Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 153 Heavy Rain in Guanzhong Causes the Luo River to Stop Flowing

Furthermore, General Ju Fu's rank was originally one level higher than Wang Ping's.

However, after Wang Ping distinguished himself in the Battle of Jieting, he rose from a subordinate general to a general tasked with suppressing bandits.

The title of General Who Subdues Bandits was acceptable, but what made the officers and soldiers in the army even more envious was that Wang Ping was also appointed as a military advisor in the Prime Minister's office!

This puts him on the same level as the late emperor's veteran generals such as Wei Yan, Wu Yi, Chen Shi, and Ma Dai, making him a member of the team that the prime minister trusts and focuses on cultivating. How could anyone not feel envious?
Afterwards, he descended the Longshan Mountains via the narrow passage of the Wei River and rushed to the besieged Chencang. Although he had no real merit in rescuing the emperor, he was sincere in his efforts to defeat the enemy day and night. As a result, he was personally summoned by the emperor and given instructions in person.

Although he was unable to participate in the decisive battle of Xinfeng, the fact that the emperor entrusted him with the supply lines and rear route is enough to show that the emperor also trusts him.

The victory at the recapture of Chang'an, destined to be recorded in history and remembered for generations, was ultimately claimed by Wang Ping effortlessly.

It's hard to say whether the emperor and General Zhao did it intentionally.

It would be a lie to say that Ju Fu, the general who quelled the bandits, was not envious of all these opportunities.

However, both men were from Bazhou County. Ju Fu was born in Hanchang, and Wang Ping grew up in Dangqu. People from both Han dynasties had a strong sense of hometown identity and a strong sense of community.

Just as Guan Yu could be sworn brothers with Zhang Liao and Xu Huang and share their life stories, the two men shared a similar bond in the army.

Ju Fuping was known in the army for his loyalty, bravery and kindness. Although he was Wang Ping's deputy this time, he also contributed to the capture of Chang'an.

I was just venting, it was just a pity that I couldn't witness or personally accompany the emperor back to the old capital.

The two chatted for a while in the tent. Then, the officer brought in the food. Ju Fu sat imposingly in a Hu-style chair, chewed a mouthful of millet cake with warm water from his bowl, and said as he chewed:
"Our conquest of Chang'an is a glorious achievement in history."

"But to be honest, I would rather not have this credit and just want to go hunting with His Majesty in Xinfeng, to see His Majesty holding the late Emperor's banner and the Son of Heaven's banner, fighting against the rebels and wielding his sword to defeat the enemy."

"Hey, tell me, how...how did His Majesty suddenly change his personality like this?"
"This is completely different from the His Majesty that has been rumored in the military over the past few years..."

After speaking, Ju Fu's face showed a look of emotion.

These generals, who were stationed outside the capital, rarely saw the emperor on ordinary days.

Only during the grand court assembly on the first day of the first lunar month each year, these low-ranking officers were allowed to catch a glimpse of the scene from afar below the steps.

Therefore, the military officers' understanding of the emperor was basically based on "hearsay".

Although Wang Ping was also moved, he still earnestly replied to Ju Fu:

"Filial piety is about being cautious in speech."

"In my opinion, Your Majesty's temperament has not changed drastically as you have guessed, but rather it is simply your nature, inheriting the style of the late Emperor Gaozu."

"As for the rumors that circulated in the army in the past, they were merely the work of His Majesty and the Prime Minister, intended to mislead the people of the world."

"As the art of war says, when you are capable, feign incapacity; when you are active, feign inactivity; when you are near, feign distance; when you are far, feign proximity..."

"Furthermore, the Six Secret Teachings - Introduction states:"

“When a bird of prey is about to strike, it flies low and folds its wings; when a fierce beast is about to pounce, it lowers its ears and crouches; when a sage is about to act, he will surely show signs of foolishness.”

"Your Majesty has been lying low for five years, just as a bird of prey folds its wings and a fierce beast crouches down."

"Once the Northern Expedition was launched, the Emperor personally led the campaign, demonstrating to the world the speed and power of an eagle soaring and a tiger leaping, with thunder and lightning. He won battle after battle, and was invincible. This is what is meant by 'silent until the moment of triumph.'"

Upon hearing this, Ju Fu was first surprised that Wang Ping, who could barely read, could recite military strategies and historical allusions as if they were his own treasures.

Then, Wang Ping's words about the emperor lying low made his head spin, and he suddenly realized something, which made his heart surge with excitement.

Over the past five years, people in the military have often said that the emperor, having spent so much time in the palace, is timid and has no interest in military affairs, even keeping his distance from them. He is far inferior to the late emperor and is no longer a wise and virtuous ruler.

Even now, rumors occasionally circulate from Chengdu about this emperor, saying that he is indulging in pleasure and women, and has the makings of a ruler destined to bring about the downfall of his country.

But now the facts are clear: since the emperor's northern expedition, he has not only displayed great wisdom and strategy, leading his troops to victory, but also shared weal and woe with his soldiers. He has never been involved with any women, and there are even jokes about whether the emperor has homosexual tendencies. He has won the hearts of his soldiers.

As for the Battle of Xinfeng, the emperor's heroic act of personally donning armor and commanding the troops in battle greatly inspired the three armies to fight to the death, ultimately accomplishing a great feat that even the previous emperor could not achieve, and demonstrating the grandeur of the restoration of the Han Dynasty.

According to the soldiers who rushed about, the emperor also shot and killed a general of the pseudo-Wei state with an arrow in the middle of the battle, thus bestowing upon himself the martial skill of killing a general.

Even General Wei Yan, the General Who Guards the North, was impressed by him. He abandoned his eldest son, who was trapped in an encirclement and in danger of dying, and instead personally rode his horse to break through the enemy lines to protect the emperor from the midst of the army, just like the story of General Zhao protecting his lord at Dangyang.

All of this stirs the heart and ignites passion, leaving one with a deep regret that one could not follow the Emperor's sword into battle and break through enemy lines. This regret extends far beyond just one person, Ju Fu.
Today, the Emperor is returning to Chang'an to reward those who have rendered meritorious service and to hold a grand feast for the soldiers. The thousands of soldiers at Yaoguan Pass are all aware of this.

Because the imperial decree had already been issued, tonight sheep and cattle will be slaughtered here to feast the soldiers. The soldiers in Chang'an will enjoy the same food and meat here, except that they cannot drink alcohol.

Just then, a military officer entered the tent, bowed to the two generals, and said:
"The king has quelled the bandits, and Ju has subdued them. The food and meat for the soldiers have been prepared. We request that the two generals distribute them."

Wang Ping nodded and stood up.

Ju Fu first swallowed the millet cake in his hand whole, then gulped down several mouthfuls of plain water. After putting down the large bowl with a chipped corner, he got up and followed.

Inside the military camp.

The campfire has been lit.

The soldiers responsible for attacking Yaoguan Pass did not all gather in the open space near the central command post, but instead took up their respective camps to prevent disorder.

Generals Wang Ping and Ju Fu issued their orders, and the drums for gathering the generals were beaten. The commanders, officers, and officers of each school and camp came to the central army and took away the cattle and sheep that the cooks had prepared.

Whether it was because the war had not yet ended or not, in any case, the captains, commanders, and military officers who came to the central army to collect the beef and mutton, as well as the officials and soldiers they brought, did not show the excitement and joy that should have been expected for the feast of meat.

The atmosphere was surprisingly subdued?

After Captain Ma Yu led the clerks and soldiers to collect the meat, he turned to leave and muttered something to the clerk in a low voice.

Ju Fu's expression hardened slightly, and he called out to him:
“Ma Boqiu, if you think I’ve divided the meat unfairly or acted unfairly, you can speak to me face to face and explain. What’s the point of gossiping behind my back?”

The captain named Ma Yu stopped and turned around, his expression froze for a moment, and then he spoke seriously:

"General Dang Kou is always fair and kind in his dealings with people, so how could he possibly be unfair in his distribution of resources?"
Even if it is unfair, why would we make a fuss over such a small amount of meat?

"What are you talking about?" Ju Fu asked reproachfully.

"I see that you all seem unhappy. If you are not dissatisfied with me, are you perhaps dissatisfied with the meat that His Majesty has bestowed upon you?"

Ma Yu was immediately startled and retorted:

"What are you saying, General Dang Kou?"

"However... just now, when the drums for gathering the generals were being played, some of our soldiers were talking nonsense, saying that the drums for gathering the generals were probably played by His Majesty's orders, and that His Majesty might be coming to Yaoguan Pass in person to reward the troops."

"Alright," Ju Fu waved his hand.

"Your Majesty has only just entered Chang'an today. You must offer sacrifices to Heaven and inform your ancestors, reward those who have contributed to the victory, and also hold a grand feast for the soldiers who participated in the Battle of Xinfeng."

"The saying 'being busy with a myriad of affairs every day' is nothing more than this."

"How could there possibly be time to spare and come here?"
"Besides, this is the front line of war, a dangerous place."

"If Your Majesty were to come, in the dark, what if something were to go wrong? Who could bear the responsibility?"

Ma Yu pondered for a moment, then nodded vigorously:

“What General Dang Kou said is absolutely right. I will go back and explain it to the soldiers.”

Ju Fu nodded slightly:

"We are having a grand feast tonight. The Wei invaders at Yaoguan might think we have become complacent and take the opportunity to launch a night attack."

"After you return, do not let your guard down. Be careful to guard against Wei's night attacks."

"Understood!" Ma Yuzhen replied.

Ju Fu waved his hand, signaling him to quickly take the meat bestowed by His Majesty back to the soldiers.

Upon seeing this, Ma Yu directed his officers and soldiers to carry the beef and mutton, along with the meat broth in earthenware jars, toward his own tent.

However, after walking only a few steps, he heard Ju Fu call out to him from behind: "Wait."

Upon hearing this, Ma Yu gave him a questioning look.

Then the general who had vanquished the bandits picked up a bowl of plain water from the table, strode forward, and handed it to him.

After Ma Yu stepped forward and accepted the bowl of water with a bewildered expression, Ju Fu picked up another bowl of water from the table and said, "Today, let us use water instead of wine to celebrate His Majesty!"

Upon hearing the sound and seeing the situation, Ma Yu immediately stood up straight:
"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

After saying that, he drank the bowl of bland, bird-tasting water in one gulp.

Wang Ping, who had remained silent until now, raised a ceramic bowl from the table and shouted to the soldiers and officers who came to collect their meat: "Congratulations to His Majesty! May the Great Han Dynasty be victorious!"

"Congratulations to His Majesty! May the Great Han Dynasty be victorious!"

In an instant, the soldiers around the central army's banner all raised their arms and shouted.

The somewhat somber atmosphere was finally lifted.

After the shouts and cheers subsided, Ju Fu called Ma Yu over and said, "You know what to do when you get back, right?"

Ma Yu nodded: "Understood!"

Ju Fu waved Ma Yu away and continued to preside over the meat-distribution ceremony with Wang Ping.

Dividing meat is no small matter.

Before feasting the soldiers' flesh, a sacrificial ceremony must be performed.

The person who distributes the meat is the butcher.

In the past, during the village's community festival in Chenping Township, Chenping presided over the ceremony and distributed the meat very evenly.

The elders praised it.

Chen Ping sighed: Alas, even if I were to rule the world, I would still be just like this piece of meat.

Wang Ping, a former general of the Ba people who had surrendered, became the emperor's commander of an army and believed that he could not fail to uphold justice.

Only in this way can one avoid criticism and live up to Heaven's grace.

Just as one of the generals stepped forward and Wang Ping took control, a scout suddenly rushed in from outside and whispered something in Wang Ping's ear.

Wang Ping was greatly surprised.

He looked at Ju Fu.

"What's wrong?" Ju Fu's expression hardened.

"Has the Wei invaders truly launched a night attack?"

Wang Ping remained silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"His Majesty has sent an angel."

"Beat the drums to gather the troops, and order all officers and soldiers of the rank of 1,000 shi or above to come out and greet them."

Ju Fu paused, then asked, "An angel?"

After asking the question, his expression turned to one of shock.

If it were truly just an angel coming, why would it require all the soldiers with a salary of over a thousand piculs to come out and greet him?
Is it His Majesty himself who has come?!

Ju Fuchao Wang Ping cast an inquiring glance at him.

Wang Ping remained silent, nodding in acknowledgment.

Ju Fu was shocked.

A moment later, the drums were beaten again.

All the officers and military commanders of the rank of 1,000 shi or above in the army, upon hearing that His Majesty had sent an envoy with imperial credentials to reward the army, went out two miles from their own gates to welcome him.

When they saw a group of several hundred cavalrymen just a hundred paces away, Wang Ping and Ju Fu stopped and turned around to order all the colonels and commanders to unsheathe their swords and hand them over to the accompanying officers.

At this point, the officers and commanders finally noticed something amiss. After having some guesses in their minds, they dared not breathe loudly or say a word.

Before long, Zhao Guang, the General of the Dragon Cavalry, led several dozen Dragon Cavalrymen forward and exchanged a few words with Generals Wang Ping and Ju Fu.

Wang Ping and Ju Fu then led their generals and officers forward.

When Ju Fu saw the emperor in his military uniform, young yet exuding an aura of imperial majesty, flickering in the firelight, he almost held his breath, as he had almost no image of an emperor in his mind.

On such an important day, the emperor, despite his many busy schedules, did not forget them. No wonder even Wei Zhenbei was convinced of their loyalty.

It is now the hour of Xu (7-9 PM). The distance from Chang'an to here is seventy or eighty li, and riding a horse is not a very comfortable thing.

The two generals bowed deeply to the emperor.

Then the emperor stepped forward and personally helped Ju Fu and Wang Ping up one after the other.

Ju Fu was somewhat taken aback when the emperor helped him first, but he came to his senses after the emperor helped Wang Ping instead.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here?" Wang Ping felt flattered and his voice trembled slightly.

The language of the Ba people is distinct from the refined language of the Central Plains.

In an era when ethnic minorities were not yet intertwined with the Han people, in an era where prefectures were considered the state and the elegant language of the Central Plains was regarded as the orthodox language, this illiterate surrendered general of the Cong people should have found it difficult to gain respect.

Therefore, when the late emperor did not set aside past grievances and appointed him as a general, the prime minister regarded him as a confidant, and the current emperor repeatedly attached great importance to him, it was hard for such a person not to feel a desire to serve the country and die for it.

Liu Shan still held Wang Ping's hand: "My General Who Pacifies the North, General Who Pacifies the South, and so many soldiers are still fighting for the Han Dynasty here. If I stay in Chang'an, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep peacefully."

Both Wang Ping and Ju Fu were stuck.

General Pingbei?

General Pingnan?

Just then, General Zhao Guang of the Dragon Cavalry presented the imperial edict bestowing honors upon the two generals.

Liu Shan released his grip and took the two imperial edicts from Zhao Guang, then handed them to Generals Wang Ping and Ju Fu.

"General who pacifies the north, General who pacifies the south."

"I am also disappointed that you cannot return to the old capital with me today."

"The only way to make up for this regret is to personally deliver the two imperial edicts to you."

"Once the matter of Yaoguan is settled and the two generals return in triumph, I will ride with them into Chang'an."

Wang Ping and Ju Fu trembled as they received the imperial edict.

I want to elaborate, but I'm afraid to.

Ju Fu opened the imperial edict first.