Chapter 1975: A Heros Twilight Years! Wang Chongs Respect! (1/2)

Edited by: Michyrr

Zhang Shougui's recommendation had been accepted, and An Yaluoshan, a veteran general of Youzhou, had been promoted to Andong Protector-General on a temporary basis. Once the Imperial Court found a suitable candidate, he would be dismissed.

This news shook the realm, and its impact was particularly felt in the upper echelons of the military.

Zhangchou Jianqiong, Gao Xianzhi, An Sishun… these Protector-Generals and Great Generals had all heard of Zhang Shougui's reputation as they slowly climbed through the ranks of the military. When Zhang Shougui was famous, these renowned generals of the empire were still officers or commandants. In the past, Zhang Shougui's dazzling military record had been admired by all.

This was precisely why Zhang Shougui wielded so much influence in the military.

But now, this renowned general of undefeated reputation, who had once reached for the highest echelons of political power and desired to become Prime Minister, had been stripped of his military authority and demoted to Governor of the Kuo Province because of a single war. This was an absolute humiliation for someone with such a legendary life!

Everyone who heard this news could not help but feel shaken.

”What's going on? Wasn't Zhang Shougui supposed to enter the capital and see the Emperor to personally explain what happened in Youzhou? Why was this sort of decree suddenly issued?”

In the main hall of the King of Foreign Lands Residence, Wang Chong felt his heart sink upon receiving the news.

Governor of Kuo Province!

No words were more shocking than these in the report brought back by his spy team. Wang Chong remembered that this place was where Zhang Shougui had met his end.

Not long after the Sage Emperor demoted him to Kuo Province, Zhang Shougui had died of depression.

History had gone through many twists and turns, and many things had changed compared to his last life. Wang Chong had never imagined that this was how he would once again encounter the title of 'Governor of Kuo Province'.

In the end, Zhang Shougui had still been demoted to the Kuo Province.

And it was also through this title that he knew his fate.

After being stripped of his position as Andong Protector-General, Zhang Shougui should have had enough seniority that he still had a chance of staging a comeback and returning to Youzhou. But now, Zhang Shougui had lost all hope.

The Governor of Kuo Province was an out-and-out civil position!

For a general to be assigned a civil post meant that Zhang Shougui had lost any chance to rise again.

”We're still not sure about the details, only that the Sage Emperor truly did issue a decree ordering Lord Zhang to return to the capital in Taiji Palace. But not long ago, at Taide Palace, the Sage Emperor suddenly changed his mind, saying that it made no difference if Zhang Shougui came to the capital or not and that there was no need for his report, so he simply demoted Zhang Shougui to the post of Governor of Kuo Province,” Zhang Que said, his mind also unsettled.

Zhang Shougui was a powerful figure in the Tang military, one of its leading lights. No one had expected the Sage Emperor to decide Zhang Shougui's fate in such a hasty manner.

And this decree had been issued without any input from the Bureau of Military Personnel or the officials of court.

”Where is Zhang Shougui now?” Wang Chong said.

Zhang Que bowed and said, ”Lord Zhang is at the town of Zhaoling, ten days from the capital!”

Wang Chong said nothing, but his brow creased as he began to think.

Zhang Shougui was in an incredibly awkward position now. He had been returning to the capital to report, but now, he had suddenly been ordered to become Governor of Kuo Province. Zhang Shougui was probably confused as to what to do: see the Emperor or report to the Bureau of Personnel?

Moreover, according to custom, when major officials from the border arrived at the capital, they had to go and see the Emperor whether they needed to or not. Only once they had an audience could they handle other affairs.

But the Sage Emperor clearly had no desire to see him. Otherwise, he would not have issued that decree.

Moreover, Zhang Shougui was exceptionally proud, and in the past, he had offended many court officials. With his status as Andong Protector-General, he was fine, but now that he was a lowly Governor of Kuo Province, he was outranked by many of his old foes. Upon meeting any old acquaintances, he would probably have to bow, and how could someone as proud as him do such a thing?

”Pass on my order! Announce that the King of Foreign Lands will be respectfully welcoming the Protector-General back to the capital. On the day of Lord Zhang's arrival, this king will personally hold a welcoming feast to celebrate a war god of my Great Tang!”

Wang Chong's eyes flashed as he spoke.

”Your Highness!”

Everyone was surprised by Wang Chong's words.

Wang Chong's relationship with Zhang Shougui could not be described as good. In truth, Zhang Que and the others believed that their liege had gone far beyond the call of duty for Zhang Shougui's sake.

If Zhang Shougui had not been so proud and had listened to Wang Chong, things wouldn't have gotten this bad.

Zhang Shougui was a tiger without claws, and many in the court opposed him. There were also many who wanted to remain uninvolved and did their best to stay away. No one had expected their liege to voluntarily join the fray.

Moreover, given Wang Chong's current status, by making the announcement that he was personally welcoming Zhang Shougui, Wang Chong was using his own status to raise Zhang Shougui's. This meant that no one in the capital would be able to use this chance to hit Zhang Shougui while he was down.

Though hesitant, Xu Keyi decided to speak up in the end.