Chapter 1247 He Would

"Does Master believe the court will let Marquis Jingnan take the field again?" Ah Ming asked.

"Previously, when the Yan Emperor appointed the First Prince as commander, I didn't see any problem with it. The First Prince's performance was also fine. Even if another general had been appointed, it wouldn't necessarily have been better. Who knew the Chu people would suddenly appear and interfere?"

Of course, there was another layer of meaning in these words, which was that if Marquis Jingnan had been the commander, would the situation have really reached this point even if the Chu people had interfered?

Firstly, things that haven't happened always offer infinite possibilities, and people are always more hopeful about the latter.

Secondly, Marquis Jingnan's military achievements were so outstanding that it seemed nothing was impossible for him, and there were no opponents he couldn't defeat.

Zheng Fan paused and continued:

"The First Prince has suffered a defeat. I think the current situation is that the original Eastern Expeditionary Army has had to switch from offense to defense, relying on the Yingdu defense line to at least prevent the barbarian and Chu allied forces from crossing the Wangjiang River and pushing back.

"But this situation cannot last too long. Reinforcements must be sent, and according to the temperament and pride of the Yan people, the First Prince will inevitably be made a target of criticism. It's impossible for him to continue serving as commander of the Eastern Expeditionary Army."

"But our Yan Emperor is a stubborn one; he's not worried about being accused of favoring his own son."

"Yes, our Yan Emperor is indeed such a person. He can do what he believes in without hesitation, and persist in it.

"But the problem is no longer whether he insists on it, but that when the First Prince launched the Eastern Expedition, the Jingnan Army didn't move, and Marquis Jingnan didn't move. This was equivalent to having insurance, a safety net.

"Now, given the fact that there has already been a defeat, if the court wants to mobilize troops, it either continues to dispatch the remaining Zhenbei Army from the Yanjing area, or it has to draw troops from Xu Pangpang's side of the Southern Lookout City defense line, originally defending against the Qian Kingdom.

"Not to mention the long and troublesome journey, neither of these places can easily spare troops.

"Therefore, mobilizing the Jingnan Army, which is already stationed in Jin, is the most appropriate and necessary thing to do. And the various Jingnan Army leaders have already demonstrated with their actions to the First Prince, and also to His Majesty, that without Marquis Jingnan's orders, the Jingnan Army will simply not obey any orders.

"Furthermore, the Yan Kingdom can't afford to lose again. If the second Eastern Expedition fails, not only will the good situation of annexing Cheng Kingdom be completely lost, but even the conquered half of Jin land belonging to the Helian and Wenren families will be in danger of being buried.

"In this situation, replacing the commander means it must be Tian Wujing. There is no other option."

Because they couldn't afford to lose, there was no room for luck; they could only send out their trump card.

The Northern and Southern Marquises were the two peaks of the Yan military, but Li Liangting was at the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion in Beifeng County, and he needed to guard against the barbarians, so he couldn't be sent to command this battle.

Besides, when the First Prince led the army, the Yan Emperor wanted to cultivate his own son, fine, everyone could grit their teeth and understand, but if he really dared to transfer Li Liangting to command the Jingnan Army, it would really chill the hearts of the Jingnan Army from top to bottom. Maybe even if Tian Wujing didn't say anything, the Jingnan Army would rebel themselves!

"Master is indeed brilliant. This subordinate really didn't expect there to be so much calculation behind punishing the head of the Secret Intelligence Division."

The relationship between the Zheng family and the Jingnan Marquis's mansion was already inseparable, to the point that Zheng Fan couldn't change his allegiance even if he wanted to. Therefore, Zheng Fan had no choice but to rely on and get closer to Marquis Jingnan.

More importantly, once the war started, there was a high probability that the Shengle Army would once again be under the jurisdiction of Marquis Jingnan. If he didn't seize this opportunity to flatter and warm up the stove, when would he?

It could only be said that Xiao Liang had chosen the wrong target in his attempt to stand out. Seeing Tian Wujing's face, Zheng Fan had abolished the Third Prince, and the Yan Emperor hadn't even frowned. Now that he still wanted Tian Wujing to clean up the mess in Cheng Kingdom, let alone humiliate the head of the Secret Intelligence Division, even if Zheng Fan ran over to shout at Eunuch Wei, "You're missing something down there,"

it was estimated that he wouldn't be punished.

The Yan Emperor was an extremely realistic emperor.

However, Zheng Fan didn't take Ah Ming's flattery to heart, but instead said:

"Ultimately, I am that kid's godfather. As a godfather, I have to act like one, right?"

"Yes."

"Are you free?"

"The workshop has been shut down."

Ah Ming's position was equivalent to a research and development department manager, but since before, Shengle City's already stretched manpower and resources had been prioritized to meet the army's expedition needs, so he really had nothing to do.

"Okay, then come practice archery with me."

"............" Ah Ming.

...

The general mobilization order for the war had been issued. Thanks to Shengle City's promotional methods that exceeded this world, plus the basic theorem of pyramid schemes in the universe.

Unlike other places where there was panic as soon as war was heard, Shengle City had a kind of welcome-the-war feeling.

In fact, most of the time, subjective initiative was very important. In Zheng Fan's view, both the Jingnan Army and the Zhenbei Army had passed the stage of "single-mindedly seeking war."

Half of the Zhenbei Army had been enfeoffed, no longer having to gnaw sand on the border like before. The Jingnan Army had also left the narrow Yinlang County and was stationed in Jin.

With military achievements, history, and heritage, the hunger of these two armies was no longer as strong as before.

And in Shengle City, because the Jin army occupied the majority, as "second-class citizens," they were eager to gain their position through war, seeking their place in the new game rules and in front of the new dealer.

Furthermore, although life in Shengle City was a bit "repressive," it was a rare and stable life for people of this era. Cheap clinics and free private schools, which were incredibly troublesome even in later generations, were solved by General Zheng in Shengle.

It came at a great cost, but the effect of winning people's hearts was extremely strong. Cohesion was built in this way.

Therefore, when the military order came down, and they learned of the First Prince's defeat at Wangjiang, the military camps outside Shengle City were almost in an uproar.

Many people used the Jin dialect to say with relief and joy:

"Damn it, he finally lost, haha!"

Then, everyone's faces were filled with smiles as they began to make their final preparations.

Sharpen the already sharp blade;

Brush the already well-fed warhorse;

Accompanying the clear war mobilization order was the news that double pay would be issued starting next month, and next month's pay would be issued in advance. If the war was prolonged, the subsequent pay would naturally have to wait until the army returned to be settled.

Carriages loaded with boxes full of silver drove into the military camps, and the scribes of each department began to distribute it to each soldier.

The Shengle Army had more scribes than other armies, all of whom were "believers" chosen by the Blind Man. They were generally literate and had a strong sense of political integrity.

On weekdays, they were responsible for propaganda, conveying General Zheng's (the Blind Man's) spirit to the soldiers.

They had another important task, which was that each time military pay and military supplies were issued, they received and forwarded them by hand, rather than through the hands of the generals. This could prevent embezzlement and exploitation of soldiers to the greatest extent.

Of course, only the Shengle Army, this system built entirely from "three hundred barbarian soldiers," could carry out this kind of reform. Other armies had relationships that were too deeply entrenched, making it difficult to implement effectively.

After receiving their silver, the married soldiers took the silver home to their wives. They were about to go on an expedition, and swords and spears had no eyes. Heaven knew if they would come back alive, so it was extremely important to leave some extra wealth for their families.

Those single soldiers went to Shengle City's official exclusive red tents in groups.

Those who previously only dared to order barbarian female slaves this time splurged and changed to a fresher flavor.

For a time, the area outside the red tents was crowded with people, and many had to line up and loudly urge the brothers in front to hurry up.

There was nothing to be ashamed of. The soldiers who were about to go to the battlefield wanted to enjoy themselves before risking their lives; it was understandable.

Many soldiers also went to Juyi Restaurant for a meal. Juyi Restaurant was packed, and tables were specially set up on the streets.

Anyway, the entire Shengle City was the property of the General's Mansion, and Juyi Restaurant was state-run. If it wanted to operate on the streets, there would definitely be no city management to interfere.

However, from a macro perspective, after this wave of military pay was distributed, a lot of it flowed back into the General's Mansion's account.

As for the losses in between, they were naturally huge, but they could only be made up through external plunder.

Inside and outside the city, because of the war mobilization order, it became more and more noisy. Soon, the General's Mansion sent people to convey a new order: the curfew was canceled tonight.

For a time,

the city was filled with drunken soldiers cheering loudly:

"Long live General Zheng!"

Some, having drunk too much, shouted "Long live General Zheng," but were immediately punched in the face by the people around them to shut them up.

………

"Little Yu, you're working at the city gate, you'll be staying behind this time, right?"

The old woman asked cautiously as she sewed the soles of her shoes.

The child named Liu Dahu was practicing the characters the teacher had taught him today under the candlelight.

After his mother-in-law asked this question, the sound of the spatula in the kitchen stopped abruptly. Obviously, the woman in the kitchen was also waiting for his answer.

Yu Huaping shook his head and said:

"Of course, I have to go."

He was the Sword Saint of Jin, although the Jin Kingdom was gone, the people of Jin were still here. The barbarians were coming, and he had to wield his sword to kill the barbarians.

He had already lost so much, and this was all he had left.

Most importantly, Yu Huaping didn't believe that the guy named Zheng would agree to let him continue staying here to guard the city gate.

Sometimes, based on what he had seen and heard in Shengle City, Yu Huaping felt that Zheng Fan was more like a merchant than a general, and a merchant would squeeze the value out of everything around him as much as possible.

For example, his sword.

"Ni'er's monthly salary isn't much, but it's not little either, and your job's monthly pay isn't low either. Together, we can have a good life. Why bother?"

"If the barbarians can't be stopped outside, they'll come here. Then, the good days we have now will be gone."

The old woman was speechless for a moment.

In this era, women like her, even if they were old, could easily chat and argue about household matters, but on big issues, it was difficult for them to respond.

Yu Huaping smiled again:

"Besides, General Zheng is very good at fighting wars. This expedition should be aimed at winning. When we return in triumph, I'll have earned some military merit and received rewards, and then I can..."

Hearing this, the old woman's eyes immediately lit up, and she hurriedly asked:

"Then you can do what?"

"I can get a set of silver jewelry for Ni'er."

"Oh my, oh my." The old woman covered her mouth and laughed, then shouted into the kitchen, "Ni'er, did you hear that, did you hear that?"

The woman in the kitchen was too embarrassed to speak.

The old woman grabbed Yu Huaping's hand, eager to finalize the matter completely,

If it weren't for the fact that this Little Yu had good looks, and the old woman, having come from being a young woman herself, naturally knew that not only did men like pretty women, but women actually liked handsome men, so she knew what her daughter-in-law was thinking,

otherwise, based on Yu Huaping's dragging behavior, the old woman would have kicked him out long ago with a broom.

Alas,

women, although they often say that it's safest to find a reliable man to marry, who doesn't like their bedmate to be a little more handsome?

"My Dahu, I'm open-minded. In the future, he can take your surname, Yu. The Yu surname a hundred years ago was a glorious imperial surname. Taking the Yu surname isn't a loss. I only ask that you treat him well, treat my Ni'er well. I'll be at peace even when I close my eyes."

Yu Huaping smiled, not saying anything.

After a while,

the woman came out with the food. Small families didn't bother with formalities when eating.

Two square wooden benches were put together to hold the dishes, and three or two small square stools were used as seats.

There was a lot of meat today, and Liu Dahu ate happily.

The old woman blinked her eyes and couldn't help but say halfway through the meal:

"You still have to go back to pack up later, right?"

"Ah, um."

Yu Huaping understood. The old woman was afraid that he would stay here after dinner tonight.

The old woman really thought that way. Although they had talked everything over, it was still an expedition, and who could guarantee that there wouldn't be any mishaps?

If he stayed here tonight, wouldn't her Ni'er be at a disadvantage?

Although she was the mother of a child, and not some unmarried young woman, there was still a big difference between being a widowed woman and a twice-widowed woman. And if this Little Yu didn't have the fate to live, and died in battle, wouldn't that confirm her Ni'er's fate of being a jinx?

It would be difficult to find someone again in the future.

To be safe, just have a meal today. If he wants to stay, wait until the war is over to thoroughly tie the knot.

If you Little Yu can come back safely, even if you're injured, the old woman will accept it and take care of you, her son-in-law;

if something happens to you and you can't come back, then burn some paper money for you as a token of friendship when you offer incense to the child's father during festivals;

if you earn military merit and become successful, and you don't like Ni'er when you come back, then so be it. If you're really that kind of person, it's better that Ni'er didn't marry you.

However, no matter how loud the old woman's calculations were, they couldn't withstand the woman's words.

The woman held her bowl and ate slowly, saying calmly:

"Sleep here tonight."

The women of Jin were similar to the women of Yan in some ways, with a wild and generous side, unlike the women of Qian and Chu, who had so many restrictions and formalities.

And after all, she was a widowed woman who had been married and had a child, taking care of this family alone. Without a bit of decisiveness and ability to make decisions, it was impossible.

Hearing this, the old woman hurriedly poked her daughter-in-law's shoe with her toes.

Yu Huaping's smile became even brighter,

He reached out and took out a bag of silver from his pocket.

He placed it on the table,

thud,

heavy.

The old woman's eyes went straight!

"This is my military pay. You can keep it first. When I come back from the war, we'll take good care of the family. I have to let you marry me in style, not be stingy."

The Sword Saint was getting married,

In the past, the king would send envoys to congratulate him.

Although the Jin Kingdom was gone now, the kings of other countries would only be more enthusiastic, because a Sword Saint without a home country was easier to recruit.

"My goodness, why is there so much silver? I did hear the neighbor's Second Niu's wife say this afternoon that General Zheng was considerate of the soldiers and issued double pay for next month in advance, but you're just a city gate guard, why is your military pay so high?

Little Yu, tell me the truth.

General Zheng is not unkind to us commoners. I see that we didn't have to pay for seeing a doctor and Dahu going to school; you can't reach out for what you shouldn't be taking;

See those officials' chairs covered with layers of human skin? They were all peeled alive from those who were found to have embezzled money."

"This includes the silver from the previous months. I haven't used it all along. I've been saving it, so it seems like more."

It was more than just saving it; he hadn't even gone to collect his military pay at all.

Because the Sword Saint's food and lodging were all covered by the General's Mansion, in this Shengle City, even if the Sword Saint wanted to go to the red tents to patronize the top courtesans every day, General Zheng would have to sign the bill and serve him.

It was just that today, seeing everyone going to collect their military pay, the Sword Saint went to ask about it and collected the previous pay he hadn't received.

Giving his military pay to the woman,

the Sword Saint suddenly felt a very warm feeling in his heart.

"Oh, so that's how it is, so that's how it is, Ni'er, you quickly take it for Little Yu."

The woman didn't reach out.

The old woman kicked her again, signaling her to hurry up.

Yu Huaping also said,

"Take it, when I come back, I don't have any relatives here."

The woman bit her lip and nodded, counting the silver in front of him.

The old woman kicked her again, but the woman dodged it. The woman continued to count the silver, and even went into the house to get a scale to weigh it.

Seeing this, the old woman's face was filled with shame.

Who knew that after counting, the woman put away the silver, solemnly announced the amount, and then said:

"I'll keep it for you first, and when you come back, I guarantee I'll give it back to you, not a penny less."

"Okay." Yu Huaping nodded.

After eating,

Yu Huaping walked out of the cramped courtyard,

Just as he came to the street,

he happened to run into Zheng Fan, who was taking an evening stroll with Ah Ming.

Of course, he ran into him, but whether it was really a coincidence or not was unknown.

But pleasantries had to be said,

General Zheng said with a smile:

"What a coincidence."

The Sword Saint smiled, too lazy to cooperate.

Next, it became a trio.

The Sword Saint spoke first:

"Your Yan people's First Prince suffered a defeat; this time, they should let Tian Wujing take command again, right?"

"Uh, are you planning to challenge the Marquis again?"

"Wait until we've fought the barbarians before mentioning that."

"You're noble."

The Sword Saint's moral standards and integrity in terms of national and family feelings were impeccable.

"Is it him?"

"How should I put it? We know the military situation early. At this moment, I estimate that Yanjing is still busy with the wedding of the Zhenbei Marquis's daughter and the Crown Prince. Maybe His Majesty doesn't know about this yet."

Cheng Kingdom was very close to Shengle.

But it was very, very far from Yanjing. Even with an urgent message of 800 li, it wouldn't be that fast. There was bound to be a time difference.

"But..." Zheng Fan paused, and then said: "But it's very likely that the Marquis will take command again."

The Sword Saint suddenly said:

"Tian Wujing, is he willing?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Hehe." The Sword Saint chuckled twice, "I'm saying, will he be willing?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Some things can only be understood and not expressed."

The Sword Saint looked at Zheng Fan and continued:

"You haven't asked me about what happened in Litian City those few days, have you? Not asking proves that you actually have an idea in your mind."

Du Juan was a Silver Armor Guard of the Qian Kingdom, and her death was to sow discord between Marquis Jingnan and the court;

Yan Kingdom's National Preceptor Xue Yi, disrobed at Tianhu Mountain, carrying the fortune of Tianhu Mountain and his own fortune to support the Yan Cauldron. At the same time, it was also to prove his innocence to Tian Wujing.

That was the outline of the events.

But there were actually many knots in it. The most obvious point was that Du Juan handed the child over to the Sword Saint in order to protect the child.

In the dark, an invisible hand seemed to have been tinkering in secret.

Zheng Fan remembered that day on the threshold in front of the mourning hall,

Marquis Jingnan, whose hair had turned white overnight, said the word "Jingnan" to him. (Jingnan is a reference to a historical coup, often translated as the "removal of difficulties.")

Including later, when Marquis Jingnan personally ascended Tianhu Mountain, it was rumored that Marquis Jingnan forced the National Preceptor to death, forcing him to prove his innocence by death.

But those who really understood Tian Wujing knew that Marquis Jingnan liked to control everything when fighting, peeling away the layers to get to the truth. He was like that when fighting, and he should be the same with people and things.

"What do you say, will Tian Wujing take command?"

Zheng Fan hesitated for a moment,

and said:

"He will, probably."

Because it was for the sake of the Yan Kingdom.

The Sword Saint sighed and said:

"Yes, you and I both know, and many people actually know, Tian Wujing will eventually leave the Marquis's mansion and take command.

"Hehe,

"Decades or centuries later, if your Great Yan still exists, the Yan people of that time may read this piece of history and sigh with emotion that the three peaks of Great Yan stubbornly carried the sky of the Yan Kingdom, and the Yan Kingdom's power was indeed strong for a time, suppressing other countries.

"But probably no one will know that the most bitter, heaviest, and most injured peak was actually surnamed Tian."