Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 793: Epilogue: Ennobled (Part 2)

After the palace banquet ended, Jiang Shaohua specifically asked the Left General to stay for a conversation.

The Left General was rough on the outside but meticulous inside, having already prepared a pile of grateful words in his heart. Before he could speak, Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Here, it’s just us two, lord and subject. There’s no need for those useless pleasantries."

"Left General, when I was Nanyang County Princess, I always admired you."

"Back when the border was greatly defeated, I blamed you too. Blamed you for not recognizing people well and using the wrong ones. Also blamed you for retreating and completely abandoning Peng City afterward. Peng City was massacred, and I imagine you always harbored resentment in your heart."

The Left General was hit at his sore point, and his eyes reddened: "Indeed, I had no choice back then. The Rouran cavalry was truly formidable; the border army could defend the city, but facing the Rouran Barbarians head-on, the odds were too slim. At that time, had I not retreated, I might have caused the border army to be lost entirely. Then the border would have completely fallen, and more people would have died."

"Therefore, you chose to retreat to at least preserve the border army. You could also rely on the fortress walls to barely maintain the defense of the border," Jiang Shaohua sighed softly and continued, "Left General achieved everything a Border Army Commander could do in adversity. It truly shouldn’t be subjected to so much blame and criticism."

The Left General, a stalwart man of eight feet, was almost moved to tears: "The Emperor is wise."

Jiang Shaohua said gently, "Those moments have passed. Today, I speak of this to tell the Left General that I remember the contributions of the Great General. Leading troops into battle, momentary victories and losses are inevitable; there is no undefeated Great General on the battlefield."

"However, Peng City was massacred, and I have never forgotten it for a single day. Someday, I will avenge the people of Peng City."

The Left General’s body shivered as he looked up at the Empress.

The Empress’s eyes flashed with piercing cold, her voice firm: "Zuo Feng!"

"I am present!" The Left General reflexively straightened his chest.

"I want you to train the troops earnestly and turn the Heroic Guard Camp into elite soldiers," Jiang Shaohua said solemnly, "I have not long ascended to the throne. Right now is not the time to initiate aggressive wars. We must use stillness to counter movement, focus on defense. But one day, I will exterminate the Rouran Barbarians. Perhaps in two or three years, perhaps it will take five or eight years."

"At that time, I will have you lead the troops to thoroughly destroy the Rouran Barbarians."

"From tomorrow, you will recruit soldiers and train them rigorously. The number on military rolls, I recognize them all. Every year’s military funds and provisions, I will allocate them all without shortfall."

"I only want you to train a true elite army."

"When Rouran is exterminated, I will make you a Duke!"

The Left General’s blood surged, and he raised his hands to reply: "The Emperor has such trust in me; I will certainly give my all and never disappoint the Emperor’s great expectations."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and nodded, personally escorting the Left General out of Zhaohai Palace. Then, commanded Song Yuan to escort the Left General out of the palace.

Song Yuan, having become acquainted with the Left General during a battle in Yu State, had formed some camaraderie. Seeing the Left General’s prominence today, Song Yuan was also pleased for the Left General: "Left General is favored with imperial regard today, enjoying infinite glory. I must congratulate the Great General."

The Left General was sobered a lot by the autumn wind, smiling as he sighed: "Indeed, the Emperor treats me beyond reproach."

"The Emperor wants to exterminate Rouran and have me recruit and train soldiers. In the future, he will let me lead troops into battle. He also promises me that on the day Rouran is eradicated, he will confer upon me the title of Duke."

"For a military general like us, meeting such a wise ruler is the blessing earned over several lifetimes."

"From now on, this life of mine belongs to the Emperor."

One earns the ruler’s salary, so one must resolve the ruler’s worries.

Not to mention, the Emperor trusts you, employs you, promotes you, gives you a title to exalt your name, and grants you as much money and provisions as needed.

Is there any reason not to serve the Emperor?

Song Yuan captured the transformation in the Left General’s demeanor completely and also smiled: "Not everyone is qualified to serve the Emperor. Ultimately, it’s because the Great General has the capability to lead troops into battle, unmatched by anyone. For instance, my uncle envies him so much today that his eyes are red, but alas, the Emperor does not think highly of him."

The Left General laughed heartily, reaching out to pat Song Yuan’s shoulder: "Commander Song speaks quite humorously. In the future, when you have free time, come to the Zuo Family for a visit often."

Song Yuan readily agreed.

...

The Left General returned to the Zuo Mansion under the eyes of everyone.

How excited and delighted the Zuo Family was needn’t be detailed.

In past years, the young men of the Zuo Family were either deposed or transferred, with some audacious enough to participate in palace coups. In short, many had suffered loss, all relying on the Left General alone to uphold their place.

Now things are better; the Left General won a significant battle and was conferred the title of Marquis Wei Yuan, becoming the foremost figure in the military. The home’s social status will inevitably become lively again.

The Left General, tired of so many people surrounding him, waved his hand to signal the household members to withdraw.

He paced in the study for a long time, changed into casual clothes, and ordered his trusted aide to prepare a sedan chair.

The aides were quite surprised to hear such an order.

The Left General usually rode horseback wherever he went; why suddenly use a sedan chair today? Concealing oneself like this isn’t the General’s style.

The Left General naturally wouldn’t explain to his aides and sat in the soft sedan, headed to the Wang Family.

In the past, he was a person of Prime Minister Wang, going to the Wang Family openly and dignified. Now changing allegiances, becoming a loyal minister to the Emperor, actions must be discreet. While the Wang Family can still be visited, it must be done quietly to avoid displeasing the Emperor.

The Wang Family’s plaque has already changed; it is now Duke Ning Mansion.

When entering the gate, the Left General glanced at the plaque, feeling some lament. The Empress’s methods were indeed high; in just over a year, she stabilized the court’s hearts, abolished the Zheng Family. Now even Prime Minister Wang had to withdraw from the Da Liang Court.

A duke position traded for a peaceful transition of power, quite worthy.

This is only the first step.

Next, if the Wang Family remains obedient, relying on Prime Minister Wang’s blessings and Secretary Wang Zhongshu’s favor, they can stay unscathed. Otherwise, even the Duke Mansion couldn’t protect all the Wang Family members. When wielding the sword to kill, the Empress never hesitates.

In a palace turmoil, the eunuchs and palace maids who died in the palace were about a thousand, and several hundred were expelled from the court and sent to the mines.

The Left General wasn’t in the Capital City but knew these things clearly.

As a Duke now, Prime Minister Wang appeared much more amiable compared to before, having gained some weight, cheerfully saying to the Left General: "Congratulations Marquis Wei Yuan."

The Left General hurriedly raised his hands and smiled: "I should congratulate the Duke instead."

Prime Minister Wang laughed heartily, not seeming the least bit downcast: "As a chancellor, I have worried about the court and the Da Liang for decades. Now I have laid down burdens, and it’s been a few rare idle days."

The Left General was still so straightforward: "The river embankment isn’t repaired yet, the Duke must still oversee the Ministry of Industry, how could it be leisure?"

Prime Minister Wang: "..."