Chapter 462: The Principal and Deputy Military Commissioners of Huai East

At the Han camp at Wokou, Zhao Kuangyin entertained Guo Rong warmly, and the two exchanged views on the situation in Huainan, conversing pleasantly.

Later in the evening, Fiscal Commissioner Wang Pu and Provisions Commissioner Wang Qiwu arrived one after another from upstream along the Huai River. As for Wang Pu, he had previously received an imperial edict to go to Xiacai to represent the Son of Heaven in rewarding the army, so this was a matter of reporting back to the sovereign. As for Wang Qiwu, he continued to supply provisions and equipment for Wang Jun.

Passing through Suzhou and turning south, the imperial carriage arrived at Wokou around noon the following day. Before the Jingshan camp, looking at the neatly assembled crowd welcoming the imperial presence, Liu Chengyou was in good spirits. The four men leading the group were all meritorious officials who had played major roles in this Huainan campaign—whether it was Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu directing corvée labor and supplying military needs, or Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin commanding troops in battle.

At Wokou, camps and fortifications had been prepared well in advance, and the accompanying army was directly quartered there. As for Liu Chengyou, accompanied by Zhao Kuangyin and others, he reviewed the land and naval forces of the Wokou camp, boosting morale and inspiring the troops. Especially those who had rendered distinguished service in the Battle of Wokou—officers and soldiers alike—all received personal words of encouragement from Liu Chengyou.

Entering the camp and the tent, being offered the seat of honor, receiving bows and salutes—all commanding officers at the army level and above at Wokou had the honor of personally hearing the imperial instructions and experiencing the majesty of the Son of Heaven.

After the miscellaneous personnel withdrew, the atmosphere in the tent became somewhat "warmer." Looking at Guo and Zhao, Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "I transferred the two of you to northern the Huai River precisely because I felt you could bring me surprises! And indeed, at Shouzhou there was the great victory at Xiacai, and here at Haozhou you have taken turns rendering service to the court!"

Liu Chengyou's words vaguely suggested placing the achievements at Haozhou on par with those at Shouzhou. Naturally, Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin expressed humility, not daring to claim the credit.

Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu, standing nearby, also chimed in, saying that His Majesty had keen judgment in recognizing talent and proper methods in employing people.

After brief pleasantries, Liu Chengyou said directly: "After the two battles at Xiacai and Wokou, plus the capture of Zhongli, the southern campaign strategy has gotten off to a good start. Our army's situation is excellent, and the initiative is in our hands. As for the current war situation in Huainan, even if I don't know it by heart, I have a considerable understanding of it.

While still in the Eastern Capital, I already gathered opinions from many quarters. You have led troops at the front and have experience fighting the Tang army. Regarding the battles ahead, I want to hear your views!"

When it came to military and political matters, Liu Chengyou's style was always this direct—straight to the point. Facing the Son of Heaven's question, it was Zhao Kuangyin, the one with less seniority, who spoke first: "I report to Your Majesty: in my view, after these three defeats, at least along the Huai River, the Tang army is no longer a concern. Your Majesty has now personally led the main army here, and the Huainan bandits will surely be unable to resist.

However, if we wish to sweep their nests and seize the Huai in one stroke, that will not be easy either. From current intelligence, having suffered repeated heavy losses, the Tang forces in the various prefectures of Huainan have all received strict orders to strengthen their defenses and adopt a posture of defending to the death.

Moreover, it is now deep winter, and the weather is unfavorable for campaigning. In my view, going forward, the main army should best use Xiacai and Zhongli as its base, train the soldiers, stockpile grain and weapons, and continue pressuring Shouchun from Shouzhou, putting pressure on the false Tang court.

Given Huainan's importance to the false Tang, they will absolutely not abandon it. They will only hold the prefectures and counties of Huainan while gathering troops and grain to send north as reinforcements. With the Tang army's fighting capability, they are no match for our forces. If we annihilate the Tang army on Huainan soil, weaken their strength, drain their blood dry, and leave them with no strength left to resist the heavenly army, then taking the prefectures and counties of Huainan will be as easy as turning over one's hand..."

Watching Zhao Kuangyin speak eloquently before him, his face full of confidence, Liu Chengyou felt a momentary daze at the sight. As for Zhao Kuangyin's suggestion, Liu Chengyou found nothing novel about it—he had heard similar proposals many times, and in many places he himself held the same views.

Of course, Zhao Kuangyin's opinion still carried some weight; at least in Liu Chengyou's eyes, it provided corroboration that could strengthen his judgment and decisions.

"Zhao Yuanlang's words strike deep into my heart!" After he finished speaking, Liu Chengyou pointed at Zhao Kuangyin and said to Guo Rong and the others.

When Liu Chengyou's gaze fell upon him, Guo Rong straightened his body slightly, thought for a moment, and said: "Commander Zhao's words are very insightful, and I basically agree with his views. I would only add one point: at Shouzhou, the Tang army can barely defend itself. With our heavy forces there, we can continue to attract Tang reinforcements and annihilate them. Your Majesty has personally led the main army south, so there is no need to commit all our forces to Shouzhou.

I believe we might divide our forces and move east, taking Sizhou and Chuzhou in the lower reaches of the Huai River, bringing the entire Huai under our control. When spring comes next year, we can leisurely sweep through the prefectures and counties north of the Yangtze!"

Hearing Guo Rong's words, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but glance at him: "So you want me to divide the army? What is the enemy situation at Haozhou and Sizhou?"

"Sizhou Militia Commissioner Feng Yanlu and Chuzhou Army Supervisor Wu Shaoting are not men who can hold out for long!" Guo Rong said calmly: "Send a detached force eastward, and I am confident I can take them!"

Nodding lightly, Liu Chengyou's gaze circled over Guo Rong, and he suddenly said flatly: "You rascal Guo Rong, you've set your sights on the imperial army that came south with me, haven't you!"

Guo Rong made a bow: "Your Majesty has keen eyes!"

Liu Chengyou's gaze didn't waver as he fixed his eyes on Guo Rong, raised a hand to stroke his short beard, pondered for a moment, and said: "I will give you the Left Wing Longqi Army, and I'll have Han Tong transfer a thousand Tieqi cavalry to you as well. I appoint you Military Commissioner of Huai East—advance east and take Si and Chu!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Seeing Liu Chengyou so generous, Guo Rong rarely let his joy show, rising to make a deep bow.

Staring at Guo Rong, Liu Chengyou said: "The Longqi Army has always been my personal guard. You're something of a veteran of the Longqi Army yourself—make sure you use them well for me!"

"Yes!"

"Additionally, I am transferring Zhao Yanjin and An Shouzhong to you. They are both promising young talents I have my eye on—be sure to mentor them properly!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Guo Rong bowed again.

Standing to the side, watching Guo Rong entrusted with such an important mission, it was impossible for Zhao Kuangyin to say he wasn't envious. At this moment, for once, Zhao the Elder felt a twinge of sourness in his heart.

Liu Chengyou naturally noticed the trace of envy on Zhao Kuangyin's face. Turning his body, he asked him in a relaxed manner: "Yuanlang, at the great victory at Wokou, you defeated a larger enemy with a smaller force and smashed the Tang army—truly outstanding military merit. Officers above and below have all received rewards and promotions, yet only you have received no recognition from the court. Do you harbor resentment in your heart?"

Startled by the sudden question, Zhao Kuangyin was taken aback, but quickly recovered and hurriedly rose to bow: "I would not dare!"

"Only 'would not dare'? Not 'do not'?" Liu Chengyou pressed on. Though his tone was calm, it carried a sharp edge.

Falling on Zhao Kuangyin's ears, it made him uneasy. He had of course never expressed any dissatisfaction—could it be that Dang Jin's usual complaints on his behalf had spread?

Noticing Zhao Kuangyin's shifting expression, Liu Chengyou didn't wait for him to formulate a response. His tone softened again, and he said with a light laugh: "Even I myself can't help but feel some pleasure and have some thoughts—it's only natural!"

"I would not dare!" Zhao Kuangyin didn't dare take Liu Chengyou's words at face value and gave the same answer again.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou waved for him to rise, his expression slightly sobering as he said seriously: "I have long known that you, Zhao Kuangyin, are no ordinary man—you have the talent of a great general. That's why, years ago, I placed you in Suzhou, with the intention of making you the vanguard of the main army. And indeed, you have not disappointed me!"

"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust!" Zhao Kuangyin was nearly prostrate on the ground.

Liu Chengyou waved his hand at him and said: "Am I the sort who fails to reward merit or employ talent? If word of that got out, wouldn't people criticize me? I appoint you Deputy Military Commissioner of Huai East, leading the troops of Suzhou to assist Guo Rong in managing the Huai East region!"

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin was first stunned, then overjoyed, and hurriedly thanked the emperor for his grace. It was rare for him to show such joy on his face, but after being frightened by Liu Chengyou like that, he couldn't be bothered to compose his expression.

Guo Rong and the others nearby also offered congratulations to Zhao Kuangyin—seeing the Son of Heaven's attitude toward this man, his future was boundless.

After Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin withdrew, Wang Pu, who had been kept behind, couldn't help but sigh: "Guo and Zhao are young—especially that Zhao Kuangyin, not yet thirty, and already entrusted with command of a whole region."

"I have always employed people without rigid conventions. As long as they have talent, why should I fear criticism!" Liu Chengyou said.

Wang Pu said: "I only worry that when Commander-in-Chief Wang hears of this, he might have some thoughts!"

Glancing at Wang Pu, Liu Chengyou flicked his sleeve and said coldly: "What thoughts could he have? They all say old generals are steady and experienced, worthy of great responsibility. If I sent another veteran general to Huai East, I'd be afraid of producing another Wang Jun. At Shouzhou, isn't having one of him already enough?"

These words from the Son of Heaven cut to the heart! Hearing this, Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu both felt a tightening in their chests. They exchanged a glance—both were clever men, and from Liu Chengyou's attitude, they could tell he was dissatisfied with Wang Jun!

Both felt some anxiety. After all, in the midst of a national war, if the emperor grew suspicious of his frontline commander, that was hardly a good omen!

Noticing their expressions, Liu Chengyou smiled again: "Tomorrow the imperial carriage departs. I want to personally inspect Shouzhou and, along the way, comfort Minister Wang and the others. They have been fighting for the nation—they have indeed worked hard!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou say this, Wang Pu and Wang Qiwu both sighed in relief at the same time. Clearly, the emperor's mind was still very clear-headed.