White Horse, Silver Spear, Grand Commandant Gao

Chapter 96 Hidden Secrets in Court Personnel Management

After settling into the inn, Gao Huaide pondered a question: "Why is it that Fu Yanqing can take his daughter everywhere, while her father doesn't take his sister out?"

"Did you think Xuan'er was like you, enjoying being in the public eye?"

Gao Xingzhou thought his daughter was very well-behaved and never caused him any worry: "She should learn from her older sister. She is not proper and steady at all. How will she be able to win people's respect in the future?" (Note 1)

Gao Huaide thought to himself that his sister might not be as his father thought; it was just that he had never paid attention to her feelings.

"Don't try to run around everywhere now that you've just arrived in the capital. Stay here obediently and watch your father handle affairs!"

Upon arriving in the bustling city of Luoyang, Gao Huaide originally intended to wander around, but his father preemptively intervened, leaving him with no choice but to agree.

Soon after, the chief official of the Imperial Secretariat came to pay his respects and report to the military governor on the various events that had occurred in the capital in recent months.

Since Gao Xingzhou launched his troops to Xia Prefecture, a lot of news has accumulated. I will only pick out a few important ones to talk about.

The fourth day of the seventh lunar month, Dingyou day.

Ren Hanquan, the commander of the Western Capital's crossbows, reported that on June 21, he fought against the Sichuan army at Hanyin in Jinzhou. The imperial army suffered a defeat, and his soldiers, apart from the wounded, had retreated to Fengxiang.

"Less than a year after Meng Zhixiang's death, the new ruler of the pseudo-Shu is named Meng Chang, right? He's still young, yet he's such a warlike ruler."

Generally speaking, the rulers of Shu are mostly perceived as regional warlords who maintain a separatist regime. However, this particular ruler, who had only been on the throne for a short time, dared to take the initiative to challenge the Central Plains.

"General, this is a long story. The war with Shu dates back to a year ago."

At that time, Zhang Qianzhao and Sun Hanshao surrendered Hanzhong to Shu, and Liu Suiqing abandoned his garrison post. Everything south of Dasanguan Pass was taken over by the pseudo-Shu.

November of the first year of the Qingtai era.

Zhang Yanlang, the military governor of Qin Prefecture, led his army to attack Shu and besieged Wen Prefecture. Guo Zhiqiong, the prefect of Jie Prefecture, captured Jianshi Village, giving the current dynasty an early advantage.

Shu general Li Yanhou marched north from Guozhou and stationed his troops in Xingzhou. When Xingzhou governor Feng Hui saw the Shu people invading, he was outnumbered and fled back to Fengxiang.

Li Yanhou then dispatched Fan Yanhui, the vanguard commander, to relieve Wenzhou. Seeing that his rear was threatened, Zhang Yanlang had no choice but to lift the siege and withdraw his troops.

The campaign against Shu ended hastily, failing not only to reclaim lost territory but also leading to constant border skirmishes afterward.

Zhang Yanlang was recalled to the capital and appointed as Vice Minister of the Chancellery, Chancellor, and Judge of the Three Departments; Feng Hui was demoted to a minor post in Tongzhou because he fled the battlefield without fighting.

"Zhang Yanlang, His Majesty still remembers him."

Gao Xingzhou kept mentioning this name, which stirred up memories of the past.

Zhang Yanlang, a native of Kaifeng, Bianzhou, initially served the Liang dynasty, serving as a grain commissioner in Yunzhou. During Li Siyuan's surprise attack on Yunzhou, Zhang Yanlang was captured but reinstated as grain commissioner.

Afterwards, when the late emperor moved his garrison to Xuanwu and Chengde, Zhang Yanlang served as an official in charge of finances and provisions. Li Congke frequently dealt with him when he asked for supplies.

Five years ago, Zhang Yanlang was appointed as a special minister and Minister of Works, and served as the commissioner of salt and iron transport in various circuits, concurrently in charge of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance, and as the commissioner of the Three Departments.

The title of the Three Commissioners originated from this.

"The Imperial Guards and the Three Departments: Although the late emperor was not learned, he was exceptionally wise and made many reforms to the military system and institutions. It is a pity that the world is unaware of this."

As for Feng Hui, Gao Xingzhou recalled the fat man he had seen at the Tongzhou government office. So that's what he was all about. He wasn't ashamed of being demoted for fleeing, and he couldn't help but snort.

The official who was presenting the report stopped, not understanding his superior's thoughts. He waited for Gao Xingzhou's instructions before continuing to report on the affairs of the southwestern border.

In the middle of this year, Liu Yun, the garrison commander of Zhoufei, led his army into Sichuan, where he was defeated by Quan Shiyu, a general of Shu. Cui Chune, the military governor of Jinzhou, was seriously wounded, and the troops stationed in various prefectures scattered. Taking advantage of the situation, the Shu army launched a counterattack.

The Jinzhou army numbered only a thousand. Military Commander Chen Zhiyin was terrified and, under the pretext of other business, left the city with three hundred men, fleeing downstream. The morale of the defending army was severely damaged. Fortunately, Defense Commissioner Ma Quanjie gathered the troops of Hezhou, provided them with all his family wealth, and launched a surprise attack to resist the enemy. They fought desperately to defend the city, and the Shu troops finally retreated.

"Ma Quanjie has rendered meritorious service in defending the territory and deserves to be rewarded. He will be promoted one rank and will undoubtedly be awarded a banner."

Gao Xingzhou did not forget to admonish his son: "Did you hear that? If the enemy is at the gates, will you follow the example of Ma Quanjie or Feng Hui?"

"Naturally, we should learn from Ma Quanjie and be loyal to our duties."

Gao Huaide spoke with great righteousness, but inwardly he muttered, "I won't learn from anyone; I'll just improvise when the time comes."

Unexpectedly, the official who presented the memorial said, "General, another incident has arisen because of the reward for Ma Quanjie."

"Oh?"

"Who does the General think is currently in power in the court?"

"Could it be the two Grand Secretaries, Fang Gao and Zhao Yanshou?"

"No, Fang Gao, the Commissioner of the Southern Court of Xuanhui, and Zhao Yanshou, the Imperial Son-in-Law, are both Privy Councilors. Although they are in a secretive position, the advice they receive is often only three or four out of ten valid."

"Could it be the two prime ministers, Lu Wenji and Yao Yi?"

The Privy Council's power surpassed that of the Chancellor, a practice that had been established since the late Tang Dynasty. Gao Xingzhou knew that Lu and Yao were merely famous figures, not adept at wielding power, hence the order in which they were appointed.

"Neither are the two gentlemen, Lu and Yao."

The official in charge of presenting the memorial shook his head and said, "Nowadays, all the appointments and appointments are handled by Liu Yanlang, the Commissioner of the Northern Court of the Xuanhui Palace and the Deputy Chief of the Privy Council. If a military commander has any business with the court, he must first bribe this man in order to get what he wants." (Note 2)

The official in charge of presenting the memorial knew that Gao Xingzhou was an upright person, so he used the pretext of presenting the memorial to subtly remind him of his integrity.

"Liu Yanlang was a minister who followed Your Majesty into power, yet now that he has gained favor, he acts so recklessly."

Gao Xingzhou's face was ashen: "Go on."

"Ma Quanjie was rewarded for his meritorious service in defending against the enemy and was summoned to the capital for a discussion of his reward. However, Liu Yanlang demanded a large bribe from him, but Ma Quanjie had nothing to offer in return and wanted to appoint him as the governor of Jiangzhou."

"If the Defense Commissioner is changed to Governor, wouldn't that be a demotion?"

"Isn't that right?"

Ma Quanjie, who had fought to the death and was awarded the title of military governor based on his military achievements, could not swallow this insult and complained to his peers. As a result, there was an uproar and a great deal of discussion, with everyone believing that the court's reward was inappropriate.

It was Prince Li Chongmei who learned of the public opinion and reported it to the emperor. Li Congke, noting that Cangzhou lacked a commander, reassigned Ma Quanjie as the acting governor of Heng Hai Army. Presumably, he would soon be officially awarded the title of commander.

"It happened last month."

The official who presented the memorial calculated the date: "The imperial edict was issued on the 25th day of the 11th month, the day of Yi-Mao."

It's inevitable that the Indians will appoint their own cronies, but for someone like Liu Yanlang to hold power is more of a curse than a blessing for the court.

Gao Xingzhou pondered for a moment. No wonder Li Congke wanted to summon Feng Dao back to the capital. Lu Wenji and Yao Yi couldn't even grasp the power of personnel matters; it seemed they had no ability to govern a country.

What other appointments were made during this period?

The official presenting the report delivered the recorded documents and explained each point in detail.

July 11th, Jia Chen day.

Sha Yanxun, the Right Commander of the Divine Martial Army, was appointed acting governor of Yunzhou, and in August he was officially appointed military governor of Yunzhou.

July 12th, Yi Si day.

Zhang Jingda, the military governor of Xuzhou, was appointed as the deputy commander of the northern expeditionary force, including the armies of Datong, Zhenwu, Weise, and Zhangguo, and his troops were stationed in Daizhou.

"Indeed, although Sha Yanxun is over seventy years old, he is much more reliable than that garlic-pounding old man An Zhongba."

Between Qin and Yong, officials who would offer food and drink and then solicit bribes from their subjects were colloquially known as "sugar pounders," implying exploitation. An Chongba, who served as the governor of Xijing, did the same, hence the people of Qin referred to him as "sugar pounders."

An Zhongba was greedy and insatiable. Hearing that there was an oil merchant surnamed Deng who was good at playing chess, he invited him to play chess.

It would have been fine if we had just played chess properly, but An Chongba, based on the distinction between superiors and inferiors, ordered Deng Sheng to stand and not sit down. Not only that, after each move, he ordered Deng Sheng to stand under the northwest window until he had finished calculating the moves before he could return.

Moreover, An Chongba repeatedly fell into deep thought, seemingly preoccupied with something else entirely. He had only made a dozen or so moves throughout the entire day. Deng Sheng, exhausted and hungry from standing, was listless and found the game utterly miserable.

The next day, An Chongba summoned Deng Sheng again, and someone advised him: "Staying behind is for making money, not for playing chess. Why not offer your services and ask to retire?"

Deng Sheng suddenly realized what was happening and offered ten ingots of silver to avoid the ordeal of playing chess—such a method of extortion was truly ingenious. (Note 3)

Later, An Chongba was transferred to Yunzhou as the military governor of Datong Army, responsible for the first line of defense against the Khitan outside Yanmen Pass.

Gao Xingzhou nodded slightly: "With Your Majesty's transfer of Sha Yanxun and Zhang Shengtie, there is no need to worry about the north."

Zhang Jingda, courtesy name Zhitong, was a native of Daizhou, and his childhood name was Shengtie. During the reign of the previous emperor, he successively served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Hedong Cavalry and Infantry, and the Military Governor of Yingzhou and Yunzhou.

When the Khitans arrived from Heiyulin, they claimed to need water and pasture from the Han border. Zhang Jingda gathered troops at the pass to block their advance. The Khitans dared not graze south, and the border people relied on them.

Given Zhang Jingda's qualifications and experience, and his origins in the same prefecture, Li Congke was able to recognize and appoint capable individuals to important positions, especially in the defense of the Yanmen Pass.

What Gao Xingzhou didn't say was that Zhang Jingda's transfer of a portion of troops to the northern camp was also a calculated move to weaken Shi Jingtang's military power.

August 27th, Gengyin day.

Yang Hanzhang, the former military governor of Yanzhou, was appointed as the Left Commander of the Divine Martial Army, and Kang Sili, the former military governor of Xingzhou, was appointed as the Right Commander of the Divine Martial Army.

On that day, Luzhou reported that An Zhongba, the former military governor of Yunzhou, had died.

The sixth day of the ninth lunar month, the day of Ji Hai.

An Congjin, the military governor of Heyang and commander of the Imperial Guards, was appointed military governor of Xiangzhou; Zhao Zaili, the military governor of Xiangzhou, was appointed military governor of Songzhou.

September 10th, Gui Mao.

Song Shenqian, the military governor of Zhongzheng Army and commander of the Imperial Guards Infantry, was appointed as the military governor of Heyang, retaining his previous command of the army.

"An Congjin is a fickle and unpredictable man; he cannot be allowed to hold the power of the Imperial Guard for long."

Since Kang Yicheng was executed, the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guards (cavalry and infantry) was vacant, and An Congjin and Song Shenqian were appointed as Commanders-in-Chief of the Imperial Guards.

Song Shenqian was a loyal and trustworthy minister who followed Li Congke to the throne. An Congjin, seeing the situation was about to collapse, killed Feng Yun, cut off the head of Zhu Hongzhao who had drowned himself in a well, and then switched his allegiance to the new ruler, demonstrating his character.

Although Gao Xingzhou despised the man, he had no vested interest in An Congjin, Zhao Zaili, Yang Hanzhang, Kang Sili and others, so he just listened to them and let it go.

However, life is unpredictable, and the relationships between people are like weaving cloth, where the warp and weft threads may intersect at any time.

At this point, no one could have imagined what kind of connection the aforementioned individuals, including Feng Hui whom they encountered in Tongzhou, would have with the Gao family father and son later on.

The official who presented the memorial rambled on for half a day. In the end, it was mostly about personnel changes within the imperial court.

Gao Huaide listened with boredom and frustration, unable to understand why his father wanted to hear such tedious content.

"The system of personnel appointments and appointments is the most powerful tool the central government uses to control the regional military governors. Only by understanding its intricacies can one discern the prevailing winds in the court."

Seeing his son's agitated state, Gao Xingzhou initially wanted to scold him. But then he thought that the intricacies were indeed too obscure for a ten-year-old. Even among adults, how many could understand it without explanation?

After the official finished his report, Gao Xingzhou glanced at his son and finally uttered the words that Gao Huaide had been waiting for.

"I'm going to meet some people next. You can go out and explore on your own; it'll be good for you to broaden your horizons."

Before Gao Huaide could even cheer, Gao Xingzhou quickly added, "Don't cause trouble!"

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Place Name Comparison

Qinzhou: present-day Qinzhou District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province

Wenzhou: now located on the south bank of the Bailong River in Wenxian County, Longnan City, Gansu Province.

Jiezhou: present-day Wudu District, Longnan City, Gansu Province

Guozhou: Northeast of present-day Nanchong City, Sichuan Province

Xingzhou: present-day Lueyang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province

Zhoufei: present-day Zhouzhi County, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province

Jinzhou: present-day Hanbin District, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province