Furthermore, since Li Fusheng was bothered by this issue, it implied that the army’s upper echelons, likely both Lords, had already issued similar instructions for the upcoming battles.
Li Fusheng, who was accustomed to and fond of killing, was a key figure to be reined in.
Soon, the hot dishes arrived. They were all exquisitely prepared, and Li Fusheng ate with great satisfaction, meticulously finishing every last morsel. He even used a steamed bun to soak up the remaining sauce from each plate, ensuring not a single drop went to waste.
Chief Zheng had no choice but to follow suit, using a steamed bun to mop up his sauce as well.
After they had eaten their fill, Zheng Fan went to settle the bill. He still wasn’t in the habit of carrying silver, so he left a jade pendant he carried as collateral, saying he would pay and redeem it the next time he came to dine.
This jade pendant was merely a trinket; though it was worth a fair bit, it served no special purpose.
Next, Zheng Fan accompanied Li Fusheng back to the military encampment. At the entrance, Li Fusheng turned to Zheng Fan and asked, "Is your unit lacking anything?"
"Er, not at the moment, no."
"If you need anything, go ask Hui Wenzu."
"The day after tomorrow, your unit will be directly incorporated into my command. Our Northern Army has strict military regulations."
"This subordinate understands. However, I have a question for Milord, so I can make adequate preparations upon my return today."
"The day after tomorrow, are we marching directly into Qian State?"
If it’s just an assembly, drills, a military review, or speeches by the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan, it doesn’t really matter. But if we are to march directly into Qian State and a real war is to begin, then there’s a great deal more to prepare.
"HEH HEH. Into Qian."
"This subordinate understands, Milord."
"Alright. You treated this time; I’ll treat you next time."
"You’re too kind, Milord."
"Don’t be so formal. Since you’re from the Northern Army, you should know that we don’t lack military pay."
Saying this, Li Fusheng touched his lips, sighed, and added, "We’re just sorely lacking in ’perks.’"
So that’s how it is, Zheng Fan thought. From the Earl of North Border down to these commanders, every last one of them is an absolute foodie...
After watching Li Fusheng swagger into the military encampment with his splay-footed gait, hands thrust into his armor, Zheng Fan turned and approached A Ming and the others.
"Has everyone eaten?" Zheng Fan asked.
He didn’t ask A Ming, who was living quite comfortably these days, thanks to the substantial store of fresh blood in the fortress’s ice cellar.
"Milord, we’ve all had dry rations."
"Alright then, let’s head back."
Zheng Fan swung himself onto his horse. A Ming, beside him, spoke up, "Who was that officer, My lord?"
"A Commander of the North Border Army."
The North Border Army was divided into six "towns" (garrisons), with seven main Commanders.
Though they shared the title of Commander, their status could vary greatly. For instance, if Li Fusheng stood before Hui Wenzu, he, Fatty Hui, would have to be saluted.
The official titles were the same, but their actual weight differed.
"Our Green Willow Fortress is to be merged under his command the day after tomorrow, and then we march into Qian State."
In truth, the war had begun months ago; the border between Yan and Qian had been a scene of "blazing" conflict.
Yet, everyone understood that as long as neither the North Border Army nor the Jingnan Army made a decisive move south, the true curtain on this war had yet to be raised.
"What’s the strategy?"
"Then, My lord, your trip to the city with that Commander...?"
"We just had a meal. Oh, right, I almost forgot. When you get back, ask the Blind One why simply resorting to slaughter cannot perfectly resolve the Qian State problem, and what supplementary methods are needed."
In truth, anyone could offer some insights on this matter, whether from a political or humanitarian standpoint, but Zheng Fan wasn’t satisfied with his own previous answer.
"Also, tell the Blind One to write the answer in an interesting, humorous, and easily understandable way."
"He needs to write it down?"
"Yes, and remind him that the person reading it isn’t highly educated, so no overly literary flourishes."
He had seven demon kings under his command, each talented in their own right. If he had the shoulders of giants to stand on, only a fool wouldn’t use them.
"This subordinate understands."
Zheng Fan nodded, coughed lightly, and said, "Let’s head back. We need to inform everyone and make preparations. There’s still a lot to do."
The group headed south, back to Green Willow Fortress.
As dusk approached, the news Zheng Fan brought back threw the entire Green Willow Fortress into a flurry of preparations.
This included readying military rations and fodder, tents and other materials, as well as arrows, other battlefield consumables, and medical supplies.
Actually, Zheng Fan could have easily just gathered his men and joined the main army. In Nanwang City, there were enormous amounts of food and fodder plundered from Yan’s elite families. Whatever the main army ate and used, he and his men could consume and utilize the same. But this was war, after all, not some all-expenses-paid tour. Moreover, Zheng Fan had a premonition that this would be completely different from his previous two nighttime raids that were like snatching a chicken and running. Therefore, since he had the resources, he intended to make sure his unit was well taken care of.
In the courtyard, Fanli was trying on his armor. Google seaʀᴄh novel fire.net
Fanli’s build was naturally large. According to Xue Three, if you painted him green, he could cosplay as the Hulk.
Consequently, Fanli’s armor was custom-made. From helmet to vambraces, he looked like a walking iron tank.
However, Fanli was extremely strong, so he didn’t find it cumbersome.
The other demon kings had, more or less, displayed some special abilities. Did Fanli really only have brute strength? Of course, on the battlefield, a colossal strongman was incredibly useful.
Xue Three’s armor was a miniature set. Of course, he didn’t wear it often, depending on the situation, as it would sometimes hinder his speed.