Chapter 283 Clever Girl!
Cheng Zheng smiled and wrote, "I learned it from the general."
Che Mingyuan hadn't expected that Shen Lanxi, at her age, could be so composed. Even if it were him, after accumulating so much experience, he would also want to challenge the three clans.
Given Shen Lanxi's age, she couldn't possibly be so cunning unless someone was helping her.
Che Mingyuan's first thought was Song Daoxi, the successor of Guiguzi. If Shen Lanxi wanted to make good use of this person, his position as strategist would be rather awkward.
Is it time to consider whether to stay or leave again?
...
Che Mingyuan didn't think about it for long, because Song Daoxi accompanied Zhou Ruan to the inner city for recuperation.
If he doesn't win Song Daoxi over by now, he'll start to worry that she might rebel.
After sending Zhou Ruan away, Shen Lanxi, holding the imperial edict, immediately opened the city gates to welcome Liang Shao into the city!
Liang Shao's forces grew stronger day by day, and the number he reported to the court was 350,000. Such a large force could not possibly be contained in a small earthen city.
Shen Lanxi discussed with Liang Shao about entering the city in batches, with the first batch consisting of 5,000 people.
Among these five thousand people was Liang Shao and his family. To show her respect for Liang Shao, Shen Lanxi took time out of her busy schedule to personally settle his family.
Two thousand soldiers entered the city first, escorting several carriages in the middle, followed by the remaining soldiers.
After the carriage entered the inner city, it slowly came to a stop at the residence that Shen Lanxi had arranged for Liang Shao.
The elderly couple were the first to get off the first carriage. Liang Shao introduced them to Shen Lanxi: "These are my uncle and aunt."
Several elderly people and a few young people got off the carriages behind them.
"They are also my uncles and aunts, as well as my brothers, sisters-in-law, younger brothers, sisters-in-law, and younger sisters!"
More than ten people bowed to Chen Lanxi.
"General Shen."
Shen Lanxi: "You're too kind, everyone. From now on, we're all part of the Zhenbei Army, one family!"
The last car slowly came to a stop. Two young women got out first, both dressed as maids. Then a young woman carrying a child got out of the car.
Liang Shao's smile froze for a moment, then he casually introduced her, "She's also my brother's wife!"
Shen Lanxi looked at the woman holding the child and said, "You must be tired from your journey!"
The young woman, who had been keeping her head down, glanced up quickly twice upon hearing her words, then lowered her head again and said in a very soft voice, "It's not hard work!"
Liang Shao had someone lead them into the courtyard to rest, after which a banquet was held.
During the meal, Liang Shao asked a question.
"Where is General Wei? Why can't we find him?"
Shen Lanxi: "Something has happened in the army."
Upon hearing that it was a military matter, Liang Shao didn't inquire further. After a simple banquet, Che Mingyuan began to discuss his future plans.
"Now that you are ready to join the Zhenbei Army, do you intend to form your own army, or do you want to be incorporated into the existing army?"
"Currently, the Zhenbei Army is divided into six groups, and the positions are relatively well-established!"
At this point, everyone could understand that Che Mingyuan wasn't asking a question, but rather giving a tactful message.
The goal is to disperse Liang Shao's army among the various Zhenbei armies!
Liang Shao had already sensed something was wrong. He looked up at the calm and collected Shen Lanxi, then smiled and said, "Now that we have joined the Zhenbei Army, we will naturally obey the general's orders!"
Che Mingyuan turned to look at Shen Lanxi: "General, if I may be so bold as to ask a question..."
Shen Lanxi: "Strategist Che is the commander of my army. His presence here is as if I were in the army myself. Please feel free to speak your mind!"
Che Mingyuan: "Your subordinate humbly requests to take charge of the placement of General Liang's men."
Shen Lanxi calmly replied, "What's there to be so bold about? My Zhenbei Army can be arranged by its strategist, so General Liang's troops are naturally no problem. You agree, General Liang?"
Liang Shao felt a slight bitterness in his mouth. He hadn't expected that today's event was not a trap, but a strategic move to release military power over a cup of wine!
"Of course, of course. Now that I am a member of the Zhenbei Army, I will naturally obey orders!"
Shen Lanxi: "Military orders are like mountains in the army. General Liang has formed his own power base, so he must be lacking in military strategy and regulations. Fortunately, our army focuses on training generals, so General Liang can start by learning military regulations from the generals in the Zhenbei Army!"
Liang Shao witnessed Shen Lanxi's prowess once again. Compared to this release of military power, what he had seen before was child's play!
"Very well, thank you for the arrangements, General. I will study hard and live up to your expectations!"
There's nothing we can do about it; after all, he's ostensibly a commoner who rose from humble beginnings. What commoner knows military strategy or regulations?
Shen Lanxi and Che Mingyuan worked together to arrange Liang Shao and the others' destinations in just a few words.
As she left, Shen Lanxi remarked with deep emotion, "After today's banquet, our entire army will surely unite as one and do our utmost to defend the Northwest."
Liang Shao: "..."
Shen Lanxi looked up at the bright moon and said in a good mood, "Enjoyable!"
After saying that, he strode away!
Liang Shao stared blankly in the direction she left, remaining silent for a long time.
As the moon rose high in the sky, a figure quietly entered the Liang residence.
"Big Brother!" Wei Dongzhu called out softly, looking at the person in the candlelight.
Liang Shao sighed and stood up.
"Cousin."
Wei Dongzhu felt somewhat uneasy and guilty, and dared not meet Liang Shao's gaze.
Liang Shao understood that this was the best possible outcome, so he stepped forward and patted Wei Dongzhu's arm to comfort him.
"It's alright, I expected what happened today!"
Wei Dongzhu whispered, "I just feel sorry for my older brother." His cousin is a valiant general who is well-versed in military strategy and regulations, but now he has been assigned to learn military regulations with the new recruits.
A deep sense of guilt enveloped Wei Dongzhu's heart. If it weren't for him and for the Wei family army, his elder brother wouldn't have had to compromise so much.
"Alright, I know what you're thinking. This arrangement is the best one yet. I was able to build the Northwest Army entirely because of the unrest throughout the Great Zhou. Once the war is over, we'll definitely be wiped out. It's better to take this opportunity to make a name for ourselves in battle. Even if we're purged, we can still keep our lives because of our achievements!"
Their family had served the Great Zhou Dynasty for generations, but they had truly become traitors, carrying a heavy burden in their hearts every day.
"Brother, please be patient a little longer. Lanxi is very fair in her dealings. As long as you make meritorious contributions in the army, you will be promoted. I won't speak for other armies, but in the Zhenbei Army, it has always been about merit!"
Liang Shao nodded. It was precisely because he knew this that he was willing to join the Zhenbei Army.
"Cousin, it's a good thing you weren't here today. Qiaoniang brought the child out today!" Liang Shao's expression turned somewhat unpleasant as he said this.
Wei Dongzhu's brows suddenly darkened: "Didn't we say we'd settle her outside?"
Liang Shao sighed: "The outside world is full of people from the three Turkic tribes. If they find out about your relationship with Qiaoniang and your child..."
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