But they pompously went on without even a backwards glance. This group got ahead of Zheng Fan and entered the General Mansion first.
The gatekeeper and Zheng Fan were familiar with each other. Zheng Fan had visited when Hui Wenzu first assumed office in Nanwang City. The gatekeeper knew that the relationship between this young Commander Zheng and his boss Ah Lang was extraordinary, so he showed a bit of warmth when he greeted Zheng Fan.
"Just so you know, Lord, those who just entered are General Deng and his personal soldiers."
"Yes, General Deng, Deng Ziliang."
The Yan people disliked using courtesy names. Civil officials might indulge in such things, but if military generals used them, they’d be labeled as "sissies." So, introductions were simple: just the full name, perhaps with the place of origin or official position added at most.
"Is he from the Deng Family of Sanshi?"
This was the Deng Family of Sanshi. Zheng Fan knew well that it was the matriarchal clan of the Fourth Prince.
Damn, no wonder they’re so arrogant, walking around without even looking where they’re going.
Chief Zheng was known for being petty and holding grudges.
When General Deng had overtaken his carriage and frightened his mules and horses, Chief Zheng had taken a mental note of it.
Zheng Fan thought to himself. Is the Deng Family of Sanshi really that impressive? If I get the chance, I’ll badmouth them to Lord Jingnan. Who is Lord Jingnan? According to the Demon Kings at Green Willow Fortress, Lord Jingnan was the specialized reaper of princely maternal clans!
"Lord Zheng, you honor us with your visit!" the gatekeeper said. "My Ah Lang would be overjoyed just to see you. There was no need to bring so many gifts."
Zheng Fan was taken aback. Gifts?
This gatekeeper had been hired after Hui Wenzu came to Nanwang City. Hui Wenzu hadn’t brought many of his own people when he came south, always feeling uncertain about his future. When Comrade Deep Sea initially received the transfer order, he thought his deep-cover activities had been exposed to the court. He feared they planned to eliminate him after transferring him to the south. Then, the few people he had originally brought with him all perished in an assassination attempt at the post station outside Yin City.
So, in this gatekeeper’s eyes, Zheng Fan must be here to leverage connections.
Zheng Fan almost laughed but didn’t explain. Instead, he said, "These are just some local specialties from my hometown. With the New Year approaching, I brought some for His Lordship to try."
"Lord Zheng, you’re truly thoughtful! My Ah Lang will certainly be overjoyed."
At this moment, Xiao Yibo stepped forward, took out a bag of silver, and handed it to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper was initially too frightened to accept it, but after Xiao Yibo pressed it on him a few times, he finally took it.
"Well... the carriage... let it come in."
The gatekeeper actually allowed the carriage to enter. Firstly, the gatekeeper believed Zheng Fan had an excellent relationship with his Ah Lang; they were fellow countrymen, not outsiders. Secondly, since gifts were being delivered, it was most appropriate for the master to receive them personally. If it ended up merely as an entry on a gift manifest, much of the personal touch would be lost.
This gatekeeper certainly knew the ins and outs of such matters. Zheng Fan chuckled inwardly. He didn’t refuse, nodded, and immediately signaled the convoy to enter the General Mansion.
Zheng Fan really wanted to see Fatty Hui’s reaction when he eagerly opened the boxes, expecting New Year’s goods.
In this life, in this world, aside from that one time he’d hoped Shatuo Queshi would accidentally smash his carriage, Fatty Hui had genuinely been good to him. Their camaraderie was profound and deeply felt. And for that reason, Zheng Fan genuinely wanted to play a prank on Hui Wenzu.
With this thought in mind, the convoy entered the General Mansion.
"Lord Zheng, my Ah Lang is currently in a meeting with several high-ranking commanders. I’ll go inform him of your arrival," the gatekeeper said.
"Uh, isn’t that inappropriate?"
"What’s so inappropriate? If that General Deng was allowed in, why wouldn’t you be, Lord Zheng?"
Clearly, the gatekeeper also disliked the ill-tempered General Deng.
Hui Wenzu hadn’t been in Nanwang City for long. Upon arrival, he had immediately immersed himself in frantic work, so no proper steward had been appointed for the General Mansion yet. This gatekeeper, therefore, effectively served as a semi-steward, handling most of the arrangements for receiving and seeing off guests.
"Then I’ll have to trouble you, elder."
"You’re being too polite, Lord Zheng, too polite."
The General Mansion’s official business room was situated near the front, just to the left of the main hall. The rear courtyard was the living area, while the front courtyard served as the administrative zone.
Just as the convoy pulled in and Zheng Fan stepped inside, he heard a booming voice from the official business room: "As for who should be given command, I, Ziliang, believe that we in the Yan military prioritize military merit above all. As long as one’s achievements are convincing, there will naturally be no complaints or dissatisfaction from anyone, superior or subordinate!"
Zheng Fan froze and instinctively grabbed the gatekeeper’s wrist.
Who was Chief Zheng? He was the renowned young prince, the master head-taker! Snatching credit, claiming kills, seizing opportunities—these weren’t skills for him; they were instinct! Damn! Are they divvying up spoils in there? There’s something good being distributed, isn’t there? Good thing I got here when I did! Can’t delay, or the cake will be all carved up! Coming early isn’t as good as coming at the perfect moment. Besides, Chief Zheng had come to Nanwang City specifically to trade heads for benefits. Right now, it was as if he had two radar antennae on his head... or as if possessed by Blindman... his senses were incredibly sharp! ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ ⓝovelFire.net
Inside the official business room, Hui Wenzu’s face was ashen. Concede? He couldn’t stomach it! But at this moment, he had no choice. The one thousand five hundred barbarian soldiers he had planned to claim entirely for himself would now have to be handed over to this fine young talent from the Deng Family standing before him.
Direct Thief! Direct Thief! I’ve been swamped with official duties lately; my sensitivity to court politics has seriously dulled. Sigh... A person’s energy truly is finite. Generally, those skilled in office politics aren’t as effective at practical matters, while those who excel at getting things done often lack finesse in dealing with people. After all, all-rounders who are both competent and adept at navigating personal dynamics are exceedingly rare. Most people can only focus their energy on one area. Alas...
Hui Wenzu sighed and began to speak, "So then..."
"That lord is absolutely right!" Zheng Fan’s voice boomed from outside. "Our Great Yan has always judged by military merit! Zheng Fan, Commander of Green Willow Fortress in Yinlang County of Yan, is here to present his achievements!"
He’s here! He’s here!
Upon hearing the voice from outside, Hui Wenzu stood up excitedly. Then, moving like an agile fat man, he quickly descended from the head seat and hurried outside. Hui Wenzu didn’t quite understand why he was moving so hastily, but he had a gut feeling... an inexplicable confidence in Zheng Fan.
Seeing the highest-ranking General walk out like that, the other Generals first exchanged bewildered glances, then quickly rose as well. Alright, might as well go out and see what’s happening. That Zheng Fan... he’s rather well-known.
Deng Ziliang frowned slightly, but his expression remained supremely confident. He knew perfectly well whom Hui Wenzu had wanted to give those barbarian soldiers to, but he didn’t believe Zheng Fan’s merits could possibly surpass his own. The capture of Yin City last time was simply due to the incompetence of the Qian people, coupled with Zheng Fan acting rashly without waiting for orders. Luck is indeed important in warfare, but a general who relies solely on luck will never amount to much.
Zheng Fan’s shout startled the gatekeeper beside him.
Fatty Hui was the first to emerge. Behind Hui Wenzu, more than ten Generals also filed out. Bringing up the rear, clad in red armor—an attire Zheng Fan found unbelievably ostentatious—was General Deng Ziliang!
Fatty Hui’s eyes were filled with expectancy, nervousness, and apprehension. The numerous Generals behind him wore expressions ranging from curiosity to coldness or disdain. Deng Ziliang, on the other hand, looked straight at Zheng Fan, his expression unreadable.
Hui Wenzu spoke, "Commander Zheng, what military merits do you have to present?"
As he spoke, Hui Wenzu secretly winked at Zheng Fan. Heaven pity him; the portly man’s eyes were already small, so executing that subtle wink was genuinely difficult for him.
But Zheng Fan’s heart was now completely at ease. This was truly perfect timing; he’d arrived just in the nick of time. It was a good thing he hadn’t lingered too long, basking in the crowd’s compliments and awe when he entered the city, or he really would have missed this.
Zheng Fan clapped his hands and commanded, "Open the chests!"
Xiao Yibo immediately ordered his men to open the chests. To create a truly dramatic visual impact, Xiao Yibo had his men unfasten the locks first. Then, gritting his teeth and casting aside any concern for impropriety, he kicked one of the large chests hard.
The other men followed his example, each kicking the chest in front of them.
Instantly, the chests toppled over. A cascade of human heads spilled out, rolling across the ground with a series of heavy, muffled thuds.
Hui Wenzu’s body shuddered. The dozen or so Generals behind him also gasped sharply. Even the always composed Deng Ziliang showed a look of disbelief on his face.
In front of the official business room, only the sound of rolling heads echoed.
It sounded just like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate!