Chapter 553: Fight with Exhilarating Abandon

Wang Dou led his commanders to Songshanbao; the various officials and generals had already arrived.

A portly middle-aged man wearing a three-peaked hat and a four-clawed python robe, his face like a Maitreya Buddha, was smiling as he spoke with Wang Chengen, Zhang Ruoqi, Hong Chengchou, and others — it was none other than the angel Wang Dehua, the Seal-holding Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Not far from him stood a number of eunuchs and Embroidered Uniform Guard, each with an arrogant bearing, dressed in tieli or yesa robes of gorgeous silk, red or green, their embroidered-spring sabers hung with blue sheath-skirts adorned with rows of silken tassels, dazzling to the eye.

Seeing Wang Dou arrive, Wang Dehua fixed him with a meaningful look for a moment, then drawled, "Proclaim the imperial edict."

The incense table was set, the officials knelt to listen, and Wang Dehua intoned in cadenced chant, reading out the contents of the yellow-silk edict. Wang Dou listened quietly below — sure enough, it was an order to press the advance and seek a decisive battle with the slaves as soon as possible. What surprised Wang Dou was the Chongzhen Emperor's lavish bestowal of titles and promotions, especially the rewards for himself and Yang Guozhu.

He had originally been Loyal and Valiant Count, General Who Conquers the Caitiffs, Left Chief Commissioner, Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and Regional Commander of the Xuanfu Garrison Militia Corps. Now he was advanced a step further: granted Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, enfeoffed as General Who Guards the North, and appointed Regional Commander of Xuanfu Garrison. The former Regional Commander of Xuanfu Garrison, General Who Guards the North Yang Guozhu, was granted Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, enfeoffed as General Who Guards the North, appointed Regional Commander of Ji Garrison, and further enfeoffed as Loyal and Chaste Count.

This was the second military officer of the late Ming to receive a count's title. Originally, among all the garrisons, there were only two general titles bearing the character "Guard": General Who Guards the North and General Who Guards the West. The Chongzhen Emperor, with painstaking intent, created yet another — General Who Guards the North — making it appear far earlier than the General Who Guards the East title that Qin Liangyu received historically.

This time the Emperor was also very generous: besides vigorously commending the participating governors and senior generals, he also bestowed money and goods. Even the military merit rewards for the common soldiers from the Battle of Huangtuling were issued together — for every head taken, in addition to a substantive promotion of one rank, each soldier was also rewarded with thirty taels of silver.

Faced with such large-scale rewards, every kneeling official and general below listened with dancing brows and blooming hearts. And, beyond this...

"... Loyal and Valiant Count, General Who Guards the North Wang Dou, being truly able to overcome the enemy and achieve victory, with outstanding meritorious service, is hereby appointed Grand Commander of the Reinforcement and Suppression Forces, with authority over the Liaodong troops and participation in strategic planning. Loyal and Chaste Count, General Who Guards the North Yang Guozhu shall assist him as Vice Grand Commander. Hong Chengchou, Wang Dou, Yang Guozhu, and Zhang Ruoqi, each of you shall diligently prepare and coordinate to exterminate the slaves, so as to fulfill this commission."

Hong Chengchou lay prostrate on the ground, his expression complicated. Now, not to mention status, even in military appointment, Wang Dou stood on equal footing with him.

Although at this time military officers could also broadly participate in the civil officials' strategic planning (unless they lacked strategic ability), it still depended on whom they were dealing with. Encountering an arrogant high-ranking civil official, he could well ignore those martial fellows' opinions on critical military matters. But with these words from the Emperor, Wang Dou's participation in strategy was now fully legitimate.

He could also command and direct the Liaodong troops. Although after Jin Guofeng, Liaodong had a special rule — when the Regional Commander, Provincial Governor, Eunuch, and Military Defense Circuit were stationed together in one city, the Regional Commander commanded the troops — yet to command the entire Liaodong army, a power previously held only by Hong Chengchou, now had Wang Dou added to it.

It seemed the Emperor's resolve was great, and he was no fool. Though pressing for a decisive battle, he still did everything possible to increase the front line's odds of victory. Having Wang Dou, whose prestige in marching and fighting was thunderous, command the troops and participate in planning greatly increased those odds.

Wang Dehua chanted in cadence for a long while, and finally said: "... If you, my ministers, can truly slay the slaves and achieve merit, spurring on the defeat of the enemy, I shall certainly not stint on generous rewards. Thus decreed!"

Wang Dou said, "Your servant, Regional Commander of Xuanfu Wang Dou, kowtows in gratitude for the Heavenly grace."

The assembly cried out in unison: "Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand upon ten thousand years!"

After Yang Guozhu rose, he was beside himself with joy, too moved to speak. When the news spread, the officers and men of the Border-Pacifying Army were even more overjoyed. Their Grand General had finally been substantively appointed as Regional Commander of an entire garrison, not merely a circuit Regional Commander as before. The Border-Pacifying Army would once again welcome vigorous development.

Moreover, General Who Guards the North was the highest hereditary title for a military officer, only a step away from Grand General.

After proclaiming the imperial edict, Wang Dehua's stern expression shifted, and he resumed his smiling, Maitreya Buddha-like appearance. He came before Wang Dou and said with a smile, "I hear the Loyal and Valiant Count's birthday is in the eleventh month, and you are not yet thirty? Truly a great talent of the nation. I am endlessly admiring."

Wang Dou knew that Wang Dehua held high rank and great power. In the historical seventeenth year of Chongzhen, he was even ordered to oversee all internal and external armies. Moreover, he was on good terms with Chen Xinjia, so Wang Dou deliberately cultivated their acquaintance as well.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Wang Dehua said with a smile, "Whenever I was in the palace, I constantly heard His Majesty praise the Loyal and Valiant Count without cease. After the Jinzhou affair is settled, perhaps a marquisate lies just before your eyes. A marquis not yet thirty — the envy of all. I offer my premature congratulations."

Wang Dou's heart stirred, and he smiled faintly. "I accept Eunuch's auspicious words."

As the two spoke, everyone nearby pricked up their ears, each face bearing a complicated expression. A marquisate?

A tide of people surged forward to congratulate Wang Dou and Yang Guozhu. Yang Guozhu's eyes brimmed with hot tears. He said to Wang Dou, "The imperial grace is vast and boundless. As subjects, we can only swear to requite the nation with our deaths. Guoqin, you and I shall forever safeguard the Great Ming, assist the Sage Emperor, and restore peace to all under Heaven."

Wang Dou looked at this old general, his expression solemn. "I am willing to fight alongside Marshal Yang and restore peace to all under Heaven!"

The two clasped hands and laughed heartily.

And in the hearts of both Wang Dou and Yang Guozhu, they each breathed a sigh of relief without prior agreement. Had they remained together in Xuan Garrison, two tigers contending would inevitably leave one wounded. The present outcome could not be better.

Originally, they had thought that transferring Yang Guozhu to Ji Garrison would require untold hardships. They had not expected such an ideal result.

Wang Dou added with even greater gravity, "Marshal Yang, please take your fifteen thousand troops with you without reservation. I will also watch over and protect the new army's farmland, and will not permit anyone to lay a finger on a single inch of it!"

Returning to the main camp, the commanders of the Border-Pacifying Army were still immersed in joy. Xie Yike was practically leaping and cheering: "Wonderful! The Grand General has been invested with the seal of General Who Guards the North and substantively commands a garrison. Now, many more people are going to be promoted."

Zhao Xuan's eyes were also shining: "How many registered households, how much farmland in all of Xuanfu? The money and grain will be several times that of the Eastern Circuit. With more grain and wealth then, our Border-Pacifying Army can build an even larger cannon battalion!"

Wen Daxing also said joyfully, "Intelligence has come that Lord Ji will serve as Supreme Commander of Xuan-Da, and the Grand General is reappointed as Regional Commander of Xuanfu. This is double happiness arriving at our door."

A few days ago, along with news of the roving bandits, Wang Dou had received intelligence that the Supreme Commander of Xuan-Da, Zhang Fuzhen, had again requested resignation, and the Chongzhen Emperor had approved it, intending to appoint Wang Dou's father-in-law, Ji Shiwei, as Supreme Commander of Xuan-Da. Simultaneously, the Grand Eunuch Du Xun would be transferred to serve as Garrison Eunuch of Xuanfu, and Zhu Zhifeng as Provincial Governor of Xuanfu — both were famous figures in history.

Xie Yike added with a cheeky grin, "Let me say this first: I'm only staying in the Elite Scout Battalion. I won't take the post of Eastern Circuit Regional Commander when the time comes."

The Chongzhen Emperor also knew that the Eastern Circuit was Wang Dou's foundation, so the edict had subtly indicated that the candidate for Eastern Circuit Regional Commander could be recommended by Wang Dou.

The commanders all laughed, and Wang Dou himself couldn't help but chuckle, scolding with a smile, "In your dreams. Rash and impetuous as you are, you think you can substantively command a circuit?"

In contrast to the commanders' joy, the Strategy Advisor Qin Yi remained silent. He was dressed just like Advisor Wen, in a fitted cyan robe, a fine sword at his waist, wearing a futou cap, with a short-sleeved overcoat outside his cyan robe — possessing both the refined elegance of a scholar and the martial bearing of a warrior.

Suddenly, he let out a long sigh. Zhong Xiancai looked at him curiously: "Why does Advisor Qin sigh?"

Qin Yi said, "The Grand General's achievements overshadow the sovereign. His Majesty has already begun to harbor suspicion. If this student's prediction is not wrong, after the Jinzhou campaign, the Grand General will certainly be shelved and find it difficult to go on campaign again."

The atmosphere in the tent instantly chilled. Wang Dou also fell silent.

After a long while, Wen Daxing said angrily, "The Grand General's merits are known to all under Heaven. Could it be that the Emperor intends to play the trick of killing the hounds once the rabbits are gone, or putting away the bow once the birds are finished?"

Xie Yike also cried out, "I've only seen such tricks in opera scripts. If the Emperor truly does this, won't it chill the hearts of all soldiers under Heaven?"

Zhong Xiancai said indignantly, "Didn't we reach this point without relying on the Emperor? Suspicion or not, whom does our Border-Pacifying Army have to fear?"

Han Chao said coolly, "The Great Ming is beset with internal troubles and external threats. Can this realm do without the Grand General? If trouble arises, won't it still need the Grand General to step forward and turn the tide?"

The Provost Chi Dacheng suddenly said, "No matter what, this humble officer will simply remain within the Border-Pacifying Army and go nowhere else."

To most people, Chi Dacheng was a diehard conservative. No one expected him to be the first to stand up and declare his stance, and all were surprised.

Zhong Diaoyang said steadily, "Advisor Qin, what do you think the Emperor will do?"

Qin Yi smiled faintly. "The generals have misunderstood. The situation has not yet deteriorated to that degree. Although His Majesty is wary of our tens of thousands of troops, there will be no overt moves. At most, he will put the Grand General in cold storage, confined within Xuanfu Garrison. If this student's prediction is not wrong, a marquisate will be the Grand General's ceiling."

He analyzed, "Merit overshadows the sovereign; the subject is strong and the ruler weak. The Emperor is suspicious and fearful, yet dares not transfer him away from his garrison, lest it provoke a mutiny. The only course is to deny him opportunities to go on campaign and earn merit, letting him slowly fade from the world's eyes, and then deal with him gradually."

He said, "Our Border-Pacifying Army is the strongest army under Heaven. Every time the Grand General goes on campaign, military merits flow without end. In the end, when there are no more rewards left to give, the only option is to shelve him."

He said, "This time, because of the Grand General's achievements, the Emperor had no choice but to substantively grant him a garrison and add the seal of General Who Guards the North. However, you must also see that the Emperor has also lavishly rewarded Yang Guozhu and even enfeoffed him as a count. This serves, first, as a check and balance, and second, even more, as a sign of intent to replace our Border-Pacifying Army with the new army of Ji Garrison."

Wen Daxing sneered. "Replace? In this world, who can replace our Border-Pacifying Army?"

Wang Dou drew a deep breath. My heart was set towards the bright moon, yet the moon shines only on the ditch.

He still had faith in Qin Yi's vision and strategic insight. Having reached this position, it was no longer a matter concerning him alone, but also the tens of thousands of officers and men under his command, and the hundreds of thousands of commoners — all of whom trusted and relied on him. He could not betray their expectations.

From outside the tent, songs and joyful shouts could be faintly heard — those were his subordinate officers and men, celebrating for him.

He said coldly, "According to Advisor Qin's analysis, what path should our Xuan Garrison take from now on?"

Qin Yi bowed with solemn ceremony. "I recall that several years ago, this student presented the strategy beyond the frontier! The Grand General should stockpile grain, cultivate his reputation, and build up cavalry forces. Within, forge bonds of grace with Xuan, Da, and the Three Jin. When the day comes that the realm is leaderless and the world falls into darkness, with one clarion call from the General, the people of the world will surely follow, forming a momentum as irresistible as water cascading from a high rooftop!"

Wang Dou declared, "Good! We shall follow the Mister's counsel."

He swept his gaze over the assembled commanders and said slowly, "The Emperor's edict has arrived, urging the army to force a decisive battle as soon as possible. What do you all think?"

Xie Yike clenched his fists fiercely, forcing the words out through gritted teeth one by one: "Fight. Let's fight."

Zhao Xuan said excitedly, "A decisive battle — let's fight! I want to bombard the enemy chieftain again, haha!"

Han Chao nodded emphatically. "Great General, the time for a decisive battle with the eastern slaves has come!"

Zhong Xiancai waved his own fist, his gaze fixed on Wang Dou's face. "Great General, let's fight. It's no great matter. Who does our Jingbian Army have to fear?"

Wen Daxing said fiercely, "Great General, let us fight the Tatars to the death. Even if we die, it's no great matter..."

The voices of the commanders echoed in Wang Dou's ears. His gaze suddenly became immeasurably deep. Countless memories flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern — Han Chao, Yang Tong, Lu Xiangsheng, Chen An...

Indeed — how can a true man's conduct be ruled by timidity and hesitation? Without realizing it, he had already begun harboring thoughts of preserving his strength, yet he had overlooked his subordinates' feelings. They only wanted to fight, pure and simple — they yearned for a battle fought with utter abandon.

He stretched out his hand. A ray of sunlight fell upon it. He slowly recited: "Fifty years a man dwells in this world; I descend like morning dew upon the human realm. Life is like a dream, and like an illusion..."

Shenzhou is shrouded in calamity, its mountains and rivers shattered — yet though thousands stand against me, I go forth!

No matter what the days ahead may bring, here on this land of Liaodong today, let me strive with all my might once more — cast everything aside, and fight with utter abandon!