gnovel Chapter 38 Mission to Eastern Wu
Chapter 38 Mission to Eastern Wu
"Bo Miao, you've come all this way in the dead of night; what brings you here?"
After meeting Deng Zhi in the main hall, Zhuge Liang asked him about the purpose of his visit.
"Prime Minister, I have heard that Cao Pi intends to join forces with Sun Quan to launch a five-pronged attack on Yizhou. I fear that the court and the people will be in turmoil tomorrow."
After the Prime Minister's office received the secret report, the Ministry of Personnel also received the news immediately. As the Minister, Deng Zhi understood the turmoil that the announcement of this news at the morning court the next day would cause in the court.
"If the two countries join forces, our Great Han will surely be unable to resist. In your opinion, what should we do?"
Deng Zhi blurted out, "The world is now divided into three, with Wei being powerful while Han and Wu are weak. Our lord has just ascended the throne and is implementing new policies, so the people's hearts are not yet settled. We should unite with Eastern Wu and renew our alliance. I wonder what the Prime Minister thinks?"
"When the late emperor was in Baidi City, Sun Quan had already sent envoys to sue for peace. But the late emperor suddenly passed away, and I am worried that Sun Quan will hesitate and change his mind frequently."
"In that case, the Prime Minister should send an envoy as soon as possible to thwart Cao Wei's attempt to win over Eastern Wu."
Looking at Deng Zhi before him, and recalling Liu Shan's words, Zhuge Liang had an idea.
"I have long wanted to send someone there, but I have not been able to find a suitable person. Since you understand this intention, the mission to send someone to Eastern Wu is best left to you."
With a firm look in her eyes, Deng Zhi said, "I am determined not to fail in my mission."
"Today, as you travel to Eastern Wu, I will appoint another person to accompany you, to be at your disposal."
"Who is it?"
"Zong Yu and Zong Deyan!"
"Oh, is that Zong Yu, who recently had a heated debate with Ma Su in the official residence?"
"That's the man. He's quite courageous; if the two of you go together, you'll surely achieve twice the result with half the effort."
The next morning at court, on Zhuge Liang's recommendation, Deng Zhi and Zong Yu were sent as envoys to Eastern Wu.
Also accompanying him were generals Chen Hu and Zheng Zhuo.
The two first captured Huang Yuan alive, thus beginning to distinguish themselves.
He then led 800 men to kill Yong Kai and subdue Gao Ding, becoming an important contributor to the pacification of the south and was awarded the title of "General Who Punishes Rebels".
The title of "General Who Punishes Rebels" was a miscellaneous general title, appointed by the imperial court only when there was a specific military need. This also meant that only in the event of war would these two men have the opportunity to make meritorious contributions.
Now that there is no war in Yizhou, the two men hold nominal positions in the court and become the captains of the guards escorting Deng Zhi and Zong Yu.
The large ship sailed down the river and soon entered the territory of Eastern Wu.
The further you go into Jianye, the wider the river becomes, with boats coming and going in a constant stream.
Upon seeing this, Deng Zhi couldn't help but marvel at the perilous nature of the Yangtze River, and at the same time, he felt sorry for the loss of Jingzhou by the Shu Han state.
Chen Hu and Zheng Zhuo were equally frustrated.
They had expected to be rewarded for their repeated merits. But in the end, all they received was the title of "General Who Suppresses Rebellion".
Now he's been sent to escort Deng Zhi to Eastern Wu, a thankless and arduous task.
"Generals, why do you both look so troubled?"
Deng Zhi had been observing the two for some time. At first, he thought it was due to the fatigue of the journey, but now that he saw them sighing frequently, he was certain that something was on their minds.
"Your Excellency, my brother and I have never been on a diplomatic mission before. We are just a little unaccustomed to the situation and are worried that the protection may not be adequate," Chen Hu said with a smile.
Deng Zhi smiled knowingly and said, "In my opinion, it's not that she's uncomfortable; the real reason she has other things on her mind is that she's pretending."
The two men smiled awkwardly, realizing that Deng Zhi had guessed their thoughts.
"Do the two generals feel frustrated because they have performed great deeds but have not received the rewards they deserve?"
Zheng Chuo was an impatient man, and seeing that Deng Zhi had spoken to his heart, he quickly said, "Your Excellency, it's not that my brother and I are arrogant, but we feel that the court's rewards and punishments are unfair."
The title of "General Who Subdues Rebels" is a miscellaneous general title that only grants military power during wartime. Once the mission is over, the military position will be revoked; in short, it is a temporary military position.
Zheng Chuo believed that, based on his merits, he should at least be a standing general.
"Your Majesty possesses great talent and ambition, and aspires to conquer the universe. What do you two generals think?"
Deng Zhi's words made the two men somewhat apprehensive. Chen Hu said, "Your Excellency, I am deeply grateful for the Emperor's favor and have spoken out of turn just now."
"General Chen, please don't misunderstand. Even if you speak ill of His Majesty to my face, I will only listen. If a monarch cannot tolerate others' opinions, then he is not worthy to be the ruler of a country."
Chen Hu and Zheng Zhuo were sweating profusely, forcing smiles on their faces.
Seeing the two men's embarrassment, Deng Zhi laughed heartily and said, "The two generals have failed to understand His Majesty's intentions."
Oh, what's the trick to this?
After exchanging glances, the two men bowed to Deng Zhi and said, "Please enlighten us, Minister."
Deng Zhi stroked his beard with his right hand and slowly said, "His Majesty has appointed the two of you as 'Generals Who Suppress Rebellions.' Although the official titles are not high, it shows his intention to give you important responsibilities. Just imagine, if war breaks out in the future, the court will first appoint the 'Generals Who Suppress Rebellions,' who are specifically responsible for suppressing rebellions or foreign threats, and who will be directly under the command of His Majesty and the Prime Minister's Office. Isn't this an opportunity for the two generals to make meritorious contributions?"
"Back then, Sun Ce was appointed 'General Who Subdues Rebels' for pacifying Jiangdong, which laid the foundation for the current Eastern Wu. What do you two generals think?"
The two initially thought this "General Who Punishes Rebels" was just a temporary worker, but after listening to Deng Zhi's analysis, they felt it made a lot of sense.
Zheng Chuo said, "Minister, since His Majesty wants to give us important positions, he could appoint us as standing generals. In case the country is in trouble, we can immediately lead troops into battle. Right now, we have no real power and are in an awkward situation."
Before Deng Zhi could speak, Zong Yu, who had overheard the three talking, walked over.
"Generals, you may not know this, but His Majesty did this because the court has just issued a new decree and promotion system."
Both were military officers and had only a superficial understanding of the imperial court's systems.
All they knew was that as long as there was a war, they could climb the ranks.
Zong Yu explained, "The Imperial Academy training program implemented by His Majesty is intended to cultivate the overall capabilities of civil and military officials. Officials who achieve outstanding political achievements during their tenure may be promoted as appropriate."
The two nodded.
Yes, isn't it true that military generals accumulate military merits by fighting battles?
Now that there are no battles to fight, we can only stay put and do odd jobs.
Zong Yu, seeing that the two still did not understand, continued, "The country is at peace, and the generals have no battles to fight, but escorting envoys to other countries is also a political achievement. These are the foundation for your future promotions."
"Lord Zong, is what you're saying true?" The two immediately perked up.
Deng Zhi and Zong Yu exchanged a smile.
"Of course. Moreover, the reason His Majesty appointed the two generals to honorary positions was to facilitate their relocation at any time and to give them more opportunities to make meritorious contributions. It's a pity that the two generals don't understand His Majesty's intentions and think that His Majesty is stingy and reluctant to grant them official titles."
"You know, many generals would go to great lengths to get this mission, but you two generals have discarded it like trash. I admire you."
Chen Hu and Zheng Zhuo then realized how foolish it was to be ignorant.
The huge weight that had been pressing on my heart vanished instantly.
Deng Zhi interjected, "There is one more thing that the two generals may have overlooked."
Is there some other reward Your Majesty has bestowed upon us that we are unaware of?
"Generals, the title of 'General Who Subdues Rebels' is a temporary military post, and therefore usually does not have any subordinates. However, His Majesty has not dismissed your subordinates. In other words, you two generals can cultivate your own staff."
"If you are promoted or transferred in the future, your subordinates can stay with you. Doesn't this show His Majesty's high regard for the two generals?"
Chen Hu and Zheng Zhuo were immediately invigorated and wished they could kneel down and kowtow to express their gratitude.
This is simply unbelievable wealth!
At that moment, a soldier came to report.
"Your Excellency, warships from Eastern Wu have appeared ahead."
"How many ships are coming?" Deng Zhi asked.
"About forty or fifty ships."
Zong Yu said with a stern face, "Your Excellency, such a display seems inappropriate."
After a moment's thought, Deng Zhi sneered, "The Eastern Wu wants to show off their military might and dampen the spirit of our Han Dynasty. Order the ships to move closer."
"I want to see if Jiangdong really has many heroes."