Chapter 1456 - 351: Setting Sail (Part 3)

Chapter 1456: Chapter 351: Setting Sail (Part 3)

......

There’s no denying it, the art of language is truly remarkable. When Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi, these seasoned veterans, returned to the military camp from Lord Zheng, they were visibly elated and excited.

They understood the need for steadiness, composure, and not expressing emotions openly, but they were genuinely inspired.

Of course, language often floats without roots; it likes to cling to power, pretending to be strong, for the essence of language depends on who speaks it.

Lord Zheng’s status is evident here,

and his experiences are evident here; victories achieved after hundreds of miles of raids to the hinterland are not unheard of!

Prince Jingnan’s regard for Lord Pingye, the two generals also learned further details from their sons.

Especially when Lord Zheng sent them off,

he said the last sentence,

softly and casually, yet thoughtfully:

"Gong Lin and Gongsun Zhen, these two kids, will stay in Jade Plate City. Should they fall in battle, someone must inherit the title."

There’s nothing more to say,

we’re betting on it!

......

"Lord, your rhetoric just now, I admire it."

Gou Moli always felt that this master before him was quite similar to himself in many ways.

For instance, both were adept at using their words.

The term "word artillery," after all, came from the blind man.

Lord Zheng took a sip of tea, moistening his throat, and said:

"They didn’t have a choice. They came here to truly commit themselves, to fight more liberally and firmly."

Military orders are as immutable as mountains!

Lord Zheng had been directly commanded by Prince Jingnan countless times, often taking action with gritted teeth.

Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi were actually similar.

When they needed persuasion, the effect was often best.

"Next batch, please."

Lord Zheng took out a mint candy and popped it into his mouth.

The next batch was the representatives from the five thousand elite troops Lord Zheng had drawn on.

Previously, for confidentiality, Lord Zheng hadn’t dared to disclose the war plans to those below; now, with deployment imminent, he had to hastily conduct ideological work.

For what awaits him and this army soon are the long, swaying cabins of ships, and then, after disembarking, finding themselves isolated by hundreds of thousands of Chu troops within the Chu region.

If it were the former Snow Sea army, there would be no need to go through this process;

but his main troops had suffered significant losses in several earlier battles, and this time another ten thousand soldiers from other sections were supplemented. Without stabilizing and organizing the morale, major issues would arise upon arrival in the Chu region.

Qian State’s literati wrote frontier poems, always praising "loyalty" and "serving the nation";

there’s no denying that those wielding the pen hold the discourse power.

But as an earl who climbed from the grassroots, Lord Zheng knew what the soldiers truly desired.

It was military merit and silver rewards,

the hope of leisurely spending a night in the red tent instead of the quick embarrassment and hurry after launching their arrow.

"Loyalty to the sovereign, love for the nation,"

they had it,

but this couldn’t be their sustenance. Shouting before a battle to boost morale was possible, but expecting it to last was wishful thinking.

Thus, skilled rhetoric was crucial.

Lord Zheng shared the plans with them while painting a more tangible future.

After defeating the Chu,

those willing to join Snow Sea Guard under his command would find convenience and favor; those wanting to return to original units would be assured promotions.

Simultaneously, Lord Zheng presented a stack of regulations, detailing his benefits, namely the pension standards of Snow Sea Pass.

Some among them came from poor backgrounds, and seeing this made them quite happy;

while others from Lord North or Prince Jingnan’s troops, although their benefits weren’t as high as Snow Sea Army’s, weren’t much worse either, but the court’s pension was by the court, and Lord Zheng personally supplemented, effectively doubling the joy.

These officers would inform their soldiers of these matters upon returning to camp.

Similarly, prior actions by Gongsun Zhi and Gong Wang would help Lord Zheng soothe their subordinates.

As the number of troops under one’s command grew, attention would shift from the individual soldier to controlling the generals.

Lord Zheng now did just that.

Offering money and promotions;

Lord Zheng had great reputation so promises held weight.

In the end, after one round after another of such dealings, night had fallen.

"Alas."

Lord Zheng reached out to rub his throat, feeling it on the verge of smoking.

"My lord, you’ve worked hard. As you can see, my first division soldiers were already well placated by me."

Gou Moli beamed as he offered freshly brewed tea.

Lord Zheng took the cup, removed the lid, and blew on it, saying:

"In the end, there’s still some anxiety within, otherwise, there’d be no need for so many words."

"Preparing more before battle is always right."

Lord Zheng nodded,

and said:

"For years now, after so many hardships, I’ve felt that I’m getting closer to what I truly want."

"Born in Beifeng Prefecture, the first encounter was with the vast Earl of North Border’s mansion."

Now, as long as this battle is won, the foundation would be solidly established.

To be ennobled, to have dominion, he would have his own earl’s mansion.

Whether it’s division, being a frontier town, loyalty to the sovereign, or defending the border for the nation,

it’s all possible,

he could finally relax, look around, and view the world from another perspective.

To be honest,

Lord Zheng actually hoped the Yan Emperor would persevere a bit longer, to strive and create a miracle of life.

So it wouldn’t be soon after the victory and rewards that he’d need to assist Ji Chengjue in vying for the throne.

Too tiring, too tight-knit,

he still wanted to enjoy life.

......

Two days later, at night,

troops boarded ships in orderly formations,

The wind on the river was somewhat swift;

Lord Zheng stood on deck in gold armor, arms outstretched,

and softly said:

"Chu, I, Zheng Fan, have returned again."

——————

Recommend my friend Yi Lu Ji Li’s new book "Left Path Jianghu," it’s a prolific author, with plenty to satisfy.

Thanks to Dan Zong SDF and &Piao Guo&, for becoming "Devour the World"’s new alliance leaders!

Thanks to Dao Hu for the Silver Alliance.

There’s still some issues with my schedule, haven’t fully adjusted, my mental state isn’t good, and I don’t dare to write the next plot without the right state, so today it’s just one update, will strive to write more tomorrow, and thank everyone for their support!

Actually, the problem lies within my writing style, and being highly dependent on my state, after writing intensively for a period, there’ll be fluctuations, requiring a bit of adjustment.