Chapter 829 It's Our Turn

Morning.

Tian Tian and the Crown Prince finished their morning lessons together, reciting and memorizing texts.

Then, the two children, one carrying a square wooden stool and the other two small benches, came to sit.

Their godfather had been in a bad mood since returning to the manor yesterday, and they had seen it. Neither Tian Tian nor the Crown Prince could be kept in the dark about such matters.

Tian Tian was older and aware of external affairs. At the封王大典 (fēng wáng dà diǎn, enfeoffment ceremony), his godfather had held him while receiving his title, intending to formally introduce the Jingnan Prince's heir to the world.

As for the Crown Prince, he couldn't be kept in the dark either, regardless of his age. His early maturity hadn't changed his inherent responsibilities. He was, after all, the Crown Prince, and some duties couldn't be transferred.

According to the daily routine of the Prince's manor, every evening after dinner, either the Blind Man, Chen Daole, or He Chunlai would take the news received by the manor that day—the "state affairs"—and explain it to the two children.

So, the two little rascals were genuinely discussing national affairs when they went to bed at night.

When Tian Tian accompanied the Crown Prince to relieve himself in the middle of the night, the Crown Prince would mutter about where a flood had occurred and how the people there should live.

Tian Tian, while drinking at least one cup of goat's milk every day, would worry about whether extreme weather in the snow plains would lead to a reduction in livestock, and whether children in Fengxin City who could afford to drink milk would be deprived.

As for yesterday's matter,

In Tian Tian's understanding, an uncle who had a good relationship with his father had died in battle.

In the Crown Prince's understanding, the country had lost a great general, and Jin might become unstable.

It wasn't that Tian Tian couldn't think of what the Crown Prince was thinking, but his main focus was on his father's emotions. As for external national affairs, Tian Tian wasn't really interested.

To some extent, Tian Wujing's hope that the child would grow up to be like Zheng Fan had been achieved.

National righteousness and ethnic justice were too heavy. Being a "self," caring only about those around you, only caring about those you care about, was actually a great happiness.

But as the two children prepared to sit down and wait for breakfast to be served, they saw their godfather walking over.

Tian Tian stood up and offered his chair to his father.

Zheng Fan sat down.

He had just shaved and taken a bath, his hair still a little wet. In terms of energy, he didn't seem listless from sitting alone all night. In terms of emotions, he didn't show any loss or resentment.

The two children didn't dare to ask.

Tian Tian went to help serve the porridge.

The Crown Prince, having learned from Tian Tian, helped the Prince peel salted duck eggs.

The atmosphere at breakfast was a bit oppressive.

Zheng Fan ate a bowl of porridge with the salted duck eggs, put down his bowl and chopsticks, reached out and touched the Crown Prince's head, and then pinched Tian Tian's cheek.

The two children collectively showed "well-behaved" smiles.

The Prince of the West smiled, got up, and left.

Once the Prince's figure disappeared behind the courtyard gate, Tian Tian and the Crown Prince almost simultaneously sighed in relief.

…

After finishing breakfast, Zheng Fan sat in the rattan chair in his courtyard, his eyes closed.

The chair was gently rocking back and forth, and the Prince on the chair was also rocking with it.

It seemed he was too tired last night and needed to catch up on some sleep during the day.

Liu Ruqing supported the Princess as they walked over. Looking at their husband "resting," the two women exchanged glances and didn't choose to wake him up.

Because they knew that with their husband's cultivation level, plus countless days and nights of battlefield experience, even if they had come and walked this far, their husband couldn't possibly not know.

The reason he didn't wake up was that he didn't want to "wake" up.

The two women walked out of the courtyard again.

Liu Ruqing patted her chest and whispered, "That was a little scary just now."

The Princess looked at Liu Ruqing and didn't put on any airs of being a "Princess Consort." Instead, she nodded and said,

"Yes."

Perhaps it was because the Prince was usually too kind at home.

He was majestic, but very "simple," especially when interacting with them in the inner courtyard. Although he had many tricks, he always had a thoughtfulness and delicacy that modern male masters didn't possess towards their female relatives.

The Prince had lost his temper before; both the Princess and Liu Ruqing had heard about their man's affairs outside.

But at home, he rarely "cooled" down.

And once he "cooled" down, the entire manor seemed to be shrouded in a heavy haze, making everyone below feel suffocated.

This was a true sense of "authority without anger," often seen in "Emperors," and the kind that could truly change the color of the world with a "wave of the hand."

With the Prince of the West's current position, it was actually normal for this side of him to appear.

This atmosphere was contagious. The servants and guards in the manor were also a bit tight-lipped today. The occasional jokes and small noises of ordinary days seemed to be regarded as a sin today. No one would punish you with a whip, but you would naturally begin to obey this taboo, just like the rules when visiting a grave.

…

The news of the defeat in Jinxi only reached the Prince's manor. The result of an urgent message traveling eight hundred *li* was that it would be much faster than any "rumors."

Therefore, the soldiers and civilians of Fengxin City didn't experience any waves in their lives today because of the defeat in Jinxi. They were still living at their normal pace, but in reality, the storm caused by Jinxi would inevitably affect them, and it would inevitably affect them.

Eunuch Huang, carrying the Emperor's decree, was already galloping on the road.

He was already used to this route and had adapted to this kind of rushing. Fortunately, for him, the Prince of the West was much easier to get along with than the Prince of Jingnan.

Delivering a decree to the Prince of Jingnan required him to make arrangements with his adopted sons and grandsons before leaving, which was equivalent to explaining his last wishes. The Prince of the West was obviously much kinder.

In addition, the content of the decree was no longer a secret. Eunuch Huang was already looking forward to whether the Prince of the West could appoint him as a supervising officer again.

One experience as a supervising officer had already made his position in the palace transcendent, making him the third-ranked grand eunuch after Eunuch Wei and Eunuch Zhang. If he could do it again, oh…

Then even if he was old in the future, he could get a qualification for "honorable retirement."

Eunuchs used serving their masters and their masters' trust in them as a stepping stone to advancement, but in reality, these rootless people knew better than anyone else that the foundation that could truly make them stand up was their own ability and qualifications!

It was strange,

Eunuch Huang himself didn't realize that even though such a big thing had happened, Da Yan had suffered a defeat, a count who had made great military achievements had died in battle, and a hundred-battle elite force had been wiped out,

He didn't feel much panic in his heart. But he actually knew what this defeat meant to Jinxi, to Jin, and even to the entire Da Yan.

Perhaps,

It was because they had a foundation.

Just like after the defeat in the first Wangjiang battle that year, the Yan people sharpened their knives and immediately prepared for the second round of war.

Because they knew that they still had a Prince of Jingnan who could come out of retirement.

Now,

The Prince of Jingnan had gone far west and hadn't sent back a single word, but Da Yan still had a new military god, still in Jin.

Da Yan's confidence, the Yan people's confidence, was still there!

Eunuch Huang licked his chapped lips.

The leather whip was fiercely struck on the buttocks of the *Pixiu* beast under his crotch,

He shouted:

"Giddy up!"

…

The urgent message traveling eight hundred *li* was given to Yanjing and Fengxin, and those closer positions who were also qualified to quickly learn of the news of this defeat were also tightening their hearts.

The imperial decree hadn't arrived yet, nor could it arrive immediately, but they were already following their instincts and beginning to carry out self-operation in advance.

Over the years, Da Yan had fought north and south. It could be said that this batch of officials had basically been involved in military affairs, even if they hadn't charged into battle, they had also participated in logistics.

In the year of great contention, if you wanted to stand out and get promoted, you had to rely on your own ability to compete.

And Yan's entire organizational system was already familiar with dealing with warfare.

Taking Xu Wenzu, the prefect of Yingdu, as an example, after learning of the news of the battle in Jinxi, he immediately ordered the allocation and transfer of grain and grass to prepare for the upcoming next round of war.

Similar advance preparation actions also successively appeared in other cities in Jin, and at the same time, Yan was also doing the same thing.

The empire's war system had been brought to its extreme during the reign of the late emperor, and now it was like an instinct on "muscle memory."

The garrisons in various places, especially the troops in Jin, also began to close their camps.

First, they counted the number of soldiers on the register;

Second, they checked military equipment and other supplies;

Third, they began to increase training.

The soldiers weren't too afraid. Even if Qian Chu had won a battle, even if Li Fusheng's town had been almost completely wiped out, Qian Chu's established impression at most was that it had broken some cracks, but it wasn't enough to shatter the Yan people's confidence.

In fact, the morale in many military camps had begun to rise recently. As soldiers, they had the kind of expectations that soldiers should have.

The preparation for war had already begun, just like Nanguan Pass had issued two urgent military reports of eight hundred *li* as soon as it learned of the defeat at the front.

The garrisons in various places and even the prefects of various places were also waiting for two pieces of news while making their own preparations.

One was the imperial decree from His Majesty in Yanjing City, and the other was news from that person in Jindong.

The Yan people were happy.

In the last era, they had the Prince of Zhenbei and the Prince of Jingnan, and they could confidently win against any opponent and overthrow any obstacles that dared to stand in front of the Black Dragon banner.

Now, they still had hope.

Unlike Qian, who had been muddle-headed for so many years after killing their own Tattooed Face Prime Minister, unlike Chu, where you sang and I took the stage, seemingly with several pillar states and what great generals or Xiong Clan princes, which looked very lively at first glance, but there wasn't a single one who could have an overall view and also have the qualifications to stand above many "famous generals."

Litian City, the closest large city to Nanguan Pass, the most talked about thing in its teahouses recently was the war in Liang.

Count Huwei's death in battle and the army's near-total annihilation were the first shocking news.

Naturally, there were also those who liked to analyze what impact this defeat would have on Da Yan, on the situation in Jin, and even on the current situation of the诸夏 (Zhū Xià, all of China).

But most of the listeners didn't like the story of their own defeat, nor did they like this kind of "alarmist talk" that sounded very reasonable.

But if they wanted to argue, they couldn't win the argument. Some people were really eloquent.

But this kind of argument would mostly end with an extremely stubborn sentence:

"Wait and see, the Prince of the West is coming!"

As long as the Prince comes out of retirement, as long as the Prince can come, as long as the Prince's banner can be planted on Nanguan Pass,

Then everything,

Will get better.

Da Yan is still Da Yan!

…

"Grain, grain. We only fought the Battle of Fancheng in the winter. Although we supported ourselves and the logistics held up, it means that our surplus has been spent.

If we start another war, and not against Chu, but to Jinxi, from Jindong to Jinxi is also far away. How much will it cost to transfer grain and grass, how much will the wear and tear of military equipment and various rewards cost?

The Battle of Fancheng is not like previous battles. Once the expenses are spent, we can immediately see great returns. In fact, the benefits we gained from the Battle of Fancheng are only political, for example, the Lord was enfeoffed as a Prince.

But how many carts of grain can a crown抵(dǐ, offset)?"

In the internal meeting of the Signing Office, facing a group of Demon Kings and He Chunlai and Chen Daole, who were present as scribes to listen, the Blind Man was almost roaring.

"If we start another war, we will have to go back to the first year and live frugally, and it will affect the development in the second half of this year and the development next year."

Si Niang leaned lazily on the chair, maintaining a comfortable position for herself and the child in her belly. She didn't participate in the argument, and even took out a handful of raisins, eating them slowly and methodically.

Liang Cheng opened his mouth and said, "Let the imperial court bear the logistical expenses…"

"The imperial court has no logistics." The Blind Man blocked him without hesitation, "Could it be that we will fight a quick battle like Li Fusheng? The Qian and Chu people have been beaten for so many years, and people will grow up. The fact also proves that they are different from before, they are mature.

Once we mobilize troops from all over the place, wanting to rely on the imperial court to support the logistics of the army without problems is almost a daydream!

Do you know when a person is most tired? It's not when he is trying his best to grit his teeth and hold on, but when he has just gotten through it and just sat down to rest for a while.

At this time, he is the weakest, and so is the country.

The people of Yan and Jin are not livestock, and Ji Chengjue is not the late emperor. If we really force another national war, the people below will really revolt!

Also,

Whether we send troops or not, let's not talk about the Snow Plains defense line, let's just put it aside. What about Zhennanguan Pass, are we going to rely on Jin Shuke's army to guard it?

Zhennanguan Pass, without subsequent reinforcements and subsequent elites, will easily become an isolated island. If the Chu people shrink back in Liang and then launch a northern expedition, once Zhennanguan Pass is lost, the entire Jindong, our home, will directly turn from a safe nest into the front line of the war. What development are we going to have!"

The Blind Man became more and more excited.

Si Niang looked at her fingernails and blew on them.

Liang Cheng looked at the Blind Man, wanting to say something, but it didn't seem necessary.

Because what the Blind Man said was indeed very reasonable.

Qian Chu and Liang will not play a happy decisive battle with you. This war, if nothing unexpected happens, will be protracted.

Xue San quipped: "Blind Man, we are in Jindong. If something happens in Jinxi and the situation continues to deteriorate, good fellow, we are about to become an exclave. We are already actually independent even before we declare independence. Are you eyeing this opportunity?"

"Yes, so what?" The Blind Man asked back.

Xue San shrugged and said:

"Okay, you are sincere, I have nothing to say."

Fan Li scratched his head and said, "I think it's pretty good."

A'ming took a sip of wine and said, "The key question is, what's the point of us discussing this here?"

"I'll go talk to the Lord." The Blind Man said.

"Okay, you go." Xue San echoed.

"Okay, barbecued meat." Fan Li scratched his head again.

Si Niang smiled and still didn't speak.

At this time,

Xiao Yibo walked in and reported:

"Gentlemen, the Prince is awake and has just ordered a meal."

The Blind Man nodded,

Stood up,

Made a gesture of "looking around,"

And said:

"Who of you is going with me?"

Xue San shrank his neck;

Fan Li looked up at the roof beam;

Liang Cheng shook his head;

A'ming took a sip of wine;

Si Niang still smiled without saying a word.

"Okay, I'll go myself. Someone always has to take responsibility."

Third Master immediately said: "Blind Man, you're a real man."

Fan Li nodded and said, "Me too."

Then, Fan Li frowned and repeated, "I also think the same way."

He Chunlai and Chen Daole were even more seriously taking minutes of the meeting, afraid that the Blind Man would call their names to follow when he walked out.

The Blind Man sighed,

Walked out of the Signing Office alone, with a sense of forlornness.

…

In the room,

The Prince of the West, who had taken a nap, was sitting at the table eating.

A plate of salted duck, a plate of cold mixed wild vegetables, a plate of mapo tofu, and a bowl of fish ball soup.

The Prince was holding a bowl in his hand, eating at a steady pace.

When the Blind Man walked in, Zheng Fan looked up and asked;

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Together."

"Thank you, Lord."

The Blind Man also sat down, served himself rice, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating.

The Prince finished a bowl of rice and didn't get more. Instead, he picked up a spoon and served himself soup. At the same time, he said in a very calm tone:

"To be honest, I, Zheng Fan, don't have much obsession with Da Yan, or with being a Yan person. I just simply think that Da Yan is挺直 (tǐng zhí, upright) and black also looks good. There are a few real men in Da Yan. Some of them are comfortable to get along with and don't beat around the bush; some of them are really admirable.

During festivals, I always like to give them gifts. It's fake to say I'm not trying to get anything. But if you really want to say what I'm trying to get, it's just a thought, sentimental.

I have feelings for Li Fusheng, and I can willingly call him brother;

But it won't be to the point where I also want to die because of his death, because there's only one Lao Tian like Lao Tian.

But do you know,

I haven't said much all day today, and the ladies and children in this mansion, the servants, none of them dare to speak.

The higher the status,

It means that in the future, it will be almost impossible for me to find someone I recognize, someone I can play with, someone I can willingly call brother without feeling like I'm at a loss.

I told that madman that there's no need to be the first to charge in battle, but he just didn't believe it, and thought he was very capable.

Well,

The army is gone,

And he died in battle."

Zheng Fan showed a smile on his face and continued: "You're right, he's a lunatic; but this lunatic has never treated me badly."

Hearing this, the Blind Man nodded and quickly finished the rice in his bowl and served himself soup.

Zheng Fan took two sips of soup, put down his bowl and chopsticks,

Put his hands in his pockets like an old farmer,

His body swayed slightly back and forth, looking at the Blind Man,

And said:

"What do you guys say?"

The Blind Man took a sip of soup, put down the bowl, and said:

"They all disagree with sending troops, and feel that the family business and comfortable environment that they have painstakingly accumulated are not easy, and they don't want to come again."

"And you?"

"I gave them all a good scolding."

"Oh?"

"Really, I told them: Saving money is to prepare for future needs. When it's time to use it, you have to use it. You can't indulge in the simple pleasure of saving money and be unable to extricate yourself."

"Yes." Zheng Fan nodded.

The Blind Man took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it to Zheng Fan, saying:

"Lord, this is the budget and plan that your subordinate stayed up all night to make. Your subordinate has calculated how much grain and military supplies our family has at most, and how many troops we can send at most."

"The home must be protected, but this breath must also be vented."

Immediately after,

The Blind Man took out another memorial and also handed it to Zheng Fan:

"This is your subordinate's suggestion to send to the imperial court in your name, the number of imperial troops to be mobilized and the amount of logistical support that the imperial court can bear. Your subordinate doesn't understand military affairs, but you should be able to estimate how large the war can be fought and how long it can be fought if you read this."

The Blind Man took out a third memorial and handed it to Zheng Fan, saying:

"If you want to send this memorial, you can send it to the imperial court. It is to reprimand the Ministry of War for using people indiscriminately. The personnel matters of Ran Min may involve Xu Wenzu, and even the Emperor behind him;

But the matter of the imperial envoy can indeed be really attacked.

In addition, your subordinate ordered people this morning to carefully wipe the two stone lions at the gate of our Prince's mansion and wax them.

You can first express your dissatisfaction with this memorial, and first speak for the military leaders before the war to win people's hearts, and then wait for the first imperial envoy to dye our stone lion a festive color.

After that, you can follow the old example of the Prince of Jingnan and come out of retirement. In this way, both face and substance will be available."

Zheng Fan didn't open the memorial. Instead, he lowered his head to look at it, and then raised his head to look at the Blind Man.

The Blind Man clenched his fist,

And said:

"Please rest assured, Lord. No matter what you want to do, your subordinate will always be the first to stand firmly on your side; because your subordinate has recognized from the beginning… your aesthetic."

Zheng Fan nodded, indicating that he had heard.

Immediately after,

Zheng Fan picked up his chopsticks again, picked up a piece of duck meat and put it in his mouth, ate it, and spat out the bone.

And said:

"This salted duck is actually not very authentic."

"Yes, your subordinate also thinks so, it's a bit greasy."

"Right."

The Blind Man smiled. He was blind, so he couldn't capture his gaze.

"When I was sleeping during the day, I had a dream. In the dream, Li Fusheng was standing on the battlefield covered in blood. He saw me, and he shouted to me:

Brother Zheng, I've had enough of killing this time."

The Prince of the West stood up,

Stretched,

And yawned,

Using a tired tone that seemed like he hadn't slept enough and the drowsiness was coming again after eating:

"He had enough of killing;

Okay,

Then next,

It's our turn."