Chapter 404: Homeland, Old Friends (Part 2) [Two-in-One]
"The morale of the army cannot be bought with two thousand bushels of grain. I think you, Wu Hui, understand this better than I do."
The general suddenly chuckled, seemingly recalling some interesting past event. "Wu Hui, I trust your judgment, but that doesn't mean I'll trust the people you choose. Don't you also have times when you misjudge people? You trust your lord, and I trust you, but that doesn't mean I'll trust the lord you trust. It's like how Prefect Shen, though the prefect of Longwu County, has no jurisdiction over Yonggu Pass."
Shen Tang, as the prefect, indeed held both political and administrative power.
However, this does not include Yonggu Pass. The troops at Yonggu Pass have little to do with Longwu County; they can have military power, but not troops. Even if the envoy is Chu Yao, it's the same with his childhood friend whom he owes the most in his life. How can public and private matters be mixed up?
Even if he relinquishes his military command, Shen Tang still cannot mobilize the troops.
Yonggu Pass now has only 20,000 troops remaining, 70% of whom are his personal retainers, and the remaining 30% are from Longwu County. Even if Shen Tang gains military power, theoretically he can only command these 30%, and even then, he likely won't be able to effectively control them. This is because these 30% of the troops were left behind by the previous prefect, and they currently only recognize the general who led them to countless victories against the Ten Crows' invasion.
The commander did not explain it very clearly.
But this is no different from explaining it in detail.
For Chu Yao's sake, he could ignore Shen Jun's antics, as long as he didn't stab Yonggu Pass in the back. He could peacefully guard the pass, and Shen Jun could peacefully be his prefect; they could live in harmony. But if he overstepped his bounds…
The commander can simply lead his troops to fight on a different home turf.
For example, they plundered ten crows to sustain their war effort.
For him, being able to do ten jobs is enough.
As for where the war is fought, it doesn't matter.
The reason they have been stationed at Yonggu Pass for more than ten years is because they owe a debt of gratitude to the former prefect.
Chu Yao's voice was indifferent, yet carried an undeniable firmness: "My lord, of course he has the ability."
The commander was slightly taken aback and asked, "On what grounds?"
He then asked, "Could he possibly possess the imperial seal?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Quan's pupils trembled.
Registrar Yu was taken aback at first, but then he understood what was going on.
Chu Yao remained calm and composed.
The commander said, "It was my carelessness. I shouldn't have misunderstood that you only recovered Wenxin because of Zheng Qiao. Your temperament hasn't changed much from back then, but that's also your biggest weakness. Actually, even if you just verbally admitted that you were Zheng Qiao, I would believe you."
He was initially misled by Registrar Yu and subconsciously mistook it for Zheng Qiao, but after calming down, he felt something was wrong. He had seen Chu Yao's stubbornness from childhood to adulthood.
When this person gets stubborn, outsiders can't do anything about him.
For example, when Wenxin was replaced, such a major event was completely unknown to everyone except for a few eyewitnesses.
Including the commander.
It wasn't until his father gave his dying words that he learned of this incident—of course, Chu Yao's ability to conceal it so perfectly was also related to the commander's carelessness. He had wondered why his childhood friend no longer liked wearing his Wenxin monogram, to which the latter simply replied indifferently, "I'm afraid you'll feel inferior if you see it." The commander was furious and immediately dispatched troops to the border, leaving him no energy to think further.
Looking back, it was full of flaws.
Chu Yao said, "Because there's no need."
Why hide how good his lord is?
Acknowledging Zheng Qiao?
He was afraid he would have nightmares at night.
The general frowned: "If you think a mere national seal can accomplish anything, you're overestimating its importance. A national seal has never proven anything." If a national seal could guard the pass, the Chu Kingdom wouldn't have perished back then.
Which country doesn't have a national seal?
This thing is a cardinal sin in the hands of the weak; a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime—it's an invitation from the King of Hell. Shi Wu would only be more excited if he knew this; in the hands of the strong, it's just an embellishment to add to their glory. He thought Chu Yao wouldn't be superstitious about it.
If Shen Tang's confidence in seizing military power is based solely on a national seal, then the commander-in-chief can only say it's a pity.
He might even launch a military attack against Shen Tang first.
The reason is simple—
The commander-in-chief was unaware of Chu Yao's scheme, but the fact that a national seal had reached Yonggu Pass meant that the area beyond the pass was the territory of the Ten Crows, who had been coveting the seal for more than a year or two. If even a hint of this leaked out, wouldn't the Ten Crows immediately gather hundreds of thousands of troops to press on the border? They would seize the national seal with the greatest force, the fastest speed, and the least cost, before Zheng Qiao and his ilk could even react.
To prevent the Ten Crows from going mad and causing trouble, and to eliminate the potential consequences of the Imperial Seal falling into their hands, the commander-in-chief had no choice but to strike first and nip the danger in the bud.
The commander, suppressing his emotions, attempted to peacefully communicate with his former childhood friend: "You can go wherever you want, just don't come to Longwu County. Is this national seal more significant for guarding the pass, or is it more likely to be a great gift to the Ten Crows..."
Who can bear the consequences?
"Is it you? Or your lord, Shen Jun?"
"Still a commoner from Longwu County?"
Faced with the general's question, which was calm yet tinged with murderous intent, Chu Yao simply said, "As long as our lord is here, the border barrier will not be compromised. As long as the border barrier remains intact, the 20,000 to 30,000 troops stationed at Yonggu Pass will be safe and sound. Our lord would like to stay in the increasingly prosperous Heyin to plan for the future, but unfortunately, the true ruler, Zheng Qiao, has failed in her duties, and she can only act as the emperor, nothing more."
Whether the national seal can be used effectively depends on who holds it.
Commander: "..."
He didn't continue to refute anything.
He frowned in thought, his gaze sweeping over Xu Quan and the other man. Recalling the changes in their expressions just now, he asked Chu Yao in a casual tone, as if chatting with an old friend, "Is there anything you need?"
Xu Quan and his companion were puzzled: "???"
Why are the topics changing so quickly?
Chu Yao's face turned slightly pale, and he said, "No need."
The commander seemed unconvinced by Chu Yao's abilities, and glanced at Xu Quan and the other two: "Isn't Wu Hui worried about unexpected complications?"
Both of them were completely confused, but Chu Yao understood—his former childhood friend was asking him if he needed to kill someone to cover it up.
Judging from Xu Quan and the other man's reactions, they didn't know much about the State Seal, and there was concern that they might leak secrets.
The dead are the best at keeping secrets.
Just say that he was killed by the bandits in Shiwu.
Chu Yao knew his methods all too well.
only--
unnecessary!
Chu Yao: "You are the biggest 'trouble'!"
He knew his childhood friend from over a decade ago, and he couldn't be sure how much the other person had changed in the years since then, nor could he guarantee that the other person wouldn't do something "outrageous".
The Imperial Seal is a double-edged sword for Yonggu Pass.
The commander-in-chief did not trust Shen Tang.
This sword would be harmful to him and offer him no benefit.
After all, it would be difficult for a newly appointed prefect who wanted to seize military power right from the start to win the approval of veteran generals.
The commander laughed when he heard this assessment.
That is indeed true.
Chu Yao: "..."
The commander casually selected Lü Jue.
"Hmm, you'll do. Go back and tell your lord that your clerk is visiting Yonggu Pass, catching up with old friends. He's not in a hurry to use anyone; he can wait three to five months. He'll definitely make sure Wu Hui returns unharmed. If he's in a hurry, please come to his door in person. The key to seizing military power lies in the morale of the army. Let us see what a mere brat dares to say!"
Upon hearing this, Lü Jue realized that this meant they were going to detain someone.
He immediately stood up in anger.
But no matter how talented he was, he couldn't overcome starting too late and was directly suppressed and intimidated by the commander's imposing presence, who remained calm.
“Brute force alone is not enough to win the soldiers’ respect. Are all the brave warriors under Lord Shen’s command as reckless as you?”
Lü Jue's face turned ashen.
It wasn't until Chu Yao spoke up: "Shousheng, go and deliver a message."
Lü Jue said, "But..."
Chu Yao: "Wen Shi is still here, and I am not powerless. Although the two of us cannot do anything to Yonggu Pass, we can still open the eyes of General Chu and Chief Clerk Yu. At that time, with two less people guarding the army, I think Shi Wu, this 'fisherman,' will be very happy. General Chu has always put the big picture first, so he will not neglect us. You can rest assured."
Commander: "..."
This was the first time he had ever been threatened by Chu Yao.
He had no other intention in "detaining" the person than to see whether the young boy Chu Yao had mentioned, who was "acting as emperor," was just good at talking or truly had some talent.
It's hard to be convinced by Chu Yao's words alone.
If he were alone, he could trust.
But he was the commander-in-chief, and more than 20,000 brothers had entrusted their lives to him, so he couldn't easily trust them.
Therefore, seeing is believing.
If the goods do not match the description, Yongguguan is also a good place to take action, nipping potential dangers in the bud.
It all depends on whether Shen Jun has the courage to go to the meeting alone.
Lu Jue struggled for a few breaths.
In the end, he gritted his teeth and accepted the order.
"Oh, right." Chu Yao glanced at Registrar Yu with a cold smile and instructed, "Remember to have Wei Heng come too."
Lü Jue was momentarily at a loss.
Why bring Yu Zi along for this occasion?
Yu Zi, whose current courtesy name is "Wei Heng".
"only."
Lu Jue dared not delay in the slightest and sped off.
She was afraid that if she delayed too long, her husband would feel wronged.
In fact, Chu Yao had indeed been wronged.
Because of the harsh conditions at Yonggu Pass.
The latest batch of fresh military rations was sent by Shen Tang.
Ever since Zheng Qiao and Shi Wu started exchanging flirtatious glances and secret messages, life has become difficult for the soldiers guarding Yonggu Pass, because their superior has been leading the charge in colluding with the enemy. Originally, there were 50,000 soldiers guarding Longwu County, but some died in battle while defending the city, and many more chose to desert. The remaining 20,000 or so were all selected through layers of screening, and their willpower was extraordinary, making them difficult for outsiders to control.
"These are the conditions, just make do with them."
Chu Yao, as a distinguished guest, received the same treatment as him.
It is clear that the commander-in-chief is also short of funds.
Chu Yao, accustomed to hardship, found it unacceptable and remained composed. Xu Quan, however, had a poor appetite and complained, "This pancake is so hard it could break your teeth... Ugh, it's inedible. Yonggu Pass has been without supplies for so long, and this is what we eat?"
The commander snorted, "That's already pretty good."
Xu Quan pursed his lips, but still ate it.
He then asked curiously, "How do you resolve the issue of the salary cutoff?"
Commander: "Borrow from the neighbors."
Xu Quan didn't quite understand for a moment: "Neighbor?"
Then it dawned on me.
There have been similar cases before. When the garrison commander cut off the supply of food and pay to his superiors, the general would lead his men to plunder the common people's money every few days in order to ensure that his men had enough to eat.
He only robbed people of their wealth, not their lives, and the common people under his rule suffered endlessly.
Would this person do the same?
But the general's next sentence dispelled his guess: "Shiwu has nothing else, but plenty of cattle, sheep and horses."
It's all meat.
Some tribes along the Shiwu border were also afraid of being robbed, and coupled with the cold weather, all the tribes, large and small, migrated away, which made it more difficult for the soldiers of Yonggu Pass to raise military pay, which was very worrying.
Xu Quan: "...Robbery of Ten Crows with a backhand?"
The commander laughed at this: "What else? When you're hungry, you have to get something to eat. The enemy's food tastes better!"
Xu Quansheng was fair-skinned and still young.
He chuckled, which displeased Xu Quan.
What are you laughing at?
The commander asked, "Do you fight according to military manuals?"
Xu Quan: "...You!"
Isn't this blatantly mocking oneself for being inexperienced?
The general stayed for a while, but seeing that Chu Yao treated him coldly, he didn't want to make a fool of himself, so he got up and left. He didn't restrict Chu Yao and his companion's movements, letting them wander around Yonggu Pass freely. Xu Quan said worriedly, "If the lord comes..."
Chu Yao said, "The lord will come."
Xu Quan: "This is too dangerous."
This captain is clearly not someone to be trifled with.
Chu Yao was well aware of this: "We have to find a way to break this deadlock, otherwise we'll be hampered and unable to subdue these 20,000 elite troops at Yonggu Pass. Killing the commander won't work; if the commander is gone, they'll most likely scatter like birds and beasts, then cause trouble under the guise of avenging their commander. Incorporate them? It would be good if we could incorporate even one or two ten percent. Our army only has a little over 10,000 troops, not enough to fill this hole. The best way right now is to keep him in check. Our lord doesn't need his loyalty, he only needs his troops... Besides, the danger isn't that great."
Xu Quan was somewhat skeptical: "How could it not be big?"
Accompanied by Xu Quan, Chu Yao climbed the city wall. Before him lay a vast and desolate snow-capped mountain, with a gray sky overhead.
"His goal is to defend Yonggu Pass and repel the Ten Crows, and so do we. Apart from the conflict over military power, there are no other disagreements between us, let alone any life-or-death feud. A win-win situation is far better than mutual infighting... He probably has the same plan. He needs supplies, and we need his troops. This is not something that cannot be discussed. The key right now is to let him see our lord and dispel his doubts."
"Can the lord break the deadlock as soon as he arrives?"
"My lord, he will surely be subdued," Chu Yao said.
While raiding the Ten Crows might solve the immediate food and supplies crisis, it's not a long-term solution. Longwu County also needs to recuperate, so a reliable prefect would certainly be a good thing.
Why fight to the death when a win-win situation is possible?
They gained over 20,000 battle-hardened elite soldiers for free...
This is like a windfall!
Before learning that the commander was his childhood friend, Chu Yao's plan wasn't so peaceful and friendly. He intended to start with Registrar Yu, a process that would be somewhat bloody, probably involving the massacre of 40% of the guards. But since the commander was his childhood friend... he changed his mind.
He planned to get something for nothing.
Xu Quan remembered something else, and his expression turned strange.
"But wouldn't that make you uncomfortable, sir?"
"Feeling unwell?" Chu Yao asked, puzzled. "Why do you feel unwell?"
"Those two...you could call them half enemies, right?"
Chu Yao realized what he wanted to say and said with a smile, "The real enemy has already drowned in the latrine, my mentor is buried, and Minister Yu was just following orders... As for him, he is also innocent... In your eyes, am I such a narrow-minded person?"
Xu Quan hurriedly shook his head: "No, no, no, that's not what I meant at all."
Chu Yao smiled sarcastically: "The feud between Jiang Xiandeng and Qi Yuanliang is no less serious than mine. If they can tolerate it, why can't I? For the sake of the lord's great cause! A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan!"
(End of this chapter)
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