Chapter 580: Let Bygones Be Bygones

"Your Majesty, I have come at the order of Chancellor Zhe to present the results of the military reorganization in the southwest!" A Secretariat Drafter of the Bureau of Military Affairs, having been summoned into the hall, respectfully presented a memorial.

Liu Chengyou acknowledged with a sound, set down the matters in his hands, and took up the imperial review. After more than three months of pruning, replenishment, and reorganization, Xiang Xun's work in Fengxiang had finally produced a result.

While he read, the Secretariat Drafter reported to Liu Chengyou: "The various armies of the southwest total twenty-three thousand seven hundred men, of which five thousand are cavalry, all selected from the yabing guards of the various garrisons—one may say they are the finest of Guanzhong's troops. The main force is stationed at Longzhou, Baoji, and Sanguan, and by imperial decree claims a strength of fifty thousand, preparing for the campaign against Shu!

Furthermore, of the troops that were cut, apart from those transferred to the Transport Commission, there remain over ten thousand registered soldiers; the old and weak have also been reorganized and incorporated into the Chief Command. The Chancellor requests instruction: who shall be made Chief Commander of Guanzhong!"

Liu Chengyou reviewed the matter carefully, a trace of relief appearing on his face. After brief consideration, he issued his decision: "Transmit the edict: let Chief Inspector of the Imperial Guard Zhao Hongyin be made Chief Commander of Guanzhong!"

"Yes!"

Since Wang Jun and Han Tong had both been demoted together, a series of high-ranking generals in the Imperial Guard Command had been transferred and reassigned. Not long ago, Zhao Hongyin had taken the initiative to submit a request for resignation. Surprised, Liu Chengyou had neither approved nor rejected it—until today, when he conveniently sent him to Guanzhong.

Just as Zhao Kuangyin had worried earlier, the Zhao family held two Inspector posts, occupying senior general positions in both the Palace Command and the Imperial Guard Command. At first, it did not seem like much, but upon careful reflection, and thinking of "Zhao the Elder," it still felt like something that ought to be suppressed.

This time, it was convenient to send him to Guanzhong. As for Zhao Hongyin—his strategic ability may not match his son's, but in terms of personal valor, he was famous far and wide. Though advanced in years, he was still serviceable.

Closing the memorial, Liu Chengyou looked at the Drafter of the Bureau of Military Affairs standing in the hall—a relatively new face at court. Appraising the man: around thirty years of age, robust in build, with solemn, stern features and an air of valor.

Liu Chengyou grew somewhat interested and asked: "So you are that Li Chuyun?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister is indeed he."

"The Duke of Dai rarely opens his mouth to recommend talent to me. The Bureau of Military Affairs handles all military matters of the realm—a weighty responsibility. You must serve well and not disappoint the warmth of your recommender!" Liu Chengyou said flatly.

Li Chuyun immediately responded: "This minister shall heed Your Majesty's instruction!"

As for Li Chuyun, Liu Chengyou had a vague impression of him, though it was too faint—he ought to be a man of talent. Of course, what had brought him to Liu Chengyou's attention was that Zhe Congruan had recommended him, saying this man was magnanimous and refined, familiar with military affairs, capable and decisive in handling matters—a man of use.

When his military record was pulled up, his résumé was indeed extraordinary. At the end of the Jin dynasty, he had lived in Luoyang with his elder brother. When the Khitan swept south, the guide-party leader Zhang Yanze was the first to break into the Eastern Capital, plundering the populace.

Li Chuyun was skilled in archery. Alone, he guarded the village gate, shooting dead more than ten of the bandit soldiers. Thereafter he joined with his neighbors in defense, directing them with skill, so that the people within were kept safe. Later he drifted into the service of Zhe Congruan as a military officer, leading troops and governing affairs alike, displaying his talents in both, until Zhe Congruan was transferred and he accompanied him to the capital.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Duke of Shan has returned to the capital!" Zhang Dejun walked to the edge of the imperial desk and reported in a low voice.

His brow slightly raised, Liu Chengyou's expression eased as he asked directly: "It seems Zhao Hui has resolved the matter! And Wang Jingchong?"

"He accompanied the party south on the return!" Zhang Dejun said. "Additionally, Wang Yan, Military Governor of Jianxiong Army, has also come to the capital together with them!"

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou's voice rose somewhat, and a hint of something unusual finally showed on his face. His eyes turned very slowly through two circuits, then he said in a deep voice: "Go personally to deliver the edict, summoning Zhao Hui and Wang Yan to the palace. As for Wang Jingchong, hmm... first throw him in prison!"

Hearing this order, Zhang Dejun instinctively glanced at Liu Chengyou, only to find his face already devoid of any expression—calm in a way that sent a chill through one. Not daring to hesitate, he acknowledged with a "yes" and hurried away.

Winter had already set in. The world was vast and gray, the frost heavy. The Eastern Capital remained prosperous and bustling, though the crowds in the markets had clearly thinned. Of course, the liveliest places were still the Eastern and Western Wards.

Ever since securing that great store of money and grain, Murong Yanchao had thrown himself into the work with full vigor, expanding directly from both the Eastern and Western Wards simultaneously. He had also conscripted an additional three thousand laborers. At this time between autumn and winter, with no farm work to delay, there were plenty of people willing to brave wind and cold to earn some money to supplement their households, even if the pay was little. To the government, manpower was the cheapest thing of all...

Outside the walls of the Eastern and Western Wards, two new foundations were being laid, piling earth and gathering stone—a scene of blazing activity. And in the near suburbs, a stretch of simple dwellings was also under construction, in consideration that when the imperial palace, the various offices, and the streets and markets were expanded and rebuilt in the future, the demolition of civilian homes would be unavoidable—these were for resettling the people.

Wang Yan shared a carriage with Zhao Hui. Through the curtain, he noticed the great construction project and could not help asking: "Hasn't the rumor always been that the court's finances are strapped and the treasury empty? How can they be undertaking such grand construction, exhausting the people and wasting wealth?"

Zhao Hui said: "With proper planning and without delaying the farming season, how can it be called exhausting the people? Moreover, I hear that most of the money and grain for this expansion was raised from among the people—dozens of righteous merchants in the Eastern Capital alone pledged donations totaling a million strings of cash. So it can hardly be called wasting wealth either!"

Hearing Zhao Hui's words, Wang Yan's focus was clearly somewhat peculiar. He said: "'Righteous merchants'? Merchants are all cunning profiteers—taking their money is like cutting their flesh. How could they willingly pledge donations?

Heh, a million strings of cash—quite a fortune! The Son of Heaven has issued edict after edict ordering us, as local officials, to restrain our conduct, not to amass wealth or disturb the people. But as it now appears, when it comes to methods of amassing wealth, who can compare with the court?"

Sensing the sarcasm in Wang Yan's tone, Zhao Hui's brow furrowed. Over these past few days, the impression Wang Yan gave him was one of stubbornness, arrogance, and impatience. A few years ago, Wang Yan had not been like this. After rising to a high position, this old brother had changed considerably.

"You still carry resentment in your heart?" Zhao Hui asked in a grave voice.

"If I said no, would you believe me, brother?" Wang Yan countered, his grizzled beard trembling slightly.

Drawing a deep breath of the cold air that rushed in through the curtain, Zhao Hui said sternly to Wang Yan: "Regardless of anything, since you have entered the Eastern Capital, you absolutely must not harbor such an attitude, speaking against the court. Otherwise, even if the court can tolerate you for a time, how could it tolerate you for a lifetime?

We two have both passed sixty, growing old and feeble. Even if we do not plan for ourselves, we should think of our descendants—think of your worthy nephew Hanlun in Xuzhou..."

"I know!" Sensing the sincerity in Zhao Hui's tone, Wang Yan's expression rarely softened. He sighed and looked at Zhao Hui: "Brother Chongguang, compared to those days, you truly have not changed at all!"

"To achieve merit in one's twilight years, to ascend to high position, to receive rank and title—what change could there still be?" Zhao Hui said calmly.

"It is I who cannot match Brother Chongguang's ease of spirit!"

Outside the city gate, upon receiving Zhang Dejun's proclamation and being led into the palace for an audience with the sovereign, Wang Yan had relaxed considerably, his bearing also more composed. For before his very eyes, Wang Jingchong had been taken directly into custody—for him, this could be said to have vented a breath of foul anger.

Thus, in the great hall, facing the Emperor, Wang Yan set down the burden in his heart, appearing especially submissive and forthright. He admitted his faults, begged Liu Chengyou for punishment, and directly stated that he was willing to resign his post and return to retirement...

After hearing Wang Yan's full statement, Liu Chengyou appraised him. He saw that this old general wore an expression of complete candor. With white hair and a youthful face, full of vigor and health, his physique looked like it could rival Yao Yuanfu's.

Turning his gaze to Zhao Hui, who sat as still as an old monk in meditation, Liu Chengyou seemed lost in thought. He sighed inwardly—when it came to shrewdness and knowing which way the wind blew, this man was still the one.

Turning back, seeing Wang Yan still kneeling in his posture of begging punishment, Liu Chengyou waved a hand and said evenly: "Minister Wang, rise for now. The ground is damp—do not hurt your knees!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wang Yan rose and gave a slight bow with clasped hands.

After brief consideration, Liu Chengyou said: "In this matter of Linfen, the fault does not lie with you, Duke. However, your manner of handling and reaction was too extreme and reckless, lacking in caution. I have no intention of punishing you, but the laws and regulations of the state are all in place, and I must impose some penalty, to serve as a warning to those who come after!

Let your ducal rank be reduced to Marquis of Teng, and remain in the capital to rest!"

Just a bare title, and nothing else at all...

Hearing this, the skin of Wang Yan's face could not help but twitch. But facing the Emperor's gaze, which was so flat as to be almost excessive, and considering the misgivings in his heart, he still bowed and said: "Your Majesty is magnanimous and benevolent! This minister thanks you for your grace!"

"I have put Duke Zhao through frost and cold—the journey to Jinzhou has been hard on you! Go back for now; I have further rewards for you!" Liu Chengyou said to Zhao Hui.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This minister takes his leave!" Zhao Hui performed his rites meticulously and with perfect propriety.

After withdrawing from Chongzheng Hall, Wang Yan could no longer hold back, venting his dissatisfaction to Zhao Hui: "Brother Chongguang, did they not say past faults would be forgiven? Why has the Emperor reduced my rank—a mere Marquis of Teng? Why has the Son of Heaven treated me so shabbily? Did you trick me into coming to the capital?"

Facing Wang Yan's furious interrogation, Zhao Hui remained very calm. He looked at him and asked: "The Emperor's intent, I conveyed to you. But have you considered—why were you kept in Jinzhou without punishment, yet upon resigning your post and coming to the capital, you were demoted?"

Wang Yan clearly had not caught on. Zhao Hui patted his shoulder and said: "Only after today is it truly a case of letting bygones be bygones! First, settle down in the Eastern Capital!"