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Chapter 142 Letter from Chengdu Prefecture

"Rumble--"

Summer weather is unpredictable; one moment the sun is shining brightly, and the next it is covered with dark clouds, the sun shrinks into the clouds, and distant thunder rumbles.

At this time, a large-scale construction project was underway around Guzhen. The Later Zhou dynasty had now captured the four prefectures of Qin and Feng, and Guzhen was an important stronghold for defending against the Shu Kingdom. The Later Zhou court ordered the expansion of camps and fortresses here.

Thunderclouds surged in the sky, lightning flashed across the heavens, and a strong wind gradually rose from the ground.

Before long, raindrops the size of soybeans began to fall with a "pitter-patter".

The laborers and servants working in the distance scattered to avoid the rain. People ran around in a panic, and raindrops kicked up dust as they fell, which danced in the wind and then turned into slippery mud when they hit the ground.

Under the overwhelming power of heaven and earth, humans are as weak and helpless as ants, and the might of heaven is unfathomable.

Li Yi stood at the entrance of the barracks, watching the scene in the rain, and remained silent.

It was already late July, more than two months after the expedition from Tokyo, and the war to conquer Shu had finally come to an end... or perhaps "temporarily" would be a more accurate description.

Because Meng Chang's Shu Kingdom still exists, he will return sooner or later, but who knows when or how.

Of course, that's for the future, not something Li Yi should worry about right now. His focus is on the upcoming war to attack the Southern Tang.

"Boom!" The sudden clap of thunder pulled Li Yi back to reality.

Looking up, the torrential rain poured down rapidly, and the gale howled as if the heavens were enraged, whipping the tree branches and leaves wildly, as if to snap the thick trunks in half.

The rain came quickly and heavily, and in an instant, the potholes on the ground filled with puddles.

Just then, Pan Mei, carrying an oilcloth umbrella, waded through the water towards them. When he reached them, he closed the umbrella and bowed to Li Yi.

Seeing Pan Mei's hesitant expression, Li Yi knew she must have something to say to him, but he didn't ask. Instead, he looked at the rain and chuckled.
"After holding back for half a month, the rain in Guzhen finally came. I hope it will cool down after the rain. Otherwise, it's so hot and humid all day long. I sweat profusely just by standing still, and I can't sleep well at night."

Pan Mei quickly nodded in agreement.

He hesitated for a moment, then bowed respectfully to Li Yi and said gratefully, "If it weren't for Envoy Li's strong advocacy for my merits in the report, I wouldn't have been promoted to Envoy of the Guest Administration this time. Tomorrow I will be ordered to lead the Yongxing Army back to our garrison, and then return east to Kaifeng from Jingzhao Prefecture. Before leaving, I've thought it over and over again, and I still want to thank Envoy Li in person."

In addition to the three main generals, Wang Jing, Li Yi, and Xiang Xun, all the other officers and soldiers who were rewarded for their contributions to this western expedition also received their rewards. Even Zan Jurun, the provincial governor in charge of logistics, was rewarded and appointed as the prefect of Qingzhou.

As for commanders like Wang Changgong, they were promoted to the rank of military commander and would receive formal appointments upon their return to Tokyo.

The remaining captains, lieutenants, and soldiers of all ranks also received rewards and benefits.

Pan Mei, who assisted the vanguard in the battle, was promoted from Deputy Envoy of the West Upper Gate and concurrently served as Military Supervisor of Yongxing, and further promoted to Envoy of the Guest Province, thanks to Li Yi's strong advocacy for merit.

Li Yi patted Pan Mei on the shoulder and said, "This is the reward that General Pan deserves. I am just reporting your merits to the court truthfully. There is no need for thanks."

Pan Mei humbly replied, "This humble general is aware of his own limitations. Since the troops left Sanguan Pass, I have not achieved any merit, and have only been chasing after the vanguard units. Only in the battle of Qingni Ridge did I manage to gain some minor merit, and that was thanks to Commander Li and the Imperial Guards. Yet, Commander Li listed me and Commander Wang, among others, as meritors in his report. This humble general is truly ashamed."

"General Pan, don't underestimate yourself. There are many people in this world who are not incapable, but simply lack luck." Li Yi said solemnly, "Back then, I was just a junior officer in the Imperial Guard. I never dared to imagine that I would have such a position as a military governor. It was something I never dared to dream of, but now it has come true, hasn't it?"

Pan Mei quickly replied, "How dare this humble general compare himself to Commander Li... Your bravery and wisdom are beyond my reach!"

Seeing the famous generals who had left a strong mark on history books now showing him great respect, Li Yi felt no emotion.

Having experienced it so much, I've become accustomed to it. Now, even the future Emperor Taizu of Song has to fawn over me, so Pan Mei is really nothing special.

A person's mindset changes greatly with their status and position. Each stage brings different goals and pursuits, and Li Yi is now focusing on a more distant future.

Of course, we should try to win over Pan Mei if possible; it's always better to have more allies than more enemies.

As the saying goes, "a chance encounter can lead to unexpected benefits," you never know how much good your casual act of kindness might bring in the future. Besides, even if there are no benefits, you don't lose anything.

Li Yi smiled and encouraged him, "I think General Pan is quite capable, but he lacks opportunities to demonstrate his abilities... It just so happens that the court intends to launch a military campaign against Jiangnan, and I think this is a very good opportunity."

Pan Mei's expression showed interest upon hearing this. He had started his career as a close attendant to the emperor. Before Chai Rong ascended the throne, Pan Mei served as Chai Rong's attendant while he was the prefect of Kaifeng.

When Chai Rong ascended the throne last year, he promoted him to the position of Gongfengguan. After the Battle of Gaoping, he was awarded the title of Xishanggemen Fushi for his meritorious service and was subsequently sent to serve as Yongxing Jianjun.

Pan Meisheng's promotion seemed relatively slow, but he didn't have much real power despite his various positions. To put it bluntly, the various officials were just there to collect salaries. The emperor would send them out to work when he needed them, and recall them when he didn't.

Moreover, compared to many young generals in the Imperial Guard, Pan Mei, who was already thirty years old, could only be considered to be of average status.

Some military officers younger than him had already been promoted to governor or even militia commander. Li Yi, who was nearly ten years younger than him, was already a regional military governor.

Pan Mei also had ambitions to make a name for himself, but he never had the opportunity. Li Yi's words really resonated with him.

He hesitated for a moment, then suddenly cupped his hands in a salute and said, "This humble general has also heard that the imperial court intends to launch a military campaign against Jiangnan. With Commander Li's abilities, you will certainly be indispensable if war breaks out. At that time... at that time, I humbly request Commander Li to allow this humble general to continue to serve by your side and contribute his meager strength."

Li Yi smiled inwardly upon hearing this. These words were clearly a subtle way of asking for his help to get a job from the emperor in the war against the Southern Tang.

Of course, there was nothing wrong with his idea. With Li Yi's current military achievements and status, he could indeed speak to the emperor.

However, many things cannot be said definitively, and Li Yi naturally understood this principle. He pondered and said, "Matters of state are decided by His Majesty, the Prime Minister, and the Privy Council, and I have no say in them. But since General Pan has said so, I will give it a try."

Pan Mei was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express her gratitude, as if Li Yi's guarantee had made everything secure.

Watching Pan Mei leave with her umbrella, Li Yi turned to go inside.

"Commander Li, there is a man outside the camp gate who claims to have come from Chengdu and is here to see you with a letter from his master!" Just then, a guard ran over in the rain and saluted respectfully.

"Chengdu Prefecture?" Li Yi frowned slightly. He didn't know anyone in the capital of Shu, so who would write to him for no reason?
"Go and bring that person to me."

(End of this chapter)