After killing Jiang Bo, Chen Zhennan mounted his horse and slowly rode towards Jiang Bo's army.
The sound of his horse's hooves echoed across the silent battlefield, each step sounding exceptionally firm.
Of the army of more than 30,000, after being ravaged by war, less than 10,000 remained after those who died in battle or fled.
The soldiers' faces were filled with exhaustion and fear; none of them knew what Chen Zhennan would do to them next.
Chen Zhennan stopped his horse in front of the army, his voice ringing out like a morning bell and evening drum, echoing in the ears of every soldier.
“Now, I order you to build a temporary camp and provide food and water to the people of Beirong City.”
Upon hearing Chen Zhennan's words, some people immediately tried to escape, but before they could take a step, they were interrupted by Chen Zhennan's gunshot.
Gunshots rang out in the air like thunder, freezing the fleeing soldiers in place.
"No one is allowed to escape!"
Chen Zhennan's voice was like the cold wind in winter, icy and piercing, "Those who escaped in front will not escape. You are only responsible for the people's food, clothing, shelter and transportation, while those who escaped will be responsible for the reconstruction of Beirong City!"
Although Chen Zhennan knew that it was impossible to capture all the escaped soldiers, all the rebels who had joined Jiang Bo in the rebellion would be punished.
After saying that, Chen Zhennan turned to Yan Shiyu and said in a deep voice, "Have Wang Xiao lead the Imperial Guards in the city to capture deserters. If any of them refuse to return, execute them on the spot!"
Yan Shiyu immediately accepted the order. He quickly turned around, mounted his warhorse, and headed straight for Wang Xiaocheng.
Chen Zhennan's gaze swept over the remaining soldiers, and his voice rang out again, this time with a hint of encouragement.
"You are all soldiers of the Great Yan Dynasty, and your duty is to protect the people! The chaos in the city last night must have been orchestrated by Jiang Bo. I will not pursue your rebellion with him, but you must help the people of the city rebuild their homes!"
A new light began to gleam in the soldiers' eyes. They put down their swords and knelt down in the direction of Chen Zhennan.
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!"
After the fighting in Beirong City gradually subsided, Chen Zhennan brought Yan Shiyu back to the palace.
Their footsteps echoed through the empty palace, the air still thick with the marks of battle.
Cao Kedi has disappeared; it's unknown who rescued him.
"It seems that Cao Kedi has already made his escape."
Chen Zhennan's voice carried a hint of sneer, revealing his expectation and disdain for this outcome.
"But I don't care about any of that anymore. With Beirong City in chaos, it's obvious that those officials who were bribed by the Shadow have all disappeared."
Yan Shiyu stood beside Chen Zhennan and asked with some worry, "Your Majesty, what should we do now?"
"What to do? Simple, rest for a few days, then head to the southeast coast."
After three days of preparation, order has been restored in Beirong City.
Chen Zhennan continued to use the same method as before, promoting lower-ranking officials to higher positions. Lack of experience was not a problem, as long as they had good intentions towards the people.
Before leaving, Chen Zhennan handed over all military power in Beirong City to Wang Xiao, instructing him to do his utmost to eliminate the Shadow Assassins near Beirong City.
The special forces team also recovered their strength during a short rest. He did regret coming to Beirong City this time. The special forces team lost nearly forty people. They were all elites in the special forces team, his brothers and his comrades.
However, Chen Zhennan had no time for grief and reminiscence. If he remained entangled in Beirong City, the next place to get into trouble would probably be the border.
After leaving Beirong City, Chen Zhennan led his special forces team towards the southeast coast.
Although the distance is quite far, for Chen Zhennan, these Japanese devils must be completely wiped out!
On their journey to the southeast, Chen Zhennan led his special forces team, traveling a long and arduous road, yet unexpectedly finding peace along the way.
Sunlight filtered through the treetops, illuminating their resolute faces, while the clatter of warhorses' hooves echoed in the tranquil air.
Nothing else happened along the way.
During the journey, Chen Zhennan received a letter from Song Yunyang, the words of which were concise and firm.
She has returned to Qingzhou. After her injuries heal, she will send her parents back to their hometown and then go to Beirong City to take charge of the overall situation.
Chen Zhennan frowned slightly, his heart filled with worry for Song Yunyang, but he also knew that a woman as independent as Song Yunyang would never be idle.
"Yunyang, you always make me worry so much."
Chen Zhennan muttered to himself, his reply somewhat helpless, telling Song Yunyang to be careful. The letter read: "Take care of yourself. Beirong City needs you, but I need you to be safe even more."
After more than ten days of travel, Chen Zhennan finally arrived at Lingzhou, the encampment of Lin Cheng's army.
The air here seemed thick with the tension of war, but when Chen Zhennan's team came into view, the tension was instantly replaced by a warm welcome.
King Lin Cheng of Bohai led his civil and military officials out of the city to welcome them. Their procession was grand and imposing, with flags waving and drums beating loudly.
Lin Cheng's face was beaming with a warm smile. He strode forward, quickly walked to Chen Zhennan, and knelt on one knee.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Chen Zhennan dismounted, a slight smile on his face, and waved for Lin Cheng to get up.
"Lin Cheng, how is the battle going?"
Lin Cheng stood up abruptly, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said with considerable pride, "Your Majesty, those beasts are no match for us and have already retreated. We'll discuss the details once we enter the city. I've already prepared a banquet."
"good."
...
Inside the Bohai Prince's Mansion, the lights were bright, the aroma of wine filled the air, and the atmosphere was very lively.
Civil and military officials gathered to celebrate Chen Zhennan's arrival. After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Zhennan slowly stood up and winked at Lin Cheng.
Upon seeing Chen Zhennan's gaze, Lin Cheng immediately understood and stood up to announce to the officials, "Gentlemen, His Majesty is feeling unwell. Please continue drinking. I will personally escort His Majesty to rest."
After saying that, Lin Cheng accompanied Chen Zhennan away from the noisy banquet hall and into the pavilion in the inner courtyard. The environment here was quiet and the moonlight was like water, providing a private space for the two to talk.
Chen Zhennan gestured for Lin Cheng to sit down and said calmly, "Lin Cheng, how's the battle going lately?"
Lin Cheng sat down, his expression turning serious, and said slowly, "Your Majesty, there have been no losses to the cities along the southeast coast. Japanese pirates have been harassing other countries, but our Bohai Navy has divided into five routes and has already repelled all the Japanese pirates."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan smiled with satisfaction and praised, "Well done, Lin Cheng, you did not disappoint me."
After a pause, Chen Zhennan continued, "I plan to launch a proactive attack at sea, wipe out the entire Japanese navy, and make sure they can't recover for at least fifty years, bringing these beasts back to their original state."
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