Chapter 42: Patrol Inspector Wang, Single-Mindedly Seeking Wealth

With Gao Fang's obstruction causing considerable delay, Ma Quanyi led his troops into the Military Governor's residence at just the right moment—the moment Hedong's forces arrived, Wang Shou'en's plans to seize the wealth were declared void.

Before Ma Quanyi, such a "youngster," Wang Shou'en behaved with great arrogance, treating himself as a meritorious official, and a minor conflict—unexpected yet entirely reasonable—erupted.

Before long, Li Wanchao also brought the Surui Battalion to join the fray. He naturally held deep disgust for Wang Shou'en's greed and baseness, and decisively sided with Gao Fang.

Under joint pressure from several parties, Wang Shou'en withdrew from the Military Governor's residence most reluctantly, leaving behind the money and silks with great pain. In the span of a single night, the already shallow friendship of the "Three Heroes of Luzhou" was declared dead outright. At the same time, because of this small episode, Wang Shou'en's heart had already begun to fester with resentment.

On Xiang Xun's advice, Ma Quanyi had the First Army garrison only the Military Governor's residence and take full control of the North Gate, while the rest of the city remained under Luzhou's own local troops. Such a move was clearly marked with wariness, yet both Gao Fang and Li Wanchao cooperated actively—only Wang Shou'en cursed and grumbled without end.

All of this was observed by Xiang Xun. His mission on this trip, besides rallying and instigating the uprising, carried another charge: to observe the conduct of Luzhou's civil and military officers before and after, and to discern their true intentions. By the time he reached Champa, he already had a clear picture in mind.

Without any mishap, at dusk that day, Liu Chengyou led the remaining full strength of the Longqi Army, after a day and night of marching, finally arrived beneath the walls of Shangdang.

At Shangdang's North Gate, Wang Shou'en, together with Luzhou's civil and military officials and the worthies of Shangdang, personally awaited at the foot of the walls. Liu Chengyou was clad in iron armor; beneath his phoenix-winged helmet, that young and solemn face radiated spirited vigor. Quite a few people felt a slight surprise—this Second Prince was indeed as young as the rumors claimed.

"Your subordinate Wang Shou'en, leading Luzhou's civil and military officials, respectfully welcomes Your Highness!" Gazing at Liu Chengyou atop his tall horse, Wang Shou'en stepped forward and, with the bearing of a host, saluted Liu Chengyou.

The Luzhou junior officers and administrative officials behind him followed suit, paying their respects in unison. Sweeping his gaze across them, Liu Chengyou dismounted nimbly, waved his hand, and said in a steady voice: "All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

At this moment, Xiang Xun and Ma Quanyi came forward and, right beneath the walls, briefly reported the situation. Liu Chengyou nodded and said with the same calm: "You have all worked hard!"

Raising his head, he looked at the two severed heads on the city wall, their blood already congealed, and asked: "Those are Zhao Xingqian and the Khitan money-collection envoy?"

"Exactly!" Wang Shou'en snatched the words eagerly, pointing with his hand and speaking with an air of righteous indignation: "These two were insatiably cruel and tyrannical, guilty of heinous crimes, deeply hated by the soldiers and people of Shangdang. Hence we cut off their heads and hung them on the wall to be exposed to the sun, to punish their evil deeds..."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou seemed lost in thought for a moment, then withdrew his gaze and instructed softly: "Take them down."

"But—" Wang Shou'en immediately said: "Your Highness, such treacherous villains deserve no sympathy. We should wait until they are dried, then grind their bones and scatter their ashes, to vent the hatred of Shangdang's soldiers and people."

Glancing sidelong at Wang Shou'en, Liu Chengyou's brow slightly furrowed as he fixed his gaze on him—just one look, then he looked away, and said in a flat tone laced with no room for argument: "Take them down. I have other considerations."

At this, Wang Shou'en grew displeased.

It was Gao Fang who stepped forward, cupping his hands respectfully: "Your Highness, it is growing late. Please allow the army to enter the city and rest. Your subordinates have prepared a banquet at the Military Governor's residence to welcome and wash the dust from your journey!"

The golden sun hung low in the west, teetering on the horizon; the sky had long since darkened. Liu Chengyou nodded and waved a hand: "Then let us enter the city!"

With the full arrival of the Longqi Army, the situation in Shangdang finally fell completely under control. On the way to the Military Governor's residence, Liu Chengyou summoned Xiang Xun to his side and asked in a low voice: "How is the situation in the city?"

"Everything is under control. Shangdang's soldiers and people are of one heart, welcoming the king's army." Xiang Xun reported to Liu Chengyou rapidly in an equally low voice: "To prevent any accidents, after killing Zhao Xingqian, the entire city was placed under martial law. The First Army's men control the North Gate and the defense of the Military Governor's residence. Administrative Assistant Gao and General Li are both men of great righteousness, wholeheartedly supporting and pledging their loyalty."

From Xiang Xun's words, Liu Chengyou detected a hint of something amiss, and asked: "That Wang Shou'en?"

His gaze flicking forward, Xiang Xun's expression revealed a trace of contempt as he recounted the morning's events.

After hearing Xiang Xun's account, Liu Chengyou was surprised, yet his expression showed no fluctuation. He merely recalled Wang Shou'en's behavior beneath the walls just now, and his gaze turned slightly cold.

"Your Highness, Wang Shou'en obtained his office through family protection. Though he has some small sense of righteousness and integrity, his reputation is notorious and his greed insatiable. In this uprising, before the full merit was achieved, he already sought to seize public funds for private gain. Such a man lacks great wisdom and great courage, yet possesses a petty man's heart. At a time like this, Your Highness must be on guard against him, lest any accident occur..." While Liu Chengyou was still pondering, Xiang Xun spoke up in warning.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's expression remained calm, only the corner of his mouth twitching slightly, as if with a trace of contempt, as he replied: "I understand."

The distance was not great, and they soon arrived at the Military Governor's residence. Surveying the courtyard, one could see much mess that had yet to be cleaned up—though fortunately, the scene of robbers having ransacked the place from the morning was gone.

Noticing Liu Chengyou's gaze, Gao Fang volunteered: "When we attacked the commander's residence, Zhao Xingqian was stubborn and obstinate, leading his men in resistance, hence this disorder."

Had Xiang Xun not already reported the truth, Liu Chengyou might well have believed it. He glanced at Wang Shou'en, then looked at Gao Fang—this man seemed to have some intention of shielding Wang Shou'en.

A little later, in the main hall of the Military Governor's residence, with lamps blazing bright, a banquet to foster relations began. Those seated were not many—Luzhou's civil and military officials were just the three men Wang, Gao, and Li, plus a few junior officers. On Liu Chengyou's side, Zhang Yanwei and Guo Rong accompanied him, along with Xiang Xun. The others had been dispatched to receive the city and defend key points.

"My father raised his army in Jinyang to cleanse the realm and rescue the world from drowning. That you, gentlemen, did not fear the barbarian invaders' might and responded in Luzhou is an act of great benevolence and great courage, truly admirable. That the uprising went so smoothly is all thanks to your efforts. I raise this cup to toast you all, to express my respect..." By now, Liu Chengyou had no discomfort whatsoever in speaking such formal pleasantries.

Yet, a calm face with a calm expression, paired with a flat tone, always made the atmosphere slightly awkward. Even so, everyone present was gracious enough to echo their agreement.

After downing a cup, Liu Chengyou swept his gaze across Luzhou's civil and military officials, especially the three men Wang Shou'en, Gao Fang, and Li Wanchao.

This trip down to Luzhou appeared extremely easy and smooth, even somewhat dull. However, one only needed to look at the three men's origins to know that Luzhou's submission was entirely predictable.

Wang Shou'en was from Yushe in Liaozhou; Gao Fang was from Shouyang in Taiyuan; Li Wanchao was from Jinyang in Taiyuan... Not to mention anything else, the mere "fellowship" of fellow townsmen was enough to draw them close to Jinyang. Add to that their shared origins in the Hedong military clique—Liu Zhiyuan's power was vast, his army formidable, with the strength to accomplish a great enterprise—and under the call of national righteousness, the choice to surrender the entire city was not difficult to make.

From the moment beneath the walls, Liu Chengyou had basically identified everyone. Since they were at the banquet, he took advantage of the moderately elevated spirits to begin soothing and winning over hearts.

Looking at Wang Shou'en, whose expression was somewhat sullen, Liu Chengyou said slowly: "Patrol Inspector Wang comes from a distinguished family, and it was through the support of Luzhou's soldiers that the uprising went so smoothly. In years past, the King of Han (Wang Shou'en's father Wang Jianli was enfeoffed as King of Han) brandished his sword and charged on horseback, fighting the Khitan, achieving repeated remarkable feats, his renown resounding across the Central Plains; today, Patrol Inspector Wang and Luzhou's armies display great righteousness, jointly resisting the barbarian invaders, truly possessing the style of the King of Han. Father and son, two generations, both opposing the Khitan—when this spreads abroad, it will be a fine tale..."

The praise for Wang Shou'en was, of course, insincere on Liu Chengyou's part, but some words, however false, must still be spoken.

Sensing the "goodwill" in Liu Chengyou's words, Wang Shou'en perked up, a smile spreading across his face. Without any hint of modesty, he yet spoke modest words: "Your Highness flatters me! How would your subordinate dare to compare himself with my father."

Probably believing Liu Chengyou was in a good mood, and having received such flattery, Wang Shou'en's eyes rolled around a couple of times, a smug look appearing on his face as he chuckled lowly to Liu Chengyou: "Your Highness, your subordinate has a matter to report."

"Speak freely." Liu Chengyou displayed great grace, gesturing with his hand.

Seeing this, Wang Shou'en raised his eyebrows, stroked his meticulously trimmed beard, and said: "Your Highness, in this morning's uprising—killing Zhao Xingqian and taking control of the entire city—Luzhou's soldiers contributed greatly. As has been the way since ancient times, merit deserves reward. There are still funds and goods in the treasury. Why doesn't Your Highness take some to comfort the soldiers' hearts? Once the soldiers receive their rewards, they will surely fight to the death to repay you..."

"Furthermore, previously that villain Zhao ran rampant, extorting money from the entire city's soldiers and people, leaving the officers and officials in straitened circumstances, living in hardship. Might Your Highness also distribute a portion to relieve their distress?"

As Wang Shou'en's words fell, the hall fell silent in an instant. Those present wore varied expressions—Gao Fang and Li Wanchao were astonished, Guo Rong was grave, Zhang Yanwei sneered coldly, Xiang Xun was disdainful...

As for Liu Chengyou, looking at Wang Shou'en's face full of "earnestness," he could not help but feel an impulse to laugh.

A cold laugh!

This kind of demanding reward for one's merits—Liu Chengyou had encountered it for the first time. Listening to Wang Shou'en's words, and considering his temperament, he spoke loudly on behalf of the soldiers, officers, and officials, but in truth he was also petitioning for rewards for himself. If even the soldiers all received rewards, then how could he, the meritorious hero of the uprising, be left out?

And looking at Wang Shou'en's utterly matter-of-fact demeanor, even with Liu Chengyou's composure, he could not help but feel a surge of anger.

Wang Shou'en seemed oblivious, waiting with some anticipation for Liu Chengyou's reaction. However, Liu Chengyou remained silent for a moment, his gaze clear and cold, staring at the wine cup he toyed with in his hand, then slowly raising it to take a small sip.

Knowing that Wang Shou'en's request had angered Liu Chengyou, Gao Fang immediately raised his cup and spoke with a dry laugh: "Your Highness, Patrol Inspector Wang has had too much to drink. These are the words of a drunkard, no need to take them to heart..."

Wang Shou'en was already dissatisfied with Gao Fang's obstruction that morning; now seeing him speak up again to ruin his path to wealth, his expression instantly darkened, and he was about to flare up.

At this moment, Liu Chengyou set down his wine cup, his gaze sweeping across the assembled guests, and said softly: "I feel that what Patrol Inspector Wang has said are all words of truth, and most reasonable. The soldiers have merit and should naturally be rewarded; the officials have suffered and should also be comforted..."

Hearing this, Wang Shou'en's face immediately lit up with joy, and he said in a loud voice: "Your Highness is wise!"