Song Xiu

Chapter 96 The Entire Army Praises the Marquis of Taiyuan (4000 words!)

The basic structure of a military camp is to control external forces from the center.

Under this arrangement, the outer tents near the camp gate were mostly inhabited by ordinary soldiers.

Normally, making noise is prohibited in military camps.

Even during the day, even if that person was the Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard.

But there are always exceptions.

Throughout history, Shi Shouxin had never heard of anyone spreading the news of a great victory and keeping it a secret.

There are many ways to boost morale in the military, but one of the most direct and effective methods is to send a resounding victory report!

Many of the Imperial Guards who had finished their siege today had just returned to their camps.

Once back in their tents, they collapsed onto the straw mats on the ground, utterly exhausted.

After the soldiers lay down, some of them found that the straw mats next to them were still empty.

Recalling the gong that had just resounded throughout the army, these men knew that their comrades who had not yet returned were likely permanently trapped under the walls of Gaoping City.

The death of a comrade does not evoke any sympathy from the soldiers.

As a soldier in a chaotic world, I have witnessed too much death, and my heart has gradually become numb.

No matter how numb people become, some negative emotions will inevitably arise in their hearts.

If he dies today, what about tomorrow?

The thought of the perilous siege that was taking place today inevitably crossed the minds of many soldiers.

This idea made the atmosphere inside the tent even more oppressive.

The captain inside the tent keenly sensed this atmosphere.

Sensing the atmosphere, he leaned against the tent flap, resting his long sword on his hand, and made no other move.

Based on his military experience, this captain knew that whenever a major battle broke out, the brutal process of war would more or less affect some new recruits afterward.

Knowing this, the head constable was not too worried.

Because the commander-in-chief of this great battle is His Majesty, who has made outstanding military achievements and is fair in rewarding and punishing!

An excellent commander is the spiritual support of all soldiers, and his prestige will subtly soothe the negative emotions of the soldiers.

Just as the captain was about to lean against the tent flap to rest for a while, he heard shouts that were getting closer and closer.

Because they were still quite far away at first, the constable hadn't yet heard the exact content of the shouting.

This angered the constable, who stood up abruptly and glared fiercely in the direction from which the sound came.

Who dares to make a fuss in the army!

As the shouting drew closer and the constable heard the details clearly, the vicious look on his face vanished instantly.

"The commandery has won a great victory! The Han army has suffered a crushing defeat!"

"Shangdang has been recovered! Luzhou has surrendered!"

A series of loud reports of victory, carrying with them excitement, radiated rapidly outwards from the military camp avenue that Shi Shouxin had run along.

It startled countless tents in the surrounding area.

Upon hearing the reports of victory, the constable's expression first turned to one of shock.

Upon seeing that the person delivering the victory report was Shi Shouxin, his expression quickly turned to ecstatic joy.

"A great victory! A great victory at Luzhou!"

As the captain shouted with unbridled joy, his soldiers emerged from their tents to hear the heavenly sound of victory.

Then, feelings of surprise and excitement arose in the hearts of every soldier.

The commander-in-chief's report of victory is absolutely true!

A surge of surprise and exhilaration coursed through the soldiers, causing them to instinctively move behind their captain and collectively utter a heartfelt request:

"Captain, let's charge one more time!"

As news of victory spread, this scene was not limited to this place.
News of the great victory spread like wildfire across the autumn grass, reaching every camp in the surrounding area.

In every tent that was burned, the previously suppressed emotions inside were instantly evaporated, and cheers quickly erupted inside.

Every soldier who was burned voluntarily got up from the straw mat and eagerly picked up their weapons to come behind their respective captains.

"It's not dark yet, we can still charge!"

"What's there to be afraid of with a turtle shell? Smash it!"

One soldier was sleeping so soundly that he was unaware of what was happening outside the tent when he was woken up by a slap from his comrade.

"Still sleeping? Get up and do something good!"

Numerous requests to join the fight echoed throughout the camp.

Many of the officers smiled while insincerely trying to appease the soldiers' desire to fight.

If it weren't for the fact that it was getting dark, wouldn't these captains have wanted to charge again?

Under the reassurance of the many captains, even those soldiers with strong desire to make a contribution obediently returned to their tents.

Every soldier resolutely carried out the orders without hesitation.

It is often said that the warriors of today are restless and difficult to command.

This is a fallacy.

The "Huo Qubing Law" applies equally to the military in any dynasty.

After the soldiers in each battalion lay down on their straw mats again, the restlessness in their hearts made it impossible for them to fall asleep.

"The Marquis of Taiyuan!"

Most of the soldiers in each battalion had participated in the Chenqiao Mutiny.

As time went by, they gradually forgot about the young man who stood outside the command tent that night.

During the Five Dynasties period, it was not unusual for a prince to be born.

Spurred by today's great victory, they quickly dug out the exact appearance of that figure from the depths of their minds.

"The Marquis of Taiyuan can lead them to victory!"

As they recalled that figure, this thought was deeply etched into their minds.

Chu Zhaofu hung the freshly washed clothes on the clothesline outside the tent, which was made of a long spear.

After completing this step, he leisurely walked into the tent.

Inside the tent, Wang Renzhan was already waiting for him.

Upon seeing Chu Zhaofu enter, Wang Renzhan couldn't help but say:

“Gongchen, you hold an important position now, surely you can’t even afford a few personal servants.”

Wang Renzhan was unrestrained in his temperament, and his words contained a mockery of Chu Zhaofu's stinginess.

After returning to his tent, Chu Zhaofu sat down and continued practicing calligraphy.

This has been his habit for many years; remaining calm in the face of major events is his life principle.

The best way to cultivate inner peace is to practice calligraphy by famous calligraphers.

Chu Zhaofu knew Wang Renzhan's temperament well, and without even raising his head, he replied to Wang Renzhan's teasing:

"Muzhou sometimes sends me letters. For the sake of safety, how can I entrust my personal belongings to others?"

"Besides, you came to the army on official business. Although we have a past relationship, no one will suspect anything if we meet in the tent."

However, times have changed. The Marquis has grown up and it is hard to guarantee that there are no spies in the army.

I hung the clothes out to dry in public so as not to arouse his suspicion.

Chu Zhaofu's words caused Wang Renzhan's face to show a look of caution.

Chu Zhaofu's stinginess was a well-known fact among the former officials who served under the prince. Wang Renzhan, however, hadn't anticipated that behind Chu Zhaofu's stinginess lay a degree of foresight. Chu Zhaofu's thinking was correct; after all, who would take the time to air out their clothes before plotting important matters?

The more everyday actions you take when you meet, the less attention you will attract.

The Muzhou mentioned in Chu Zhaofu's words refers to Zhao Guangyi.

Zhao Guangyi had previously been appointed as the Defense Commissioner of Muzhou by Zhao Kuangyin for his role in supporting the emperor's ascension to the throne.

However, his title of Defense Commissioner of Muzhou did not grant him the authority to establish his own government and build an army; it was merely a nominal one.

Upon hearing Chu Zhaofu mention Zhao Guangyi, Wang Renzhan asked:
"How is Gongchen's plan for having Wang Quanbin take the lead, as Muzhou mentioned?"

Although Zhao Guangyi was in Kaifeng, his eyes never left the front line.

Some time ago, Zhao Guangyi sent a secret letter to Chu Zhaofu, telling him that if there was an opportunity, he could plan to have Wang Quanbin take charge of the main attack on Gaoping City.

Wang Quanbin was a trusted confidant whom Zhao Guangyi had quietly cultivated within the military.

If Gaoping City can be captured under Wang Quanbin's main attack, Wang Quanbin will make the greatest contribution, and Zhao Guangyi's power in the army will also quietly increase.

This matter concerns the future, so Wang Renzhan was naturally very concerned.

When Wang Renzhan asked him, Chu Zhaofu continued practicing calligraphy while saying:
"I think Wang Quanbin will be able to take charge of the main attack in the next couple of days."

Chu Zhaofu's words delighted Wang Renzhan.

Wang Renzhan did not ask Chu Zhaofu how he did it, knowing that Chu Zhaofu would not say such a thing unless he was seven or eight parts sure.

After asking about the issues that concerned him most, Wang Renzhan and Chu Zhaofu talked about some recent events in Kaifeng.

As they were talking, Wang Renzhan heard some noise coming from outside the tent.

This area of ​​camps was where important officials of the Song Dynasty resided.

Who has the audacity to make such a fuss around here?

Wang Renzhan stood up with a cold look in his eyes, went straight to the door, and lifted the curtain.

When the heavy tent flap was lifted, the scorching hot wind outside poured in instantly, blowing the Xuan paper under Chu Zhaofu's brush.

The floating of the Xuan paper shifted the brush, resulting in a flawed character appearing in Chu Zhaofu's writing.

This naturally made Chu Zhaofu, who was always careful to plan before acting, frown.

He didn't like the feeling that things were getting out of control.

Wang Renzhan, with his back to Chu Zhaofu, naturally did not see Chu Zhaofu's frown.

His gaze was fixed on two figures approaching from afar on the camp road outside the tent, and he couldn't look away for even a moment.

This reaction was not only because Wang Renzhan recognized the person running ahead as Shi Shouxin, but also because he had heard a shocking piece of news.

"The magistrate set fire to Mount Funiu, and tens of thousands of Han soldiers were wiped out!"

"Li Shoujie has surrendered, and Shangdang City has been recaptured!"

Shi Shouxin grew more and more excited as he shouted, and his shouts, like spring rain symbolizing the revival of all things, fell into the tents on both sides of the camp road.

As the spring rain fell, the owners of each tent instinctively showed expressions of amazement, and then suddenly stood up from their seats.

One after another, prominent officials of the Song Dynasty emerged.

As they watched Shi Shouxin run past quickly, the worry on their faces vanished instantly.

During the Five Dynasties period, the change of dynasties inevitably led to major wars.

Only after winning the great battle could this dynasty truly gain a foothold in the chaotic world.

With the war at a stalemate, how could the high-ranking officials, who were the beneficiaries of the Song Dynasty, not be worried lately?

Because of his deep concern, Chu Zhaofu was able to secretly push for a change of general.

Every senior official knew how the victory report from Shi Shouxin would change the current tense war situation.

In the past, Gaoping City was like a huge glacier, weighing heavily on the hearts of many ministers.

Now, that glacier has been completely melted by the fire that Zhao Dexiu set in the Funiu Mountains.

As the glaciers melt, the meltwater will turn into spring rain, nourishing the foundation of the Song Dynasty!
What a great victory! What a joyous occasion!

Many of the ministers of the Five Dynasties period retained the spirit of the Han and Tang dynasties, and many of them were unrestrained in their emotions.

After exchanging glances, the Song officials all threw their heads back and burst into laughter.

This victory not only secured the fate of the Song Dynasty, but also protected their vital interests. How could they not be overjoyed?

Just as Your Majesty said last time:

"The Marquis of Taiyuan is here, and we should congratulate the Great Song!"

Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Wang Renzhan's face appeared gloomy.

Wang Renzhan did not dislike seeing the Song Dynasty win; he disliked seeing that victory be given to the Song Dynasty by Zhao Dexiu.

Looking at the cheering courtiers outside the tent, how could Wang Renzhan not guess what they were thinking?
After this battle, it was almost predictable how much prestige Zhao Dexiu would gain in the court and among the people.

He's grown up so fast!
It was so fast that it was overwhelming, so fast that it sent chills down one's spine.

A chill began to rise, and Wang Renzhan immediately turned around to look.

Chu Zhaofu was always resourceful and calm, and Wang Renzhan wanted to see how Chu Zhaofu would handle this matter.

In Wang Renzhan's eyes, he noticed that sweat was constantly pouring out of Chu Zhaofu's forehead.

The news of the victory was still lingering outside the tent.

The cheers outside the tent, like scalding hot winds, were impacting Chu Zhaofu's heart in waves.

"It's so hot!"

Chu Zhaofu said subconsciously.

The sweltering heat, combined with Zhao Dexiu's act of burning Funiu Mountain, gave Chu Zhaofu a strange feeling.

At that moment, he felt as if he had become one of the people in the Funiu Mountains.

Once the illusion took hold, Chu Zhaofu, who was usually calm and collected, broke the brush in his hand in a fit of anger and fear.

With the situation having developed to this point, how could he possibly remain calm!
As they ran, Shi Shouxin pulled Lü Duan closer and closer to the imperial tent.

Despite running all the way, Shi Shouxin didn't feel tired at all.

This was not only due to his own strong physical qualities, but also to Shi Shouxin's inner thoughts at that moment.

Does the path beneath his feet lead only to the imperial tent?
No, the road he's walking on might even lead to the Imperial Ancestral Temple!

If one could be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, one's descendants would enjoy endless benefits. Which minister could resist such temptation?
After running for an unknown amount of time, Shi Shouxin finally arrived outside the imperial tent.

He dared not venture into the imperial tent.

When Shi Shouxin stopped and began to catch his breath, he was greeted by the approaching palace guards.

With the imperial tent close at hand, Shi Shouxin mustered his last breath and shouted loudly:

"A great victory at Luzhou, Your Majesty!"

Although he dared not force his way into the imperial tent, he could not be considered guilty of speaking loudly when reporting the victory.

After shouting this sentence, Shi Shouxin was completely ruined.

Shi Shouxin's voice was already hoarse, but Zhao Kuangyin inside the tent still recognized his brother's voice.

Upon hearing the news of the victory in Luzhou, Zhao Kuangyin was first shocked, and then he could no longer sit still.

A tall and imposing figure soon emerged from the tent, escorted by Zhu Banzhi, and arrived before Shi Shouxin.

"The great victory at Luzhou?"
Did the Marquis of Taiyuan recover Shangdang?

Stop panting and tell me!

When Zhao Kuangyin arrived, he saw that Shi Shouxin was still struggling to catch his breath, and couldn't help but urge him on impatiently.

Urged by Zhao Kuangyin, Shi Shouxin had no choice but to present the military report in his hand directly to him.

(End of this chapter)