Chapter 1424 - 342: Raising the Banner (2)

Chapter 1424: Chapter 342: Raising the Banner (2)

Lord Zheng greeted the surrounding soldiers while riding the Pixiu towards the King’s Tent. The soldiers were allotted some wine, though in very small quantities, yet many still held their empty bowls, occasionally licking the bottom in search of the last trace of the spicy liquor.

Drinking wine represents a kind of hedonism, which is inherent to human nature.

In the army, the soldiers undergo extremely strict training daily and live a life where they lick the blade’s edge, with an underlying fierceness deeply embedded in their bones.

Especially now that the Yan Army has exerted itself in this distant campaign, facing the once formidable defenses of the Chu people.

Logically speaking, the violence accumulated in the soldiers’ hearts must have reached a peak.

Therefore, the army needs to be rewarded with good wine and meat at this time.

Otherwise, the army’s morale will inevitably decline, which is the best-case scenario; with a little carelessness, a mutiny or camp riot might even occur.

Thus, whenever the grand army sets out, it disturbs the local region; if on foreign soil, they plunder, and if on domestic soil, they threaten local officials for offerings.

It’s not that they don’t know this isn’t good, but they’re truly left with no choice.

However, under Tian Wujing’s governance, this problem doesn’t exist, at least not commonly.

If you can’t personally enter this military camp and truly touch the core of this army, you can’t comprehend Tian Wujing’s role in this Southern Pacification Army-led campaign against the Chu.

A true stabilizing force.

For letting loose several hundred thousand lords who would otherwise wreak havoc becomes orderly camping and settlement here is truly not easy.

He pulled the reins,

got off the Pixiu,

and walked forward on foot,

The King’s Tent, the foundation of the Central Military Camp, seemed to have an invisible boundary encircling it, blocking all outside clamor.

"Old man, greets Lord Pingye."

Drunk Immortal Weng finally awaited Lord Pingye.

Lord Zheng still remembered this elder, who bore an official rank from the Spy Bureau, sometimes in Yanjing, sometimes in Beifeng Prefecture, and now unexpectedly here again.

He was considered the best illustration of selling oneself to the imperial house, obtaining what he wanted without losing his freedom.

Many things in this world are hard to achieve in harmony; it’s all about whether one can control and measure.

"Greetings, Immortal Weng."

"Long time no see, long time no see indeed."

Drunk Immortal Weng couldn’t say much more since his acquaintance with Zheng Fan was but a polite, brief encounter in the past.

"Immortal Weng still looks spirited, worth envying."

"Hahaha, Lord is still young and vigorous, like the rising sun. Why would he care about an old man’s sunset years?"

"Is the Prince inside?"

Lord Zheng asked.

There was indeed nothing much to talk about with this person in front of him.

Moreover, in recent days, Hu Bamei brought back by Xue Three made Lord Zheng slightly wary of these truly proficient practitioners.

Although when Master Zang cut the Dragon Vein in Yanjing City, the Yan Emperor was broad-minded and unconcerned.

But that’s because he is the Yan Emperor, with two Marquis and several hundred thousand Yan Iron Cavalry as backing;

As for himself,

he didn’t really want to be taken seriously by some nonsense prophecy and ultimately be bound and burned like a medieval witch.

Drunk Immortal Weng nodded and sidestepped, making way.

Lord Zheng walked forward,

but his shoulder was pressed by Drunk Immortal Weng.

Lord Zheng’s gaze sharpened,

he did not believe that within the King’s Tent, under Tian Wujing’s watchful eyes, anyone would dare to harm him.

"Lord, there is something I forgot; this is a calming talisman drawn by me personally. Please accept it as my congratulations on your great victory this time."

Lord Zheng reached out to receive the talisman but merely held it in his hand, not placing it in his bosom.

Back then, Yao Zizhan also gave him a talisman, saying it could ward off evil spirits, but... he lacked everything but evil spirits around him.

He lifted the curtain and entered the King’s Tent.

Lord Zheng casually placed the talisman on a rack beside him.

Tian Wujing sat on the commander’s seat, holding a wine glass, merely watching.

"Reporting in!"

"Have a seat."

Lord Zheng sat down. Soon, a personal guard came in and served a glass of wine, without a pot, and refilling was impossible.

"Prince, the commander of the West Mountain Fort, Zhou Huaizong and Fong Yuanyang were captured; Shi Chengmou died in battle. When I left, Li Fusheng was ordering the cleanup of remnants."

Tian Wujing nodded and said:

"With the capture of both East and West Forts, the subsequent progress can be much quicker."

"Yes, Prince."

"An oral decree from the palace has arrived, asking how long the battle will still last."

Lord Zheng’s eyes immediately lit up.

This gleam was caught by Tian Wujing, who continued to stare at the wine in his hand, simply shaking his head slightly, and said:

"You should learn some restraint."

"Before the Prince, restraint isn’t necessary for me."

"This battle needs to be fought a bit faster."

If the Yan Emperor could not hold on until the end of the Chu campaign, his passing would have an immeasurable impact on the entire frontline against the Chu.

If Tian Wujing is the stabilizing force in the Yan army, then the Yan Emperor is the talisman for the current Yan situation.

Yan’s balance and the current nationwide unity, seemingly thriving, in truth, is quite delicate.

It’s only with the Yan Emperor in that position that the Yan people can tighten their belts, send their husbands, sons, and nephews to the front line, and fight this war for Yan.

The Yan Emperor is where the people’s hearts rest, and where the various political forces both in and outside the court rest.

The supreme ruler is termed supreme because he shoulders the responsibility of the whole nation and its people.