Chapter 752: At Ease

By dusk, the setting sun released a soft and resplendent glow, the sky blanketed in a gorgeous layer of evening clouds. The slight heat of the day had already dissipated, and the summer breeze brought a measure of coolness to Waqiao Pass, making it exceptionally pleasant.

Within and without the pass city, the assembled northern army soldiers received the Son of Heaven's heartfelt greetings and rewards. Dozens of carts of wine and meat were delivered into the military camps and barracks, allowing the northern troops accompanying the imperial carriage to celebrate together. Cheers echoed through the pass, and a joyful atmosphere pervaded the city walls.

In the pass government office, a host of northern army commanders sat together, nearly filling the entire main hall. Ruler and ministers were all present, immersed in a harmonious ambiance. Seated at the main table, besides Liu Chengyou, was Empress Fu, the elder Lady Fu. Both were dressed in formal attire, to show respect for the commanders of the northern front.

After the feast began, Liu Chengyou raised his wine cup and said with a cordial tone and a smile: "Gentlemen, you guard the borders for the state, toiling with great merit. I in the Eastern Capital have thought of you constantly. I miss you all very much! Today, ruler and ministers meet at this northern pass. With this wine, I salute your efforts!"

"We are grateful for Your Majesty's concern!" An Shenqi took the lead in responding.

After draining a cup and refilling it, An Shenqi rose, looked around, and declared in a clear voice: "Gentlemen, His Majesty rarely tours the north to inspect us soldiers. Now that the sovereign has come in person to offer his consolation, on this fine occasion, let us together toast His Majesty and the Empress!"

Hearing this, the generals all raised their cups in unison, their voices neat and sonorous.

"The Empress and I thank you all!" Liu Chengyou replied, holding his cup. Beside him, Empress Fu likewise drank with her sleeve covering her face, her movements noble and elegant.

After drinking, the cups were refilled. Liu Chengyou rose and walked to the center of the hall. After a brief pause to gather his thoughts, he spoke with a sincere tone and deep emotion: "Since the end of the Jin, the realm has been in turmoil. The barbarian invaders raided southward, the Central Plains sank into chaos, dust flew over You and Ji, and fog choked the capitals of Jing and Luo. The late emperor marshaled the troops of Hedong, broadly summoned the heroes of the realm, rolled up his sleeves to drive out the northern barbarians, rescued the state from peril, and saved the common people from ruin.

"Who could have foreseen that heaven would not grant him more years? His achievements had just begun, the state was about to be stabilized, and yet the star of the Purple Emperor fell. I am shallow in virtue and thin in conduct, yet with my insignificant person, I received the great inheritance. At the start of my succession, there were troubles within and threats without, the state was impoverished and the people destitute, so that I walked as if on thin ice, rising at dawn and sleeping late, never daring to slacken.

"Fortunately, I have relied on worthy ministers to assist and brave generals to serve—quelling rebellions, repelling foreign aggression, protecting the state and comforting the people. Now, with ten years of effort, some achievements have been made: eastward we expanded into Huainan and brought Jinling to submission; westward we recovered Qinfeng and subdued Chengdu; southward we took Jinghu and awed Panyu.

"On the southern front, victories come one after another. The unification of the realm is truly something to hope for..."

This grand but empty speech drew everyone's attention, their expressions varying. Feeling the gazes of the generals, Liu Chengyou paused briefly, then continued: "But I know well that the successes in the south also owe much to the efforts of the north. All of you seated here are loyal ministers and good generals of the Great Han, garrisoning the passes, enduring cold and heat. Those who have served longest date back to the founding of the state. The peace of the northern frontier is owed entirely to you.

"If not for you generals bearing burdens without complaint, striving to protect the tranquility of the northern border, there surely would have been no achievements in the southern campaigns. To repay your toil and hardship, I offer another toast! Please!"

Liu Chengyou's words carried a very sincere attitude, affirming the contributions of the northern soldiers, which pleased the commanders present greatly. The Son of Heaven's meaning was also clear: your merits, I know; your hardships, I understand—I will not forget them.

In fact, for the current northern army, nothing was more important in pacifying the troops than managing their hearts and minds. Liu Chengyou's "passionate" confession was precisely for this purpose. Of course, he would not naively think that mere words alone could win their loyalty—concrete benefits were also needed.

At the founding of the state, because of the threat of the powerful enemy to the north, the border generals of Hebei received significantly more attention from the court than those on other frontiers. The promotion prospects for officers were greater and faster. But as the state's overall strategy shifted southward, affected by this, they gradually fell behind those of the Central Plains and the southwest.

The ideals of loyalty to the sovereign, serving the state, and building achievements had been propagated in the army for many years with good results. But everything fears comparison. For ordinary soldiers, not having to fight, training peacefully and steadily, waiting for rotation or discharge to return home, was naturally the best.

But for generals holding certain military ranks who wished to strive upward, opportunities in the north were very slim. Especially in recent years, with the court seeking peace in the north while focusing its efforts on the south, it could be said that barring unexpected events, the current situation would persist for a considerable time to come.

Though they had not seen it with their own eyes, through hearsay they knew that the officers who participated in the southern campaigns were getting promoted and ennobled. How could the generals stationed in the north not have thoughts about this?

Young officers might afford to wait, but for some veteran generals—especially those who had submitted from the previous dynasty—their urgency was far greater. Age was one factor; the Son of Heaven's attention was another. After all, not every general enjoyed the favor of the emperor's heart like Yang Ye, Ma Quanyi, and Luo Yangui.

Therefore, in the past two years, quite a few generals had requested transfers and reassignments from the Bureau of Military Affairs. In view of this, Liu Chengyou tried his best to be understanding and considerate of the northern commanders' feelings.

But even understanding had its limits. While he certainly comprehended their ambitions for achievement and desire for fame and profit, without solid military merit as a foundation, they could not be rewarded and promoted like the southern campaign commanders. And in the face of grand military strategy, someone always had to make sacrifices. The stability of the north always needed maintaining, the border cities needed garrisoning—it was impossible to satisfy everyone perfectly.

Hearing the emperor's heartfelt words, it was again An Shenqi who rose and said respectfully: "We ministers have received the court's grace of promotion and feel Your Majesty's generous treatment. We only wish to exert ourselves, train the troops and prepare the horses, protect the border and comfort the people. What other hopes could we have!"

With An Shenqi taking the lead, the remaining generals also expressed their positions, swearing oaths that they would ensure the Son of Heaven and the court had no worries about the north.

"I know that you generals have ambitions to build achievements, and I understand. All of you seated here are fine generals and fierce warriors—how could the court abandon you? Please be patient a while longer. The realm is not yet pacified, and the day will surely come when you will gallop across the battlefield and render great service!" Liu Chengyou said with a gentle smile.

They exchanged pleasantries for a while longer, and the atmosphere gradually grew warmer, though a sense of restraint still lingered among the guests. Liu Chengyou spoke again: "Alright, I won't dwell on idle talk any longer. If I keep going, the dishes will get cold. This time, I have brought a hundred jars of imperial wine from the Eastern Capital. Let us, ruler and ministers, drink our fill together to honor our bond—no one leaves until drunk!"

"Attendants, change the generals to large bowls!" Liu Chengyou added.

"Yes!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As the night deepened, the atmosphere within Waqiao Pass remained intensely lively, with clamorous noise and excitement—the Son of Heaven rewarding the troops, ruler and ministers celebrating together. Inside the government hall, the generals clinked cups and bowls, reveling merrily. As fellow northern commanders, this was also a rare opportunity to gather.

Liu Chengyou, however, quietly slipped away from the feast to let them relax more freely, taking his empress with him. The couple walked hand in hand, inspecting the pass city. Following beside them were An Shenqi and Luo Yangui.

On the northern gate tower, looking at the still-rigorous defensive arrangements, Liu Chengyou showed a satisfied expression. Noticing the emperor's demeanor, Luo Yangui took the initiative to say: "At any time, the defense of the pass city is never neglected!"

However, the cheers emanating from the city—especially from the barracks below the walls—did have some effect on the soldiers on guard atop the gate. Their minds wavered somewhat, but after the commanders arrived, they all quickly resumed their solemn composure.

Stopping before a squad leader, Liu Chengyou asked: "What is your name, and where are you from?"

Liu Chengyou's bright yellow attire was conspicuous even in the darkness of night, and with the noble and beautiful Empress Fu beside him, even the least perceptive squad leader would know who was asking the questions.

With a hint of nervousness, the squad leader replied: "To answer Your Majesty, your servant's name is Zhao Kuo, from Tangyin."

"How long have you served? What merits have you earned? How long have you been garrisoning this pass in the north?"

"Your servant enlisted in the third year of Qianyou. I have killed two Khitan bandits, and I was transferred to the Shun'an Army two years ago!" the squad leader named Zhao Kuo answered.

"Do you miss home?" Liu Chengyou asked.

A trace of nostalgia appeared on his face. After a slight hesitation, his voice lowered slightly as he said: "Yes!"

"What family do you still have at home?" Liu Chengyou asked again.

"My old father was killed by the Khitan in earlier years. At home I still have an old mother, two younger brothers, and a younger sister!" Zhao Kuo said.

"I can see you're not very old. An old mother raising the four of you siblings—that must not have been easy!" Liu Chengyou remarked.