Chapter 010: The Strength of the Wei Family

As Wei Feng spoke, the expression on Cheng An's face softened a little, and he finally smiled. "I also understand that there are simply too many account books, and to check them all afresh is no easy task. Moreover, even with another thorough inspection, errors are inevitable." He turned and gestured toward Wei Ba. "We've discussed this and thought of a new method, which we feel might be of some use. We've invited you gentlemen to come and consider it together."

Wei Ba, inwardly admiring his elder brother Wei Feng's tactful way of speaking, stepped forward and respectfully handed over the newly drawn accounting page template to Cheng An. It was clear that Cheng An was the leader among these men, and his opinion weighed heavily.

Cheng An accepted the draft, glanced over the listed items, and his brows gave a slight twitch as he realized something. However, he did not reveal his thoughts, merely passing the draft to the man beside him. Stroking his beard, he pondered in silence. Once the others had all looked it over and returned it to Wei Ba, he finally asked, "Is this the form you propose?"

"Yes," Wei Feng replied, giving Wei Ba a gentle nudge forward. "This form was devised by my second brother, Wei Ba. Both my father and I have reviewed it and find it quite promising. Of course, when it comes to matters of accounting, it is for you gentlemen to make the final decision. Second brother, explain to these gentlemen how this form is used. Master Cheng is well-versed in accounts—every word from him will be of great benefit to you, so listen carefully."

Wei Ba nodded quickly. Cheng An was somewhat surprised at this. They all knew that among Wei Yan’s three sons, Wei Feng and Wei Wu were destined for military careers, whereas Wei Ba, frail in health, had abandoned the martial path for a scholarly one. Yet in their eyes, Wei Ba had neither truly embraced literature nor arms—his learning was only marginally above that of an illiterate, and at best he might serve as a clerk or a personal secretary.

Had it been said earlier that Wei Ba had devised a new accounting method, Cheng An would likely have laughed it off. But now, having seen the form, and with his years of experience instantly recognizing its utility, he was taken aback to learn it was Wei Ba’s own invention.

His eyes flickered with a trace of amusement. No doubt, he thought, this form was born of Wei Yan’s desire to give his son a chance to shine—he must have engaged some expert to devise a new method of bookkeeping and then attributed it to Wei Ba.

"Please instruct us, young general," Cheng An said, bowing with feigned respect but real pride.

"Not at all," Wei Ba replied courteously, returning the bow. He spread the draft on the desk and explained it in detail. Having already discussed it with Wei Yan and Wei Feng, and made adjustments to suit the strengths and weaknesses of the form, his present explanation was even more thorough and convincing.

To Cheng An, Wei Ba’s composure only confirmed his suspicion that some expert had been engaged to help, all to boost Wei Ba’s reputation.

As Wei Ba expounded, Cheng An was already scheming. Wei Ba’s rise was inevitable, but if at this juncture he was not given a little setback, shown that men with years of experience were not to be lightly dismissed, what place would they, the old hands, have in the governor’s office in days to come?

Cheng An exchanged a glance with the Gold Registrar at his side. The latter caught the cue, coughed, and began to raise questions. Wei Ba was well prepared and answered each in turn. He was modest—where he could answer, he did so; where he could not, he turned the question back, eager for the others’ advice, and willingly adopted any better suggestions.

His attitude greatly pleased Cheng An and the others, restoring to the old hands their due dignity. With Wei Yan sitting by in stern silence, they dared not push too hard, nor did they seek to embarrass Wei Ba. For their purpose was only to assert their own presence; this achieved, there was no need for further confrontation.

Of course, the task of copying all the books anew was a daunting one. Their lack of opposition to the new form did not mean they were willing to accept such a heavy burden.

After some improvements to the form, Cheng An finally cleared his throat and spoke. "Young general, this accounting method is indeed excellent, but alas, it comes too late. Had it been devised a few months ago and used from the start, it would have been ideal. But the books are already in their current form; to suddenly change methods now seems inadvisable. The Chancellor is due to arrive in Hanzhong in no more than a month; in that time, even preparing these new books would be impossible."

Wei Ba pondered a moment. "Then in Master Cheng’s opinion, if all these books were sent back to the counties to be redone, how much time would be needed?"

Cheng An stroked his beard and thought. "Preparing the books would take at least a month; sending them back and having the accounts redone should take another half-month or so; with the time for transport, I estimate two months at least."

Wei Ba nodded. "So, Master Cheng, am I right in saying that, not counting the time needed to prepare the new books, a month would suffice for the counties to complete the work?"

Cheng An’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening. "Young general, do you already have the books prepared?"

Wei Ba shook his head and chuckled. He knew Cheng An was displeased—if he already had the books ready, yet still called them in for consultation, it would be nothing but an empty gesture, a mockery. Anyone would be annoyed.

"No, I have only this draft at present," Wei Ba said, waving the paper in his hand. "However, I can prepare ten thousand pages within two days. Master Cheng, do you think that will suffice?"

"Two days? Ten thousand pages?" Cheng An’s voice rose in disbelief. He stared at Wei Ba for a long while, then broke into a wry smile. "Is the young general jesting?"

"State affairs are no laughing matter," Wei Ba replied firmly. "If Master Cheng does not believe me, I will deliver the new account pages to you in two days. If there is any discrepancy with what we have agreed upon, you may treat my words as nothing but a joke."

Cheng An narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Wei Ba. After a moment, he forced a smile. "If the young general truly accomplishes this in two days, I assure you that within a month, every county will have completed the revision of their accounts."

"Then I must trouble you, Master Cheng." Wei Ba bowed deeply and stepped back, saying no more. He knew that though this was, in essence, a minor matter, in the contest of pride between his father and Yang Yi, it was of great significance. To render Yang Yi speechless at what he did best would be supremely satisfying. More importantly, this would be his first brilliant appearance before Chancellor Zhuge.

Cheng An and his colleagues left, half in doubt, half convinced. Wei Yan, who had not spoken a word throughout, now asked, "How do you propose to produce ten thousand new forms in just two days?"

"I’ll need several skilled masons, a large quantity of paper, and someone with fine handwriting..." Wei Ba counted off the requirements on his fingers. Only as he tallied them did he realize that this seemingly simple task was anything but; it required no small amount of materials and manpower. He looked at Wei Yan with concern. "Father, how long will it take to prepare all these things?"

"Only now do you think of this?" Wei Yan sneered, yet there was pride in his tone. "Fortunately, we have all these things at the estate. Write out a list, and I’ll have someone send word ahead so everything is ready. If you set out early tomorrow, you should arrive at the estate by noon and can begin at once."

"The estate?" Wei Ba muttered to himself, but did not voice the thought. He hadn’t expected the Wei family to own an estate in Hanzhong. After a moment's thought, he said, "No, I’ll ride back tonight. The sooner I finish, the sooner I’ll have peace of mind."

Wei Yan considered, then nodded approvingly. "Very well. It’s only thirty li downriver to Nanzheng; by boat, you’ll be there by morning." He looked at Wei Ba intently. "Boy, your health has only just recovered—don’t overexert yourself. There’s a long road ahead; only with a strong body can you achieve more in the future."

Ba nodded happily in agreement.

Wei Yan immediately ordered Wei Wu and several retainers to escort Wei Ba back to Nanzheng. Accompanying Wei Ba were the master blacksmith and his two apprentices, the very three who had assisted him in forging the new weapons. Wei Yan had redeemed them from official servitude; now, as private retainers, they simply accepted their fate with blank indifference. Yet for Wei Ba, this move was deeply meaningful. Once the new account books were finished, Wei Yan wanted him to focus on developing new weapons at the estate, with no need to return to Mianyang for the time being. In other words, weapons development had now become a private affair of the Wei family; any new arms produced would first be issued to their own retainers—their private army.

The Wei family had their own retainers. This had been Wei Yan's foundation since he followed Liu Bei into Sichuan, his very means of survival. Even now in Hanzhong, his force was the core, numbering over three thousand men. In such turbulent times, for a general, the strength of his retainers determined his standing and influence. That Wei Yan had risen from a mere gate commander to governor of Hanzhong, holding it for years, owed much to Liu Bei's trust, but his own ability and power were not insignificant factors.

Numbers were limited by population and could not be expanded indefinitely. To grow stronger, stricter training and superior weapons were essential. Wei Yan’s determination to keep Wei Ba’s inventions within the family was thus only natural.

Wei Ba understood his father's motives, but he also saw that what seemed natural on one hand was, from another perspective, a ticking time bomb. With Chancellor Zhuge’s iron will, how could he tolerate a military force outside his control? Could Wei Yan’s eventual death be linked to this?

In the past, when reading history, Wei Ba often seethed at the arrogance and lawlessness of warlords who stood apart from central authority, wishing to see them all slain and the realm unified. Yet now, being part of a warlord’s household, he felt a sense of bewilderment. Should the Wei family surrender its military power? Would that guarantee their peace?

Sitting at the prow of the boat, Wei Ba gazed at the shimmering moonlit waters of the Mian River, lost in thought. Beside him, Wei Wu had already succumbed to sleep, drooling onto the deck.

"Young general, I am here to report as ordered," came a respectful voice. A young man with keen, bright eyes approached, bowing deeply, interrupting Wei Ba’s reverie.

—All forms of support are welcome!