Chapter 654: Poaching Talent

Chapter 654: Chapter 654: Poaching Talent

Shen Hao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "I am still hanging onto the post of Chief of Miscellaneous Affairs. I can only accept the General’s favor in my heart, but to be honest, I’m not competent enough for such an important duty."

Zuo Yuliang replied, "I mean an actual position, not the honorary title you currently hold."

"Hmm? What does the General imply? I’m not quite clear."

"Resign from your post with the Xuanqing Guard and come into my Military. I’ll directly grant you a fifth-rank title and appoint you as Households Officer, making your Chief of Miscellaneous Affairs role an official post. You should understand the weight of this position by now, right? Once the war ends, with your merits and my recommendation, entering the Ministry of War shouldn’t be a problem for you. What do you say?"

These words made Shen Hao shudder all over; even sitting on the stool, he felt as if his seat was burning. What is going on? Is Zuo Yuliang trying to poach him?

On the surface, it sounded like a very tempting offer. An official Thousand Households post, a fifth-rank title, and after the war, a chance to join the core of the Military in the Ministry of War. According to military custom, after a few years of experience there, he’d be posted to various armies to gain seniority, then return—at which point, a Vice Minister’s seat would surely be waiting for him.

But Shen Hao actually enjoyed many benefits within the Xuanqing Guard, and now he holds the promising Black Water in his grasp. Once the war ends, he’s bound for promotion just as well if he returns. Besides, serving as an official in the Xuanqing Guard is far more imposing than being one in the Military. He’d have to be mad to switch sides.

"Thank you for your great favor, Lord, but I am perfectly aware that I am not made for this Military bowl of rice. Just muddling along in the Xuanqing Guard suits me fine; I wouldn’t dare come over and create trouble for the General." Shen Hao didn’t hesitate at all and refused Zuo Yuliang’s invitation outright.

"Heh, seems Lord Jiang has taken good care of you. Well then, since you are not inclined, I won’t insist and play the villain. But you still hold the Chief of Miscellaneous Affairs post in my army; don’t be careless with your duties. For example, your suggestions about integrating the rescue unit and physicians are too basic—refine them. Perhaps we can test their effectiveness during this war; wouldn’t that be better?"

Indeed, it was about the rescue unit, which Shen Hao had anticipated. So he spoke up, "General, matters within my purview I shall certainly take full responsibility for. But I am truly an outsider when it comes to physicians and Military organization, knowing very little. I only dared propose a general framework, not specific details."

"Actually, the army’s physicians have the most experience. According to my plan, they should be able to supplement and implement it based on their own conditions and practical needs. I believe they will move quickly; if it can be rolled out to the front lines in advance, tested in action, then feedback and improvements can be made. That would be even more reliable."

"You have the right idea; in any case, it’s best to communicate with the military physicians regularly. You know Chen Zifang well, don’t you? From now on, he will consult with you; you two should quickly finalize the integration of the rescue unit and physicians. If it proves effective in battle, I will personally petition for your commendation!"

"Thank you, Lord. I will spare no effort!"

Leaving the Central Army Tent and returning to the Inspector’s camp, Shen Hao was immediately sought by Chen Zifang. After instructing someone to serve tea, Shen Hao didn’t see him right away, instead listening in the tent as Li Jiang and Zhang Ye reported and dealt with the Inspector’s internal affairs from recent days.

"So at present, all the Military Supervisors have basically stopped speaking?"

"Yes, Lord. Even in regular military oversight, they rarely comment. Some of the more extreme Supervisors have turned into figurative statues—aside from military strategy meetings, you can hardly find them at all."

"Have the Commanders-in-Chief responded in any way?" Shen Hao didn’t think the Supervisors’ collective silence was a good sign; excess always provokes backlash with harmful consequences.

"No reaction. Supervisors in the military are only supervised by us—the Inspectors—who have the power to oversee, but no authority to command. Their authority lies with the Left Minister’s Mansion. Now that they’re silent, no one can direct them."

In essence, the Supervisors’ duty is to correct Commanders-in-Chief, participate in the formulation of military strategy and tactical debate. Their actual authority far outweighs the Inspectors, though any proposals could simply be nixed by the Inspector.

Commander-in-Chief, Supervisor, Inspector—three roles, each with their own duties: Supervisor restricts Commander-in-Chief, Inspector restricts Supervisor, but the Inspector has no real power and cannot directly interfere with military affairs. In Shen Hao’s view, this system was actually quite sound. At least, from the Emperor’s position, it is logical, since both Military and Inspector are, in truth, firmly under his control.

So despite the long-standing friction between Supervisor and Military, they are not without value. In fact, Supervisors can often fill gaps and make Commanders-in-Chief’s plans more cautious, at least forestalling some unnecessary fatal risks.

But now, all the Supervisors had gone mute. This was odd and wildly outside Shen Hao’s expectations.

There’s no way Supervisors would dare shirk their duties; even when chased and pressed by Inspectors, they must speak up. Aggrieved as they might be, they still cannot sulk in silence.

This extraordinary behavior obviously came as an order from the Left Minister’s Mansion.

Shen Hao considered further, "And what about the mid- and lower-ranks in the army? Any word there?"

Li Jiang was responsible for liaising with Inspectors dispersed among various armies, and the intelligence funneling back was first handled by him. He shook his head and said, "Not a word. They’ve had enough of the Supervisors meddling in command; now, with the Supervisors staying quiet, they’re delighted to have peace and quiet."

Does this count as giving all armies free rein?

"Make a detailed report of the situation and submit it."

"Yes, Lord."

"Also, remind the Inspectors stationed with each army to pay attention to whether each Commander-in-Chief’s military strategy is appropriate, if there are obvious flaws, and whether Supervisors have remarked on these issues. Everything must be recorded. Yes, have everyone compile a dossier—it will facilitate statistics afterwards."

Li Jiang was momentarily startled. The Inspector’s authority did not include participating in military affairs; even at strategy meetings, they were there to listen, focusing on Supervisors. But now they were to record and discern military plans, and document errors from both Supervisors and Commanders-in-Chief. This...

"What’s wrong? Finding it difficult?"

Seeing Shen Hao’s sharp, knife-like gaze sweep over, Li Jiang instantly felt goosebumps down his back, and hurriedly bowed, saying, "I understand, Lord. I will carry out your instructions thoroughly." As he replied, Li Jiang thought to himself: No wonder they call Lord Shen the Evil Star. Is he preparing to dig pits for both the Military and Supervisors at the same time?

Is Shen Hao digging pits for others? He didn’t think so himself; he simply found the Supervisors’ behavior too strange, and was worried about some incident. So he planned ahead—if anyone ever tried to drag the Inspector down, he’d have evidence at hand for a counterattack.