His Majesty's decree was finally officially read in court on the first day of the second month, setting the army's departure for the northwest battlefield on the twelfth of the second month. The date deviated slightly from the previously rumored eighth day of the second month, but the general leading the army was as expected: Yu Manlou, the Left Martial Guard General.
Yu Manlou was known as a scholar-general and was considered one of the most senior generals among the sixteen guards. In terms of age, he was the oldest after Yu Zhengdong, the Right Imperial Guard General, and Luo Yao, the Left Vanguard General. Yu Manlou's departure was a major event in Chang'an. Since the founding of the Sui Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Taizong, there had been few instances of troops stationed in Chang'an being sent on expeditions. This demonstrated His Majesty's confidence in the northwest war, but also revealed his deep concern about it.
Seven hundred thousand troops gathered in the northwest and successfully captured Manduqi. The emperor's decision to reinforce troops at this time was not inherently wrong, but the fact that troops were being drawn from the capital region instead of from local areas raises questions about the underlying meaning. Rumors about Prince Yi's desire to lead troops in the northwest were becoming increasingly clear, though His Majesty hadn't mentioned it a word in court. However, this dispatch of Yu Manlou to reinforce the northwest was a very clear signal.
His attitude towards Prince Xu, Yang Kai, who was currently in charge of military affairs in the northwest, was ambiguous, but he was clearly dissatisfied with several generals, including Li Yuanshan. Another implication was that Prince Yi, Yang Yin, wanted to go to the northwest to take charge of military affairs… not a chance!
After the decree was issued, the court officials had their own thoughts. Those who were on good terms with Prince Yi secretly sent messengers to inquire about how to proceed. Those who were largely hostile to Prince Yi were secretly pleased, finally feeling somewhat at ease. Those who opposed Prince Yi leading troops were mostly loyal to the Sui Dynasty. They did not want to see a prince wielding significant military power; this would certainly not be a good thing for His Majesty or the country.
Now that His Majesty's decree had been issued, Prince Yi should naturally give up hope.
After the morning court session, the Emperor detained General Yu Manlou of the Left Guard, Vice Minister of War Zong Lianghu, Minister of Rites Huai Qiu, and Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat Pei Yan, among others, to discuss matters in the East Warm Pavilion. Of these four, only Huai Qiu and Prince Yi were close, though only in casual outings and fishing. On matters of principle, few saw things more clearly than Huai Qiu. The Emperor seemed to have no suspicion of this veteran of three reigns, and as always, he treated him with utmost sincerity.
The four first ate some food in the court room, and then, led by eunuchs, went to the East Warm Pavilion. The Emperor had always been lenient with his officials, so he specifically instructed them to eat breakfast before entering to discuss matters. When the four entered the East Warm Pavilion, the Emperor was eating while reviewing newly submitted memorials.
The Emperor seemed to have a poor appetite; only a bowl of rice porridge and a few vegetarian side dishes were placed before him.
Huaiqiu Gong, who was walking at the front, frowned slightly and couldn't help but bow, saying, "Your Majesty, although state affairs are busy, your health is paramount. How can you eat only this much..."
The Emperor smiled and waved his hand to stop him from continuing, "Perhaps I've been feeling a bit feverish these past few days, and my appetite is poor. Eating something light will help digest things more easily, and I'll feel better in a few days... The Imperial Hospital prescribed a formula to clear the lungs, regulate qi, and reduce internal heat, which seems a bit excessive. I didn't want to eat it, but I can't help it in these matters."
Huaiqiu Gong smiled and stood aside with his head bowed. Although the position of the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat was not high, his authority was considerable. Although he entered last, both General Yu Manlou and Vice Minister of War Zong Lianghu had specially reserved a place for him to stand beside him. The court officials were somewhat wary of this usually unassuming Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, often describing him with these four words. Unfathomable.
"Please sit down first. I'll talk to you after I finish eating."
The emperor gestured to the stool opposite the earthen bed, then continued drinking his porridge. After glancing at the memorials, the emperor's brow furrowed slightly.
With a snap, he closed the memorials and tossed them aside.
"This Yuan Chongwu is becoming increasingly audacious... His son died in Chang'an, and I sent people to comfort him, bestowed generous rewards, and posthumously conferred upon Yuan Chengshi the title of County Marquis... I even granted him half a month's leave to handle the funeral arrangements. Yet he submits this memorial to me, claiming that his grief is unbearable and he cannot handle official duties, requesting another month's leave... I know he is deeply grieved, but the war in the Northwest is raging. What is he thinking, telling me this now!"
"Very well... Since he wants to rest, then let him rest well. Pei Yan... draft an edict: I have heard of your grief and am deeply saddened. I grant your request; allow him to rest well and serve the country again once his mind has calmed. Furthermore, draft another edict... Vice Minister of Justice Dugu Xiu is transferred to the position of Governor-General of Shandong Circuit, and will leave the capital with the army on February 12th to take up his post in the Northwest. As for who will fill Dugu Xiu's vacancy..." "No, have the Ministry of Personnel draft a list!"
"Your Majesty..."
Lord Huaiqiu's heart tightened. He stepped forward and bowed his head, saying, "It's best to consider this matter carefully... Yuan Chongwu's grief over losing his son is understandable. If he's dismissed now, I fear there will be rumors..."
"I've never been afraid of rumors, and I've never just bestowed rewards upon my officials!"
The Emperor said with slight anger, "Don't think I can't see what his intentions are behind this. If I issue an edict earnestly trying to retain him, within a few days, memorials impeaching Mou Liangbi and Yang Kai will likely flood in like snowflakes. If I don't directly extinguish these people's ambitions, who knows what other despicable things they might do."
The Emperor's connection of these two matters caused a jolt in the hearts of the four high-ranking officials in the East Warm Pavilion. Although the Emperor hadn't mentioned Prince Yi's matter these past few days, it was clear that his patience was wearing thin. Yuan Chongwu, in his foolish attempt to test the emperor at this juncture, was stripped of his official position, a consequence of his own actions.
He was merely a second-rank regional official, yet to be dismissed so easily—the implications were immense. The emperor had never been so irritable before.
Seeing that the emperor's mind was made up, Lord Huaiqiu refrained from further comment.
Pei Yan bowed in response and took the pen from Su Buwei to begin drafting the decree.
The emperor's appetite seemed to worsen. He waved his hand, signaling the eunuch Mu San to remove the food: "Bring me a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup. Why am I so irritable?"
Mu San quickly complied, tidied up the food, and bowed before leaving.
As he exited the East Warm Pavilion, he faintly heard the emperor mention Prince Yi's name. So he deliberately slowed his pace, listening intently.
"I know the sixth prince wants to serve the country, but he's too impatient! Now half the court officials are speaking up for him, ha... is he forcing me?"
Mu San's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly left.
...
...
The emperor drank only half a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup before losing his appetite again. He waved for Mu San to clear the table.
"Recently, battle reports from the Northwest have been coming in daily. Take a look at them all."
He pointed to a thick stack of papers on the table. Su Buwei quickly went up and picked up the reports, handing them to the head of the table, Lord Huaiqiu. The Emperor rubbed his furrowed brow, looking somewhat gloomy. "The Mongol Yuan dynasty's reinforcements, exceeding 300,000 men, have arrived in Keqin Banner, and the banner chief, Keqin Lelang's, 60,000 cavalry have also assembled… But the Mongol forces seem in no hurry to reclaim the lost territory; there has been almost a month without any movement. This is unusual."
He looked at Yu Manlou and said, "After you arrive in the Northwest, convey my decree. Prince Xu, Yang Kai, has led his troops in campaigns against a powerful enemy, achieving remarkable victories and working diligently. I am greatly pleased. From this day forward, Yang Kai's salary will be double that of a prince. Yang Kai's second son will be enfeoffed as a county marquis; the location of his fief will be discussed and decided by the Ministry of Personnel. Yang Kai will be rewarded with golden armor and a golden sword, and military discipline will be strictly enforced. He will be reassigned as Grand Marshal of the Western Expeditionary Army, controlling the four northwestern circuits. He will have the power to make decisions on the spot. During the war, officials below the fourth rank in the Northwest may…" "Handle it according to the situation without seeking instructions. Tell him... fight this battle without hesitation; I trust him."
"And also..."
The Emperor paused, then said, "The army's logistics are all under the control of Mou Liangbi. Recently, there have been numerous memorials accusing him of corruption and misconduct. Let him write a defense himself. If what is said in the memorials is true, I will not tolerate it. After the army left the pass, it is said that winter clothing and boots were not fully distributed for a month; this is his fault. Demote him one rank and fine him a year's salary... Also, when you see Mou Liangbi, tell him that I have read his memorial and understand the situation. I heard he caught a cold in the Northwest, so I specially ordered the imperial physician to prepare some medicine; take it to him as well. Give it to him privately, without letting anyone know."
Yu Manlou's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly understood the true meaning of the Emperor's decree.
He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I obey your decree and will truthfully tell Lord Mou what Your Majesty said."
The Emperor hummed in acknowledgment, staring blankly at the memorial before him. Lord Huaiqiu and Pei Yan exchanged a glance, their eyes revealing each other's thoughts. The Emperor's generous reward to Prince Xu, Yang Kai, was a message to those who supported Prince Yi, Yang Yin, to refrain from any further ambitions. Yang Kai's position as commander-in-chief was secure; His Majesty trusted him, and none of them should act foolishly. Prince Xu's eldest son was destined to inherit the throne, so His Majesty had also bestowed upon his second son the title of county marquis—a generous gift that would surely earn Yang Kai's deepest gratitude.
Golden armor and golden swords, strict military discipline. This was the Emperor's attitude towards Li Yuanshan and the others. Although the Emperor was far away in Chang'an, he was not entirely unaware of the situation in the Northwest. The golden armor signified that Prince Xu was personally leading the campaign on behalf of the Emperor, and the golden swords represented his authority over the imperial decree. The decree granting Yang Kai the power to dispose of officials below the fourth rank at will further amplified his power to the extreme. A further step would allow him to directly punish even third-rank generals!
Meanwhile, the strategist Liang Bi was demoted one rank and fined one year's salary. This was a strategy to balance the discontent of those who impeached Mou Liangbi, and also to stabilize the hearts of the people in the Northwest. Rewarding one and punishing another—the emperor's balancing act was obvious to everyone, yet flawless. It both deterred the restless and prevented them from feeling too humiliated.
And the emperor's act of having Yu Manlou secretly deliver medicine to Mou Liangbi was enough to move Mou Liangbi to tears of gratitude!
"Your Majesty, is there anything else you require regarding military affairs?"
Yu Manlou asked, bowing slightly.
"It's nothing. You are a seasoned general, more experienced in leading troops than I am. If I were to give orders haphazardly, the battle would only worsen. Remember this: you are the deputy commander of the Northwest Army. Consult with Yang Kai on all matters, prioritizing the overall battle situation. Don't concern yourself with anything else, and don't worry about anything else. I chose you because I trust you."
"Your subject will certainly do his utmost."
The Emperor hummed in agreement, then looked at Zong Lianghu and said, "The responsibilities of the Ministry of War have all fallen on your shoulders. You've worked hard these past few days. I have already decreed that your eldest son will work in the Ministry of Rites. With Elder Huai's guidance, he will surely become a pillar of my empire sooner or later."
Zong Lianghu was startled, then quickly knelt down to express his gratitude. The Emperor waved his hand and said, "I know who works diligently. I also know who tries to fish in troubled waters. I called you all in today to tell you to work conscientiously and not be hesitant."
He paused for a moment and said, "That's all. If you have any thoughts, tell me."
"Your Majesty..."
Lord Huaiqiu was silent for a while and then said, "Should we send someone from the Ministry of Justice to accompany the army to the Northwest?"
The Emperor was taken aback, then nodded and said, "If it weren't for Lord Huaiqiu's reminder, I would have forgotten. Let Huo Geng, the Director of the Ministry of Justice, take someone with him. Since we're going to silence them, we should silence them thoroughly. Pei Yan... you can draft the decree. Find Huo Geng later, and you can meet him."
Pei Yan bowed his head and said, "Your subject obeys."
The Emperor slipped on his boots and got off the earthen bed, walking to the huge map to look at it. On the map, which marked all the cities of the Sui Dynasty, a narrow triangular area was outlined in red in the northwest corner. That area used to be the territory of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, but now it belongs to the Sui Dynasty... That is Manduqi, with grasslands that are two thousand miles long and several hundred miles wide!