Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Surface Chapter Seventeen: Combining Suppression and Pacification

A few days later, a series of earnest invitations were dispatched by a cavalry detachment from the Left Fengyi Mansion in Gaoling City. They reached the heads of the three great families—the Geng clan of Fufeng, the Wei clan of Jingzhao, and the Du clan of Duling—each holding branches within the Left Fengyi territory.

The invitation read: Liu Heng, the newly appointed Left Fengyi, expressed profound gratitude to the three surnames for their “noble virtue” in having “closed their gates and refrained from causing trouble” during the Qiang rebellion in Gaoling. Moreover, he revered the three families for their “legacy of poetry and propriety, and their longstanding local prestige.” Thus, a banquet was arranged at the prefectural government for two purposes: first, to celebrate the victorious defense by the city’s soldiers; second, to “consult with local gentry to jointly devise plans for pacifying the people and appeasing the Qiang.”

The language was humble and generous, granting the three families due respect.

Meanwhile, a starkly different atmosphere of grim severity enshrouded Gaoling City and the entire Left Fengyi region.

Xu Huang and Chen Shuzhi each led elite forces and, without warning, launched a swift assault on the remaining targets on Liu Heng’s blacklist: the Fu family, relocated from Beidi Commandery to Gaoling and accused of colluding with the Qiang in smuggling ironware; the Zhao family, a local power in Left Fengyi charged with seizing military farmland and aiding the enemy; and several other powerful clans closely allied with the Yang family.

The operation was executed with ruthless speed. The first to be struck were the clans allied with the Yangs—their strongholds were stormed without warning, and any resistance was met with immediate execution.

Those found colluding with the Qiang suffered the extermination of their entire households, their heads displayed at the city gates. Other offenders saw their leaders beheaded, properties confiscated, and land deeds swiftly seized by prefectural officials.

For a time, the powerful local gentry in Left Fengyi lived in terror. The heads decorating the city gates were replaced again and again, a grim contrast to the courteous words in the invitations sent to the three families.

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The main hall of the prefectural government was set for the celebratory banquet and “consultation meeting,” held as scheduled.

On the table lay modest yet elegant dishes and wine. Present were Zheng Hun and other Left Fengyi officials, several military commanders including Xu Huang, and representatives from the three families.

Geng Gu, head of the Jin Geng family, was an elderly man with graying hair and a calm gaze, currently resting with eyes closed.

Du Jian of the Gaoling Du family, about forty years old with a lean face, sat silently, deep in thought.

The representative from the Wei family was Wei Duan, a notable historical figure who served as the Governor of Liangzhou. Once a filial and incorruptible official, he now held a mid-level position in Jingzhao Prefecture.

All three appeared burdened and uneasy, their appetites diminished.

Liu Heng sat at the head, dressed in a deep blue robe, a gentle smile on his face.

He raised his cup first, toasting the generals seated at the lower end, including Xu Huang and Chen Shuzhi, thanking them for their valor in defending the city.

The generals responded with hearty affirmations.

The newly promoted officials filling vacancies looked somewhat restrained, having recently witnessed their lord’s iron-fisted methods.

“Esteemed elders,” Liu Heng said, setting down his cup and turning to Geng Gu, Wei Duan, and Du Jian. “When the Qiang suddenly invaded, thanks to the soldiers’ dedication and the city’s unity, we avoided disaster. Yet, though the enemy has fled, hidden dangers remain. As a newcomer eager to pacify the region, resettle refugees, and restore cultivation to fallow fields, I find myself lacking. I fear misguided measures may stir new turmoil. I have long heard that you three are pillars of the Three Borderlands, esteemed and knowledgeable of local conditions and the Qiang’s movements. Today, I humbly invite you to advise me, to illuminate the path forward.”

His demeanor was humble, devoid of the earlier ruthless tone that had swept through the region. He appeared truly as a modest official seeking counsel.

Geng Gu and Du Jian exchanged a glance, both detecting uncertainty and suspicion in each other’s eyes.

This young marquis’s methods had been plainly visible to them—he was truly capable of exterminating entire families! Now he suddenly played the part of a humble student. What was he really up to?

Especially recalling the fresh heads displayed on the city gates upon entering, their stomachs churned with unease. This young marquis was ruthless indeed!

Clearing his throat, Geng Gu spoke cautiously: “My lord is too kind. Defending the land and pacifying the people is the duty of all imperial officials and our sincere wish as natives. During this Qiang crisis, your lordship’s calm command preserved Gaoling unscathed, showing extraordinary skill. As for pacifying the people and appeasing the Qiang, I believe the first priority is ‘appeasement.’ The Qiang are human too—driven to desperation by hunger, cold, or oppression by powerful clans. If we could open border markets, allowing them to trade pelts and livestock for salt, iron, and grain, and strictly punish corrupt merchants and officials who exploit them, their hostility might ease. Furthermore, your lordship’s initiative to measure fields clearly and allocate land to refugees is excellent governance. Persisting in this will ensure tillers have land and refugees a home, thus stabilizing the region and greatly diminishing the Qiang threat.”

His words were measured, affirming Liu Heng’s “military achievements” and “good policies,” while proposing a comparatively gentle strategy focusing on internal stability.

Wei Duan added, “What Lord Geng says is most true. In my view, your lordship’s decisive actions have cleansed Left Fengyi’s corruption and refreshed its atmosphere. Yet, with many tasks ahead, talented men are urgently needed. There are many vacancies in the prefectural offices; perhaps we could recruit local gentlemen of good reputation and experience. For instance, the Du family has a son, Du Ji, barely of age but intelligent, studious, and politically astute—worthy of trust.”

He steered the conversation toward personnel appointments, recommending Du Ji as both a gesture of goodwill and a test of Liu Heng’s attitude toward the Guanzhong gentry.

Liu Heng’s smile remained unchanged, but his heart stirred upon hearing Du Ji’s name—a renowned capable official dating back to the Cao Wei period, famed for his governance. Unexpectedly, Wei Duan had brought him forward. His gaze then shifted to the silent Du Jian.

Du Jian met Liu Heng’s eyes but did not respond directly to Wei Duan’s recommendation. Instead, he spoke gravely: “My lord, the foundation of pacifying the people lies in clean administration and fair taxation. Previously, parasites infested the prefectural offices, colluding with local powers to embezzle state taxes and exploit the common folk, leaving granaries empty and people impoverished—this was the root of the chaos. Your lordship’s confiscation of the corrupt families’ wealth to replenish the treasury and allocation of their lands to refugees is a strategy that strikes at the root. I fully endorse it. However,” he shifted tone, “families like Fu and Zhao, who colluded with the Qiang and invited wolves into our fold, deserve the severest punishment. They must be eradicated to serve as a warning. Otherwise, how can we deter petty evildoers, reassure the people, and uphold the law?”

Du Jian’s words were forceful and unambiguous, openly supporting Liu Heng’s harsh measures and clearly stating that the Fu and Zhao families must not be spared.

This was far beyond what Geng Gu and Wei Duan had expected. Geng Gu frowned slightly, and Wei Duan glanced thoughtfully at Du Jian.

Liu Heng understood: the Du clan, a long-established Guanzhong family, was sharp-eyed and bold. They had judged well that he intended to strike hard, offering their support while drawing a clear line against the Fu and Zhao factions, signaling loyalty.

“Du Gong’s insight strikes true!” Liu Heng applauded, his smile growing sincere. “Without clean administration and fair taxes, popular discontent will boil over, inviting external threats. The likes of Fu and Zhao, willing pawns of the Qiang who harm our homeland, have severed ties with the court and common people alike. I have already dispatched troops to eliminate them, leaving no room for future trouble. Their strongholds and lands will be confiscated, with all proceeds used to support fallen soldiers’ families, resettle refugees, and purchase farming oxen and seeds!”

His tone was resolute, revealing his decisiveness and readiness to strike.

The hall fell momentarily silent. Geng Gu and the others’ expressions shifted. Though they knew it was only a matter of time before Liu Heng acted against the Fu and Zhao clans, they did not expect such swift and ruthless resolve. Blood was likely already flowing outside the city.

Liu Heng, seemingly unaware of their reactions, continued: “Regarding the Du family youth, Du Ji, recommended by Wei Gong, I have heard of his talents—one of Guanzhong’s brightest. In this time of appointments, how could such a gem remain undiscovered?”

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Du Jian. “Du Gong, would you be willing to recommend Ji to serve as our new ‘Agricultural Supervisor and Postal Commissioner’ for Left Fengyi? This post is responsible for accurately surveying fields, allocating land to refugees, and encouraging agricultural development—a role crucial to the livelihood of thousands. Only the capable and just may fulfill it.”

“Agricultural Supervisor and Postal Commissioner!”

The title suggested a powerful new position. According to Liu Heng, this official would control the vast lands seized from the powerful clans, including their redistribution.

Granting this position to Du Ji not only bestowed immense honor upon the Du family but also reciprocated Du Jian’s earlier support, firmly binding the Du clan to Liu Heng’s cause.

Du Jian’s eyes gleamed with determination. Without hesitation, he rose and loudly declared, “The young Duke Ji, orphaned early, is deeply honored by your lordship’s trust. On his behalf, I thank you for your recognition! Duke Ji will serve loyally, with all his strength!”

His voice was strong and his resolve unmistakable.

Geng Gu and Wei Duan were shaken to their cores. Liu Heng’s strategy—combining ruthless power plays with conciliatory measures—was masterful. This was no mere seventeen-year-old boy.

Du Jian’s declaration likely reflected the Du family’s official stance, signaling that other prominent clans allied with them in Guanzhong were rallying to the young lord’s banner.

Liu Heng nodded approvingly, turning to Geng Gu and Wei Duan with the same warm smile: “Geng Gong, Wei Gong, as respected local elders of great virtue, I wish to establish a ‘People’s Pacification Advisory Council’ and sincerely invite you both to serve as counselors—helping me devise strategies, coordinate the region, pacify the Qiang, and stabilize the land. What say you?”

The “People’s Pacification Advisory Council” sounded novel, a consultative body without real power but symbolizing official recognition and a formal channel for local dialogue.

This was Liu Heng’s olive branch, offering a dignified way for the two families to maintain face. They could choose to collaborate deeply like the Du family or remain advisors at a distance.

Geng Gu and Wei Duan exchanged looks again, emotions complex. To refuse? Look at the fate of the Fu and Zhao families! Note Du Jian’s unhesitating support!

This young marquis’s ruthlessness and political skill far exceeded their expectations. He did not truly seek “advice”—he was forcing their allegiance.

After a brief silence, Geng Gu stood first, bowing respectfully: “Your lordship’s concern for the people and humility deeply moves me. I am willing to offer my modest efforts to assist your consultations.”

His tone was respectful but limited himself to an advisory role.

Wei Duan followed suit: “I, on behalf of the Wei family of Gaoling, pledge to follow your lordship’s lead and aid in filling gaps.”

He too chose a conservative stance.

Liu Heng’s smile never wavered. He warmly invited them to resume their seats: “Excellent! With Geng Gong and Wei Gong assisting, I am confident! Come, let us drink to Left Fengyi’s peace and prosperity, and the people’s well-being!”

As cups clinked and conversation flowed, the atmosphere seemed to thaw. Yet all present knew well beyond the banquet’s veneer lay the destruction of the Fu and Zhao families, the Du family’s allegiance, and the cautious submission of the Geng and Wei clans.

Liu Heng had, with the gentlest of methods, orchestrated a purge and reorganization of Left Fengyi’s local powers. His blend of overt strategy and covert ruthlessness was the work of a young marquis not yet of age but playing mastery’s game.

Several days later, in the newly established office of the “Agricultural Supervisor and Postal Commissioner” at the prefectural government.

Du Ji, a clear-eyed, composed youth of about twenty, sat before towering piles of field maps and refugee registers, brow furrowed and pen moving swiftly. Around him stood several newly recruited clerks, busy yet orderly.

“Commissioner, here are the records of ownerless fields in the eastern township of Gaoling—370 qing and 58 mu in total,” a clerk reported.

“Commissioner, the Chi County reports 426 new refugee households, mostly young and able-bodied—urgent resettlement needed.”

“Commissioner, several minor families in Wannian County have jointly petitioned about a longstanding land dispute with the Zhao estate.”

Without looking up, Du Ji issued clear commands: “Mark the eastern township fields by grade—upper, middle, and lower—and prioritize allocation to experienced farmers with large families. Register the Chi County refugees by household immediately. Tomorrow, dispatch personnel to survey wasteland for allocation. Retrieve the old lawsuit files from Wannian County for review, and send letters to the current village head and elders for detailed reports within three days. Remember, land allocation is the marquis’s top priority—be fair and swift! Any corruption or delay will be severely punished!”

Though young, Du Ji’s orders were methodical and confident, showing a competent and practical mind.

Outside the office, Liu Heng and Zheng Hun walked quietly by. Observing the busy scene within, Liu Heng nodded slightly and whispered to Zheng Hun: “Duke Ji truly possesses governance talent. With him managing the land survey and allocation, much of the burden is lifted from me—and from you.”

Zheng Hun nodded: “My lord has a keen eye for talent. Commissioner Du works decisively and without fear of complexity. Most importantly, he is meticulous and just—his subordinates respect him.”

“Indeed.”

Liu Heng asked, “Guangong, any news on the names I asked you to watch?”

Zheng Hun smiled: “Some leads. ‘Zhang Ji’ is a local from humble origins in Gaoling. His father was a minor county official. Ji is intelligent, well-versed in law, and daring, but has never been appointed due to his low status. He now teaches children in the city.”

“Teaching children?”

Liu Heng’s eyes brightened with interest. “Bring him to see me tomorrow.”

“There is another,” Zheng Hun continued. “Recommended by the duke, named ‘Fa Yan,’ from Meixian in Right Fufeng. He is the nephew of the late renowned scholar Fa Zhen. The duke says he is skilled in law, especially criminal jurisprudence, and is straightforward. Having criticized collusion between local elites and officials, he was marginalized and now lives in seclusion, frustrated.”

Fa Zhen’s nephew? It seemed the famous Shu Han statesman Fa Zheng was also connected to this great scholar Fa Zhen.

Liu Heng pondered briefly. “He is employable! Immediately issue an official summons in my name, inviting him to serve as the prefectural ‘Judicial Advisor,’ overseeing lawsuits and criminal cases, and restoring order.”

“Understood,” Zheng Hun replied.

“Additionally,” Liu Heng’s lips curved into a meaningful smile, “send a reply to Lord Liu Tao in Luoyang: Thank him for Lord Yang’s guidance and his own support. Report that our combined military and pacification efforts in Left Fengyi have begun to bear fruit. The Geng and Wei families are loyal, the Du family cooperative, and the region stabilizing. Only a few families like Fu and Zhao remain obstinate, colluding with the Qiang. With irrefutable evidence, we have acted decisively, executing entire households. Their crimes and confiscated ‘stolen goods’ will soon be sent to Luoyang for imperial scrutiny. We also request Lords Yang and Liu to intervene, silencing idle gossip.”

He deliberately emphasized “stolen goods.” The evidence sent to Luoyang included undeniable proof of collusion between the Fu and Zhao families and certain Luoyang nobles, especially eunuch factions. This was a potent weapon for Yang Ci and Liu Tao to attack corrupt eunuchs in court and a direct warning and counterstrike from Liu Heng against certain interests in Luoyang.