Chapter 47: The Good Cop, the Bad Cop, and Who's Digging the Trap

Wang Qianzhi on the side immediately put on a sincere expression and said in a gentle, soothing tone, "Chaozong, do not be impudent! Lord Qin and Military Governor Liu are fighting fiercely here for the country; they are both loyal ministers and valiant generals. The Viceroy Hou pins great hopes on this battle. As a junior, you ought to learn from such loyal and valiant ministers."

Chang Zhilang managed a strained smile and said, "It is merely the duty of a subject..."

"Yes... Student has been instructed," Hou Fangyu reined himself in slightly.

Seeing this, Wang Qianzhi then said, "This time, I bring a message from Viceroy Hou. I ask Master Chang to lead the way and grant me an audience with the civil and military officials of the Shandong Garrison."

Interrupted by Hou Fangyu, Chang Zhilang lost the thread of what he had prepared to say. Squeezing out a faint smile, he led the group into the Shandong Garrison camp.

Upon entering the camp, Chang Zhilang deliberately slowed his pace, taking winding paths and numerous detours before finally reaching the White Tiger Hall.

When Wang Qianzhi and Hou Fangyu entered the White Tiger Hall, Zhu Cilang was already seated at the head of the table, conversing with a military officer. Beside them, Liu Zeqing’s seat remained empty, clearly indicating he had not yet arrived.

Seeing Chang Zhilang bring in two strangers, Zhu Cilang felt a slight surprise.

However, upon recognizing Hou Fangyu, Zhu Cilang immediately understood the situation.

Smiling, Zhu Cilang invited the two to be seated and said, "As it happens, I was just about to convene a military council for the Shandong Garrison. Since two distinguished guests have arrived, you may observe from the side. Please forgive any lack of hospitality."

"I would not dare decline such courtesy," Wang Qianzhi said with a chuckle as he sat down. Hou Fangyu cast a knowing, amused glance at Liu Zeqing's empty seat and settled himself as well.

After a short while, Liu Zeqing finally hurried over. Hou Xun and Wang Qianzhi observed closely and indeed saw Liu Zeqing cast a deep glance at Zhu Cilang sitting in the chief position. With a cold expression and his head held high, Liu Zeqing exuded the formidable air of the Shandong Garrison's commanding general.

As Liu Zeqing walked into the White Tiger Hall, Zhu Cilang nodded and announced the commencement of the military council.

"In this battle to seize the ferry crossing, the valor displayed by all units has brought me great satisfaction. Recent military operations shall remain primarily defensive. Before long, the provisions and supplies for the Shandong Garrison will arrive. At that time, all units must promptly replenish their gunpowder and lead bullets. Pay attention to the consumption during the musketeers' training in the interim. Next are the commendations for each unit; rewarding merit and punishing offenses is the rule of our Shandong Garrison." Having spoken, Zhu Cilang looked toward Liu Zeqing and asked, "What does the Military Governor think?"

Liu Zeqing tilted his head, chuckled, and said, "This general admires Lord Qinxia's administrative and logistical prowess. What else is there to say? Just ensure the reward money for the meritorious soldiers of our Shandong Garrison is not shortchanged."

The other military officers exchanged glances upon seeing Liu Zeqing's attitude and remained silent. Liu Zeqing's sudden appearance was undoubtedly suspicious; naturally, no one spoke before figuring out the reason.

Yet, as Liu Zeqing delivered these tart remarks, the silent reaction of the generals electrified both Hou Fangyu and Wang Qianzhi.

"As expected..."

Chang Zhilang spoke up at this moment, saying, "Lord Military Supervisor, Lord Wang's visit is by order of Viceroy Hou. Judging by this, there is likely a military directive."

Zhu Cilang let out an "Oh?" and smiled, saying, "Then I have truly neglected Administration Vice Commissioner Wang. I wonder what military order from Viceroy Hou the superior official brings?"

"It hardly amounts to a military order." Without minding Zhu Cilang's less-than-deferential etiquette, the Vice Commissioner adopted the demeanor of a kind and benevolent elder and said, "Viceroy Hou will soon convene a military council regarding the strategy to pacify the rebels. The Viceroy greatly values the two major victories of the Shandong Garrison and thus specifically dispatched me to invite you to the meeting. Furthermore, those in attendance will include Governor Yang of Baoding, who is currently stripped of his rank but awaiting the chance to redeem himself through meritorious service in Ruyang, and General Zuo Liangyu, who pacifies the rebels from Xiangyang..."

Zhu Cilang raised an eyebrow.

Unexpectedly, Vice Commissioner Wang continued with a chuckle, "...their envoys."

Upon hearing this, the officers and men of the Shandong Garrison revealed expressions of disappointment, but a ripple stirred within Zhu Cilang's heart.

Zhu Cilang hardly expected that Yang Wenyue and Zuo Liangyu, having just suffered heavy defeats, would attend in person; dispatching envoys was already quite sufficient.

With this thought, Zhu Cilang gently fingered the teacup in his hand. Liu Zeqing's gaze flickered before he reined in his expression.

Immediately, Chang Zhilang's face clouded over as he shook his head and said, "My Lord, the affairs of the Shandong Garrison are manifold, and this period requires preparing the entire force to land. After all, Kaifeng has been besieged for long; any further delay would be ill-advised."

Hou Fangyu grinned mischievously and said, "Ha, is this an unwillingness to go? The two battles at Dongming and Liuyuankou yielded countless achievements, yet no official memorials have been submitted to the authorities. My father is the supreme commander of the Henan theater. In my view, someone is..."

Beside him, Wang Qianzhi hurriedly tugged at Hou Fangyu's sleeve. Then, looking with extreme embarrassment at Chang Zhilang's unsightly expression, he said, "Master Chang, do not be so hasty to refuse. The coordination of various armies, the gathering of all generals, and a massive mobilization for a single decisive victory—that is the orthodox way of honorable warfare. Moreover, regarding such vital military matters, Military Governor Liu surely has something to say as well."

Sure enough, Liu Zeqing slammed his hand down and declared, "In this general's view, the more troops to pacify the rebels, the better. Lord Qin, Viceroy Hou Xun holds the military and political authority of three provinces and is the supreme commander responsible for the Henan campaign. It would be best for you to accompany me northward!"

A stifled atmosphere instantly descended upon the hall.

Everyone remained silent. Only Hou Fangyu wore a cold face, while Wang Qianzhi maintained the appearance of a benevolent elder, offering continuous words of consolation: "Lord Qinxia has achieved victory in both battles at Dongming and Liuyuankou. Such a youthful talent has always been deeply cherished by Lord Hou Xun. Chaozong! Do not be presumptuous! Would you let a mere shred of personal sentiment interfere with official duties?"

Suddenly, everyone looked over and indeed saw Hou Fangyu tugging incessantly at Wang Qianzhi's sleeve. Wang Qianzhi seemed finally driven past his limit, bursting into a reprimand.

With Wang Qianzhi tearing off the polite facade, Hou Fangyu refused to look at him ever again.

At this point, Wang Qianzhi sighed and said, "I have made you all a laughingstock. The Viceroy thought bringing him out to witness the world would be beneficial, but unexpectedly... Alas, Lord Qinxia..."

"Since the Viceroy holds me in such high regard..." Zhu Cilang took over the conversation, furrowing his brow for a long moment before his expression smoothed out. He smiled and said, "Then this subordinate shall not dare to decline. Very well, the meeting is adjourned."

As soon as Zhu Cilang spoke these words, the atmosphere in the hall instantly lightened.

Before Zhu Cilang could say anything further, Wang Qianzhi abruptly stood up and approached him, saying, "Lord Qin, as fellow ministers in the court, I beg you to enlighten me on a few matters of military administration."

Over by Liu Zeqing, Hou Fangyu and Liu Zeqing were acting like old friends. "Uncle Liu, it has been a long time; you retain your former bearing. Our last passing through Qinglin was too hurried for northward travel, and I failed to pay my respects—I hope you will forgive me. Actually, this junior has come this time by order of my adoptive father..."

Before Zhu Cilang could hear any more, he heard Wang Qianzhi firing off a barrage of questions: "Regarding the allocation of provisions and grain, I wonder what the losses in river transport are... How many corvée laborers must be levied?"

As he spoke, Wang Qianzhi enthusiastically pulled a seemingly helpless Zhu Cilang away from the assembly hall.