Chapter 753: The Heart of a Garrison Soldier

Hearing Liu Chengyou's words, the young squad leader Zhao Kuo's face showed deep gratitude, and he sighed: "To be honest with Your Majesty, after my father died, my mother, as a servant woman, was willing to be treated like a beast of burden to raise us four siblings. In the early years, the family was poor, without an inch of land or half a courtyard wall, and barely enough food to survive.

It wasn't until later that the government provided relief and distributed grain seeds, and the village organized reclamation and replanting. The family obtained a few acres of thin land, and only then was there some hope. Even so, my old mother worked in the fields by day and spun silk at night, toiling day and night, utterly exhausting.

When I grew up, feeling my mother's hardship, I answered the call to enlist, earning more money and grain to supplement the household. I was quite lucky—I participated in bandit suppression and defending against the Khitan, went through several battles, didn't lose my life, and instead got promoted to become a squad leader.

In recent years, my younger siblings have gradually grown up and can help with the household, sharing my old mother's burdens. Three years ago, I returned home. The newly appointed Prefect Lü allocated thirty acres of land to the family based on household registrations. Adding my military merits and pay, the family now has nearly a hundred acres of land, of which twenty acres are fertile fields, now farmed by my two brothers..."

Speaking of family matters, Zhao Kuo was unstoppable, a smile spreading across his lips, and he seemed much more cheerful.

Listening to his account, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but say: "Your mother, raising you four siblings, was no easy task! Fortunately, now the bitterness has given way to sweetness!"

Zhao Kuo nodded seriously, then realizing something, said with a hint of lingering fear: "Please forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty, for polluting Your Majesty's ears with trivial family matters!"

"No!" Liu Chengyou smiled slightly, his manner very gracious: "I think you spoke very well, sincere and heartfelt. I enjoy listening!"

"As you said, you haven't been home for three years?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Squad leader Zhao Kuo replied: "That's right! However, by Your Majesty's blessing, the post roads are unobstructed, and I've kept correspondence with home—all is well! Aside from worrying about my old mother's health, I'm at ease!"

"Did you hear that? Only when soldiers have no worries behind them can they guard the frontier with peace of mind!" Liu Chengyou turned his head and said to An Shenqi and Luo Yangui.

"Your Majesty understands the hearts of the soldiers, and speaks most truly!" The two said in unison.

Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuo and continued asking, a hint of curiosity now in his tone: "I observe that your speech is not that of a common brute. Have you studied?"

Zhao Kuo replied: "In my years in the army, I've studied with the comfort envoys and learned some characters."

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou grew interested and said: "The court's comfort envoys—what do they usually tell you?"

"That's a lot!" Zhao Kuo said with an honest face.

"Try telling me a thing or two."

"The court's policies, and Your Majesty's grace and majesty!"

"Heh heh. How do they praise me?" Liu Chengyou's tone grew even more affable.

Zhao Kuo said: "The comfort envoys often say that Your Majesty is a great lord rarely seen in a thousand years, favored by heaven, a hero sent to save the people of the world. Under Your Majesty's leadership, all the people of the realm can live good lives..."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou showed no particular reaction, but beside him, Luo Yangui couldn't help casting an appreciative glance at this little squad leader—truly eloquent, with potential, almost able to match him.

"However..."

"However what? Speak freely, don't hold back!" Liu Chengyou said.

"The brothers prefer listening to the comfort envoys tell all kinds of stories!" Zhao Kuo said with slight hesitation.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou chuckled and said: "That's only human nature. I enjoy listening too!"

"Your Majesty also enjoys hearing stories!"

"Of course!" Liu Chengyou's laughter was quite hearty as he said: "You listen in the army, I listen in the capital. Those anecdotes, tales, and legends are indeed far more interesting than praising how brilliant and mighty I am!"

"How old are you?" He looked at this young squad leader.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I am twenty-four this year!" Zhao Kuo answered.

"So you enlisted at eighteen, and it's been six years now!" Liu Chengyou expressed slight emotion, then turned to ask: "According to the regulations set by the Bureau of Military Affairs, the Great Han's troops rotate garrison duty every three years. When you're transferred back to your home prefecture, what do you want to do?"

Hearing the question, a look of longing flashed across Zhao Kuo's face.

"Say whatever comes to mind!"

Zhao Kuo grinned: "Go home to see my old mother, and by the way, marry a wife!"

"You haven't married yet?" Liu Chengyou was somewhat surprised.

"Haven't had the chance!"

"Then I wish you a gentle and virtuous wife in the future!" Liu Chengyou said with a smile.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's blessing!"

Turning around, Liu Chengyou instructed Luo Yangui: "Notify the ranks—after the shift change, give the officers and soldiers on the walls extra wine and meat!"

"Yes!"

Continuing to inspect the fortress walls with his entourage, Liu Chengyou seemed to be in a good mood. Thinking back on the conversation just now, he sighed lightly: "That squad leader is quite good, and quite fortunate..."

"To be personally consoled and cared for by Your Majesty is naturally his great fortune!" Luo Yangui said.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou shook his head: "Perhaps!"

The Emperor's reaction puzzled Luo Yangui. Beside him, the Empress, the elder Lady Fu, seemed lost in thought. After a moment, she said: "His Majesty is thinking of the other officers and garrison soldiers, isn't he?"

At this, Liu Chengyou finally nodded: "In the army, there are countless men who enlisted like Zhao Kuo. Many come from similar or even worse family circumstances. But how many can survive like him, earn merit and promotion, and thereby improve their families' lot?

Perhaps there are many like this man, but I imagine there are even more who died in war, were wounded in battle, or simply perished far from home..."

"Your Majesty is so considerate of the lower ranks and cares about the hardships of garrison soldiers—when the troops hear of this, they will surely be deeply grateful and exert themselves to repay Your Majesty's grace!" Luo Yangui said immediately.

"My consolation cannot remain mere words!" Almost without hesitation, Liu Chengyou issued his decree: "For all soldiers at the frontiers, officers must pay greater attention to their hardships and difficulties. Additionally, strengthen the military postal system to keep it unobstructed, so that soldiers and their families can exchange news. I shall also issue an edict to all prefectures and circuits: where commoners have sent men to garrison the frontiers, the government must treat their families with preferential care and assistance. Officials and villagers alike must not bully or humiliate them. If any violate this, family members may appeal directly to the prefectural government!"

Hearing the Emperor say this, Luo Yangui's eyes lit up, while An Shenqi remarked with emotion: "If this is announced to the entire army, would the soldiers not rush to give their lives?"

"I too have experienced battle, led troops, and fought wars. I understand the hardships of soldiers! The men leave their homes and families far behind to guard the frontiers for the nation. I can only offer such small considerations in these matters!" Liu Chengyou said.

Undeniably, Liu Chengyou did these things largely to win over the army's loyalty, but emotionally, they also came from genuine feeling. As he said, he understood military affairs and was a horse-borne emperor who had experienced battle—he had risen to power precisely by training troops in the Longqi Army.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Paying no attention to the generals' flattery, he stood by the parapet. The lamplight from the gate tower cast his shadow upon the wall as he gazed northward, appearing deep in thought. In truth, everything around was pitch black, and the dim lamplight limited his vision to an extremely short distance—he could see nothing—yet those around him dared not disturb him.

Of course, An Shenqi had some guess as to whom the Emperor was looking for as he gazed north against the wall.

"Minister An!" Liu Chengyou suddenly called.

"Your servant is here! What does Your Majesty command?" An Shenqi asked.

Letting out a light breath, Liu Chengyou said leisurely: "Regarding what you mentioned during the day—speak of it no more, and do not let a third person know. Let it rot in your heart, as if it never happened. You never said it, and I never heard it!"

An Shenqi was briefly at a loss for words, then suddenly understood—he now knew how to interpret Liu Chengyou sending An Shouzhong with the imperial carriage to receive Zhao Kuangzan.

"Has Your Majesty made up his mind?" An Shenqi asked, seeking confirmation.

"Mm!" Liu Chengyou's calm tone carried an air of finality: "The Great Han's current strategy remains focused on the southern states. Beyond that, in the north—whether the northwest, Hedong, or Hebei—we must ensure stability as much as possible!"

"Your servant understands!" Though there was faint reluctance in his heart, An Shenqi still cupped his hands in acknowledgment to show his obedience.

"From now on, you will command the northern army, Minister An — stability must remain the priority!" Liu Chengyou emphasized once more.

"Yes!"

Turning around, Liu Chengyou's demeanor returned to calm composure. His ears twitched — the clamor within the pass had yet to subside. In a tone of discussion, he said: "All the generals and commanders of the northern armies are gathered here, especially with all five Army Commanders present. Tell me — if the enemy were to launch a major invasion southward at this moment, would our northern defense line not be in grave peril?"

An Shenqi said: "Before issuing the orders, I specifically warned the generals that defensive arrangements for their garrisons had been properly made, and a curfew order was issued! Responsible generals remain at their posts, the pass fortifications are solid, and with the support of the various fortresses — even without the commanding general present, the northern defense line remains as firm as a mountain of iron. Even if the enemy brings a hundred thousand men, they could not breach it in a short time..."

"..."