Chapter 400: Dividing the Power of the Bureau of Military Affairs

The attention of everyone in the hall was largely drawn by Zhao Ying's speech, and gazes of surprise more or less drifted toward him. Liu Chengyou observed him as well, secretly guessing at his intentions, yet asking with a doubtful tone:

"Why does Minister Zhao harbor such a thought? These three years, all matters of the Ministry of Justice have been recorded in your hands—reviewing and settling judgments, clearing up cases and prisons—fair and strict, and all men are convinced. I too am in full agreement. That you should suddenly conceive the desire to leave me—what is the reason? Could it be that I have done something inadequate? Please speak plainly, and I will surely correct it!"

Zhao Ying had been made chancellor in the summer of the first year of Qianyou. The purpose of using him was to check and balance the old Hedong ministers such as Yang Bin, Wang Zhang, and Su Yugui. As for his own talents and virtues, Liu Chengyou had not paid them much heed. After all, in the Later Jin he had served as chancellor, so he carried some weight, and moreover, Zhao Ying was advanced in years, gentle in temperament, soft and easy to control.

But later, former-dynasty elders piled up in the court, and those added as Chief Ministers in the Hall of State Affairs occupied four seats. In view of this, Liu Chengyou began to apply a degree of suppression and estrangement. His original target had been Zhao Ying, but in the end he chose Vice Director of the Chancellery Dou Zhengu instead, simply because Dou Zhengu was more capable. Taking advantage of the southern inspection tour to Xuzhou and the Liu Xin case breaking out, he left Dou Zhengu in Xuzhou to handle the aftermath, and Zhao Ying was able to keep his chancellorship.

Although Zhao Ying was not a man skilled in political scheming, having lived more than sixty years and experienced much of the world, he could still see some things clearly. At this moment, hearing the note of retention in Liu Chengyou's tone, he felt no joy, nor did he take it seriously. He had secretly glimpsed a fragment of this young Son of Heaven—an emperor who practiced the Legalist arts of hegemony was not so easy to serve.

These past days, the fates of those old ministers of successive dynasties whose offices had been "redeemed" by the Emperor due to age and infirmity stirred him all the more. The Son of Heaven wanted to promote the young and vigorous—if positions were not vacated, how could promotions be made?

Meeting Liu Chengyou's scrutinizing gaze, Zhao Ying bowed with clasped hands, displaying great humility, and explained: "Your subject is by nature a dull man. In the time of the former dynasty, by Heaven's fortune, I entered the central government. Lacking the ability to save the age or strategies to secure the state, I toiled mediocrity for years, until I was taken captive with the Jin emperor by the Khitan. When the Khitan ruler fled north from the Central Plains, I followed the Deposed Emperor north into captivity among the barbarians. I thought this remnant life would end beyond the northern frontier, but fortunately Your Majesty's sage virtue and extraordinary brilliance, your talent and courage, delivered us from captivity with that stunning strike at Luancheng."

"Afterward I entered the court and was treated with great favor. When Your Majesty ascended the throne, I was soon elevated to chancellor. In three years at the Hall of State Affairs, I have only exhausted my heart and strength to fulfill my duties, to repay Your Majesty's deep kindness. But now, I am old and decrepit, my energy failing, unable to bear heavy responsibility. I often feel uneasy, fearing I may harm the state and mislead my lord."

"This old and useless minister is no longer fit for service. I wish to resign my post and yield my position, and I beg Your Majesty's understanding. In Anzhou, this old minister shall constantly pray for Your Majesty's blessings and offer wishes for the Great Han!"

Having finished his plea, Zhao Ying knelt and prostrated himself in a long bow.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou let out a faint sigh, as if filled with boundless emotion: "I understand Minister Zhao's heart. Though reluctant in my heart, I can only reluctantly grant your request!"

"I thank Your Majesty!" Zhao Ying immediately expressed his gratitude.

"However, Anzhou is a remote place—a southern border prefecture, controlling the Three Passes to the north, the throat of Jingnan, the gateway of the Central Plains, a place every strategist must contest. It requires a military general, not a place for an old minister!"

Liu Chengyou glanced at him and said: "Chenzhou lies in the heartland of the Central Plains, with distinct four seasons, fertile land, flourishing culture, and at present peaceful governance and orderly rule. Minister Zhao may go there, to oversee the governance of Chenzhou, nurture the common people, and educate the populace!"

Zhao Ying bowed again: "I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

"Rise!"

With Zhao Ying's matter settled, the hall fell quiet for a moment. Just like that, a chancellor had so easily left his post, and the Hall of State Affairs seemed to have another vacancy...

After a moment, Liu Chengyou looked toward Wei Renpu, who had been sitting almost purely as decoration, and said: "I have considered that since the Three Dynasties, the dispersal of offices and duties in the court has led to titles not matching reality, officials not fitting their posts, and redundant personnel growing ever more numerous. I wish to redefine official titles and assignments, trim the redundant, and clarify the regulations—beginning with the Ministry of War."

"I appoint Minister Wei as Minister of War. Henceforth, the Bureau of Military Affairs shall manage the state's military secrets, defense preparations, border security, and garrison policies, and shall handle the selection, promotion, transfer, and rewards and punishments of military officers. As for military registers, equipment manufacture, weapons, and warhorse administration—all shall be transferred to the Ministry of War! The powers of the two offices shall be divided, and the separation shall be completed before the end of next spring!"

The order Liu Chengyou had given—clearly the latter part was the key point. Watching the Emperor's casual demeanor, the ministers present could not help but mutter inwardly.

In such an age, anything concerning military power was no small matter. Liu Chengyou was hardly trying to clarify official titles—he was plainly dividing the power of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Of course, one could also say that the imperial army, that fierce tiger, had basically been tamed, and the shackles and chains placed upon it were named the Bureau of Military Affairs. Now, the Son of Heaven was evidently growing uneasy with the Bureau of Military Affairs again—especially since the man in charge of its affairs was named Guo Wei.

Hearing this, Wei Renpu quickly grasped the Emperor's intent, but his expression could not help showing concern. He clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, matters of military secrets are of great importance. It would be better to deliberate at length rather than act with undue haste."

"And so, I am giving the Ministry of War and the Bureau of Military Affairs more than three months. With Minister Wei's abilities, can this not be accomplished? If you lack personnel, the regularly recommended jinshi, the Academicians of the Three Institutes and Two Academies, and the staff of all internal and external offices are all at your disposal for selection. If you lack funds, the State Finance Commission will prepare sufficient funds for your use!" Liu Chengyou said calmly.

The Son of Heaven was giving him encouragement, providing backing and support. Wei Renpu understood. He took a deep breath and still cautiously reminded: "Your Majesty, Commissioner Guo is still on his border inspection tour. Would it not be better to wait for his return before proceeding with the handover, to avoid chaos?"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou knit his brows and stared at Wei Renpu. He did not believe that a man as shrewd as Wei Renpu could fail to see his intention. It was precisely because Guo Wei was away on his border tour that he planned to implement this first while he was absent, to avoid trouble. It need not be accomplished in one stroke—he only needed to start the process!

But seeing Wei Renpu's grave expression, Liu Chengyou suppressed some of his slight displeasure, calmed his mind, and could understand Wei Renpu's concerns. After all, dividing the Bureau of Military Affairs, though not as tense and serious as the earlier splitting of the Imperial Guard, still concerned matters of state and the military, even the defense of the entire realm—it could not be taken lightly. Moreover, in Wei Renpu's view, this was not a good time, and the Son of Heaven's intent was all too obvious.

However, Liu Chengyou was simply that kind of man. In terms of forbearance, he could endure what ordinary men could not. But once he had fixed his sights on a target, made up his mind, and the opportunity presented itself, he would strike decisively, never hesitating.

He believed this was the moment to divide the power of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and he was confident he could control the drawbacks within an acceptable range. He could not imagine any earth-shattering consequences. Therefore, as a minister—especially a trusted confidant—one should actively carry out his will.

Looking at Wei Renpu, Liu Chengyou said directly: "As for Commissioner Guo, Minister Wei need not worry. With his wisdom, he should also support my decision."

Having said this, Liu Chengyou added coldly: "Moreover, when I execute my grand military strategy, must I first obtain Commissioner Guo's consent?"

With the matter put this way, even Wei Renpu dared not add another word. He could only accept the order and assent. After all, he had already given the reminder he ought to give. Since the Son of Heaven was prepared and had his responses in mind, there was no need for him to worry further—he need only do his duty.

Moreover, Wei Renpu had been in the Bureau of Military Affairs for a very long time, familiar with all its affairs above and below. Liu Chengyou was very confident in having him divide the powers and functions and take charge of reshaping the Ministry of War.

In fact, Liu Chengyou had considered and prepared this decision for a long time. For instance, sending Guo Wei on the imperial border inspection tour at the beginning of this winter...

In governing the state, Liu Chengyou occasionally made inspired decisions, but more often, he acted after deep deliberation, planning before moving.

The ministers filed out of Chongzheng Hall one after another, all subconsciously letting out a breath of relief. Just now in the hall, the dialogue between sovereign and ministers had been extraordinarily oppressive. The Son of Heaven of today was like the rising sun—ever more dazzling, his authority imposing, inspiring awe.

"Lord Xuanhui, why did you request resignation?" Feng Dao, who often said old age made it hard to move, nevertheless trotted up nimbly, catching up to Zhao Ying and asking in a low voice.

Looking at Feng Dao with his gray beard and white hair, Zhao Ying smiled bitterly, his gaze slanting toward the direction of Chongzheng Hall, and sighed: "The Son of Heaven is a lord of great accomplishment, vigorously forging ahead, with his sights set on the realm. He is not one whom this foolish old man can follow. To retreat to the provinces, pursue scholarship and write books, and seek a peaceful old age—that is all!"

Having spoken, he hunched over and walked slowly away. Feng Dao stood behind, gazing at his figure descending the steps and growing distant, lost in thought.