In other words, even if he and the two Lords had been speaking in hushed tones earlier, those two outside the door could undoubtedly have heard them if they wished.
Li Fusheng stood up. He was clearly wearing armor, though it was somewhat oversized. Upon closer inspection, one could even see fur sewn inside it.
In both of his lives, Chief Zheng had never seen armor with a warming layer. This wasn’t padded armor, but fine steel plate; adding fur inside gave it an extremely incongruous look.
Li Fusheng’s hands were tucked inside his armor. When he rose, he hunched over slightly, looking rather like a laid-back slacker.
"Chief Zheng, for this southern expedition, I’ve left half of my force in the north. Barring any mishaps, your unit should fall under my command."
"It is this humble general’s honor!"
Li Fusheng nodded and said, "I’ve spent most of my life in the north. This is my first time in the south. Chief Zheng, show me around Yin City."
Zheng Fan was willing to act as a tour guide for his superior, as he would likely be fighting under his command soon.
For this reason, Zheng Fan didn’t bother with pointless remarks about how he, too, was a northerner.
When Zheng Fan came out, A Ming was waiting outside the camp. When A Ming saw Li Fusheng emerge with Zheng Fan, he didn’t approach. He also signaled the thirty Green Willow Fortress knights not to follow.
A Ming could discern much with a single glance; he knew that flattery was best delivered privately, between just two people.
One could be more unrestrained with their praise, and the other could savor it more fully. A win-win situation.
He was a Demon King, after all. Though his power was far from restored, his awareness remained outstanding.
Each of them had their own personality. Sometimes, a seeming deficiency in a certain aspect was merely because they couldn’t be bothered with it.
Even Fanli—who would dare call him a fool?
Seeing that Li Fusheng didn’t mount a horse, Zheng Fan naturally didn’t either. The two walked out together.
The military camp was on the outskirts of Yin City, practically adjacent to it. So, it wasn’t long after leaving the camp gate that they reached the walls of Yin City.
Li Fusheng looked up at the city wall and the bustling gate, and couldn’t help saying, "The scale of this city is comparable to Tuman City, but the vibrancy of life here is much richer."
"My Lord, the grandest and most bustling city in Yinlang County isn’t Yin City, but Nanwang City."
"We’ll be passing by the day after tomorrow. It’s just a pity we probably won’t have a chance to go in and take a look."
Zheng Fan said, "My Lord, the splendid cities of Qian State are sure to surpass even Nanwang City in beauty."
When it comes to enjoyment, art, architecture, and aesthetics, the Qian people thoroughly outclass the generations of unrefined folk from Yan State.
"Lord North was right. Chief Zheng, you certainly have a way with words."
"Lord North also said that it would be worth giving you the rank of Vice-General, Chief Zheng, even if only to have you in his tent for conversation."
"I spent my youth hustling in the markets. My family even ran a restaurant back then. If I hadn’t known how to talk, we couldn’t have stayed in business."
Li Fusheng nodded and said, "Sigh, I was quite eloquent myself when I was young."
Zheng Fan realized this Commander Li Fusheng was constantly trying to imply a connection with him. He’d done it several times now, always saying how similar they were. If Zheng Fan hadn’t known he’d transmigrated in body, not just in spirit, he’d almost suspect he was Li Fusheng’s illegitimate son.
However, Li Fusheng’s next statement made Zheng Fan realize he had overthought:
"Later, as I killed more and more people, I became less and less inclined to speak."
"My Lord, your tireless efforts in defending the nation against the barbarians are, naturally..."
"No, I just enjoy hearing screams."
Zheng Fan was speechless.
Upon entering the city, the Yin City guards saw Zheng Fan and Li Fusheng in armor and didn’t cause much obstruction.
"My Lord, shall we indulge in something good to eat today?"
Zheng Fan had experienced the fare at the Earl of North Border’s residence before.
Li Fusheng took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Of course!" Googlᴇ search NovelHub(.)net
Then, Li Fusheng patted Zheng Fan’s shoulder and said, "You... are very good."
His tone and actions were rather like an occupying officer patting a ’cooperative’ local.
Of course, Zheng Fan knew Li Fusheng was simply overjoyed, hence his somewhat excessive display of enthusiasm.
Zheng Fan chose what looked like a high-class restaurant. As they entered, the proprietor personally came out to welcome them, leading Zheng Fan and Li Fusheng to a private room on the second floor.
"Military sirs, this meal is on the house! After you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, just kill a few more of those Qian curs for us!"
The old proprietor was quite savvy, but he added pleadingly, "But please, sirs, don’t spread this around outside."
If all the North Border Army soldiers in the camp outside the city were to come and dine here, his small fortune wouldn’t be able to handle it.
"Business is business; we’ll pay what’s owed. We have military orders not to accept free meals. Old Proprietor, if you truly wish to show your appreciation, just instruct your kitchen to prepare the dishes with extra care. There’s no need for wine."
"Yes, yes, of course! I’ll personally supervise in the kitchen."
After the old proprietor had left, Zheng Fan poured tea for Li Fusheng and himself.
"I tend to get carried away with killing in battle. Chief Zheng, once we’re on the battlefield, I’ll trouble you to remind me of this often."
"I prefer to speak directly."
"This humble general understands, My Lord."