Chapter 357: The Outrageously Bold General
Chief Overseer Liu Jie had not expected his relationship with General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Cui to be so good.
As a close attendant of the Emperor, Liu Jie received courteous treatment wherever he went and had long grown accustomed to sycophantic behavior. However, no one had been like Deng Cui—both enthusiastic and casual, displaying not only the usual flattery from subordinate to superior, but also the intimate familiarity that could only be cultivated through years of friendship.
Deng Cui had once issued an order that only if the Emperor himself came knocking at the gates and received his approval would the gates be opened for passage. This was harsh talk, though not executed quite so strictly. Upon hearing that the Chief Overseer had personally come to deliver an imperial edict, the checkpoint quickly granted passage. Halfway there, Deng Cui personally led numerous generals to welcome them. Along the way, banners fluttered and banquets were lavish—before they had even reached the camp, Liu Jie and his party were already swaying drunkenly.
Liu Jie was no fool and quickly understood that Deng Cui was putting on this show for the Chu army generals to see. The young General of Chariots and Cavalry lacked sufficient prestige and could only command such a massive Chu army by relying on imperial authority.
Liu Jie was imperial authority extended. Deng Cui needed to make good use of him, and Liu Jie could only cooperate accordingly, though he did not particularly like such unusual methods.
Deng Cui had already recaptured most of Liaodong. The Xiongnu and Fuyu people had fled without a trace, so he took the opportunity to declare a ceasefire.
“This is exactly what I was waiting for.” Deng Cui patted Liu Jie’s shoulder beside him, treating him as a symbol of the Emperor and the imperial edict. “The timing is perfect—absolutely perfect.” Deng Cui winked at the generals in the hall, drawing hearty laughter. “His Majesty has divine foresight—everything is within His Majesty’s plans!”
Thus, Deng Cui’s eastern campaign seemed even more like a brilliant strategy personally authorized by the Emperor. Even Deng Cui’s previous refusal to cease hostilities now appeared to be an act he and the Emperor had performed for the Xiongnu.
Liu Jie had no choice but to smile and nod, though in his heart he felt that people like Chai Yue were true great generals, while Deng Cui was opportunistic with a bit of luck thrown in. Upon his return, he would definitely remind the Emperor that this man should not be entrusted with important responsibilities.