Bab 586: 563. Meeting Of The Court Controller & The Two Highest Ranking General
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The reforms initiated by Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da had undeniably brought benefits to the army, better training, increased funding, and a restructured command system. However, the swiftness with which the court shifted had left the generals wary. They had spent years cultivating relationships with Zhang Wei and Wang Shang to ensure the army's needs were met. Now, with those men ousted, they faced an uncertain future under the new regime.
Yan Yan and Zhang Ren were not men to sit idly by. Both understood the importance of adapting to the political tides, and their loyalty, while genuine to Liu Zhang, was also pragmatic.
They recognized the need to build ties with the reformists, who now wielded real power in Yi Province. After days of observing the unfolding situation, the generals requested a private meeting with Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da.
The meeting was arranged in one of the side halls of Liu Zhang's governor's residence. The hall was dimly lit, the atmosphere heavy with an air of intrigue. No attendants were present, and even Liu Zhang was notably absent, leaving only the five men to converse in complete privacy.
Zhang Song was the first to greet the generals with a respectful nod. "General Yan Yan and General Zhang Ren, it is an honor to meet the two of you in such an intimate setting. Your service to Yi Province and lord Liu Zhang is well known and greatly valued."
Fa Zheng and Meng Da followed suit, offering polite but measured greetings. Yan Yan, the elder of the two generals, took the lead in responding. His voice was calm but laced with subtle authority. "Minister Zhang Song, Advisor Fa Zheng, and Administrator Meng Da, we appreciate your willingness to meet us. These past weeks have seen great upheaval in Chengdu, and while we recognize the necessity of change, we are concerned about the implications for the army."
Zhang Ren, on the other hand, was much more direct, and added, "The army is the backbone of Yi Province. Stability and strength in the military ensure that reforms can take root without fear of external threats. We are here to understand your vision for the army and, more importantly, how we may work together to secure the province's future."
Zhang Song exchanged a glance with Fa Zheng and Meng Da before speaking. "Your concerns are valid, generals, and we welcome this opportunity to align our goals. The military is indeed a cornerstone of Yi Province's strength, and we have no intention of undermining its role. On the contrary, our reforms aim to empower the army, ensuring it is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge."
Fa Zheng leaned forward slightly, his tone measured but firm. "Generals, allow me to be candid. Under the previous administration, funds and resources intended for the military were often mismanaged. Our reforms are designed to correct these inefficiencies. The recent increase in funding for training and supplies is just the beginning. We aim to build an army that is not only strong but also loyal to the province's best interests."
Yan Yan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Your intentions are commendable, Advisor Fa Zheng. However, the speed of these changes has left many in the ranks unsettled. Soldiers and officers alike are wary of the political shifts in Chengdu. How do you plan to address this unease?"
Meng Da, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "The key lies in trust and communication. We are prepared to visit the military camps personally to explain the reforms and address any concerns. Furthermore, we believe in rewarding merit and ensuring that those who serve with distinction are recognized and advanced."
Zhang Ren's eyes narrowed slightly as he heard about rewards based on merit. "That is reassuring, Administrator Meng Da. Yet, merit-based promotion has always been a contentious issue. How do you intend to implement such a system without causing further discord?"
Zhang Song smiled, his confidence evident. "By leading through example, General Zhang Ren. We will ensure that promotions are based on clear, transparent criteria. The days of favoritism and political interference in military affairs are over. With your support, we can demonstrate that these reforms are for the good of the province and its defenders."
The conversation continued for over an hour, with the generals probing deeper into the specifics of the reformists' plans. Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da laid out their vision with meticulous detail, explaining how the military budget would be allocated, the training programs they intended to implement, and their plans to modernize the province's defenses.
Yan Yan was particularly impressed by Fa Zheng's strategic insight. "Advisor Fa Zheng, your understanding of military logistics and strategy is remarkable. It is clear you have studied these matters extensively."
Fa Zheng inclined his head modestly. "Thank you, General Yan Yan. My insights are informed by the challenges our province faces and by the wisdom of those who serve in the field. It is men like you and General Zhang Ren who bring theory to life through action."
By the end of the meeting, the generals were visibly more at ease. They recognized that while the reformists were ambitious, their plans were grounded in practicality and respect for the military's role.
Yan Yan, feeling that he was satisfied with the result of today's meeting, concluded the discussion. "Ministers, we are satisfied with what we have heard today. Know that the army will support these reforms so long as they serve the people and the province."
Zhang Ren nodded in agreement but added a final thought. "However, we will hold you to your word. The army's loyalty is earned through actions, not promises."
Zhang Song smiled, his voice warm but firm. "And you shall see those actions, General Zhang Ren. Together, we will ensure that Yi Province stands strong, both within and without."
After the generals departed, Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da convened privately to discuss the meeting. Meng Da immediately voiced his concerns. "The generals seem sincere in their support, but we must remain vigilant. Their loyalty lies first and foremost with the army, not with us."
Fa Zheng nodded. "True. However, they are pragmatic men. As long as we deliver on our promises and ensure the army's strength, they will have no reason to oppose us."
Zhang Song leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "This meeting was a success, but it is only the beginning. We must continue to cultivate our relationship with the military while keeping them aligned with our broader vision and by extension, with Lord Lie Fan's vision if we want to keep strengthening our ties with him."
The three reformists agreed to take proactive steps to solidify their ties with the army. Regular visits to military camps, consultations with the generals on defense matters, and public displays of support for the troops became part of their strategy.
At the same time, Lie Fan's Oriole agents monitored the generals' activities to ensure no dissent brewed within the ranks, helping Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da without them knowing.
Meanwhile, Liu Zhang, oblivious to the deeper machinations at play, continued to bask in his role as the nominal leader of a thriving province. He hosted banquets and public ceremonies, celebrating the reforms and the newfound prosperity of Yi Province. The people cheered his name, unaware that the true architects of their province's success operated behind the scenes.
In time, the cooperation between the reformists and the military became one of the cornerstones of Yi Province's stability. The province grew stronger, its borders secure and its people prosperous. Yet, beneath the surface, the question lingered: how long would this balance last?
For Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da, the answer lay not in Liu Zhang's hands, but in their own—and in the hands of the man they had come to see as the true future of the land, Lie Fan.
As Yan Yan and Zhang Ren departed from the Governor's Castle, their conversation turned to the meeting they had just concluded with Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, and Meng Da. The late afternoon sun bathed the streets of Chengdu as the two generals walked side by side, their heavy boots echoing softly on the stone-paved road.
Yan Yan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Zhang Song and his companions are ambitious, no doubt about that. But I must admit, their vision for the army appears genuine. Better equipment, increased funds, and the promise to visit the camps personally, it's a much significant improvement from the neglect we suffered under Zhang Wei and Wang Shang, even though we have tried to increase our relation with them."
Zhang Ren nodded in agreement, his expression serious but with a hint of approval. "I was skeptical at first, but their plans seem well thought out. They've shown an understanding of the army's needs and the importance of our role in securing Yi Province. If they can deliver on their promises, there is no reason for us to intervene in court politics."
The two generals walked in silence for a few moments, contemplating the political shifts they had witnessed. Then Yan Yan spoke again, his tone resolute. "If nothing else, we owe it to the men under our command to support those who support the army. Zhang Wei and Wang Shang cared little for the soldiers, using the military as a tool for their own agendas. These reformists, at least for now, seem to prioritize the well-being of the province."
Zhang Ren smirked. "And that is precisely why we will not waste our strength trying to meddle in court politics or rescue Zhang Wei and Wang Shang. Their time is over, and the army stands to gain far more by staying out of this struggle. Let the reformists shape the court while we prepare for what lies ahead."
The generals turned their conversation toward a topic of immediate importance, which was the Nanman tribes to the south. Nearly a year had passed since the temporary ceasefire with the Nanman had been agreed upon, necessitated by the pressing threat of Zhang Lu to the north.
Now, with the province stabilized and supplies replenished, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren felt it was time to revisit the matter and purge the barbarian tribes.
Yan Yan's eyes gleamed with determination as he spoke. "The Nanman tribes have had a year to recover and regroup, but so have we. The soldiers are rested, our supply lines are secure, and we've gathered sufficient intelligence on their territory. The time is ripe to push south and finish what we started."
Zhang Ren shared his colleague's determination but cautioned, "We must tread carefully. The Nanman are resourceful and know their terrain better than we do. Our spies have reported improvements in their defenses, and their chieftains are likely preparing for our return. A hasty campaign could end in disaster, but a well-planned one could bring them to their knees."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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