Chapter 1124: Go Forth, Yang Wudi!

"Fine shooting!"

Within the palace grounds, Yang Ye, Deputy Commander of the Palace Command, gave a hearty praise, offering a positive assessment of Emperor Liu's archery. As for Emperor Liu, he shook his sore arm, looked at the arrow lodged dead-center in the target thirty paces away, and a smile spread across his face.

Since having leisure time, Emperor Liu had practiced archery more often. Though he lacked exceptional talent, diligence could compensate for shortcomings, and he had indeed made progress. Now, he could shoot from thirty paces and maintain a certain accuracy—a notable improvement. Of course, thirty paces converted to roughly thirty-six meters.

Compared to those divine archers in the army who could loose arrows without missing from seventy or eighty paces out, there was simply no comparison. However, Emperor Liu's goal was not about shooting far or accurately; he enjoyed the process of training and the progress he made.

"You needn't flatter me. After all these years of practice, my archery remains mediocre—hardly worth mentioning!" Liu Chengyou smiled at Yang Ye. "Having you generals and marshals accompany me in archery practice must be rather dull, isn't it?"

Over the years, Emperor Liu would from time to time summon ministers and generals into the palace to chat, dine, ride horses, and shoot arrows with him. Winning over meritorious officials and fostering closeness was something he had long persisted in. As a senior general of the imperial army, Yang Ye was a frequent guest at Liu Chengyou's side.

Plucking the bowstring and listening to its pleasant twang, Emperor Liu set down the bow, turned and sat down, taking the silk handkerchief handed over by a palace eunuch to wipe the fine sweat from his brow. Seeing this, Yang Ye also stopped his movements, stepped forward, and said with feeling: "Your Majesty need not belittle yourself. With the realm so vast, and with Your Majesty's wisdom in employing men, should there be foes or fierce beasts, there will always be soldiers to shoot them down for Your Majesty!"

"Excellent!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu beamed with delight, looking at his beloved general and saying: "Truly worthy of the name Yang Wudi—those words are stirring! It is precisely because of brave and resourceful men like you that I can sit securely upon the dragon throne and behold the realm at peace!"

"It is also because Your Majesty is wise and enlightened that worthy ministers and fierce warriors can display their wisdom and valor, guarding Your Majesty's domain within and without!" Yang Ye said.

"You've gained much insight during these years in the capital!" Emperor Liu laughed.

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's promotion and cultivation!" Yang Ye said.

"Enough! Let us not dwell on such modest words!" Emperor Liu looked at Yang Ye and said: "You are thirty-five years old now, are you not?"

"Indeed I am!" Yang Ye was slightly taken aback—why would the Emperor take an interest in his age? Surely he wasn't implying he was too old.

Noticing his expression, Emperor Liu gestured for him to sit and said with a hint of reminiscence: "I have often been recalling the past lately, and I cannot help but think of those days in Jinyang. I still remember that meal back then. One meal, in exchange for a great general renowned throughout the realm—worth it!"

Emperor Liu's words were still filled with praise and affection for Yang Ye. Yang Ye replied: "Your Majesty flatters me. To be able to follow an enlightened lord and render meritorious service is also my honor."

"Someone told me that a general of Yang Ye's caliber ought to be deployed at the frontiers—to protect the state and awe the barbarians—and that keeping him bound in the capital is a waste of his talents. What do you think?" Emperor Liu continued.

Who had said this to Emperor Liu mattered little; what mattered was that Yang Ye discerned the Emperor's intent—there seemed to be a thought of employing him beyond the capital. He immediately clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty's trust, entrusting me with high command of the imperial army, moves me to tears of gratitude. Should Your Majesty wish to take up arms, I am willing to ride as Your Majesty's vanguard, sparing no effort!"

What Emperor Liu admired about Yang Ye was precisely this kind of loyalty and heroic spirit.

Looking at him, he asked: "In your view, if we were to take up arms, where should we strike?"

Seeing the Emperor's expression, Yang Ye also grew serious and replied: "The only foe worthy of being called a great enemy at present is the Khitan—the state of Liao!"

"Do you think that if I were to launch another northern campaign, would the time be right?" Liu Chengyou asked directly, as if it were a real possibility.

After a moment's thought, Yang Ye answered earnestly: "If we were to unleash the might of Han cavalry, ride rampant beyond the northern frontier, break their tribes, plunder their cattle and horses, and return—that would be easy. But if we wish to destroy their state, extinguish their dynasty, and carry off their sovereign and ministers—forgive me for speaking plainly—the time has not yet come, and the Great Han's preparations are insufficient!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu showed a satisfied expression and said: "I thought you would directly advise me to attack Liao!"

Yang Ye replied with a solemn countenance: "I would indeed gladly drive deep for Your Majesty to break the enemy, but matters of state and military are ultimately not contests of passion—they must not be taken lightly!"

Looking at Yang Ye, who stood before him confident, composed, and answering fluently, Emperor Liu felt a surge of emotion. The Yang Ye of now had truly grown into an outstanding general capable of shouldering great responsibilities.

"I shall not beat around the bush!" Waving his hand, Liu Chengyou said: "I do indeed intend to employ you!"

"Please give your command, Your Majesty!" Yang Ye rose at once and bowed.

"No need for such formality!" Emperor Liu bade him sit again, then said: "For the northern campaign against Liao, I will certainly use you. However, as you said, the time has not yet come. First, let us test the blade on a small scale—I want you to go to the northwest and take the Xia-Sui region!"

"Has Your Majesty finally decided to move against the Dingnan Army?" Yang Ye's eyes shone with a strange brilliance, visibly stirred.

"When a foreign object lodges in the flesh, if left for long, the skin will fester and rot—ruining the entire body!" Emperor Liu made an analogy before revealing the true reason for mobilizing troops: "I have just received word that Li Yiyin has died of illness in his residence. I have already issued an edict summoning Li Guangrui to the capital to escort the coffin..."

Since the twelfth year of Qianyou, when Li Yiyin entered the capital, he had been detained in Kaifeng ever since—seven years had passed in the blink of an eye. For Li Yiyin, those seven years were torment. Though he was well-fed and well-treated, he had no freedom whatsoever, and the restrictions did not loosen with the passage of time—they only grew stricter.

As for Li Yiyin, he had been ill for many years. Emperor Liu had originally thought he would not last long, but unexpectedly, he lingered on, sick but not dying, until this fourth year of Kaibao, when he finally died in his residence.

With Li Yiyin dead, and Emperor Liu having long wished to resolve the Dingnan Army problem, he decided to put his plan into action. The men chosen for the task were Wang You, Judicial Commissioner of Guannei, for civil affairs, and Yang Ye for military matters.

Understanding the Emperor's intentions, Yang Ye pondered for a moment and said: "I fear Li Guangrui will not dare come to the Eastern Capital!"

"Of course he won't dare!" Emperor Liu affirmed. "But if he defies the edict and does not come, he is both disloyal to me and unfilial to his father. Thus, the court will have just cause to send troops—a righteous campaign against the unrighteous. When that time comes, I shall see just how many in the Dingnan Army and among the Tangut will stand with him!"

Seeing Emperor Liu lay out his scheme so casually, Yang Ye could not help but feel even greater awe. This kind of open stratagem—this familiar feeling—Emperor Liu had employed it all too often over the years.

He voiced his flattery: "Your Majesty strategizes from within the tent and is sure to win victories a thousand li away!"

"Haha!" Liu Chengyou chuckled twice and said: "Here in the Eastern Capital, how could I truly decide affairs a thousand li away? Military matters must rely on the soldiers at the front!"

His smile fading, Liu Chengyou said to Yang Ye: "For this campaign against Xia-Sui, I do not intend to mobilize heavily. I will use the garrison troops of Yan, Yan, Feng, and Sheng prefectures, along with the Guannei command, totaling thirty thousand troops. You will serve as Pacification Commissioner, commanding all forces—any problems?"

Yang Ye said confidently: "The Dingnan Army holds little territory and is militarily weak—pacifying it will not be difficult!"

Pausing, Yang Ye glanced at Emperor Liu and added: "However, the Tangut are numerous. If they stubbornly resist alongside the Li clan, there will surely be obstacles!"

"The court has managed affairs for many years, and it has not been without effect—dividing and winning over, binding through interests—these have proven effective!" Emperor Liu said calmly. "Still, those not of our kind are bound to harbor different hearts, and no doubt there will be no shortage of stubborn ones. I have only one requirement of you: those who surrender live, those who refuse to submit die—that is all!"

Toward the Tangut, Emperor Liu was now full of confidence, utterly unafraid of them causing trouble.