Chapter 154 It's called "a little painful"?

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!"

General Zheng, in his flying fish uniform, was practicing archery at the shooting range.

Si Niang stood beside him, the Blind Man sat behind, and A Ming, Xue San, Fan Li, and Liang Cheng were also present. Except for the Demon Marrow, who continued to watch the children at the mansion, everyone was there.

It was rare for everyone to gather so completely, as it wasn't the bi-monthly meeting.

Because aside from General Zheng, who was "doing nothing" every day, the other Demon Kings each had several departments' affairs to manage.

Si Niang was in charge of the economy and people's livelihood, the Blind Man was responsible for official governance and ideological construction, Fan Li was responsible for civil engineering, Xue San had to train spies and keep an eye on the weapon workshop, Liang Cheng was responsible for the army, and A Ming was responsible for product development.

The reason for gathering so completely was that the latest battle report from the front lines had arrived.

Before his death, the Emperor Situ Lei of Cheng led his army to defeat the allied forces of rebels and barbarians. The First Prince ordered Li Bao's troops to directly enter Yingdu City to control the situation.

Situ Lei's final blow could be said to have greatly expanded the strategic space for the Yan Kingdom in this war and enhanced its strategic initiative. At the same time, after the war, Cheng Kingdom's Chancellor Sun Youdao led a group of civil and military officials to support Situ Lei's young son to ascend the throne. The young son, according to Situ Lei's previous arrangements, re-submitted a letter of state to Li Bao, which to a considerable extent made the original foundation of the Situ family more orderly in its handover and transfer.

Therefore, the little emperor, not long after ascending the throne, lowered his national status, no longer calling himself emperor, but calling himself the lord of the state.

"You tell me, this teammate, if you're going to be a pig, just keep being a pig. But at the end, you suddenly pull off a god-tier move. What's that supposed to mean? Are you playing with us?"

Xue San said dejectedly.

Although everyone held official positions in the Yan Kingdom, few had the awareness to think for the sake of Great Yan and the overall situation.

The Blind Man rubbed his brow and said:

"Situ Lei was never a pushover. It's just a matter of timing and fate. First, he met that father, then those two elder brothers. He inexplicably gave away too much in the early stages, but this emperor was capable to begin with."

Situ Lei's last battle also left many "blanks" for him in the history books.

Without that final battle, Situ Lei's future interpretation would be roughly that of a powerful minister rising, killing his father and abandoning his brothers, and finally destroying the country.

It was precisely because of his death after the great victory in the final battle that allowed future readers of history to imagine, if Situ Lei had not been seriously injured at that time, if he had not died, if he had been given a few more years, what would have been the outcome for the Cheng Kingdom?

Si Niang then said:

"My lord, according to the current situation, can we stop preparing for war for now? We can transfer five thousand soldiers and have them go to the workshops to help out."

Supporting a large-scale, unproductive army was definitely a huge expense and a heavy burden. Therefore, many dynasties in history liked to manage their armies through "military farming," but unfortunately, this method would have very bad effects in the future.

But Si Niang clearly knew the current situation of Shengle City. If they didn't find a way to turn things around, their own foundation really wouldn't be able to support it for long.

"No."

Zheng Fan gave his decision.

"Yes, my lord is wise."

Si Niang didn't argue and readily agreed.

Orderly management was also playing, playing until bankruptcy and collapse was also playing. The methods of playing were different, but ultimately, the essence was still playing.

Si Niang wouldn't argue to the death with Zheng Fan over this; it was meaningless.

"I have a feeling that things are unlikely to go so smoothly. As I said before, we still need to prepare for war."

Speaking with a feeling was similar to making major decisions by consulting shamans, giving people a sense of unreliability.

But for the shaman profession, you have to be accurate to have more people asking for your services.

And ever since Zheng Fan woke up in this world, not to mention anything else, his luck has been consistently good. This luck wasn't manifested in being unscathed on the battlefield with a halo of destiny, but in his grasp of the general trend. He could always jump to the most suitable point.

"We need to give that Barbarian King a little confidence. The reason why the rebel army and the Barbarian allied forces have not attacked Yingdu for a long time is that they don't want to tear that last layer of skin and directly face the reaction from the Yan Kingdom.

Whether the Yan Kingdom would send troops and whether the Situ family would lean towards the Yan Kingdom, they had already considered.

Perhaps Situ Lei's final rise was something they hadn't expected, but this defeat might be a heavy blow to the morale of the rebels, but it would definitely not truly hurt the Barbarians to the bone.

Since that Barbarian King had already calculated that the Great Yan army would enter Cheng to help in the battle, he wouldn't have failed to plan a backup."

Placing future bets on the enemy's "intelligence" was obviously too ugly in terms of behavior and stance, but no one present felt that there was anything wrong with it.

Shengle City needed war, needed to plunder population, materials, and everything else through foreign wars. Without war, they could only reduce the army, or as Si Niang said, transfer some of the soldiers to the "military farming" model.

But everyone knew in their hearts that if they did that, they would really be no different from ordinary warlords, except that they would look a little bit better than those border troops in the former Qian Kingdom's three borders who were treated as "laborers" by the local government and clans.

Hoping to cultivate a new Northern Garrison Army or Southern Pacification Army was almost a luxury.

The Blind Man then said:

"My lord, observing the First Prince's every move since he took command of the army, I have found that the First Prince is taking a steady and cautious approach this time, unwilling to take risks easily, wanting to suppress the Barbarians and the Cheng Kingdom's rebels with overall strength.

Therefore, the possibility of him making mistakes is small."

Originally, they thought that a prince leading the army would be more likely to try to show off and that the Yan people's style of warfare was mainly based on cavalry raids, but the First Prince actually "played it safe."

This was really playing it safe. With 150,000 troops under his command, even if the Northern Garrison Army only had 50,000, and the Yan Kingdom's local county soldiers were not strong, they were still compared to the Northern Garrison Army and the Southern Pacification Army. You can't possibly think that the combat power of these county soldiers would be worse than that of the Cheng Kingdom's rebels, right?

Moreover, the Barbarians were notoriously unable to withstand fighting. Even after they entered the pass, they still hadn't changed this established impression.

In the mainstream public opinion of the court and the people, the reason why the Barbarians were able to enter the pass this time was because the two idiots of the Situ family acted as guides and let them in.

Didn't our Marquis of Southern Pacification lead only 30,000 cavalry to turn their snowy homeland upside down, seizing a large number of cattle, sheep, and horses, directly causing the price of mutton to plummet during this period?

The First Prince was different. He came step by step. After the vanguard went to Yingdu, the main force still maintained a good rhythm. Every time they arrived at a place, they first handed over to the local authorities. The original local officials of the Situ family remained unchanged, and then the preparation of food and grass, the supply of the army, and the requisition of laborers were all carried out in an orderly manner.

Those who knew understood that the First Prince was here to fight a war;

Those who didn't know thought he had come to take over the property.

"Let's wait and see. There's no rush."

Zheng Fan nocked another arrow, shot it out, and said:

"Don't we have a military town of the Situ family to the east?"

"Yes, my lord, it's called Ningbian City. It should have had more than 5,000 stationed troops, but most of them should have been transferred away by now," Liang Cheng replied.

"Send some troops to help receive it and expand the scope of our influence."

"Is that appropriate?" Xue San asked.

"There's nothing appropriate or inappropriate about it. The Situ family has already submitted, so the other side has become the territory of Great Yan. We're helping with the joint defense, not seizing territory."

"Your subordinate understands."

"Well, if the other party doesn't know what's good for them, give them a little taste of their own medicine, accuse them of being rebels, and suppress them."

"Yes, your subordinate knows."

"Also, send another one or two thousand troops to scout inside the Cheng Kingdom and build our relay station lines; otherwise, the speed at which military intelligence is transmitted back is still a bit slow.

If you encounter the First Prince's scouts asking questions, say that we are voluntarily helping the First Prince's army cover their flanks.

Since the First Prince wants us to guard his back door, he won't make things difficult for us at this time over these small matters. As for after the autumn harvest, haha, we'll talk about it after the autumn harvest."

Xue San exclaimed:

"My lord, when you said those words just now, you really had the flavor of a treacherous eunuch. Coupled with this flying fish uniform personally embroidered by Si Niang, it's amazing."

"Hehe, is that so."

Zheng Fan nocked another arrow and shot it out.

Xue San added: "My lord, it's not very interesting to just shoot targets."

A Ming, who had been dozing off to the side, opened his eyes and looked at Xue San.

"It's okay, just practicing my hand, so I don't get rusty. By the way, A Cheng, the army's training can't be stopped. Try to instill more killing intent into our soldiers."

"Yes, my lord."

Xue San scratched his ear, leaned closer to Zheng Fan, and said:

"My lord, your subordinate has prepared some medicinal baths. You've just finished archery practice, and your body is warmed up. Why don't you go soak in one now?"

"Is that the medicinal bath you mentioned last time?"

"Of course. The medicinal materials are very hard to find. Your subordinate sent a hundred or so men into the mountains to search for half a month and bought some from traveling merchants before finally putting together a complete recipe.

I guarantee there are no side effects. It's what those truly rich and noble families use for their core disciples to temper their bodies.

It's said that the Marquis of Southern Pacification used to soak in this when he was a child."

"How has that become your catchphrase?" Zheng Fan said, amused.

The Marquis of Southern Pacification used it, so it must be a good thing. The Marquis of Southern Pacification's armor was made with this, the Marquis of Southern Pacification practiced with this when he was a child.

Did Tian Wujing know that he had endorsed several brands?

Actually, Little Sixth used to have the Northern Garrison Marquis endorse roast duck.

It's just that the Northern Garrison Marquis has always been touted as "mystical," but in reality, Zheng Fan could beat him in martial arts without joking.

Tian Wujing was different. Although his reputation among the people was infinitely close to that of a "great demon," he had actually defeated the Sword Saint, which was extraordinary. Everyone was both afraid of him and wanted to become him.

Therefore, everything about Tian Wujing's cultivation methods, everything about Tian Wujing, seemed to become high-end as soon as it was associated with Tian Wujing.

"Won't there be any problems?" Si Niang asked worriedly.

Xue San immediately shook his head and said, "I've confirmed it. I soaked in it myself yesterday, and I felt like I grew taller."

"Pfft."

Fan Li, who hadn't spoken the whole time, laughed.

"Really, it has the effect of relaxing muscles and promoting blood circulation. It's just a little painful. Our lord cultivated after he was an adult, so he can make up for this later, just to strengthen his physique. There won't be any other side effects. It's not like taking drugs."

"Alright, let's try it then," Zheng Fan decided.

"My lord, then we'll go do our work. San'er, make sure the lord doesn't have any accidents," the Blind Man solemnly reminded.

The lord was everyone's lord. If you mess up the lord, then wait for the other six Demon Kings to hunt you down.

Xue San patted his chest and said, "You believe me. I used to have half a pharmacist's background."

In film and television works, the characters next to the pot of green bubbling potions seem to be very short.

After the meeting,

Back at the mansion,

Xue San ordered the maids to fill the hot spring pool with water.

Because Zheng Fan liked to take baths, there was a special hot spring pool in the house, so there was no need to use a bathtub.

And when Zheng Fan came in, he found that the Little Marquis had woken up and was staring at Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan walked over and picked up "Tiantian."

It had to be said that the Demon Marrow was really good at taking care of children. The child was dry and comfortable, and smelled of milk.

"Umm... wa ooh wa ooh."

The Little Marquis was saying something to Zheng Fan, with emotional ups and downs.

Zheng Fan pretended to understand and nodded and smiled in rhythm with him.

The hot spring water was ready, Xue San dismissed the servants and said to Zheng Fan:

"My lord, you can get in the pool now."

Zheng Fan nodded, put the Little Marquis back in the cradle, took off his clothes, and walked into the hot spring pool.

"Hoo..."

Perhaps it was because he had been soaking in hot springs in this world for a long time, plus he was following the martial artist's cultivation system, so Zheng Fan's acceptance of hot water was getting higher and higher.

The temperature that ordinary people could hardly bear was probably just right for him.

Xue San walked over with a wine jar in his hand.

"Wa ooh wa ooh..."

The Little Marquis in the cradle saw this, clapping his little hands and calling out.

"Oh, you want it?"

Xue San hesitated.

Logically speaking, this was your father's old bath formula, so giving it to you to soak in didn't seem to be anything wrong.

But you're too young, what if soaking in it causes you a problem...

Damn it,

Too scary.

But Xue San still walked to the cradle and pulled out the cork of the wine jar in front of the Little Marquis.

The Little Marquis put his head over, took a breath,

And then,

"Wa ooh..."

With a "plop,"

He fell backward, actually passing out from the fumes.

"Hehe."

Xue San smiled. In order to make the medicinal effect blend to a greater extent, Xue San added a lot of his own high-concentration alcohol.

"Roar!"

Just then,

A stone shot out directly, and the figure of the Demon Marrow appeared, staring at Xue San with angry eyes.

"That, this, that..."

Xue San was a little scared. Even though everyone was on the same level now, Xue San still didn't think he could beat the Demon Marrow.

After all, it was the setting of being a biological son, so he would definitely be stronger than the other Demon Kings, except for the bug of loving to kill his old man.

"I'm going over there, going over there."

Xue San secretly pointed to the back, meaning he was going to help Zheng Fan with the medicinal bath.

The Demon Marrow endured his anger,

And in the end, he didn't attack Xue San,

Instead, he returned to the cradle,

Revealing his true form and kneeling beside the Little Marquis.

"Jie jie jie jie... Jie jie jie jie..."

The Little Marquis looked at the Demon Marrow with drunken "peach blossom eyes,"

Responding with:

"Wa... ooh ooh... wa ooh ooh... hehe..."

Xue San broke out in a cold sweat. He just wanted to tease the child, but he didn't really expect the Demon Marrow to have developed feelings for taking care of the child. This posture was simply fiercer than a hen protecting her chicks.

If the lord wasn't waiting in the hot spring pool to take a bath right now, he would definitely fight with him.

Tsk tsk,

So, the lord really knows how to play.

Xue San held the wine jar and walked back to Zheng Fan. Zheng Fan was covering his face with a bath towel at this time, feeling weak...

"My lord, I'm going to pour it in now. Because this is the first time the lord is taking a medicinal bath, it may be a bit painful. As the saying goes:

If it flows, it doesn't hurt; if it hurts, it doesn't flow.

After the effect of the medicinal bath comes down, the meridians in the lord's body will be tempered and widened."

"Got it."

"Alright."

Xue San poured the contents into the hot spring pool. After the medicinal liquid entered the hot water, it began to spread rapidly.

"Hiss..."

Zheng Fan's body suddenly convulsed,

And he sat up abruptly, even dropping the bath towel from his face.

"This is called... a little painful?"

This feeling wasn't like taking a bath anymore; it was like soaking in sulfuric acid. If Zheng Fan wasn't sure that Xue San wouldn't harm him, Zheng Fan would have jumped out at the first moment.

"This proves that the lord's body still has great potential!"

Zheng Fan had no choice but to close his eyes and continue to soak himself in it.

Gradually, black bruises began to overflow from Zheng Fan's eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, and black blood stains seeped out from the pores of his body.

The effect was slowly beginning to show.

Zheng Fan clearly felt that the blood in his body was flowing faster and faster with excitement.

Zheng Fan's heart slowly began to calm down, but soon, the heart that had just calmed down suddenly rose again.

The flow of blood was getting faster and faster, to the point where it was out of control.

Zheng Fan's vision began to blur. What he saw was no longer misty; some phantoms seemed to appear. In these phantoms, there seemed to be bursts of roars from demons, and the aura of curses and disasters was rapidly rolling and roaring.

"San'er!!!"

Zheng Fan roared.

"Huh?"

Xue San was also a little flustered at this time, starting to nervously bite his fingernails.

"This is a medicinal bath?"

Did Tian Wujing's mother soak in this every day?

It's really not easy for Tian Wujing to have grown up alive.

Zheng Fan felt that his body was about to explode. At this time, even if he wanted to get out of the hot spring pool, he couldn't move. His whole body was like a balloon that would explode at the slightest touch.

"Um... My lord, it's a medicinal bath... It's just that your subordinate, your subordinate added something, it shouldn't be like this, I soaked in it, it wasn't so intense..."

"Added... what!!!"

"Um, A Cheng's and A Ming's blood."

"..." Zheng Fan!