Chapter 68: Destroying Guo Through Borrowed Paths

Li Gui, under pressure from himself, hastily raised his banner in rebellion. Most of the gold and silver he possessed had been seized by Li Wenyuan, locked away in his home in Wuwei Commandery. The weapons he had intended to use for recruiting soldiers were also entirely confiscated by Li Wenyuan. The rations hastily prepared by his troops before departure barely sufficed to reach Zhangye Commandery. If Li Gui’s confidants in Zhangye failed to emerge and use their connections to replenish his army’s provisions, his forces likely wouldn’t make it to Yiwux Commandery before morale collapsed from lack of supplies, ultimately to be annihilated by Zhang Juntai’s encircling army.

This was clearly not the outcome Li Gui desired, so after setting out with his troops, he dispatched agents ahead to Zhangye Commandery to inform his old confidants, instructing them to prepare food and supplies for the army. Of course, an early obliteration of Li Gui’s forces was not the result Li Wenyuan wished for either. Zhang Juntai understood Li Wenyuan’s intentions well, and led his army at a measured pace, following behind. They ensured Li Gui’s troops had no time to gather supplies locally, yet did not press so hard as to force them into a desperate struggle. Always, there remained hope for Li Gui’s army that survival lay ahead if they kept marching.

“Rebel armies are our rice and provisions; bandits are our benefactors. As long as they exist, I can boldly expand my forces, demand military funds and equipment from the court. Although I feel sorry for the people under rebel control, for the sake of lasting peace in Central Plains, I must let them bear some hardship for now,” Li Wenyuan said during a confidential conversation with Zhang Juntai.

When Li Wenyuan first implemented the system of public participation in politics in Wuwei Commandery and Guantun City, he worried it would provoke universal opposition from all social strata. Yet, as Xue Renyue had advised, so long as the common-born scholars felt the people truly benefited, they would become Li Wenyuan’s staunchest supporters.

These matters made Li Wenyuan reflect: wherever and whenever, educated students are always the most enthusiastic supporters of reform. Without the burden of noble family ties, they studied the classics to seek welfare for the people. If he needed to rally loyal bureaucrats, then these scholars, marginalized by the current officialdom, were the best choice.

At this moment, Li Wenyuan was seated in the main hall of the Scholars’ Academy, holding a list given to him by Li Min. The list contained dozens of names—those who had excelled in the recent imperial examination and possessed notable abilities. These individuals were waiting in the courtyard for Li Wenyuan’s audience. Seeing they had all arrived, Li Wenyuan set the list aside on a nearby table and strolled out into the courtyard.

Looking upon the grateful gazes of the scholars gathered before him, Li Wenyuan was deeply moved. He surveyed the assembly and spoke: “Candidates, from today you formally embark on your official careers, becoming members of the Zhangye Commandery bureaucracy. You are talents selected through the imperial examination, born among the people and familiar with their hardships. I hope you will do much to benefit the populace during your tenure. Should I discover any among you who abuse your power or oppress the people, do not blame me for being merciless. If I can appoint you to office, I can remove you as well. I urge you to serve steadfastly, strive for the people’s welfare, and bring them prosperity.”

The candidates were already deeply grateful to Li Wenyuan—for, without his resolute advocacy for a fair examination, they might never have had this opportunity for office. Hearing his exhortation to serve the people, and sensing his genuine concern in every word, their hearts swelled with fervor. They knelt in unison and declared, “Master’s teachings are engraved in our hearts. Even at the cost of our lives, we dare not overstep a single principle.”

Li Wenyuan nodded to them, allowing them to rise. At this moment, the top scholar of the year stepped forward, boldly asking, “May we request a maxim from our master, to serve as our guiding principle in office, reminding us never to forget our original purpose?”

Li Wenyuan was taken aback, but his years of exam preparation quickly furnished him with an answer. After a slight revision, he declared in a clear voice: “Of all flowers in the world, I love the lotus most. The lotus emerges unstained from the mud, cleansed by pure waters yet never gaudy. Upright and unbranching, its fragrance grows purer with distance, standing tall and clean, admirable from afar but not to be profaned. The lotus is the gentleman among flowers. May you, though in officialdom, never lose your original intent, always uphold the dignity and virtue of a gentleman, and conduct yourselves accordingly.”

Meanwhile, at Zhangye Commandery, Li Gui’s army finally arrived at the city gates. The local commander had already opened the gates in anticipation, and upon seeing Li Gui with his troops, promptly delivered the prepared rations and weaponry. Li Gui was greatly moved and said, “I have countless old subordinates in Zhangye, but now, when I dare defy the world, only you have come forth in response.”

After a few polite exchanges, scouts reported that Zhang Juntai’s army had caught up and was only a dozen li behind. Li Gui quickly ordered the supplies to be sent ahead to the next stop, Dunhuang Commandery, while he stayed behind with five thousand elite soldiers, preparing to confront Zhang Juntai.

Further scouting revealed Zhang Juntai’s army had set up camp nearby, not rushing to attack but remaining a dozen li away. Li Gui’s doubts throughout the journey were finally resolved—this was precisely Li Wenyuan’s strategy to pit one tiger against another.

He ordered more scouts and turned to the local commander, saying, “Zhang Juntai has several times my strength yet does not encircle me here. He intends to use my westward march to purge officialdom throughout the Western Regions. As my confidant, you are surely implicated. Why not join me in Yiwux Commandery? I promise you wealth and honor.”

The commander replied, “I’ve long resolved to die. My household is large and difficult to manage quickly. If I went with you, I’d only hinder your army. You should lead your men onward—I’ll delay Zhang Juntai’s army for you as long as I can.”

As Li Gui tried to persuade him further, the scouts returned with new information: after lunch, Zhang Juntai’s army began breaking camp, packing up to move closer to Zhangye. Hearing this, Li Gui immediately mounted his horse, clasped his hands to the commander, and said, “I will remember your kindness today. If ever I ascend the throne, I will favor your descendants.” He then hurriedly led his army in flight toward Dunhuang Commandery.