Chapter 673: The Allied Forces [Two-in-One]

"Are you two generals here today for a visit or to seek revenge? There's no need to ruin my mess, is there?" Shen Tang joked with a smile.

Chao Lian's fair face turned bright red with embarrassment.

He had tried his best to stop his sworn brother, but the other was stronger than him and determined to see Shen Jun, charging around like a wild bull. He was practically being dragged along. Chao Lian had no choice but to clasp his hands in apology, and then slapped his brother on the back of the head in annoyance: "You brat, aren't you going to apologize to Shen Jun?"

Shao Chong pouted and said, "Twelfth Brother, you hit me hard."

Chao Lian wasn't buying his sweet talk.

She tugged at his ear: "You're so thick-skinned, you actually feel pain?"

Shao Chong begged for mercy repeatedly, clasping his hands in a fist and pleading with Shen Tang: "I was wrong, I was wrong, okay? Please, Twelfth Brother, go easy on me."

Shen Tang didn't bother arguing with the brothers, and gave Gu Chi a wink—"Show off how many people Shao Chong injured and what he destroyed, put it all on the tab, and let Gu Ren pay for it." Gu Chi understood immediately, silently adding fuel to the fire in his mind, preparing to take even more of Gu Ren's flesh.

"Shen Jun, do you still remember me?" Shao Chong quickly approached Shen Tang's side, using his martial arts prowess to subtly push Gu Chi aside. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he introduced himself, "My name is Shao Chong, Shao as in Shao Yang, and Chong as in furious."

Shen Tang looked at Chao Lian with a hint of surprise.

If I remember correctly, Shao Chong had some mental issues. Looking at him now, although he still has some childishness, he possesses more of the vibrant energy of a young man. His eyes are clear and bright, not like someone whose mind hasn't yet developed.

Chao Lian explained with a smile, "Back then, thanks to Shen Jun who told Thirteen the true root of his illness, my brothers and I have tried every means to find renowned doctors and various methods to treat the symptoms over the past few years. Finally, we were able to suppress the things inside Thirteen's body. Perhaps for this reason, Thirteen's mind has gradually returned to normal..."

Although Thirteen was good before, he was ignorant and naive back then. Once he left the protection of his brothers and fell into the hands of villains, he would become a killing knife in their hands and be completely exploited until his last bit of value was squeezed out.

The current Thirteenth Prince is at least much more reassuring.

Upon hearing this, Shen Tang offered her congratulations.

He was dissatisfied with not getting a response and pouted.

But how could Shen Tang miss his expression?

He said, "I remember you. Your courtesy name was Jingping."

Shao Chong's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously.

"Yes, yes, I remember the candy and pig you gave me."

Chao Lian's lips twitched slightly.

Some people don't want to admit that the gluttonous person is their brother.

Ever since Shen Tang coaxed him with candy years ago, Shao Chong has been obsessed with that candy. Already addicted to sweets, he has become even more unrestrained. If it weren't for his martial arts prowess and the fact that his elder brother Gu Ren kept him in check, his teeth would have rotted away long ago.

Shen Tang was slightly surprised.

She thought the brothers were sent by Gu Ren to test her, but she didn't expect them to be after the food: "We have candy, but the pigs cost money."

Chao Lian: "..."

Upon hearing this, he thought he was hallucinating. Just a pig? Shen Jun, as the leader of a faction, dared to ask for money? Shen Tang knew what he was thinking at a glance and sighed, "You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household."

After saying that, he laughed and said, "It's not that I'm asking you for it."

Isn't there still Gu Ren, the sucker?

Chao Lian: "..."

Although Longwu County now boasts a lucrative refined salt business and has seen returns from large-scale mulberry tree planting and silkworm breeding, Shen Tang is a sentimental person who never forgets her humble beginnings in pig farming. Therefore, she opened several pig farms.

Every pig is raised using scientific methods.

She castrated the first batch of piglets herself.

Of these, 50% of the premium pigs went to the market, 30% were supplied to the military as rewards, and the remaining 20% ​​were supplied to government canteens and as monthly salaries and benefits for government officials. Of course, 20 pigs were also set aside each year as prizes for riding pigs at the sports meet.

In this battle, Shen Tang brought out a hundred pigs.

Every now and then, slaughter a few animals so that your soldiers can also taste the flavor of fresh meat soup, instead of just eating dry rations all day long.

Gu Ren's two sworn brothers, don't they need a pig?

The young man is promising and riding high on success.

This is Shen Tang's current impression of Shao Chong.

If he could eat with a little more manners instead of looking like a starving ghost, Shen Tang's evaluation would be even higher.

Shao Chong put down the rice bucket and wiped his mouth.

The food counter was covered with cleanly gnawed pork bones.

Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, it's time to get down to business.

What important business is it?

Naturally, it was an invitation to challenge Shen Tang.

Shen Tang refused and poured a basin of cold water over the water.

Shao Chong: "Why? Is Shen Jun afraid of battle?"

Chao Lian sternly rebuked, "Thirteen, how dare you be rude!"

Shen Tang waved his hand: "It's alright. I'm actually quite curious to know how much the young general's strength has improved. My reluctance to fight isn't due to cowardice. Firstly, it's not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise after a meal. Secondly, the energy I build up after eating is for fighting the enemy, not my own people. How about we settle things after this battle?"

Upon hearing this, Shao Chong wholeheartedly agreed: "Of course it's possible."

At this moment, a message was sent from outside the tent.

Another person came to the door; this time it was Gu Ren's sixth brother.

He entered and saw that his two sworn brothers' dining table was a mess, with the lingering aroma of food still in the air. His lips twitched slightly: "No wonder I couldn't find you two today..."

Shen Tang said, "It's about catching up with old friends."

Then he asked the other person if they were looking for someone.

To everyone's surprise, the other party shook their head and said no.

He wasn't there to find his troublesome sworn brother, but rather to test Shen Tang's stance on behalf of his lord, Gu Ren.

The Dragon Slaying Bureau has lost Qiu Cheng and gained the more powerful Shen Tang. At first glance, this seems to increase overall strength, but if Shen Tang doesn't put in the effort, he'll just be a hindrance: "These years have been filled with frequent wars, and there are starving people everywhere, even cannibalism. We are fighting against evil with the support of the people, and our initial intention is simply to bring peace to the common people. I wonder what Lord Shen thinks?"

"What's there to think about? If we don't do it for real, are we going to do it fake? I came here to add fuel to the fire for killing Zheng Qiao. Did I bring 30,000 troops out for a spring outing? I know what Gu Ziyi is worried about. Tell him to put his mind at ease." Shen Tang paused, then explained his and Wu Xian's entire plan, trying to win over Gu Ren to cooperate.

The more the other person listened, the brighter their eyes became.

"This plan is brilliant!"

Shen Tang was unaware that Gu Ren had also been having a tough time lately.

The atmosphere within the allied forces was relaxed and lax. No matter how much the alliance leader Huang Lie tried to motivate them, those slackers with ulterior motives continued to do as they pleased, yet they couldn't be too harsh on them out of politeness. Gu Ren and his sworn brothers all had blood feuds with Zheng Qiao, and seeing their revenge getting further and further away, their rage could no longer be contained.

Gu Ren, the eldest brother, went around acting as a firefighter to put out fires.

Now that Shen Tang has arrived, he has provided a practical solution, giving them a glimmer of hope for unity. Gu Ren, the sixth brother, repeatedly expressed his gratitude. Not long after he returned, Gu Ren sent someone to the Tianhai camp, and several other figures took advantage of the night to visit several friendly forces to persuade them. The details of their persuasion need not be elaborated.

On the third day, Huang Lie's envoy came to invite them.

Shen Tang knew she had to go to a meeting again.

This wasn't the makeshift team of yesteryear anymore; she made a grand entrance this time, bringing two civil officials and two military personnel. Gu Chi was the go-to person for listening in meetings, and Luan Xin, knowing everyone in the Dragon Slaying Bureau, was a decent secretary and assistant. The martial arts experts were up to them.

Anyone who has nothing to do will follow along.

In addition, a hundred guards were added to make a grand display.

When Shen Tang arrived, half of the main tent staff had already arrived.

This was also the first time she had ever seen Huang Lie in person.

Contrary to expectations, Huang Lie didn't have the look of a ruthless warlord. On the contrary, his features exuded a simple and unassuming air, and his clothing was also low-key and plain. If you threw him into a field or anywhere else, he would at first glance appear to be an ordinary, honest, and law-abiding commoner. Who would have thought that he was a master of Gu poison and commanded ten thousand heavily armored warriors who were like bulldozers on the battlefield?

Even Shen Tang couldn't see any murderous aura emanating from him.

Tsk—

We should bring Xian Deng over.

Xian Deng and Huang Lie were old acquaintances.

Shen Tang sat down in a rather conspicuous spot. His bottom had barely touched the mat and hadn't even warmed up when he heard the alliance leader, Huang Lie, speak, pointing directly at Shen Tang: "Is this Prefect Shen of Longwu County?"

She replied, "It is I."

Huang Lie chuckled and said, "Mr. Shen is so young."

Shen Tang said seriously, "After all, he's only seventeen."

How should one age?

No one knows what Huang Lie thought of these words, but after exchanging a few dry words with her, he turned and went to talk to other people.

Gu Chi: "..."

Naturally, it's because you, my lord, killed the conversation.

Before long, almost everyone had arrived.

Because the Dragon Slaying Bureau had been established for nearly two years, its leader, Huang Lie, had a stable position, eliminating the need for alliance meetings to vie for leadership and allowing them to quickly move on to the deployment of supplies and troops. Huang Lie, after much painful reflection, conducted a post-battle summary of last year's final battle, offering self-criticism…

Shen Tang then observed the expressions of the allied forces.

Tsk tsk, there are indeed quite a few people who slack off.

It seems that daydreaming during meetings is something that can happen anywhere.

When Huang Lie arranged for the vanguard of the allied forces, the silent, tedious, and sleep-inducing meeting suddenly became as lively as a market. Everyone chimed in, their words filled with concerns about becoming cannon fodder. Until, someone turned their fire on Shen Tang and his group.

Shen Tang: "...???"

This is blatant workplace bullying of a newbie!

She just arrived and she wants to make her cannon fodder?

"This person looks unfamiliar. May I ask his name?" Judging from the position he was sitting, he must have a considerable number of soldiers and be of high rank.

"My surname is Tao, my given name is Yan, and my courtesy name is Shenyu." The name is quite refined, and judging from his attire and demeanor, he seems more like a scholar-general.

Shen Tang didn't notice, but Luan Xin noticed that when Gu Chi heard that person's name, his eyes were filled with a storm of emotions!

Looking again, Gu Chi had already calmed down.

Luan Xin re-examined Tao Shenyu's words.

Luan Xin knew something about this person, but not much.

I've only heard that this person comes from the royal family of a small kingdom. His kingdom was destroyed by the Xin Kingdom not many years after its founding, and many nobles fled, hiding and lobbying everywhere, plotting a so-called plan to restore their kingdom. This Tao Shenyu is supposedly of royal blood.

Luan Xin found it laughable.

It's just unclear what the relationship is between Tao Shenyu and Gu Chi.

Judging from the looks of it, it's not a good relationship.

Luan Xin withdrew his gaze, displaying a calm and detached attitude, as if watching a spectacle unfold.

"Oh, I've heard so much about you."

"Does Mr. Shen think that Mr. Tao's previous suggestion was wrong?"

"I've only been here a few days, and I'm not afraid of being laughed at. I don't even know which way the Allied Forces' gate faces, let alone the terrain of Xingyang Road. Are you sure you want to entrust such an important vanguard position to me?"

Tao Yan narrowed his eyes: "Shen Jun is far too careless."

Shen Tang: "You make it sound like if I cared, I could find out the map of Xingyang Road, which is far away from Longwu."

Maps are confidential items, aren't they?

"Did Shen Jun gain nothing from his battle with Qiu Wenyan?"

Shen Tang spoke very frankly: "Of course there was a harvest, a mess in Sibao County. I'm so short-handed here that my subordinates have to use 'half-heartedness' to handle things. What, you conquered a place but don't think about governing it, you're only thinking about digging out a map that has nothing to do with the land from the spoils of war?"

"you--"

Tao Yan also didn't expect Shen Tang to have this kind of temper.

Shen Tang tilted her head, looking puzzled: "Did I say something wrong?"

Those faction leaders who knew Shen Tang turned their faces away; they vividly remembered the scene of him drunkenly beating up his allies years ago. Whoever provoked him was doomed. Wu Xian and Gu Ren even tried to smooth things over, essentially taking sides.

Tao Yan's expression darkened at every word he spoke.

Shen Tang felt refreshed and alert, but then she noticed an unfriendly gaze fixed on her. She looked in that direction and asked, "May I ask your name?"

The burly, dark-faced man said, "Qian Yong, courtesy name Shuhe."

Shen Tang: "..."

"Oh ho, it's Qian Yong, the one who tried to raid her house with his troops while she was fighting with Qiu Wenyan, only to be outmaneuvered and taken down by Kang Shi and his men in a fit of rage." Shen Tang didn't know what to say for a moment, so she returned a bright smile.

Master Chen Yin-Yang Tang: "I have long admired your name."

Qian Yong: "..."

The more people in a meeting, the more arguments and disputes arise.

Shen Tang wasn't the main character, and few people paid her any attention. In the end, her troops were assigned to a support position on the left flank—not the best, but not the worst either. As long as Zheng Qiao's troops didn't attempt a pincer movement or a diagonal attack from the side, this position was manageable. The crucial supply train transport was entrusted to Huang Lie's most trusted heavy shield warriors.

No one objected to this point.

In terms of strength, their elite troops are no match for the heavy shield warriors, so entrusting them with supplies is the safest option.

After making arrangements, it was another long and tedious operational meeting. Shen Tang wanted to listen carefully, but Huang Lie's voice was too hypnotic, so she nodded her head and half-opened her eyes.

After what seemed like an eternity, the heavenly sound of the meeting ending was finally heard.

"It's finally over..." The meeting was so boring that everyone was distracted. Zheng Qiao took the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, hitting his target every time.

Shen Tang prepared to leave with his men.

Go back and get a good night's sleep.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Tao Yan was glancing in his direction from time to time. He wondered to himself, could he be a friend of the perverted old rookie, or perhaps the second perverted old rookie? Hearing Shen Tang's thoughts, Gu Chi, who had just breathed in the fresh air outside the tent, chuckled.

Shen Tang stretched and woke up: "Isn't that right?"

Gu Chi: "He probably came here because of Chi."

Shen Tang asked in surprise, "You?"

Hey, Gu Chi has an old enemy too?

"It's not like Qi Yuanliang is the only one with enemies all over the world."

"Oh, what grudge does he have against you?"

Having many enemies is nothing to be ashamed of.

Shen Tang rolled up his sleeves.

She acted as if Gu Chi dared to say anything, and she dared to kill people.

ヽ(°▽°)ノ

Another new keyboard is arriving tomorrow. I'll test it out and see how well it works.

(End of this chapter)