Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 811: Extra: Military Camp (Part 1)

The court’s political affairs are handled by Chancellor Chen, while the Ministry of Revenue is managed by Minister Feng.

Jiang Shaohua spent five years consolidating her rule on the Dragon Throne. Only then did she begin political reform, purging the officials. It’s hard to say how long this process will take, as Da Liang has no precedent for it. It might show results in one or two years, or it could take three to five years, a decade, eight years, or even longer.

Jiang Shaohua is not in the least bit anxious; she is still young and has plenty of time.

In the autumn of the fifth year of Zhaoping, Da Liang was blessed with favorable weather, and the new grain variety implemented in the south yielded a bumper harvest. The people in the Northern Land have finally made it through, and most can now fill their stomachs. This year’s autumn taxation on farmland was particularly substantial, setting a record high for the Ministry of Revenue.

Minister Dong submitted a memorial to the Emperor, praising the achievements.

The courtiers inwardly laughed at Minister Dong as a sycophant, yet they also followed suit with memorials extolling the virtues.

The Emperor paid no heed to these and rode out of the city gate towards the Yingwei Camp.

The Capital City has four armies in total: the Imperial Army, the Heroic Guard Camp, the Divine Martial Camp, and the Brave Camp. These four armies were originally led by the elite Imperial Army. However, during the palace upheaval five years ago, the Imperial Army suffered heavy casualties and has yet to recover to its former strength.

Instead, the weakest combat force, the Heroic Guard Camp, now boasts the largest number of soldiers and the strongest combat effectiveness. The Left General has been continuously recruiting and training soldiers over the past two years. The number on the military register has risen from fifty thousand to eighty thousand.

In bygone days, of the fifty thousand soldiers, more than twenty percent were receiving empty salaries. Now the eighty thousand are truly eighty thousand elite soldiers.

At times, even the Left General finds it strange. In the past, he profited comfortably from the army without feeling guilty. Now, with the Emperor’s silent consent for his indiscriminate indulgence, the reported military expenses from the Heroic Guard Camp are never discounted by the Ministry of Revenue; they provide whatever is requested. Yet, he finds himself unable to indulge.

Busy with drilling soldiers daily, his vigor surprises even himself.

Perhaps it is also because the court atmosphere has changed!

In the past, everyone was like black crows, all alike. The Emperor’s soft approach failed to control them, allowing officials to indulge in greed.

Nowadays, the Empress has undisputed prowess. Of the Six Ministries’ key officials, except for Minister Zhou, all have been replaced. The government offices of the Six Ministries are all implementing new policies. The radical changes among the civil servants inevitably affect the military generals.

The Emperor has not yet acted on the military. That’s because the Emperor harbors grand ambitions to eliminate the Rouran. With the Emperor’s scheming methods, it’s likely they’ve kept a mental ledger on the military generals, preparing for future reckoning.

As for the other armies, the Left General doesn’t concern himself. In any case, the Heroic Guard Camp is vastly different from before.

Since last year, the Empress has begun inspecting military camps, with the Heroic Guard Camp being the first she visited, revealing her considerable esteem for him, the Marquis Wei Yuan. This year, when she inspects, the Heroic Guard Camp is sure to be visited first again.

Upon hearing the Empress went to the Imperial Army, the previously confident Left General was somewhat surprised.

The Empress stayed at the Imperial Army Camp for six or seven days, then proceeded to the Divine Martial Camp and the Brave Camp.

The Left General became a bit uneasy.

The Empress has delayed visiting the Heroic Guard Camp; could she be displeased with him? Using such actions intentionally to reprimand him?

Reflecting multiple times, the Left General waited a month before the Empress, surrounded by a group of Imperial Guards, rode to the Heroic Guard Camp.

The Left General led dozens of military generals to greet her, waiting ten miles outside the camp.

"Subordinate Zuo Feng, welcomes the Emperor."

The Left General, full of vigor, called out in a loud voice. The military generals behind him echoed in unison: "Welcomes the Emperor."

The Empress, dressed in casual riding wear, appeared less formal, exuding an impressive aura. Her brows relaxed, smiling brightly in the autumn breeze: "Marquis Wei Yuan, at ease, all generals at ease."

Hearing the words "Marquis Wei Yuan," the Left General’s uneasy heart suddenly calmed.

Indeed, he was personally titled Marquis Wei Yuan by the Empress.

He is the foremost among the military generals.

General Bao, General Sima, General Song, and even General Fan at the border army all must rank below him.

Riding behind the Emperor, the Left General deliberately maintained the distance of a horse’s length to demonstrate respect.

Jiang Shaohua noticed and smiled slightly. Zuo Feng, a seasoned warrior skilled in training and commanding troops, is truly the material of a great general. However, he has several shortcomings. For example, he can be arrogant, aiming high and disregarding others. He sees himself in high regard, cherishing reputation, and cannot tolerate any general surpassing him.

As for other minor faults, drinking the blood of soldiers in dictatorial ways in the army are considered negligible issues.

To use such a person requires tactics and careful consideration. Grant what is due, but do not hold back when giving a reprimand.

After riding into the camp, Jiang Shaohua dismounted.

Meng Sanbao stepped forward to tend to the fine horse. Qin Hu then arranged accommodation for the trusted aides.

Having recovered from his injury, Qin Hu trained for two years with the left-handed sword, unable to serve as a trusted aide but responsible for internal coordination and arrangements.

Left General respectfully said: "Subordinate has prepared the military tent for the Emperor, please rest there first."

Jiang Shaohua was spirited, showing no signs of weariness: "I’m not tired at all, Marquis Wei Yuan, accompany me for a tour around the camp."

The Left General agreed with a smile, calling his trusted personal soldiers to arrange for the troops to withdraw.

The Empress’ voice rang out again: "No need to withdraw, nor disturb them. I’ll take a casual look around."

The Left General thought the Empress indeed has an unconventional temper. Not to mention the difference between genders, rank should be clear. Yet, she didn’t mind the rough soldiers and strolled leisurely.

"Last year when I visited, the camp had seventy thousand troops; this year, there are eighty thousand."

The Left General’s eyes flashed with pride, he replied in a deep voice: "Yes, the military register shows exactly eighty thousand."

Jiang Shaohua stared at the Left General: "Originally, the Capital City’s four armies had roughly equal strength. Now the Heroic Guard Camp is in full force, having the most personnel. The other generals are somewhat displeased. During my camp inspection, I specifically went to soothe the Imperial Army, Divine Martial Camp, and Brave Camp."

The Left General raised his brow: "What makes them displeased? General Bao guards the Capital City, practically never fought a tough battle. General Sima has average capacity to command troops, General Song did pacify turmoil, but ended in defeat."

"Even with eighty thousand elite soldiers, they wouldn’t understand how to lead."

Jiang Shaohua smirked: "In short, they are dissatisfied, clamoring to compete with the Heroic Guard Camp."

"I figured, after training troops for two years, Left General should show the edge. It’s also to avoid everyone thinking I’m partial towards Left General. So I agreed for Left General."

"What do you think? Does Left General have absolute confidence and assurance?"

Instead of requesting, better to incite.

Without hesitation, the Left General readily agreed: "However the competition takes place, please let the Emperor decide."

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