Chapter 564: Zhao's Report to the Throne

"Yuanlang, come sit! Zhang Dejun, bring General Zhao some tea!" In Chongzheng Hall, Zhao Kuangyin entered to report on his mission, covered in dust from the road. Just as he was about to perform the ritual salute, he was moved by the Emperor's warmth.

"This trip to Hedong, traveling a thousand li back and forth, the weariness of carriage and horse, the burdens of state affairs—you've worked hard!" Liu Chengyou said to Zhao Kuangyin with a smile. "The task was carried out excellently, and I am very satisfied with the results!"

"Relying on Your Majesty's trust, entrusting me with such an important charge, to select military talent for the state—I am grateful in my heart and dared not be negligent. Having not failed Your Majesty's mission, my heart is at ease. A bit of travel and toil is nothing to speak of!" Zhao Kuangyin said.

Observing his conduct and listening to his words, if one were to say Zhao Kuangyin harbored wild ambitions, Liu Chengyou would not believe it—at least with his current discernment, he could not see the slightest sign of it.

Nodding, Liu Chengyou said: "The soldiers selected from Hedong have already been inspected by the Palace Command and the Imperial Guard—all are sturdy and capable men, none unworthy. They can directly replenish the various armies! I have decided to personally review them in three days, and you shall be the review commander!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Kuangyin did not neglect propriety, rising to express his gratitude: "The officers and men of Hedong have long admired Your Majesty's august majesty. If they can personally receive your grace and virtue, how could they not devote themselves to death in repayment!"

"Regarding the reform of the Hedong military system, I have already read much in the memorials, but as for the specific circumstances, I still need you, a minister who witnessed it firsthand, to narrate it for me!" A warm smile hung reservedly at the corner of his mouth as Liu Chengyou asked.

Upon the inquiry, Zhao Kuangyin immediately narrated the details of the troop reorganization from beginning to end, omitting nothing. It was entirely in accordance with the reorganization regulations from the Bureau of Military Affairs, and no flaws could be detected in his words. From Zhao Kuangyin's description, Liu Chengyou's impression was deepened somewhat.

After a moment of deliberation, he said: "The elite troops of Hedong have all been transferred to the Eastern Capital—surely this will have no impact on local defense and border protection!" Liu Chengyou said.

Zhao Kuangyin answered without hesitation: "Under the Hedong command, there remain ten thousand troops, centered on Taiyuan Prefecture, stationed across the various prefectures. Though they are not as elite as the selected soldiers, they are sufficient to protect the peace of the region, especially with Chief Commander Wang training and drilling them. The disbanded soldiers either serve in the prefectures and counties, or become clerks in their villages; those of lesser standing have been given money, grain, and farmland, and spread word of Your Majesty's and the court's virtuous governance in the countryside. Therefore, local public order need not be a concern!"

"Have the families of the soldiers entering the capital been properly settled?" Liu Chengyou asked again.

"For this matter, the Hedong Administration Commission should have submitted a detailed report!" Zhao Kuangyin subconsciously became more cautious, answering: "However, as far as I know, for each soldier entering the capital, the local authorities have already distributed land, farming tools, and oxen according to the grace regulations. Chancellor Fan ordered the various local governments to handle this matter carefully, so when the soldiers heard of it, morale was greatly lifted!"

"Mm..." Glancing at Zhao Kuangyin twice, Liu Chengyou leaned forward, a hint of curiosity in his words: "I have heard that in your youth, you traveled the Central Plains, seeking positions in various prefectures. You once sought to serve under Wang Yanchao but were rejected by him. This summer you met again in Taiyuan and worked together for a time, and now you are already the Chief Inspector of the Palace Command of the Great Han—how did Wang Yanchao react?"

Hearing the Son of Heaven mention this, Zhao Kuangyin could not help but smile, answering: "When we met again, nearly ten years had passed. Chief Commander Wang personally hosted a banquet to offer his apologies to me. I attended the appointment but dared not accept his gesture of apology!"

"Why? Do you still harbor resentment over his belittlement of you back then, some lingering dissatisfaction?" Liu Chengyou grew even more curious.

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head, explaining: "Your Majesty misunderstands. I was young back then, reckless and ignorant. When I arrived under Chief Commander Wang's command, I immediately sought the position of junior officer. Consider—at that time I was inexperienced, without reputation, and had not yet displayed my abilities. How could I expect to leap ahead and start as a junior officer? Chief Commander Wang's refusal was only reasonable. How could I resent him for that?

Even now when I think of it, I feel that I was aiming too high back then, and I feel somewhat ashamed. Moreover, at the time my purse was empty, and Chief Commander Wang even gifted me money for travel expenses—that is a kindness. Therefore, I accepted his invitation but dared not accept his apology!

Now that we serve as ministers in the same court, loyal to Your Majesty and the Great Han, we should all the more set aside past differences and work together for the public good. Furthermore, between Chief Commander Wang and myself, there is hardly any grudge to speak of!"

"Truly reasonable and open-minded!" Liu Chengyou praised.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I merely follow my own conscience and would never dare let personal matters interfere with public duty!" Zhao Kuangyin said with a solemn expression.

Liu Chengyou could not help but sweep a few more glances at Zhao Kuangyin, and after some thought, asked: "You toured the three armies of northern Jin—can the Dingxiang, Ninghua, and Baoning armies resist the Khitan?"

Hearing the Son of Heaven ask about border defenses, Zhao Kuangyin immediately slipped into his role, responding: "The Dingxiang and Baoning armies were both reorganized from the original garrison troops of Daizhou and Fuzhou. They have long been stationed at the border, with complete military equipment and thorough training. They also have long experience fighting against the Khitan, are familiar with enemy intelligence and combat methods, and possess formidable fighting strength—they can be called elite troops.

Along the border, fortresses and military stockades have also been established according to strategic terrain. They may not be sufficient for offense, but they are more than adequate for defense. The Ninghua Army is newly established, and its selected soldiers may be somewhat inferior, but Army Commander Li is a veteran general. With his command and training, as long as weapons, armor, money, and grain are supplied, the court can rest easy!"

"Additionally." Pausing briefly, Zhao Kuangyin said: "While in northern Jin, I heard that the Khitan ruler has stationed the Great King of the Southern Division, Yelu Talie, at Yun and Wei. This man has been in office for less than a year, yet he has equalized taxes and corvée, encouraged farming, and administered rewards and punishments with clarity and trustworthiness. He has won the hearts of the soldiers, and his talents and achievements are truly outstanding. I believe this is a major threat, and the court must not underestimate him!"

"It seems your trip to the northern border yielded no small harvest!" Liu Chengyou sighed: "That Yelu Talie—when Yang Ye was in the capital, he also spoke to me of him, and indeed he is no ordinary man. Though the Khitan are barbarian bandits, their power is rising, and they have dominated the northern lands for decades. Under their rule there are indeed capable ministers and good generals! If we wish to campaign north and recover our rivers and mountains, it will not be easy, I imagine!"

"Our Great Han has an enlightened sovereign and a heroic ruler, ministers who govern the state, and generals who can campaign—too numerous to count. How can the Khitan be compared? Give it time, and Your Majesty will surely raise an army northward and accomplish the great enterprise!" Zhao Kuangyin, however, appeared quite confident.

Liu Chengyou responded in kind: "Well said! You, Zhao Yuanlang, are precisely such a seasoned campaigning general—why should I worry about a mere Yelu Talie!"

"Alright, you have just returned, weary and travel-worn—go down and rest!" Letting out a light sigh, Liu Chengyou's face resumed its genial expression, and he said to Zhao Kuangyin: "For your achievements in Hedong, I will naturally reward you. However, you have only recently been appointed Chief Inspector of the Palace Command, and it would not be appropriate to promote you again so soon. This being the case, I will elevate your noble rank to Marquis of Jishan, and grant you ten bolts of silk and a hundred strings of cash!"

"I thank Your Majesty for your grace!" Zhao Kuangyin rose and prostrated himself.

"Additionally, I know you love drinking and enjoy a hearty bout. The King of Wuyue recently presented me with twenty jars of aged fine wine, said to be aged over ten years each. I grant you two jars—take them back and have a taste. I'll give you three days of leave, permitting you one good drunken night!" Liu Chengyou continued.

"Also, I hear your father is in poor health. Later, go and collect some ginseng and tonics. Old General Zhao is also a veteran of the battlefield, meritorious to the state, and his strategies have long been admired by me..."

"Your Majesty's care extends this far—I am moved to tears and can only repay it with utmost loyalty!" Zhao Kuangyin bowed again. Judging by his expression, he seemed moved beyond words.

Liu Chengyou signaled to Zhang Dejun to lead Zhao Kuangyin out of the hall and arrange the bestowal of rewards.

After he departed, reflecting on his conversation with Zhao, Liu Chengyou had to admit that Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a pillar of talent for the state. His abilities in leading and training troops had already been witnessed. A thought crossed his mind—should he give Zhao Kuangyin a prefecture, let him serve as a parent-official, to gain some experience.

However, it was merely a passing thought. At least for the present, Zhao Kuangyin's military talents were worth putting to good use by Liu Chengyou. As for Guo Rong, sending him to the localities as an Administration Commissioner of a circuit could be considered.

Shortly after, a palace attendant announced that Gao Huaide sought an audience. An edict was issued to summon him.

Gao Huaide entered and immediately caught Liu Chengyou's gaze. He wore a white cloth wrapped around his head, his eyes red and swollen. Upon seeing Liu Chengyou, he prostrated himself immediately—a man of six chi—and said in a weeping voice: "Your Majesty, my father has passed!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou started up in alarm. Whatever his true feelings, his outward display had to be proper. He exclaimed in shock: "What!"

Taking Gao Xingzhou's posthumous memorial, Liu Chengyou read it through with a grave expression, then sighed mournfully: "I have lost an elder, and the Great Han has lost a pillar of state!"