Chapter 1345 - 329: Fatherly Love Like a Mountain (Part 3)

Chapter 1345: Chapter 329: Fatherly Love Like a Mountain (Part 3)

Alright, I’ll send two medical squads to each of you. As for treating the wounded, I’m not boasting, but my unit is the best in the entire army. Let them provide some training to your medics.

Additionally, take some cattle and sheep, let your brothers in the camp have a little feast."

That’s directly giving out benefits.

They treat you like a big brother,

so as their big brother, you must show some regard. Otherwise, do you think people would just naturally admire you?

Of course, these can only be considered small favors. On the battlefield, leading them to victories and earning military merits is the proper path.

The reason Prince Jingnan can still be supported by various military leaders despite destroying his family lies here.

"Thank you, Lord Zheng!"

"Thank you, Lord Zheng!"

Gong Wang also stood up and took his seat.

Actually, Lord Zheng valued him even more.

Gongsun Zhi felt more connected with Lord Zheng, thus finding it easier to get into the right mindset because he is a Yan.

But here with Lord Zheng, it’s actually Gong Wang, who is a Jin, who finds better development opportunities as he is of Jin origin.

It’s not that Lord Zheng dreams of rebellion,

but if that day truly comes,

which would be easier: urging Gong Wang or urging Gongsun Zhi to join you?

"Brother Gong."

"Lord."

"Let’s speak candidly. Perhaps elsewhere, there is a distinction between Yan and Jin, but with me, that distinction never existed. Yan and Jin people are treated equally here."

"Haha, Lord, don’t say that. It’s just because you treat Jin soldiers so well that many of my subordinates speak about wanting to join you."

Lord Zheng laughed too, saying:

"Don’t worry, that day will come."

Upon hearing this, both Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi’s eyes flashed.

When they arrived, they knelt together, making their positions clear.

But who knew that Lord Pingye not only gladly accepted but also started to lead them in rapid steps.

They thought they were fast-paced, only to find that Lord Pingye was truly quick.

Listen,

don’t worry, that day will come.

The implication is that their troops, sooner or later, will share the same payroll as his.

Logically, as the main general of an army, such a loss of independence is usually something to be opposed to or even repelled.

But,

it can only be said that from the initial distribution of troops and stations, Prince Jingnan might have already laid the groundwork.

Gong Wang, being a Jin, can rise no higher; the most he can hope for is some modest advancement in title. However, expecting the court to appoint someone of Jin origin as a lord to govern a region is not realistic even to him.

However, under him, not only is his own son present, but many sons and nephews of fellow soldiers remain. As it can be said, half of the future for the Situ Family’s retainers rests on his shoulders; he must find a way for them even if not for himself.

The simplest route may be raising the flag of rebellion to restore the Jin land...

But even Lord Zheng doesn’t dare to think of rebellion, let alone him.

And Gongsun Zhi, as Li Bao’s son-in-law, after Li Bao’s death, ended up separating from Li Bao’s son. This, of course, was partly the court’s hand in dismantling Li Bao’s division, but it wouldn’t have been utterly possible if he hadn’t wanted to cooperate.

Thus, his position became quite awkward. The generals of the Northern Army like Li Fusheng didn’t regard him. Even other leaders didn’t consider him as one of their own.

Being separated was liberating, but he was excluded from other circles.

Therefore, both men now find themselves looking for a protective power.

Lord Zheng’s newly risen position is not only dazzling but also, apart from his own troops, lacks external allegiances, making it the best choice both now and for future growth.

At a gathering,

everyone was quite satisfied.

Officially, the Eastern Front Army leaders of Yan’s campaign against Chu reached a consensus to closely cooperate and continue striving for Yan and the Yan Emperor’s glory;

Privately, it meant that a military faction centered around Lord Zheng was officially formed today.

Even Lord Zheng himself,

amidst the clinking of cups with tea as a substitute for wine,

couldn’t help but feel a bit dazed,

as if proceeding,

too smoothly, too naturally.

......

Upstream of Wang River, heavy rains poured for many days.

Moreover, it’s the season for Wang’s river to rise, causing some apprehension at various dikes.

Supplying the front lines had already drained a significant amount of manpower around Ying Capital City. Now, more human and material resources are needed for river management.

The Grand Tutor of Cheng State, Sun Youdao, who had just returned not long ago, was overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion.

Thankfully, due to Lord Zheng leading troops into the city last time and cleansing the Ying Capital bureaucracy, despite the difficulties, there were fewer obstacles in accomplishing tasks.

"Here, here, here, and here, hurry, everyone hurry!"

The Fifth Prince Ji Chengmin had two blisters on his lips, showing his mounting anxiety over these days.

Originally, he thought this trip to Ying Capital was only a formality, not expecting to fight in the front and manage river works in the back.

Manpower and materials were clearly lacking. All the servants from noble families in Ying Capital were mobilized, busy along the river embankment.

The Fifth Prince, as he stopped to rest and take a sip of water, saw a dwarf standing on the embankment.

Beside the dwarf stood a horse, upon which sat a woman with a large face and even larger hips, making the horse’s rear appear small.

Xue Three stabbed the embankment with a dagger,

cursing:

"Damn, were these dike materials sourced from that cheap place?"

"May I ask, Young Master Xue, what is this ’cheap place’?"

"Ah, that, you don’t need to know."

Xue Three turned toward the river, biting his nails and mumbling;

"This doesn’t seem like actual river work."