Chapter 63: with translation of chapter title

Guo Ziyi's words were like a thunderclap rising from flat ground, instantly plunging the entire commander's tent into a deathly silence.

Everyone's gazes, all in unison, focused on Wang Ce.

Wang Jin? The one who devised the Annan strategy, whose name shook the world, later he boldly retreated from the rapids, living in seclusion—the Marquis Wenjing Wang?

You must know that these military officers actually look down on civil officials, who spend their days playing with literature and forming cliques for personal gain, but Wang Jin is different; they sincerely admire him from the heart.

This young man, who shows such talent in employing troops on the battlefield and whose martial skills are superb, is actually the son of that civil official known for his steadiness and wisdom?

This… this is simply too unbelievable.

Wang Ce himself was stunned. He never imagined that Guo Ziyi would actually know his family background.

He suppressed his surprise and respectfully replied: "Reporting to the Commander, my great-grandfather's name was Jin."

"I never expected you to be the grandson of Lord Wang." Guo Ziyi's face showed a hint of realization and emotion; he stood with his hands behind his back, as if lost in some memory.

"I and your grandfather, back in the court, had a few encounters. Though he was a civil official, his strategic acumen was not inferior to any famed general. That 'Annan Strategy' of his I still often take out to study."

He paused, then his gaze fell again on Wang Ce, his eyes softening with the tenderness of an elder toward a junior.

"Really, I never imagined that Lord Wang's grandson would have such courage and wisdom—truly, a tiger's father has no dog's son!"

Guo Ziyi's words were undoubtedly the highest praise for Wang Ce.

The other commanders in the grand tent, looking at Wang Ce, shifted from initial surprise to admiration and a sense of it being only natural.

So he comes from a prominent family; no wonder he's so capable.

"Commander, you overpraise me. This subordinate is shallow in talent and learning; I dare not compare myself to my ancestor." Wang Ce said humbly.

"No need for excessive modesty." Guo Ziyi waved his hand, "In today's battle, with a hundred infantry you harassed hundreds of rebel cavalry; your timing was precise, your tactics flexible—all worthy of being a model. You, excellent."

He turned, returned to the commander's desk, and in a solemn voice issued the order: "Convey my command! Captain Wang Ce, calm in crisis, endowed with both wisdom and courage, transfer Wang Ce and his twenty-seven men to my central army's guard corps, with Wang Ce serving as commander of the guard, responsible for protecting the commander's tent!"

As soon as this order was given, the entire tent was astonished!

Guo Ziyi's guard corps—what place is that? It is the core of the entire army, the final line of defense protecting the commander's safety! Those who can enter the guard corps are none other than the elite among the elite, a pick of a hundred.

And the commander of the guard is even more a trusted confidant of the commander; not only must he be highly skilled in martial arts, he must also be absolutely loyal and reliable.

Guo Ziyi actually entrusted such an important position to a youth who had just come over to his side?

This is simply inconceivable!

Even Wang Ce himself was dazed.

"Commander! This… this is absolutely out of the question!" Wang Ce hastily knelt, "This subordinate is shallow in experience and virtue; what merit or ability do I have to dare undertake such a heavy duty? Please, Commander, withdraw this order!"

He wasn't being affected; he truly felt this appointment was too weighty.

He feared he couldn't bear the responsibility, and also feared arousing dissatisfaction among the other commanders in the army.

"My decision is final; no need for more words." Guo Ziyi's tone allowed no objection.

He looked at Wang Ce and slowly said: "I employ you for three reasons."

"First, your ability in employing troops—today's battle, all the commanders saw it. I need before my tent a leader who understands military strategy and knows when to advance or retreat, not a brute who only knows how to charge recklessly."

"Second, you are the grandson of Marquis Wenjing Wang. Your grandfather's loyalty to the Tang Dynasty is known throughout the world. I believe his descendants will certainly not be those who betray trust and abandon righteousness. Your loyalty, I can trust."

"Third," Guo Ziyi's eyes grew deep, "These veteran officers under my command have been my brothers for many years; they are loyal and brave, but their vigor has faded, and their tactics are overly steady."

"While you are like a sword just drawn from its sheath, its edge fully exposed, full of the vigor and drive a young person should have. I need this vigor of yours to stir this stagnant pool, to bring me—and the whole army—something new."

"Do you understand?"

Guo Ziyi's words, spoken from the heart, dispelled all of Wang Ce's doubts and unease.

He understood. What Guo Ziyi valued was not only his ability and lineage, but also the unique quality he possessed.

This is a kind of trust, and even more, an expectation.

"Subordinate… obeys!" Wang Ce raised his head, his eyes extremely firm, "Subordinate Wang Ce is willing to lay down my life for the Commander!"

"Good!" Guo Ziyi nodded satisfactorily, "Rise. From today on, you are my guard commander. Chen Xin and the others, just as before, will all be under your command and enter my guard corps."

At the same time, on the Shu Road a thousand li away, a contingent was making its difficult advance.

Wang Hui (Wang Xiu) rode on horseback, following at the rear of the troop.

Gao Lishi's words eventually took effect. To allow Yang Guifei to rest in peace in the underworld, Emperor Xuanzong began to eat.

Although he only drank a little ginseng soup each day and ate a few mouthfuls of liquid food, he at least managed to stay alive.

But his spirit and vitality had completely collapsed. He was no longer that dignified emperor, merely a pitiful old man who had lost his beloved.

The actual controllers of the troop had become Chen Xuanli and Gao Lishi. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince Li Heng had long since ascended the throne at Lingwu, overseeing the pacification of the rebellion from afar.

Wang Hui (Wang Xiu) knew that, judging by the historical trend, following Li Heng was the correct choice. But the Wang family's precept—'Do not involve oneself in the succession, do not vie for the great treasure'—made him ultimately abandon the idea of going to Lingwu to seek merit by following the dragon.

He chose the safest and most secure path—following this retired emperor who had lost his power, to Shu Region to 'take refuge'.

Not taking sides, not seeking merit, staying away from the center of political turmoil—this is the Wang family's way of surviving in chaotic times.

His only worry now is that son who recklessly ran off to join the army, Wang Ce.

These past months, he has received no news of Wang Ce. The northern wars have cut off everything. The guards he sent out have also vanished like stones sunk in the sea, with no trace.

"Never mind, children and grandchildren have their own blessings." Wang Hui could only console himself in this way.

What he must do now is play well his role of 'faithful protector of the emperor,' accompanying Emperor Xuanzong steadily to Shu Region, awaiting the cessation of the war.

When the new emperor welcomes back the retired emperor, those high-ranking officials may say otherwise, but he, a mid-ranked minor official, will certainly be promoted a bit.

After all, only by accepting everything of Emperor Xuanzong can one be considered legitimately enthroned, and thus not be blackened by the historians' spring-and-autumn brush.