Chapter 241: I Shall Personally Lead the Campaign

The continuous autumn rains had finally ceased. From Hezhong to the capital, the journey through mountain passes stretched over eight hundred li. Even though the imperial court had specially improved the relay station system along the main road from Tong Pass to the capital, news of Li Shouzhen's rebellion still took a full day to reach Kaifeng.

On the fourteenth day of the seventh month (Xinyou), at the beginning of the Chou hour (1-3 AM), Liu Chengyou was roused from the plump bosom of Noble Consort Gao. Of Consort Gao, Liu Chengyou most appreciated her full and firm figure.

The autumn night was cold and clear, and without a sidelong glance at the alluring silhouette of the young woman, he dressed quickly with Lady Gao assistance, showing no reluctance to leave the comforts of the boudoir as he strode away briskly.

Regarding Li Shouzhen's rebellion, Liu Chengyou appeared quite calm, his heart could even be described as utterly undisturbed.

The Chou hour was generally when people were at their most drowsy. Chuigong Hall was adorned with palace lanterns, and within, candelabra stood in rows. The chilly autumn breeze blew around the surroundings, and in the quiet environment, everything was especially distinct.

Yang Bin, Guo Wei, Shang Hongqian, and a host of civil and military officials were basically all awakened from their beds and summoned to the palace. Upon hearing of the Hezhong rebellion, they voiced no complaints and hurriedly answered the summons.

"That brute Li Shouzhen has finally rebelled!" Imperial Uncle Li Hongxin even uttered a heartfelt exclamation, looking as if he had long awaited this moment.

Inside Chuigong Hall, a somewhat rough map of the southwestern region of the Great Han was hung in the center. Several eunuchs held torches, illuminating it brightly. Liu Chengyou stood with his hands behind his back, staring intently at the corner of Hezhong, lost in thought.

"Such a loyal and upright minister, killed by rebels—what a pity!" Liu Chengyou sighed softly. His eyes flickered as he asked, "For the transfer of garrison orders, could not a death-defying agent have been sent? Why send him? Who dispatched it?"

Fan Zhi, on duty at the central secretariat, had arrived first. Upon hearing the question, he hesitated slightly before replying, "It was dispatched by Chancellor Yang..."

As the high-ranking civil and military officials of the Great Han gradually arrived, Liu Chengyou said little, merely inviting them to take their seats. Only after Wei Renpu, who had organized the military intelligence documents for consultation, arrived, did Liu Chengyou return to the imperial desk and, without preamble, directly open this military council.

"Your Majesty, Li Shouzhen has brazenly plotted rebellion. Since he dares to revolt, the court can no longer remain silent—we must send troops to crush him! I am willing to lead the army and capture the rebel for Your Majesty!" As Commander of the Imperial Guard and commander of the forbidden troops, Shang Hongqian stepped forward first to declare his stance.

"Minister Shang, with such lofty ambition, my heart is deeply comforted!" Liu Chengyou first praised Shang Hongqian, then signaled Wei Renpu: "Minister Wei, report on the situation of the Hezhong rebels!"

"Yes!"

Given Wei Renpu's seniority, he stood alongside Fan Zhi at the side. He stepped forward, first bowing, then spoke steadily: "According to the relay report from Tong Pass, at noon the day before yesterday, Li Shouzhen killed the imperial envoy bearing the edict at the military governor's office, raised the rebel banner with the Pu army and started a revolt, styling himself the King of Qin, and issued a proclamation to the realm, seeking to ally with those of disloyal intent. Thereafter, he ordered his son Li Chongxun and general Wang Jixun to lead ten thousand rebel troops southward, aiming to seize Tong Pass. Upon hearing of the rebellion, Yang Ye, the military commissioner of Tong'an, has led troops to set up a camp at Fengling Ford to block them. Further military developments await reports from the front lines..."

"Though Li Shouzhen is but a local dog of Hezhong, he still has some foresight. If he can take Tong Pass, he can cut off the connection between the region west of the pass and Henan. If he then sweeps up those with disloyal intent, he could indeed swell the rebel forces!" Guo Wei remarked calmly from the side, also explaining to the assembled ministers, especially the chancellors like Yang Bin: "Fortunately, Your Majesty's vision is keen as a torch, seeing through his heart early on, knowing the importance of Tong Pass, and sending imperial troops to garrison it months ago!"

After speaking, Yang Bin rose, his face even more stern, bearing a look of deep grievance, even more so than Liu Chengyou had earlier. He said gravely, "Your Majesty, Tong Pass has only over three thousand garrison troops, and the defending general Yang Ye is young and inexperienced, likely unable to withstand the rebels. The court must prepare for the worst to avoid the military situation deteriorating."

In Yang Bin's words, the intent to belittle Yang Ye was obvious. Liu Chengyou was genuinely curious whether he deliberately ignored Yang Ye's previous performance. Maintaining a composed expression, Liu Chengyou said directly, "Yang Ye is a general personally appointed by me, and I know his abilities well. The rebel forces heading south will surely be blocked at Tong Pass. In fact, whether they can even cross Fengling Ford is questionable!"

His words were full of trust in Yang Ye. Then Liu Chengyou continued, "Li Shouzhen has painstakingly plotted rebellion, but I too have long been planning against him."

This time, Fan Zhi stepped forward and solemnly announced in a clear voice: "The rebel Li's rebellious intent was exposed early on. To prepare for defense, Your Majesty had already made contingency plans. Duke Bai of Jingzhao, Consort's Father Song of Yaozhou, Wang Yan of Jinzhou, and Zhao Hui of Shanzhou have all received Your Majesty's secret orders—should Hezhong rebel, they are to lead their garrison troops to encircle and suppress, to contain the rebel momentum!"

Hearing Fan Zhi's words, Yang Bin could barely conceal his surprise. He certainly knew Liu Chengyou had made preparations, given the intense activity in the capital over the past few days—selecting troops, choosing generals, and stockpiling grain and equipment—was by no means insignificant.

On this point, Yang Bin felt deeply aggrieved, because he had been excluded from it all. Now he learned that Liu Chengyou had already arranged four routes of pacification garrison troops. Bai Wenke and Song Yanshi were one thing, being old followers, but even Wang Yan and Zhao Hui had received secret orders, while he, as a chief minister of the state, knew nothing at all.

Even Fan Zhi knew!

Anger, shame, disappointment, resentment... various negative emotions surged through Yang Bin's heart. Beneath his sleeves, his fists were clenched tightly. Glancing sideways at the ever-composed Liu Chengyou, Yang Bin felt only a chill in his heart.

"The region west of the pass is barren, and the various garrisons lack sufficient troops. Li Shouzhen holds the fertile land of Hezhong. Several routes of imperial troops may suppress his momentum, but to crush him, they lack the strength. Moreover, if Tong and Hua prefectures aid the villain, the situation could become perilous. Therefore, to quell this rebellion, the court's imperial troops must strike!" Liu Chengyou said calmly.

"How are the preparations for the imperial troops to march?"

This time, Guo Wei reported: "The Privy Council and the Imperial Guard Command have agreed to dispatch the capital's Xiaodi, Longqi, Xingjie, Sanzhihui, Sanyuan, Sandutou, and Husheng Left Wing, totaling fifty thousand cavalry and infantry. Officers, soldiers, and horses have all been mobilized and prepared, armor has been distributed, and we can break camp and march west at any time!"

Liu Chengyou had always trusted and been satisfied with the Privy Council's efficiency. He nodded slightly and looked toward Wang Zhang.

Understanding the signal, Wang Zhang rose and reported: "Through my arrangements, the capital can initially supply fifty thousand dan of grain for the pacification effort. Of that, twenty thousand dan, along with a batch of military equipment, have already been transported west in advance. Additionally, at the western capital, several tens of thousands of dan of summer grain are stockpiled for military use. Subsequent grain and equipment await further mobilization of civilian labor for transport!"

"Minister Wang is truly a capable official!" Liu Chengyou expressed satisfaction with Wang Zhang's work.

"Your Majesty, who shall be appointed as commander for the imperial troops' expedition?" At this moment, Yang Bin suddenly interjected with a cold, harsh tone.

Liu Chengyou was about to raise this very matter, but upon hearing his words, he couldn't help but look at him. Yang Bin—surely he didn't have any improper ideas about this.

As the thought flashed through his mind, Liu Chengyou's eyes were bright and deep as he slowly said, "The Great Han's situation is not optimistic. If the pacification drags on, it will surely draw the enemy states on all borders to stir at the scent. To quell Li Shouzhen, we must strike swiftly and decisively. Therefore, I propose a personal imperial expedition, leading the main army west into Hezhong!"

At these words, the entire hall fell silent, including Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu, who couldn't help but look at the young emperor with a resolute expression. The proposal for a personal expedition had not leaked a hint beforehand.

The assembled ministers had varied expressions at this proposal. After a moment of silence, Yang Bin was the first unable to sit still. Regardless, with his public-minded devotion to the state, he could not allow the young emperor to act recklessly. He rose and said directly, "Your Majesty must not!"

Even though he had anticipated it, seeing Yang Bin truly stand up in court to voice opposition, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but feel anger rise in his heart.