The eighth month’s autumn harvest was stored into granaries. Wang Xian, under Shen Zechuan’s orders, together with Yu Xiaozai, supervised inspections across the six prefectures’ grain depots. They compiled Zhongbo’s grain into detailed registers and submitted reports to Zhenzhou.
Carriage wheels crushed over gravel. Wang Xian, dressed in a round-collared robe, looked out through the window at Zhenzhou City drawing closer and closer.
“The moat is still under construction, but the city gates are already finished,” Yu Xiaozai pointed out to Wang Xian. “Brother Minshen, this is where the Prefect once defended the city.”
Wang Xian nodded and wiped sweat from his brow.
Yu Xiaozai had dealt with Wang Xian back in Juandu, but at that time their duties differed and they were only acquainted by nods. Only after working together in the seventh month did they truly become familiar. He comforted him, saying, “The Prefect treats people with generosity. Since he was willing to use you, it means he trusts you. You need not keep dwelling on the past.”
Wang Xian gave a wry smile. “I was demoted from the capital and exiled to Zhongbo. If not for the Second Young Master’s care, I might not even still have my head. Now that the Prefect does not hold past grievances, I am grateful beyond words—how could I still keep accounts? I’m only afraid I’m too clumsy with words and won’t be able to answer properly once I reach the hall.”
Yu Xiaozai understood what Wang Xian was worried about. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Brother Minshen, look at me. I came to Zhongbo on orders from my teacher, the Cendu Imperial Censor, to negotiate peace with the Prefect. But the negotiation failed, and I could not return to Juandu. I originally planned to buy a few acres of farmland here and live as an ordinary commoner, but the Prefect promoted me and made me Zhongbo’s ‘Censorate Governor.’ Brother Minshen, you were demoted because of the Second Young Master’s bribery case and framed by Fu Linye and the others. The Second Young Master is a man of loyalty and has never forgotten that matter. This time, since you successfully organized the Lubei military grain without taking credit for it, both publicly and privately, the Prefect will not make things difficult for you.”
Wang Xian felt somewhat relieved and waved his hand. “It was a minor achievement, hardly worth mentioning.”
The carriage arrived at its destination, passing through the lowered drawbridge gate. The two got down and saw Fei Sheng waiting at the entrance.
“Two honored officials have traveled far. Please come inside quickly,” Fei Sheng said, leading them in. “The Prefect has already prepared a banquet in the residence to welcome you both.”
Wang Xian was slightly startled. “I was merely carrying out orders. How could I deserve such favor from the Prefect?”
“Don’t worry,” Yu Xiaozai said with a smile. “The Prefect’s banquets are never extravagant—just ordinary dishes. You’ll just eat, drink tea, nothing more.”
“Wang Xian has handled the grain transport efficiently,” Shen Zechuan said, turning his head toward Xiao Chiye behind him. “What’s rare is that he can negotiate with all the prefectural offices. Putting him in Chazhou was a waste.”
Xiao Chiye was bandaging Shen Zechuan’s wound. “He can even delay my accounts. Of course, dealing with prefectural offices would be easy for him.”
Shen Zechuan inhaled slightly at the movement. “The tyrant of Juandu is about to break my waist.”
“This waist…” Xiao Chiye measured it with his hand, then wrapped his arm around Shen Zechuan and pulled him back against his chest. “It’s thin enough to fit in my palm.”
“Thus the saying ‘Shen waist, Pan temples,’” Shen Zechuan said, his back pressed against Xiao Chiye’s chest. “Don’t be envious, Lord Xiao.”
“It’s all mine anyway,” Xiao Chiye said. “Others can only be envious.”
Under the eaves, Jiran saw servants coming and going, clasped his hands, and tilted his head toward Ding Tao. “Guests have arrived.”
The little monk spoke with hidden meaning. Ding Tao crossed his arms and replied knowingly, “Your vegetarian meals won’t be forgotten. The Prefect has already arranged it.”
Jiran immediately looked delighted. “Amitabha! Brother Ding Tao, you’re even smarter than the fish in the pond!”
Shen Zechuan had already come out of the main hall. The side hall was fully prepared, and all the scholars were already seated. When Wang Xian and Yu Xiaozai arrived, they first paid respects to the Prefect, then exchanged greetings with the scholars.
“The grain storage of the six prefectures is the most important matter of the year,” Shen Zechuan said. “Jingyu and Minshen have worked hard.”
In August, grain from all regions was brought into storage. In September, remaining reserves would be calculated to prepare for winter. According to Zhongbo’s current progress, Lubei military grain could not yet be fully prepared. But Wang Xian had already begun preparations in June. After the Zhenzhou defense battle ended, he immediately had the prefectures deploy manpower for harvest collection. This timing eased the burden on the six prefectures just as they entered a temporary lull.
Wang Xian quickly stood to return the salute. “I was merely acting under orders. This is all the Prefect’s foresight.”
“I heard Tantai Hu lost his temper with you?” Xiao Chiye asked with a smile before touching his chopsticks.
Wang Xian replied calmly, “General Tantai was concerned about military affairs and only asked about grain logistics. We had a pleasant discussion in Danzhou. Those rumors are not to be believed.”
So it was true.
Tantai Hu was not the first time he had clashed with civil officials. He was impatient by nature and Xiao Chiye’s trusted subordinate. In Danzhou, he had initially been able to coexist with officials, and since military reports went directly to Shen Zechuan without passing through bureaucratic layers, conflict should not have arisen. But after several rewards to the Danzhou garrison, their confidence rose sharply. During the Zhenzhou battle, they became highly prominent among the six prefectural garrisons. Wang Xian handled grain logistics with the prefectural granary routes, yet Tantai Hu still interfered.
When the world is at peace, discord between civil and military officials only prevents cooperation. But when the world is unstable, such discord becomes a matter affecting the entire situation.
Kong Ling stepped in to ease the tension. “General Tantai is from the imperial guard and has shared hardship with Lubei. Since the Second Young Master decided to campaign against the Twelve Tribes, he has been particularly attentive to grain matters. General Tantai has repeatedly led reinforcements in battle and naturally cares more about supplies.” He glanced at Yao Wenyu with a smile. “Yuanjue and I also often inquire about city wall fortifications. That’s just trauma from defending cities.”
The scholars laughed, easing the atmosphere.
Yao Wenyu then said to Wang Xian, “Brother Minshen once served as a Ministry of Revenue clerk. Imperial Censor Cendu often praised your efficiency. Seeing your work in grain logistics now, it truly shows your ability.”
Wang Xian understood the meaning. Whether the praise was entirely true or not, Yao Wenyu was representing Shen Zechuan’s intent. He responded properly, knowing when to stop. This matter had already been conveyed; the rest would be decided by the Prefect and the Second Young Master.
That night, back in their room, Xiao Chiye undressed with a displeased expression.
Shen Zechuan, changing shoes, said, “You know Tantai Hu’s temperament—he’s not the type to take credit for himself.”
Xiao Chiye replied while removing his clothes, “The Danzhou garrison is made up of recruits from Fan and Deng Prefectures. Many were bandits. If discipline is not strict, trouble will arise.”
Shen Zechuan looked at Xiao Chiye’s back, the wolf-like silhouette cast in candlelight, and lightly poked it with a finger.
Xiao Chiye caught his hand without turning around, squeezing it, and continued, “I know Tantai Hu won’t take credit, but I worry he might be influenced into modeling the Danzhou garrison after the imperial guards.”
The imperial guards were often mocked as lazy, but only in times of peace. When war truly arrived, they were the first to draw their blades. They could act like ruffians because they were not truly ruffians—every one of them had been carefully selected and trained by Xiao Chiye himself.
“If I take the Lubei iron cavalry east this time,” Xiao Chiye turned back, “you will have to rely on the Danzhou garrison if Juandu strikes Zhongbo.”
Yin Chang’s death was a heavy blow. The newly formed Cizhou garrison needed a new commander. Zhenzhou’s garrison had been damaged. Fan and Deng garrisons were newly established. The only effective forces left were Danzhou garrison and the Jinyi cavalry, and the latter was too small in number.
“Tantai Long would die for Danzhou, and Tantai Hu would too,” Shen Zechuan said, looking up at him. “Go east without hesitation. I have my own plans.”
Xiao Chiye frowned. “Even though the Eight Great Garrisons are now weakened…”
“If Xue Xiuzhuo has prepared candidates, the Eight Great Garrisons can be rebuilt,” he said.
Xiao Chiye said, “I’ll leave five thousand imperial guards for you.”
A few days later, Tantai Hu arrived in Zhenzhou under orders. The moment he entered the residence, he knelt before Xiao Chiye.
“Master…”
Before he could finish, Xiao Chiye cut him off.
“You are now the Prefect’s general.”
Tantai Hu lowered his head and corrected himself. “Second Young Master! Is it that damned official who spoke ill of me? They came to inspect grain records in the name of logistics. Wang Xian even accused our Danzhou garrison of wasting public funds in front of everyone!” He raised his head angrily. “Second Young Master, among the six garrisons, only ours can respond in time and rush to support all directions. Of course our expenses are higher! What’s there for him to nag about? The Prefect knows this!”
Xiao Chiye rested one arm on his knee, turning a bone ring between his fingers without responding.
Tantai Hu continued, unable to suppress his anger. “If he has something to say, he should say it openly! Why slander me behind my back? How is that any different from those corrupt officials in Juandu? He says I waste public funds—spit! I haven’t even mentioned how they wasted grain in Chazhou!”
“You feel wronged.” Xiao Chiye finally looked up.
Tantai Hu’s eyes reddened. “I’ve followed the Second Young Master through life and death. How can they humiliate me like this! The Prefect knows the accounts but doesn’t reprimand Wang Xian—I won’t accept it!”
“You won’t accept it?” Xiao Chiye’s voice suddenly turned cold. “So you think you can drive Wang Xian out of office? Is that your jurisdiction? When I sent you to Danzhou, Lan Zhou made it very clear—military does not suppress civil affairs, and you do not overstep.”
Tantai Hu’s chest heaved. “But he shouldn’t have spoken like that! It hurts my brothers!”
Xiao Chiye’s expression darkened. “After the Zhenzhou battle, your first action was not rest, but hosting banquets with local gentry. All expenses came from public funds. Very impressive, Tantai Hu. The Prefect rewarded your garrison, and you still thought it wasn’t enough and used state funds for celebrations. You’re the one disappointing me.”
Tantai Hu gritted his teeth. “General Yin Chang conquered Fan Prefecture easily, and the Cizhou garrison was rewarded immediately. But for us it’s only silver. Second Young Master, can a few taels of silver buy my brothers’ lives?”
Before he could finish, Xiao Chiye suddenly stood. His shadow instantly enveloped Tantai Hu.
“Second Young Master!” Chen Yang dropped to his knees. “He’s just straightforward! Punish him if needed!”
Xiao Chiye said coldly, “Bring him the grain register of Danzhou’s sealed granary. Let him see what Tantai Long died to protect.”
The register was handed over.
“The reason your soldiers can eat,” Xiao Chiye said, “is because the people of Cizhou and Danzhou have tightened their belts. And yet you spent public money on banquets with fine dishes, while Lan Zhou was ill and still eating wild vegetables with the scholars in Zhenzhou.”
Tantai Hu’s eyes reddened as he read the register. He knew he was wrong, but still tried to argue, “When I was in Danzhou, the granary was clearly sufficient…”
Xiao Chiye gave a whistle, summoned Meng, and walked out without looking back.