If Duke of Chengguo were summoned back to the capital to report on his duties, that would be quite normal. But to simultaneously summon Duke of Chengguo to return while sending a new northern commander, it means Duke of Chengguo is being reassigned.
Reassigned, huh? Doesn't that mean his military authority is being stripped away?
The emperor remains dissatisfied with Duke of Chengguo's defiance of his decree and is finally moving to punish him.
Though he was displeased in the past, considerations of maintaining stability in the northern lands kept him from acting against Duke of Chengguo. Now, with the peace agreement with the Jurchen people in place and the cessation of hostilities, Duke of Chengguo can finally be moved.
Moreover, the man taking over is Uncle Qinghe.
Uncle Qinghe is a commander that is in no way inferior to Duke of Chengguo and, in fact, originally rose to fame earlier than Duke of Chengguo.
Back when Duke of Chengguo was still a junior officer, Uncle Qinghe had already achieved several resounding victories in battles against the Jurchen people, earning widespread acclaim. But later, his greed and corruption led to a mutiny, resulting in a humiliating defeat at Ma River. The first emperor, enraged, was ready to execute Uncle Qinghe, but thanks to the collective pleas of the officials and generals, his punishment was reduced to one of remediation—he was transferred from the northern lands to the south to quell bandits.
Thus, Uncle Qinghe departed from the northern lands, and Duke of Chengguo Zhu Shan began to rise to prominence, eventually achieving great fame and success.
Of course, Uncle Qinghe didn't fade into obscurity after that. In the south, he proved unstoppable in quelling rebellions and banditry, ultimately redeeming himself and earning the title of Huaixi Pacification Envoy. Later, the first emperor bestowed upon him the noble rank of Uncle Qinghe.
For a military general, to receive such a title was already a remarkable honor. Yet, coincidentally that same year, Zhu Shan was also elevated, gaining the rank of Duke of Chengguo.
Being nearly a decade younger and reaching fame later than Uncle Qinghe, Zhu Shan's higher noble title caused considerable dissatisfaction among those sympathetic to Uncle Qinghe.
But it couldn't be helped—compared to quelling rebellions, in the emperor's eyes, the Jurchen invaders posed a far greater threat. Only those who could stand against them and make them tremble in fear were deemed truly exceptional.
Thus, Uncle Qinghe retreated to Huaixi and began a quiet life of retirement until the prince's illness, the passing of the first emperor, and the ascension of Prince Qi as the new emperor brought him back into the fold. Faced with rampant coastal banditry, the new emperor implored Uncle Qinghe to return. Uncle Qinghe crushed the coastal pirates and regained military authority.
And now, not only has he reclaimed his military authority, but he has also returned to the northern lands.
Ten years ago, Uncle Qinghe was reassigned from the northern lands, allowing Duke of Chengguo to assume command.
Now, ten years later, Duke of Chengguo is being reassigned from the northern lands, and Uncle Qinghe is returning to take command.
Is this not a case of "Ten years east of the river, ten years west of the river; the wheel of fortune turns"?
The hall fell into a heavy silence.
"Duke." A general couldn't help but speak, his expression somewhat anxious. "What should we do about this?"
For military generals, power comes from having soldiers. Lose your command, and you're no better than a toothless tiger.
If Duke of Chengguo really returned to the capital like this, wouldn't he be entirely at the emperor's mercy?
Most of the gazes directed at Duke of Chengguo were filled with concern and urgency, though a few bore traces of indecision.
As the saying goes, "A new emperor brings new ministers." Uncle Qinghe will surely surround himself with his own men, which will inevitably mean clearing out many existing personnel.
Additionally, they knew something of Uncle Qinghe's temperament—greedy, eager for glory, ruthless, and domineering. If not for these traits, that mutiny wouldn't have occurred years ago.
Duke of Chengguo looked composed, as if this news held no significance.
"Since it's an imperial decree, then let us wait patiently," he said. "We won't set out just yet; let's stay here in Dingzhou and await further instructions."
Since he spoke thus, the others had no choice but to hold their tongues. No one was in the mood to discuss further; they would wait until more information came to light before deliberating.
The officials and generals all bowed and replied in unison, watching as Duke of Chengguo departed the hall.
"Don't worry," a general consoled the others. "Duke of Chengguo will surely have a solution. Of all of us, the one least willing to leave is Duke of Chengguo himself."
Indeed, if he returned to the capital, it would bode ill. Everyone knew it, and Duke of Chengguo understood it deeply.
.........….
"This is definitely Huang Cheng's doing!"
As Duke of Chengguo entered the inner courtyard, he immediately heard Zhu Zan shouting, pounding the table.
Upon entering the room, Zhu Zan hurriedly stood and called out, "Father."
"You've already heard the news?" Duke of Chengguo said gently.
Not only had he heard, but he knew it in far more detail. Zhu Zan glanced at Miss Jun, who stood nearby.
"Yes, and it's not bad news," Miss Jun interjected.
Zhu Zan snorted.
"How can this not be bad news?" he demanded.
Miss Jun gave him a look.
"Zan'er, let Miss Jun finish speaking," Duke of Chengguo said.
Zhu Zan widened his eyes, prepared to retort, but under Duke of Chengguo's gentle gaze, he turned his head and remained silent.
"The emperor doesn't intend to punish you," Miss Jun continued, her eyes falling on the urgent missive sent by Fang Chengyu on the table, "but rather to reward you."
A reward...
Duke of Chengguo gave a mild smile.
"Upon hearing of your return, the emperor wept with joy during court," Miss Jun went on. "He praised your unparalleled bravery and thanked the heavens for preserving such a talented general. He declared it a boon for the Great Zhou, a blessing for all its people."
"The emperor is still the same," Duke of Chengguo suddenly remarked.
Miss Jun paused for a moment.
The same—what kind of "same"?
Compassionate, empathetic, and prone to tears? Or manipulative, insincere, all for show?
What did Duke of Chengguo truly think of the emperor?
What was his evaluation of this ruler?
Did he know how his own father had died?
Miss Jun's hand tightened into a fist.
A hush fell over the room.
"Do not worry, Miss Jun," Duke of Chengguo said, mistaking her lowered gaze for anxiety. "The emperor likely intends to reward us, his loyal soldiers."
Miss Jun nodded.
"Indeed. Fallen soldiers will receive posthumous honors, injured ones will receive gifts, and all generals will be promoted," she said. "As for you, Duke of Chengguo, you will be paraded through the streets to celebrate your accomplishments. A prince will personally greet you, and the emperor himself will meet you at the Imperial City Gate, along with the other deserving officials."
She gazed at Duke of Chengguo.
"...Return triumphantly in glory, thus decreed."
That she even knew the exact wording of the imperial decree—it was beyond the reach of ordinary people.
For someone like Miss Jun, who neither held official rank nor came from a bureaucratic family, to obtain such intelligence demonstrated connections that reached the heavens themselves.
But then, for a woman capable of accomplishing all she had done in the northern lands, it was unsurprising.
Duke of Chengguo gave a faint smile.
"Truly, this is a gracious reprieve from the heavens," he mused.
Yes, divine favor indeed. The emperor had shown boundless benevolence. Were Duke of Chengguo to refuse, it would mark him as insolent, unloyal, and unprincipled.
"Which is why this isn't good news at all," Zhu Zan interjected. "There's no such thing as a free lunch."
Miss Jun sighed softly.
"Exactly," she agreed. "Duke of Chengguo, you cannot return to the capital."
Titles aside, even as the Northern War God, when facing a ruler like this—a man wearing the mask of kindness but harboring cruel intent—there is no greater danger than being his loyal servant.
"Your injuries are severe," she added. "You're unfit for long journeys."
She considered revealing her identity as Miss Jun, as the divine doctor whose words the public and emperor alike dared not question.
Zhu Zan nodded fervently beside her.
"Yes, Father," he urged, gesturing towards Miss Jun. "She's quite adept at acting mysterious and convincing people."
Duke of Chengguo shot him a glance.
"Mind your manners," he reprimanded gently.
Though softly spoken, Zhu Zan's face instantly flushed red.
Was this a scolding? In all his years, his father had never reprimanded him like this! To do so now, and for the sake of this woman, was utterly humiliating!
Had his father so completely disregarded him—all for the sake of a life-saving favor?
Miss Jun almost laughed seeing Zhu Zan's red-faced expression and his mix of embarrassment and indignation, like a chastised child. Her brows arched teasingly towards him.
Zhu Zan noticed and glared at her fiercely.
Duke of Chengguo watched their subtle exchange and smiled faintly.
"There is no such thing as free benefits in this world," he stated. "But the benefits offered to us are not without merit."
Zhu Zan frowned.
"Father," he called again.
Duke of Chengguo shook his head at him.
"Still, I want to go to the capital," he said, casting his gaze southward through the doorway. The warmth on his face gradually dissipated into stoicism. "I want to see for myself… the emperor."
To see the emperor.
See what exactly?
The words were simple, but Miss Jun inexplicably felt her chest tighten.
See why the emperor insisted on negotiating peace?
See how the emperor would treat loyal subjects and virtuous generals?
See whether the emperor was truly a benevolent and wise ruler—or a tyrant and fool?
Was that really what he intended to see? Or were those merely casual remarks devoid of depth?