Chapter 465: The Old General Can Be Used

The tent curtain lifted, and the biting winter wind seized the opportunity to surge in, bringing a wave of the Huai River's damp chill. Struck by it, Wang Jun couldn't help but shiver. Snapping back from the Son of Heaven's words, he looked up—where was Liu Chengyou's figure? Only the curtain remained, still gently swaying.

Seeing this, Wang Jun's expression was exceptionally gloomy. In the tent, Zhang Dejun quietly stepped forward and picked up the memorials Liu Chengyou had cast aside, one by one.

"Commander-in-Chief Wang." Zhang Dejun maintained a respectful demeanor toward Wang Jun.

Seeing this handsome palace eunuch staring at the two impeachment memorials in his own hands, a surge of anger welled up in Wang Jun's heart. He very much wanted to tear them to shreds and then fling them viciously into Zhang Dejun's face, to vent the dissatisfaction in his heart.

However, he ultimately held back. Tossing them carelessly into Zhang Dejun's hands, Wang Jun let out a cold snort and swept away with a flick of his sleeve. Likewise watching his retreating figure, Zhang Dejun smiled faintly, as if in mockery, then carefully set the memorials in order, arranged them neatly, and withdrew with utmost deference.

From beginning to end, Liu Chengyou had never communicated with Wang Jun on the issues of military authority or command. There was no need. It was even easier than he had imagined—when the imperial carriage arrived in person, when the Son of Heaven appeared before the soldiers, Liu Chengyou was the sole commander-in-chief, and there was no more opportunity for Wang Jun to throw his weight around.

In fact, Liu Chengyou's hurried arrival at Xiaca was precisely for the purpose of seizing power. Earlier, upon hearing of Wang Jun's rapid advance on Shouchun, Liu Chengyou's golden edict halting military operations had also served this purpose. Had the army already reached the city walls, with the enemy before their eyes, Liu Chengyou would not have dared to make any major moves.

Of course, once the imperial carriage arrived, the objective was achieved. The facts likewise proved that Liu Chengyou's years of rectifying and reforming the imperial army had been successful. He, the Son of Heaven of the Great Han, was no rootless duckweed—his prestige among the military, if not at its zenith, could at least be called a rising sun climbing high.

Although Liu Chengyou was already deeply dissatisfied with Wang Jun, after a slight display of it, he made no further moves. Wang Jun remained the commander-in-chief, only now becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Huainan Field Headquarters—a difference of one word, yet a complete change in nature.

With the Son of Heaven personally commanding the troops, the "commander-in-chief's" authority was no longer worth much. At the same time, Liu Chengyou appointed Murong Yanzhao as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Huainan Field Headquarters. Though a deputy post, much of the field headquarters' military affairs were delegated to his handling.

Quietly, Wang Jun was in fact stripped of real power, and the various army Commanders also very naturally reported military matters directly to the Emperor, respectfully awaiting imperial orders. The discordant atmosphere that had originally existed in the army immediately dissipated.

To be fair, given his personality and conduct, Wang Jun truly was somewhat unpopular.

Inside the imperial tent, a map of Huainan hung, and beside it was a map of the Great Han. Wherever Liu Chengyou went these days, he never parted from his maps.

With arms crossed, staring at the Huainan map, he held a flatbread in his hand—the kind of flatbread ordinary soldiers in camp ate. Though somewhat hard, it also had a certain teeth-grinding effect.

Zhang Yongde and Pan Mei, now at Liu Chengyou's side, had besides their guard duties become operational staff officers. At this moment, they were supplementing and marking the frontline battlefield situation on that Huainan map.

Wang Qiwu—Liu Chengyou had not yet released him to take up his post in Haozhou, and he still served before the imperial presence. The importance of Shouchun lay in Shouchun itself, where the Tang army still maintained a heavy garrison. However, Liu Chengyou's gaze passed over Shouchun, following the upper reaches of the Huai River basin.

"We have already dispatched Guo and Zhao to manage Si and Chu. On the Shouzhou front, We have no intention of being bound hand and foot by a single Shouchun city!" Liu Chengyou clapped his hands, brushing off some crumbs that had clung to them, and said.

"Your Majesty wishes to divide the forces?" Wang Qiwu reacted quickly and asked.

Pointing at the upper reaches of the Huai River, from western Shouzhou to the even farther west Guangzhou, Liu Chengyou said: "Is it not said that Shouzhou still has a naval force causing trouble, harassing the Zhengyang pontoon bridge at any time, and that there are also warships coming north via tributaries? It is now deep winter—troops need not be many. Just follow the Huai River north and fight for Us, seize cities, clear the ferry crossings, and contain the enemy navy's threat!"

"However, who should be sent to lead the detached force, and who has the talent for regional management?" Liu Chengyou asked: "You have a keen eye for people—are there suitable candidates?"

Glancing at Liu Chengyou, Wang Qiwu thought seriously for a moment, then said: "Your Majesty, Militia Commissioner Si Chao of Yingzhou, Governor Si, can be entrusted with the task!"

"Si Chao?" Liu Chengyou's mind turned for a moment, then he said: "We have some impression of this man—he seems to be an old Hedong general!"

"Your Majesty, Governor Si has long experienced battle. In his three years at Yingzhou, he pacified the locality and is familiar with the conditions of Shou and Guang. At the start of the war, he alone led the Yingzhou militia, lured the enemy at Zhengyang, built the pontoon bridge and held it firmly, keeping it safe from the Huai bandits' navy—fully demonstrating his ability. In your servant's view, though Governor Si lacks resounding fame, he possesses real talent and the capacity for regional management. Your Majesty may well employ him!" Wang Qiwu said.

"To earn such an evaluation from you, Wang Qiwu, is no small matter!" Liu Chengyou then said: "Summon Si Chao!"

All along, Si Chao had been under orders, based at Yingzhou, stationed at the Zhengyang pontoon bridge to cover the army's flank and rear. When the imperial carriage came south this time, after arranging Zhengyang's defenses, Si Chao had also come north to greet the imperial presence. He was already in camp, so there was no need for a long wait.

Soon, a palace eunuch announced that Si Chao, Militia Commissioner of Yingzhou, was requesting an audience by imperial decree.

Si Chao was no longer young—his beard was already somewhat white. Calling him an old general was hardly an exaggeration. He looked upright and proper in appearance, yet leading troops into battle, he carried little of the usual soldier's killing aura. Facing Liu Chengyou, he also appeared submissive, with a respectful attitude. For this alone, Liu Chengyou had an excellent impression of him. In the three generations since, such generals were truly rare.

Liu Chengyou took his seat, looked at the respectfully standing Si Chao, and raised a hand in gesture: "Minister Si, please sit!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Si Chao bowed, then slowly sat down.

Taking in his conduct entirely, Liu Chengyou said: "Minister Si, if We remember correctly, back in Jinyang, you were already a Hedong officer, were you not?"

Si Chao clasped his hands and replied: "This humble servant is honored that Your Majesty remembers him. When Gaozu governed Taiyuan, your servant, admiring his reputation, went to Jinyang to join him, serving as a minor officer in the Wujie Army."

Nodding, Liu Chengyou said in a reminiscent tone: "Minister Si has always been reserved and modest. Though not renowned in the military, your contributions to the Great Han are by no means few. As far as We know, when Our late father advanced into the Central Plains, you were among the vanguard. When the state was first settled, you went to Zhenzhou, where bandits ran rampant, and you had merit in suppressing and pacifying the people. When Huainan had troubles, you guarded Yingzhou, stationed there for three years—diligent and devoted, toiling with all your heart, unwavering in purpose. Truly rare indeed!"

Seeing the Son of Heaven recite his resume as if counting family treasures, Si Chao was surprised and even more moved. He rose and bowed deeply: "Your servant merely eats his salary and does his utmost in loyalty. The praise Your Majesty bestows—I am ashamed to accept it!"

"The victories of those skilled in war are won without fame for wisdom, without merit for valor. In Our view, this describes exactly the old ministers and veteran generals like Minister Si!" Liu Chengyou said: "We summoned you here because We have matters to entrust to you, to let you make a name and achieve merit, so as not to disappoint a meritorious minister!"

"Please give Your Majesty's orders! Your servant will surely give his all unto death!" Seeing this, Si Chao bowed. When similar words came from Si Chao's mouth, Liu Chengyou felt they were somehow different—he experienced a sense of "genuineness."

Rising, Liu Chengyou led him before the map, pointed at the target, and said to him: "We appoint you Patrol Inspector of Huang and Guang, leading the Ying army westward to manage the region!"

Si Chao looked at the map, did not accept immediately, but thought it over carefully for a moment, then said: "Your servant has one request!"

At this reaction, Liu Chengyou was even more satisfied, and said: "Minister Si, please speak!"

"I request that Your Majesty allocate thirty warships and one thousand naval troops for your servant's command!" Si Chao said.

Looking at this old general, the calm confidence showing through his aged features, Liu Chengyou waved his sleeve and said directly: "We grant it!"

Then turning his head, he instructed Li Fang: "Draft an edict, give it to Minister Si, and have him seek out Chief Commander Xiang Xun of the Jingjiang Army, who will dispatch the naval forces!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Your servant has one more request!" Si Chao said again.

Glancing slightly, Liu Chengyou said: "Speak!"

This time, what showed on Si Chao's face was a kind of sorrow. Bowing to Liu Chengyou, he said: "Kang Yan, Deputy Militia Commissioner of Yingzhou, was killed by the Acting Military Governor Wang for his failure in overseeing the construction of the Xiaca pontoon bridge, which affected the army's transport. His crime indeed merits death; your servant only asks for some compensation for his family, to preserve the bond of comradeship!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou was surprised. He examined Si Chao and saw this old general with a face of complete candor. He replied to him: "Since Minister Si has this sentiment, how could We not see it fulfilled!"

After Si Chao thanked him and withdrew, Liu Chengyou still wore a satisfied expression on his face, and said to Wang Qiwu: "Though we have not yet advanced, We are already full of confidence in this Governor Si!"

Hearing this, Wang Qiwu smiled lightly: "Governor Si's composure and loyalty are things your servant deeply admires!"

"In these past years, We have promoted young and vigorous men in the imperial army, but loyal, brave, and contented meritorious old generals like Minister Si are still worth employing!" Liu Chengyou sighed, however, and said with feeling.

Pausing for a moment, Liu Chengyou then asked: "Do you know what exactly happened with that Kang Yan, the Deputy Militia Commissioner of Yingzhou?"