The military officer furrowed his brows, wanting to say something but restraining himself. He gave a slight cupped-hand salute instead. "Military Supervisor Zhao."
The position of a military supervisor was a delicate one within the army. In terms of rank, they naturally couldn't surpass the general, but the word "supervisor" carried the implication of oversight. Acting as the Emperor's eyes and ears to monitor the entire military operation, their authority was immense, and no one dared to slight them.
Zhao Ling returned the salute with cupped hands. "General, what urgent matter brings you here so late at night?"
As he spoke, he made no move to invite the general inside or offer him a seat.
As the military supervisor, Zhao Ling should have stayed at the central army camp alongside the general. However, he insisted on remaining in Hejian Prefecture. The general, fearing interference from someone inexperienced in warfare, had agreed. Now, having come in person to see him, the general was met with such cold treatment. The attendants behind him could barely suppress their anger.
"It's like this," the general said, suppressing his temper and speaking calmly. "Half a month ago, I submitted a report stating our insufficient provisions. For some reason, there's been no response. Might Military Supervisor Zhao inquire about this matter?"
"Aren't the provisions enough to last two more months? Why the rush? Are you implying His Majesty doesn't understand the gravity of the situation?" Zhao Jianjun, still irritated by Gao Dazhuang's earlier words, spoke with unusual sharpness.
The Privy Council primarily managed such matters, not the Emperor alone. Zhao Ling's words were clearly picking a fight.
The general's deputy could no longer hold back and said coldly, "Transporting provisions to Hejian Prefecture takes at least half a month. And with the Liao cavalry appearing unpredictably, they might very well target our supplies. We haven't heard anything yet. If we run out of food, will Military Supervisor Zhao single-handedly defend the border on a full stomach?"
"You!" Zhao Jianjun fumed. "General, you ought to discipline your subordinate!"
The general turned his head. "Get back and take your military punishment!"
"Yes!" The deputy turned and left without hesitation.
Then, as if nothing had happened, the general resumed speaking calmly. "His Majesty and the Privy Council are overwhelmed with countless tasks—oversights are inevitable. Supervisor, please bring this up. After all, if the border is truly lost because of this, your future will be ruined as well."
"Fine." Zhao Ling could clearly see the general and his deputy were putting on an act, but he took the words to heart. He had no intention of jeopardizing his bright future. "I'll submit a report tonight."
"Much obliged!" The general cupped his hands and turned to leave.
Only then did Zhao Ling say, "Ah, my memory fails me. General, you came and went in such haste—have you eaten? I've only just sat down to a meal. Would you care to join me?"
"No need. Just don't forget the report." The general suddenly recalled something. "I heard His Majesty dispatched the Shadow Unit to assist in the battle. Have they arrived?"
Military Supervisor Zhao looked surprised. "General, what are you talking about? The Shadow Unit is responsible for protecting His Majesty and the imperial city. Why would they come to the border to assist in battle?"
Several hidden figures nearly leaped out to beat Zhao Ling upon hearing this.
The general said nothing more and strode away.
An Jiu extended her Mental Strength and faintly heard the general's voice in the distance. "Damn it! I'm here risking life and limb, begging for food like a beggar, putting up with this bullshit every day! If I don't die on the battlefield, this nonsense will kill me sooner or later!"
A loud crash followed—something had collapsed.
Turns out, this general was far from mild-tempered. His anger ran deep."Why keep it from the General?" Sun Dixian whispered.
Sui Yunzhu sighed. "The man just now was Ling Jiangjun. Over these years, among all the military commanders, Ling Jiangjun has the most outstanding battle achievements. Thanks to him, we’ve been able to hold back the Liao forces. Out of the entire Great Song’s million-strong army, he commands over three hundred thousand troops. Do you think The Emperor wouldn’t be wary of him?"
Ling Jiangjun’s name was Ling Ziyue. He was well-read, joined the army in his teens, and was also quite astute—a man of both literary and martial prowess. Bold and generous in character, after over twenty years in the military, from common soldiers to deputy generals, most were fiercely loyal to him.
A man like this could rebel with ease if he wished. Moreover, since ancient times, those who sat alone at the pinnacle of power were often suspicious by nature. Few could truly open their hearts to the principle of "never suspect those you don’t employ, and never employ those you suspect."
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Zhao Ling stood in the courtyard, covering his mouth as he coughed a few times.
None of them wanted to go out, but they couldn’t refuse orders either. In the end, An Jiu and Sui Yunzhu vaulted over the wall and appeared before Zhao Ling.
"Did the General say anything after he left just now?" Zhao Ling asked.
Such a trivial matter!
An Jiu remained silent, while Sui Yunzhu replied, "The General said the Liao army could attack at any moment, and we must return to camp as soon as possible."
Zhao Ling nodded. "Very well. Dismissed."
The two acknowledged and left together.
After this single inquiry, Zhao Ling did not summon them again. The group watched the shadows shift from moonlight to sunlight, witnessing two sunrises and sunsets from their secluded corner.
Lou Mingyue and the other two returned, bringing back much intelligence on the Liao army. Yet Zhao Ling did not immediately report it to the General. Instead, a scheme took root in his mind—he wanted to claim the credit for himself.
Thus, he summoned the shadow unit once more.
This time, only Gao Dazhuang entered.
"I’ve noticed there seem to be a few women among you," Zhao Ling remarked.
Gao Dazhuang confirmed.
"Call them out," Zhao Ling ordered.
Gao Dazhuang hesitated before saying, "You three, come out."
Lou Mingyue, Sun Dixian, and An Jiu appeared in the room one after another.
Zhao Ling scrutinized their figures. "Remove your masks."
"Hah." Gao Dazhuang scoffed. "The only person in this world who can order them to do so is The Emperor. Does Zhao Jianjun intend to rebel?"
Zhao Ling’s expression shifted several times, but in the end, he suppressed his anger and explained in a conciliatory tone, "You misunderstand, sir. I merely wish to see their faces. I’ve heard much about Xiao Cheng of the Liao Kingdom—he has a weakness for beauty. I’d like to send one of them to get close to him and see if we can extract useful information."
The Liao dynasty once followed the principle of "ruling the Khitan with their own system and governing the Han people with Han institutions." Thus, its central bureaucracy was divided into two major systems: the Northern Administration and the Southern Administration. The Northern Administration managed Khitan affairs, while the Southern Administration handled Han affairs. Later, the two courts merged, with one person holding the position of "Zhi Shumishi" (Chief of the Privy Council).
Xiao Cheng was the Liao Kingdom’s Zhi Shumishi, a powerful minister who held sway over the court.
"Has this matter been approved by the General?" Gao Dazhuang asked.
"I don’t believe you’re unaware of The Emperor’s intentions. Let’s not mention the General again. You need only follow my orders," Zhao Ling asserted with bureaucratic authority. Without waiting for Gao Dazhuang to respond, he pointed at An Jiu. "Her, then."
"Not her," Gao Dazhuang objected.
Since they had no choice but to comply, Gao Dazhuang relented. He gestured to Lou Mingyue and Sun Dixian. "Choose one of them instead."Lou Mingyue had the highest Martial Arts skills and could protect herself, while Sun Dixian was versatile and highly skilled at flattery and winning people over. Both were quite attractive, and even if Sun Dixian fell slightly short, wasn't there always the art of disguise? (To be continued...)
PS: Recommended reading: Rural Blossoms by Hua Wushuang. A money-obsessed little miser, Hua Duoduo, finds herself transmigrated into the body of a poor peasant girl with no money or possessions, struggling to fill her stomach. Watch as she cultivates the land with flair and conducts business with subtlety, leading her family to prosperity in style!
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