Chapter 683: A Rising Talent in the Army

On the fourth day of the fourth month in the eighth year of Qianyou, in summer, Emperor Liu Chengyou of the Great Han formally issued an edict, citing that Military Governor Zhou Xingfeng of Wuping had raised arms without authorization, attacked Guizhou, and killed court-appointed officials. He dispatched the imperial army and forty thousand infantry and cavalry from the six prefectures south of the mountains to march south, officially commencing the campaign against Jingxiang.

With the edict issued, Chief Commander Murong Yanzhao of the Palace Command was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Field Headquarters for the Hunan Circuit, Han Tong, Commander of Xiangyang troops, as Army Supervisor, Du Hanhui, Chief Commander of the Husheng Army, as Formation Marshal, along with over thirty internal and external generals including Sun Li, Shi Yanchao, Pan Mei, Li Yun, and Zhang Xun, accompanying the army on the southern campaign.

Yet Murong Yanzhao, as the commander-in-chief of the southern expedition, had already set up his field headquarters in Xiangyang early on, erected his command tent, inspected the various armies under his command, sharpened weapons and fed horses, and deliberated on the strategy for the advance.

The Han army's great camp was established south of Xiangyang city, with banners flying and palisades standing tall and formidable. From the tightly ordered camp walls, one could discern the strength of the officers and men, and the command ability of the generals.

In the central command tent, a relatively detailed map of the Jinghu region hung on one side. Murong Yanzhao wore a composed expression, and even his slightly upturned beard exuded a vigorous confidence.

Speaking of it, it had been a full eight years since Liu Chengyou first summoned him to serve under his banner, and only now, for the first time, was he acting as a commander-in-chief, leading a great army to expand the realm. Though he had long held the rank of general, his heart could not help but stir with a surge of excitement.

At the same time, Murong Yanzhao knew well that the Great Han army was now teeming with talented men, and given the Emperor's style of appointing people, this kind of war of annihilation with independent command might well be his only chance. Therefore, he was extremely meticulous. He had been preparing since his time in the Eastern Capital, with a comprehensive plan for the overall campaign.

"Commander Murong, I could recite this map from memory by now. You keep poring over it again and again—what exactly have you seen?" Han Tong, sitting to one side, could not help grumbling: "The army is now fully assembled, and the officers and men of all units are fully equipped and eager for battle. The soldiers you asked for, I've picked them out for you. What are you still waiting for? If we delay any longer, unforeseen complications may arise!"

Seeing Han Tong's anxious expression, Murong Yanzhao finally withdrew his gaze from the map, looked at him, and reassured him: "General need not be impatient. Since the army has been dispatched, we shall surely sweep the nest and clear the lair, taking all of Huxiang. But before sending forth the troops, some preparations are still needed!"

"What preparations?" Han Tong asked urgently.

"Reporting to the Commander, Duke of Xingguo requests an audience!"

Just as he was about to speak, the guards outside the tent announced. Murong Yanzhao revealed a slight smile: "It seems the preparations are ready!"

With that, Murong Yanzhao took the lead and personally went out of the tent to receive him, to show respect. The men were all of a brisk and capable style. Entering the tent, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Guo Wei set down his teacup and said to Murong Yanzhao: "Commander Murong, over these past two days, I have ordered the requisition of two hundred large and small official, merchant, and civilian vessels, and have assigned rowing personnel. They can carry twenty thousand soldiers. The newly arrived twenty grain and equipment ships have also dropped anchor and come ashore, ready to depart at any moment. Will that suffice?"

Hearing this, Murong Yanzhao could not help but clap his hands in admiration: "Duke Xing is indeed a capable minister, handling matters with such decisiveness and speed. That is more than sufficient!"

Listening to their exchange, Han Tong suddenly understood, and could not help but hold his forehead and say: "Look at my head. I've been in Xiangyang this long and yet overlooked the boats. Northerners ride horses, southerners ply boats—how could one fight Jinghu without using ships? But here in Xiangyang, we still lack a naval force!"

"The naval forces of Jiangling can be pressed into military service!" Murong Yanzhao said with an air of naturalness: "These vessels are only for transport purposes. Once we descend into Jingnan, we can sail south along the river and head straight for Yueyang. I anticipate that if the Chu army wishes to block us, it will be at Dongting Lake!"

"By the Commander's words, it sounds as if Jingnan has already been taken!" Han Tong could not help but laugh: "You're already thinking directly about fighting the Chu army!"

"With our tens of thousands of troops arrayed here, Jingnan is still in a state of chaos!" Murong Yanzhao said with a light scoff, looking at the two men: "Now, we need to send someone to Jiangling to finalize the matter of borrowing passage! This envoy must be a man of both wisdom and courage, able to adapt to circumstances!"

Hearing this, Han Tong recommended: "Cao Bin, the Army Commander of Xiangyang, can handle this task!"

At his words, Guo Wei's brow furrowed imperceptibly, while Murong Yanzhao grew interested and immediately ordered someone to summon Cao Bin.

Soon, Cao Bin arrived upon orders. Standing crisply in the command tent, neither humble nor overbearing, he immediately won Murong Yanzhao's favor. Without wasting words, Murong Yanzhao said directly to him: "I intend to send someone to Jiangling to persuade the Jingnan forces to yield the way for our army to march south into Hunan. Army Supervisor Han has recommended you to me. Are you willing to go?"

Cao Bin considered for only a few breaths, then very readily clasped his fists and said: "This humble officer is willing to go!"

Seeing his utter readiness, Murong Yanzhao said: "I will not hide it from you. According to intelligence, on the side of the Gao clan, though they are cowed by the might of the court's army, they still vacillate between war and peace, undecided. Zhou Xingfeng's envoy is still in Jiangling city. Your journey may not be safe. After you, I will dispatch the Tieqi Army as the vanguard to strike directly at Jiangling. If Gao Baorong's treacherous heart suddenly stirs and he resolves to turn against the court, then you, as the army's envoy, will be in danger!"

"Thank you, Commander, for speaking frankly!" Cao Bin was exceptionally calm, his demeanor showing great resolve as he replied: "Though this humble officer is of little talent, even a tiger's den or wolf's lair, I dare to charge into. A mere Jiangling is nothing to speak of. Moreover, with the Commander sending five thousand iron cavalry to guard from behind, what is there to fear?"

Seeing his reaction, Murong Yanzhao could not help but laugh heartily, saying to Guo and Han: "The Great Han army has no shortage of fine talents, but those with this kind of bold spirit and insight are few!"

Having said this, Murong Yanzhao gave the order in a solemn voice: "Take a squad of men, ride light and fast, and hasten to Jiangling at once!"

"As ordered!" Cao Bin clasped his fists and departed.

Before leaving, Cao Bin cast a reassuring glance at Guo Wei.

"Someone!" After Cao Bin left, Murong Yanzhao immediately wrote out a military order, affixed his seal, attached the tally, and handed it to the dispatch officer, instructing: "Immediately transmit the order to Shi Yanchao, commanding him to lead the Tieqi Army out, heading straight for Jiangling."

He wrote another order and commanded: "Transmit the order to Du Hanhui at Yingzhou, telling him to also move his troops south. If any Jingnan troops cross the border, crush them!"

Guo Wei, listening to his arrangements from the side, said: "Sending the envoy first, then using force behind—this can be called courtesy before force. But with both measures applied simultaneously, I wonder what choice Gao Baorong will make?"

"Without the threat of strong troops, Gao Baorong likely cannot see the situation clearly!" Han Tong said a line, then looked at Murong Yanzhao with some eagerness: "Commander, once Jingnan falls, how about entrusting the task of leading troops into Hunan to me?"

Meeting his expectant gaze, Murong Yanzhao considered briefly, then said: "Since the General has such a desire, how could I dampen your spirits! Once the situation in Jingnan is under control, General Han shall lead the troops south!"

Shortly after, another report came in—Quartermaster Han Hui requested an audience.

"This Han Hui is the General's son, is he not!" Murong Yanzhao said to Han Tong.

Han Tong nodded, and with a deliberately scolding tone said: "This dog of a son of mine—instead of staying properly in the logistics camp tending to his military supplies, he dares to petition directly at the central command tent. Utterly audacious! I shall certainly give him a good dressing down!"

"Eh!" Murong Yanzhao adopted a lenient demeanor instead, saying: "The reputation of the young lord of the Han family—I have heard of it even in the Eastern Capital. In these years at the Ministry of War, he has displayed remarkable ability and extraordinary strategic insight. A junior who can earn the praise of Chancellor Wei is indeed rare. Matters of grain and equipment are the foremost priority in the army. Since he has come to see me, there must be a reason!"

"The General may wish to avoid suspicion, but there is no need for such!" Murong Yanzhao said, and immediately ordered him to be summoned.

"This subordinate, Han Hui, pays respects to the Commander!" A slightly stooped figure strode quickly inside and offered a respectful bow.

Han Tong kept a stern face, but his attention remained fixed on his son. Murong Yanzhao appraised Han Hui—his body may have its flaws, but he carried himself with composure. Such bearing was even more admirable.

"Rise! What business do you have seeking an audience?" Murong Yanzhao asked.

Han Hui wore a solemn expression and said: "Reporting to the Commander, over these past two days, this subordinate has noticed that the frequency of troops coming to the logistics camp to draw medicinal herbs has increased somewhat. I made a special trip to inspect the various camps and found that some soldiers are unaccustomed to the southern climate, suffering from ailments due to the change in environment.

This subordinate believes that the southern expedition army is primarily composed of the imperial army, and within the imperial army, the majority are northerners. At present, summer has just begun and the number of sick is still small, but if we do not take precautions, should the campaign drag on and reach the height of summer, an epidemic may break out. This must be guarded against!"

Hearing him raise this matter, Murong Yanzhao was somewhat moved and said to Han Tong: "Planning before troubles arise—your son has the talent of a strategist!"

Looking at Han Hui, Murong Yanzhao said: "I have long had concerns about this matter, but I did not expect it to come so quickly!"

"The soldiers who have fallen ill are mostly from the Fengguo Army, which was sent out first!" Han Hui said.

After thinking for a moment, Murong Yanzhao looked at Han Hui and asked: "What do you think should be done to resolve this problem?"

Han Hui was slightly taken aback, glanced at his old father, then answered composedly: "This subordinate believes that the sick soldiers should be treated in a centralized manner, with ample physicians and recuperative medicines prepared! Additionally, this campaign should rely more on southern troops, and strive for a swift and decisive victory!"

"This young man is extraordinary indeed!"