Chapter 633 Selecting the Four Commanders
Everyone knows that Liu Fang has the best relationship with Ma Shang, so it is true that Liu Fang wants to take charge of the army, but it also has reasons related to Ma Shang.
Jia Cong nodded again. Two of the four positions were no longer available.
However, no one spoke next.
Guan Jin's words had already taken over the Jingying lineage, and Liu Fang's words had already taken over the founding lineage, so naturally, people from these two lines would not speak. As for the Yuanping lineage and the others, they felt that their relationship with Jia Cong was not as close as that of the founding lineage, and if they spoke rashly, it might not be appropriate.
After waiting for a full quarter of an hour, Jia Cong said, "Since no one is willing to stay, I will be the bad guy for once."
"Guo Wei, Niu Chong, are you two willing to stay?"
The two men hesitated for a moment before standing up. "Thank you, Marshal."
Of these two, Niu Chong was from the Yuanping clan, while Guo Wei originally served under Cao Zhuang of the Eastern Camp, making him indirectly a member of the retired emperor's staff. Thus, the four armies were divided among the Yuanping, the founding, and the imperial clans. As for the Longxing Emperor... I was a close minister to him, so naturally I was considered one of his men. As for my side taking an extra share, I doubt anyone would be dissatisfied; after all, I was the commander-in-chief here.
"Liu Fang, Guan Jin, Guo Wei, and Niu Chong, the four of you will command the armies of Yongkang, Shiquan, Huaian, and Changning, respectively. I will draw up a roster of officers and soldiers and then assign it to you. The Yongkang and Shiquan armies will each command 15,000 soldiers, the Huaian army will command 20,000 soldiers, and the Changning army will command 25,000 soldiers. Furthermore, I will allocate 5,000 soldiers to each of you, in accordance with the imperial decree, and the remaining troops will be recruited locally."
They all nodded and stood up to thank Jia Cong.
It was definitely a God-given opportunity for them to rise from middle and senior generals to become army commanders.
"You four will take over all military affairs as soon as possible. Now that Shuzhong has just been stabilized, there may be small tribes in various places that are still causing trouble. Therefore, you need to go and take up your posts as soon as possible."
The other generals envied the four men, but they weren't jealous. After all, they had all made contributions in this great battle in Shu, and upon their return to the capital, the imperial court would naturally grant them a corresponding decree. Furthermore, reorganizing the four armies would require a vast array of mid- and low-ranking officers. The military commanders alone would require dozens, and even more below them.
Therefore, the children of various prefectures or some close confidants of the people can get some benefits.
When it came to the appointment of mid- and low-ranking officers, Jia Cong basically still adhered to the principle of impartiality. The descendants and confidants of the founding dynasty had a slight advantage, and the other forces also benefited. Overall, it was quite comprehensive.
It took Jia Cong, Guan Jin and the other four people, as well as Shi Nai, Meng Hua and others, most of the day to draw up a preliminary list.
He stretched himself wearily. Drawing up this list was both easy and cumbersome. The easy part was that there were plenty of qualified candidates. For example, the children of various prefectures had all made contributions, big or small, so getting a real job wouldn't be a problem. The cumbersome part was that it involved the interests of many parties, and finding a balance was a real hassle.
Then there were his personal guards. Aside from Cheng Yuhu, who mostly guarded him, the others, including Lu Feng, Teng Wu, and Lei Zhao, had all fought bravely in battles and had followed him for so long. Jia Cong naturally didn't want to hinder their brothers' futures. Therefore, after some inquiries, Teng Wu and Lei Zhao were both appointed military commanders. Lu Feng and Cheng Yuhu, however, refused the offer, stating that they didn't care about their positions; they simply wanted to stay by Jia Cong's side.
Jia Cong thought about it and agreed. Cheng Yuhu was in charge of most of his guards, while Lu Feng was in charge of various other matters. Lu Feng also controlled many of Jia Cong's spies, secret agents, and personnel. Therefore, if he were to be separated from the two of them, Jia Cong would be a little uncomfortable.
"My lord, the chef has prepared some delicious dishes today. I will have someone bring them to you later." Lu Feng entered the big tent and said to Jia Cong as if he was presenting a treasure.
As soon as he finished speaking, a personal guard entered the room and said, "General, Miss Miaoyu's female guards are outside the gate asking to see you."
Before Jia Cong could speak, Lu Feng winked and said, "Hehe, it seems that the Marshal will not have a good meal today, but, maybe..."
Before he could finish his words, Jia Cong slapped him back.
After receiving Jia Cong's order, Yue Ling was led into the big tent soon.
After the previous incident, the messenger had died, though it was unknown whether she committed suicide or was silenced. Miaoyu also made some adjustments to the people around her, restricting the authority of everyone except her closest confidants. In particular, messages to Jia Cong had to be delivered personally by Yue Ling or Gu Qing.
After the ceremony, Yue Ling said respectfully, "My young lady learned that the Marquis has returned victorious, and has specially prepared a banquet to welcome him. I hope the Marquis will honor you with his presence."
Jia Cong thought for a moment and nodded, "Go back and tell your young lady that I will be there shortly."
After Yue Ling left, Jia Cong looked at Lu Feng, who was standing aside with a wretched expression, and kicked him. "Go prepare a gift. Didn't the Xuhen and Wudeng tribes send some rare items? Pick out a few and then accompany me."
Jia Cong arranged some miscellaneous things, then left the camp and headed towards Miaoyu's residence.
When they arrived outside the mansion, female guards were already there to greet them. When they entered the courtyard, Miaoyu, who had just received the news, couldn't wait to come out to greet them.
Her gaze fixed on Jia Cong, Miaoyu felt her heart wanting to jump out of her chest with joy. After a long moment, she suppressed her emotions and said with a salute, "Miaoyu congratulates the Marquis on establishing his capital in Southern Xinjiang."
Jia Cong smiled and said, "I would also like to thank Miss Miaoyu for her help."
Afterwards, Miaoyu went into the room to meet Jia Cong. Lu Feng followed her for two steps but was stopped by Yue Ling.
"You little bitch, I'm the Marquis' personal guard, I need to go in and check..."
brush!
Before she could finish her words, Yue Ling drew her sword and stared at Lu Feng with a bad look.
"Alright, I won't bother with a little bitch like you. Humph, sooner or later I'll have to deal with you."
…
The banquet has been prepared in the room, and the dishes are rich and exquisite.
After helping Jia Cong put his robe away, the two of them sat opposite each other, chatting and eating, feeling relaxed and happy for a while.
"Today you have returned victorious, and I will offer you a few cups of vegetarian wine as a token of my congratulations."
Afterwards, Miaoyu also took a cup and started drinking with Jia Cong.
The banquet lasted for nearly an hour before it was declared over. Miaoyu's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were like water. She looked at Jia Cong infatuatedly with her red lips slightly parted.
