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Wei Ji respectfully saw off an elderly visitor, but as he turned back, his face darkened with gloom.
Since the news of Fei Qian's grain requisition spread, Wei Ji had received five or six visitors, culminating in a clan uncle of elder status making an appearance.
In the Han dynasty, military grain supplies came from two main sources: the fixed "taxes" (zhufu) paid by the populace and additional "requisitions" (tiao) levied on local residents.
Per Han law, frontier armies received stipends twenty to thirty percent higher than regular commandery troops. Due to the inconvenience of long-distance grain transport, the court encouraged frontier armies to source grain locally from nearby commanderies.
This meant reducing the grain allocated from central "taxes," increasing monetary payments, and relying on "requisitions" from surrounding commanderies and local purchases to sustain the frontier armies.
Requisitions weren't limitless. They could only be imposed when "taxes" were insufficient, with the amount not exceeding one-third of the taxes. Moreover, requisitions were limited to twice a year, with at least six months between them.
The Protector of the Xiongnu Commandant General held significant authority, bearing a ceremonial axe, ranked at 2,000 dan, overseeing You, Bing, and Liang provinces, as well as the Dulu and Wuhuan camps. This position outranked the Dulu General and Wuhuan Colonel, effectively controlling the entire northern frontier. The standing troop allocation for this role was around 12,000 soldiers, with additional forces in wartime.
The Protector of the Xiongnu Commandant General commanded five divisions, each led by a colonel or military marshal, ranked at 1,000 dan, with each division numbering approximately 1,500 to 2,000 men.
Fei Qian held the title of "Separate Division Marshal under the Protector of the Xiongnu Commandant General," at this rank. The "Separate Division" designation meant his unit was independent, under the Protector's oversight but with autonomous military and financial authority, not requiring constant reporting.
Since Fei Qian was stationed in Hedong Commandery, it was considered the base for his "Separate Division," obligating Hedong to bear the responsibility of grain requisitions.
Historically, Bing Province's grain supply relied heavily on imports from Sili, primarily from Hongnong and Hedong commanderies. The court had reduced the taxes these commanderies owed to the central treasury to compensate.
However, since the first year of Zhongping (184 CE), Shang Commandery had been governed remotely, halting the grain Hedong was supposed to provide. Amid the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Emperor Ling's illness, and subsequent chaos, no one adjusted this arrangement, and Hedong conveniently "forgot" its obligation.
Now, based on data provided by Cai Yong, Fei Qian calculated that from Zhongping's first year to the present, Hedong owed Shang Commandery, plus the amount due to the "Separate Division Marshal," a staggering total of 3.81 million dan of grain. When he presented this list to Lu Chang, it was like a depth charge, jolting those watching from the sidelines into action.
Though most understood Fei Qian was likely bluffing, what if he was pushed too far? Such a massive demand would be unbearable for anyone it targeted!
Moreover, Fei Qian's military parade through Anyi had showcased his formidable troops. Even someone ignorant of military matters could see they weren't rabble. If Fei Qian was provoked and led his soldiers to a manor's gates demanding grain, would they pay or not?
Even if they hid inside their estates, ignoring him, Fei Qian might not attack, but what about the crops in the fields outside? Could they afford to neglect them? A moment's delay could ruin a year's harvest!
Most crucially, Hedong's gentry, big and small, saw clearly: Wei Ji had picked a fight with Fei Qian, prompting this retaliation. Even a branch elder of the Wei clan had stepped in, signaling, Settle your grudges however you want, but don't drag us into it!
Fei Qian had originally intended to purchase grain with coin—who would refuse money?
Blocking someone's wealth was akin to killing their parents!
Now, because of Wei Ji, not only could they not earn money, they faced losses. Who could tolerate that?
Wei Ji's face darkened. He hadn't expected Fei Qian to pull such a move. In his mind, he'd only meant to teach Fei Qian a lesson. If Fei Qian had been sensible, come to apologize, and begged for mercy, Wei Ji might have let him off.
But Fei Qian had played dirty, confronting him head-on and leaving him in a tight spot.
Governor Wang Yi hadn't coordinated with him but spread news of Fei Qian's requisition, making his stance clear: Whatever trouble you, Wei Ji, stir with Fei Qian, I won't clean up your mess.
At the south gate recruitment post, Fei Qian's little trick had also dealt Wei Ji a silent blow.
Who would pay 600 coins a month for untrained guards?
And sign contracts for a year!
By the time Wei Ji learned of it and stopped Wei Feng's foolish actions, the Wei clan had issued nearly 500 contracts…
That was 3.6 million coins!
If Wei Feng weren't his cousin, Wei Ji would have wanted to flay him alive.
Wei Ji ordered an attendant to summon Wei Feng.
Wei Feng arrived trembling, not daring to use the familiar "elder brother" but respectfully addressing him as "clan head" before standing in the hall, awaiting judgment.
The hall was deathly silent.
Wei Ji said nothing, and Wei Feng didn't dare speak, head bowed, frozen in place.
The invisible pressure forced sweat to bead on Wei Feng's face, trickling down and itching unbearably, yet he didn't dare wipe it. Only when a droplet fell to the stone floor with a "drip" did it break the oppressive silence.
"Today, Wei Fu came to see me…" Wei Ji glanced at the sweating Wei Feng. "He said the new guards cost 600 coins, while Wei San and others cost only 500…"
Wei Feng dropped to his knees with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly.
Wei Ji sighed softly. "Get up. The fault is mine for underestimating this man…"