On the other side, Wang Quanbin and Pan Mei had already rested and were sitting on the ridge of the field. In the first month of the seventh year of Kaibao, the two people almost became the protagonists. They were the two most dazzling stars in the court and attracted everyone's attention.
Wang Quanbin was promoted to Duke Pingnan, and Pan Mei also went a step further. He was promoted to Duke Fanyang. It must be said that Yang Ye and Pan Mei received more or less special treatment from Emperor Liu.
Of course, this is not a matter of fairness or unfairness, it is just that Emperor Liu made sure that the basin of water was as level as possible while occasionally splashing a little water. Furthermore, Yang Ye, Pan Mei, Shi Shouxin, and Cao Bin were the commanders of the Han army that Emperor Liu believed in taking over the banner of his predecessors.
After all, veterans like Wang Quanbin and Xiang Xun are old, and peers like Chai Rong, Zhao Kuangyin, and Gao Huaide have begun to be restricted by Emperor Liu due to various political factors.
Chai Rong has been resting for another year and a half because of his father's death; Zhao Kuangyin is in the Ministry of War, but he is confused about his next move; Gao Huaide, after returning to Beijing, is also in the midst of unemployment, and a resurgence is inevitable, but the three yamen of the Forbidden Army He probably won't be allowed to take charge anymore.
Starting from the sixth year of Kaibao, Emperor Liu began to strengthen the work of army building. The most important point is the younger generation of soldiers.
The resumes of generals and school officers can be long-lasting, but the same cannot be said for officers and soldiers at the grassroots level. A full ten years have passed since the Northern Expedition. Ten years is enough time for the army to update and iterate.
Compared with the local border states, the situation of the Central Forbidden Army is better. After all, elite soldiers from all over the country are gradually coming to Beijing to garrison. However, a certain degree of aging is still unavoidable, and Emperor Liu is targeting those low-level officers and soldiers over thirty-five years old.
During this year, Emperor Liu further promoted Qingjun and some generals with weak qualifications to lead the army. At the same time, he also laid off a large number of old soldiers to add fresh blood and improve combat effectiveness.
Among them, nearly 5,000 people were replaced by the imperial guards in the two capitals alone. Regarding the army, Emperor Liu was always cautious and considerate, and his treatment was never bad.
Proper arrangements have basically been made for those who have been eliminated. Officers are directly transferred to official positions, and soldiers are either transferred to auxiliary troops, or used as yamen servants, capture servants, post soldiers, transporters, etc. The round of screening and elimination involves the replacement of old and new personnel in a large number of personnel in the military and political system.
For those who have completely retired, sufficient money and food are also given. Although the rectification last year was at the will of Emperor Liu, the Privy Councilor Li Chuyun who was responsible for handling the matter also came under some attack. Some generals and soldiers who were unwilling to move their positions complained about him.
It is conceivable that in the seventh year of Kaibao, the internal and external military reorganization will still continue. Most people would only think that the court was tormenting, but those with insight could see that Emperor Liu was preparing for war, gathering momentum and strength, and one could imagine who he was targeting.
However, these movements and signs were not known to Wang Quanbin and Pan Mei, who had recently returned to Beijing. The two people had rarely crossed paths in the past, and it could even be said that they had no contact, but they were the most famous generals in the Han Dynasty in the past three or two years.
There were no grudges or conflicts of interest. When the two of them communicated, they had a great time talking. Wang Quanbin is getting older and older. The environment in the southwest is harsh, and he has experienced such arduous journeys and battles. His body has long been overwhelmed. In fact, the fact that he was able to come out of the poor mountains and rivers of Dali normally has exceeded many people's expectations.
In view of this, Emperor Liu allowed him to work according to the situation. Compared with the aging Wang Quanbin, Pan Mei can be described as in her prime. She is in her forties, handsome and handsome.
"...The princes and princes fought in Dali with full courage and extraordinary courage. They are enough to be passed down from generation to generation and will be praised forever!" Pan Mei sighed with emotion on her face: "You are so beautiful that you feel ashamed of yourself!"
"Zhong Xun has been praised too much!" Wang Quanbin no longer had the same aura as before. When he returned to the court, even though he was full of glory, he seemed to be restrained overall. Faced with Pan Mei's praise, she sighed: "I thought about it after the war. I took too many risks, and I'm still afraid that if I make a slight mistake, the whole army will be annihilated!"
"In the battle of Dali, too many soldiers were killed and wounded, so many loyal and brave souls returned to foreign lands, and their bodies were buried in foreign lands, or even their bones were gone!" Wang Quanbin said, his old eyes turned red, and he pointed to the top of his head and said: "Pingjun, don't you?" When it comes to being granted the title of Marquis, one general's achievements can lead to thousands of bones drying up. I deserve this title!"
After hearing this, Pan Mei also fell into silence. He was also a veteran who led troops in battles all year round and could understand Wang Quanbin's mood. He cupped his hands and said, "I admire the prince's love for the soldiers!"
Looking at him, he spoke comfortingly: "The soldiers of the Southern Expedition are all heroes. They are dedicated to Zhaolie, and their heroic spirits are immortal! In war, casualties are inevitable. The battle of Dali certainly suffered huge casualties. However, if the prince had not boldly intervened, A direct strike to the heart, the end of the war will probably take longer, and given the terrain and people's conditions in the southwest, the price paid by the court will be incalculable, and the casualties of the soldiers may be even heavier!"
After hearing his explanation, Wang Quanbin finally recovered. Regardless of the dirt on his hands, he wiped his face and said: "Fortunately, I made the right bet and succeeded by luck. Otherwise, how could I be worthy of those who died..."
After saying that, Wang Quanbin glanced at Pan Mei again, with a rather sighing look: "You and I are leading the troops in the south together. Zhongxun Ping'an also fought well in the south, destroying the dead, seizing the opportunity quickly, and calmly annihilating. And the damage is not big, it has the effect of defeating the enemy without fighting!"
Pan Mei shook her head and waved her hands again, and responded: "It's not as good as the princes. After all, Dali is an independent country, with roots and foundations, and more dangerous mountains and rivers. Annan is not like that. It is torn apart and has endless civil strife. I can take advantage of this opportunity." , the two are incomparable!”
Soon, both of them entered into a business exchange mode, and both were talking about each other's ability to use troops to overcome difficulties...
"Zhong Xun is deeply trusted by His Majesty. When he returns to the court, he will be entrusted with important tasks!" Finally, Wang Quanbin sighed with a hint of complicated emotions in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Pan Mei bowed in the direction of Emperor Liu very respectfully and said: "I am promoted by His Majesty. I only ask for repayment with sincerity and dedication. It all depends on His Majesty's arrangements..."
While the generals were talking, Emperor Liu also took a rest. The hoe was stuck in the field, and he sat on the handle. He called the prince Liu Yang, who was also dressed as a farmer, and listened to the discussion of the generals while filling the water.
It wasn't that Emperor Liu had a favorable ear, but someone specifically reported it. He was not surprised at all by Wang Yansheng's performance. This rough guy had always been like this, but now he was a little more thoughtful and shrewd.
However, the words "military spirit is available" still flashed through his mind. Obviously, the motivating effect of Shangyuan's conferment of titles was being reflected.
Regarding the exchange between Wang Quanbin and Pan Mei, Emperor Liu asked Liu Yang what he thought. Liu Yang was even a little unclear about Emperor Liu's intentions, so he could only give his own thoughts based on his own understanding: "Gong Fan Yang is commendable for his loyalty, and Duke Ping Nan is a true general!"
Emperor Liu laughed at this. Wang Quanbin's performance did not have the effect of adding points to Emperor Liu. It would be too naive for such a ruthless man to really think that he would shed tears for the dead soldiers...
Just to explore the route, hundreds of elite soldiers were sacrificed before and after. Before executing the encirclement attack plan, didn't they know the dangers involved and foresee the casualties?
What Emperor Liu was thinking about was why Wang Quanbin was so pretentious to establish his character? Or for something else?
Emperor Liu did not directly express these dark speculations. He looked at Liu Yang and asked him directly: "General Wang Pan has returned to the court. How do you think they should be arranged?"
Liu Yang was surprised again. Regarding personnel matters, especially military appointments and dismissals, Liu Yang always adhered to his duties and did not want to interfere too much. But when Emperor Liu asked him for his opinion again, he hesitated a little, but in response to Emperor Liu's strong gaze, he still gave an answer: "Place yourself in the Forbidden Army and lead the troops!"
This answer is too common. This was also the most common approach to returning generals in the past.
Emperor Liu said softly: "Pan Mei is still the general, and it's time for Wang Quanbin to retire..."
