Chapter 73: Lingering in Jingzhou

Although Xiangyang had already been taken, Liu Xie did not feel particularly pleased inwardly. He found himself at a loss as to how to deal with Liu Biao, or rather, the entire situation in Jingzhou. The complexities of Jingzhou were evident even from the records of history. Many in Jingzhou ultimately met very different ends: some fled to Jiangdong, others followed Liu Bei, and still others sided with Cao Cao.

Jingzhou differed from other regions in one crucial respect: its government was largely propped up by powerful local families, who for years had maintained close ties with Liu Biao. Thus, Liu Xie found it difficult to handle these people. From the very next day, Hu Che'er promptly led his vast army in retreat toward Nanyang, taking thirty thousand troops with him. Liu Xie remained in the city, safeguarding it with his own force of one hundred thousand, and Jia Xu stayed with him.

"Your Majesty," Jia Xu addressed him, "as long as General Hu returns to Nanyang, the siege there can be resolved. But the situation in Jingzhou is somewhat troublesome."

Liu Xie drew a deep breath. "Yes, the relationships here are tangled and complicated. It will not be easy." He was troubled and uncertain how to proceed.

"Your Majesty," Jia Xu continued in a gentle tone, "in my humble opinion, let us address the root cause."

"The root cause?" Liu Xie perked up. "You mean, take action against these families?"

Jia Xu nodded lightly. "Your Majesty, I can quickly begin agricultural initiatives in Xiangyang, striving to win the support of the people. The root lies with these families. If we gain the people's support, what power can these families hold?"

Jia Xu's words struck directly at Liu Xie's concerns, proving him a strategist of renown.

"Very well, begin the agricultural work without delay. As for the others, I must observe them carefully," Liu Xie decided. Though he had entered Jingzhou, he had not yet involved himself with many people or situations. In truth, Jingzhou remained under Liu Biao's sway. Whether the hearts of the people were inclined toward Liu Xie or Liu Biao was plain to see. What Liu Xie sought was not control through others, but direct mastery of Jingzhou. He had to think carefully about how to proceed.

"Attend me!" Liu Xie called. "Send word to the leaders of all counties and districts: everyone is to cooperate with Lord Jia Xu in launching these agricultural projects!"

A plan was forming in his mind. "Also, summon Wen Pin, Gan Ning, Huo Jun, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan before me," he commanded. Liu Xie now had a clear strategy. He knew that, though Jingzhou was full of powerful clans, Liu Biao owed his current position entirely to their support, especially the Cai family—the greatest clan in Jingzhou. It was thanks to them that Liu Biao could hold his place. Yet, while many stood firmly behind Liu Biao, many others were overlooked by him, including Wen Pin, Gan Ning, Huo Jun, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan.

Though some of these names were familiar, Huo Jun was perhaps less well known, yet his abilities were no less than the others. Soon, all five were brought to the governor’s residence.

"We pay our respects, Your Majesty!"

Five men bowed in unison.

Liu Xie smiled, gesturing for them to sit. "Gentlemen, I am newly arrived in Jingzhou and unfamiliar with many things. You have served here for years. In the future, I hope you will assist me greatly." He was cordial, showing them due respect.

"Your Majesty overstates it," said Wei Yan. "With the Cai family here, how could you need us?"

Liu Xie knew this was Wei Yan’s temperament. Historically, among Jingzhou’s generals, Wei Yan was the most dissatisfied with Liu Biao. He believed himself capable, yet was never entrusted with responsibility, which fueled his resentment. Indeed, Wei Yan possessed considerable talent, and his dissatisfaction was understandable. The others remained silent, but their feelings were evident—they, too, had long watched the powerful clans monopolize all advantage, leaving them marginalized.

Liu Xie shook his head gently. "You must understand: all land belongs to the king. Jingzhou is not the property of any individual or any family. It is maintained by countless soldiers and millions of common people. What I value is equality. If you have sufficient ability, you should go forth and accomplish more. If you lack ability, that is fine—improve steadily, and when you are ready, take on greater responsibility. I wish to restore the Han and establish a dynasty where all are equal. Gentlemen, will you follow me to campaign across the realm?"

He looked at them earnestly. The men exchanged glances.

"I hope you will aid me," Liu Xie repeated.

After a brief hesitation, Wei Yan was first to step forward. "I, Wei Yan, pledge my loyalty to Your Majesty!"

Seeing an opportunity, he seized it at once.

"Veteran General Huang, Xingba, Zhongye, Zhongmiao," Liu Xie addressed the others, "I invite you to assist me."

They looked at each other, then rose and knelt before him. "We obey Your Majesty’s command."

They had agreed.

"Excellent. Now my heart is at ease. I have come to Jingzhou with one hundred thousand troops. These forces shall be divided among you for command. In due course, I hope you will join me in campaigning far and wide!"

Liu Xie spoke with solemnity. His words surprised the men—he entrusted them at once with one hundred thousand soldiers, all under their command.

"We are grateful for Your Majesty’s favor. We will devote ourselves entirely, ready to sacrifice all for you!" Wei Yan again was the first to respond, his gratitude evident.

Liu Xie nodded with a smile. "Gentlemen, Lord Jia Xu has begun agricultural initiatives in Jingzhou. Please assist him fully."

"We obey!" all five replied in unison.

As Wei Yan and his companions found themselves entrusted with responsibility, Cai Mao and others grew uneasy.

"Governor," Cai Mao said, "the emperor has summoned Gan Ning and the others, granting them heavy military command. Clearly he does not trust us."

Cai Mao was deeply dissatisfied with Liu Xie’s actions. Liu Biao, however, sighed and shook his head. "What can we do? Now that the emperor’s army is stationed in Xiangyang, what power do we have?"

Cai Mao was visibly frustrated. The Cai family was the great clan of Jingzhou, yet with Liu Xie’s arrival, their situation worsened.

"Governor," Cai Mao whispered, "perhaps we should deploy troops?"

Liu Biao’s expression grew serious. "General Cai, what are you thinking? That is the emperor!"

Though Liu Biao felt little attachment to the reigning emperor, he was, after all, a kinsman of the imperial house. To rebel now was beyond him—his reputation would suffer irreparably. If word got out that a member of the imperial clan had rebelled, his legacy would be stained.

"Governor, why worry about such matters now? With his arrival, we will lose all control of Jingzhou," Cai Mao pressed.

"Enough. Say no more," Liu Biao rose, his resolve firm. He would not be swayed.

Cai Mao fell silent, saying nothing further.

In the days that followed, Jia Xu hurried to implement agricultural reforms in Jingzhou: digging wells, opening fields, sowing crops. Under his guidance, the entire populace was mobilized, for they saw hope at last.

"Your Majesty, the agricultural initiatives are progressing well. The people of Jingzhou all support you," Jia Xu reported one day.

"And what of Huang Zhong and the others? How have they performed lately?" Liu Xie asked.

"Your Majesty, each of the five is fulfilling his duties, commanding twenty thousand troops in garrison."

"Should we begin recruitment in Jingzhou?" Jia Xu wondered. Traditionally, after conquering a region and launching agricultural projects, they would conscript soldiers.

This time, Liu Xie shook his head. "No rush. The time is not yet right. Let us wait."

He spoke softly. "Tell me, what is the situation with the great families of Jingzhou? And with Liu Biao?"

It was these powerful clans that worried Liu Xie most. They had grown accustomed to controlling Jingzhou for years, and now, with his arrival, they were undoubtedly displeased—perhaps even plotting something.

"Your Majesty, they have shown no activity—have remained entirely quiet," Jia Xu replied.

"No activity?" Liu Xie was puzzled. He had expected them to oppose him openly, but instead they remained silent.

In truth, Liu Xie lingered here because he knew that securing Jingzhou would be difficult. Jingzhou’s geographic position was of enormous strategic importance, but even more so were its people. Winning their allegiance would not be easy.

Though Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had pledged themselves to him, it would take time for them to be truly loyal. In other words, their allegiance was born more of resignation than devotion.