The western regions have always been a mix of Han and nomad populations; it’s difficult to detect small groups entering.”

Yang Guang replied, “In the fifth year of my reign, I established four new commanderies in the west: Qiemo, Heyuan, Xihai, and Shanshan. Afterwards, I led my army back, and have not visited since. Once this year’s rebels are wiped out, I will campaign against Goguryeo next year, and after victory, lead the royal army west to intimidate the various nations.”

Li Wenyuan knew in his heart that Yang Guang’s eastern campaign would fail again next year, but he had no grounds to advise against it. He couldn’t very well say, “I know your eastern campaign is doomed, so please don’t go.” That would get him executed by any emperor, not just Yang Guang.

Yet after the third eastern campaign, the Sui Dynasty would soon collapse. He had already been swept into the second campaign, and though he had allied himself with Xue Ju, there were still many things left unarranged.

As Li Wenyuan grew anxious, Yang Guang spoke again, “There are countless fierce generals at court, but most come from noble families and clans; I dare not easily entrust them with military power. You, however, are a commander I promoted from the ranks, and I wish for you to be loyal solely to me.”

Li Wenyuan immediately knelt, “Your Majesty’s grace is boundless; even if I were smashed to pieces, I could not repay it.”

Yang Guang’s expression was neither pleased nor displeased; he had heard such declarations of loyalty many times. In all of Sui, he trusted no one but the Censorate, but in the absence of better options, even a mediocre general must suffice. The young man before him lacked powerful backing, making him a relatively suitable choice.

With this in mind, Yang Guang did not hurry Li Wenyuan to rise, but continued, “The western regions are unstable, and Guanzhong is unsettled. I now appoint you as the Governor of the Four Western Prefectures, commanding the troops of Liang, Gan, Yi, and Gua Prefectures. You may execute military affairs before reporting, but must prevent all incursions from the nomads.”

Li Wenyuan accepted the appointment but did not immediately depart. Seeing this, Yang Guang asked, “Is there anything else, my loyal subject?”

Li Wenyuan bit his lip, steeled himself, and said, “Your Majesty, the Four Western Prefectures border Turkic lands to the north and Tibet to the south, with most residents being a mixture of Han and nomads. I humbly request permission to forge weapons locally, tailored to the region’s needs.”

Yang Guang lowered his head, pondering the benefits and risks.

The Four Western Prefectures were isolated from the Central Plains, connected only by the road across the Longxi Plain, which sometimes led to delays in supply deliveries. If Li Wenyuan were granted full authority over weapon production, might he not become a warlord? Yet Yang Guang’s plans were approaching their final stage, certain to provoke extreme dissatisfaction among the Guanzhong aristocracy. Having a force of unclear allegiance stationed in the west could help divert their attention.

Besides, the western regions were thousands of miles from Jiangnan, which was Yang Guang’s true base. In his mind, a vast gamble unfolded: win, and Sui would prosper; lose, and Sui would perish.

Yang Guang looked at Li Wenyuan, who remained kneeling and motionless, and said, “The Four Western Prefectures are indeed isolated and need flexible authority. The newly established commanderies like Qiemo are unstable; some have not reported to court for over a year. I entrust you to ensure that both the old four prefectures and the new four commanderies—eight in all—remain under Sui’s rule. Should anyone resist, you may act as you see fit.”

Li Wenyuan was startled—was he to oversee the entire western region? Was Yang Guang setting a trap for him? He quickly replied, “Your Majesty, please do not be angry. My only intention is to defend against nomad invasions, not to plot control over the western regions.”

Yang Guang rose from his chair, walked around the desk, and personally helped Li Wenyuan to his feet. “I saw your loyalty when you led troops to support the throne. Everything I’ve said is true. The governors of the four new commanderies refuse to serve me, colluding secretly with the nomads and Tibetans, harboring rebellious intentions. I truly need you to stabilize the entire western region for me.”

Li Wenyuan finally felt somewhat at ease and replied quickly, “I am willing to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

Yang Guang nodded, “You need not participate in the upcoming campaign against the rebels—the outcome is already decided. Return to Jincheng with your troops to handle the handover, then proceed directly to your new post in the western regions.”

Li Wenyuan accepted the order, left Yang Guang’s palace, and returned to his unit. He summoned Zhang Juntai, “Juntai, I am soon to take office in the western regions. What are your plans?”

Zhang Juntai was silent for a moment before replying, “On my way to Liaodong, I received word that my father passed away and was buried by kind neighbors. Now alone, I might as well seek my fortune in the west.”

Li Wenyuan, hearing of Zhang Juntai’s father’s death, found himself at a loss for words and chose silence. Zhang Juntai, however, was philosophical, “I joined the army in place of my father, and he passed away peacefully at home. I have fulfilled my filial duty. Now it is time to achieve something and leave my name in history.”

Seeing Zhang Juntai’s optimism, Li Wenyuan laughed, “We brothers are destined for wealth, and our names are certain to be recorded in history.”