The morning meeting ended, but everyone was still in shock.
After most of the people had left, Qi Shan looked at Shen Tang disapprovingly and said, "My lord's move is far too risky."
What's too risky?
Shen Tang planned to leave Qiu Cheng's former subordinates, who had recently surrendered, to guard the area.
Not only Sibao County, but also part of Longwu County.
As for Minfeng County, our forces lack the resources, manpower, and time to attend to it for the time being. We've simply sent people there to take over, and specific governance measures haven't been finalized yet. We estimate that we'll have to wait until the Dragon Slaying Campaign concludes before we can seriously plan its development.
Shen Tang said, "I know what Yuan Liang is worried about. Are you worried that Qiu Cheng's former subordinates will take the opportunity to band together and usurp the position?"
Qi Shan nodded without hesitation: "Yes!"
It's not that surrendered generals and soldiers can't be reused, but sufficient observation time is needed to ensure they are truly loyal, reliable, and without disloyalty. Otherwise, if they encounter setbacks at the front and a major fire breaks out at the rear, they could suffer a complete defeat.
“Qiu Cheng’s body is not cold yet. It is indeed a bit risky to give them important responsibilities at this critical juncture, but—” Shen Tang had considered Qi Shan’s concerns, but she also had her own plans.
"Firstly, they only have the power of governance and supervision, not military power; secondly, I have already revealed the State Seal at the morning meeting. The reason people choose to betray is mostly because the benefits of loyalty are not enough. If they betray, they will have two paths before them: one is to become independent, and the other is to join another power."
"Self-reliance? They can't stand on their own two feet."
"Join another faction? Who could they choose? Or rather, which nearby faction would be more suitable than me?"
Taking all these factors into consideration, Shen Tang came up with this ingenious plan.
Seeing that she had considered the matter carefully and not made a decision on a whim, Qi Shan stopped trying to stop her. After all, Shen Tang was their lord, the one who steered the ship. Liao Jia and the others left early, finding a place to quietly wait for news from Qi Shan.
Dai Qishan relayed Shen Tang's words.
Only then were the people completely relieved.
They were relieved, but Qiu Cheng's former subordinates were uneasy and had different thoughts. They didn't have any ill intentions at the moment, and their adaptation and adjustment to their new lord, Shen Tang, was going well. However, they couldn't help but worry about what Shen Tang's old associates might think.
If the old guard thinks too much, the newcomers are more likely to be ostracized or even secretly sabotaged. How frustrating is that?
They weren't sure what Shen Tang meant.
Are they really planning to give them important positions?
Or is it a test?
Someone suggested, "Why don't we ask Luan Gongyi?"
Shen Tang's favoritism and heavy reliance on Luan Xin was obvious to everyone, and he might know something. However, the suggestion was immediately met with opposition: "Going to find Luan Gongyi now? Have you forgotten how you embarrassed Wen Yan Gong at his funeral?"
Some of them were present that day.
"Those are two separate issues and cannot be generalized."
Luan Xin's performance in the Battle of Xiaocheng was indeed disappointing. What's wrong with them questioning him a couple of times in front of Wenyan Gong's memorial hall? If Luan Gongyi really had his reasons, why didn't he say them himself? Did he expect outsiders to become tapeworms and crawl into his stomach to find out?
"They might not think that way."
Finally, one person stepped forward and said, "Fine, I'll go."
He wasn't present that day, and his relationship with Luan Xin was usually quite good.
Luan Xin seemed unsurprised by his arrival, saying frankly, "Don't overthink it. It's not a test. Just do your job."
The visitor asked in surprise, "Is my lord truly at ease?"
Luan Xin said, "If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them."
Furthermore, they were unaware of Gu Chi's scholarly ways and made no preparations beforehand, leaving their every thought exposed. If there were any real problems, they would have been eliminated by Gu Chi himself. Luan Xin's reply undoubtedly reassured Qiu Cheng's former subordinates, and even their goodwill towards Shen Tang increased—this lord has guts!
Noon, at the government office.
Shen Tang is still considering the specific lineup.
Although she decided to have Qiu Cheng's former subordinates guard the house, it wouldn't do to have no trustworthy confidants at home. She raised her hand and the national seal transformed into a white scroll with gold dragon patterns in her palm, opening the cords at both ends, which were decorated with the characters "Civil" and "Martial" respectively.
She quickly scanned the names on the roster.
"Sigh, this is a really hard decision."
As for the candidate, Chu Yao is actually the most suitable.
Whether it's governance or maintaining overall stability, he's a pillar of strength, and Shen Tang has complete peace of mind entrusting the rear to him. However, it's not good to always leave Wu Hui to guard the house. Just as she was hesitating, news came from outside that Lord Yang was requesting an audience.
"Let him in."
When Yang Gong came in, Shen Tang had just put the roster away.
The roster was transformed back into the national seal and placed in her palm.
"Greetings, my lord."
"No need for formalities."
Knowing that Shen Tang disliked beating around the bush, and being himself straightforward and honest, Yang Gong greeted Shen Tang and then stated his purpose. It wasn't a big deal; he wanted his daughter, Yang Ying, to secure a position as a squad leader or platoon leader in the army.
Shen Tang paused, his hand holding the pen still.
Looking at Yang Gong with a slightly solemn expression, he said, "The matter is not difficult. Your daughter is a military family's daughter, and if she joins the army, it can be considered as her following in her father's footsteps. Gong Xichou is also her mentor, so the students he teaches are naturally excellent. But, Yang Gong, do you know what this means? Swords have no eyes on the battlefield, and she is just an ordinary soldier. If anything happens to her, she may not come back."
Yang Gong nodded: "I understand."
Shen Tang added, "She is still your only blood relative."
She thought that Mr. Yang would enjoy a few days of father-daughter affection.
“I know, but this is Ying’er’s decision.” Yang Gong’s smile looked somewhat bitter, yet also proud. “Just as she couldn’t stop me from going into battle when I was young, I can’t force her to stay away from the battlefield now that I’m old.”
"Perhaps this is destiny."
He recalled how his daughter, Yang Ying, had clung to his coat and armor as a child, her innocent voice filled with affection and worry. Even then, though reluctant, he had hardened his heart and pushed her into his wife's arms. Now, he understood the same heartache they felt then. Despite his reluctance, faced with Yang Ying's resolute gaze, he ultimately chose to see Shen Tang.
"Master Yang is far from being 'old'."
When Yang Ying wanted to join the army, Shen Tang naturally wouldn't refuse.
Only one thing—
"Your daughter isn't weak either, but isn't it a bit of a waste of her talents to appoint her as a squad leader or platoon leader?" This isn't just about how many men she has under her command; it also concerns their living conditions. Whether they're squad leaders or platoon leaders, they can only sleep in communal tents.
A dozen or twenty people were crammed together.
With spring plowing finished, temperatures are gradually rising. This battle will likely drag on for a long time. In the height of summer, temperatures are high, ventilation in the tents is poor, and all sorts of smells mix together, making it incredibly unpleasant.
Doesn't Yang Gong, as a father, think about his daughter at all?
Yang Gong replied, "No."
Actually, he had his own considerations.
He didn't ask for a higher position for Yang Ying because he wanted her to start from the bottom and work her way up step by step.
The more solid your steps, the more stable your journey.
Since the man's own father had said so, Shen Tang didn't try to persuade him any further.
Yang Ying was assigned to a combat unit.
Yang Gong brought this good news to his daughter, Yang Ying, who was at home polishing her sword. Although martial artists could conjure various weapons, many still had the habit of carrying a sword. This sword, like the sword of a scholar, was more symbolic than practical. It was usually prepared with the help of parents, teachers, and other elders, and the process, from collecting the best forging materials to forging and polishing, was very time-consuming.
The sword is the king of all weapons, and the knife is the commander of all weapons.
The sword in Yang Ying's hand wasn't made for her, but for her younger brother, Yang Xiong. After all, no one could have imagined that a woman could cultivate. It was forged six months before the fall of Xiaocheng, and Yang Xiong was to use it to draw blood and sharpen it during his cultivation.
But fate played a cruel trick; the knife lay buried beneath the ruins for years until Yang Ying revisited the place, unearthed it, and drew blood. Now, the knife belonged to her. Seeing the knife engraved with the words "Yang Xiong," Yang Gong's eyes filled with sorrow.
"Father, what did Lord Shen say?"
Yang Ying noticed Yang Gong's footsteps immediately.
"My lord has agreed, but the battlefield is arduous, and my son will inevitably suffer." He had many things he wanted to say, but when it came to his lips, he didn't know where to begin. Countless worries were mixed into one sentence: "Remember to take care of yourself. Your father will be waiting for you at home."
Yang Ying raised her eyebrows and said, "Mm."
She will carry her father's expectations and, with her younger brother's sword, restore the Yang family's honor. She will reclaim the glory her father lost. No, she will reclaim it two or even three times over! Her life's ambition is to reach a martial arts height that even her father never attained!
The next day, at the government office.
Another morning meeting was held today.
Shen Tang had the clerk distribute a stack of names, which contained arrangements for everyone: "Any opinions are welcome. Let's address them together while everyone is here."
Liao Jia opened the form and was surprised to find himself at the front of the list.
Qi Shan's name was next to hers.
They were left behind to guard the house.
All the other trusted confidants went into battle.
He opened his mouth slightly, and remained speechless for a long time.
Shen Tang feigned a cough and asked, "Any opinions?"
Qi Shan closed the register and said, "No."
Liao Jia: "..."
He didn't really want to stay at home.
It's not that he was warlike or belligerent; it's simply that "guarding the home" was equated with endless political affairs. Tell me, which respectable scholar loves writing? They'd rather endure the harsh winds of battle than dip a few drops of ink in their inkstone.
However, faced with the lord's murderous gaze...
Liao Jiayi calmly replied, "No."
Hearing the answer she wanted to hear, Shen Tang was relieved.
She outlined the major projects the two leaders needed to advance while overseeing the rear, including but not limited to the basic reconstruction of Sibao County and assisting Lin Feng and Chen Zhi in promoting cotton cultivation. Agriculture was their livelihood, and the two leaders must pay close attention to it, sparing no expense to ensure this year's harvest and not be stingy with the nation's fortune.
Meanwhile, all businesses in Longwu County must be maintained, especially salt production and textiles. While operating these businesses, it is also necessary to continuously absorb refugees, recruit soldiers, and train new recruits... Shen Tang muttered a long list without stopping, took a deep breath, and looked towards Qiu Cheng's former subordinates, solemnly saying, "In my absence, I ask that you all do your best to assist Yuanliang and Shaomei."
The crowd bowed and said, "Yes."
Shen Tang didn't use flowery language or sentimental phrases; she simply explained what they should do, which sounded all the more sincere to everyone. After explaining the government affairs, it was time for the martial arts experts to speak. Unexpectedly, Shen Tang's opening remarks shocked everyone—no, to be precise, shocked Qiu Cheng's former subordinates. She said, "This time, the women's battalion doesn't need to go to the Dragon Slaying Bureau. They're too conspicuous and will cause trouble."
If it weren't for Master Yang's visit, she wouldn't have remembered.
If Shen Tang can win the battle against Zheng Qiao, he will have enough chips in his hand, but he still needs to be cautious before that.
The women's camp card can't be revealed for now. However, taking a few good seedlings like Bai Su to gain experience shouldn't be a problem.
"Also, Yuanliang, make a note of this: allocate another 30% of the salary to the women's camp and expand its scale further." After Shen Tang finished speaking, he was about to turn the page when one of Qiu Cheng's former subordinates raised a question.
"There's something I don't understand, my lord... about the women's camp?"
Shen Tang looked at him: "Yes."
All eyes at the morning meeting were on him, including Bai Su, whose brows furrowed: "The women's battalion was brave and fearless in this siege. Why not increase their pay by 30%?"
It's not easy to get a paycheck, who would dare to ruin it?
She'll definitely fight them to the death!
The man's face stiffened at the sight of Bai Su's menacing aura. Though he stammered, his words were earnest: "In the past, when our resources were meager, employing women was a temporary measure. Now that our lord possesses three prefectures, we have no shortage of money and provisions. If we recruit more men, we will have no shortage of able-bodied men. Why force women to fight on the battlefield? If word gets out, our lord will be criticized."
Shen Tang: "..."
Bai Su: "..."
Everyone: "..."
Luan Xin lowered his head, trying to make his presence less noticeable.
Some might say this person was being sarcastic, but he clearly looked sincere and genuinely believed that forcing women to go to war and die was immoral. This prevented Bai Su from getting angry; she repeatedly gripped the hilt of her sword, tightening and loosening her grip repeatedly.
Bai Su took a deep breath.
He suppressed the urge to kill someone on the spot.
Who else thinks that way?
"That's what we all think! If we can't protect women and children, how can we live up to all the years of learning we've done?" The man spoke with such seriousness that it was as if "a man should protect women" was etched on his face.
Bai Su felt an even stronger urge to draw her sword.
"My soldiers don't need any protection!"
Seeing that she was about to kill someone, Shen Tang tapped the table with her finger, signaling the two to be mindful of the situation. Bai Su apologized and sat down, but the other woman stubbornly remained standing, hoping that Shen Tang would retract her inhumane decision—sending a defenseless woman to her death on the battlefield was an act that would be condemned!
"Your suggestion is good, but don't bring it up again next time."
"My lord?" He looked shocked.
"You've been calling me 'Master' for months, haven't you realized that your Master is a woman?" Shen Tang rubbed her temples and pointed at Bai Su. "General Bai is also a woman, and you tried to intercept her salary right in front of her..."
Those with bad tempers would have started fighting long ago.
Qiu Cheng's former subordinates: "...???"
Seeing their reactions, Shen Tang was also angry. Just because she didn't have Gong Xi Chou's impressive pectoral muscles didn't mean she was a woman. Wasn't her face beautiful and striking enough?
One month later, spring plowing was successfully completed.
Shen Tang reorganized his troops.
He led 30,000 troops to Xingyang Road to join forces.
ヽ(°▽°)ノ
In the previous chapter, I saw that some readers wanted to buy a keyboard. I would recommend the Kozhi K75 or the new Z98, as they offer good value for money.
I bought the pink iridescent version of Shiitake Mushroom, and PDD used Orchard Roll 355, which feels similar to the gold powder keypad when typing.
Dareu's Little Sugar Cubes are beautifully useless; they're too easy to accidentally trigger. However, the Sky axis is really light and the trigger is sensitive. I bought them on Xianyu (a second-hand marketplace) for 350 RMB brand new, but you can get them for around 330 RMB with a coupon on PDD (a second-hand marketplace app).
The RKH81 is also a good option. It also uses a gasket design, and the three-piece noise reduction kit is well-made. I bought it on PDD for 300 RMB, but 288 RMB would have been more reasonable. I overpaid. However, its design isn't as appealing as the K75, and it uses TTC Rainbow switches, which have a softer sound than Koch switches.
PS: I like to use the 75-key layout for typing, but if you need number keys, I recommend buying the 98-key layout.
PPS: Waaaaah, the title numbering was wrong. I hope the editor will be online tomorrow.
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