Considering that Zhao Feng might resign soon, leaving the Longwu County government with a depleted military force, Shen Tang discussed with Chu Jie the possibility of Chu Jie assigning two veteran generals with extensive experience in training and managing troops to replace Zhao Feng. He readily agreed to this request.
“Shen Jun, there’s no need to be so polite. This is a simple matter.”
Chu Jie practically patted his chest in assurance.
He then recommended two suitable candidates.
One of them was an old general with white hair and beard.
This man was remarkably vigorous, with a muscular physique and upright posture; one would never guess he was over seventy just by looking at his back. Although he was septuagenarian, his skin was taut and elastic, no less than that of a thirty-year-old. His breathing was long and even. His steps were light, and his gaze seemed to flash with a cold light, making ordinary people hesitant to look directly at him.
He exudes an aura of authority that commands respect without anger.
The other warrior was much younger than the former, and also appeared thinner. Although he was a warrior who fought on the battlefield, he often wore a kind and amiable smile, and his casual clothes made him look more like a gentle uncle.
There wasn't a trace of the murderous aura of someone who licks blood from the edge of a knife.
"This humble general greets Lord Shen."
"This humble general greets Lord Shen."
Both of them had personally witnessed the dozen or so pottery urns, and had also heard that Chen Tang had led more than two thousand soldiers deep into the heart of Shiwu, causing chaos among the bandits. They had long harbored feelings of kinship with this young prefect. However, they had not yet found a suitable opportunity.
Upon hearing Chu Jie say that Shen Tang needed to transfer people, they rushed to sign up and, relying on their abilities, secured two valuable spots.
Shen Tang returned the greeting, saying, "There's no need for such formalities, you two."
The older one, with a stern face, said: "Propriety must not be disregarded."
The one with the fewest eyes also looked in agreement.
Shen Tang had no choice but to stop the pleasantries. The current formality stemmed from unfamiliarity; once they became more acquainted, the interaction would be much less awkward. Chu Jie, acting as the intermediary, introduced the two sides and even instructed them to each lead two thousand garrison troops to the Longwu administrative center.
Worried that Shen Tang might find the number of troops insufficient, Chu Jie explained further: "...Yonggu Pass has just experienced a major battle. Although it appears to have been a great victory, post-battle repairs and pacification of the soldiers still require manpower, and we also need to guard against the incursions of the Ten Black Horse Bandits...Currently, we can only allocate four thousand troops. Once things are settled, if Lord Shen has any needs, a single order will suffice—"
Shen Tang quickly replied, "I know about this."
On matters of principle, Chu Jie's character is impeccable, and Shen Tang isn't worried that he'll renege on his promise. Since he's chosen to submit, there's no possibility of him easily turning back or breaking his word. Shen Tang should learn to trust, not be wary.
"Wei Heng." Shen Tang called out to Yu Zi, who was standing quietly behind Chief Clerk Yu. Yu Zi stepped forward and said, "My lord."
Shen Tang earnestly instructed, "It is a joyous occasion that you have reunited with your great-uncle. I cannot be the bad guy and separate you two from your loved ones. Spend the next few days by his side and fulfill your filial duties. Of course, you must not neglect your studies and cultivation."
Yu Zixin felt disappointed.
She thought her lord was going to assign her some tasks.
Lin Feng, younger than her, made a great contribution during his trip to Shiwu, showing early promise, while she was dull-witted and lacked the talent for learning, far from being able to stand on her own. Therefore, she was eager to do something to prove herself and not seem so useless.
But she managed to suppress her disappointment.
He bowed and said, "Yes."
Shen Tang changed the subject and said, "There's one more thing."
Yu Zi's eyes suddenly lit up: "Please give your orders, my lord."
Shen Tang said directly to Chu Jie and the others, "This trip to Shiwu was very fruitful. We also took advantage of the opportunity to destroy their lair and seize a lot of good stuff. Everyone contributed a lot to the battle of defending the pass, and they should be rewarded or compensated. I will entrust this matter to you to compile the statistics. If you don't understand something, remember to humbly ask the elders for advice. Do not act recklessly or be negligent. Submit the compiled statistics within the month."
After finishing one sentence, he continued to add to it.
"Oh, right, and the rations for the garrison..."
Longwu County is located in the northwest continent, where winters are long.
The geographical conditions at Yonggu Pass are even more challenging.
Although the coldest period has passed, spring is still some time away, and the weather won't warm up so soon, so military supplies remain tight. Even though Shen Tang has replenished his funds in the Shiwu Kingdom's treasury, he hasn't reached the point of extravagance and is still living frugally.
It is most appropriate to entrust this matter to Yu Zi.
Firstly, Yu Zi is one of their own, and also the only junior of Chief Clerk Yu, making her the perfect bridge for both sides to get to know each other and work together. Secondly, this operation can also be used to win over the troops and consolidate the existing foundation. It can be considered killing two birds with one stone.
Yu Zi was so excited that she almost couldn't control her emotions.
He readily agreed: "I will definitely handle this matter well!"
Registrar Yu looked pleased. Although he was content with his granddaughter, he also had some worries lately.
The source is Yu Zi.
In his opinion, Yu Zi's talent was truly not low, and her progress was also outstanding among the literary scholars. However, her counterpart was Lin Feng—a fallen noble lady who was personally rescued by Shen Jun. She had followed Shen Jun around and suffered hardships together, and had a literary scholar like Chu Yao who taught her everything. As a woman, she had condensed her literary talent, and her foundation was so good that it was enviable.
In contrast, Yu Zi lost at the starting line.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, her meager early education was only provided by her mother, Yu Meiren, whenever she could find the time. Having experienced hardship and displacement, she was reduced to begging in the streets, and her natural talents were somewhat lacking. Forget surpassing her, even catching up was an extremely difficult task.
But deep down, she was very proud.
How will you know you can't catch up if you don't try?
Even knowing it's impossible, you still have to do it.
Lin Feng is to Yu Zi what Chu Yao is to that group of talented young people who have been overshadowed by him for over a decade and unable to rise above their circumstances. In Yu Zi's view, there's no point in competing with them. Isn't that self-torture?
In his eyes, Lin Feng was exactly like Chu Yao in his youth. He looked gentle and harmless, but beneath the surface lay a ruthless and decisive heart. Yu Zi still had a long way to go.
Mindset is also very important for literary scholars.
If one gets stuck in a rut, their cultivation will stagnate. But Chief Clerk Yu also knew that trying to persuade her was useless; Yu Zi had to figure some things out for herself before her cultivation could achieve a qualitative leap.
However, Yu Zi is ambitious, and as an elder, he can only do his best to support her so that she can go further, more steadily, and more smoothly.
Stepping into a wider world!
After giving instructions, Shen Tang went to visit Lü Jue, who was wrapped up like a mummy, and told him to rest assured and recover from his injuries so that he could return as soon as possible.
Lu Jue grinned, his muscles twitching, making the still-healing scar on his face look even more grotesque.
He patted his chest with his heavily wrapped arm and assured his lord, "Don't worry, my lord, I'll be able to get out of bed soon."
Shen Tang said, "You must not be reckless or radical in the future."
Making meritorious contributions is important, but life is also important.
Lü Jue might have the qualities of a military commander, but how could he lead eight hundred men straight to someone's baggage train like he did today?
He seemed to be savoring something, and gave a silly smile.
"Hey, this trip was definitely worth it."
He even broke through the barrier at the last minute.
Shen Tang rolled her eyes in annoyance and unleashed her ultimate weapon: "I didn't say it was a loss, but think about it, if you accidentally lose your life, have you thought about that lady?"
Lu Jue replied, "But Madam prefers strong, masculine men and disdains those hesitant, pale-faced scholars..."
He felt that he was quite tough and fierce.
Shen Tang: "..."
Lu Jue added, "Furthermore—Madam comes from a noble family, and I can only meet her after I have earned a great deal of merit."
Wasn't the reason they were forced to separate back then because of his lowly birth? The cold-hearted lady's brother bluntly stated that the lady could treat him as a male concubine, but she absolutely could not fall in love with him.
As his cultivation progressed, Lü Jue's heart became increasingly restless. He wanted his wife to openly and honestly fall for him!
The lady wasn't just after his body!
He doesn't want to be a male concubine; he wants to be the wife's husband!
Shen Tang: "..."
Although Lü Jue didn't speak, she could see countless "Madam" under his eyes.
"Sigh, take your time to recover."
Love inspires us to strive.
Lu Jue was the only one in her ranks who was obsessed with romance.
It belongs to the category of rare and protected animals.
If given the chance, Shen Tang would also like to meet that lady.
The next day, the troops were organized and set off back to their headquarters.
Shen Tang was still riding that snow-white motorcycle with its large, distinctive headlights. Standing among the warhorses, the motorcycle held its own, exuding a majestic and imposing presence. Xun Zhen and the other literary figures were seated in carriages, spared the harsh elements.
Jiang Sheng and Xun Zhen rode in one carriage.
The closer he got to the capital, Ru Yao, the more conflicted he became.
He tentatively asked, "Hanzhang."
"What is it?" Xun Zhen looked up from the scroll.
"If we run into Qi Yuanliang..."
Xun Zhen sneered: "That's perfect, double happiness."
Jiang Sheng: "..."
Xun Zhen closed the book and asked, "Is something on your mind?"
Jiang Sheng: "..."
Xun Zhen then asked, "Have you met Qi Yuanliang?"
Jiang Sheng: "..."
Xun Zhen frowned, but he couldn't get Jiang Sheng to talk. He didn't know why Jiang Sheng was behaving so strangely. After a long while—
Jiang Sheng sighed: "You'll find out soon enough."
Xun Zhen asked, "Can you give me a hint?"
Jiang Sheng: "Sharpen your sword."
Xun Zhen suddenly understood something and sneered.
They're starting to sharpen their swords.
However, a small incident occurred along the way.
It was more like a small military achievement delivered to their door than a minor incident—they encountered a not-so-small band of bandits in the wilderness. Judging from their state, they had clearly succeeded in their plunder and were rushing back to the gap they had come from, only to run into Shen Tang's troops.
After counting the bandits' spoils, Shen Tang, the penniless wretch, was both angry and furious—the chests were filled with gold and silver jewels, all of rare quality, and there were quite a few women in the group. Their arrogance suggested that the security situation in Longwu County was far from ideal.
Only after some questioning did I learn—
These bandits robbed a wealthy household in a certain Longwu County.
He made a fortune by pulling off one big heist.
They initially didn't want to risk attacking wealthy households, as these families had servants and guards, and their armed forces were not to be underestimated; a direct assault would inevitably result in casualties. However, Longwu County had implemented a scorched-earth policy ahead of time, relocating all commoners to nearby towns and counties.
Having found nothing from their looting, and unwilling to leave empty-handed, they risked targeting the fattest victims, and actually succeeded!
The wealthy are truly rolling in money.
The household was filled with maids and servants, all of whom were beautiful.
If you take it back, how popular will it be?
Unexpectedly, a roadblock appeared out of nowhere.
Shen Tang wasn't very familiar with the territory of Longwu County. Chu Yao whispered a few words in her ear, which made her frown.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
