Chapter 803: Chief General Zhao

The Shu army's camp—setting aside the military defensive layout—was actually built quite well, with neat and clean barracks and various structures, pleasant scenery that could be described as "livable."

With the subsequent arrival of the naval forces, Songmu Stockade fell completely under control, and no further waves could rise. The Shu prisoners behaved obediently, not daring to glance sideways at the imposing Han army that had arrived as reinforcements.

Wei Lin busily arranged men to count the spoils, clear the battlefield, accept prisoners, organize defenses, repair the naval stockade, and prepare to receive the main army following behind—so busy his feet barely touched the ground. It was somewhat like Zhang Yanqing fighting at the front while he took over the defense at the rear.

When Zhao Kuangyin saw Zhang Yanqing again, the old general was bare-chested, with the army's medical officer treating his wounds. Blood-stained arrowheads lay to one side, medicine had been applied, and the physician was bandaging him with skilled hands. A Shu junior officer stood before him, and Zhang Yanqing was listening to his report.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyin stride in, Zhang Yanqing immediately rose to bow, saying: "The Chief General has arrived, and I failed to welcome you—please forgive my offense!"

Noticing his movements were somewhat stiff, Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly reached out to stop him, with a humble and cordial expression: "The General need not stand on ceremony! This achievement—not only breaking the Shu naval forces and opening the river route, but also seizing Songmu Stockade in one stroke—it is I who should salute the General in thanks!"

"The Chief General is too kind! How would I dare presume?" Zhang Yanqing smiled slightly.

"How are your wounds?" Seeing him wrapped in bandages, Zhao Kuangyin asked with concern.

"Nothing serious—just a stray arrow, not hitting any vital point. A few days of rest and I'll be fine!" Zhang Yanqing said.

Zhao Kuangyin grew even more fond of his bearing, and remarked with emotion: "The General, with fewer than a thousand weary troops, pursued the fleeing enemy, swiftly took a key stockade, and showed excellent judgment and grasp of battle opportunities, with tenacious fighting—displaying the boldness and valor of a fine general! I shall report this to the Eastern Capital to spread your fame!"

"Thank you, Chief General!" Zhang Yanqing did not feign modesty.

Then Zhao Kuangyin added: "I looked around the stockade—it can be called perilous. Your officers and men are utterly exhausted, with many lightly and seriously wounded. Taking this stockade must have been hard!"

At this mention, Zhang Yanqing also sighed: "Over two hundred soldiers fell—a considerable sacrifice. Counting the losses from the naval battle, of two thousand troops, nearly half are casualties!"

"They were all loyal and brave men of the Great Han—their sacrifice was worth it. According to Wei Lin's rough estimate, between the naval and land battles, we annihilated about six thousand enemies and captured countless supplies! Every officer and soldier who participated in this battle will receive the court's commendation and rewards. Your spirit of fearless sacrifice and courageous advance will surely be praised and spread, and earn the admiration of all!" Zhao Kuangyin gave his assurances.

"This officer thanks the Chief General on behalf of his men!"

Noticing the captured junior officer standing to one side, timid and uneasy like a quail, Zhao Kuangyin said: "The General seems to be interrogating something?"

At the question, Zhang Yanqing's spirits immediately revived considerably, and he explained: "What I was inquiring about is merely the situation of the Shu stockades at Sanhui and Wushan. Though the Shu army has established many stockades, only these two are of the greatest importance.

Wushan Stockade occupies the perilous point of Wu Gorge—if we wish to pass through Wu Gorge smoothly, we must take it to eliminate trouble from the rear. Sanhui Stockade lies northwest of Songmu, about thirty li away by stream channel, serving as flank cover for Wushan Stockade, garrisoned by fifteen hundred men. We can send one division to take Sanhui first, then attack Wushan from two sides!"

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin could not help clapping his hands and laughing heartily: "General Zhang is truly a fine commander—we think alike without consulting each other!"

"Chief General, Chief General Zhang has already achieved merit—leave Sanhui Stockade to me!" Dang Jin, who had entered with him, volunteered for the mission.

"I was just thinking the same!" Looking at Dang Jin, Zhao Kuangyin turned serious and said: "When the main army arrives at Songmu, rest for one night. Tomorrow, you will lead your three thousand men, guided by prisoners, to take Sanhui Stockade and open the road for a pincer attack on Wushan Stockade. I'll give you three days!"

"No need for three days—I can take it in one!" Dang Jin raised his head proudly.

Zhao Kuangyin immediately admonished him: "The terrain here favors defense over attack. Even if the Shu army's fighting strength is weak, they can still rely on it to hold out. General Zhang moved on the momentum of victory, catching them in chaos and unpreparedness, and thus succeeded—yet even so, casualties were still considerable. Now that Songmu has fallen, Sanhui will certainly be on alert. Your men are, after all, flesh and blood, and you, Dang Jin, are not forged of steel. Attacking a strong stockade with carelessness will surely cost you men and officers! If you harbor contempt for the enemy, I will replace you!"

After this lecture from Zhao Kuangyin, Dang Jin dared not argue. His arrogance receded, and he cupped his hands solemnly: "The Chief General's admonition is right—this officer was underestimating the enemy. I will surely remember the lesson and care for my men!"

Nodding, Zhao Kuangyin then looked toward Cui Yanjin and said: "General Cui, you may lead five thousand Jingnan land and naval troops, sailing upstream along the river to press toward the enemy's Wushan Stockade. Whether to fight or not, decide according to circumstances. Wei Lin will coordinate the naval forces in support of you, and I myself will lead the main army as backing!"

"Yes!" Cui Yanjin's steady countenance could not help but show a hint of joy.

He also understood why Zhao Kuangyin had brought him along by his side, though a trace of puzzlement showed in his eyes. Unlike Dang Jin's close relationship with Zhao Kuangyin, he was somewhat surprised to be given this chance to earn merit. Still, though his heart was curious, it did not prevent him from accepting the task and building his achievements.

"General Zhang, you are wounded—for now, temporarily command the remaining naval forces to guard the central army against any contingency!" Turning back to look at Zhang Yanqing, Zhao Kuangyin remained as warm as ever.

"Yes!"

"Come, let us go visit and console the wounded warriors who took the stockade!" Zhao Kuangyin added: "After days and nights of sailing and anchoring on the river, setting foot on solid ground feels more reassuring."

One must speak of talent—some people are born with the bearing and breadth of a commander, and Zhao Kuangyin, tempered by much hardship, was among the foremost. In a short time, through mere words and demeanor, he won over the army's hearts, pleasing both superiors and subordinates alike.

To be fair, Emperor Liu Chengyou did not possess such ability. As a commander as well, over the years Liu Chengyou had relied on the suppression of his status, the exercise of schemes, and the purchase of interests to make subordinates submit. Though he often made gestures of closeness to the people and the army, Liu Chengyou was in truth aloof and above all—the ministers and generals inside and outside revered the authority he had painstakingly built up over ten years...

As night fell, the main army's fleet gradually arrived, and under the deployment of the various commanders, they adjusted in an orderly fashion, anchoring and temporarily stationing. In the twilight, the boat lanterns shone brightly, stretching into a line like a long dragon, and the newly taken Songmu Stockade was the dragon's head.

Standing amid the "dragon's head," gazing west from a height, Zhao Kuangyin's bearing appeared ever more imposing. Beneath his feet flowed the mighty river, behind him snapped the military banners. With the first battle won, his vision was no longer confined to the Kui Prefecture region—his piercing gaze seemed to cross a thousand mountains and rivers, two thousand li of prefectures and counties, to rest upon that prosperous city of brocade.

In this campaign against Shu, the court had positioned the eastern route army as a secondary force, meant to coordinate with the northern main army. But what he would not say aloud was that Zhao Kuangyin had no intention of playing the supporting role, content to be a foil. In his mind, he sketched out the Shu prefectures and routes west of Kui Prefecture—an idea lingered in his thoughts, a plan took root and sprouted in his heart.

In late July, autumn had already grown thick over the city of Chengdu. The autumn wind sighed, yellow leaves drifted down, and since the Han army had launched its great campaign against Shu, this great southwestern city, never truly peaceful, had been in constant turmoil.

The grain in the plains had already begun to be harvested in haste, and grain prices continued to climb—both because the people were scrambling to buy and because most of the grain had to be shipped to the front to support the army's operations.

However, under a stern decree from the Shu sovereign Meng Chang, the government issued notices, officials and soldiers went out, and after arresting and confiscating from a large number of merchants hoarding goods for profit, grain prices finally fell somewhat.

In fact, in terms of grain resources alone, Shu was not so lacking—it just depended on whose hands it fell into. Meng Chang's move struck at lawbreakers and released some of Chengdu's popular resentment, but it also offended many officials and merchants, thereby spawning quite a few collaborators actively contacting the Northern Han...

"Is there any battle report from the front?"

In the past half month, Meng Chang had finally managed to extricate himself from the fine wine, beautiful women, poetry, and song of his crystal palace, and began inquiring into military affairs and governance.

Since Wang Zhaoyuan and Han Baozhen had respectively departed for the north and east to direct operations against the Han, the temporary head of the Shu Bureau of Military Affairs was the chancellor Ouyang Jiong.

Ouyang Jiong was an old minister of Shu! What were his strengths? Writing poetry, painting, and playing the flute!

In the government hall, facing Meng Chang's inquiry, Ouyang Jiong did his best to reassure him: "Though Sanquan has fallen, fortunately General Wang Shenchao destroyed the plank road in time, cutting off the Han army's route south. They are now rebuilding the plank road, advancing no more than two or three li per day. After Commissioner Wang went north to take overall command of the troops at the various passes and stockades, with the peril of Mantian Ridge, we are sufficient to hold off the Han!"

"As for Kui Prefecture, no battle report has arrived yet, but with Vice Commissioner Han having gathered troops in advance to reinforce the east, with the peril of the Three Gorges, there is also no cause for concern!"

Hearing Ouyang Jiong's words, Meng Chang unconsciously felt somewhat reassured, let out a sigh of relief, and murmured: "I pray that Wang Zhaoyuan and Han Baozhen do not disappoint my expectations!"