Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 136 : Sowing Discord

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Shen Zechuan spoke with such confidence, as Chazhou was not a place that could be secured through sheer military might alone. During the reign of Yongyi, the Prefectures of Dunzhou and Duanzhou in Zhongbo were the richest and most prosperous. Back then, Shen Wei was in command of the garrison troops of the respective prefectures. He possessed both money and military forces, yet he still could not get rid of the bandits in Chazhou. Before Shen Zechuan made his way to Chazhou, Zhou Gui and the advisors in Cizhou had prepared a detailed report on Chazhou, and they all unanimously thought that the matter regarding Chazhou had to be dealt with strategically.

Cai Yu was indeed no Lei Changming. The biggest difference between the bandits in Chazhou and the bandits of Mount Luo was that while the bandits in Chazhou were still merely bandits, those in Mount Luo had banded together. They not only established their territory, but also had plans for expansion. It was clear that Lei Jingzhe, who was hiding behind Lei Changming, was no longer satisfied with being a bandit. He had the desire to entirely cast off his old self, while Cai Yu did not. Hence, they had to fight against those of Mount Luo, and scheme against those in Chazhou. 

Luo Mu was perhaps not as devoted as Zhou Gui in serving the people, but since Shen Zechuan had tacitly assented to Kong Ling’s visit, that meant they needed Luo Mu. Having served as the Prefectural Prefect of Chazhou for over ten years, no one understood the ins and outs of Chazhou better than Luo Mu. 

“Your Excellency was assigned to Chazhou during the reign of Yongyi, during which you have made many celebrated achievements and previously remonstrated with Shen Wei to suppress the bandits. However, Shen Wei thought Dunzhou was too far from Chazhou, and with Fanzhou between the two prefectures, it would be too inconvenient and a waste of money for the troops to travel long-distance. As the odds of success were too small, Shen Wei rejected the request.” Shen Zechuan did not even blink when he brought up Shen Wei’s name. “I noticed that Your Excellency’s position on governing affairs started to change from that moment on.”  

Luo Mu waved his hand and said, “What illustrious achievement is there for me to speak of? The Vice Commander is speaking too highly of me. I have accomplished nothing after my arrival in Chazhou. During the reign of Yongyi, Chazhou was notorious for its bandits. That year, Qudu considered sending officials over, and Jiang Qingshan and I were among those who were assigned. When I came down here, I had plans to distinguish myself and show what I’m made of, but it was too difficult. “

Luo Mu’s expression gradually grew heavier.
“During the first two years, my objective was focused on reviving the garrison troops. Although Shen Wei did not approve, he did not stop me. The Ministry of War thought that it was feasible and increased Chazhou’s military spending according to the recommendations I made in my memorial, and from this, I had the Chazhou’s military garrison troops equipped. I was complacent then, wholeheartedly focused on suppressing the bandits. It was only when the fighting began for real that I realized it wouldn’t work at all. The bandits of Chazhou can be traced back way before the reign of Yongyi. There was already a group of bandits here in Chazhou long before the establishment of Chazhou’s garrison troops. Hezhou in its earliest times was not as prosperous as it is today, and back then, the Yan Clan had not made its fortune yet. The traders who used this route were mostly wealthy merchants from the Thirteen Cities of Juexi, and the bandits of Chazhou kidnapped these traders to make their living. By the time the Imperial Court took notice, it was already too late; the bandits had already planted their roots in Chazhou and developed into various gangs and factions.” 

This caused the people of Chazhou to be exceptionally rowdy, as there were fewer rules and regulations compared to other places. Census registration proved to be the trickiest here, as pretty much half the people had been bandits before and were not considered decent citizens, so they could only be registered as military households. Back then, when the officials of the eastern palace discussed this matter in this place, they thought of having these people enlisted in the army so that these people could be part of a regular army. With military fields and a monthly salary, they could just about feed their families and maintain a livelihood, and there would be no need for them to become bandits and violate the law. At the same time, the officials could regulate the movement of the people, allowing them to stay in Chazhou to farm with peace of mind without creating trouble all around, in turn strengthening the Prefectural Prefect’s law enforcement capabilities.