Qiao Chu

Compared to the turmoil in the imperial court of the capital, Yunzhong Commandery was far from peaceful either.

Zhong Changrong slammed several military dispatches onto the desk, causing the command tokens in the bamboo tube to rattle violently.

"What madness has taken hold of Changping Pass?" he cursed. "If they're not fighting Western Liang, are their hands itching for action? Fighting among themselves!"

With that, he grabbed the saber at his waist and strode toward the door.

"I'll go personally and give them a fight they won't forget."

His deputy generals hurriedly intercepted him, urging, "General, please calm down." "We've already sent people to bring the situation under control." "You cannot go. If you go, this matter will truly escalate."

Restrained by their pleas, Zhong Changrong sneered coldly, "Have Ma Liang of Changping Pass removed from his post. If he can't even control his own troops, how can he lead them in battle?"

Ma Liang was the commanding officer of Changping Pass.

"Actually, it's not really his fault," one deputy said. "It was provoked by his Army Sima."

"The court has replaced Wu Shiliu, the Army Sima of Changping Pass," another deputy whispered. "Though Wu Shiliu may seem unremarkable and lacking in achievements, as you know, General, he had been stationed at Changping Pass even before Ma Liang arrived. He's spent half his lifetime there without ever being transferred. Suddenly being replaced like this—he's bound to be resentful."

Zhong Changrong's expression darkened. "What right does he have to be resentful? Is he the only one being replaced this time? Several generals have been transferred without complaint."

Since the capital reassignments, the court had been mobilizing garrison troops from various regions to reinforce the Border Army while simultaneously reassigning Border Army officers to defensive positions inland.

The newly appointed Supervisor from the court claimed this was for the officers' benefit—after over two years of warfare, fatigue was inevitable, hence the rotations to allow for rest and recovery.

"The reassignment of several generals isn't particularly problematic," one deputy commented. "They can take their personal guards and deputies with them, maintaining the same command numbers at their new posts. Though they might miss out on Border Army military merits, even without those achievements, their status remains unaffected. But for Army Simas like him—it's different."

Most of them were akin to clerks in provincial and county administrations, their roots deeply embedded in their stationed locations—farming garrison lands, raising families, establishing extensive local connections.

Suddenly being uprooted and transferred was nothing short of tearing them from their foundations.

How could they not resist?

"Fortunately, you foresaw this and warned Ma Liang in advance," another deputy said with a bitter smile. "Otherwise, who knows how much worse this could have gotten."

"What is the court thinking, acting like this at such a time?" another deputy complained. "We're in the midst of war—why reassign officers now?"

As his words faded, a deep male voice sounded from outside.

"Precisely because the war effort is critical, we cannot tolerate incompetents clinging to power."

Startled, the men inside turned to see a general in crimson robes entering the courtyard—none other than Fu Cheng, the newly appointed Supervisor from the court and Capital Garrison Colonel.

Though said to be dispatched by the court, he was essentially sent by Grand Tutor Deng Yi.

With Deng Yi overseeing state affairs and controlling the imperial seal, military authority, and tiger tallies, he had dispatched trusted Capital Garrison officers to serve as envoys and Supervisors.

Zhong Changrong's eyes narrowed as he glared at the guards on duty in the courtyard, bellowing, "Why wasn't General Fu's arrival announced? You've made us appear discourteous by failing to welcome him!"

The guards looked both chagrined and helpless, but before they could speak, Supervisor Fu said indifferently, "I ordered them not to disturb General Zhong. As Supervisor acting under imperial decree, I must avoid compromising my oversight duties."

Oversight? More like spying! Zhong Changrong's face darkened further as he retorted coldly, "And what has General Fu's oversight uncovered today?"

Ignoring his tone, Supervisor Fu entered and set down several military record scrolls."Wu Shiliu, the Military Sima of Changping Pass, has falsified military records and embezzled army funds," he said. "I came to inform you, General Zhong, that instead of transferring him elsewhere, he should be tried and sentenced according to the law."

Zhong Changrong picked up the military ledger and flipped through it, cursing under his breath.

"General Zhong wouldn't be thinking that it's inconvenient to punish him during wartime, would you?" Supervisor Fu asked with a faint smile.

Zhong Changrong said sternly, "Supervisor Fu is overthinking this. Rewards and punishments in the army are clearly defined."

Supervisor Fu nodded. "Then this supervisor can rest assured." He chuckled lightly. "General Zhong has received the Empress's personal instructions—do not disappoint her expectations."

Was this a threat? A threat to tarnish the Empress's reputation using matters of the Border Commandery? Zhong Changrong said coldly, "Even if Supervisor Fu is acting on the Grand Tutor's orders, do not forget the boundless grace of the Emperor."

Was he implying that no matter how powerful the Grand Tutor was, he was still merely a subject? Supervisor Fu's smile faded. "Thank you for the reminder, General Zhong."

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

The deputy generals spat at his retreating back, muttering, "A dog relying on its master's power." They turned to Zhong Changrong. "General, that scoundrel struts around the army acting important just because he has the Grand Tutor's backing."

Zhong Changrong, his face dark, slammed the military ledger onto the table. "But he was given the leverage to strut around! That damned Wu Shiliu—he really kept impeccable accounts! To think he embezzled so much military pay!"

The deputy generals picked up the ledger to examine it.

"He really stole that much?" "We don't understand these account books." "How did the annual inspections by the supervisors fail to catch this?" "Bunch of useless fools."

While Zhong Changrong and his men were cursing in frustration, Supervisor Fu returned to his supervisory residence with a hint of a smile.

Someone was waiting for him inside and bowed in greeting. "Supervisor, you've returned."

Supervisor Fu gestured for him to rise. "Chief Clerk Liang, there's no need for such formality."

Liang Ji, Second Master Liang, stood up as instructed. Observing Supervisor Fu's expression, he smiled. "It seems the Supervisor is in good spirits after this trip."

Supervisor Fu had never grown accustomed to this place, feeling constrained at every turn—especially by that Zhong Changrong, who relied on Chu Ling's lingering prestige and the Empress's backing to remain utterly unyielding. But seeing Zhong Changrong humiliated today had truly lifted his mood.

Supervisor Fu laughed heartily. "This is all thanks to Chief Clerk Liang." He patted Liang Ji's arm appreciatively. "Second Master Liang truly lives up to his reputation as a scholar—impressive, truly impressive. That Wu Shiliu colluded across ranks to create such concealed accounts. Even the experts I brought from the capital couldn't detect anything, yet you uncovered the problem in just three days."

Liang Ji replied, "This humble official is only capable of such pen-and-paper work."

"Don't be modest," Supervisor Fu said. "Second Master Liang deploys troops like a god, with miraculous strategies. I've long admired your reputation in the capital. I've had all military reports about you circulated and studied in the army as exemplary models."

Liang Ji said, "This humble official is ashamed."

He meant it sincerely.

But Supervisor Fu interpreted this sincerity as even more satisfactory.

"Truly, the more capable a person is, the more humble they become," he remarked with feeling.

Unlike that arrogant and unyielding Zhong Changrong.

"Second Master Liang," Supervisor Fu continued, "you've helped this supervisor tremendously. If there's anything you need, just say the word."

Here, he smiled again.

"When the Grand Tutor was here, he praised you and your son as courageous and mighty generals who should be heavily relied upon."

The implication was that they were both the Grand Tutor's people. Liang Ji naturally understood—he knew this was because of Liang Qiang.

The news that Liang Qiang had been personally appointed as a Brigadier General by the Grand Tutor had spread throughout the Border Army."Thank you for your appreciation, Grand Tutor," he said, then turned to Fu the Supervisor. "Since that's the case, I'll skip the formalities. I do have one request to make."

Fu the Supervisor never feared others making requests—what he truly feared was when people asked for nothing.

"Very well," he replied, stroking his beard with a smile. "Please speak."

Liang Ji said, "I wish to join the commander's central army as Chief Secretary."

Fu the Supervisor's fingers paused mid-stroke, plucking out a few short beard hairs. He drew a sharp, subtle breath.

Serving as Chief Secretary in the commander's central army would make one the commander's right-hand man, with the authority to strategize and decide military operations.

He didn't believe Second Master Liang intended to become Zhong Changrong's right-hand man.

This was a move to seize authority and contend for merit.