Chapter 194

Winter has arrived.

Autumn has passed, and winter has come.

Time flew by as quickly as the busy days passed. Zhuge Liang, appointed as the supreme commander of the Jing Province front, accepted the order from Liu Bei and left for Jing Province.

Surprisingly, no administrative vacuum occurred in Chengdu and Yi Province after Zhuge Liang’s departure.

Before leaving, Zhuge Liang had meticulously set basic guidelines, selected replacements for his position, and divided responsibilities, ensuring everything was in place.

Wang Lian, the newly appointed Yi Province Governor, succeeded Zhuge Liang as the Commander of the Four Garrisons.

Zhang Yi, the Deputy Minister of the Left, acted as his proxy while the Prime Minister was away.

Huang Quan, the Chief Minister of the Shangshu Department, oversaw the practical affairs of internal administration.

Yu Pa, the sole Duke of Chengdu, held the powers of supervision and impeachment as the Grand Censor.

These four formed the Four Pillars, ensuring the administration ran smoothly even without Zhuge Liang.

Moreover, the Prime Minister’s office had capable subordinates like Yi So, Yang Yong, Guo Youzhi, Fei Shi, Fan Jian, Xu Shulong, and Dong Jue.

The Shangshu Department was filled with competent officials like Deng Zhi, Zong Yu, Shang Lang, Yi Jeok, Jin Jin, and Zhang Biao.

The officials under Zhuge Liang in Yi Province were also exceptional, and Yu Pa’s Censorate had outspoken talents like Meng Guang.

“Still, it’s not as good as when Zhuge Liang was here.”

Maintaining the status quo was perfect, but expanding administrative power or attempting ambitious projects like Zhuge Liang did was not possible.

“In that sense, sending Wei Yan to Zhuge Liang was a great decision.”

Wei Yan, who had accompanied Guan Yu from Haehyun to Chang’an, was about to leave after Guan Yu’s funeral.

I earnestly persuaded him to stay in Chang’an and sent him to Zhuge Liang this time.

“Fortunately, they get along well.”

Zhuge Liang, a polymath, could communicate well with Wei Yan. Though he couldn’t match Wei Yan’s medical knowledge, Zhuge Liang had insights Wei Yan lacked.

It was about how to integrate medical care with administration to provide more benefits to the people.

Impressed by Zhuge Liang’s vision, Wei Yan voluntarily followed him to Jing Province without my urging.

“Zhuge Liang is someone who knows how to utilize talent. He’ll bring Wei Yan back to Chengdu without me needing to worry.”

Though there are imperial physicians and renowned doctors in the Han Dynasty, none can match Wei Yan, the legitimate successor of Zhang Zhongjing.

In this era, where knowledge isn’t easily transmitted and books are scarce, the gap in knowledge is significant.

With Wei Yan, those suffering from overwork will become a bit healthier.

“Overwork deaths are unacceptable. You can’t escape.”

Meanwhile, while Yi Province was running smoothly and war supplies were being secured, Guanzhong was also moving swiftly.

Ma Liang, who attended Zhuge Liang’s special lecture, restored the political situation as Pang Tong had hoped, greatly increasing output.

With the abundant supplies from Yi Province and the recovery of Guanzhong’s resources, enough provisions were gathered to launch a campaign next year.

“But a prolonged war is difficult. Launching a campaign will reduce the number of farmers. We can manage for a year, but if the war continues into the following years, it will be troublesome.”

After suffering massive material and human losses at Yiling, Shu Han took a long time to recover before Zhuge Liang could initiate the Northern Expedition.

To avoid repeating Yiling’s mistakes, it’s essential to end the war as quickly as possible. For that, like others, I’m also busy running around.

My current presence in Hatu is part of that effort.

The ethnic groups currently ruling Hatu are divided into three major factions:

Takbal Yeokmi’s Takbal Tribe of the Xianbei.

Dobbapilgo’s Dobbahu Tribe of the Xianbei.

The Qiang Tribe led by Tangjie.

There are also various other ethnic groups like the Xiongnu, Wuhuan, Jie, and Di, but compared to the three who sided with the Han Dynasty in the last war and were allowed to trade, they are insignificant.

In other words, controlling these three tribes would easily control the rest of Hatu’s ethnic groups. Like a subcontractor of a subcontractor.

To show them who’s boss and to mobilize them to help Ma Chao attack Wei, I came to Hatu.

Shortly after I arrived at Xiao Pass, the leaders of each faction began to move.

I didn’t issue any summons, but since I didn’t hide my movements, they easily got the information that I was coming.

Their swift movements indicate they are also closely watching the Central Plains’ developments.

As expected, Dobbapilgo was the first to arrive. At the gate of Xiao Pass, Dobbapilgo greeted me with a young man by his side.

The young man greeted me with Central Plains etiquette.

“Greetings, Commander Wei of the Han Dynasty. I am Dobbapilgo’s son, Dobbal Sujeon.”

“My son.”

Dobbapilgo looked at his son with a fond gaze.

“Ah, so this is the son you mentioned last time.”

Dobbapilgo named his tribe after his son’s birth.

Originally, “Dobbal” refers to the Xianbei’s quilts. Dobbal Sujeon was born inside a quilt while his mother, Hoak, was sleeping, leading to the tribe’s name, Dobbahu, and their independence from the Takbal Tribe.

“Indeed. Compared to Commander Wei, he’s lacking, but what young man isn’t? He has enough talent to succeed me, so I wanted to introduce him.”

Dobbapilgo is also aging. Around Liu Bei’s age, he realizes his time is limited and is preparing for the future.

Even now, my authority as the supreme power is undeniable. Introducing his son to me to build a relationship is a clear intention.

‘Not bad.’

This is a good sign. Wanting to impress me means they want to align with the Han Dynasty in the future.

Dobbapilgo looked around and smiled.

“It seems I was the first again. Takbal Yeokmi isn’t here yet.”

“Maybe you were just too fast.”

The leaders of the three major tribes in Hatu aren’t easy to move. Yet, Dobbapilgo rushed out faster than anyone, which is strange.

“I humbly think that I might not have another chance to meet Commander Wei, so why not hold a banquet? I’ve brought plenty of mare’s milk wine, which you like.”

“That sounds delightful.”

Mare’s milk wine. Good wine. Its sharp taste, reminiscent of a past life, was quite appealing.

As I reminisced about its taste, I overheard Dobbal Sujeon whispering.

“Father, is it true that Commander Wei likes mare’s milk wine?”

“Brat, didn’t I tell you? Commander Wei loved mare’s milk wine so much there was none left.”

“No, I thought… it was just propaganda to boost our tribe’s pride. Like, even the Han Dynasty’s Commander Wei was impressed? Showing how great our tribe is.”

“You brat! What do you take your father for?”

The fond gaze was gone, replaced by a glare from Dobbapilgo.

Hearing Dobbal Sujeon’s skepticism, I bit my lip to hold back laughter and let their conversation continue.

Then, looking towards the other side of Xiao Pass, I subtly interrupted their father-son talk.

“Dobbapilgo, unfortunately, the banquet will have to wait a bit longer.”

At my words, Dobbapilgo stopped scolding his son and turned to me.

“Huh? Is something wrong…”

Then he followed my gaze and narrowed his eyes.

“More guests have arrived.”

“Takbal Tribe…”

As Takbal Yeokmi entered, Dobbapilgo clicked his tongue, and I welcomed Takbal Yeokmi inside.

Arriving this quickly means Takbal Yeokmi also hurried, and seeing Dobbapilgo already here, his reaction was similar to his half-brother’s.

However, Takbal Yeokmi skillfully managed his expression and focused solely on me, ignoring Dobbapilgo.

“Long time no see, Commander Wei. I hope you’ve been well.”

“Yes, I’ve been well. And you?”

“I’ve been busy absorbing the Molokhui Tribe. Otherwise, I would have helped the Han Dynasty’s great cause and attacked Cao Wei.”

“Your intentions are appreciated.”

“Last time, you left in a hurry, and I couldn’t properly see you off. This time, I’ve come prepared.”

Takbal Yeokmi subtly implied that his delay wasn’t due to negligence but thorough preparation, unlike Dobbapilgo.

‘Indeed, Takbal Yeokmi’s political skills are a step above Dobbapilgo’s.’

No wonder Takbal Hilbun chose Takbal Yeokmi as his successor.

But Dobbapilgo brought his son to make an impression, giving him a slight edge.

Even if he couldn’t become the successor, establishing his own tribe shows Dobbapilgo is no ordinary man.

“It’s good to see old comrades. Let’s set aside state affairs for today and drink to our hearts’ content.”

After all, strong bonds lead to generous military support.

This is work. It’s not because I want to drink. Not at all.