Chapter Forty-Nine: Journey to Wuwei

This truly could not be blamed on Li Wenyuan; he had not anticipated that Li Mao’s ticklish flesh would be so sensitive, perhaps a consequence of years spent in pampered luxury. After waiting for a bit and seeing that Li Mao showed no intention of stopping, Li Wenyuan frowned and said, “If you keep crying, I’ll play the lute again for you.” Instantly, Li Mao’s wailing ceased, replaced by quiet sobbing; it took him quite some time to regain his composure. Li Wenyuan glanced at him, then at Zong Luohou, and said, “Keep this man under guard. Let’s head to Wuwei County and meet Li Gui.”

At that moment, someone knocked at the door—it was the young attendant from earlier. “Sirs, a man named Zhang Juntao is downstairs, claiming he seeks Lord Li Wenyuan.” Li Wenyuan went to the window and saw that it was indeed Zhang Juntao. He said to the attendant, “I understand. Go down and tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

Upon meeting Zhang Juntao, the latter grinned. “General, your foresight was perfect. There truly was a convoy transporting a vast load of gold and silver.” Li Wenyuan asked, “Were there any losses from the convoy?” “None, the seals remain intact.” “And what of the escort?” “General, they were all desperados; none survived. The sole wounded man slit his own throat.” Zhang Juntao spoke with resignation. “And our men?” “Two unlucky fellows suffered minor injuries, nothing else.”

Li Wenyuan nodded. “Bring Li Wen to see me.” Zhang Juntao departed to fulfill the order. Li Wen was one of Li Wenyuan’s own deathsworn retainers. The name Li Wen was chosen as a moment’s whim by Li Wenyuan. When he first recruited eight deathsworn, he granted them the surname Li according to Xianbei custom. Naming them proved troublesome, so he decided to use the twenty-four characters for prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendship to name his twenty-four most trusted followers. Li Wen was among them.

Before long, a figure clad in a black robe approached Li Wenyuan, knelt on one knee, and said, “Your servant Li Wen greets the master.” Li Wenyuan pulled him up. “How many times have I told you? Stop this useless ceremony.” Li Wen lowered his head. “The bonds of lord and retainer, father and son, cannot be neglected.” “Enough. I didn’t summon you here for this. You need not follow me now. As Chief Administrator of the Western Regions, I appoint you magistrate of Yongdeng County. Guard the southern gate of Liangzhou for me.”

“Understood. Thank you, master,” Li Wen answered, head bowed.

“Good. Your first task is to return the wealth seized by the corrupt officials to the people. Also, take a portion of the former magistrate’s ill-gotten gains to distribute among the poor. Your only charge under my command is simple: do not let anyone starve to death.” Li Wenyuan considered the wealth hidden in the magistrate’s cellar as he spoke.

“Of course, the favor of giving rice can turn to resentment if overdone. Charity alone is not the answer. Organize the poor to reclaim and plant new fields while you still can. These lands shall be government-run, reserved for refugees and local paupers without land. In winter, focus on irrigation projects to guard against disasters. Though the Zhuanglang River has always been gentle, it is wise to prepare.” Li Wenyuan thought aloud.

Li Wen listened in confusion, but after some time, understood. Seeing that Li Wen grasped his intent, Li Wenyuan continued, “Go now. Let me see a magistrate beloved by the people.”

Li Wenyuan watched Li Wen’s departing figure with anticipation. Li Wen was originally a lesser son of the Li clan of Longxi, highly learned, but after offending the legitimate heir, he was falsely accused and exiled to the frontier. Passing through Jincheng, Li Wenyuan noticed that, though clad in prison garb, Li Wen neither hung his head in despair nor bristled with hatred, but sat calmly observing his surroundings. Curious, Li Wenyuan struck up a conversation and found him remarkable. Later, Li Wenyuan used his connections to rescue Li Wen and learned his story.

Li Wenyuan’s appointment of Li Wen as magistrate of Yongdeng was not only to guard the southern gate, but to let him hone his skills in administration, preparing him to assist with governance in future.

After arranging further matters and leaving a detail of elite soldiers to protect Li Wen, Li Wenyuan turned to Zong Luohou. “Chief Zong, I intend to go to Wuwei County and investigate this thoroughly. Will you accompany me, or seek out Brother Xue in Jincheng?” Zong Luohou considered. “General Li, let us part ways here. I cannot rest easy leaving my brothers behind.” Li Wenyuan nodded. “So be it. As you say, the green hills endure, the flowing waters continue; we shall meet again someday.”

The two exchanged farewells. Zong Luohou took the letter for Xue Ju given by Li Wenyuan and led the heroes of Azure Dragon Mountain eastward to join Xue Ju. Li Wenyuan, meanwhile, led his army, escorting Huru, Badou, and Li Mao, toward the administrative seat of Liangzhou, Wuwei County.

On the march, Zhang Juntao asked, “General, why did you trust Zong Luohou simply on receiving his letter?” Li Wenyuan smiled. “Trust him? Hardly. I merely wanted to use the opportunity to secure a future for my brothers, to go with the flow.” Zhang Juntao was taken aback, then smiled as well, saying nothing further.

The army pressed onward, carving roads through mountains, bridging rivers, overcoming countless hardships. One day, they finally glimpsed, on the edge of the boundless sea of sand, a city—somewhat worn, yet grand and imposing. Zhang Juntao raised his whip toward it. “General, that is Wuwei County.”

Li Wenyuan looked ahead, then turned to his soldiers. “Men, ahead lies Wuwei County. Our days of toil have not been wasted. When we arrive, you’ll have a day’s leave—anything but pillage and arson is permitted.” The soldiers, hearing this, shed their weariness and their faces lit with joy. The column quickened, marching eagerly toward Wuwei.

The imperial officials had already arrived in Wuwei with Li Wenyuan’s appointment documents. The city had been swept clean, with water splashed on the streets and yellow earth laid to cover the paths. The city guards, seeing the approaching host, went to inform the prefect. The prefect hurried to the city wall, shading his eyes as he looked out at the army, and from afar saw the Li banners, knowing the new Chief Administrator Li Wenyuan had arrived. He immediately led his officials out to welcome him.