Tiger Guards

Chapter 470 The Way of Living
On September 19th, Zhao Jizhong, who was bringing up the rear, boarded a ship and officially withdrew from the Guandong region.

On Gan Ning's temporary flagship, Zhao Ji looked at the scenery on both sides of the river and felt relaxed.

He sat in the armchair, his hands resting on the armrests, really not wanting to get up.

At this moment, I had a strange feeling, as if I were an emperor sealed on the throne.

It's like having a volcano crater under your buttocks; you have to block it and can't move.

I just sat there lazily, simply enjoying the scenery on both sides of the river.

There was no sense of triumph or smug satisfaction, but rather a feeling of relief and relaxation.

He didn't even miss the women in Jinyang.

"Grand Marshal, shall we go to Luoyang to pay homage to the late Emperor?"

While they were admiring the scenery together, Zhao Jian suddenly made a suggestion. Zhao Ji glanced at him and said, "If I don't bring the head of the traitor Yuan, how can I face the late emperor?"

Zhao Jian bowed slightly and said, "When the Grand Marshal led his troops to quell the rebellion, he did not pay homage to the imperial tomb when he passed through Luoyang. There was much criticism in the court and among the people. Although he was unable to complete the victory in one battle, he still defeated the treacherous minister and proclaimed the power and virtue of the court. In my opinion, the Grand Marshal should pay homage to the late emperor and present his merits."

"I have rendered service to the nation, and I was the first to stand up and advocate for the overthrow of Yuan Shikai and the protection of the country. How can anyone still slander me?"

Zhao Ji asked with a smile, and then said, "I will investigate this matter in detail and recruit his sons and relatives into the army. When we fight the bandits in the future, they will be organized into the vanguard to serve the country."

Zhao Jian smiled upon hearing this and said, "I'm afraid they won't join the army to fight the rebels, but they'll harbor slander and defamation in their hearts."

"Why should I, a dignified man, fear their open slander, nor worry about their whispered defamation?"

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "We can't just disembowel someone to examine their heart and liver at the slightest rumor. Let's leave it at that. I just want to withdraw with all the officers and soldiers as soon as possible to save the people's strength."

Seeing this, Zhao Jian stopped trying to persuade him. Although worshipping Emperor Ling wouldn't change anything, it could only silence some people.

But whether or not they are silenced is actually irrelevant now.

The six eastern districts of Hanoi were pacified in just half a month, exceeding expectations and establishing authority.

The next time Zhao Ji leads an expedition to Guandong, as long as he remains the Grand Marshal recognized by the court, the surrounding counties and powerful families will have to find ways to report any unusual military events to the army as it marches.

If you pretend to be confused, don't blame Zhao Jiteng for punishing everyone involved and sending them to Xizhou as slaves.

The fleet used its side sails for propulsion, with orderly spacing between the boats ahead and behind, and moved forward smoothly.

After hesitating for a long time, Gan Ning stepped forward, cupped his hands, and raised his head to request orders: "Grand Marshal, I have heard that Yuan Shao is stationed in Liyang to observe our army. I dare to suggest that I lead my troops down the river and sound the drums and gongs outside Liyang to display the might of our army."

Instantly, everyone turned to look.

"Once we reach Mengjin, Xingba's troops will change into brand-new uniforms and join Guan Cheng's troops, which will make them look more imposing. However, Xingba should also restrain his temper, as I am afraid that the journey is too long and it will be inconvenient to provide support."

Zhao Ji smiled and agreed. When Gan Ning's troops first transferred to Zhao Ji, Zhao Ji issued them brand-new military uniforms.

Those were summer uniforms; the winter uniforms will be issued now.

Summer clothes will be distributed in April, and winter clothes in October.

If you want the military to maintain a sense of honor, you should dress them in bright and respectable clothing.

Upon hearing this, Gan Ning knelt on one knee and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Marshal!"

He understood that if they were surrounded in battle, Zhao Ji would simply be unable to provide assistance, not refuse to do so.

Zhao Ji simply smiled and turned to look at the scenery on the shore: "We must let Yuan Shao know how powerful the navy is so that he will treat it with caution and not suffer a hasty defeat. Sun Ce is no less fierce than me, so we must also teach him a lesson. Otherwise, once he gains power, he will be difficult to control."

Letting dogs go hungry is the way to live.

ally?

Now that we have no allies left, if we still harbor any illusions, we will definitely suffer a great loss.

Zhao Ji waved his hand to signal, and Guan Shang, who was standing nearby, stepped forward to help Gan Ning up.

Gan Ning stood up, clasped his hands in greeting again, and returned to the queue, standing behind Li Ying, Han Shu, and Wei Xing.

After the withdrawal of troops, a large number of transport ships, small boats and barges were to be transported to the Hongnong-Shaanjin area.

If the ships are abandoned in the Luoyang area, they will simply be seized by Lü Bu.

As for whether Gan Ning will defect to Yuan Shao?
Gan Ning's troops captured so many people, yet their military achievements were not accounted for... Gan Ning wanted to defect to Yuan Shao, but his officers and soldiers, who were eagerly waiting for rewards and promotions, would not agree to it.

After a moment, Zhao Ji closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Upon seeing this, the subordinates dared not discuss anything further in hushed tones and retreated into the cabin.

Only the old and new Tiger Warriors remained on the deck, standing with their halberds in hand.

Zhao Ji didn't sleep for long, only about an hour and a half, until the midday sun was at its strongest.

Although I slept for a short time, I looked great and the fatigue I had accumulated over this period was almost completely gone.

He rubbed his eyes and looked at his right palm, where two skill icons were flashing alternately.

Looking towards the distant west and north, he could now see the outlines of the mountain ranges. He hadn't expected to capture over 200,000 people this time; the initial group was almost out of Zhiguan Pass.

The Zhiguan Pass isn't very long, but the weather is getting colder and colder, and the weather along the mountain road is unpredictable.

Even if this migration alone resulted in losses, elimination, or escape of at least seven or eight thousand people, it would still have been a significant number.

Dozens of lives lost, yet in this level of conflict, not even a ripple occurs.

If we don't relocate them, how many days can they survive if they remain caught between various factions?
In his view, this question was not a question, but many people still resented him, the Grand Marshal, before they died.

Fortunately, even if resentment accumulates, it will not materialize or give rise to vengeful spirits or ghosts.

But hatred is an objective reality, so an official slave is an official slave and cannot be promoted or placed near one's own family or relatives at will.

Otherwise, it would truly be a case of 'being condemned by thousands and dying without illness'.

After a brief moment of reflection and a political death sentence for the government slaves captured from the Central Plains, Zhao Ji stood quietly gazing towards the distant west.

His official position had to be adjusted. If he wanted to suppress and gradually erode Ma Teng and Han Sui, he could no longer continue to use the concurrent post of Governor of Bingzhou.

Using this as a secondary primary title would provoke an instinctive resistance from the powerful clans of Liangzhou.

He should relinquish the position of Governor of Bingzhou and temporarily assume the post of Governor of Liangzhou. This would allow him to win over the people of Liangzhou and isolate Ma Teng and Han Sui.

There is no one from Liangzhou or Guanzhong who doesn't hate Ma Teng and Han Sui, but their interests are intertwined, and if they are not given a way to survive, these people may still join forces.

The governorship of Bingzhou cannot be handed over to outsiders; it can be given to the old man.

It is rather unsafe to entrust the position of Commandant of the Capital Region to someone outside the family.

The Commandant of the Capital Region had the authority to govern and influence the various prefectures of Sili Province. Most importantly, the officials under the Commandant of the Capital Region were powerful tools for controlling the officials.

If you break down the official title of Sili Xiaowei, it is equivalent to the Governor-General of Beizhili and Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If you break it down to modern official titles, there are even more.

As time went on, official positions and power became increasingly fragmented; if someone were to piece together these fragments of power to create a complete Sili Xiaowei (a high-ranking military officer), they would be virtually unstoppable.

The faces of Zhao Lian and Zhao Yuan appeared before him. Zhao Ji looked solemn and very unwilling.

As for the eldest brother, Zhao Jian, he was directly rejected by Zhao Ji, who allowed him to continue to mingle at the bottom of the Tiger Step Army, which was the greatest help he could give.

After all, a joyful mood is essential to maintaining a persistent fighting spirit, which is the foundation of entrepreneurship.

Therefore, the leader is very important; when he is a lowly soldier, he will instinctively feel comfortable.

Otherwise, without this joy, there will be all sorts of discomfort.

I really wanted my second son to be the Commandant of the Capital Region, but he was only the Left General of the Chen Kingdom. Although the Chen Kingdom had begun to rebuild, the position of Left General was no longer meaningful.

If it's a lateral transfer, he'll arrange for his second son to be a lieutenant general or a captain.

The Commandant of the Capital Region may look like a commander, but he is not someone the second son should be interested in.

Even Zhao Lian is no good. Although he draws prestige from me at all times, he really can't be the Commandant of the Capital Region.

I never doubted Old Zhao's ruthlessness; if he were to become the Commandant of the Capital Region, he would surely be able to exert the deterrent power befitting a 'hidden tiger'.

It's easy to get someone up, but it's difficult to adjust them again.

If Old Zhao becomes complacent and starts befriending high-ranking officials in the court, he himself will suffer the consequences.

We must suppress Lao Zhao, otherwise we will be in a very passive position.

Faced with power, the middle-aged Zhao was in his prime and full of vigor. After obtaining the position of Commandant of the Capital Region, he would inevitably develop an even stronger fighting spirit and be completely transformed.

Fighting with outsiders is exhausting enough.

Zhao Ji didn't want to make a mess of the house anymore, so he decided to let Old Zhao become the prefect and a local tyrant.

There's no need to gamble on how Zhao will change or become alienated after gaining power; it's good enough that he plays his current role.

Therefore, it's best not to touch the old man's Sili Xiaowei (a military officer), otherwise there will be no additional trouble.

At his advanced age, the old man has already developed a resistance to power.

After I take on the post of Grand Marshal and Governor of Liang Province, the position of Governor of Bing Province should be abolished, and a suitable person should be selected to serve as Governor of Bing Province.

Alternatively, he could change his position from Governor of Bingzhou to Governor of Liangzhou, while Sun Zi, the Chief Administrator, would continue to lead the state of Bingzhou.

The provincial governors were not responsible for specific political affairs; they were merely agencies that forwarded military and political documents between the Grand Marshal's office and the counties below, playing a bridging role. The positions recruited by the provincial governors also served as a reservoir for cultivating officials.

We cannot expect the old man to live to ninety like Zhao Qi, so we must seize the time to implement the understanding of "governing by doing".

From now on, the position of Governor of Liangzhou will be abandoned and will not be actively claimed. The Grand Marshal's Office will appoint the Chief Administrators of Bingzhou, Liangzhou and Sizhou to lead the state affairs, thus weakening the functions of the state affairs and only being responsible for the transmission of official documents.

Under the Grand Marshal's administration, he connected with various prefectures to enhance overall control.

(End of this chapter)