northernbook Chapter 141: Food and Pay
Chapter 141: Food and Pay
In the far western frontier, the dusk of Xishan County unfolds like a gloomy painting. Li Wei, the county magistrate, stands quietly in front of the window of his study, his eyes penetrating the dust of time, looking at the vast and desolate land in the distance. His eyes are full of deep worry, as if he foresees the coming storm.
Li Wei's hand gently stroked the window frame. The rough wood felt as barren as the land. He knew that the people on this land were as tough as weeds, but without the rain from the court, they would not be able to withstand the coming storm. He knew that without relief, the chaos on this land would surge like an undercurrent, tearing apart the fragile peace at any time.
He looked at the land outside the window, and a feeling of powerlessness surged in his heart. He had long been disappointed with the fighting power and military discipline of the government troops. They might be able to show off their strength when the wind was favorable, but once they encountered a strong enemy, they would be defeated like a candle in the wind. Li Wei couldn't help but think of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Their blood and tears condensed into a heavy burden on this land.
The memorial in his hand, like the last ray of hope in his heart, weighed heavily on his mind. This was his last plea to the court, and his last effort to fight for a glimmer of hope for the people of this land. However, he knew very well that even if this memorial could be delivered to the Minister of Rites, it would most likely be shelved. Most of the high-ranking officials in the court would only protect themselves and turn a blind eye to the suffering in the west. They whitewashed the peace in front of Emperor Chongming, making the emperor mistakenly believe that the world was peaceful, and thus agreed to heavy taxes on the west.
"Now, I'm afraid that only the capital can give Li Bin protection in the whole world." Li Wei sighed, his heart full of worry for his son. Although he was the county magistrate of Xishan County, his power had long been hollowed out in this era when the Chen family colluded with General Liu. He felt that he was becoming more and more powerless in this county, as if he was bound by an invisible force.
At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the study. Several soldiers rushed in, their faces full of dissatisfaction and anger. The leading soldier held a long knife and slammed the handle heavily on the desk, making a dull sound. He glared and asked loudly: "County Magistrate Li, we risked our lives to come here to suppress the rebellion, why haven't you distributed military pay and food yet?"
Li Wei's face darkened. He looked at the soldiers coldly, but his heart was filled with turmoil. He knew the hardships of these soldiers, but in this chaotic world, he could do nothing. He said in a deep voice, "Do you know that I am a third-class Jinshi? What are your statuses? How dare you be so rude?"
The soldier sneered and curled his lips in disdain: "Magistrate Li, if it weren't for us, you would have died at the hands of the rebels or in prison. You'd better pay us quickly! Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude."
Li Wei's heart trembled. He knew that the anger of these soldiers was not groundless. In this chaotic world, they fought for survival and dignity, but did not get the rewards they deserved. He took a deep breath and tried to calm the waves in his heart. He said slowly: "I will raise military pay and food as soon as possible. Please be patient."
However, just as he finished speaking, a strong sense of uneasiness surged in his heart. He clearly remembered that when Zhang Shan and others occupied the county, they looted the entire county. The homes of those officials and merchants who did not have time to surrender were all looted by them. Most of the food and money originally stored in the county were divided up by them. In order to survive and make money, those soldiers had become crazy and cruel.
Li Wei knew that if he didn't let these soldiers vent their anger and take the opportunity to raise some money, they might really mutiny. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility and had to find a way to solve this problem as soon as possible. However, in this chaotic world, where could he raise enough military pay and food? He was full of confusion and helplessness.
"Then let's trust the county magistrate this time! We'll give you two days. If we don't see food and wages within two days, don't blame us for being rude!" After saying that, the soldier left with several of his companions.
Two days? How can this be possible?
Li Wei's brows were filled with anxiety, but at this moment, he didn't know what to do except pray.
"It's really easier to invite a god than to send him away! I'm afraid the residents hate these government troops more than the rebels!" Li Wei sighed and sat down in the study room dejectedly. Now he had neither military power nor enough food. He couldn't restore the entire county at all.
"It seems that I have to have a good talk with General Liu! His 5000 troops in Xichang County may bankrupt Xishan County!" Li Wei stood up when he thought of this. He immediately led the reunited county yamen runners who had escaped the disaster to the camp where General Liu was.
Li Wei walked out of the study, his heart full of worry and determination. He knew that in the face of the current predicament, he had to make a decision, otherwise the entire Xishan County would fall into a deeper crisis. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his resolute face, covering him with a layer of golden glory.
The group walked through the ruins of the county town, and the air was filled with the unique atmosphere of murder after the war. Li Wei tightly grasped the document in his hand, which was his last hope to explain the current predicament to General Liu. He knew in his heart that although General Liu had a large number of troops, he also had his own difficulties and helplessness in this chaotic world.
Finally, they arrived in front of General Liu's camp. The camp gate was closed, and only two soldiers were patrolling outside the gate. Li Wei walked forward and stated his identity and purpose. The two soldiers looked at each other, and one of them turned around and went into the camp to report.
Soon, the camp gate slowly opened and a deputy general came out to greet him. When he saw Li Wei, he was stunned at first, then he bowed and said, "It turns out to be County Magistrate Li. I wonder what important matter has the County Magistrate come to discuss?"
Li Wei took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I came here to discuss the issue of military pay and food with General Liu. Now the county has been looted by the rebels, and we urgently need the support of the court to stabilize the situation. However, those soldiers of the government army are dissatisfied because they have not received the treatment they deserve for a long time. I am worried that they will mutiny and bring greater disaster to the county."
Upon hearing this, the deputy general frowned. He said in a deep voice, "What Magistrate Li said is absolutely right. These soldiers fought hard for the peace of the court. If they don't get the rewards they deserve, they will inevitably be shaken. However, General Liu also has his own difficulties. The appropriation from the court has not arrived yet, and we are also worried about the military pay and food."