The night was dark, and Zhao Cheng paced back and forth in the courtyard as fine snowflakes gradually fell from the sky.
"Feng Jing, Huang Shi, and Chi Jianzhang have gone missing, and the 200,000-strong army has been scattered. This time, the old man really misjudged the situation. Without Yuan Zhang, the Zhennan Border Army is no longer worthy of the name Zhennan Border Army."
Zhao Hu asked suspiciously, "Could Feng Jing have already been killed in action?"
Zhao Cheng sneered and said, "He's not missing at all. He's clearly gone into hiding because he suffered a crushing defeat."
"I understand, it's the same as when Yunjing County fell last time."
“This Feng Jing is very shrewd; he won’t come out until the situation is clear.”
As the two were chatting, Xia Qi came over and draped a cloak over Zhao Cheng's shoulders.
"My lord, it's snowing. Lady Cai'e asked me to come and put a cloak on you."
Zhao Cheng nodded and said, "Tell her I have some things to take care of and will go later."
"yes."
Zhao Cheng looked up at the vast expanse of snowflakes under the night sky, and after a long while said, "It hasn't been long, and Yang Qingzhi can't hold back anymore. It seems that after he went back last time, Zhou Jinghuan blamed him for the defeat."
Zhao Hu asked, "Should we go and discuss this with the Prime Minister?"
"The old man has been busy playing with his grandson lately, so I won't let him worry about it. I'm the Grand General of Dongjing now, so I can handle things myself."
Zhao Cheng put his hands behind his back and said, "This matter cannot be delayed. Go and inform Xiao Luofeng, Gan Lang, and Tuo Tiewuhua to come to the hall for a meeting."
"yes."
"Wait, what about that other guy, Fan Dao? Call him along too."
Council hall.
Xiao Luofeng, Gan Lang, Tuo Tie Wuhua, and Fan Dao all arrived.
Zhao Cheng explained the situation on the southern front and said, "Xiao Luofeng, you will replace Feng Jing to deal with Yang Qingzhi. The goal is to drive the Yang family army back to Southern Zhou. Are you confident in your ability to do so?"
"Yes!" Xiao Luofeng said confidently. Now a second-rank general, his demeanor was completely different from what it used to be.
Apart from Zhao Cheng, he is now the youngest among the senior generals of Dongjing, yet he is very composed.
Zhao Cheng trusted him completely.
Zhao Cheng then glanced at Gan Lang, Tuo Tie Wu Hua, and Fan Dao.
These three have also grown rapidly.
Since being borrowed by Xiao Luomu, Gan Lang has been training troops under Xiao Luofeng. After Zhao Huan successfully purged the court of corrupt officials, Gan Lang continued to serve under Xiao Luofeng and they became well-coordinated partners.
He used to be just a top martial arts master, but now he's also someone who can lead troops into battle.
Tuo Tie Wu Hua had served as Yuan Zhang's adjutant for many years, so it goes without saying that he was the most familiar with the situation on the southern front among the four men.
As for Fan Dao, he was once the bodyguard of Liu Da, the Earl of Moling, and the top martial artist in Hannan City. After the Zhao family moved into Changsui City, Liu Da sent Fan Dao here, hoping that he could make a name for himself.
During the battle of Guliang County, Fan Dao fought on the front lines the whole time. Xiao Luofeng thought highly of him, and that's how Zhao Cheng remembered his name.
After considering it for a moment, Zhao Cheng said, "Xiao Luofeng, I will request His Majesty's decree tomorrow to appoint you as General of the Southern Expedition and to establish the Eastern Jing Southern Expeditionary Army, with you as its commander."
"Yes!" Xiao Luofeng clasped his hands in a fist salute.
"Remove the black flower sticker."
"exist!"
"You will serve as the deputy commander of the Southern Expeditionary Army."
"Yes!" Tuo Tiewu knelt down on one knee.
"Gan Lang and Fan Dao, you two will be appointed as generals of the Southern Expeditionary Army."
"Yes, sir!" The two knelt down to accept the order.
Zhao Cheng walked up to Tuo Tiewuhua and said, "Deputy Commander, among all those present, you are the most familiar with the situation in Yunjing County and the southern border. With great power comes great responsibility. You must assist General Xiao well and work together with General Gan and General Fan."
Tuo Tiewuhua was somewhat excited, and his body trembled slightly.
In his mind, whether it was Zhao Cheng or Xiao Luofeng, Gan Lang was naturally closer to them in terms of personal relationships. He originally thought that Gan Lang would be the deputy commander, but he never expected that it would fall on his head.
This is an immense trust.
Tuo Tiewuhua solemnly declared, "This humble general has not failed in his mission!"
Zhao Cheng looked at Gan Lang and Fan Dao seriously, giving Gan Lang a particularly long look.
And you?
"We will not fail in our mission!!"
Zhao Cheng patted Gan Lang on the shoulder and said nothing more, but Gan Lang understood what Zhao Cheng meant.
"General Xiao, how many men do you need?"
Xiao Luofeng thought for a moment and said, "The battles of Guliang and Yunjing last year have consumed too much food and supplies, and most of the soldiers have not yet recovered. Since Yang Qingzhi has 100,000 men, General, you can give me 100,000 men as well."
Zhao Cheng shook his head and said, "Don't underestimate him. Yang Qingzhi was able to scatter Feng Jing's troops in three days, which shows he has improved. I'll give you 150,000 men; you help me teach that brat Yang Qingzhi a lesson!"
"promise!"
"Go back and rest. You will depart immediately after His Majesty issues the decree tomorrow morning!"
After the four senior generals of the Southern Expeditionary Army left, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Hu walked out of the hall.
The snow fell even heavier.
A beautiful figure walked out from the snow.
Although she was dressed as a man, her stunning beauty could not be hidden.
Zhao Cheng said, "Ever since you surrendered, you've asked me for tasks time and time again. Now there's something that needs your help."
Gong Xue said, "Please give your instructions."
"You will secretly follow the Southern Expeditionary Army. Your only mission is to protect Xiao Luofeng's safety. He cannot be allowed to get into trouble."
Gong Xue nodded, then turned and disappeared into the snowstorm.
Zhao Hu said, "Master, if you're worried about Xiao Luofeng, wouldn't it be safer to send Commander Yang to protect him? Tian San said that there are three grandmasters in Southern Zhou."
Zhao Cheng said calmly, "None of the three Grandmasters of the Southern Zhou Dynasty—the Overlord, the Master, and the Prodigal Son—serve the Southern Zhou court. This is why, despite so many battles with the Southern Zhou, no Grandmasters have appeared on the battlefield. Sending my sister would be redundant."
"News of the Southern Zhou's renewed invasion will soon reach Xijing. They may already know. Although a peace treaty has been signed, it's hard to guarantee that Wen Hu won't take the opportunity to make some small moves. My sister and the third brother must be wary of Luo Ying and Xu Qingshan."
"Moreover, Gong Xue is already at the peak of the top level, someone who can survive even under Xu Qingshan's unpredictable sword. With her around, I doubt anyone in the Southern Zhou army can hurt Xiao Luofeng."
Zhao Hu gave a thumbs up and said, "Master truly lives up to his title of Great General; his strategic planning is truly masterful..."
"Hey!"
Zhao Cheng winked at Zhao Hu and said, "It's been a while since I've heard you flatter me. Keep going, don't stop!"
"Our master is unparalleled in wisdom and courage, truly a pillar of Dongjing, and should be appointed as a Grand General!"
"Our master is so weak that he can't even kill a chicken, yet he can bring all the world's best fighters under his command. His personal charisma is unmatched!"
"Your master is of average appearance, yet he has many wives and concubines and a large number of offspring. I'm afraid even the emperors in history didn't have such a good set of kidneys as you!"
"Our master is inherently suspicious and vindictive, yet he can manage to get those around him to..."
Zhao Cheng kicked Zhao Hu and said, "If you're going to praise someone properly, then praise them properly. Why does it sound more and more like you're cursing?"
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