Chapter 104: Refugees

“I think this is how we should approach it. The Qiang forces are numerous, while we are weak. We certainly cannot confront them head-on; if we do, we might not even hold out half a day,” Qi Jun pondered aloud before continuing, “The Qiang don’t yet know that He Wenxing is dead, but we are aware of their plans.”

“So… even if we know, what good does it do? The outcome would still be the same once fighting breaks out,” Xiao Ming interrupted, puzzled. From his perspective, they struggled enough dealing with bandits; facing fierce and fearless Qiang soldiers seemed utterly hopeless.

The devastating defeat suffered by Daliang five years ago, when it launched an offensive into Qiang territory, remained deeply etched in the hearts of Anqiang’s people and all soldiers and civilians along the western frontier.

“Let him speak,” Feng Qinian said after taking a sip of tea, signaling Xiao Ming to hold his tongue.

“I believe we can use their own plan against them...” Qi Jun paused and looked toward Feng Qinian.

“Oh? Please explain,” Feng Qinian’s eyes brightened, and he leaned forward with interest.

“To the Qiang, their prior contacts sent by Feng Qinian have already established an agreement. They believe that Anqiang has lowered its defenses and opened its gates, merely awaiting their troops to enter the city and station themselves. If we present a strong defensive posture, it might only alert the Qiang to our true intentions.”

“I propose to host a grand banquet within the inner city—a trap to lure their leader in, then eliminate him...” Qi Jun looked at Feng Qinian. Though risky, if successful, this could buy time to hold off the Qiang until reinforcements arrive.

“That could work... but what about this ‘banquet’ you mentioned? Do you think painting the gates red will really fool the Qiang?” Feng Qinian stroked his beard thoughtfully, hesitating as he tried to make sense of the plan.

In this era, there was no Xiang Yu or Liu Bang, and thus no real ‘Feast at Hongmen.’

“Well... think of it as merely pretending to host a banquet,” Qi Jun realized he had misspoken, rubbing his head with a wry smile before continuing, “Of course, I have a Plan B, so if fighting breaks out, we won’t be at too much of a disadvantage.”

“What plan?” Feng Qinian and Xiao Ming exchanged confused glances, hearing unfamiliar terms from Qi Jun and feeling quite bewildered.

“It's a contingency plan...”

“Then hurry up and explain!” Feng Qinian perked up, refusing to dwell on the strange term he just heard.

“It’s still being refined. You’ll see in due time. But I will need certain supplies. Could you help me gather them, sir?”

“What do you need? Anything available here in Anqiang, just name it, and I’ll get it for you,” Feng Qinian replied, slightly surprised but willing.

“Niter, charcoal, and coal-bearing pyrite— the more, the better,” Qi Jun said thoughtfully, recalling the materials and methods used in future chemistry to make gunpowder. “Also, blacksmiths and iron smelting furnaces—again, the more, the better.”

“What do you want those for?” Feng Qinian was thoroughly puzzled. Blacksmiths could forge and repair weapons, but charcoal and the like seemed only useful for heating.

Still, trusting Qi Jun’s judgment, Feng Qinian nodded and agreed without pressing further.

“Sir, visitors from the county town have arrived!” Just then, A Xin rushed in from outside, beaming.

“Excellent! Show them in quickly!” Feng Qinian’s face brightened, and he hastily tidied his clothes before going to greet them.

Qi Jun stood at the door and looked up to see the newcomer: the newly appointed county military captain, Li Hua.

“Lord Feng, Mr. Qi!” Li Hua saluted them both with a bow before entering the main hall.

Xiao Ming and Zhao Gui exchanged glances, recognizing that the captain’s personal visit must be important, so they quietly withdrew.

“On behalf of the county commandant, I have two official matters to discuss today,” Li Hua said, sitting down without further pleasantries. He then took out a document and read aloud: “Song Xi, magistrate of Anqiang, has been found derelict in duty, colluding with bandits, neglecting responsibilities, and causing chaos among the people. Upon approval, he shall be removed from office, arrested, and sent to Ding’an for joint prosecution by the judicial and administrative departments.”

“This document was jointly issued by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Personnel. I’m here to remove Song Xi from office. I wanted to inform Lord Feng first, but please do not mention this outside,” Li Hua said knowingly. He was aware of the enmity between Feng Qinian and Song Xi and deliberately shared the news first with Feng, whose subtle smile revealed his satisfaction.

“This document is to congratulate Lord Feng!” Li Hua bowed to Feng Qinian and then produced another document, reading it aloud: “Having heard of County Official Feng Qinian’s courage, wisdom, integrity, and talent in governance, as well as his dedication to pacifying the people, he is hereby appointed magistrate of Anqiang County. May he strive diligently to fulfill imperial expectations.”

“I shall not disgrace the imperial favor and will faithfully fulfill my duties,” Feng Qinian said, rising excitedly. He bowed respectfully, took the appointment document with both hands, and examined it carefully.

“Mr. Qi, it’s your turn now!” Li Hua smiled and produced a third document.

“No need to trouble Captain Li. I want to ask if the county commandant has...” Qi Jun, growing impatient with the endless bureaucratic formalities, abruptly snatched the document and tucked it into his robe.

“Hey, what are you—well, County Official Qi, you are quite impatient. I’ll just congratulate Lord Feng and County Official Qi on their prosperous careers!” Li Hua said with a smile, bowing politely before extending his hand.

In Daliang, there was an unwritten rule that when bringing good news, the host should give a reward—called ‘congratulatory money’—to the bearer of good tidings.

Qi Jun frowned, momentarily puzzled by Captain Li’s gesture, but Feng Qinian immediately understood and called A Xin to accompany Li Hua to receive the congratulatory money.

“Lord Feng, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go arrange the city defenses,” Qi Jun said, noticing that Li Hua had made no mention of the county commandant’s involvement. He suspected that Liu Biao’s emissaries had not met with the commandant after all, and a wave of disappointment washed over him.

“Lord Feng, if Anqiang falls, what use will the magistrate be?” Qi Jun sighed, utterly unable to criticize Feng Qinian’s performance in the face of impending battle.

He Wenxing had intended to betray Daliang and side with the Qiang. Feng Qinian had failed to detect this in time and had him placed under house arrest at the county official’s residence. Worse still, when bandits rioted last night, Feng Qinian shut the gates and hid inside. If Qi Jun hadn’t sent Xiao Ming to seek aid, they might never have received reinforcements from the third squad of county soldiers.

Now, with the Qiang threat looming closer, Feng Qinian remained absorbed in the official document promoting him to magistrate, celebrating this hollow victory born of mere paper.

Hearing Qi Jun’s words, Feng Qinian finally snapped out of his reverie. Carefully securing the document, he recalled the very real danger advancing outside the city walls and anxiously asked, “Qi Jun—no, County Official Qi—what shall we do now?”

“Isn’t Li Hua here exactly for that? We must have him rush to the county town to bring reinforcements! How long will it take to receive news from the commandant’s office, discuss reinforcement plans, submit reports to the Ministry of War, and receive approval to lead troops here? If we delay any longer, by the time aid arrives, Anqiang may already have fallen—and we’ll both be dead, my lord!” Qi Jun raised a weary hand, pointing at Feng Qinian before turning and leaving the main hall.

At that moment, a county soldier burst in through the main gate, breathless and alarmed, shouting, “My lord, sir! Trouble! Refugees—there are refugees outside the city, all trying to get in! What shall we do? Should we open the gates to let them in?”

Qi Jun’s heart sank sharply. He had known this moment would come, but not so soon.