Chapter 57: Private Troops
That day, the temperature dropped to the lowest point of the year, and snowflakes finally began to fall inside and outside the city, a vast expanse of whiteness.
"This year’s first snowfall came later than usual." Lv Gang said, looking at the snowy scene outside the window from the elegant room in Chunfeng garden.
Liang Chuan Mountain, sitting beside him, dressed in a dark-colored embroidered daily robe, finished a cup of hot wine, exhaling in relief, feeling much more at ease.
"I haven’t been here in a while, and it’s indeed as comfortable as ever."
In the past half-year, Liang Chuan Mountain had been busy with his duties as Director, establishing connections, building authority, and organizing the Patrol Armor Bureau, wishing he could live there daily, leaving little time for relaxation.
Now, finally stabilizing his position and sorting everything out, he found time to revisit Chunfeng garden with his trusted aides, Lv Gang and Song Changming.
A young girl, draped in gauzy clothing, served tea and poured wine for the three of them, covering her mouth with a faint smile upon hearing Liang Chuan Mountain’s words.
She knew the important figures of Houli Street were in this room, so she dared not be too impertinent and only said softly, "If you feel comfortable, do come often. Mrs. Liu specially instructed that the best room is reserved for you and won’t entertain other esteemed guests."
"Haha, good." Liang Chuan Mountain laughed heartily, understanding the benefits that came with power.
In this area of Houli Street, he was now considered a prominent figure.
Everywhere he went, he was treated with utmost respect and courtesy.
Even with his relatively calm nature, he couldn’t help but feel slightly elated from the constant praise and admiration.
Song Changming glanced at Liang Chuan Mountain but said nothing.
In his view, enjoying the privileges and status earned through hard work was not wrong; it was a reward deserved by a victor.
As long as one remains clear-headed, avoiding major mistakes and not touching taboos, everything should be fine.
After three rounds of drinks, Liang Chuan Mountain waved his hand to dismiss the attending girls.
And left only the three of them, with no need to be too cautious about their conversation.
"I heard recently that the eldest son of the Governor has returned from the court, and it seems there is an intention to expand the military." Liang Chuan Mountain leaned against the corner of the screen, twirling his wine glass, revealing the news he had acquired.
"Could there be a war?" Lv Gang couldn’t help but ask.
The first thing that came to his mind was a possible move against the Tengya Mountain Bandit Army.
Liang Chuan Mountain squinted slightly and shook his head, "On the surface, the Governor only expanded two small auxiliary troops, adding up to around ten thousand soldiers with the existing Donglai County Soldiers, which is roughly the maximum military force allowed by the Central Imperial Court for a Governor."
"But in actuality, the Governor’s sudden expansion of two auxiliary troops of several hundred soldiers each was merely to cover up the true intention of recruiting private armies."
"Private armies?!" Lv Gang was taken aback, exclaiming, "If this is discovered, it would be a severe crime of dismissal and exile."
Song Changming also looked towards Liang Chuan Mountain.
Compared to recruiting private armies, he was more curious about how Liang Chuan Mountain, a district Patrol Armor Bureau Director with no background, came to know this supposed felony that should be concealed and unknown.
Liang Chuan Mountain smiled and said, "During my six months as Director, I’ve heard many things I might never have encountered before."
"For instance, although recruiting private armies is a serious crime, it is difficult to define and even harder to establish."
"On the surface, these private soldiers recruited by the Governor can be disguised as guests from Jianghu, his followers, house servants, or even tenant farmers on family estates."
"There are many identities for private soldiers; as long as they do not form organized troops, remember this is the Governor’s territory, creating a facade is not difficult at all."
"In fact, from my understanding, Governors in every prefecture, to some extent, harbor private soldiers, which is not surprising. As long as there is a large population, with sufficient food, Governors can maintain private troops."
"What truly surprises me is the number of private soldiers our Governor has gradually recruited this time, possibly exceeding ten thousand!"
Lv Gang inhaled sharply at these words.
Exceeding ten thousand was an extraordinary concept and just one round of recruitment.
From Liang Chuan Mountain’s tone, it seems the Governor’s total number of private soldiers is no less than several tens of thousands!
"What does our Governor intend to do..." Song Changming also couldn’t help but ask.
In truth, he had already thought of that infamous word.
Is this the rhythm of rebellion?
Liang Chuan Mountain shook his head, not elaborating further.
The word ’rebellion’ was far too sensitive, difficult even to utter in private discussions.
"In conclusion, just listening is enough, remember not to spread this around, lest you invite trouble from speaking recklessly." Liang Chuan Mountain reminded.
He would only discuss such matters with his genuinely trusted aides, Lv Gang and Song Changming.
In the past, for many critical matters requiring discussion, or tasks of considerable importance to him, he would seek counsel or execution from Lv Gang and Song Changming, just like today.
"Recently, I’ve also heard that several of the Governor’s heirs are recruiting guests, whether truly for garnering talents under their wings or aiding the Governor in recruiting private soldiers remains unknown."
"..."
The three drank to their heart’s content, the songs and dances repeated several times before they left.
On the way back, Song Changming was still reminiscing about what Liang Chuan Mountain had said that night.
With substantial troops in hand, he was uncertain if their Governor had indeed developed inadvisable ambitions.
But generally speaking, whether it’s rebellion or seeking independence, it requires a conducive background environment and a significant opportunity to raise arms.
Currently, the situation in the Da Han Dynasty is rather stable, and the Central Imperial Authority is firm. Even with some internal turmoil, it hasn’t reached a point of crisis.
In this period, anyone attempting rebellion or independence would undoubtedly be courting death by being labeled a traitor.
It’s most likely they would soon become a significant achievement for others.
Upon reflection, even their Governor wouldn’t act foolishly to such an extent.
At least, at present, a real rebellion is unlikely.
What the future holds for the great world, Song Changming couldn’t foresee, but for him, the longer the peaceful days last, the better.
In fact, unless someone is a war-crazy ambitionist, no one would wish for chaos, endangering their own survival.
"The tree desires tranquility, but the wind keeps blowing, there’s no use in overthinking. For now, enhancing one’s own capabilities is key; in times of true crisis, the most reliable is still the blade in hand..."
Song Changming shook his head privately, currently just a little Patrol Captain, his only source of information being what Liang Chuan Mountain revealed, so there wasn’t a need to overly dwell on speculative shadows.
After all, even the source from Liang Chuan Mountain could not guarantee authenticity.
Perhaps the Governor of Donglai had other plans not yet apparent.
...