Xianyu Zhongtong
The matters in the royal court were already more than enough to deal with. If he were to face opposition from the military as well, his promotion to the Minister of War would be in vain.
"May I know if Brother Jiexin has any plans in mind?"
Zhangchou Jianqiong asked.
"Hehe, even though this isn't an easy matter, it isn't entirely hopeless. Ten percent is with King Qi, ten percent is with the Prime Minister, and forty percent is with His Majesty. If Brother Zhangchou can convince His Majesty, this matter will be in the bag. However, before that, it would be best for Brother Zhangchou not to agitate Fomonlința, Gao Xianzhi, and Zhang Shougui. Otherwise, this matter might blow up again.
"As long as the matter is settled, Brother Zhangchou will be able to rest easy."
Wang Gen smiled. This was as much as he could offer Zhangchou Jianqiong. The rest would be up to him. After all, he was the one who was going to be promoted.
If even he wasn't determined, no one else would be able to help him.
"Hahaha, I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Brother Jiexin."
Zhangchou Jianqiong's eyes lit up, and his furrowed brows smoothed out. He was worried about everything, except the forty percent that the Holy Emperor would have.
Forty percent from the Saint King and forty percent from his own experience meant that there was an eighty percent chance of success. There was a good fifty percent chance that he would succeed.
With such thoughts in mind, Zhangchou Jianqiong shot a glance at Yang Zhao, and the two of them exchanged glances. The heart of a monarch was hard to fathom, and persuading the Holy Emperor would be the most difficult.
However, it was actually the easiest for Zhangchou Jianqiong.
The current Holy Emperor was truly doting on Consort Tai Zhen. In fact, for the sake of Consort Tai Zhen, he nearly made an enemy out of the entire royal court. As long as Consort Tai Zhen made a move, the forty percent that the Holy Emperor would get wouldn't be a problem at all.
"Brother Zhangchou wishes to enter the capital. How are the arrangements in Annan coming along? With the promotion of a Protector-General, the borders will be empty, and the handover is no small matter. Brother Zhangchou can go all out on the frontlines, but we mustn't allow anything to go wrong in the rear! "
Wang Gen said.
The transfer of power at the border was often overlooked, but it was a very important matter.
If anything were to happen, Zhangchou Jianqiong would lose his position as the Minister of War. No matter who pleaded for him, it was useless. Even Consort Tai Zhen might not be able to do it.
Military affairs were no trifling matter. As long as Zhangchou Jianqiong wasn't the Minister of War yet, he would have to take responsibility for it.
"Hahaha, I have brought the candidate for the next Southern Protector-General. Zhong Tong, stand up and greet Lord Wang."
Zhangchou Jianqiong suddenly turned to a muscular, dark-skinned man on his left and said.
"Ah, S-Sir!"
When his name was called, the tall and sturdy black-faced man quickly stood up from his seat. He was a little flustered. This was clearly the first time he had participated in such a gathering.
"M-Lord Wang, I am Xianyu Zhongtong. Greetings, Lord Wang!"
"Buzz!"
As though a massive boulder had fallen on his heart, Wang Chong's body trembled violently. He abruptly turned his head over.
"So, he's Xianyu Zhongtong!!"
Wang Chong stared at the figure before him as waves of emotions surged in his heart.
Other than Zhangchou Jianqiong, there were two other people whom Wang Chong wanted to meet the most. One of them was Xianyu Zhongtong, and the other was Zhang Wentuo.
Wang Chong thought that Xianyu Zhongtong wouldn't be around, but who could have thought that the man who had been drinking with his head lowered would actually be the future Southern Protector-General, Xianyu Zhongtong!
Wang Chong carefully examined this future Protector-General. The general had a dark face and a thick chest, and he had a thick military style, but his expression was wooden and lacking in flexibility. He did not have the air of a Great General that Wang Chong had imagined.
"Is this the successor that Zhangchou Jianqiong has chosen for himself?"
Wang Chong shook his head.
Every single one of the Great Generals and Protector-Generals of the Tang Dynasty was an outstanding individual. Every single one of these people could take charge of an area on their own, and they could even lead an army on a punitive expedition.
But in Xianyu Zhongtong, Wang Chong couldn't see any of this.
Putting aside the fact that this Xianyu Zhongtong couldn't compare up to the likes of Fomonlința, Geshu Han, Gao Xianzhi, and Zhang Shougui, he couldn't even compare up to Yao Guang Yi.
At the very least, Yao Guang Yi was much more formidable in terms of strategizing and planning than this man before him.
"Haha, Zhongtong's surname is Xiang, but after being an official for so long, everyone has gotten used to calling him Xianyu Zhongtong, forgetting about his real name. In Southern, Zhongtong is a veteran who has served under me for many years. Of course, Zhongtong's capability isn't comparable to Protector-Generals like Zhang Shougui and Fomonlința, but he's a defensive general. "
"I've rehearsed it before, and even if I were to lead the army and launch an all-out assault, it would still be difficult for us to defeat them. After my departure, Zhongtong will be more than sufficient to take over my position. "
"Southern hasn't been in a war for more than a decade now, so what we need isn't offense but defense. Given Zhongtong's capability, regardless of whether it's Ouzan's assault or the changes in Erhai, he will be more than sufficient to fend them off. "
Zhangchou Jianqiong patted Xianyu Zhongtong's shoulder with a gleeful expression. Annan had the 180,000 elites that he had left behind. In addition to Xianyu Zhongtong, a veteran general who was capable of defending the city, even if he were to leave, the city would still be as stable as an impregnable fortress.
Zhangchou Jianqiong was very satisfied with the 'affairs after his departure', as well as the candidate for the position of Protector-General.
What Annan needed wasn't an aggressive general, but a defensive general. The more an enterprising person did, the more flaws they would easily reveal.
On top of that, an aggressive general would also be ambitious. They wouldn't be content with a single area, and they would be difficult to control.
On the other hand, a true defensive general would be able to guard his' legacy 'and loyally carry out the strategies he had left behind when he was still in power.
Wang Chong looked on coldly from the side, and the worry in his heart grew heavier.
Zhangchou Jianqiong was the true commander of the empire, the Southern Protector-General. He possessed outstanding military capabilities. His choice of Xianyu Zhongtong as his successor wasn't a spur of the moment decision.
But this was precisely what Wang Chong was worried about.
Zhangchou Jianqiong only thought that Xianyu Zhongtong was a defensive general, and he was more than capable of guarding the 'legacy' he had left behind. But perhaps, not even he could have imagined that there would come a day when Xianyu Zhongtong would have to leave the territory that he knew like the back of his hand and go on the offensive. From a defensive general, he would become a 'defensive general'.
If a person who was only skilled in defense were to go on the offensive, the outcome would be obvious.
"There's no need to stand on ceremony, General Xianyu. Since Brother Zhangchou thinks that I'm qualified for the position of Southern Protector-General, this matter shouldn't be a problem."
Wang Gen nodded in response, paying no heed to Zhangchou Jianqiong's words.
He wasn't interested in military affairs, and this wasn't his field of expertise either. As for Xianyu Zhongtong, he didn't pay too much attention to him either.
The previous Protector-General had the right to recommend the successor. The current War God, the Crown Prince's Imperial Tutor, Wang Zhongsi, had recommended Geshu Han, and Fomonlința had recommended Gao Xianzhi.
Clearly, Zhangchou Jianqiong had this right as well.
"There's also this Wang gongzi, Wang Chong. Don't underestimate him just because he's young, but he's a well-known figure in the capital. At such a young age, he has already met the emperor. There aren't many in the younger generation who can match up to him. Besides, there's probably no one in the world who doesn't know of this Wang gongzi. Hehe, in order to become the Southern Protector-General in the future, you'll have to get closer to this Wang gongzi. "
Unexpectedly, after introducing Wang Gen, Zhangchou Jianqiong went on to introduce Wang Chong, who was standing beside him.
"Lord, you're flattering me. Wang Chong is still studying in the Kunwu Training Camp, and he doesn't have any official position on him yet. I'm not worthy of your praise."
Wang Chong hurriedly replied.
Regardless of whether it was Zhangchou Jianqiong or Xianyu Zhongtong, one was the future Minister of War while the other was the future Southern Protector-General. Both of them were influential officials in the military.
Wang Chong didn't have any official position on him yet, so how could he dare to accept such a bow?
"Wang gongzi, you're too kind."
On the other hand, Xianyu Zhongtong didn't think too much about it. Upon hearing Zhangchou Jianqiong's words, he turned around and bowed respectfully to Wang Chong, causing Wang Chong to feel a little embarrassed.
"Lord Xianyu is too polite."
Wang Chong quickly stood up and returned the greeting.
"Zhong Tong, Wang gongzi is an influential figure in the capital. You're not familiar with the bureaucracy, and this is your first time coming into contact with it. If you have any problems in the future, you'll have to consult this Young Master Wang. "
Zhangchou Jianqiong pointed a finger at Wang Chong said.
"Hahaha, Brother Xianyu, Lord Zhangchou is right. Young Master Wang is someone who can even persuade The King of Song. It's definitely not a bad idea to get closer to him. "
Yang Zhao also chimed in from the side.
He and Wang Chong were sworn brothers, although this relationship couldn't be revealed to the public. Nevertheless, Zhangchou Jianqiong was still aware of it.
Seeing how highly Zhangchou Jianqiong regarded this sworn brother of his, Yang Zhao felt that it was a matter of face. Speaking of which, this was also a huge credit to him.
"Wang gongzi, I'll be counting on you in the future."
Xianyu Zhongtong glanced at Wang Chong and said.
Xianyu Zhongtong was a pure martial artist. This was his first time entering the capital, as well as his first time coming into contact with the influential officials of the capital.
Even though he had a slow and reserved personality, Xianyu Zhongtong wasn't a fool.
The young man on the other side came from a family of ministers and generals. Just this background alone was enough to surpass many others, and it wouldn't be a problem for him to be conferred a noble title in the future.
Not to mention, this young man was a rare genius.
Xianyu Zhongtong knew that the reason why the Protector-General was able to enter the capital was due to this low-profile young man.
"Hahaha, we're all brothers, there's no need to stand on ceremony."
Yang Zhao laughed heartily.
"Come, come, come! Let's drink!"
"Cheers!"
Another round of toasting and mingling, the atmosphere was joyous and harmonious.
"Lord Zhangchou, the defenses of the Southern Protectorate Manor are currently weak. If Ouzan were to make use of this opportunity to invade the east, what would we do? Will the Southern Protectorate Manor be able to withstand him? "
All of a sudden, a discordant voice sounded. In an instant, the entire tavern fell silent.
However, when they saw the 'ignorant' person speaking, Yang Zhao, Wang Gen, and Xianyu Zhongtong were stunned.
"Wang gongzi?"
Zhangchou Jianqiong looked at Wang Chong with a slight frown. He didn't expect it to be Wang Chong.
"Chong-er, what are you doing? Lord Zhangchou is the Southern Protector-General. Haven't you considered this matter? Do I need you to tell me? "
Wang Gen reprimanded sternly.
Wang Chong's words were extremely offensive. To put it mildly, he was disrespecting Zhangchou Jianqiong.
But to put it mildly, he was cursing Zhangchou Jianqiong.
Zhangchou Jianqiong was brimming with ambition for this trip to the capital. Wang Chong's words were taboo, cursing Zhangchou Jianqiong's misfortune.
Wang Chong stared unblinkingly at Zhangchou Jianqiong with a fiery gaze. He knew that his big uncle was reminding him that he had gone overboard with his words.
But Wang Chong had no intention of backing down.
It was impossible for him to stop Zhangchou Jianqiong now. He had already made up his mind to enter the Bureau of Military Personnel, and anyone who dared to stop him would be his enemy. Xianyu Zhongtong's position as the future Southern Protector-General was already set in stone.
Zhangchou Jianqiong had thought deeply before deciding on this candidate, so there was no way he would allow anyone to change his mind. All possibilities were sealed.
Wang Chong could only try to use his own methods to change his fate. This kind of method might offend some people and make some people feel unhappy.
But Wang Chong had no choice but to do it!
Fate had already delivered an opportunity to him. Zhangchou Jianqiong, Xianyu Zhongtong, Yang Zhao, and all of the generals of Jiannan …
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