Chapter 1626: War Is Politics

"Lord Zhou is naturally brilliant and decisive in action — I'm sure he'll handle the matter well. It's just that no word has come back all this time, which is a bit worrying," Zhao Song said with some regret.

Just then, there was a sudden knock at the door, and an officer strode briskly in. He saluted the two commanders respectfully, presented several pages of official dispatches, then left the room in silence.

Zhao Song casually picked up the report and began reading — and his expression instantly turned very strange.

"Has something major happened?" Seeing his abnormal look, Yan Guang quickly asked.

Zhao Song didn't answer, simply handing the document over. Yan Guang took it and read through it at once.

"That Bi Su! What is he playing at!" The moment he finished, he furiously slammed the document onto the table. "He was given orders to stand by there, and what does he do? He goes off and fights a battle on his own, and now he writes a letter claiming credit?! What's the meaning of this? This is sheer willfulness! Does he even acknowledge his superiors anymore?"

The Great Han army's operational plan for attacking Kyushu had been completed under his direction — one could say it embodied his immense painstaking effort. In his plan, the Great Han forces at Hakata Bay were the first to strike, but it was also a feint, intended to draw the shogunate army into resistance and disperse their strength elsewhere, after which the main force would land near Nagasaki.

So far, the plan seemed to be executing very smoothly. The Great Han army had successfully landed and secured footholds at both Hakata Bay and Nagasaki. At Nagasaki, they had driven straight inland, cutting off Nagasaki Castle's communication with the outside world. It now looked as if Nagasaki was a drifting duckweed in the wind, ready to be taken at any moment.

Seeing his plan carried out so smoothly, Zeng Guang was, truth be told, inwardly quite delighted and self-satisfied. Precisely because of this, he was so furious when he saw that Bi Su had violated his plan and acted on his own.

"Don't be hasty, don't be hasty." Zhao Song smiled and put in a good word for Bi Su. "It's no bad thing that Regiment Commander Bi has high fighting spirit. He said he only wanted to probe the shogunate forces opposite him, so he launched a charge — he never expected those shogunate troops to be so feeble, breaking at the first contact and scattering in all directions... Since such a great victory fell from the sky, it's understandable that Regiment Commander Bi wanted to expand the results and pursue them."

"Commander Zhao, don't read the wrong part. The problem now isn't whether Regiment Commander Bi won or not — it's that he acted on his own, violated the plan we set beforehand, and then even diverted his troops to pursue!" Yan Guang immediately cut Zhao Song off. "Stationing so many troops at Hakata Bay was precisely to prepare for contingencies. Now he's taken most of them off in pursuit — if something goes wrong on our side and we need reinforcements, where are they supposed to come from? Furthermore, acting on one's own like this is a violation of military law to begin with. If we let it slide just because he won, what happens next time he doesn't win? We cannot indulge this!"

"Councilor Yan, you really... you really haven't changed one bit." Seeing the other man so enraged, Zhao Song couldn't keep smiling. "You're right — we must maintain military discipline and not let those below act recklessly. But as regiment commander, Bi Su is the highest commanding officer on the ground. He ought to have the authority to make decisions according to circumstances, and I recognize that he has such authority. Judging by the results so far, he's done well enough."

"But he violated the pre-arranged plan — these plans concern the safety of the entire army and cannot be treated lightly in the slightest." Yan Guang persisted. "Once there's a first time, there'll be a second. When the time comes and everyone treats orders from above as wind past their ears, what then? We must nip things in the bud to keep those below in check... Commander Zhao, you are the commanding general!"

"He did not violate military orders. When I left Hakata Bay, the order I gave him was to hold Hakata Bay and then act according to circumstances. As things stand now, Hakata Bay has not fallen — on the contrary, it has been firmly secured by our forces. Even if he pursued in the wake of victory, it's not excessive." Zhao Song still held to his opinion. "In any case, I approve of what he did."

"Commander Zhao needn't go so far to shield a subordinate," Yan Guang said with a frown. "The Great Han has military law — this is no place for personal favors. Even if... even if he has merit for routing the enemy, he should at least be reprimanded a few times, lest he repeat this in the future."

Though his words were so stern, Zhao Song actually breathed a sigh of relief. Yan Guang's statement clearly left room for Bi Su — he wasn't demanding severe punishment for Bi Su's willful action, only a reprimand to prevent similar behavior in the future.

"I understand Councilor Yan's meaning. I'll reply to him now and reprimand him a few times, so he knows what's what." Zhao Song smiled again. "It seems Councilor Yan still harbors a bit of old comrades' sentiment after all..."

"Commander Zhao, please do not say such things again in the future." Unexpectedly, Yan Guang suddenly cut Zhao Song off again. "I make this suggestion solely because my duties require it. It has absolutely nothing to do with where I or Bi Su came from, and I am certainly not showing favoritism. Besides, I am now sent by His Majesty from the Military Council to assist Commander Zhao — whatever past ties existed, I have long since put them out of mind."

Such a blunt rejection instantly made Zhao Song's face turn ugly. "Fine! Councilor Yan is impartial and incorruptible — truly a blessing for our Great Han. Fine!"

Yan Guang continued bending over his desk, studying the map and gesturing with his hand from time to time, as if he hadn't heard the anger in those words. Having been snubbed, Zhao Song said no more either, simply picking up his brush to write a reply to Bi Su.

In this unpleasant silence, Zhao Song quickly finished the letter to Bi Su. Just as he was about to call his attendant in, Yan Guang's voice suddenly sounded by his ear again.

"Commander Zhao, at this point, do you still not understand His Majesty's intent? From now on, let everyone keep a lower profile, so as not to make things difficult for everyone."

This baffling remark left Zhao Song completely unable to comprehend.

"You... what do you mean by that?" He stopped in his tracks and looked at Yan Guang, who was still studying the map and gesturing back and forth.

"Commander Zhao, the Duke of Ji has now been recalled to the capital by His Majesty, and you are leading a great army to conquer Japan. You feel it's now necessary to look after the Liaodong Army and make sure no one gets shortchanged, correct?" Yan Guang asked in a low voice. "Within the Liaodong Army, morale is unsettled from top to bottom — everyone is holding their breath, eager to win more merits and once again outshine all the other armies. I know this."

"There is absolutely no such thing..." Zhao Song immediately denied.

"Commander Zhao, I also came out of the Liaodong Army. Do you think I don't want to do something for my old comrades-in-arms? It's just the two of us here — there's no need to hide anything. These thoughts are nothing shameful to voice." Yan Guang still did not lift his gaze from the map, as if talking to himself. "Everyone has personal attachments. Commander Zhao has now risen to prominence and wealth, yet hasn't forgotten his old brothers — that's nothing to be ashamed of in the first place. Why deny it so vehemently?"

"... Ah, since we've reached this point, there's no need for me to hide it anymore. Yes, I do have some intention of letting the lads seize this chance to earn more merit." Zhao Song finally laughed. "I came out of the Liaodong Army — these men are all my juniors. Tell me, if I have the opportunity, can I not give them a leg up? But rest assured, I've only dropped a few hints. They all know the score and won't go too far, and they absolutely won't ruin the greater mission for their own petty gain. The Great Han's military law still stands there, after all."

"I truly am not blaming you — this is only human... But Commander Zhao, have you ever considered whether the clamor within the Liaodong Army has grown a bit too loud?" Yan Guang's voice grew even lower. "As I just said, it's only the two of us here, and anything can be said. So let me speak some heartfelt words to you. In the past, when I was in the army, I kept hearing about 'the number one army under heaven.' At the time, I didn't think it was too excessive — after all, we were the chief contributors in winning the realm for the Great Han. But after arriving in the capital, I discovered that others around us don't actually concede that much. Fortunately, I've always kept a low profile, so I haven't soured relations with my colleagues..."

"We are the number one army under heaven — what's wrong with saying so?" Zhao Song was somewhat displeased. "Our achievements are all there for everyone to see. I'll say it with my head held high — who dares to refute me?"

"That was the case back then, but it may not necessarily be so now. Commander Zhao, ask yourself honestly — these past few years, how much do we still have to show off and boast about? We look around on routine patrols, skirmish a bit with the Mongols, and then what? What else is there?" Yan Guang suddenly raised his head and looked at Zhao Song. "In the past, if we flaunted ourselves in front of men from other armies, even if they were unconvinced inwardly, they still had to mumble their assent. But if we try that again now, I'm afraid they'd laugh in our faces."

"Isn't it precisely to stop them from laughing that we must strive so hard?" Zhao Song countered. "Right now, we have to stake our lives fighting for the country and earning merit for His Majesty, just as we did back then — only that will shut the mouths of those who refuse to accept us!"

"Commander Zhao, that line of thinking seems reasonable on the surface. But if we keep banding together in an unbreakable bloc like this, is that still the conduct of a subject?" Though Zhao Song's expression had already grown extremely grim, Yan Guang did not retreat in the slightest. "When our Liaodong Army was fighting in Liaodong, banding together and supporting each other was perfectly normal. But now, at this stage, to still rally together and refuse to yield an inch — what do you expect the court to think? What do you expect His Majesty to think?"

"... You... what do you mean by this?" Zhao Song was stunned, momentarily unable to speak. "Could it be... could it be that His Majesty already holds a grudge against our Liaodong Army?"

For a great general, nothing was more taboo than incurring the sovereign's suspicion. Now he was commanding troops far from home — if someone truly slandered him, who could defend him? Zhao Song, who normally feared neither heaven nor earth, truly panicked when he heard such words from Councilor Yan, who had come from the capital, personally sent by His Majesty.

For all that he was now a commanding general leading a great army to conquer a foreign country, this was merely by the emperor's authority and appointment. If the Son of Heaven were truly displeased with him, any common soldier could seize him on the spot.

"Ah, Commander Zhao, don't overthink it! If the Son of Heaven were truly dissatisfied with you, how could he have appointed you as this great general? How could he have sent me to your side as an assisting officer?" Seeing Zhao Song's face suddenly change color, Yan Guang hurriedly explained. "You must believe — His Majesty trusts us deeply and absolutely does not intend to do anything to us, or to the Liaodong Army."

"That... that's good then." Zhao Song finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Then why are you saying all this in broad daylight? Unnecessarily affecting everyone's mood."

"This is not unnecessary. There are some things I've been wanting to say ever since I arrived here, but they can only be said in private." Yan Guang shook his head. "Commander Zhao, I also came out of the Liaodong Army. When it comes to feelings for the Liaodong Army, I'm absolutely no less than you. But precisely because I love it, I cannot act recklessly. Think about it — the Liaodong Army's position is already very awkward. There are no more enemies in Liaodong — what use is a Liaodong Army anymore? Liaodong has already begun to be organized as a province, and soon the garrison will be reduced. When that time comes... I'm afraid the Liaodong Army will gradually decline... Some will probably be disbanded, and others will be transferred to other frontiers to continue fighting."

Zhao Song's throat moved. He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come out, because he knew the other man was speaking reality — in fact, he had anticipated it himself.

"I understand everything you're saying. But I've spent half my life in the army, seen life and death countless times, and long since grown indifferent to it. What I can't let go of are these brothers. They've also served the country for half a lifetime. If they're disbanded and discharged, even if they can take some money back to their hometowns, it would still be too great a pity. And if... if they're transferred to serve under other armies, that would be even more stifling — others will surely want to look after their own old subordinates first." Zhao Song let out a long sigh. "We've climbed up ourselves, but tell me — how can we bear to let those below us just fade into obscurity like that? So... so I wanted to seize the current opportunity to lift up as many as I can."

"Commander Zhao, the reorganization of the Liaodong Army is inevitable. But this absolutely does not mean that our Liaodong Army men will be trampled underfoot from now on. For one thing, the Son of Heaven still trusts and relies on us deeply. Look — hasn't Grand Commander Chen already been transferred to the capital to become Minister of the Army, overseeing all the empire's land forces? What tremendous trust is that? Even in the Military Council, how many now come from the Liaodong Army... So even if the Liaodong Army is broken up in the future, everyone will still have people looking out for them. Our Liaodong Army men, in the end, can still continue to serve the country." Yan Guang shook his head. "His Majesty remembers old ties, and he has feelings for everyone — he won't let everyone suffer such a great loss. Although I can't fully fathom His Majesty's thoughts, after so many years in the Military Council, I have come to understand quite a few things. Grand Commander Chen entering the capital as Minister of the Army is only the beginning. From now on, the army is going to change its shape."

"Change into what shape?" Zhao Song immediately pressed.

"I can't say exactly, but roughly, the Cabinet's Army Ministry and our Military Council will probably advance side by side, becoming the overall deployment governing the land forces. The Army Ministry is an organ within the Cabinet — put nicely, it participates in the Cabinet and helps the Cabinet and the assisting ministers control the army; put bluntly, it's there specifically to keep the Cabinet in check. Grand Commander Chen will oversee personnel promotions and financial allocations, while our Military Council will handle strategic planning and issuing directives — thus separating military administration from military command. To be honest, I strongly support His Majesty's intent on this. Previously, the army's chain of command was plagued by unclear authority and responsibilities, and communication with the Cabinet and lower levels was very troublesome. Even I had to wrangle over many matters unrelated to fighting wars. If it's done this way now, it actually makes things much easier for everyone. From now on, I can focus solely on studying how to fight wars."

"Military administration, military command?" Zhao Song repeated these two terms. Though they sounded very unfamiliar and vague, he could faintly sense the implications. "Then... Councilor Yan, doesn't this mean you've risen in the world? Before, though you were eminent, you were, to put it plainly, just secretaries at His Majesty's side. Now... you'll be legitimately overseeing the armies everywhere. Wait..."

Zhao Song suddenly thought of something and raised his head to look at Yan Guang. "Then His Majesty transferring you here — doesn't that mean...?"

"Exactly — I was transferred here to be gilded, provided, of course, that we prove ourselves capable, fight the war well, and do so to His Majesty's satisfaction. If we fight well, Commander Zhao, with this campaign's merits, being enfeoffed as a marquis will naturally be effortless. As for me, when I return, I'll likely be able to use this campaign's merits to advance another step — perhaps even become the Chief Councilor within the Military Council." Though his expression remained very calm, Yan Guang's tone now carried a trace of unconcealed pride. "Originally, by origin, I'm from Xuhuai; by seniority, I've fought for so many years and experienced every kind of major engagement — my seniority is second to none. If I can also fight this campaign, I'm afraid among my colleagues in the Military Council, no one's merits will be able to surpass mine. At that point, wouldn't my becoming Chief Councilor be perfectly justified?"

"I understand... I understand..." Zhao Song murmured to himself. "Then doesn't that mean, in the future... the future Minister of the Army and the Chief Councilor of the Military Council will both be men from our Liaodong Army?"

"Yes, that's exactly it. I told you — His Majesty has not forgotten our Liaodong Army." Yan Guang nodded. "After this campaign, you will be promoted, Grand Commander Chen will have face, and I will have earned merit. When the time comes, His Majesty appointing us to the key army posts will be absolutely beyond reproach. Even if the marshals and generals from other regions have objections in their hearts, they absolutely won't be able to voice them. And at that time... with all the key positions in our hands, could any of the Liaodong Army's old brothers possibly be shortchanged?"

"So that's how it is... so that's how it is..." Zhao Song finally saw the light. "No wonder you've been so cold to me the whole journey."

"How could I not be cold to you? Our taking up key posts is itself extremely sensitive. If we were always flaunting our personal ties, what would the higher-ups think? Not to mention you were deliberately continuing to band together... Think about it — holding key posts while secretly keeping a tight bloc — what do you expect His Majesty to think?" Yan Guang suddenly hardened his face again. "Commander Zhao, there's no need to rush when it comes to looking after old brothers!"

"What you say is very true. It was I who failed to think it through clearly." Zhao Song murmured to himself. "Now that you've put it this way, I understand much more... His Majesty truly does remember old ties with us. Even if our Liaodong Army scatters in the future, at least everyone will still have a future to count on."