Chapter 57: Meeting with the Sixth Prince |
Imperial City Military Camp, Evening.
Qin Kuo arrived at the Commander of the Five Offices' division and reported: "Your Highness, the military stipends have all been distributed. For the families of soldiers in the capital, the payments were delivered directly to their homes. For those outside the city, after registration, the 'Three Offices' will distribute them as much as possible within half a month."
"The distribution of military stipends must be implemented properly," Wei Wusheng emphasized. "The total amount of money and grain must be recorded in the registry, and when distributed, family members must also affix their marks. Any corrupt officials discovered must be severely punished."
Great Yu was founded on military might, so governance of the army was especially strict.
Embezzlement of provisions and pay was not uncommon, but it basically only occurred with provincial troops, commandery troops, and militia. Only with the Forbidden Army was it absolutely taken seriously.
Many people held certain misconceptions about separatist regimes.
Especially long-standing separatist regimes.
For all such rulers, the first priority was absolutely not to unify the realm, but to preserve their foundation.
Throughout all of Great Yu, registered military personnel totaled a full five hundred thousand. And in Sheng'an, there were only just over one hundred thousand.
Therefore, what must be guaranteed first was definitely the Forbidden Army's combat effectiveness. As well as control over suppressing local rebellions when internal unrest occurred.
It could be said that battle-hardened veterans like the Forbidden Army, when deployed to suppress mountain bandits, refugees, barbarians, or even rebellious vassal armies—even if outnumbered five to one—would sweep them away like autumn wind scattering fallen leaves.
The so-called 'Wei Elite Infantry'—some called them special forces. Actually, a more accurate term would be: professional soldiers.
The Forbidden Army was entirely on near-full release from production.
Though they hadn't reached the Imperial Guard's complete release from production, in an era of scarce productivity, 'near-full release' was already extremely rare.
"Your Highness, this subordinate has already given instructions. Moreover, in these difficult times, no one would dare to defy orders and embezzle military stipends," Qin Kuo said.
"Good." Wei Wusheng nodded.
"This subordinate arranged a centurion's barracks room for that Magistrate Song Shi'an," Qin Kuo mentioned.
"Mm, after all he's a civil official, new to official service—take extra care of him."
After giving instructions to Qin Kuo, Wei Wusheng had him withdraw.
At this time, he said to Xinyue at his side: "I didn't expect His Majesty to have us directly distribute the military stipends, and in the court's name at that."
"Then won't the Prince of Wu think that Your Highness... conveyed it with personal motives mixed in?" Xinyue speculated.
Two possibilities.
One: he didn't heed the Prince of Wu's instructions and still reported it to the Emperor.
Two: he appropriated the popular sentiment and claimed this merit as his own.
"How Fourth Brother thinks is his business. If he wants to settle this account, it depends on whether His Majesty will reconcile accounts with him or not. If His Majesty both accepts these provisions and won't let him take credit, while also pretending ignorance—then Fourth Brother will just have to swallow this bitter pill."
It really depended on what the Emperor wanted to do.
If he favored the Prince of Jin privately, he'd act as if nothing happened—the Prince of Wu's money was spent and that was that.
If he were somewhat more impartial and also wanted to inspire healthy competition among the princes for the position of heir, he'd publicly commend the Prince of Wu's loyal patriotic heart.
Wei Wusheng felt that at the very least, he should privately praise the Prince of Wu: "Well done."
Otherwise, it would also affect the Prince of Wu's enthusiasm.
"We won't get involved in the succession struggle, but these military stipends really came at the perfect time." A smile played at the corners of his mouth as Wei Wusheng said contentedly, "With fewer worries for their families, the soldiers will fight with even more selfless dedication this time."
"Yes." Xinyue nodded in agreement. "Moreover, nominally it's the court's beneficence, but the soldiers will only transfer their gratitude to Your Highness. Your Highness came to lead the troops, and only then did they receive this extra stipend. The Prince of Wu has helped us win over their hearts."
After pondering, the Sixth Prince raised his head and decided: "Before we depart, I think tonight I should visit each camp to talk heart-to-heart with the soldiers and officers, to cultivate relationships."
"As if Your Highness spent this money personally."
"Exactly."
Wei Wusheng now felt somewhat grateful to this Fourth Brother of his.
If someday the Prince of Wu came to settle accounts with him, he could deflect: Father Emperor said to issue it in the court's name.
"Then since you're going down to the camps to bond with the soldiers and officers, should Song Shi'an also be casually seen under this pretext?" Xinyue asked.
She felt that right now the Sixth Prince's attitude toward Song Shi'an was—urgent, urgent, urgent.
Yet also somewhat... hesitant.
"This..." After a moment's thought, Wei Wusheng waved his hand. "We'll see."
---
*In the barracks, Song Shi'an was writing by lamplight on a memorial.*
San Gou at his side was helping grind ink, unconsciously revealing a joyful expression.
"You look very happy?" Song Shi'an stopped writing and looked up to ask.
"Yes, today's stipend—I received four thousand five hundred cash, five bolts of cloth, and three shi of grain. In a few days it'll be delivered home, and my younger brothers and sisters will all be able to wear new clothes." Thinking of this, San Gou's joy overflowed. "The Sixth Prince is truly wonderful."
"Did the Sixth Prince pay for it?" Song Shi'an asked.
"I don't know, but on previous campaigns, there was never this extra reward. The Sixth Prince arrived and now there is—it must be that His Highness fought hard with the court for our blood money!"
Blood money.
Even a common soldier knew this expedition held more danger than fortune.
"Just now when I was outside, I also heard that His Highness personally went down to the ranks, sat on the ground with the soldiers eating coarse grain, and asked about our family matters—when have we ever seen a prince who loves his people like his own children?"
At this point, San Gou quickly corrected himself, saying tactfully: "Of course, we've had no opportunity to see the other princes either. The Sixth Prince—I've only seen him once from afar."
"You'll have the opportunity to see him."
Looking at him, Song Shi'an smiled.
Ancient people were still simple and honest. As long as those above treated them as human beings, why wouldn't they be loyal to their ruler and love their country?
Just then, outside the barracks, voices of conversation and laughter suddenly arose.
After a moment, a soldier urgently knocked on the door.
Quickly, San Gou went to open it.
"The Sixth Prince is inspecting the barracks and has arrived here—" the soldier announced.
San Gou's body immediately tensed, completely rigid.
Song Shi'an slowly stood up.
And in the next moment, surrounded by attendants and wearing a black cloak, the Sixth Prince waved his hand, making a gesture of 'no need for formal greeting, just here to talk heart-to-heart with his subordinates,' and personally lowered his head to enter the simple barracks.
Like a leader visiting the countryside.
On either side of him, closest was Xinyue. Then to the left and right were a captain and chief clerk.
San Gou quickly knelt on one knee and performed the military salute with a cupped fist.
"This subordinate pays respects to Your Highness."
Stepping forward, Song Shi'an clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
What the hell is this—it's like visiting some small fry.
Song Shi'an felt somewhat disappointed with his meeting with the Sixth Prince.
"So this is the jieyuan Song-gongzi whose name fills the capital? Indeed, a man of exceptional bearing."
Wei Wusheng finally met this arrogant jieyuan with whom he'd long felt a spiritual connection.
Compared to his imagination, there was an added measure of composure.
As for his appearance—since even the usually critical Xinyue called him handsome, it truly lived up to the reputation.
However, this meeting really wasn't what he'd hoped for.
But as a prince, to personally visit a mere seventh-rank official would be somewhat beneath his dignity.
Therefore, he could only use the opportunity of inspecting everyone to complete this first meeting.
"This one thanks Your Highness."
Song Shi'an responded respectfully.
His expression showed no ripples whatsoever.
Indeed proper and appropriate.
But...
Doesn't he feel even a little anticipation about meeting me?
"'Please ascend the Cloud Pavilion for a time, and which scholar will become a marquis of ten thousand households?' Others all thought it drunken boasting, but daring to come to Shuofeng proves Song-gongzi's unity of word and deed, your bold spirit and courage."
Never mind—maintaining his stance of continuing to win over Song Shi'an, Wei Wusheng deliberately elevated him before the others: "Song-qing must surely have come to establish meritorious achievements."
Song Shi'an bowed with clasped hands, looking directly at him without the slightest wavering in his gaze, and said:
"Shi'an has come for Your Highness."
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