Chapter 174: Chai Rong's Worry

In the study of the Chan Prefecture Military Commissioner's residence, the charcoal brazier dispelled the chill of early winter.

Yet it could not dispel the faint gloom that lingered between Chai Rong's brows.

He set aside the routine document from Luo River, which detailed the reclamation progress, the number of settled refugees, and the frontier scout reports.

The clauses were clear, the data solid, everything appeared orderly, even flourishing.

Yet this document, which ought to have been reassuring,

now only made his worry grow heavier.

Chen Wen had done too well. So well that it was unsettling.

The battle at Gray Wolf Pass shook not only the Northern Hu and the neighboring garrisons, but also sounded an alarm in Chai Rong's heart.

He rose, walked to the window, and gazed at the withered trees in the courtyard.

In his mind appeared the figure of a young man who already bore the steadiness of a mountain.

"Wen Zhong, Wen Zhong, just how many talents do you possess that I am unaware of?"

Chai Rong murmured to himself, his voice tinged with a barely perceptible fatigue.

He valued Chen Wen, to the point of feeling indebted for his recognition.

From the defeated soldiers in disarray at Jiao Tu Zhen to the now-famed Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture and Founding County Marquis.

Nearly every step of Chen Wen's growth bore the imprint of Chai Rong.

His original intention was to forge a sharp blade, a sword that could help him clear the realm and restore the rivers and mountains.

But now, the blade's brilliance is too dazzling, even beginning to sting the hand that grips it.

Merit that threatens the sovereign.

These four words are like a nightmare, haunting the hearts of countless rulers and subjects through the ages.

Chai Rong asked himself whether he was not a narrow-minded lord unable to tolerate others.

But now, with the young sovereign on the throne and the empress dowager presiding over court, the wind of suspicion toward military officials grows stronger each day.

Chen Wen's sharpness is fully exposed, even if he himself harbors no intention.

It is hard to guarantee he will not become the target of public criticism, and may even draw further suspicion from Bian Liang toward Chai Rong.

—"To be able to command such a fierce general, what do you intend, Chai Rong?"

More importantly, the speed of Chen Wen's rise and the extraordinary combat power displayed by his forces.

Already it has subtly broken the balance within Chan Prefecture, and indeed throughout the Later Zhou garrisons.

Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, and the other veteran troops now find themselves inferior to Chen Wen in both merit and strength.

If this continues, will the Chan Prefecture army listen to Chai Rong or to Chen Wen?

"My lord."

The strategist Wang Po's voice sounded from behind, interrupting his thoughts.

Chai Rong did not turn, merely asking lightly, "Mr. Wang, are all arrangements made?"

"Yes, Defense Commissioner Chen is waiting in the side hall."

Wang Po stepped closer, gazing at Chai Rong's back, and spoke softly.

"My lord, are you worried about Wen Zhong?"

Chai Rong turned, his face already restored to its usual calm.

Yet the complex expression in his eyes could not be fully concealed.

"Sir, your discernment is keen. Wen Zhong is indeed a talent rare in a century; with him, Chan Prefecture is blessed, and I am fortunate."

"But… as the saying goes, 'The tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind.' Now this wind comes not only from the north."

Wang Po nodded slightly, understanding Chai Rong's concern.

"Although Wen Zhong's foundation grows solid, his loyalty and diligence toward my lord have shown no slack thus far."

"Luo River, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, and Lin River counties' administration and military affairs all follow the Military Commissioner's regulations, with no overreach."

"This great victory, the report of merit was likewise first submitted to my lord, the courtesies complete."

"This is precisely what I worry about."

Chai Rong sighed.

"If he grew arrogant from his achievements, that would be simple to handle."

"But he is precisely… so flawless."

"This steadiness, this concealment far beyond his years, makes him all the more inscrutable."

He paused, lowering his voice somewhat.

"Besides, Yuan Lang (Zhao Kuangyin) over there has also been quite active lately."

"I hear he has also trained a crack unit, its combat ability not insignificant. This Chan Prefecture… appears tranquil, but in fact turbulent currents run beneath."

Wang Po pondered for a moment, then said.

"Yuan Lang's talent is likewise extraordinary, he harbors an ambitious spirit, which is also good. Setting them against each other could…"

"A balance?"

Chai Rong shook his head, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.

"In ordinary times, perhaps it could be done. But now the Northern Hu stare like tigers, internal troubles remain unresolved—is this a time for internal strife?"

"Moreover, given Wen Zhong's current stature, Yuan Lang… would likely not be his match. Pressing too hard would only invite disaster."

He saw clearly that Chen Wen's foundation lay in his unbelievable ability to govern and train troops.

This is a straightforward stratagem, a crushing of sheer strength, not something that petty scheming can easily overturn.

"My lord, your concern is wholly justified."

Wang Po said no more.

Let's go, go see Wen Zhong.

Chai Rong straightened his robe and walked toward the side hall.

There are some things he needs to point out personally, and some attitudes he needs to confirm himself.

In the side hall, Chen Wen stood waiting quietly, his posture straight as a pine.

Seeing Chai Rong enter, he immediately bowed respectfully, his demeanor no different from usual.

Wen Zhong has come, sit.

Chai Rong's face showed a gentle smile, indicating he need not stand on ceremony.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and after the attendants served tea, they quietly withdrew.

The three counties of Luo Chuan are now under your governance as solid as a golden city, the people live in peace, the military is flourishing; Wen Zhong's achievements, I am greatly pleased.

Chai Rong spoke, first offering affirmation and praise.

It is all thanks to my lord's trust and the soldiers' devotion; Wen Zhong dares not claim credit.

Chen Wen replied humbly.

Chai Rong nodded, but his tone shifted slightly.

However, your reputation now spreads abroad; every move you make is under everyone's watch.

In the court… there are also many people paying attention to us.

He gently blew away the tea foam, his tone seeming casual.

In conducting affairs, one must be ever more cautious, especially regarding military matters and grain supplies; one must follow the rules strictly and not give others a handle.

Nowadays, in this world, wanting to accomplish something substantive is difficult.

Chen Wen understood clearly in his heart, knowing this was Chai Rong reminding him of the pressure from Bian Liang.

It was also a veiled admonition for him to keep his bounds.

He said in a low voice.

My lord's teachings, Wen Zhong will keep them in mind.

Everything Wen Zhong does is to consolidate the borders, settle the people, to repay my lord's benevolence in knowing him; there is no other thought.

Your loyalty, I naturally know.

Chai Rong looked at Chen Wen's clear and firm gaze, his heart somewhat eased, yet that worry did not fully dissipate.

He paused, a hint of fatigue showing on his face that he could hardly conceal, and lightly rubbed his forehead.

At this age, one's energy is indeed not what it used to be.

Sometimes, when handling official duties until late at night, I feel a faint headache.

The future of Tan Zhou ultimately still relies on you young people.

The information conveyed in these words made Chen Wen's heart tremble slightly.

He raised his head to look at Chai Rong, and indeed found this lord, usually renowned for his vigor.

Between his brows, fatigue was hard to hide, and his complexion seemed not as it once was.

My lord is the pillar of the state; you should take care of your health.

Chen Wen pleaded.

Trivial matters can be entirely delegated to subordinates.

Chai Rong waved his hand, forcing himself to stay spirited.

No matter, it's an old ailment. Remember, no matter how the outside world storms, all of Tan Zhou must be united.

Northern Han and Khitan, their desire to destroy us is not dead; internally we need even greater stability.

You and Yuan Lang are both bulwarks of the state; you must prioritize the greater good.

Wen Zhong understands. Chen Wen replied solemnly.

After a few more casual words, Chen Wen took his leave.

Watching his retreating back, Chai Rong's smile gradually faded, replaced by a deeper solemnity.

Mr. Wang, do you think… Wen Zhong understood?

He seemed to be asking Wang Pu, yet also asking himself.

Wang Pu said softly: 'Chen, the Defense Commissioner, is a clever man.'

Yes, a clever man…

Chai Rong murmured, his gaze turning to the gray sky outside the window.

I fear that sometimes, being too clever can backfire…

He did not finish his words, but the worry in that unfinished thought was like the winter clouds overhead, weighing heavily upon the study.

Physical decline and uncertainty about the future intertwined in the heart of this hero of chaotic times.

He knew that a greater storm might be brewing.

And he must, while he still can control the situation.

For Tan Zhou, and for this tottering world, he must lay the groundwork for the road ahead.