After the conversation, the young men took their positions, setting up guards and maintaining vigilance inside and outside the grand hall.
Shao Xun continued to stand outside the Tai Chi Hall, waiting.
The capture operation was over, but that didn't mean the matter was concluded.
He didn't dare relax in the slightest until He Lun, the General of the Upper Army of the Donghai Kingdom, received the news and brought over a thousand soldiers into the palace to take away Sima Yi.
Only then did Shao Xun finally breathe a sigh of relief.
This was a hot potato, and the sooner it was handed over, the better.
"You've done it again, Shao Xun," He Lun said with a complicated expression.
He had already grasped the general situation and secretly lamented missing a great opportunity.
He had thought capturing Sima Yi would be extremely difficult, but it turned out that Sima Yi had only brought a dozen or so men and was easily subdued.
But what could be done now? The deed was done.
"The Grand Commandant's strategic planning and the meticulous arrangements of the Protector made it possible. I was merely following orders," Shao Xun replied.
"You're quite tactful," He Lun chuckled.
"With this matter settled, Mi Huang's appointment as the Commandant of Donghai should be no problem. You also have a bright future ahead."
Well, even He Lun knew that Mi Huang was going to become the Commandant of Donghai.
No one was foolish.
Given Mi Huang's merits and family status, he was more than qualified.
If he wanted the position, He Lun really couldn't compete.
This ranking was part of the "village ranking" system, also known as the "local evaluation."
For the Mi family of Donghai at this time, their village ranking was sixth, not quite noble status but considered a "minor family."
These rankings could rise or fall, evaluated every three years by the local officials.
Mi Huang held an official position and could serve as a county magistrate if sent out.
However, the Commandant of Donghai was also a sixth-rank position, which, upon reflection, wasn't bad.
In times of chaos, being a Commandant was more advantageous than being a county magistrate.
The Shao family of Donghai didn't have a village ranking.
Generally speaking, being a battalion commander was his ceiling.
But nothing was absolute.
While he couldn't directly enter officialdom through family connections like the children of noble families (such as Shi Chong), there was still a chance through recommendations for filial piety and integrity.
Capturing Sima Yi had earned him the recommendation for filial piety and integrity in Donghai, giving him the qualifications to become an official.
This was the real reward he wanted.
Whether as a prefect or a governor, they were all "imperial officials," not "advisors or retainers."
There was no hierarchy between them; they belonged to different domains.
For example, Wang Dao, strictly speaking, wasn't an "official" but a retainer of Sima Yue.
Of course, it was easy for him to become an official.
The Wang family of Langya likely had many spots for family connections.
Moreover, even without relying on family connections, noble families had other ways to secure positions, far easier than those at the bottom.
"Do well," He Lun said as his soldiers loaded Sima Yi onto a carriage.
He quickly walked over to Shao Xun and whispered, "The King is rebuilding the Royal Army in Luoyang. Your unit will be merged into it. Be careful of Wang Bing. His forces have been decimated, and he hasn't recruited many new soldiers. He might set his sights on you."
"General He's warning is deeply appreciated. I will remember it," Shao Xun said, bowing.
"Take care," He Lun waved and left.
Shao Xun quietly watched He Lun's retreating figure.
The Grand Commandant intended to form a Royal Army of three thousand, with two thousand in the Upper Army and one thousand in the Lower Army.
With the merit of capturing Sima Yi, it shouldn't be difficult for Mi Huang to become the Commandant after going through the formalities.
So the question was, would He Lun remain the General of the Upper Army? Was he giving up the fight for the Commandant position now that Mi Huang was stepping in?
Was Wang Bing the General of the Lower Army? Would his battalion be merged into the Lower Army?
In terms of numbers, the troops he actually commanded could form two understrength battalions.
Would Wang Bing cause trouble for him?
If he was really that foolish...
Shao Xun's hand instinctively tightened on the hilt of his sword.
Then he relaxed.
He took a deep breath.
He had grown accustomed to solving problems with force, and his desire to kill was indeed growing stronger.
Killing Wang Bing wouldn't solve the problem.
Without him, there would still be Zhang Bing, Li Bing.
The best way was to have a good talk with Wang Bing, with Mi Huang's help.
Can I take you flying?
The imperial edict was quickly disseminated throughout the city, causing quite a stir.
Some wept bitterly, lamenting and wanting to rescue Sima Yi, but were dissuaded by those around them.
Some sighed deeply, lost in thought, wanting to do something but realizing that with food supplies running low, what could they do?
Others began making moves early, visiting Sima Yue, the Prince of Donghai, and Wang Yan, a renowned scholar rumored to have good relations with the Prince of Chengdu, trying to gain an advantage in the upcoming political reshuffle—after all, it was just a civil war among the Sima family descendants.
Why be so rigid?
As for the common folk and lower-ranking officials, they hoped the war would end soon so that water supply to Luoyang could be restored.
If possible, could the fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers who had been conscripted be sent home?
And, could food supplies be sent to the capital quickly? People were starving and couldn't hold on much longer.
It could be said that morale was low from top to bottom, and surrender was imminent!
When Shao Xun led his men out of the palace gates, he keenly sensed the change in atmosphere—the guards at the Duan Gate were whispering and making noise, and the officers couldn't control them.
In the distance, a carriage approached.
Shao Xun and his men looked over and saw a scholar step out of the carriage and walk towards them.
"Is that Battalion Commander Shao Xun ahead?" the man called from a distance.
"It is," Shao Xun replied, bowing.
The man didn't return the bow, simply introducing himself briefly: "I am Dai Yuan, Military Advisor of the Grand Commandant's Office, from Guangling. I am here on the Grand Commandant's orders to escort Battalion Commander Shao to the office."
"Understood," Shao Xun replied.
Dai Yuan nodded, gave Shao Xun a once-over, then turned and got back into the carriage.
Shao Xun and his men followed on foot.
Upon arriving at the Grand Commandant's residence, Dai Yuan got out of the carriage, went inside to report, then left the others outside and led Shao Xun in.
"This isn't your first time here. Don't look at what you shouldn't, and don't ask what you shouldn't," Dai Yuan said as they walked.
"The Grand Commandant may reward you. This is a great honor. Remember it well and fight for the Grand Commandant with your life in the future."
Shao Xun nodded repeatedly.
Yes, yes, you're absolutely right.
What kind of person is this, still putting on airs at a time like this?
The two walked one after the other and soon arrived at the study where Shao Xun had been before.
This time, Wang Dao wasn't there, but several others were, seemingly discussing something.
They stopped when they saw someone approaching.
Shao Xun glanced around and only recognized Pan Tao.
Pan Tao was quite sharp and noticed Shao Xun's fleeting glance, actually nodding at him.
"Greetings, Grand Commandant," Shao Xun said, bowing.
Sima Yue looked at Dai Yuan, displeased, as if blaming him for interrupting his enjoyment or for not considering the occasion.
They were discussing important matters—couldn't he have waited?
Dai Yuan immediately understood and apologized repeatedly.
"Enough," Sima Yue snorted, standing up and walking over to Shao Xun.
His attitude softened considerably, and he smiled.
"I heard you personally captured Sima Yi. Good, very good! Tell me, what reward do you want?"
"Fighting on the battlefield and capturing enemy generals is the duty of a soldier. I dare not ask for a reward," Shao Xun replied.
Sima Yue laughed heartily.
The advisors also chuckled along.
One of them said bluntly, "Soldiers like gold and silk. Just reward him with some wealth."
Another said, "How about giving him some fine armor? That's all they can use."
"Maybe they also like women," someone teased.
Unsurprisingly, this caused a round of laughter.
It was clear that the morale in Sima Yue's office was high, and they were in a buoyant mood.
With Sima Yi's downfall, power in Luoyang was to be redistributed.
Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu, becoming the Crown Prince was almost certain, but he wouldn't come to Luoyang, instead controlling the court from Ye.
Sima Yong, the Prince of Hejian, also wouldn't come to Luoyang.
This was an opportunity.
If the Grand Commandant could stabilize Luoyang, he might be able to compete with the Princes of Chengdu and Hejian.
After all, Luoyang was the capital.
Controlling Luoyang gave one the authority to command the realm.
Everyone was looking forward to that day.
"Enough nonsense," Sima Yue scolded.
Though it was a scolding, his tone wasn't harsh, and he even had a smile on his face.
After "scolding" his advisors, Sima Yue turned to Shao Xun and said, "You've performed a great service, and I must reward you generously. Gold and silk are a given, but that's not enough to match your merit. Mi Huang has performed a great service, and I promised him the position of Commandant. You will take over his role as Battalion Commander."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your generous reward," Shao Xun replied.
"Mi Huang has also spoken highly of you in front of me, saying you have a talent for selecting and training soldiers. Your battalion is full of elite fighters, responsive to your commands, able to cut through enemies like a hot knife through butter," Sima Yue said, seemingly more satisfied with Shao Xun's calm demeanor.
"The Lower Army hasn't been fully recruited yet. How about you help me select some strong men to join the ranks?"
"Understood," Shao Xun replied.
What was there to think about? What was there to hesitate about? This was a promotion in the making!
Sure enough, Sima Yue continued, "I've said that this year's recommendation for filial piety and integrity in Donghai will go to you. Don't let me down. For now, you'll also take on the role of Commandant's Adjutant."
Clearly, this was an irregular move.
The Commandant's Adjutant position should be filled after the recommendation process and official appointment by the court.
So, for now, Shao Xun was just a Battalion Commander, and the Commandant's Adjutant position would have to wait.
But since Sima Yue had said so, and the soldiers were being recruited by him, Shao Xun could temporarily take on the role, and no one would dispute his authority.
There were objections within the office about giving Shao Xun this position.
Many felt that giving him the Battalion Commander position was enough.
But Cao Fu, the usually uninvolved Military Advisor, spoke up, saying the position suited Shao Xun well, as he knew how to select and train good soldiers.
And so, the matter was settled.
Sima Yue trusted Cao Fu.
He was the youngest son of Cao Hong, a man who had lived through the wars, far more capable than the armchair strategists in the office.
Moreover, Shao Xun was a local, which was very important.
Compared to outsiders of unknown origins and dubious intentions, officers from Donghai were clearly more reliable and could be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
He Lun was one, Wang Bing was another, and Shao Xun was no exception.
Of course, compared to the first two, Shao Xun's importance was somewhat lesser.
After all, He Lun and Wang Bing came from prestigious families and could provide political support to Sima Yue, helping stabilize the rear.
So even though Wang Bing had suffered a major defeat, he still had to be used.
Once the army was reorganized, he would undoubtedly become the General of the Lower Army.
Shao Xun, on the other hand, couldn't help stabilize Donghai's rear, couldn't provide troops or supplies, and couldn't rally support.
At best, he was just a blade.
He Lun and Wang Bing were the ones wielding the blade—there was a fundamental difference.
"Go now, and do well," Sima Yue said after bestowing the rewards, waving his hand.
"Understood," Shao Xun bowed again and left the study.
(End of Chapter)