Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 645 - 591: How Could I Forget My Brothers When There’s Benefit!

Chapter 645: Chapter 591: How Could I Forget My Brothers When There’s Benefit!

"I am Wang Junwu from Jin River Path."

Although Emperor Kaihuang had not seen him before, he was profoundly familiar with this name.

"You are Yuchi An’s adopted son, Wang Junwu? Hahahaha... I have indeed heard of your renowned name back in Daxing City; it truly rings like thunder!"

"For pacifying the Three Zhou of Northern Qi, you, Wang Junwu, deserve half of the credit!"

"For driving out the remnants of Northern Qi, you, Wang Junwu, can rightly claim the greatest merit!"

"What? You, Wang Junwu, personally commanded the troops from Jin River Path to come to Longyun Path’s aid this time?"

Wang Junwu immediately shook his head.

Emperor Kaihuang was startled and asked curiously, "Isn’t the leader of the Jin River Path army someone else on this occasion?"

Wang Junwu stepped to the other side of Mei Fei.

For some reason, Mei Fei felt a chill down his spine as this towering figure approached him.

"I led the grand army of over sixty-two thousand soldiers from Jin River Path to Longyun Path not for reinforcement but to execute the commander of the Shuofang Army in Longyun Path, Mei Fei! Assisting was merely a secondary matter; eliminating a treacherous villain was the main objective."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Kaihuang felt his heart pounding.

Again?

"Reporting to Emperor Kaihuang! Before, when the Tujue army invaded Jin River Path, our Jin River Path soldiers swore to defend the Great Sui’s Great Wall till death, staining our uniforms with blood without taking a single step back."

"It was all because Mei Fei became cowardly before the battle, leading the Shuofang Army to retreat, allowing the Tujue to bypass the Great Wall and attack Jin River Path from the western side bordering Longyun Path."

"Afterward, the Tujue army marched southward, launching more than ten invasions into Jin River Path from Longyun Path, causing us to lose soldiers and generals in Jin River Path."

"The entire army of Jin River Path was filled with righteous indignation. However, restrained by the fact that many commanders were elderly, renowned for loyalty and righteousness, they could not bear to stain their names by executing a traitor, and concerned for their families, fearing retaliation for killing Mei Fei."

"I, Wang Junwu, alone, am willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility. Even if it means exchanging my life, if I can kill the traitor Mei Fei, it would be rooting out a scourge for the country and the military!"

Wang Junwu’s words were spoken with resounding conviction.

And Emperor Kaihuang’s face turned pale upon hearing them.

After all, Mei Fei had truly caused a major disaster this time.

"Your words are rather severe. Moreover, you, Wang Junwu, are a General Star of the army, a future pillar of the nation; how can you engage in such a foolish act! However..."

Seeing Zhang San winking at Wang Junwu, Emperor Kaihuang realized that Zhang San was once again leading others astray and promptly got to the point.

"However, Jin River Path not only held back the Tujue army this time but also protected the civilians of Jin River Path. More importantly, their indelible contribution in the great battle at Ren City. The entire army of Jin River Path that came to join this battle will be handsomely rewarded."

"As for you, Wang Junwu, although it isn’t quite proper to do this by the book, whether it is in your performance in the war to quell Northern Qi or in this confrontation against the Tujue, you are a role model among the younger generation. Considering that Jin River Path played a half role in repelling the Tujue army, not only will Yuchi An and Jin River Path be rewarded, I also intend to promote you exceptionally!"

"Wang Junwu, I now appoint you as General Mingwei, and after this war ends, I will transfer you to the Capital to serve as a Lieutenant General of the Feather Forest, with the title of Distant Army Count!"

Wang Junwu knew that this reward was exceptionally generous.

General Mingwei was only a lower Fourth Rank, while Lieutenant General of the Feather Forest was not just a high-ranking official close to the Emperor but also a lower Fourth Rank.

And being granted the title of Count was a treatment that could only be possible for those of upper Fourth Rank or higher.

Thus, it was evident that Emperor Kaihuang had set his mind on protecting Mei Fei.

But at least, he, his troops from Jin River Path, and even his foster father had all gained something.

Wang Junwu immediately knelt down to thank Emperor Kaihuang.

Emperor Kaihuang laughed awkwardly, then cast a cold glance at Mei Fei.

He had originally planned to let Mei Fei put on a good show today, and then he would play the role of a merciful emperor and let Mei Fei off.

But he never expected Zhang San to run out and spoil the plans, causing him to spend so much money!

When it came down to it, it was all Mei Fei’s fault!

"Now that Mei Fei’s matter has been dealt with, let’s discuss the upcoming battle with the Tujue,"

Emperor Kaihuang knew that although he had spared Mei Fei, it was impossible to restore him to his former position.

Only by keeping Mei Fei and using the temporary absence of leadership in the Shuofang Army as an excuse, could he justify Mei Fei’s temporary command of the army.

When there was a good opportunity in the future, he could formalize Mei Fei’s position.

Upon hearing this, Zhang San immediately had a map brought over and shouted to the soldiers at the door, "Emperor Kaihuang has ordered that Mei Fei’s case is closed. Why haven’t you taken him away? What? Do you want this coward, who couldn’t even hold Ren City, to steal military secrets?"

While it seemed he was scolding the soldiers at the door, everyone knew who Zhang San was really targeting.

Although he was making serious accusations, there was some truth to his words.

Mei Fei looked at Emperor Kaihuang with an innocent expression, but the emperor was helpless.

If he hadn’t known the seriousness of the consequences of Mei Fei’s actions earlier, perhaps he would have truly kept Mei Fei today.

But now, it seemed that Mei Fei might as well retire right here.

So, Emperor Kaihuang waved his hand.

Seeing the emperor wave his hand, Cao Demeng immediately took Mei Fei away.

Mei Fei, upon seeing the emperor’s gesture, didn’t dare make a sound and was dragged out by Cao Demeng by the collar like an old hen.

Then, everyone began to discuss how to deal with the Tujue.

The Great Sui had captured as many as sixty thousand Tujue soldiers.

And of the two hundred thousand Tujue army that had previously escaped by deserting, only about one hundred thousand remained.

Zhang San listened to the discussions of the civil and military officials, which were mostly about how to pursue, how to chase, and how to protect Emperor Kaihuang.

Listening in, half of it was just shouting to pursue, and the other half was purely expressing loyalty.

Zhang San glanced at Wang Junwu beside him, and they shook their heads together.

Changsun Bubai also noticed that among the ministers, it was not surprising that the civil officials were incompetent, but how come there were so few knowledgeable people in the Ministry of War?

Had the Imperial Court become so full of incompetents?

Emperor Kaihuang didn’t rush to express his opinion but observed the ministers’ words and everyone’s expressions and reactions.

After everyone had presented their plans, Emperor Kaihuang looked at Wen Chudao and asked, "Wen Chudao, as the Minister of War, you should have the most authority to speak on this matter. Why haven’t you said anything?"

Wen Chudao felt a bit embarrassed as well.

He had always thought that the people in the Ministry of War, who talked a good game, had some abilities, so for this personal campaign led by Emperor Kaihuang, he specifically brought a number of his own trusted subordinates he thought were worth cultivating.

But the few words they had just spoken made even him blush.

"Your Majesty, I believe what everyone has just said is nonsense. With a major battle imminent, let’s not waste any more time. I think the most qualified to speak on this battle are Generals Changsun Bubai, Wang Junwu, and Zhang San. They are the most familiar with the Tujue, especially Changsun Bubai, who has spent years studying the Tujue. If anyone knows how to defeat the Tujue decisively, it should be Changsun Bubai, our top strategist!"