Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 680: Trusted Subordinates (Part 1)

Vice Minister Ding acted quickly and submitted the memorial the next day.

Liu Hengchang, Qin Zhan, and Meng Dashan were originally standard sixth-rank military officers. Vice Minister Ding promoted them four ranks with a bold stroke. From now on, Liu Hengchang and the others are fourth-rank generals. In terms of official rank, they are on par with Commander Yu Chong of the Nanyang Army. They are also qualified to lead a military force independently now.

In fact, the three of them had already been independently commanding troops in the Nanyang Guard Camp, with personnel in each camp no less than those in the Nanyang Army. Now, it is merely official recognition from the court.

Tao Daxi, Xiao Tian, and Li Tianxi were each promoted two ranks, gaining the title of standard eighth-rank military officers.

After reading the memorial, Jiang Shaohua was quite satisfied and said to Minister Zhang, "This memorial presented by Acting Minister Ding should also be reviewed by Minister Zhang to see if there are any issues."

Minister Zhang, having suffered greatly from the case of Doctor Wan, has been particularly low-key and cautious lately. He respectfully received the memorial from Housekeeper Chen, quickly skimmed through it, and loudly responded, "I will return to the Ministry of Personnel and immediately handle the official documents for Commander Liu and others."

There were no objections from the Left General and others. Each generation of an emperor brings a new group of courtiers. After the Commandery Princess ascended the throne, she did not exclude dissidents nor did she replace officials in large numbers. She merely promoted a few trusted generals, which was very restrained.

As ministers, encountering such a wise ruler, they ought to appreciate their fortune. Otherwise, they would be struck by lightning.

General Sima even voluntarily suggested, "Commander Song killed rebels during the palace upheaval and safeguarded the Emperor’s safety, marking a great achievement. Given Commander Song’s merits and abilities, it is indeed unfair for him to remain a fifth-rank military officer. Why not take this opportunity to promote Commander Song as well?"

Commander Song is currently tasked with leading troops to confiscate property at the Prince Dongping Mansion and will soon return to the Capital City.

Vice Minister Ding silently regretted this oversight, realizing he had not been thorough enough by neglecting Commander Song, who is the most trusted and intimate of the Commandery Princess’s entourage!

Vice Minister Ding immediately voiced his agreement, "General Sima’s words are reasonable. It was indeed my oversight."

Subsequently, the courtiers began to praise Commander Song in turn, with some even suggesting promotions for trusted imperial guards, like Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao, who had made significant contributions.

Jiang Shaohua had pondered this long before and replied with a slight smile, "They are all at my side waiting for assignments, and it is not appropriate to promote them now. Otherwise, if all my imperial guards become fifth or sixth-rank officers, it would be quite unorthodox and not conform to palace rules. I’ll promote them when I dispatch them to lead troops in the future."

These remarks revealed a lot of information.

It seems the Emperor is quite dissatisfied with the current state of the Da Liang Army, and a substantial reform is inevitable. There is also no worry of lacking capable personnel, as these trusted aides from Nanyang County are not only skilled but also literate and able to read military strategy books. This is already the average level of generals in Da Liang.

Imagine, with such a group of trusted aides, the Emperor has at least a thousand... no, several thousand or even more. This means the Emperor has a vast number of talents who can serve as mid to low-ranked generals. And they are all loyal to the Emperor without question. What an awe-inspiring fact!

Vice Minister Wang, who originally held some dissatisfaction, now stayed silent and respectful.

After the small court assembly dispersed, Liu Hengchang and five others followed Vice Ministers Ding and Wang to the Ministry of War. The officials of the Ministry of War were already mentally prepared, and when they saw each more imposing and daunting figure, they all greeted them with smiles and courtesy.

How could they not be courteous? How dare they not be?

These were the old retainers from the Emperor’s residence and carried the Emperor’s decree to the Ministry of War. They all had enough confidence and strength. How could anyone dare provoke them?

Especially the large and robust Tao Da, whose fists clenched like iron balls, intimidating anyone who saw him.

...

With Minister Zhang’s efficient handling, the official documents for Liu Hengchang and the others were completed within three days.

Everyone loves a promotion. Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan were visibly pleased and bowed to express gratitude to the Emperor, "Thank you, Commandery Princess!"

"No, I was wrong, it should be thank you, Emperor."

Whether it was Commandery Princess or Emperor, it made no difference to them. Their allegiance was to Jiang Shaohua, the person.

Jiang Shaohua would not fuss over the occasional slip of the tongue by his trusted aides, and with a smile, he said, "It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the title ’Commandery Princess,’ and I find it quite nostalgic now."

After some banter, Jiang Shaohua asked Liu Hengchang, "You’ve been observing at the Ministry of War for a few days now, have you noticed any issues?"

Liu Hengchang, maintaining his composed demeanor, responded with a bow, "In response to the Emperor, Vice Minister Ding works meticulously, and although Vice Minister Wang likes to complain, he is diligent in his duties. All officials at the Ministry of War are busy with military funding matters without any mistakes."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "The method of killing the chicken to scare the monkey is always effective."

No one wanted to be the next Doctor Wan, so they have to change the habit of siphoning off funds. At least, they wouldn’t dare touch even a cent of these military funds.

Liu Hengchang was evidently also contemplating this matter and quietly said, "Next, we have to each lead a group to escort military funds and supplies to the stationed troops. The Emperor is relying on us to understand the true strength of each stationed force and reevaluate the military records."

"The concern Vice Minister Ding mentioned that day is the greatest worry in my heart. In case the stationed troops’ generals hold grievances, there might be an armed insurrection."

Jiang Shaohua calmly said, "Therefore, I require you all to only observe and report everything you see and hear back to the Capital City for me. Do not randomly interfere with the specific affairs of the stationed military camps."

This was to draw a line for Liu Hengchang and the others: just listen and watch, do not speak or act.

That way, it also serves as a silent warning and reminder to the stationed military generals. The first time is a gentle reminder, but if there is no timely rectification, there will be repercussions in the future.

Liu Hengchang accepted the order with a bow.

Qin Zhan couldn’t help but speak up, "I’m a straightforward person, and I fear I won’t be able to hold back when I see something wrong. What if I cause trouble and bring difficulties to the Emperor, what should be done then?"

"Indeed," Meng Dashan chimed in, "I’m also troubled by this matter! I have this naturally straightforward and hot temper; how can I constantly hold back."

Liu Hengchang’s voice timely interjected, "You have to hold back even if you can’t. First, the Emperor has just ascended the throne, so it’s not suitable to start conflicts, risking instability. Second, our manpower is ultimately limited; this time, we brought two thousand people to the Capital City. Spread across each stationed force, there are only dozens in each. This little force, if a conflict arises, will certainly suffer. Even if the Emperor avenges us later, those slain in rebellion cannot come back to life."

"General Liu is right," Jiang Shaohua chimed in, "In my heart, your safety is more important. Losing anyone is a pain I do not wish to endure. For my sake, you must all return safely."

These words warmed their hearts.

The bristles of Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan were immediately soothed, and they each bowed in agreement.