Chapter 137: The Reorganization

Liu Chengyou was very obedient and acted quite at ease. When told to rest and recuperate, he honestly stayed in his residence, easing the fatigue and pressure of half a year of military campaigning, behaving very properly.

Setting aside all military and political matters, he spent his days in the residence reading, practicing calligraphy, training in martial arts, and enriching himself—just as he had in Jinyang. Every morning and evening he went to the palace to pay his respects to his mother, Empress Dowager Li, then returned to the residence as usual. Occasionally he flirted with Lady Geng, and he even reclaimed a plot in the residence's garden, tearing out the original flowers and plants to plant some vegetables. It was quite leisurely—at least on the surface.

But in secret, Liu Chengyou never relaxed his attention for a moment on court politics, state affairs, the capital region, or even the situation across the realm.

In the early morning, while the dawn light was still hazy and the mist had not yet fully dispersed, Liu Chengyou was already in Renming Hall, paying his respects to Lady Li. Inside the hall was the usual scene of maternal kindness and filial piety.

"Come, try this—does it fit?" Lady Li personally brought out a brocade robe and helped Liu Chengyou put it on.

Liu Chengyou displayed a humble and filial demeanor, letting Lady Li fuss over him. Knowing that Liu Chengyou preferred plain colors, Lady Li had deliberately chosen a gray brocade, embroidered with silver-white patterns of mountains, seas, flowers, and birds—quite exquisite.

"Your Highness, these patterns were embroidered by Her Ladyship herself, stitch by stitch," a female attendant serving nearby said to Liu Chengyou.

"A loving mother's thread in hand." Hearing this, Liu Chengyou immediately flattered Lady Li: "Mother is truly skillful and ingenious. Your craftsmanship is simply divine."

Lady Li couldn't help but roll her eyes at Liu Chengyou. By now, she was used to his sweet talk. She stepped back two paces to look at the overall effect, then furrowed her phoenix brows: "It's a bit too big. Take it off, and I'll alter it again."

"No need—it fits perfectly." Liu Chengyou stretched his arms and said softly, "In another year, it'll be snug."

"Breakfast is ready," a palace eunuch came to report.

Liu Chengyou clasped his fists toward Lady Li: "I deliberately didn't eat breakfast, so I'll be mooching another meal off you."

"Your bowl and chopsticks were prepared long ago." Lady Li reached out and gently tapped Liu Chengyou's forehead.

After a bowl of porridge went down, Lady Li glanced at Liu Chengyou with her phoenix eyes and asked in a somewhat casual tone: "How have you been resting these past few days at the residence?"

Liu Chengyou replied: "Very well. I've fully shed the fatigue of campaigning."

"His Majesty has told you to rest, so rest well. Don't be anxious or let your heart grow heavy. The state has just been established, and a hundred things await renewal. You and your father must join forces to build it up..."

Hearing Lady Li say this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but raise his head and look at her in surprise. He saw that on his mother's dignified, elegant face, her expression was natural, with a gentle smile at the corners of her lips, yet those loving eyes held a certain depth.

"Yes!" Swallowing the pastry in his mouth, Liu Chengyou replied softly. But in his heart, he couldn't help wondering—was this his mother's own idea, or was she sent by Liu Zhiyuan to soothe him?

After taking his leave of Lady Li, someone arrived from Chuigong Hall—Liu Zhiyuan was summoning him. Liu Chengyou went along, and on the way, he encountered Liu Chengxun, who had also been summoned.

The two brothers exchanged greetings and a few pleasantries. Liu Chengyou looked at Liu Chengxun and asked: "Elder Brother, how is your health?"

The autumn morning was indeed cool, with a chilly wind blowing—though not cold enough to warrant such measures. But Liu Chengxun was wrapped in a thick robe, even covering his head, as if he couldn't bear the wind.

Liu Chengxun's physical condition was clearly not good. An unnatural flush spread across his fair, handsome face. He tightened his robe and forced a smile as he replied: "Nothing serious—just an ordinary injury. After taking the medicine the imperial physician prescribed, I've already improved considerably."

Observing Liu Chengxun's expression, Liu Chengyou furrowed his brow slightly and reminded him: "Elder Brother, don't overexert yourself. The matter of the refugees can be delegated to lower-ranking officials. There's no need for you to toil and rush about so hard."

"It's fine." Liu Chengxun waved his hand.

These days, Liu Chengxun had been busy almost entirely with handling the refugee problem in the capital region. He had obtained a certain degree of support from Liu Zhiyuan, designating an area in Zhengzhou for official farming colonies. He had also recommended the former State Finance Commissioner Liu Shenjiao as Prefect of Zhengzhou and concurrently Agricultural Commissioner, responsible for implementing the policy.

This time, Liu Chengxun had indeed chosen the right man. Liu Shenjiao was past seventy, but the old man only grew firmer with age, and his administrative talents were outstanding. In this chaotic era, whenever he handled affairs, he showed compassion and managed things well, earning praise from both officials and commoners. With Liu Shenjiao implementing the matter, it proceeded very smoothly and in an orderly fashion. Even in difficult times, having such an honest, fair, and benevolent old man as an example helped soothe the people's hearts.

As for Liu Chengxun, he devoted himself wholly to the matter, occasionally even personally traveling west to Zhengzhou to inspect the situation. Seeing results there, he had reportedly already begun planning for other regions. It seemed Liu Chengxun was somewhat impatient.

Seeing that Liu Chengxun didn't seem to take his advice to heart, Liu Chengyou didn't press further. Falling half a step behind, the two walked together, and he casually asked: "Elder Brother, do you know what Father wishes to discuss with us?"

Liu Chengxun turned his head to glance at Liu Chengyou, his eyes flickering slightly. He coughed twice and said in an uncertain tone: "It should be about reorganizing the army."

Recently, the Han court's military and political affairs centered on two matters: first, the transfer of the various military governors, and second, the reorganization of the imperial army. The governor transfers were still under discussion—who to move, when to move them—not particularly urgent. But the reorganization of the imperial army was a matter at hand. Indeed, only after the imperial army was rectified could the Han court free up energy to adjust the regional garrisons.

In Chuigong Hall, Commissioner of Military Affairs Yang Bin, Deputy Commissioner Guo Wei, State Finance Commissioner Wang Zhang, and the commander of the imperial army, Shi Hongzhao, were all present. Liu Zhiyuan was reviewing the final reorganization plan while Shi Hongzhao personally reported to him.

"The cavalry and infantry under the Imperial Guard Command shall, following precedent, establish the Husheng and Fengguo armies, with each army subdivided into cavalry and infantry units. Of the various armies of the previous dynasty—the Guangrui and Sandutou armies—these two shall be maintained. The rest, such as the Xingguo, Weishun, Zhongwei, Xingshun, Crossbow Hand, and Zongshun armies, whose ranks are underfilled and whose officers are left vacant, shall all be disbanded, with their troops and horses merged into the new armies. Of the Hedong forces that came south, the Wujie, Xingjie, and Longqi armies shall be retained, with the remainder disbanded and merged into these three. Additionally, your servants have deliberated on selecting the young and elite soldiers from all armies to establish a new major army as the cream of the imperial army. After the above armies of all sizes reach full strength, the remainder shall form smaller armies under new designations... After the reorganization of all armies under the Imperial Guard Command is complete, the cavalry and infantry shall total one hundred ten thousand men."

"For the various armies deployed under the Palace Command, the Inner Palace Guard, Sanyuan, and Konghe armies shall be maintained as before, with a new army also established, totaling twenty thousand troops."

"..."

After Shi Hongzhao roughly presented the plan to Liu Zhiyuan, he waited quietly for his reaction. The memorial had already been revised and adjusted several times, and was very detailed—covering specific organization, troop allocations, and even garrison areas. More importantly, it included a list of appointments for the officers of the various armies after the reorganization was complete.

This reorganization was essentially a great digestion of the previous Jin dynasty's troops by the court. The original Hedong officers would naturally be retained and even somewhat promoted, but the personnel adjustments within offered far too much room for manipulation. Shi Hongzhao and Guo Wei had "impartially" drafted a list, waiting only for Liu Zhiyuan's nod.

When the two brothers Liu Chengxun and Liu Chengyou were granted an audience, Liu Zhiyuan was reading intently. From his expression, it was clear he was quite satisfied.

"The new major army of the Imperial Guard shall be designated Xiaodi, and the other new armies may continue using the army designations of the Liang and Tang imperial armies." Liu Zhiyuan made marks on the memorial with his brush as he spoke.

Then he stared at the list of names, examining it with particular care. In the senior officer ranks of the Imperial Guard Command, even the arrogant Shi Hongzhao dared not show favoritism. Liu Zhiyuan's trusted generals—such as Liu Xin, Li Hongxin, Shang Hongqian, Gai Wan, and Guo Congyi—all stood high on the list, at minimum as Army Commanders of a major army. These were the men Liu Zhiyuan cared most about. As for the lower-ranking officers, they didn't require the Emperor's personal attention—at least, that was how Liu Zhiyuan saw it.

"Dalang, Erlang, this is the army reorganization plan. Come take a look—what are your thoughts?" Liu Zhiyuan said, raising his head to look at the two brothers.

Liu Chengyou walked in quietly, standing respectfully, observing the scene in the hall from the corner of his eye. His gaze swept over Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bin, and the others before settling. Only after Liu Chengxun finished reading did Liu Chengyou take the document.

In truth, this army reorganization plan had already reached Liu Chengyou's desk since the first draft was completed, and he was largely familiar with its contents. He skimmed through it hastily, focusing his attention on the Longqi Army.

Of the Longqi Army's three infantry and one cavalry armies in the capital, only Ma Quanyi's First Army was retained. Using it as a foundation, the army was to be reestablished with a strength of ten thousand men, organized into four armies divided into left and right wings, with Ma Quanyi as Chief Commander of the Longqi Right Wing.

The rest were to be handled similarly, merely merged into the other Imperial Guard armies. In particular, the cavalry army led by Han Tong was to be transferred entirely to the Husheng Army. (The Husheng and Fengguo armies were respectively the cavalry and infantry designations of the Imperial Guard—service-branch designations, beneath which came armies like Longqi, Wujie, and Xingjie.)

"Excellent. Generals Shi and Guo have arranged the organization most appropriately." This was Liu Chengxun's reply. His gaze lingered on the list only briefly, as if searching for someone.

"Your son has no objections." Liu Chengyou also answered Liu Zhiyuan readily, his expression unchanged.

Liu Zhiyuan broke into a smile and said to Shi and Guo: "Proceed with this plan to reorganize the imperial army. I want to review the new army in one month!"

"Yes!" The two replied in unison.

His mood clearly much improved, Liu Zhiyuan glanced at Liu Chengyou and said with a light laugh: "Erlang, I hear you've been cultivating your character at the residence lately, even personally tilling the land. Quite the comfortable life, isn't it?"

Unsure of what Liu Zhiyuan was getting at, Liu Chengyou replied calmly: "Agriculture is the foundation of the state, so I've taken up farming to gain some understanding of it. Having such leisure—please don't laugh at me..."

Liu Zhiyuan laughed out loud, seemingly genuinely pleased. He said to Liu Chengyou: "I can't let you stay idle. Tomorrow, report to the Bureau of Military Affairs, handle military affairs, and submit sealed memorials!"

"Yes!" Liu Chengyou's brows rose slightly as he bowed deeply.

"Commissioner Guo!" After taking his leave, Liu Chengyou took the initiative to approach Guo Wei.

Guo Wei maintained his usual humble demeanor, clasping his fists toward Liu Chengyou: "Your Highness."

This was the first time Liu Chengyou had spoken directly with Guo Wei since arriving in Kaifeng. After walking a few steps together, Liu Chengyou said in a calm tone: "Regarding the army reorganization, the officers of the Longqi Army will rely on the Commissioner's protection."

When drafting the plan, Shi Hongzhao had indeed harbored jealousy toward the Longqi Army. With orders from above, he had shown bias in his arrangements for Longqi officers. It was only Guo Wei's intervention from the side that kept him from going too far—thus, though the Longqi Army was dispersed, its officers remained. Liu Chengyou was well aware of this.

Hearing this, Guo Wei shook his head solemnly and said to Liu Chengyou: "The officers of the Longqi Army all possess courage and strategy, with talent for commanding troops, and they have rendered meritorious service to the state. Your servant merely judged with an impartial heart, according to reason and circumstance."

Hearing Guo Wei say this, Liu Chengyou's expression did not change. He said gravely: "The soldiers of the Longqi Army have followed me through life and death. Naturally, I hope they can have good prospects. Commissioner Guo, you acted from impartiality, of course—but to me, this kindness is engraved on my heart."

Seeing Liu Chengyou's solemn manner, Guo Wei couldn't help but smile slightly and shake his head: "Your Highness overstates it."

"I didn't seem to see Guo Rong on the officer list?" Not dwelling on that matter, Liu Chengyou raised the question in his mind.

"This matter, I originally intended to have Guo Rong inform Your Highness in person!" Facing Liu Chengyou's puzzled gaze, Guo Wei said, "If Your Highness will forgive me for saying so, I have a bit of selfish motive—I wish to secure an external post for him."

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou grew interested. "Where did you have in mind?"

"Chanzhou."

"Chanzhou? That's a strategic place!" Liu Chengyou muttered, then cast a glance at Guo Wei, catching only his profile, and said leisurely, "My uncle Yanzhao, however, is not an easy man to get along with."

After a few more exchanges of small talk, Guo Wei took the initiative to say to Liu Chengyou, "Your Highness, I have an impertinent request."

"Speak!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand, somewhat curious at heart.

"In the upcoming reorganization of the army, matters are numerous and complex, and I am in dire need of capable men familiar with military affairs. I have heard that among your staff there is a man named Wei Renpu—shrewd and capable, with a vast memory, who once served in the Bureau of Military Affairs of the Jin. He is highly perceptive regarding military equipment. I humbly beg Your Highness to part with him, lending him to me temporarily. What do you think?" Guo Wei stated his intent with a genial smile.

Liu Chengyou's brows furrowed at once. Wei Renpu was now the most important strategist under his command. Stroking his chin, he pondered seriously for a moment, then looked up and said lightly, "With Mr. Wei's talents, I have long intended to recommend him, but I feared others would say I was promoting him out of personal favor. If Commissioner Guo recommends him, then no one will have anything to say."

"However, Commissioner Guo, Mr. Wei's official post must not be like in the previous dynasty, where a mere clerk's position would suffice to dismiss him..." Liu Chengyou said half-jokingly.

Guo Wei smiled and said, "Tomorrow, I shall recommend him as Receiver of Edicts in the Bureau of Military Affairs!"

The post of Bureau Receiver of Edicts was not high in rank, but it carried weight—a position within the Bureau of Military Affairs that could access core military and political affairs.

Liu Chengyou was quite satisfied. He did not fear Guo Wei "poaching" from him, since he himself also served in the Bureau of Military Affairs. In fact, even without Guo Wei, he could maneuver Wei Renpu into the Bureau on his own. But with Guo Wei's help, it was clearly easier—Guo Wei was currying favor with him.

Unconsciously, the conversation between the two seemed to grow more harmonious. Toward Guo Wei, Liu Chengyou no longer held the "prejudice" born of "preconceived impressions" from his first arrival. After all this time, Liu Chengyou had gained a sufficiently clear understanding of the situation at the Han court. Compared to men like Yang Bin and Shi Hongzhao, Guo Wei was truly still just a "younger brother"—in terms of seniority and prestige, he posed no threat to Liu Chengyou.

Moreover, Guo Rong, this "wisest sovereign of the Five Dynasties," had been employed as a trusted confidant for these past months and used quite smoothly—so why should he need to worry about Guo Wei at this time?

Thinking thus, Liu Chengyou was in a genuinely good mood over Guo Wei's subtle leaning toward him.

PS: This chapter was quite hard to write. The military system of the Five Dynasties is a damn mess. I originally wanted to write it in detail, but feared it would be even more tedious, so after cutting and revising, I settled for a lighter touch. The content is largely based on Du Wenyu's *Research on the Institutions of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms*.