Chapter 124 He Wants a Home

“My son’s surname is Zheng.”

Logically speaking, Liang Cheng should have found those words very uncomfortable.

After all, he was a proud ancient zombie. If his master was being referred to as someone’s son, wouldn’t that make him a de facto “Grand Emperor”?

But that’s not how the calculations worked.

The origin of everything stemmed from that night when his master, Zheng Fan, adhering to the principle of ‘better to do one extra thing than miss one,’ regardless of Confucianism, Buddhism, or Taoism, entered the temple and kowtowed as it cost nothing,

Kowtowed before that makeshift small altar.

Shato Queshi had no descendants, and his tribe, the Shatuo tribe, had already been annihilated.

He had personally set up the altar to pre-emptively commemorate himself, to commemorate the desolate yellow sands that gave birth to him and raised him.

But because of his master’s kowtow,

His master became Shato Queshi’s “blood food inheritor.”

It was like the common custom of burning paper money and setting out offerings when people visited graves during festivals or on the anniversaries of their ancestors’ deaths,

The living provided blood food for the deceased, and the deceased, in the冥冥之中 (míng míng zhī zhōng, the netherworld), blessed the living with a peaceful and prosperous life.

To call it a transaction would be too cold, because it contained many emotional factors and could be described as a tacit understanding.

The so-called “seeking the blessings of ancestors” was essentially the same principle.

Therefore, Shato Queshi was right to say, “My son’s surname is Zheng,” because Zheng Fan had kowtowed to him, the offerings during festivals had never been lacking, and from time to time, Zheng Fan would bring wine and snacks to chat with Shato Queshi.

Although Shato Queshi was now a zombie, he had indeed saved Zheng Fan several times. Zombies were terrifying, but if normal people were given the choice, would they want such a reliable “zombie godfather”? Most people would probably nod and shout that they wanted, wanted, wanted it.

Liang Cheng hesitated, then returned to the residence.

Just as Zheng Fan was carrying a pot of wine and a plate of sliced dried tofu, preparing to go out.

Judging by his posture, he was planning to chat with Shato Queshi.

After all, so much had happened today; it was equivalent to having argued with the Demon Kings. The more one experienced such events, the more one had the urge to confide.

Liang Cheng suddenly felt that his master was somewhat pitiful. The Demon Kings were all people of great resilience, having experienced enough trials and tribulations, so even if Xue San was beaten, he could actually take it in stride.

But Zheng Fan wasn't. Zheng Fan was running all the way, forcefully trying to keep up with the Demon Kings' rhythm.

“Why are you back again?”

Zheng Fan asked with a smile.

Liang Cheng didn't hide it and said directly:

“Master, this subordinate has just advanced.”

“Oh, congratulations.”

Zheng Fan didn't seem surprised, as if he already knew this would happen.

They understood each other too well.

For example, Zheng Fan naturally knew what Xue San wanted to achieve with this transgression.

“This subordinate's bloodline has recovered a bit more, and now, this subordinate can communicate with Shato Queshi... communicate like zombies.”

“Hmm? Can you help Shato Queshi recover?”

“It may not be possible at the moment, but I should be able to do something for him.”

“You're a big zombie, don't you even know what you can do?”

Faced with this question, Liang Cheng still answered very sincerely:

“Master, before becoming a zombie, this subordinate was already very strong. After becoming a zombie, this subordinate was directly an ancient great zombie. So, this subordinate really doesn't know what the differences are between lower-level zombies, what abilities they have, and what their limitations are.”

“……” Zheng Fan.

Truth often hurts the most.

What Liang Cheng meant was basically, “I reached my peak upon debut.”

It was like those geniuses who were admitted to university at the age of eleven or twelve.

If you insisted on asking them about their junior high school or high school lives, they really wouldn't know.

“Let's go, let's go take a look together.”

“Yes, Master.”

………

Because the Pingye Marquis's residence was still under construction, the basement suitable for Shato Queshi's coffin hadn't been vacated yet. In this temporary residence, Shato Queshi was placed in the most remote room in the back courtyard.

When Zheng Fan and Liang Cheng arrived, they found that Mo Wan had already brought the Little Marquis.

Zheng Fan, being a martial artist, might not have sensed the disturbance caused by the coffin lid being knocked off and Shato Queshi's aura leaking out, but Mo Wan, being a soul entity, couldn't possibly have been unaware.

In the room,

The Little Marquis was sitting on the edge of the coffin, very, very close to Shato Queshi.

One could only say,

That this was a child raised by Mo Wan; truly, nothing was off-limits.

Other nannies taking care of children would worry about the little ones being scratched by cats and dogs, but here, Mo Wan was directly bringing the child to have close contact with a zombie.

This was countless times more dangerous than putting a child in a tiger cage.

On the other hand, one could only sigh at how tough the Jingnan Marquis's son's life was.

Other children, when encountering something dirty or being slightly frightened, might be haunted and fall ill.

The Little Marquis had been playing with ghosts since he was young, crawling on coffins, yet he had a great appetite and enjoyed everything he ate.

When Zheng Fan came in, Shato Queshi, who was sitting in the coffin, slowly turned his head and looked at Zheng Fan.

He was still expressionless, but you could feel that he was paying attention to you.

Shato Queshi had interacted with Mo Wan because Mo Wan was Zheng Fan's “son.”

Shato Queshi had also taken action to protect the Little Marquis by killing the invading thieves because the Little Marquis was Zheng Fan's “godson.”

You once kowtowed to me,

I will protect your descendants.

Shato Queshi had done it.

He was a man who valued promises and kept his word, both in life and in death.

Liang Cheng opened his mouth, his throat making raspy grinding noises, and his eyes glowed with a greenish light, like ghostly will-o'-the-wisps.

Seemingly drawn by Liang Cheng, Shato Queshi also opened his mouth and began to make raspy responses.

After a while,

Liang Cheng said:

“Master, his consciousness is still very chaotic, but we can try to ask some questions.”

Zheng Fan nodded and said:

“Ask him what he wants.”

He couldn't always take people's kindness for granted. If possible, Zheng Fan also hoped he could do something for him.

Liang Cheng began to ask Shato Queshi,

After a while,

Liang Cheng replied:

“Master, he said yellow sand, sheep, oases…”

“Is that what he said?”

“This subordinate guessed that's what he meant.”

“Oh.”

Zheng Fan sighed and said:

“He misses home.”

What the deceased need is to be laid to rest, what they seek is to return to their homeland.

This was instinct, the instinct of all things.

Leaving home young and returning old was a cycle that people pursued in life, a kind of belonging.

Shato Queshi's home was in the Shatuo tribe, but that tribe had already been exterminated.

But his homeland was in the desert.

Zheng Fan felt a little guilty,

Because of his relationship, Shato Queshi had been brought from the desert to Tiger Head City, then from Tiger Head City to Emerald Willow Fort, then from Emerald Willow Fort to Shengle, and then, further east, to Snow Sea Pass.

He was being promoted and making a fortune every time he changed places, and his power was growing.

But for Shato Queshi, it meant getting further and further away from his homeland.

“Master, these are just his very simple thoughts right now, because his current consciousness is not mature enough.”

“But these are also his most genuine thoughts.”

Zheng Fan sighed and continued:

“In the future, I will help him rebuild a Shatuo tribe.”

Liang Cheng nodded and said: “That is as it should be.”

At this moment, the Blind Man came over.

He didn't actually need to be announced, because a quick sweep with his mental power would reveal Zheng Fan's location in the residence.

The Blind Man walked in and noticed Liang Cheng first, and a curve couldn't help but form on his lips.

This time,

It was truly an honest man’s great turnaround.

The silly, simple-minded Fan Li,

This cold zombie,

Were actually the first two to advance.

So, you really can't judge a book by its cover; you can't completely trust character settings.

“Master, military intelligence from Jade Plate City.”

Zheng Fan turned around, looked at the Blind Man, and asked:

“What's wrong?”

“The First Prince's dowry, that is, the Keyan tribe, nearly thirty thousand people, has already crossed Wang River. When the message was sent, they should have been crossing. Now that we've received this letter, it's likely that the tribe has already finished crossing, and may even be continuing their journey east.”

“So fast?”

This ten thousand barbarian iron cavalry was something Lord Zheng had been dreaming about day and night.

With an extra ten thousand iron cavalry at Snow Sea Pass, whether going north to the snow plains or strolling around in front of the Chu people at Zhennan Pass, things would become much easier.

Unlike now, where he could only focus on construction, and everything seemed stretched thin.

Building himself up and relying on his own efforts was certainly a principle that must be adhered to, but since there were targets around him that could be plundered, it would be a shame not to engage in some bloody and sinful primitive accumulation.

At the same time, after mastering this ten thousand barbarian iron cavalry, although Lord Zheng wouldn't be able to compare to the strength of Li Fusheng, the Zhenbei Army's commander, he could still firmly sit in the second tier of Grand General officers of Great Yan.

Here, we are not talking about titles, but only the number of troops under command.

The Zhenbei Army had six garrisons, with 300,000 iron cavalry. Each commander had nearly 50,000 cavalry under their command, and even after deducting some miscellaneous troops, there would definitely be 40,000. Lord Zheng only had half of that now.

Of course, the Zhenbei Army had also suffered great losses in recent years of southern and northern expeditions, but their new troop replenishment was fast.

Zheng Fan looked at the Blind Man and said:

“Preparation of tents and supplies for the reception should begin immediately, and the corresponding logistical support must keep up.”

The Blind Man nodded and said: “Master, there is also an official document from the Ministry of Revenue, listing the money and grain allocated to our Snow Sea Pass by the Ministry of Revenue in the first half of the year.”

Speaking of this, the Blind Man smiled:

“Master, it's the actual amount.”

“The actual amount?”

The Yan Kingdom's supply of money and grain to the garrison in Jin had always been only 50%, and in some places, it was even less. The shortfall had to be made up by the local generals themselves, who had to work hard and provide for themselves.

Logically speaking, Snow Sea Pass was in a critical position and needed more support, but even getting more than 70% would be considered very generous.

The actual amount meant that there were no discounts whatsoever.

Even in later generations, with designated funds and grain, there was bound to be some skimming along the way from the top to the local level, not to mention now.

“Master, and it's not just the actual amount, but the losses during transportation have also been compensated, and the types of money, grain, and various supplies, how should I say this, if you convert it, it's more than 20% higher than the original so-called actual amount.”

The so-called “money and grain” didn't just refer to silver and a single type of grain; there were too many ways to manipulate it.

Zheng Fan believed that the Blind Man and Si Niang were proficient in this, but since the Blind Man said that this time it was truly full, it meant that the money and grain allocated by the Ministry of Revenue this time were fully three times more than the previous precedents.

“Who is responsible for this?” Zheng Fan immediately tasted the meaning behind it.

As a warlord leading troops abroad, he naturally understood the principle that having someone in the court made it easier to get promoted, especially with such an “inconceivable” high-intensity level of support,

Why would someone be so good to you if you weren't related?

Even if it was a national treasury expenditure, the person in charge of the treasury was still a living person, right?

The Blind Man silently took out another letter and said:

“Master, this came with the Ministry of Revenue's document; it's a letter from the Sixth Prince. The Sixth Prince is currently观风 (guān fēng, observing customs) at the Ministry of Revenue, which roughly means an intern, but obviously…”

The Blind Man didn't say the words that followed, but everyone could understand.

Lord Zheng took a deep breath,

And slowly exhaled,

And couldn't help but stretch out his arms and stretch,

And said:

“This is so comfortable.”

The Blind Man echoed: “Isn't it? In the past, the Sixth Prince could only rely on his own business to support us, like a trickle that could quench our thirst appropriately.

Now, he's using the national treasury to support us; the amount of support is just so comfortable.”

“You should handle the matter of replying to Little Sixth.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Also, send a letter to the Jingnan Marquis to greet him.”

The Jingnan Marquis was stationed in Fengxin City, but even a three-year-old child knew who had the most influence in the entire Three Jins region.

The so-called greeting meant urging whether the money and grain sent from Yingdu should have arrived by now.

At the same time, when the money and grain from the Ministry of Revenue were escorted over, he would have to ask the Marquis to help keep an eye on them. Those were things belonging to the Zheng family, and no one could be allowed to take them away.

Since they were confidants, they should naturally receive the treatment of confidants.

“Yes, this subordinate understands.”

At this time, Liang Cheng asked:

“Master, since the Keyan tribe has already crossed Wang River, should we send a team to meet them?”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Fan thoughtfully nodded and said:

“Tell Jin Shuke to lead a thousand cavalry to meet them; he is a barbarian and will be easier to communicate with.”

Hearing that Jin Shuke was assigned to meet them,

Liang Cheng and the Blind Man naturally understood what was happening.

This kid's earlier act of loyalty hadn't been in vain, and his path had widened a lot.

Since they were talking about this,

Zheng Fan then said to Liang Cheng:

“The matter of sending troops to the snow plains should be temporarily postponed. We'll plan a new strategy after the barbarian cavalry arrive.”

The previous talk of leading troops to the snow plains was actually to relax and vent his anger.

However, Lord Zheng was not King You of Zhou, and he knew the difference between military affairs and personal preferences. Since he could double his available troops in a short time, it would undoubtedly be a stupid thing to go and beat the grass and scare the snake at this time.

“Yes, this subordinate understands.”

“Right, Blind Man, hurry up and work with that Barbarian King to formulate a combat plan, and then start preparing ideological and political education for that ten thousand barbarian cavalry.

At the latest by autumn, we must launch a major attack on the snow plains; otherwise, with so many people inside and outside Snow Sea Pass, it will be difficult to have a comfortable winter without looting properly.”

“Master, rest assured, this subordinate will handle it properly.”

“Alright, I'll be alone for a while.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Yes, Master.”

The Blind Man and Liang Cheng walked out, one holding the stone containing Mo Wan, and the other holding the Little Marquis.

After walking outside,

The Blind Man tapped the stone in his hand and joked:

“One simpleton and one zombie have both advanced. When will you, the real son, get there?”

Mo Wan ignored the Blind Man's attempt to sow discord.

The Little Marquis in Liang Cheng's arms reached out and stroked Liang Cheng's body; he could sense that Liang Cheng's skin was different from that of ordinary people.

“Hoo…”

The Blind Man shook his waist again and said:

“Is it like that?”

He was asking if the method of advancement was like that.

Liang Cheng nodded: “I thought you would stay behind under some pretext.”

“Honestly, being told the same thing by several people in one day gets tiring, just like chicken soup. Drinking too much of it in a short period of time will definitely make you feel sick. I'm not in a hurry; I'll wait for Master's emotions to cool down a bit before I go.

After all, if it doesn't work the first time, saying the same heartfelt words a second time will definitely be boring.”

The Blind Man had planned everything out.

“It's good that you know what you're doing.” Liang Cheng wouldn't worry about the Blind Man.

“Actually, we're doing alright; do you know who the hardest hit is?”

“Xue San?”

“San'er took a tumble this time, but it's not a big problem. The hardest hit are actually this one in my hands and Si Niang. One is the real son, and the other is the woman at his side. Do you know why they weren't able to succeed the earliest this time?

Because the closer the relationship, the harder it is to speak the truth.”

Saying this,

The Blind Man pointed to his chest:

“It's easy to stab the heart.”

“Buzz!”

Mo Wan flew up and directly smashed into the Blind Man's head!

The Blind Man didn't dodge or even resist; he just stood there and shouted:

“A-Cheng, save me!”

“Pa!”

Liang Cheng reached out and grabbed the stone that was smashing towards the Blind Man.

Now that Liang Cheng had the advantage in strength, it wasn't too difficult to deal with Mo Wan, of course, provided that everyone was just having an ordinary fight and wasn't trying to kill each other.

The Blind Man calmly straightened his collar, not feeling that he was being annoying by talking too much, and instead continued:

“Stabbing the heart is stabbing the heart, but everything has two sides. Among people with close relationships, wounds are actually easier to heal.”

Then,

The Blind Man bent over, brought his face closer, and poked the stone where Mo Wan was twice,

And said:

“Do you think Master doesn't know that Si Niang doesn't have that kind of pure romantic love for him?”

After a pause,

The Blind Man said again:

“Do you think Master doesn't know that your biggest dream is to be a filial son?”

…

Inside the room,

Shato Queshi, who had been sitting earlier, had already laid back down, closed his eyes, and didn't move, truly looking like an ordinary corpse.

Zheng Fan personally adjusted the position of the cushion and pillow inside the coffin for him, and then helped him cover himself with that valuable silk blanket.

Afterward,

Zheng Fan sat down on the floor,

Facing the coffin,

And set out wine and dishes,

With two pairs of chopsticks and two bowls.

After estimating that the Blind Man and Liang Cheng had gone far away,

Zheng Fan picked up his wine glass and faced the coffin,

And said:

“Let's start with one toast.”

…

The Keyan tribe's migration team was on the move.

On the north and south sides of the team, there were 5,000 Jingnan Army cavalry acting as escorts.

This was the treatment that the tribe had received since entering the Yan Kingdom from Beifeng County.

Over the centuries, many barbarian tribes had migrated into the Yan Kingdom, and some barbarians had even served as officials in the Yan court, but a large-scale tribal migration like that of the Keyan tribe was a first.

Keyan Mou, the leader of the Keyan tribe, was riding on horseback, with a wineskin containing mare's milk wine in his hand.

He had been half-drunk all the way. During the tribal migration, all matters requiring the clan leader to come forward were handled by his eldest son, Keyan Dongge.

The climate and soil within the Yan and Jin Kingdoms were indeed much better than those in the desert, but the desert was his home. If it weren't for the sake of his entire tribe, Keyan Mou would never have accepted the migration conditions.

Moreover,

It was as the dowry of his daughter who was marrying the Barbarian King!

But, there was really no choice. People always had to live.

Keyan Dongge rode his horse to his father's side and reported:

“Father, dozens more tribesmen have fallen ill today.”

It was normal for people to suffer from acclimatization sickness during such a long-distance migration. Not only were the elderly and children affected, but even the warriors within the tribe were not immune.

“Send them to the祭祀 (jì sì, shamans) to take care of them. Also, ask the Yan people again to send some doctors to treat our tribesmen.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Dongge.”

“Father?”

“From now on, you don't need to report these matters to me anymore. You are an adult, the young master of the Keyan tribe, the future leader of our Keyan tribe. You should learn to use your own wisdom and courage to lead the tribesmen forward.”

Whether in the Central Plains dynasties or among the desert barbarians, the struggle for succession was always a very taboo and sensitive topic because it involved the most fundamental power grab.

But the Keyan tribe was an exception because Keyan Mou had taken over the Keyan tribe from his older brother, and he only had one son, Keyan Dongge. All the others were daughters.

Therefore, the Keyan tribe had no choice in the matter of the future heir.

When the team passed through Yanjing, Keyan Mou learned that the current Emperor of Yan actually had seven sons. He was not jealous at all, but instead felt sorry for the Emperor.

Of course, these words could not be spoken casually, because the former Yan Emperor was now his Emperor.

Since the Keyan tribe had entered Yan, it would be impossible for them to return to their homeland in the desert for a short time. Therefore, the entire tribe had to rely on the Yan people to survive.

At the same time, the Yan people obviously did not trust them. Not only were they moving them from the west to the far east Snow Sea Pass, but wherever the team migrated, there were no less than 10,000 Yan cavalry following them.

Although the Keyan tribe could also organize 10,000 cavalry warriors, since all the elderly, children, and women of the tribe were here, it was impossible and unwise to start any conflict with the Yan people.

“Father, you are like an eagle in the desert, still very strong. Besides, there are still seven elders in our tribe. You have unparalleled experience and wisdom, and I still need to learn from you.”

As the only heir, Keyan Dongge was not being falsely modest when he said these words.

Since he was an only son, what did he need to worry about?

What was his would inevitably be his.

Even if his father were to have another son now, the age gap would be too big to pose any threat to him.

When his position was securely guaranteed, he would naturally devote more energy to public matters.

“Hoo…”

Keyan Mou smiled, shook his head, and raised his neck to take another big gulp of mare's milk wine.

“Dongge, what I'm most worried about now is whether Snow Sea Pass can prepare enough grain for the tribesmen to live on. After migrating all the way here, the livestock herd has been almost exhausted, except for the warhorses, which have been relatively well-protected.

If that Yan nobleman in Snow Sea Pass cannot provide us with enough grain and silk, this winter will be very, very difficult for our tribe.”

Livestock were a means of production for the desert barbarians, like farmland for the people of the Central Plains. Now that the livestock herd had been depleted due to migration, they couldn't possibly ask the tribesmen to learn to farm, could they?

Even if they did, it would be too late now.

Keyan Dongge remained calm and said directly:

“Father, don't worry about this. Isn't it said that north of Snow Sea Pass is the snow plains? The 野人 (yě rén, savages) on the snow plains also herd livestock. If we lack livestock, then when the time comes, I'll lead the tribe's warriors to snatch them from the savages!

At most, we'll give a few shares of what we plunder to that Yan nobleman in Snow Sea Pass. We can't just watch our tribesmen starve to death.”

Barbarians looked down on savages. This was a real and existing chain of contempt.

Even though the savages had ravaged Jin, the barbarians still felt that the savages were not worth mentioning.

“Dongge, after arriving at Snow Sea Pass, remember not to act rashly with the tribe's warriors; otherwise, there will be big problems.”

“Father, I know what you're worried about. We are willing to risk our lives for the Yan people, but the Yan people must not let us starve!”

“In any case, you must change your temper. Since our tribe has migrated here, we must be careful in everything we do.”

“I know, Father. I won't actively provoke the Yan people.”

For nearly a hundred years, the desert barbarians had actually been somewhat fearful of the Yan people because of the Zhenbei Marquis's House and the Zhenbei Army.

“Wooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At this moment,

A series of horns suddenly sounded.

Immediately afterward, the two Jingnan Army cavalry teams that had been escorting the Keyan tribe suddenly became excited and began to accelerate.

This sudden change caused the Keyan tribe to panic for a while.

Keyan Dongge subconsciously thought that the Yan people were about to attack, and immediately wanted to raise the bull horn on his body to gather the tribe's warriors around him to prepare for battle.

“Put it down!”

Keyan Mou whipped his son, knocking the bull horn out of his hand.

“If the Yan people wanted to attack us, would they have waited until now?”

At the same time,

From the east, teams of Yan cavalry galloped out, and the Yan knights, holding high the black dragon banners, fearlessly traveled through the Keyan tribe's marching ranks.

“Father, what exactly is going on?”

Keyan Dongge could now see that the Yan people did not intend to fight.

Keyan Mou threw the wineskin in his hand to the ground, straightened his clothes, put on his hat, and slowly said:

“When we passed through Yingdu, didn't we say we wanted to pay respects to that Yan Southern Marquis who was as famous as the Northern Marquis? But he wasn't in Yingdu, he was in Fengxin City, east of Wang River.

Now that we've passed Wang River, who do you think will be ahead of us, which Yan nobleman will it be?”

Saying this,

Keyan Mou pointed to the Jingnan Army knights on the periphery who were becoming excited,

“Besides that Yan Southern Marquis, who else could make these Yan soldiers so excited?”

The fact that the Keyan tribe could become a thorn in the Barbarian King's side meant that its leader, Keyan Mou, was definitely not an incompetent fool. After seeing the excited looks on the faces of these Yan knights, he understood how high the Yan Southern Marquis's status was in the Yan army.

Even as a tribal leader, he only controlled two or three thousand direct troops at most, while that Yan Southern Marquis was able to make these Yan soldiers love him from the bottom of their hearts. Just seeing him could make these soldiers feel like it was a great fortune.

Such prestige…

Keyan Mou narrowed his eyes.

At this time,

What flashed through the mind of this Keyan tribe leader was actually,

If this Yan Southern Marquis wanted to rebel, if our tribe were to follow him, could our tribe have the opportunity to return to the desert after he succeeded?

It couldn't be blamed on Keyan Mou for thinking of this, because since leaving the desert, he had been suffering from the pain and humiliation of leaving his homeland day and night. Going home had become his obsession.

“The Jingnan Prince has arrived, kneel down to welcome him!”

“The Jingnan Prince has arrived, kneel down to welcome him!”

“The Jingnan Prince has arrived, kneel down to welcome him!”

Loud shouts came from the Jingnan Army knights.

Although the imperial decree had long since come down, stripping the Jingnan Prince of his princely title and restoring him to the rank of Marquis,

These Jingnan Army soldiers would not change their words. Since he had been a Prince, he would always be a Prince. That's what we like to call him; what can the imperial court do about it?

If you want us to change our name and not call him Prince,

Then you can only change it to Your Majesty!

“Dongge, summon the tribe's elders and follow me to pay respects to the Yan Southern Marquis.”

The Keyan tribe's reaction was very docile. Not only did the tribesmen kneel down immediately upon seeing the Prince's banner, but all the noble elders in the tribe, led by the chieftain Keyan Mou, also put down their weapons, left their warhorses, and came very respectfully to the temporarily established military camp.

Outside the military camp, 20,000 Jingnan Army cavalry were ready to go, and on the periphery, there were more than 10,000 cavalry patrolling.

The Eastern Expedition's campaign to drive out the savages and the Chu people had just ended not long ago. Although the Yan army had suffered heavy losses, the morale and confidence that a series of victories had forged for this army were tangible and visible!

Moreover, after the war, the Jingnan Marquis had spared the two troops originally belonging to the Zhenbei Army under Li Fusheng and Li Bao, but all the other troops, whether from the Eastern Expeditionary Army or from Jin, were reorganized and incorporated into the Jingnan Army system.

Therefore, it could be said that the Yan army's losses in the previous war had not yet been made up for, but the Jingnan Army was definitely even stronger.

Looking at this well-organized military appearance,

Keyan Mou took a deep breath. He hadn't even entered the military camp yet, but knelt down directly outside the fence.

“Keyan Mou, the leader of the Keyan tribe, leads his tribesmen to pay homage to the Jingnan Prince. May the Prince live ten thousand years!”

The chieftain had knelt, and Keyan Dongge and the other elders and nobles behind him all knelt down as well.

Keyan Dongge was very close to his father. After kneeling down, he couldn't help but whisper:

“Are the Yan people trying to diminish our prestige?”

Putting on such a big show, when it wasn't even a battle, was naturally a show of force.

This kind of tactic was actually very common in the desert. Sometimes, when there were conflicts between two tribes, the more powerful tribe would often choose to first send its own warriors to form an army and go around the hostile tribe. If the difference in strength was too great, the hostile tribe would choose to back down.

Keyan Mou shook his head and whispered back to his son:

“It's not that. Do you think this Yan Southern Marquis is very idle and has nothing to do, and needs to specially come in front of us to show off? You must know that he is on equal footing with that Northern Marquis.

He's specifically here to support someone, to support that Earl in Snow Sea Pass. It's said that that Earl is his confidant; it seems to be true.

As the master, he is willing to make a special trip to support his subordinates.”

Thinking this way, after we get to Snow Sea Pass, currying favor with that Yan nobleman, the tribe's life should not be too difficult.

“Supporting someone?” Dongge was stunned for a moment. He was still young and couldn't react as quickly as his father in these matters.

“Kacha… Kacha…”

The gate of the military camp was opened.

“By order of the Prince, summon the leader of the Keyan tribe to meet him!”

A messenger galloped past on horseback.

Keyan Mou and the others stood up, lined up, and walked into the military camp.

A command banner was erected in the center of the military camp.

To the west of the banner, there was a dignified Pixiu lying down,

And below the banner,

A majestic man wearing gilded armor was sitting on a command chair.

The man's eyes had originally been closed,

But when he opened his eyes and his gaze swept over,

Even Keyan Dongge, who was young and proud, couldn't help but panic and become afraid at this moment.

This aura, this majesty,

His father,

Simply couldn't compare to the other party!

Keyan Dongge remembered that he had seen the Barbarian King in the past, and perhaps only the Barbarian King could be as imposing as this Yan Southern Marquis in front of him.

Most importantly, Keyan Dongge also knew that this Yan Southern Marquis was not only unmatched in leading troops to battle, but he himself was also a true strong warrior!

Even without mobilizing a single soldier, the other party could easily kill him.

Keyan Mou immediately bowed:

“Keyan Mou, a humble commoner from the desert, pays homage to the Jingnan Prince.”

Saying this,

Keyan Mou knelt down and bowed again,

But this time he used

The five-body-投地 (wǔ tǐ tóu dì, prostration) bowing method.

None of the Keyan tribe nobles dared to shout or show the slightest dissatisfaction.

They all followed suit,

And paid a grand salute to Tian Wujing.

“Keyan Mou.”

“This humble one is here; please give your orders, Your Highness.”

Tian Wujing stood up and slowly walked over.

Each step he took was like a heavy hammer hitting everyone's chests, bringing terrible pressure.

And the white hair that was scattered because he wasn't wearing a helmet was even more terrifying to see.

When the Keyan tribe was migrating, they had seen the 京观 (jīng guān, mounds of corpses) of the savages by Wang River and the mass graves of the Chu people under Jade Plate City.

These,

Were all the work of the man in front of him!

Finally,

When Tian Wujing walked in front of Keyan Mou,

Keyan Mou's face was already dripping with sweat, and his son Keyan Dongge beside him was even worse, his body was trembling uncontrollably.

Fear,

This was real fear,

The most primitive fear!

Like sheep in the desert being afraid of wolves,

In front of this man,

These desert warriors suddenly felt that they were the real soft and weak lambs.

Tian Wujing stood with his hands behind his back, lowered his face slightly, and looked at Keyan Dongge, who was kneeling beside Keyan Mou, and said:

“Is this your son?”

“Pa!”

Because he was mentioned,

Keyan Dongge collapsed directly to the ground, and then wanted to kneel up again, but for a moment he was flustered and turned into thrashing on the ground, which was extremely embarrassing.

But the Keyan tribe nobles around him did not dare to laugh at him, because they themselves were chattering their teeth.

The Jingnan Army soldiers continued to stand upright, holding their weapons, creating a real elite killing aura.

Only the Pixiu, who was lying there leisurely, yawned indifferently,

It knew that

Here,

There was not only the murderous aura of hundreds of battles emanating from the tens of thousands of Jingnan Army soldiers,

Its master,

Even took the initiative to release the terrifying aura