Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 824: Mediocrity (Side Story)

The court’s army returned victorious, and everyone was jubilant and excited.

However, General Song felt somewhat disheartened. The elite soldiers he sent out suffered about twenty percent casualties, and yet the military achievements were the least.

He couldn’t blame the Left General. When the Left General assigned tasks, he didn’t forget the Divine Martial Camp. It was just that the Divine Martial Camp’s luck was too poor; they lay in ambush for days without encountering any fleeing Rouran barbarians. Later, General Xu took the initiative to request to go capture prisoners with the Left General.

As a result, the honor of capturing the Rouran Khan alive fell on the shoulders of the archer Xiao Tian from the Personal Guard Camp. This Xiao Tian not only rose several ranks but also received a marriage decree from the Emperor himself, soon to marry Miss Tu Bai. Such joyous occasions were praised by many. He didn’t dare dampen the Emperor’s spirits, and happily offered congratulations as well.

After the celebration banquet dispersed, the officials gradually left the palace.

Song Yuan represented the Emperor to escort the Left General out of the palace.

General Song seized the opportunity and intentionally waited at the palace gates. When Song Yuan returned after escorting the Left General, he "coincidentally" encountered him.

"Commander Song, may I have a word?" General Song smiled warmly, showing extra courtesy.

Song Yuan raised his eyelids slightly, glanced around, and found a relatively quiet spot to speak with General Song.

Thinking back ten years ago, Song Yuan was merely the Commander of the Commander’s personal guard, always respectful in front of him, speaking flattering words. He was blind and muddled, pushing away gestures of goodwill presented to him.

In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed, and Song Yuan was now the Emperor’s Personal Guard Commander, the most trusted confidant of the Empress. While he was inconspicuous among the military generals, offering countless gestures of goodwill to Song Yuan.

Ten years to the east, ten years to the west.

General Song sighed inwardly, but outwardly showed warmth: "You are busy with your duties, so when you have leisure time, visit the Song Family more often. We shouldn’t grow distant as uncle and nephew."

Song Yuan looked at General Song, who was smiling flatteringly, and said coldly, "This time, the Divine Martial Camp performed the least in terms of military achievements and shared the least rewards. Is General Song feeling dissatisfied?"

General Song’s expression was slightly stiff, attempting to say something perfunctory, but Song Yuan had no patience for such nonsense, speaking again: "The Emperor has not treated the Divine Martial Camp unfairly; the military expenses are ample, and all treatment is on par with other armies. This time, when fighting at the border army, the Left General acted justly."

"The Divine Martial Camp was simply unlucky, not encountering any large groups of fleeing Rouran cavalry, hence they killed the least number of barbarians. However, their casualties were also the lowest among all armies. Military achievements aren’t just words; they are earned through the sacrifices of soldiers."

"If I were General Song, I would focus all thoughts in the military camp, dedicating myself to training soldiers, cultivating true elite troops to surpass other armies. The Emperor has a broad vision and will not dwell on past grievances. He will not only employ capable and talented people but will also heavily rely on them."

"Take the Left General, for example; he used to be a person of Prime Minister Wang. After the Emperor ascended the throne, the Left General continued to follow Prime Minister Wang. Yet, the Emperor still employs him heavily, even bestowing him the title of Duke Wei Yuan. General Fan, stationed far away at the border army, fought desperately against the Rouran barbarians, with border army casualties exceeding half. The Emperor has kept such achievements in mind and awarded General Fan the position of Marquis."

"The facts are right in front of us. Instead of envying others, General Song would be better off contemplating how to lead and train soldiers effectively. Once he does exceptionally well, the Emperor will naturally give him special consideration."

General Song’s face burned with embarrassment.

Song Yuan spoke these words unkindly, almost pointing at his nose accusing him of being mediocre and useless.

Truth is harsh and unpleasant.

Indeed, he wasn’t as capable as the Left General, nor did he have General Fan’s relentless drive. Compared to the diligent and conscientious General Bao or the meticulous General Sima, he lacked a bit. Even General Liu was more loyal and competent than him.

The Empress refuses to use him, not because of any old enmity, but simply because of his mediocre abilities.

General Song cleared his throat, lowered his voice: "Thank you, Commander Song, for your guidance."

Song Yuan’s expression was indifferent: "One stroke writes two characters of Song. I’ve said all I needed to say today. In the future, General Song doesn’t need to seek me out in private anymore. I need to return to report my duties, please feel free, General Song."

After speaking, he walked away.

General Song watched Song Yuan’s decisive figure, feeling a mix of emotions and sighed deeply.

...

Upon returning to Zhaohai Palace, Song Yuan reported General Song’s specific intention to seek him out to the Emperor.

Jiang Shaohua chuckled: "This General Song, his thoughts are not on the right path, always thinking about such matters."

"Last fall’s military exercises, the Divine Martial Camp came last. This year’s spring exercises lasted only a day, and it’s clear the Divine Martial Camp hasn’t improved much."

"Military generals wanting military achievements, seeking promotion and titles, is human nature. I don’t look down on them for that. It’s simply that his leadership skills are mediocre. If it weren’t for his seniority, I would have already taken away his official’s hat; there are plenty of capable young generals eager for his position."

Also, consideration must be given to Song Yuan’s dignity. After all, General Song is Song Yuan’s uncle. If she were to act against General Song, it would not reflect well on Song Yuan either.

This point didn’t need to be said by Jiang Shaohua; Song Yuan understood it well.

Song Yuan was silent for a moment, then softly said: "The Emperor need not worry about me."

Jiang Shaohua replied with a smile: "It’s not solely for you. I also need to maintain the dignity of the old ministers. General Song has neither achievements nor errors. I can’t just dismiss him from the military camp so easily. Let’s continue to use him with caution. He’s quite senior, and in a few years, he should retire."

By then, the position will be open.

The batch of young military generals like Qin Hu Meng Sanbao Tao Da Xiaotian Li Tianxi would have accumulated enough experience and can slowly replace the old generals in the army.

...

This minor matter was but an insignificant interlude for the Empress.

With the army returning and the celebration banquet concluded, there were still many matters to handle. The list of soldiers awaiting awards was a dozen pages long, while the list of deceased awaiting condolence was a thick pile.

The Ministry of War was busy calculating military achievements, putting them together into reports, and presenting them before the throne for the Emperor’s review and decision. Once that was done, it would be the Ministry of Revenue’s busy turn.

Moreover, deciding the fate of the Rouran Khan, Fu Mingdun, was also a negotiation that could not be ignored.

Court officials split into two factions; one believed that Fu Mingdun should be crushed and scattered to avenge the citizens of Da Liang who died tragically.

The other faction argued that the prisoner should be used more effectively, exchanging Fu Mingdun as a hostage for more practical benefits.

The aggressive faction was led by General Zuo, with most military generals supporting the idea of killing Fu Mingdun.

The hostage faction was led by Chancellor Chen, with most civil servants standing on Chancellor Chen’s side.

Jiang Shaohua contemplated for several days before making a decision, personally writing a diplomatic letter to send to Rouran.