The city gates near the border commandery were tightly shut. On the snow-covered wilderness, only military horses galloped swiftly.
“Report—”
“Victory dispatch—”
The galloping messenger shouted all along the way, spreading the good news throughout the cities.
“Congratulations, General. Felicitations, General.”
The commandery city’s government office had become the commanding general’s headquarters. In the main hall of the office building stood a sand table with maps hanging on display. Armored and armed officers stood within, offering congratulations to Chu Ling seated in the high position.
“With victory dispatches arriving frequently now, it’s due to my lord’s excellent command.”
Chu Ling didn’t laugh heartily at these praises, nor did he wave his hand modestly. He was never swayed by external praise or insults, only looking at the sand table before him.
“The King of Western Liang cannot be underestimated.” He said. “Since he dared to mobilize troops and invade at this time, he must have complete confidence. A few defeats, even temporary retreats, will not shake his military morale.”
He looked toward the assembled officers again.
“Therefore, we must not underestimate the enemy, must not slacken, and must not be arrogant.”
The officers bowed their heads and responded in unison.
“However.” Chu Ling smiled slightly. “Merit must be rewarded immediately. Beyond wine and meat, what’s most important are official ranks and titles. Organize the list of those who have achieved merit properly, send it to the court by swift horses, and request immediate rewards from the court.”
In the past, military merit sent to the court would take at least half a year to be reviewed and confirmed, and sometimes there was no news for one or even two years.
When Chu Ling now spoke of immediate rewards, the officers had not the slightest doubt. They called out their approval in unison and celebrated in advance—
Though Chu Ling was still just a Guard General, never mind Guard General Chu Ling’s battle record from over a decade ago—before the Emperor’s death, he had arranged a marriage between his daughter and the Imperial Grand Prince, which was entrusting him with the orphaned heir.
Now his daughter was the Empress, and he was the national father-in-law. Though he wasn’t stationed at court, in this Great Xia, National Father-in-law Chu had the say.
If National Father-in-law Chu wanted to reward military merit, the court would naturally obey immediately.
With General Chu as national father-in-law, from now on their days as military officers would be easier. They would no longer be obstructed by those civil officials and would have no worries about the rear—though at present there was still one small worry about the rear.
With the battle in Yunzhong Commandery so tense, the rear had not sent even a single troop to reinforce them. No matter how one looked at it, they were being left to fight alone.
Previously, military morale had been somewhat unstable, but now—
“Our army’s morale is high.” One officer said with a smile. “Not only because of the successive victories, but also because the Empress herself came to support us.”
The Empress had not only come, she had also defeated the Western Liang soldiers who had infiltrated the rear, issued victory announcements, and shaken all of Great Xia.
At the mention of Chu Zhao, a smile appeared on Chu Ling’s face.
“Where has the Empress reached?” He asked.
One officer hurried to say: “She’s about to enter the commandery city.” He pointed at the sand table to show Chu Ling. “This is the latest news that arrived yesterday.”
Chu Ling looked toward the sand table. His form stiffened slightly, then he nodded with a smile.
“General, do we really not need to dispatch troops to meet the Empress?” Another officer asked.
Chu Ling laughed: “Is there any danger left in our Yunzhong Commandery?” He leaned back in his chair. “Moreover, since the Empress could annihilate the scattered Western Liang soldiers, naturally she doesn’t need military escort.”
That officer laughed: “This subordinate isn’t questioning the Empress’s martial prowess, but—” He scratched his head. “Don’t empresses all require ceremonial processions? Official reception, citizens bowing in welcome and such. When the Empress arrives at our Yunzhong Commandery, we can’t be shabby.”
Chu Ling laughed heartily.
“An empress who needs ceremonial processions sits in the imperial capital.” He said, pointing outside. “Now coming to Yunzhong Commandery, riding horses to kill enemies—that Empress is just our Miss Chu.”
“Miss Chu doesn’t need ceremonial processions.”
“Miss Chu is one of our own.”
Indeed, Miss Chu was Chu Ling’s daughter, a military officer’s daughter, and moreover, even after becoming Empress she could still fight alongside them. She truly was one of their own. The officers all laughed.
“The Empress is mighty.” “We await the Empress’s arrival.”
To welcome the Empress who would fight alongside them, the officers departed even more energized and busy. When Zhong Changrong entered the government office, only Chu Ling sat alone in the main hall.
Chu Ling seemed to be staring at the sand table, lost in thought. He didn’t look over when he heard footsteps.
“General.” Zhong Changrong was very familiar with Chu Ling and didn’t care if he might disturb him, especially since what he wanted to discuss was about Chu Zhao. “Really not going to meet A’Zhao?”
Chu Ling made an affirmative sound and said with a smile: “No need. Returning to Yunzhong Commandery is like coming home for her.”
“But—” Zhong Changrong was about to continue.
Chu Ling straightened up to look at him: “Changrong, A’Zhao has grown up. She’s not a child anymore. She can negotiate terms with the Emperor and can lead troops on horseback. You and I should both be at ease.”
Zhong Changrong said: “I’m not worried either. It’s just that I’m happy.” He grinned as he spoke. “A’Zhao actually came back. General, she came to see you.”
Now when people were fleeing the border commandery, his daughter rushed to the most dangerous place precisely because her father was here. She cared for her father, and even becoming Empress couldn’t stop her from returning. Chu Ling smiled faintly.
“I can at least hold on to let her see me once.” He said. “It’s a pity that I can no longer see her appearance with my own eyes.”
Zhong Changrong was momentarily stunned. These words sounded—
Chu Ling looked at him, his gaze calm: “Changrong, I’ve gone blind.”
Zhong Changrong felt his breath catch for an instant.
……
……