Chapter 34 A Good Word

Yue Fei rode through the Danei, exiting Xuande Tower and crossing Imperial Street to return home. Before him, axes cleared the path; behind, a large banner provided cover; and to either side, the Imperial Guards escorted him on horseback—a display of unparalleled grandeur. The next day, the eagerly awaited Dibao (official gazette) published Zhao Guan Jia’s (the Emperor Zhao) assessment of Han, Li, and Yue, extolling their achievements with lavish praise.

This affair indeed swayed public opinion in the capital. Discussions arose everywhere, with even the Shaolin Temple commenting on the matter. Some praised, some envied, some believed the Emperor was irrevocably drifting towards prioritizing military might over civil affairs, while others felt he was acting rashly, forced by previous public pressure to aggressively court military commanders to strengthen himself.

Regardless, the Emperor Zhao certainly knew how to guide public opinion.

Of course, in contrast to the easily influenced and controlled public discourse, the empire’s elite at the higher levels also paid attention, but their focus wasn’t so superficial. A tiny minority of top officials had long understood the situation, while a small portion of mid- to high-ranking officials, based on their political acumen, sensed something… namely, that with the unexpected and swift eradication of the puppet Qi regime and the complete stabilization of the South, the national strategy, which was already slated for adjustment, would inevitably be forced by circumstances to undergo a more thorough and rapid shift.

Among these adjustments, given the need to maintain a military standoff and at least a nominal state of war with the Jin, upholding a military-first policy was essential. Under this policy, adjustments to troop deployments naturally took top priority.

To say nothing else, since the Battle of Yao Mountain around the same time last year, a full year had passed, marked by many events and the complete formation of a comprehensive standoff along the Yellow River. This had led to congestion along the battle lines and concentration of forces. The previous arrangement of nine army groups—the Front (Yue Fei’s command), Rear (Wu Jie and Wu Lin’s command), Left (Han Shizhong’s command), Right (Zhang Jun’s command), plus the Navy (Zhang Rong’s command), Cavalry (Qu Duan’s command), and the Central Army, effectively divided into three (Li Yanxian, Wang De, and Li Qiong’s commands)—seemed somewhat inadequate to the current situation.

Especially on the extreme flanks, the lower reaches of the Yellow River and the Guanzhong region, the central government couldn’t effectively reach, nor should it wait until hostilities broke out to issue decrees about who should listen to whom. In practical terms, it was necessary to pre-designate several military commanders with the authority to make decisions as needed.

In other words, further clarification of the front-line command structure was needed.

In Guanzhong, mainly the Imperial Guard Left Army led by Han Shizhong and the Imperial Guard Rear Army led by Wu Jie, the choice was naturally Han Shizhong, and could only be Han Shizhong. It wasn't just a matter of merit; his seniority made him the de facto leader of the remaining Western Army. No one had any other ideas about this appointment.

As for Li Yanxian in Shanzhou...

Frankly speaking, Li Yanxian wouldn’t have much opportunity to command other units, but his position was too important—so important that even Han Shizhong shouldn't interfere with or command him, and even the central government shouldn't easily deploy him. Therefore, it was necessary to single him out, granting him the greatest title and position to ensure his absolute command in the areas of Shanzhou, Luoyang, Hezhong, Mengzhou, and Xiezhou.

This was a group army that existed in name only; in reality, it was still just Li Yanxian's own unit.

Further down the Yellow River was Kaifeng Prefecture. There was no need to say much; the Emperor and the Privy Council were located there. The central government would directly command a significant portion of the forces, including the Imperial Guard Cavalry, the Left and Right wings of the Central Army, and the Navy. This was a self-evident, enormous army group that existed in reality but not officially, with a presence even stronger than those on the flanks.

Then, further down, in the area of Jingdong, the lower reaches of the Yellow River, the narrowing terrain of the Shandong Peninsula spoke for itself. It was self-evident that Yue Fei and Zhang Jun should be ranked in order of importance. However, the choice was somewhat unexpected.

"Of course, I know that the east needs a primary and secondary commander, but I still can't understand why it's Military Commissioner Yue?"

At the banquet in the Hu residence to see off the newly appointed Pacification Commissioner of Jingdong East Circuit, Wan Qixie, Wang Shuzhan, Hu Hongxiu's father-in-law, finally put down his wine cup.

"Why shouldn't it be Military Commissioner Yue?" Wan Qixie sat upright in the main seat, raising his cup naturally, unable to conceal his smugness. "Lord Wang, I will say something inappropriate today. If you can't understand this matter, then don't think about filling this vacancy, because even if you do, you will be easily thrown off sooner or later."

Since the Emperor Zhao’s reforms at Fangcheng Mountain, he had always emphasized the continuity of governance. Unlike the Jingkang era, which saw over a dozen chief councilors in a single year, chief councilors, central officials, and regional officials were exceptionally stable, and their powers and responsibilities became more definitive day by day. Consequently, the official positions also became more valuable day by day. Thus, Wan Qizhong had now become a regional pacification commissioner in one fell swoop, and according to the new regulations, he had also been granted a title in the Secretarial Pavilion, making him a genuine regional magnate, and fulfilling some of his long-held aspirations, allowing him to sit grandly at the head of the Wang family banquet.

For the same reason, Wang Shuzhan was so anxious and direct because he saw the increasing value of these official positions and wanted to seize this opportunity to seek a reinstatement.

Inevitably, such a banquet would touch upon personnel matters.

"It's not that Yue Pengju (Yue Fei's courtesy name) is not capable, but why is he being elevated over Zhang Boying?" Hearing Wan Qixie's sharp words, Wang Shuzhan quickly responded seriously from the side. "You must know that although Zhang Boying has a bad reputation when it comes to wealth, he is also truly capable. In the battle of Huai River, it was he who defended Xiacai. Later, when the Jin army invaded Henan in force and Nanjing (Shangqiu) fell, he did his best to maintain the situation. Not to mention, his son-in-law Tian Shizhong's two great achievements should also be attributed to him. Moreover..."

"Moreover?"

"Moreover, Zhang Boying is forty-six this year, making him the oldest of the various military commanders, while Yue Pengju is only twenty-nine. Furthermore, Zhang Boying's seniority in the army is second only to the Prince of Yan'an, and he only became famous slightly later. How many years has Yue Pengju been prominent?" Wang Shuzhan said earnestly, clearly speaking from the heart. "Isn't seniority the most important thing in the army?"

"Lord Wang!" Wan Qixie shook his head repeatedly, unable to suppress a sneer, and no longer addressed Wang Shuzhan, who was only a few years older than him, as uncle. "Achievements in battle are one thing, but age and seniority at this time are not good words."

Wang Shuzhan suddenly paused, then hurriedly asked, "What does the Commissioner mean by this?"

Not only Wang Shuzhan, but also Wang Ruohai and Hu Hongxiu, who were sitting nearby, raised their heads seriously.

Wan Qixie sighed, then smiled and said, "Lord Wang, have you heard the term 'the latecomer surpasses the earlycomer'?"

Wang Shuzhan immediately stamped his foot and smiled bitterly in his seat: "Is this really the trend now?"

"Why not?" Wan Qixie continued to smile. "Whenever the central government wants to accomplish something, and the Emperor is young, this term is unavoidable. Even if the Emperor doesn't have the cold-hearted nature of Emperor Wu of Han, Lord Wang should understand the principle that each Emperor has his own favored officials. Seniority depends on when that seniority was acquired. You must know that the current Emperor has only been on the throne for five years. May I ask, can the seniority acquired during the reign of that person in Shaolin Temple be used? Therefore, even when comparing seniority, one can only look at the seniority of recent years... Yue Pengju rose to prominence during the Huai River campaign, and he inherited Zong Zhongwu's legacy. His seniority is not lacking!"

Wang Shuzhan was thoughtful, and his expression became even more unsightly. He was not stupid. According to Wan Qixie's statement, regardless of whether the Emperor had forgotten things at Mingdao Palace, just discussing seniority in front of the current Emperor was no more than asking himself if he had the capital to support the Emperor in Nanjing (Shangqiu)? Did he have a foundation to defend the Huai River at Mount Bagong? Did he have experience defending Nanyang? Did he have meritorious service in rescuing the Emperor at Yao Mountain?

And if these were disregarded, what seniority was there?!

The problem was that he had none of these... Of course, he had merit in supporting the Emperor, but that was his relative, Grand Minister Zhao Shizhan, and this Grand Minister now seemed to be withdrawing from affairs. Instead, his son, Wang Ruohai, had something to do with supporting the Emperor. Of course, he also had military achievements and seniority, but that was his son-in-law Hu Hongxiu's, and before that, he had made a fool of himself in Nanyang.

At this thought, Wang Shuzhan shook his head repeatedly.

But that wasn't all. Soon, Commissioner Wan seemed to see through him and delivered another heavy blow.

"And when it comes to age," Wan Qixie sighed again, "the Emperor is only twenty-five this year and prefers younger people. People of our age are already a bit late... Lord Wang, listen to my advice. Instead of thinking about using this opportunity to return to the central government and fill a good vacancy, it's better to promote your son and son-in-law. Especially Liangbi (Hu Hongxiu's courtesy name), who was originally on the Emperor's list and has both merit and seniority. It's just that, unfortunately, after Yao Mountain, the two people he relied on in the Privy Council, Councilor Wang died for the country, and Executive Officer Liu was hastily sent out on a foreign assignment, while the newly appointed Privy Councilor Zhang doesn't know him. With your family's resources, a little effort on his behalf would be enough to make him shine."

Wang Shuzhan was momentarily embarrassed and, regardless of his son-in-law being present, simply didn't respond.

Seeing this, Wan Qixie shook his head on the surface and in his heart. He simply turned the topic back to the previous casual conversation: "Actually, if we talk about Zhang Boying's strengths, he does have them, but not in seniority or age, but in his merit of supporting the Emperor that day... Among the meritorious officials who supported the Emperor in the Marshal's office that day, only Han and Zhang remain on the military side today. This is capital that Zhang Boying can never spend, but it's a pity that he met Yue Pengju."

"Although Military Commissioner Yue has meritorious service, it's not so clear that he's much stronger than Military Commissioner Zhang, is it?" Wang Shuzhan's son, Wang Ruohai, suddenly interjected. "Why does he receive such courtesy from the Emperor?"

"Military Commissioner Yue's merits are not in quantity but in quality, not in size but in timing." Just then, Hu Hongxiu, who had been silent, spoke up, probably seeing that his brother-in-law had opened his mouth.

"Liangbi (Hu Hongxiu's courtesy name) is right!" As soon as these words were spoken, Wan Qixie nodded immediately. He still had high hopes for Hu Hongxiu. At worst, this person would rise up when the Guanxi group returned. This was an important reason why he still maintained a relationship with this family.

"What do you mean?" Wang Shuzhan asked curiously.

"May I ask Lord Wang, what is the most difficult thing for the country's internal affairs right now?" Wan Qixie became slightly more serious.

"Is it..." Wang Shuzhan hesitated for a moment, but still tentatively gave the answer. "Is it still finance?"

"It is finance." Wan Qixie affirmed the other party's answer. "Without money, nothing can be done."

"In this case, I know a thing or two." Wang Shuzhan finally nodded, slightly enlightened. "Yue Pengju's campaign to clear up the southern rebellion, not to mention his military achievements, the key is that it was clean. It's truly amazing that he managed to gather up the four hundred rebellious routes so neatly. Moreover, compared to others, although his troops once caused some complaints in Jingxiang, the harassment of the local areas was ultimately the least. Looking back now, many local officials in the south praise him... In any case, it can always give the South more breathing room and can be considered a measure to save the situation."

"It's not just that." Seeing that Hu Hongxiu was still a silent gourd in front of his father-in-law, Wan Qixie simply explained it thoroughly. "Earlier, during the Shaoxing incident, the Emperor was somewhat criticized, and the imperial court was somewhat turbulent. However, Military Commissioner Yue's victory at Zichuan, although there were casualties, achieved the words 'fast' and 'skillful'... For the central government at this time, it can also be considered a meritorious achievement to save the situation."

"In this case, I understand why the Emperor is so kind this time." Wang Shuzhan nodded again and again. "Letting Yue Pengju do it has Yue Pengju's advantages and explanations. Only because he is young, he still needs the Emperor to endorse him, so there are marriages and flag grants, and then the XuanDe Building outing. However, this kind of behavior is inevitably a bit embarrassing for Zhang Boying, right?"

Hearing this, Wan Qixie also pondered for a moment, but he didn't know whether it was because he had become a commissioner and was complacent, but he didn't hide anything: "Lord Wang, you don't know the stakes... Why did I just say that the Emperor was only criticized somewhat, but the imperial court was somewhat turbulent? Isn't it because the Emperor's authority is ultimately paramount in the court today? In civil matters, it's because the Emperor is wise and understanding, and willing to cede authority, that civil officials appear respectable. If he really didn't want civil officials to be respectable, what about the Shaoxing incident? What about military officials? In my opinion, even if there are some power struggles this time, they are mostly deliberately done to reassure people like you... As for the marriage, the flag grant, and so on, eight or nine out of ten times, it's just because the Emperor himself was in the mood."

"Therefore, the key is still to please the Emperor himself?" Wang Shuzhan hesitated for a moment, and seeing that there were no outsiders at the banquet, he spoke in a low voice. "But the Emperor doesn't allow the harem to be involved in political affairs. How can one directly reach the Imperial presence?"

"If Lord Wang only goes to take advantage of this wave of vacancies with this kind of mentality, how can he sit stably, even if he gets one or two good positions?" Wan Qixie was completely helpless. "The Emperor must be an Emperor with aspirations. If you want his personal favor, you must learn from Yue Pengju and do your public affairs beautifully... Lord Wang, do you think I was able to fulfill my long-cherished wish and become a commissioner at this age because I was as scheming as you in the past, or because I recognized the situation after experiencing many things and gave the Emperor direct advice and worked hard? Listen to me, put away your own thoughts and focus on planning for your son and son-in-law is more appropriate."

Wang Shuzhan was even more embarrassed, but he always avoided talking about this matter.

Seeing that this person was obsessed with officialdom and didn't understand things, Wan Qixie, who was now a commissioner, unlike in the past, also had no interest in paying attention to him. After giving a few more pieces of advice, he waved his sleeves and left. He went out, got on a donkey, and returned to his residence in a relaxed manner under the escort of several banzhi (guards) riding tall horses, ready to take office in Jinan.

However, not to mention how Wan Qixie took office and finally became a high-ranking official in his forties. On the other side, after Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, and Li Yanxian were highlighted, the imperial court did indeed make many restrictions and preparations... which was expected by many people.

For example, after nearly two or three years of calls since the Nanyang period, the right to manufacture armor and military equipment for the imperial guard units was finally taken back to a considerable extent by the central government... The most important and representative of these measures was the standardization of lamellar armor forms. From now on, all lamellar armor plates would be uniformly manufactured by the central government's Directorate of Armaments, and the shape and size would be standardized. The weaving pattern of the lamellar armor was also established to ensure common use on the battlefield.

Not only that, but the scale of the military academy was further expanded. From now on, not only the Imperial Guard Rear Army and the Imperial Guard Right Army, but also all other units. Any Imperial Guard soldiers who wanted to be promoted, from the rank of dutou (captain) actually leading a hundred men and above, had to undergo short-term training in the military academy. Promotion in front of the Emperor was no longer a matter of favor from the various military commanders.

In addition, after finding craftsmen, collecting usable wood, and successfully test-producing thirty-wheeled paddlewheel boats, the paddlewheel boat workshop at Heyin Biankou was also officially established and incorporated into the Directorate of Armaments. Zhang Rong's Navy also officially handed over its ship equipment logistics to the central government.

At the same time, the warhorses seized by Yue Fei's troops were also entirely allocated to the Imperial Guard Cavalry, which was currently in Jingdong. Lu Qin, the veteran commanding officer of Nanjing (Shangqiu), also advanced to Xuzhou in advance.

In fact, in all fairness, the previous measures to standardize the armor plates and armor forms were necessary, the military academy and other things had been brewing for a long time, and the paddlewheel boat workshop had been built long ago. Otherwise, Zhang Rong would not have been able to have the thirty-wheeled paddlewheel boat as his flagship. But the latter two things seemed a bit hasty... In addition, at this time, Yue Fei was still in the capital, Zhang Jun was still in Dengzhou, and Zhang Jun's closest nephew and son-in-law were both in the capital. Moreover, Yue Fei's eldest son, Yue Yun, was left in the military academy after his engagement. Looking at these things stacked together, it was inevitable that the central government's considerations in power struggles seemed too heavy.

But there was no choice.

Zhao Jiu himself certainly knew that Yue Fei wouldn't embezzle the warhorses, nor did he think that Zhang Jun would rebel and secede just because of this setback... Zhang Jun didn't have the courage or the ambition... But there was really no choice. Even if it was to show to outsiders, to reassure central officials and the common people, to prevent 'some scoundrels' from misjudging, this kind of behavior should be done appropriately.

Even with Zhao Jiu's understanding of Zhang Jun, it might be that Grand Commandant Zhang himself hoped that the imperial court would do this.

"Praying for blessings?"

The autumn wind rustled, and the sun shone warmly. Zhao Jiu had just returned from archery practice at the military academy and was practicing calligraphy in the pavilion when he suddenly turned his head. "Praying for blessings for whom?"

"For the Emperor, for the Empress Dowager, for the Imperial heir in the womb, and for the Great Song." Consort Pan, supporting her stomach, carefully responded. "Wasn't it on this day four years ago that the Emperor fell into the well? And the two Empress Dowagers returned, unwilling to show their faces easily. Outsiders only say that this concubine is unfilial. And the past incident of the Imperial heir's convulsions and early death often fills this concubine with regret. Today, I am pregnant again, and it is said to be an Imperial son, so I am a little uneasy... Therefore, this concubine wants to go to Mingdao Palace with the Emperor."

Zhao Jiu glanced at Consort Pan, his expression unchanged, but he was speechless in his heart. How could he not know that this Consort, although beautiful, fair-skinned, and fragrant, had a brain that was far inferior to the younger Wu Yu? This time, she must have been easily incited by someone because of key words such as Imperial heir and Empress.

According to Zhao Jiu's consistent style, he usually pretended to be confused about small matters and directly and decisively dispelled the other party's thoughts to deal with big matters... In fact, after hearing these words, Zhao Jiu instinctively wanted to reject this matter gently but firmly.

However, he raised his brush to write, about to refuse, but suddenly smiled: "Is it convenient for you to go to Mingdao Palace with your body?"

Consort Pan's face lit up with joy, and she immediately replied: "It is precisely because I want to go before my body becomes inconvenient."

"It's already very inconvenient." Zhao Jiu shook his head, then continued practicing calligraphy without stopping.

"Then... what about in the capital?" Consort Pan was clearly prepared and quickly said again: "No matter whether it's Buddhist or Taoist."

"There's no money, right?" Zhao Jiu sighed while practicing calligraphy. "The country needs money everywhere, and money must be used for proper affairs. Where does the money come from to hold religious ceremonies?"

"There's no need for the Emperor to pay for it," Consort Pan said without stopping for a moment. "Someone is willing to pay..."

Zhao Jiu nodded, not asking who was willing to pay, and directly said, "How much can they pay?"

"There's always about one hundred thousand strings of cash."

Zhao Jiu sighed: "That's about right."

Consort Pan was overjoyed for a moment.

"You can go with Consort Wu and have her raise another one or two hundred thousand strings of cash and hold a big ceremony." Zhao Jiu finally put down the brush in his hand and said seriously. "Do it at Yuetai."

Hearing this, Consort Pan was stunned, but she couldn't refuse and could only agree, then left supporting her slightly pregnant belly.

As soon as Consort Pan left, Zhao Jiu looked at Yang Yizhong: "Blue Great Official is not here, Zhenfu, take note and give it to him to handle."

"Yes."

"Send documents to Xiangguo Temple, Shaolin Temple, Lingjiu Temple, White Horse Temple, Yuquan Temple, Five Sacred Mountains Taoist Temple, Mingdao Palace... In short, any temples and Taoist temples that can reach the capital before the Mid-Autumn Festival, no matter where they are, tell them that I want to hold a proper grand religious ceremony, not the small religious ceremony to welcome the Empress Dowager in the palace before. Let them hand in money and people, limit nine temples and nine Taoist temples, and allow whoever hands in the most to come..."

Even though Yang Yizhong was knowledgeable, he was slightly stunned for a moment before nodding.

"Then, send a document to the Department of State Affairs, telling them that since the Shaoxing era, there have been rumors and slanders, and it has been chaotic for a while. It's time to get back on track. I want to sacrifice to the innocent dead and sacrificed officials and civilians since the Jingkang era, to make a conclusion. Let them prepare a large list."

"Also, let them quickly assign the tasks that need to be done in practice."

"Yes."

"Also, specifically remind the Ministry of Revenue to be prepared to issue a batch of special national debt in case of insufficient funds."

"Understood."

"Also, let Wang Yuan list the names of the war dead officers and soldiers for sacrifice together..."

"Yes."

"The various military commanders are exempt. Those who should go back should go back, and those who should be at ease in their places should be at ease. Don't run around."

"Yes."

"Have several Academicians of the Jade Hall prepare an article. The general idea is that the country has finally re-established itself to this point, and future battles will be offensive rather than defensive... The momentum should be high and should be linked to Dibao."

"Your subject understands."

"...Let the people from Mingdao Palace not come, but directly leave a spot for them."

"...Yes."

"That's all for now. Go and let me have some peace and quiet."

"...Yes."

ps: Routine sacrifice of a new book, "Yun Chao's Imperial Fortune Immortal Canon," an alternate history, empire-building, fortune dynasty flow. May change the title later to remove the first three words. Updates are stable, so you can read it with confidence. The system can be ignored... Interested students can take a look