The Frontier Prince: Starting From Scratch - Chapter 37 - The Invaders Arrive

On a summer morning, the sunlight was always glaring. Zhao Xu found it difficult to indulge in a lazy sleep. After lying in bed with his eyes open for a while, he finally got up.

Feng’er and Luan’er, hearing the stir, entered to assist him with his morning routine. Their faces bore a light, relaxed expression, something that hadn’t been seen for months.

After breakfast, Zhao Xu took a leisurely stroll around the Prince’s Mansion. The servants and maids he encountered were all wearing smiles instead of the faint worry that used to cloud their faces. Their gazes towards Zhao Xu were filled with respect and eagerness.

Indeed, the Prince’s Mansion was no longer what it used to be. Since recovering from his illness, their prince had swiftly gained control over Yan Prefecture. They were part of the Prince’s Mansion, and Prince Yan’s glory was their glory too.

He made his way to the gatehouse, where Liu Fu and the officials from the Prince’s private administrative office were busy at work. Upon seeing Zhao Xu, Liu Fu approached with a ledger in hand.

“Your Highness, with the downfall of the Huang and Du families, there are over thirty vacancies in the government office. I’ve drafted a list of candidates to fill these positions for your review,” Liu Fu said, dark circles under his eyes from a sleepless night.

The collapse of the Huang and Du families had left him with a lot to handle.

“Are these all from humble backgrounds?” Zhao Xu asked as he glanced over the first page of names.

“Not entirely. The first page is, but the others include selections from other regional magnates. I’ve checked, and although these individuals are from influential families, they have performed well in their roles,” Liu Fu replied cautiously.

“Aren’t you the one who despises the children of regional magnates the most?” Zhao Xu chuckled as he continued to read.

Sighing, Liu Fu said, “Though I have my biases, I cannot disregard Your Highness’s interests. When it comes to appointments, merit must prevail.”

Zhao Xu nodded in satisfaction. He had been concerned that Liu Fu might act rashly, but it seemed he had a clear understanding of the situation. The Prince’s Mansion needed to unite all possible forces. There was no need to alienate those regional magnates who were inclined towards the Prince’s Mansion. Otherwise, it would push the regional magnates of Yan Prefecture and even Yan Province into opposition, leading to endless conflicts.

Therefore, his current strategy was to employ both officials from humble backgrounds and those from influential families. Given their opposing relationships, both sides would rely on him to avoid suppression from the other. This way, he could prevent any secret alliances that might deceive him.

After reviewing the names and positions of the officials, Zhao Xu also examined their profiles. This was a requirement he had set for Liu Fu. Each official had to provide their resume, and if they had previously held office, they needed to document their achievements. The Prince’s Mansion would then verify this information.

After all, Zhao Xu didn’t know these officials personally, so he had to rely on these documents to determine their suitability.

“Alright, if everything checks out, let them assume their positions,” Zhao Xu said, handing the ledger back to Liu Fu.

“Your Highness, I’ve been strategic. Some key officials from the Zhang Family have been quietly reassigned to positions without real power, while the influential roles have been secured by us,” Liu Fu said with a smug smile. “After this round of appointments and promotions, the Prince’s Mansion will essentially control the government office, allowing us to issue orders effectively.”

“Just worried that Zhang Kang might not take it well,” Zhao Xu laughed. Liu Fu’s cunning was mischievous, but Zhao Xu liked it.

As they were chatting, a servant from the Prince’s Mansion approached.

“Your Highness, a number of regional magnates have arrived outside, bearing gifts, wishing to pay their respects.”

Zhao Xu exchanged a glance with Liu Fu.

These magnates were adept at shifting allegiances with the wind. Now that the Prince’s Mansion had surpassed the local powers, they were eager to curry favor.

However, according to his established strategy, having these magnates align with the Prince’s Mansion was not a bad thing.

After tidying his attire, he instructed the servant to bring them in.

Throughout the morning, about ten families of regional magnates visited. These were the ones who had been staunch followers of the Zhang, Huang, and Du Families.

By midday, another dozen families had arrived.

In this manner, nearly all the regional magnates within Yan City and Yan Prefecture had taken the opportunity to express their allegiance to the Prince’s Mansion.

That allegiance was to follow the lead of the Prince’s Mansion.

“Your Highness, the personal guard of the Prince’s Mansion has been reorganized, and the numbers are now complete.”

As the last magnate departed, Chang Wei entered the mansion, sweating profusely.

“So quickly,” Zhao Xu remarked, both surprised and pleased.

Including the three thousand prefectural troops in Yan City, he now had direct command over twenty-three thousand soldiers.

With rigorous training and superior equipment, let’s see who dares to cause trouble in Yan Prefecture in the future!

“We absorbed the private soldiers from two families, and after nullifying the servitude contracts of two families, many young adults have come to enlist,” Chang Wei said, a smile breaking through his rugged features.

The personal guard of the Prince’s Mansion was now his prized possession. With full ranks, he couldn’t help but grin.

Remembering something, he added, “Oh, Your Highness, the personal guard’s weapons and armor are also ready. I found plenty of swords and armor in the warehouses of two families.”

“Let them wear those scraps for now. Soon, I’ll provide you with more refined armor and weapons,” Zhao Xu assured Chang Wei with a confident look.

He had already learned from Xu Lie what kind of armor and weapons these magnates’ private soldiers used.

Apart from what the magnates themselves wore, the rest of the armor and weapons were nothing but junk.

They were merely pieces of rusty iron sewn onto a rag.

These might suffice against the regional magnates of Yan Prefecture, but they were no match for the well-equipped armies of Xiliang and Beidi.

From the ninth prince’s memories, he knew that the armies of Xiliang and Beidi were formidable.

Otherwise, the Dasong Dynasty wouldn’t have suffered repeated defeats in recent years.

They had lost half of Jin Province in the west.

And the Ningjin Military Command, originally overseeing the northeastern region north of Yan Pass, had been seized by the Beidi people.

As a result, the appeasement faction within the court had gained prominence, strongly advocating for using silver to buy peace for the Dasong Dynasty.

“Understood, Your Highness,” Chang Wei’s eyes lit up.

In his mind, this Prince Yan could make ice and brew liquor. Perhaps this time, he’d surprise him again.

Zhao Xu continued, “Also, train the soldiers of the Prince’s Mansion’s personal guard rigorously. As long as they don’t die from training, push them to their limits. To ensure the soldiers can maintain high-intensity training, their meals must be substantial, and try to include some meat.”

“Meat?” Chang Wei licked his lips, “Your Highness, that might be difficult. It would require a lot of silver, and given the situation in Yan Prefecture, it might be hard to buy even if we have the money.”

Zhao Xu chuckled, “It’s simple. Have the military cooks of the personal guard raise some chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, and sheep.”

The military cooks of the Prince’s Mansion’s personal guard served a similar role to modern-day army cooks.

His knowledge contained many experiences to draw from.

In times of abundant military supplies, there was no need for the army to produce its own food.

But in difficult times, setting up production units within the army was necessary.

After all, this ensured the soldiers ate well.

And eating well meant they had the energy to train.

Otherwise, they’d collapse after running a lap in armor, and what kind of battle could they fight then?

Chang Wei listened, dumbfounded, but Zhao Xu’s next words convinced him that Prince Yan wasn’t joking.

“The mansion will allocate some land for you. Build some chicken coops and duck pens on it. Do a good job, and I’ll inspect it in a few days. For now, just buy what you need.”

“Yes… yes…” Chang Wei’s mind was still trying to grasp the significance of this plan.

As he was pondering, a servant suddenly rushed over.

He stumbled and fell in front of Zhao Xu.

“Your Highness… Your Highness… A soldier from Wu’an County collapsed at the gates of the mansion. He… he said the Beidi people have attacked.” The servant’s face was pale with fear, stammering in terror.