Book 14: Chapter 40
Three Chief Military Commissions
The Three Chief Military Commissions consisted of three teams: infantry, cavalry and navy. Zhao Tiankui was the commander of the infantry unit. The Commissioner-in-chief was the superior of the three units’ commanders, which meant they held the highest rank in the military – which Hero Shenzhou once held.
Ever since Hero Shenzhou stepped down, there was nobody to fill the void, making them an unimaginably dangerous variable. That was the reason people tried to take apart the Three Chief Military Commissions ever since the dynasty was established. Soldiers traded their weapons for hoes in the fields. Generals either turned to serving the Ministry of War under a new promotion system or went on to lead one of the three units. They and their descendants were paid an average wage and lost their voice in the imperial court council. In the end, they fell from power and kept being torn down further over the years.
The dynasty’s growth wasn’t smooth sailing after it was established. When soldiers were needed, the Commissioner-in-chief would receive a decree to assemble a new army and train them. Whether they crushed foreign invaders or quelled internal rebellions, the three units’ commanders always left their mark in history. Unfortunately, in the aftermath, they never climbed the ranks.
There were no big battles during Emperor Yuansheng’s reign; when riots started, the Ministry of War quelled them. As a result, the Three Chief Military Commissions were unable to establish themselves.
The three current commanders were descendants of former generals, so they inherited their predecessors knowledge. Those who participated in the last big war still remained and continued training themselves as well as the next generation. Regrettably, there hadn’t been a war in over two decades, so the new generation wasn’t as experienced as the last. Additionally, that rendered the military officials without authority and work. According to the imperial court’s rules, military officials with military ranks weren’t permitted from leaving the capital without consent. As such, the military officials with too much free time on their hands were stuck wasting away in the capital. In turn, there would sometimes be the likes of Zhao Tiankui’ son, Zhao Xin, among them despite how strict and disciplined they were.
Commissioner-in-chief might’ve sounded as though it was a big deal, but it was a rank without any real authority. Most importantly, their income was the lowest among first-rank officials.
When Fuma Jingan won the contest three years ago, Emperor Yuansheng didn’t know what to do with him. As chance would have it, the Commissioner-in-chief post happened to be vacant, so His Majesty put Fuma Jingan in the spot. It was a respectable post, shut down all the critics getting ready to blast him for gifting his son-in-law an unwarranted high rank and saved him money.
“So that’s how the Three Chief Military Commissions work…” I stopped rubbing my chin and questioned, “So the Commander-in-chief is a pretty high rank?”
“Why are you asking me?!”
Because I don’t know?
Zuo Suniang had a drink of tea since she had just finished giving me a long breakdown on the system. The way she drunk and glared gave me the impression that she was done keeping up appearances around me.
“You could spend ages naming people you should not trifle with among the Three Chief Military Commissions. I believe they were referred to by a different name during the Founding Emperor’s generation. Mm… My husband mentioned it when he was still alive, but I do not remember it now…”
“Pfft.”
I had yet to fully laugh before I was forced to desperately dodge a spear aimed at my face. I crawled to my feet, saw a satisfied smile on Zuo Suniang’s face and then sighed. “Your Highness, it appears you are reducing the amount of manners you show around me more and more.”
“Acting elegant in your presence makes one a fool. Where was I now? You just had to cut me off!”
Thankfully, I didn’t laugh again.
“In any case, they were mighty under Hero Shenzhou’s leadership, decimating every foe who stood before them, and they had plenty of secrets to teach their descendants. More than thirty years ago, they fought alongside Flying General. That is why there are plenty of elite fighters still serving in the Three Chief Military Commissions. That being said, not one of them can leave the capital or make a name for themselves. His Majesty also has no intention of employing them.”
That was bewildering to hear. His Majesty was willing to employ anyone as long as they were talented, and he had a keen eye for spotting talent, too. After all, he employed me.
Zuo Suniang shrugged. “Zhao Tiankui can be considered one of the mighty generals. He is an eleventh-generation graduate of Yuansheng’s martial arts class. Not only does he excel in martial arts, but he is also respected as a tactician.”
I touched my chin. “He… really must be a great general, then.”
“Unfortunately for him, His Majesty does not favour him, and the capital is too peaceful. At the end of the day, he is relegated to being a forgettable infantry commander. How did you two start fighting?” Interested in finding out more, Zuo Suniang hiked up a brow and leaned in. “Power struggle?”
“It is not a fight. It is more like… I have a friend named Ming Feizhen. He assaulted Zhao Tiankui’s son. Since Zhao Tiankui has not been able to catch him, he is trying to complain to me. As his superior and Ming Feizhen’s friend, I am trying to avoid the dilemma of being in the middle.”
“Ming Feizhen? The recently popular Ming Feizhen stealing all the headlines.”
“Yes, him. That is the one.”
“What is he like?”
I extended up my thumb. “One word: handsome. His face is art. It is perfect-”
“Is it true that he is in a relationship with what-was-her name at Liu Shan Men?”
“Who would believe those rumours.” I shook my head, then haplessly smiled. “But he is handsome, which causes all sorts of unnecessary misunderstandings. He and Sh-”
“Is it true he is in a relationship with Eunuch Sui?”
“Who said that?!”
Why do the wealthy ladies of the capital believe everything they hear?! Isn’t that the rumour some paper spread?!
“Farewell! I cannot stand being here for another moment! I must be on my way!”
“Couldn’t have asked for more. Get lost!”
I no longer had to fear Zhao Tiankui since I now knew he was my subordinate. I proudly and hurriedly searched for Zhao Tiankui nearby since I heard him.
Honestly, I was still nervous. I didn’t know how Shifu fooled him in the past and what sort of appearance he assumed. If they were on bad terms, wouldn’t I be a lamb to the slaughter? I didn’t have a better idea, though, so…
Eh? I’m sure I heard him here, but…
I looked around, but there were only a few big rocks and corn that had been crushed under horse hooves, as well as… a tree? I suddenly saw a human shadow come down from above as if they were going to attack me. He landed before me and narrowed his eyes.
“Were you trying to scare me to death?! What the hell were you hiding up on the tree for?!”
He suddenly swept aside his robe and genuflected. “Your subject’s respects, Commissioner-in-chief!”