Chapter 624: Inside the Bureau of Military Affairs

In the Eastern Capital, the Han Emperor issued an edict, suspending court for three days, because of the death of the former chancellor, Grand Preceptor, Duke of Yan, Feng Dao. It had been less than a year and a half since Feng Dao requested to resign. Looking at the outcome, Feng Dao had indeed spoken "sincere words" to Liu Chengyou back then, foreseeing life and death.

Upon hearing the news of his death, Liu Chengyou felt somewhat sorrowful in his heart. Feng Dao could be called a renowned minister, an unshakable figure active in the Central Plains political arena. For thirty years, across successive dynasties and reigns, he never left the positions of general, chancellor, Three Dukes, or Three Grand Masters. His prominence and glory were renowned throughout his generation.

Serving the Great Han in his later years was the very pinnacle of Feng Dao's official career. Although in the last two years his role to the Emperor had diminished greatly, becoming nearly a yes-man, in the first three or four years of the state's founding, relying on his reputation, ability, and experience, he rendered great service to Liu Chengyou in stabilizing the court and reassuring the people. Therefore, Liu Chengyou was grateful to him and bestowed posthumous honors upon his death.

Feng Dao's death could be considered dying of old age in his bed, enjoying his later years peacefully, and few regarded it as a regret. Although the Son of Heaven suspended court, the operation of the government was not affected in the slightest, especially after the outbreak of war in the southwest.

At present, early autumn had arrived, and the hottest days were about to pass. The sun was no longer as scorching as before, but the climate remained hot. The Bureau of Military Affairs, the Ministry of War, and the State Finance Commission were probably the busiest departments in the central government recently. However, compared to the trivial and complicated affairs of the other two departments, the Bureau of Military Affairs required more energy to be invested.

Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs Guo Rong personally selected several subordinates to be exclusively responsible for the military intelligence of the southwestern campaign against Shu, including Li Chuyun and Pan Mei, who had returned from reorganizing the army in Hebei.

When Liu Chengyou stepped into the confidential affairs room, Guo Rong and the others were before a map, comparing the frontline military reports, marking, studying, and discussing. Stepping forward, he ordered the ministers to dispense with formalities, and Liu Chengyou directly asked: "Have new battle reports arrived in the capital?"

Military reports from the southwestern front line were submitted once every three days, detailing the battle situation so the central government could monitor it. Six days earlier, they had received the first report of victory since Liu Chengyou issued the edict to attack Shu nearly a month ago. Generals Wang Renshan and Li Yan led soldiers of twelve commands, advancing south through the Sanguan Road, attacking the Shu army's eight stockades at Huangniu. Within three days, they broke through four stockades in succession.

Li Chuyun reported to Liu Chengyou: "The Shu army's eight stockades at Huangniu, Qingma Ridge, and elsewhere have all been broken through by Wang Renshan and Li Yan. Of the eight stockades' Shu troops, over half were lost. The Shu general Han Jixun has led the defeated remnants to retreat to Weiwu City, northeast of Liangquan. The road for our main army to advance south into Fengzhou has been opened..."

"These two generals, Wang and Li, are truly talented commanders. Victory in the first battle, breaking eight stockades in succession—the Shu army must be shaken with fear. The situation is excellent!" A satisfied expression appeared on Liu Chengyou's face, and he did not stint on praise: "In the Battle of Donghe Village two years ago, the two of them also rendered meritorious service, crushing the Shu army. It seems these two are the vanguard spearheads of the Shu campaign!"

Perhaps feeling that the Emperor was rejoicing too early, a trace of awkwardness flashed across Li Chuyun's face as he said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, after breaking the eight stockades, Wang Renshan led two thousand troops in a rapid march south, pursuing Han Jixun's defeated soldiers, intending to seize Weiwu City by taking advantage of the momentum. However, marching double-time, exhausted from continuous fighting, they were thwarted at the city pass, defeated by the Shu general Gao Yanchou, losing five hundred soldiers before retreating north."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's brows finally furrowed slightly, his smile freezing a little as he said: "Wang Renshan, he was still too impatient!"

"What is the situation now? Let me see the military report!" Liu Chengyou turned his head.

As it was presented and he received it for imperial perusal, Guo Rong said to Liu Chengyou from the side: "According to Xiang Xun's report, he has led thirty thousand troops through Sanguan into Feng. Autumn has now arrived and the climate has turned favorable. He intends to fight a great battle with the Shu army at Weiwu City!"

"Your Majesty, the Fengzhou road is obstructed and perilous. After Liangquan lies the Qingni Ridge road. From Sanguan to Weiwu City, though the post road is difficult to traverse, it is not the most dangerous point. However, judging from the situation ahead, the movement of the main army and the transport of grain and military equipment have already become very inconvenient. Therefore, if we can concentrate our forces for a decisive battle north of Liangquan, it would be greatly advantageous to our army!"

"That also depends on whether the Shu army gives us that opportunity!" Liu Chengyou nodded.

"Weiwu City is about eighty li southwest of Sanguan, serving as the northern barrier of Shu and its military defense fortress. If we take Weiwu City, we can drive straight to Liangquan, and the advantage of victory will be ours. The Shu army will absolutely not give it up. Therefore, as Xiang Xun plans, at Weiwu City we can certainly fight a great battle that establishes the victory!" Guo Rong said with certainty.

"Isn't our massing troops at the border, sharpening our blades, precisely to achieve this effect?" Liu Chengyou's expression relaxed slightly as he nodded: "Send orders to Xiang Xun—in the Qinfeng campaign, he has full authority to make decisions on the spot. For the destruction of Shu, let him fight this battle with all his heart!"

"Yes!" Guo Rong looked at Liu Chengyou and praised him: "That Your Majesty possesses such breadth of vision and grand strategy is the fortune of your generals!"

Guo Rong rarely praised others, and even more rarely complimented Liu Chengyou, but every time he uttered words of admiration, they were genuine sentiments from the heart. Liu Chengyou understood this, so hearing his words, he could not help but feel greatly pleased.

"What is the battle situation at Qinzhou?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"According to reports, Duke Wang has led twenty thousand troops of the Wujie Army and the southwestern border forces, following the Wei River upstream along the main road through Long. In the initial battle at Longcheng, they forced the Shu army to defend within the city, already suppressing them. The Shu general Zhao Jizha is mediocre, and his forces are fewer than ours—he is no match for Duke Wang!" Guo Rong replied, looking very confident.

"Once war begins, the matter of leading troops in battle can only rely on the frontline commanders. Here in the rear, I can only raise grain and gather funds, ensuring they lack nothing in supplies!" Putting down the military report he had been toying with, Liu Chengyou sighed: "I trust the southwestern commanders will not disappoint my expectations!"

"Your Majesty always plans thoroughly before acting. Dispatching generals and troops, launching campaigns—all are fully prepared. With such comprehensive strategic planning at court, our dynasty is certain to win, and the Shu army is certain to lose!" Li Chuyun clasped his hands to Liu Chengyou, speaking with fervor: "Your Majesty, you need only sit in the Eastern Capital and await the reports of victory!"

"These words are indeed rousing and inspiring!" Liu Chengyou smiled at Li Chuyun: "I do have this bit of confidence!"

Having said this, he looked toward Guo Rong again, saying with some melancholy: "Duke of Dai is unwell and can hardly handle affairs. The confidential matters of the Bureau of Military Affairs and the military affairs of the state must all fall upon your shoulders, Minister Guo. Please bear the burden with patience!"

Hearing this, Guo Rong replied solemnly: "This is this minister's duty to fulfill, and I dare not be negligent!"

Guo Rong had always harbored great ambitions for achievement and possessed abundant energy. Increased responsibilities only made him more excited and more motivated. After summer began, the Emperor's father-in-law, Zhe Congruan, had also fallen ill. After all, he had reached an advanced age, and after years of military toil, his body could no longer bear the strain.

However, the Bureau of Military Affairs had not been greatly affected. Zhe Congruan did not covet power and position. Over the past two years or more, Guo Rong's actual authority had in fact been greater, enough for him to smoothly take over military and political affairs without causing any waves.

Liu Chengyou had a feeling that perhaps before long, he would lose this elder and veteran minister. Therefore, in recent times, he had been quite considerate toward the Zhe family. He sent imperial physicians to their residence and generously bestowed medicinal herbs, supplements, and imperial articles. Within the palace, he also visited the Worthy Consort, Lady Zhe, the most frequently. It was somewhat like the time before Gao Xingzhou had passed away from illness.

Suppressing the slight melancholy in his heart, Liu Chengyou glanced at Pan Mei, who was seriously and calmly studying the military situation before the map, and asked Guo Rong: "Minister Guo, what do you think of Pan Mei?"

Upon the question, Guo Rong did not conceal the admiration in his eyes: "Your Majesty has discerning eyes! Pan Mei understands military affairs and upholds righteousness—a paragon among commanders, worthy of great appointment!"

"In his two years serving at the Bureau of Military Affairs, he has been diligent in his duties, and when analyzing affairs, he often offers insights. Although the Great Han has many brave generals, commanding talent is especially precious, particularly as the old generals gradually pass away. Pan Mei has the aptitude, and with the realm not yet pacified, I privately believe that leading troops in battle, attacking cities and seizing stockades, would better display his abilities!"

Liu Chengyou could not help but nod. Up to now, among the rising stars in the military, there were not many whom Liu Chengyou valued highly, possessing the ability to command as generals or marshals and hold their own—only Gao Huaide, Yang Ye, Zhao Kuangyin, Pan Mei, Shi Shouxin, and a few others.

After considering for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "I plan to dispatch Pan Mei to Xiangzhou. What do you think?"

Guo Rong's eyebrows rose slightly, and his gaze shifted to the Great Han map, landing on Jing and Hu. Clearly, the Shu campaign had only just begun, the great battle for Qinfeng was not yet in full swing, and the Emperor's thoughts were already beginning to consider the next step.

"I believe it is very appropriate!" Guo Rong nodded.