Chapter 620: Dispatch Troops to Attack Shu

"Your Majesty, the military governors of Yongxing, Jingnan, Baoyi, Heyang, Weisheng, Pinglu, Yiwu, and Hengshai have all been dismissed. Now Xiangzhou, Yanzhou, Beizhou, Caizhou and other prefectural commands have successively submitted petitions requesting the same. From this day forward, the Great Han will no longer have the worry of military provinces!" Zhao Yan gathered up the memorials Liu Chengyou had reviewed, speaking lightly.

What had been submitted this time were the successive resignations of the military provinces of Xiangzhou, Yanzhou, Beizhou and others. The situation of this Jiaqing Festival had clearly spread, and the military governors whose authority had been removed were all properly arranged for—either in governance or military command, not forcibly ordered into retirement. And the most proactive, the one who led the way, was Guo Wei, Military Governor of Xiangzhou.

After reading Guo Wei's memorial, Liu Chengyou unconsciously revealed a trace of joy on his face. It seemed that Guo Wei was walking further and further, and more and more broadly, along the path of loyalty to the Great Han.

One resignation after another was certainly gratifying, but Liu Chengyou still maintained his composure, saying: "This is only the beginning, representing the attitude of the local military provinces. What matters more is the implementation that follows. Once military and civil affairs are completely separated, then come congratulate me!"

"Yes!" Hearing this, Zhao Yan put away his smile, cupped his hands respectfully and said: "Your Majesty remains composed and unperturbed, handling matters with equanimity. Your servant admires this immensely!"

Hearing this flattery, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but glance at Zhao Yan, seeing only a posture of humility and submission waiting there. The corner of his mouth twitched as Liu Chengyou instructed: "Whatever the military governors and defense commissioners request, grant them all! Order the Hall of State Affairs, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Bureau of Military Affairs to follow precedent and properly arrange for the military and civil officials throughout the realm, ensuring a smooth transition!"

"As you command!" Zhao Yan earnestly noted down the Emperor's instructions.

"Additionally, at present only Shi Hongzhao, Military Governor of Shuofang, has yet to submit his memorial!" Zhao Yan added.

His brow lightly furrowed, then relaxed, Liu Chengyou said: "Shuofang is distant, far in the northwest, with inconvenient travel and communication. Moreover, Lingzhou is a frontier region with complex circumstances, not like the interior prefectures. There's no hurry!"

After a moment's deliberation, he added: "However, even if it is borderland, it is still under the Great Han's rule. In the future, even if not the heartland, it is still an arm. Its military and civil arrangements should also follow the same system. Order the Ministry of Personnel to first assign some young officials to serve in Lingzhou, assisting in managing civil affairs."

At this point, Liu Chengyou's thoughts wandered, and he added: "Also, in the future, officials serving in remote prefectures like Lingzhou should be given priority in court evaluations!"

Raising his eyes, Zhao Yan remained calm-faced, accepting the orders meticulously.

Liu Chengyou asked: "Regarding the reorganization of the northern army, does the Bureau of Military Affairs have a memorial on that?"

"To answer Your Majesty!" Zhao Yan said: "The Commandery Prince of Chenliu and the two ministers Li and Pan have already begun the reorganization and retraining. Grain is supported by Hebei, soldiers are kept in line by the Army Commanders, and with Your Majesty's gracious edicts, even if there are ripples, there should be no trouble. Additionally, the imperial army troops being transferred north for rotation have already departed on orders!"

"Mm!" Liu Chengyou nodded in acknowledgment, instructing: "Pay special attention to this matter. Report to me immediately upon any progress!"

"Yes!"

Having finished asking about military and civil affairs, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but turn his gaze upon Zhao Yan, asking him in a questioning tone: "Zhao Yan, there is something I don't understand. I hope you can enlighten me!"

There was a hint of scrutiny in the Son of Heaven's gaze. Zhao Yan's heart startled, but his face showed no less respect as he bowed: "Your Majesty, please ask!"

"At your age, to be so composed and solemn, handling matters so thoroughly—that is certainly gratifying. However, I always feel that you seem overly cautious, especially toward me—your deference is almost excessive. I'm curious: what makes you so careful and timid, as if treading on thin ice?"

Hearing this question, Zhao Yan's expression grew even more serious, his back bowed even deeper as he reported: "Before entering office, your servant was merely a scholar, with shallow knowledge and insufficient ability. Yet through accumulated fortune over several lifetimes, I was blessed with Your Majesty's trust and elevated to Chief Academician of the Chongzheng Hall. 'Virtue not matching position'—that describes your servant exactly. I am both moved to tears and filled with trepidation.

Everything that passes through my hands is state secret affairs, and I dare not make the slightest error or omission. To avoid failing Your Majesty's trust and favor, I must be cautious in all things...

Hearing this declaration, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but smile, his gaze carrying something inscrutable. Liu Chengyou believed Zhao Yan's words, but he could also sense that there was still something held back in his heart.

Yet he did not press him too hard. Liu Chengyou withdrew his gaze and said in a clear voice: "I have heard that your father, Lord Zhao, occasionally let himself go freely. In this regard, you should learn from him. Caution and diligence are certainly commendable, but don't be overly tense. I am, after all, not a tiger, rhinoceros, bear, or brown bear—I won't eat you!"

"Your Majesty's instruction, your servant will keep in heart!" Zhao Yan bowed respectfully, then resumed his usual demeanor.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou shook his head and asked: "I heard you've been unwell. How are you now?"

"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern!" Zhao Yan replied with a flattered expression: "It was only a minor ailment. After taking medicine, I have already recovered!"

"Your elder brother died young. You are now the only son. Besides fulfilling your duties with dedication, you must also serve and care for your parents. You should take care of your health!" Liu Chengyou said.

A trace of emotion appeared in Zhao Yan's eyes: "Yes!"

"You may withdraw!"

He had Zhang Dejun massage his shoulders to relieve some fatigue, then rose and walked to before the map. Summer was nearly upon them, the weather fine, and bright sunlight streamed through the doors and windows into the palace, falling upon Liu Chengyou, warming his body and heart.

Liu Chengyou stood there for nearly half an hour, his gaze naturally fixed upon the Qinfeng region. Last year, had it not been for the successive great disasters in autumn, Liu Chengyou would have already made his move in the southwest. By now, nearly a year had been delayed, but it had also given the Han court more ample time for preparation.

At this time, the reorganization of military and civil affairs within the Great Han had achieved tremendous results, and Liu Chengyou could no longer suppress his urge to send troops.

"Zhang Dejun!"

"This humble one is here. What does His Majesty command?"

"In the afternoon, summon all the chancellors, the heads of the various ministries and bureaus, and the commanders of the two armies to the Chongzheng Hall for deliberation!" Liu Chengyou said calmly.

In the afternoon, within the Chongzheng Hall, dozens of civil and military officials gathered in full attendance—all the most powerful figures of the Great Han court stood respectfully before the throne. Liu Chengyou sat high at his desk, swept his gaze around, and spoke directly: "I have gathered all of you here, civil and military. Some of you have likely guessed the purpose. The Shu sovereign, taking advantage of the Central Plains' national crisis, brazenly sent troops and occupied the four prefectures of Qinfeng. They have unlawfully held our territory for a long time. Now that preparations are complete, I intend to dispatch troops to attack Shu. Today, we will deliberate in this hall on the matter of sending the expedition!"

With one sentence, Liu Chengyou set the tone for this court deliberation. In fact, the civil and military officials of the Great Han showed no surprise at all—they had long expected it, and no one voiced opposition.

With unity of purpose above and below, they quickly settled on the timing of the Shu campaign, the mobilization of troops, and the matters of grain and equipment procurement and transport. As for the commander-in-chief of the Shu expedition, there was some disagreement. The elder ministers favored Wang Jing for various reasons, and Liu Chengyou wavered for a brief moment, but ultimately strengthened his resolve and chose to support Xiang Xun.

In the seventh year of Qianyou, after summer began, along the official road from the Eastern Capital to Fengxiang, large numbers of imperial army troops, grain, clothing, and military equipment were dispatched in batches, making final preparations for the campaign against Shu.

Behind the palace gardens, the Shu sovereign Meng Chang was cooling himself by Moha Pool, accompanied by his Consort Huarui, who fed him fruit and gently waved a silk fan. But it was hard to relieve Meng Chang's heat, even though ice blocks were placed all around.

Meng Chang had never liked summer, finding its heat unbearable. At this moment, in a single-layer garment with his chest exposed, looking at the alluring Consort Xu in her thin robes beside him, he breathed somewhat unsteadily and said: "This scorching heat is truly vexing, hard to even sleep. My lady, what do you think of building a palace on Moha Pool, where we can enjoy ourselves and cool off in the future?"

"This..." A trace of hesitation appeared between Consort Xu's bright eyes and white teeth, and she said softly: "I've heard there may be war in the north. When the state faces urgency, my lord, wouldn't it be inappropriate to undertake such construction within the palace..."

"Eh!" Meng Chang waved his hand and said: "They're always saying the Northern Han will invade—they've been shouting it for two years now, and still no troops have moved. The ministers have become like birds startled by a bow—at the slightest movement from the Han army, they make a great fuss. Besides, the court has deployed so many troops in Qinfeng and Xingyuan, and there are mountains and rivers as natural barriers. Nothing to worry about!"

Having said this, Meng Chang began discussing with her the requirements for the palace...

"Your Majesty, the ministers request an audience!" A palace eunuch came to report: "They say they have important matters to report!"

Dragged forcibly from his nest of tenderness, Meng Chang received his ministers with some displeasure, asking: "What urgent matter is it? Has the Northern Han moved troops again?"

"Your Majesty! The Northern Han has officially sent troops!" Wang Zhaoyuan, the Commissioner of Military Affairs, nodded in reply.