The Human Emperor (200-400)

C274: Warning the Protectorate!

"It's fine."

Zhangchou Jianqiong suddenly started chuckling, and he waved his hands to gesture to Wang Gen that it was fine.

"So, Wang gongzi is interested in military affairs as well. I guess there's no way an offspring from a military clan wouldn't be interested in the military. It's fine, coming into contact with such matters now will be useful for you in the future anyway."

As expected of a Protector-General, Zhangchou Jianqiong was able to dispel the awkwardness of the situation with just a few words.

"Indeed! I've chatted with Wang gongzi a few times, and Wang gongzi has shown particular interest in military affairs. It's a rare opportunity to meet Lord Zhangchou, so it would be a huge waste not to exchange ideas. Hahaha!"

Yang Zhao also swiftly reacted and mended the situation.

Hearing those words from the duo, the atmosphere in the banquet alleviated. Those generals from the Southern Protectorate Manor were initially rather displeased by Wang Chong's rudeness, but they nodded in acceptance at the offered explanation.

Wang Chong's father, Wang Yan, and eldest brother, Wang Fu, were both commanders in the military. It wasn't surprising for Wang Chong to be interested in it as well, under their influence.

As one of the great Protector-Generals of the empire, it was natural for him to want to learn from Lord Zhangchou on such matters.

"Wang gongzi hasn't really ventured out of the capital yet, so it's natural that you don't understand much about the situation. Ü-Tsang is situated on a plateau, and the path to Jiannan is dangerously steep, making it difficult for an army to march through it. Not to mention, the Tibetans have never been to the Central Plains before, so they are unfamiliar with the forces and terrain here. Unless there's someone to guide them along, it's impossible for them to achieve anything significant against us."

"On top of that, Tibetans have a distinctive trait that sets them apart from the citizens of Great Tang—their red faces. Every single Tibetan who enters Great Tang through Jiannan has to undergo stringent checks. Other than the cities along the Tea Horse Road, they are banned from entering any other cities in the Central Plains. Also, the population density in Ü-Tsang is very sparse, making communication extremely inefficient as well. To put it bluntly, even if the whole world knows that I am at the capital, it might still be a few years before the Tibetans learn of it," Zhangchou Jianqiong waved his fingers before Wang Chong and smiled.

Hahahahaha!

A burst of laughter resounded from the various commanders seated in the room. As elites from Annan, they were more aware of the situation regarding the Ü-Tsang than anyone else.

Wang Chong didn't say anything, but his brow inconspicuously furrowed darker, reflecting the deepening of his worry.

"Of course, we would never base our defense on the enemy's mistake. I have been managing the Southern Protectorate Manor for several decades now, and I can confidently tell you that it's no different from an infallible fortress. All of the protocols are set in place such that the military can move even when I'm not around. Not to mention... the 180,000 men strong elite army that I have spent a large part of my career grooming is stationed there. With those, what is there to fear even if the Tibetans were to head southward?" Zhangchou Jianqiong harrumphed coldly with haughty pride. It was impossible for one to become the Southern Protector-General, one of the top generals in the empire, without possessing true capability.

The reason why the southern border could enjoy more than a decade of relative peace wasn't just due to its advantageous terrain, nor luck. It was based on true strength! And as the saying goes, “there are no weak soldiers under a strong commander”. Similarly, Zhangchou Jianqiong wouldn't tolerate any weaklings under him!