Chapter 5, Deliberate Difficulties

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As soon as Lei Ming has not yet assumed office, Zhao Yue has already begun to deliberately make things difficult for him. A division's structure is only assigned a single regiment, and it is the least combat-effective light infantry regiment. Moreover, they have only promised to provide a portion of the supplies and provisions initially. Is this not a deliberate attempt to create difficulties?

Sima Rui raised his right hand, and the officer's cries abruptly ceased

It was precisely because Meng Hu foresaw this outcome that he dared to venture into the main camp of Mingyue, where he executed Situ Biao. His actions were intended to trigger a subsequent series of chain reactions, elevating Lei Ming to the high position of division commander

The upright and serious Lei Ming quickly stood up, while Meng Hu beside him had no choice but to lazily rise as well. Zhao Yue's gaze swept briefly over Lei Ming, but deliberately lingered for a moment on Meng Hu. Meng Hu remained composed, meeting Zhao Yue's sharp gaze without any intention of avoiding it.

"Your Excellency, you flatter me," Meng Hu replied淡淡地, "I am merely an ordinary man, and I feel ashamed."

Once the two individuals took their seats, Zhao Yue's expression suddenly became serious. He said in a deep voice: "I will not say much more than necessary. With the reorganization of the Fourth Division, I have specifically moved the base to Hexi, hoping that you will be inspired by your shame and strive for progress, rising again from where you have fallen."

Zheng Keda: "Although the Fourth Division has been reestablished, the Governor can only provide you with personnel and equipment for one regiment, and that is light infantry equipment. As for supplies, only a portion can be allocated initially. However... you may bring over two companies of veterans from the Third Division, including the Tiger Company."

In the center of the hall, on the table, there lay a brocade box alongside a picture book. The lid of the brocade box was open, revealing a gruesome human head inside, which was unmistakably that of Situ Biao. This was deliberately sent by Zhao Yue, with the obvious intention of demonstrating power to his old rival, Situ Rui.

Leiming and Meng Hu are about to take up their posts at the Fourth Division's station. Before their departure, it is customary to bid farewell to Governor Zhao Yue at the governor's office and to listen to the governor's teachings. This has long been a tradition in the military. Having served in the Western Corps for over twenty years, Leiming is certainly aware of this protocol.

Having said this, Zhao Yue immediately turned and left

Once Lei Ming had taken his seat again, Zheng Kecai said with a serious tone: "Old Lei, there is something I must tell you"

Leiming smiled foolishly, opened his mouth but did not know what to say

Before the officer could finish speaking, Situ Rui interjected coldly through clenched teeth, "Immediately send someone to infiltrate the western provinces of the Radiant Empire; spare no effort to uncover the details of this person!"

Meng Hu naturally assumed the position of the commander of the 5th Light Infantry Regiment of the 4th Division

Although Meng Hu's tone sounded respectful, it subtly conveyed a coldness that kept others at a distance. Zheng Ke had no choice but to swallow the numerous words he had originally prepared. He had intended to take this opportunity to cultivate a good relationship with Meng Hu, but it was clear that Meng Hu had no interest in associating with him, so Zheng Ke had to give up.

Check

The capital of Qingzhou in the Mingyue Empire, Jining

"It is getting late," Meng Hu glanced at Lei Ming and said calmly, "General Lei, we should set off now"

The hall of the residence of Governor Situ Rui in Qingzhou was filled with people, all gathered around the map and the scriptures. All the officers above the rank of regiment commander from the entire Qingzhou Corps had assembled here, yet everyone kept their heads bowed, not daring to make a sound. The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat oppressive, so much so that it was hard to breathe.

Ye Dingxi took command of the 3rd Division, and the 4th Division was reestablished; these were the results of the mutual struggle and compromise between the two major factions. The appointment of Lei Ming as the commander of the 4th Division was also a result of this compromise between the two factions. This point had already been anticipated by Meng Hu at the very beginning of the Battle of the Canis Major.

Having spoken, Zhao Yue then sat down in a commanding manner in the main seat. Zheng Ke sat cross-legged, while Lei Ming and Meng Hu expressed their gratitude to Zhao Yue before taking their seats again

Leiming solemnly responded, but in fact, he understood nothing at all

The current emperor is advanced in age and has been seriously ill in bed since the beginning of spring, a fact well known throughout the Glorious Empire

Thunder laughed heartily twice and then sat down.

Thunderous applause erupted as he stood up, his expression filled with excitement as he replied: "Please rest assured, Your Excellency the Governor, I will never betray your high expectations"

Zhao Yue subtly nodded and said with pleasure: "Everyone, please take a seat."

Sidu Rui stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze coldly fixed on the table in the center of the hall, remaining silent for quite some time.

On one side, Meng Hu suddenly flashed a barely perceptible sneer at the corner of his mouth. What is so difficult about being a governor? This is simply nonsense. Zhao Yue, as the governor of the western provinces, oversees a population of millions. What difficulty is there in recruiting troops for a division? As for supplies and equipment, the Xiling arsenal is piled high with resources. Not to mention equipping one division, even supplying two divisions would be more than sufficient

The officer did not dare to conceal anything and recounted everything that had happened at that time in detail. Finally, with a sorrowful expression, he shook his head and said anxiously: "It seems that the one who killed General Er was merely a light infantry squadron leader of the Glorious Empire's army. His subordinates shouted 'Mighty Tiger' several times; this should be his nickname..."

I understand

In the blink of an eye, ten days have passed

The capital of the Western Province of the Glorious Empire, Xiling City

What is it?" Lei Ming said in a loud and carefree manner, "You tell me.

Amidst the chaotic footsteps, a disheveled and haggard officer was brought into the hall by Situ Rui's guard.

Zhao Yue's arrangement is clearly intended to deliberately make things difficult for Lei Ming. Of course, from another perspective, it could also be seen as a way to test Lei Ming, to see if he is capable of shouldering the responsibilities of a division commander. If Lei Ming proves competent, then the remaining four regiments can be deployed quickly. If he is unable to meet the requirements, Zhao Yue will have a legitimate reason to replace him.

Zheng Ke gently patted Lei Ming's shoulder and said earnestly: "Old Lei, there are some things you may not know. The governor is also facing difficulties. He wishes to rebuild a complete Fourth Division as soon as possible. He wants it more than anyone else and is more anxious than anyone else, but reality does not allow the governor to do so."

Now, although Lei Ming has successfully become the commander of the Fourth Division, this position is not easy to hold. This is the result of a compromise between Zhao Yue and the Ye family. In other words, Lei Ming is like a child who is neither favored by his grandfather nor loved by his grandmother, a misfortunate individual who fails to please either side. Any slight mistake could provide an excuse for either faction to take him down.

After a round of bargaining, Zhao Yue and Minister of the Military Ye Haotian reached an agreement that was acceptable to both parties. Ye Dingxi was appointed as the official division commander of the Third Division of the Western Corps, while Zhao Yue successfully reclaimed the organization of the Fourth Division. Following the humiliating defeat three years ago, the Western Corps finally restored its complete structure of four divisions.

These underlying issues may seem obscure, but they are actually quite easy to deduce; they are all the result of political struggles

Zheng Ke's gaze suddenly turned to Meng Hu, and he said: "Meng Hu, the battle at the Tianlang Fortress was fought beautifully. You and your Tiger Brigade have made a name for yourselves in that battle. Now the entire empire is talking about you. The governor is also very optimistic about you, saying that your future is limitless. He hopes that after you join the Fourth Division, you will work hard."

As Zhao Yue left, Lei Ming no longer appeared as restrained as he had moments before. After all, Lei Ming and Zheng Ke were old acquaintances. When Zheng Ke first joined the Western Corps, he had even served as a logistics officer under Lei Ming. At that time, Zhao Yue, like Lei Ming, was merely a regiment commander. However, that was more than a decade ago, and as Zheng Ke rose through the ranks, their interactions became infrequent.

As Zhao Yue moved further away, Zheng Ke suddenly laughed and said, "Old Lei, don't just stand there, showing off your height, will you? Sit down and let's talk."

As Meng Hu had anticipated, Lei Ming was indeed appointed as the commander of the newly reformed Fourth Division, thus crossing what seemed to be an insurmountable chasm and officially entering the ranks of generals. When he received the appointment, Lei Ming could hardly believe it was real, until an official from the Ministry of War in the Imperial Capital handed him a golden sword engraved with the imperial emblem, at which point he finally accepted that it was all true

Leiming sat nervously in the resplendent hall of the governor's mansion, with half of his backside hanging off the chair. In contrast, Meng Hu, despite holding a lower military rank than Leiming, sat with perfect composure, exuding an air of calm and confidence.

The current glorious empire can be described as a storm brewing, with the competition among several princes for the throne reaching a fever pitch. The Ye family, led by Ye Haotian, is clearly aligned with the Second Prince, as the Second Prince's biological mother, Concubine Ye, is Ye Haotian's biological sister. As for which prince Zhao Yue is associated with, Meng Hu is unaware. However, one thing is certain: Zhao Yue cannot possibly be aligned with the Second Prince; otherwise, he would not be in such fierce conflict with the Ye family.

Leiming was evidently unprepared for this, remaining silent for a long while after hearing the words

Zhao Yue nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and said: "Well, I have only this to say; the specifics will be left to Lord Zheng to explain to you."

The sound of measured footsteps echoed as Governor Zhao Yue of the Western Province appeared, accompanied by his trusted aide Zheng Ke

"As long as you understand," Zheng Ke said, not without envy, "Regardless of anything, you are now a general commanding thousands of troops. Your great name has already been inscribed on the General Pillar outside the Arc de Triomphe in the imperial capital. Centuries later, your illustrious name and achievements will undoubtedly be recorded in the annals of the empire."

Slowly turning around, Situ Rui coldly stared at the officer and asked in a calm tone: "Tell me everything that happened on the battlefield that day from beginning to end"

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Upon seeing Situ Rui, the officer fell to the ground, crawling forward a few steps on his knees, and cried out loudly: "Your Excellency, I am incompetent, I am incompetent, oh..."