Chapter 1228: Yang Chonggui of Yulin

Xiazhou, the Chief Commander's Office.

This was not only one of the three regional commissions that had become standing institutions, but also the military center of the vast Yulin Circuit. Unlike other places, in a frontier circuit like Yulin, the military command was the foremost of the three commissions, its actual influence far exceeding that of the Administration Commission.

This was a special military-political situation brought about by special geography and local conditions, and among the various frontier regions, it was hardly unusual. In these places, the role of military force was clearly magnified, serving as the greatest guarantee for protecting the borders, reassuring the people, and maintaining public order.

The other circuits of the northwest, such as Hexi and Longyou, were in much the same situation. However, on the Hexi side, Administration Commissioner Lu Duoxun was a formidable man—a court official who also shuttled between east and west, having devoted himself to northwestern affairs for over a decade. His prestige, ability, and political skill were all extraordinary, and he firmly grasped power, exercising his administrative talents without hindrance.

On the Longyou side, Administration Commissioner Lei Dexiang was likewise a fierce-tempered official, and a former chief of the State Finance Commission. With such credentials, the authority of the Administration Commission was guaranteed. Within the scope of his authority, no one else could presume to interfere.

Only on the Yulin side was the military commander-in-chief none other than the Son of Heaven's right hand, a famed general of the Great Han, and the newly enfeoffed Commandery Duke—Yang Ye. A series of halos adorned him, making Yang Ye the single most powerful man in the Yulin Circuit at present.

However, Yang Ye was not a man who coveted power and position. His personal character and integrity had long been respected by others, and he did not bully others through his influence. Administration Commissioner Wu Tingzuo was also a meritorious figure in securing the northwest frontier—versed in both civil and military affairs, with deep prestige and experience. Between the two, their cooperation was reasonably harmonious.

One could see from Emperor Liu's appointments that he had devoted considerable thought to the matter. In a region of complex circumstances like the northwest, achieving a high degree of separation between military and civil authority was clearly impossible. Thus he could only deliberate carefully in appointing officials and dispatching generals, striving to balance military and civil power.

In the interior circuits, due to prolonged peace, slackness was inevitable among the troops, and many garrison forces had gradually degenerated into mediocrity. Although the Bureau of Military Affairs was still making efforts in army building—particularly emphasizing ideological and spiritual training in coordination with the Pacification Commission—the overall trend was somewhat difficult to stem.

On the Yulin side, as one might expect, it was completely different from the interior. Military strength was formidable, and the martial spirit ran deep. The guards stationed at the Chief Commander's Office were imposing and solemn, exuding a fierce temperament—clearly elite soldiers who had undergone trials of life and death.

Inside the main hall, the furnishings were simple and plain, everything visible at a glance. Apart from the official desk, chairs, and other administrative items, there were no other conspicuous decorations—clean and straightforward, as if echoing the style of its master.

The most imposing thing was probably the wide official desk, upon which various documents were neatly arranged. The most eye-catching item, however, was the clearly marked map of Yulin hanging on the wall. The defensive deployments of all the cities, towns, passes, and frontier armies under the Yulin Circuit were all indicated on the map.

Because it involved military secrets, this was the most tightly guarded place in the entire office. If an outsider trespassed, the guards would act according to the situation—at the least, detain them; in serious cases, they could draw their blades and kill on the spot.

Yang Ye was buried in paperwork, his face wearing a bitter expression, as if he had encountered some difficult problem. He was, after all, a battlefield warrior, not a man of letters. Now that he was in charge of a circuit's military affairs, much of the time he had to set aside his armor, pick up a writing brush, and handle documents—for him, this was quite taxing.

Compared to his earlier postings at Yanmen Pass and in the imperial army, there was far more to worry about now—from public security, garrison defense, and training to equipment and logistics. Every aspect of military-administrative management required his personal oversight.

However, even with trivial matters weighing on him, duty was duty. Though sometimes overwhelmed, Yang Ye remained diligent and conscientious, never slacking. A commander was not someone who merely knew how to march and fight. In terms of the big picture, Yang Ye had his shortcomings, but through years of rich experience, he was evolving into a true commander.

At the same time, regarding Emperor Liu's cultivation of him and the expectations placed upon him, Yang Ye, beyond his gratitude, could only devote himself wholeheartedly and not disappoint the Emperor's hopes.

While Yang Ye was concentrating on reviewing documents, a sturdy figure appeared in the hall, taking large strides, his very movement carrying a chilling wind.

The clinking of armor plates rang clearly through the silent hall. Hearing the sound, Yang Ye looked up, his stern face immediately softening into a smile: "Zhongbao has returned!"

The newcomer was named Wang Shenqi, currently holding the post of General of Xiazhou—a military position established according to local conditions, and a weighty post at the local level. In the Yulin Circuit, besides commanding the garrison forces of the Xia-Sui region, the General of Xiazhou's primary duty was to pacify and control the various Tangut tribes.

Wang Shenqi was also a famed general. Having served in the army for over twenty years, he had spent most of his time guarding the frontiers. Though he had no particularly outstanding battle achievements, the saying "the skilled warrior has no dazzling feats" was precisely about him.

During the northern expedition years ago, he had led the Feihu Army into battle, serving under Zhao Kuangyin in the attack on Wei Prefecture, where he earned military merit. After the war, he was transferred to the imperial army and appointed Chief Commander of the Fengguo Army under the Imperial Guard Command.

When titles were conferred in the Kaibao era, he was granted the title of Marquis of Neihuang. After the Dingnan Army was subdued, he was transferred to the Yulin Circuit to coordinate with Yang Ye in managing military affairs. Just as Emperor Liu had placed veteran generals Wang Yansheng and Guo Jin in Hexi, on the Yulin side, with Yang Ye and Wang Shenqi, the intent—and the target—was clear enough.

Yang Ye and Wang Shenqi had shared the experience of jointly garrisoning Yanmen, and their cooperation was all the more seamless. Their relationship, in fact, traced back even earlier to when Yang Ye was stationed at Tong Pass—to a certain extent, Yang Ye could be considered the benefactor of Wang Shenqi's military career.

"Yang Gong is still handling military affairs?" Wang Shenqi looked at Yang Ye, who sat upright behind the desk, and said with a light smile. He knew well how much his old comrade-in-arms suffered in handling these matters.

Hearing this, Yang Ye put down his brush, shook out his aching hand, closed the document, and said: "No matter how tedious, it must be handled. Winter is approaching, and the weather grows colder by the day, yet the soldiers' winter clothing has not been fully distributed. Just now, Shunhua Fort sent its request up to me—five hundred garrison troops need clothing, bedding, firewood, charcoal, grain, and weapons all replenished!"

Shunhua Fort, located at the bend where the Yellow River turns north, was established during the northern expedition when Shi Hongzhao led troops expanding northward. On the return march, troops were left behind to build the fort and garrison it. It had been maintained ever since, with its establishment raised to five hundred men. By now, it had effectively become a supplement to the Tiande Army's eastern garrison—an important force in defending the northern border of the Yulin Circuit.

As Chief Commander, Yang Ye's jurisdiction covered not only local garrison forces but also several frontier armies. All the military forces in Yulin combined totaled over twenty-seven thousand men—a veritable devourer of the court's finances.

Wang Shenqi stopped before the map, looked at it, and said: "It's time for new equipment. The soldiers endure hardship guarding the frontier, and Shunhua Fort is especially remote—once winter sets in, it becomes an isolated fortress in a desolate land. While the weather hasn't deteriorated yet, supplies should be replenished as soon as possible!"

Yang Ye nodded, rose, and said: "I've already issued my approval. Supply distribution will prioritize the northern garrison forts, then the other frontier armies, and finally the city and town garrisons. However, after inspecting the warehouses, I fear the stores may be insufficient—I'll need to request assistance from the Ministry of War!"

"Surely Wu Gong can lend some assistance?" Wang Shenqi suggested.

Yang Ye shook his head: "Wu Gong has his own difficulties. We only need to manage these twenty-odd thousand soldiers, but he has to look after several hundred thousand people in Yulin!"

With such awareness on Yang Ye's part, how could he and Wu Tingzuo fail to get along well.

Rubbing his hands together, Yang Ye took the kettle from the charcoal stove and personally poured water for Wang Shenqi. Tea was brewing in the kettle, and its fragrance immediately filled the air.

"How did your inspection tour go?" Yang Ye asked.

Wang Shenqi had just returned from leading a patrol of the Tangut tribes. At the question, he took a sip of tea and replied: "I visited all the major tribes. These Tangut people are fairly well-behaved. With winter approaching, they're all busy trading and stockpiling goods for the cold season—no mind for anything else!"

"That's good to hear!" Yang Ye's expression relaxed, but his tone suddenly turned stern: "When the imperial carriage arrives, we must still keep a close watch on these Tangut tribes!"

Although under his years of governance most Tangut people had become submissive, yielding to the Great Han's rule and accepting official administration, to say they were completely won over and all was peaceful—that was merely official propaganda.

The Tangut people were nearly the majority ethnicity within the Yulin Circuit. As long as the Tangut caused no trouble, Yulin would remain stable.