Chapter 30: Han Tong and Xiang Xun

Hearing the name Xiang Xun, Liu Chengyou was no longer much surprised. Though he couldn't rule out the possibility of a namesake, in this period, coming north to join the army, and tracing his experience, he was quite certain in his heart that this Xiang Xun was that great general.

"Bring them to the military tent, I want to see them!" Having instructed Ma Quanyi, Liu Chengyou turned and descended the wooden ladder.

Inside the tent, Liu Chengyou finally saw the true faces of Han Tong and Xiang Xun. Both were old men in their thirties.

Han Tong had thick eyebrows and big eyes, a dense beard, and a sturdy build. His looks weren't exactly fierce, but they belonged to the "ugly" category—and ugly in a distinctive way that made one remember him at a glance.

By comparison, Xiang Xun was far more handsome and imposing, with regular features and an outstanding bearing. Facing Liu Chengyou's scrutiny, he remained perfectly at ease, his gaze only slightly lowered, a subtle curve always at the corner of his mouth. It was clear this was a very confident man.

"You are Han Tong?" Liu Chengyou asked a pointless question.

"Reporting to Your Highness, this subordinate it is." Han Tong slipped into his role quickly, already regarding himself as a subordinate.

"I hear from Ma Quanyi that your horsemanship is unmatched, especially skilled at mounted combat?"

At this, a hint of "bashfulness" appeared on Han Tong's face, along with a trace of self-satisfaction, but his answer was not overly arrogant: "Tong presumes to have some strength and courage, yet dare not accept such excessive praise from Commander Ma."

"At present the barbarian bandits run rampant, having usurped the capital. The Son of Heaven has the will to lead an army against the foe and restore the old capital. It is precisely men of valor and fierce warriors like you that are needed, to charge into formation, storm cities, and seize strongholds..." Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said.

Han Tong proved quick-witted at this moment, immediately dropping to his knees: "Tong is willing to be one who braves danger for the Son of Heaven and Your Highness!"

Clearly, at this time Han Tong, being of humble station, was the sort who knew how to play the game. Liu Chengyou made no further words of encouragement, saying directly: "Since you have the credentials of a cavalry commander, assigning you to the ranks of common soldiers would be wasting your talent. The Longqi Army has no independent cavalry force yet. I intend to concentrate the horsemen of the various battalions and establish a cavalry unit. You shall be its senior officer, with rank equal to a battalion commander."

The moment Liu Chengyou finished speaking, Han Tong's eyes widened instantly, his eyeballs seeming about to pop out. Joy spread across his face as he prostrated himself at once: "This humble one thanks Your Highness!"

"But let me say the unpleasant part first!" Seeing his excitement, Liu Chengyou's expression turned stern, and he warned in a cold tone: "I always hold that the capable rise and the incompetent fall. The army is full of fierce men, and cavalrymen are even more unruly. If you cannot lead troops properly, cannot govern the army, cannot win over the men..."

Hearing Liu Chengyou say this, Han Tong's expression grew serious, and he took over the words solemnly: "Should that be the case, this humble one will voluntarily resign and submit to whatever disposition Your Highness sees fit, with no complaint whatsoever."

"I will wait and see!" In response to his declaration, Liu Chengyou's voice was soft. He shot Ma Quanyi a glance, signaling him to take Han Tong out.

The Longqi Army did have a fair number of horses, but most were inferior nags and pack animals; those fit for use as warhorses were few. Gathered together, Han Tong, as the cavalry senior officer, commanded no more than three hundred men.

Yet even so, Liu Chengyou could well imagine that this order of his would definitely draw dissenting voices in the army. The status of cavalry was absolutely above that of infantry—why should a newcomer like Han Tong become a cavalry commander?

Liu Chengyou understood this point clearly, but he still intended to do it anyway. Just as when he had promoted Ma Quanyi, there had been many discordant voices in the army. Without using Han Tong, Liu Chengyou could perhaps find in the army a cavalry commander with sufficient seniority who would not provoke criticism.

But compared to those "unknown" men, Liu Chengyou preferred to heavily employ those who had "made a name for themselves." It wasn't that he blindly worshipped those "historical" famous generals—it was simply that under such circumstances, the risk of investment was smaller and the returns higher.

"Your Highness, such an abrupt promotion will surely breed resentment among the army's officers!" Zhang Yanwei, that old soldier, was quick to react in this regard, and couldn't help lowering his voice to remind him.

Liu Chengyou directly raised his hand to stop him, paused, and said in a deep voice: "Let us see for now!"

After settling Han Tong, Liu Chengyou finally turned his attention to Xiang Xun. From the order of priority, one could tell that compared to Han Tong, he valued this man more.

Xiang Xun's face had already lost all expression. The conversation between Liu Chengyou and Han Tong just now had all reached his ears, and he had remained silent, not rashly interrupting.

At this moment, Liu Chengyou's expression was indifferent as he scrutinized Xiang Xun, seemingly trying to put some pressure on him. The tent suddenly became extremely quiet. But Xiang Xun, having reached this age and weathered much of the world, would not be intimidated by such a petty trick from Liu Chengyou.

After a while, Liu Chengyou spoke flatly: "I hear that since you entered the camp, you have often offered lofty discourses. I am curious and would like to hear them..."

Quietly sizing up the cold-faced youth, Xiang Xun was silent for a moment before shifting his feet and asking: "Your Highness just mentioned that the Son of Heaven intends to lead the army south. This one dares to ask—on what day will the troops move?"

Liu Chengyou did not take up his question, merely looking at Xiang Xun calmly.

Seeing this, Xiang Xun raised his eyebrows, gave a light cough, and clasped his hands saying: "This one came north from within the passes and has some understanding of the situation in the Central Plains. The Khitan govern with harsh cruelty, and the people within their territory suffer greatly under them, having entirely lost the people's hearts. The various regional garrisons are also heavily oppressed. The barbarian bandits certainly cannot hold the Central Plains for long. At present, the Central Plains seethes with fervor—like a pile of dry firewood and brittle branches, a single spark will set it ablaze. The Son of Heaven has established his reign at Jinyang and proclaimed his mandate to all under heaven. If he now leads the fierce Hedong army to advance on the Luo and Yellow River regions, the people of the Central Plains will surely welcome them with food and drink in baskets and jugs. Thus the Khitan can be driven out, the state can be established, and the realm can be pacified!"

This speech of Xiang Xun's was clearly well-rehearsed. He stopped as soon as he finished, gazing at Liu Chengyou, awaiting his reaction.

"The strategies and remonstrances in your belly—you should have the opportunity to present them to His Majesty in person!" Liu Chengyou's reaction was rather flat, his tone seeming to carry a hint of disappointment.

Xiang Xun gave a faint smile, lowered his head, and said calmly: "I hear that the Son of Heaven has already led troops eastward, intending to cross the Taihang Mountains to rescue the Jin emperor. I fear His Majesty has no mind to listen to this one's crude opinions!"

At these words, a subtle change flickered across Liu Chengyou's face. He sensed something unusual, and after a moment's deliberation, asked: "Your words seem to imply something more?"

Xiang Xun still answered very calmly: "The Son of Heaven going east, barring unexpected events, will likely return without success..."

From his words, Liu Chengyou knew that this Xiang Xun was definitely a man who saw things clearly.

Rising to his feet, he paced slowly a few steps in the tent, studied Xiang Xun a few more times, then raised a finger and said: "I can tell you frankly—the suggestion to march south and strike straight for the Central Plains has been offered to His Majesty before! But His Majesty did not accept it. Do you know why?"

This question seemed to stump Xiang Xun. He frowned and hesitated for a moment before saying: "Perhaps His Majesty has his own considerations."

Hearing his answer, Liu Chengyou very much wanted to express his attitude with a smile, but unfortunately, he truly could not laugh.

His gaze turned toward the east, and he stood in silence for a while, saying nothing.

Liu Chengyou's manner of conduct was hard for people to adapt to in a short time. Xiang Xun couldn't help raising his head to watch Liu Chengyou, but unfortunately, from his calm, unruffled profile, nothing could be discerned. Glancing at Zhang Yanwei beside him, he saw the man standing there as if entirely accustomed to this. A strange feeling arose in Xiang Xun's heart, and he could only keep silent as well.

After a long while, Liu Chengyou came back to himself. Lowering his voice and speaking rapidly, he said to Xiang Xun: "I lack an attendant by my side. Would you be willing to condescend to the position?"