Chapter 957 The New Generation War!

Wang Qingmei's head was hung on the flagpole.

The city had fallen,

He was dead;

Beneath the flagpole, there were several piles of heads, faces contorted in agony.

"His Highness once said that the reason why the Qian and Chu people call us Yan barbarians isn't really because we're that much culturally inferior to them."

"But why?" Tian Tian thoughtfully interjected.

"Rather, it's because for the last hundred years, we Yan people have been the strong ones. Because of our strength, we're considered barbaric. Just like during the Great Xia Dynasty, the barbarians were called barbarians because they were entrenched in the northwest of Great Xia, threatening its safety.

Only the strong can constantly create a savage image, while the weak can only helplessly accuse."

Chen Xianba clapped his hands, and a guard brought up a box.

Chen Xianba opened the box, revealing the head of the previous messenger, though it had been preliminarily treated to prevent decay.

Heads were a good thing; there were no taboos about them in the army. Although the Jindong Army had long since changed the old practice of using heads to determine military merit, trying to make the allocation of merit more reasonable, it still couldn't change the soldiers' love for heads.

Whether it was the enemy's or their own.

Chen Xianba placed the head on one of the piles,

Stepped back,

And ordered:

"Bury them together."

"Understood."

Chen Xianba closed his eyes, seemingly mourning, or perhaps adjusting his own emotions.

"Father said that he almost broke down when my own father ordered him to kill prisoners under Yupang City."

When he was little, Zheng Fan liked to hold Tian Tian and tell him about the past, and Tian Tian had always had a good memory.

Chen Xianba nodded and said, "That's why I've always admired His Highness the most. His Highness is great."

"Yes." Tian Tian never denied his father's greatness.

"But His Highness isn't a god. His Highness's greatness isn't something that's blown or fabricated, but something real.

That's why I'm willing to always stand behind His Highness, walk the path he walked, and relive his glory.

Not two years after the bloodbath at Yupang City, His Highness led the Xuehai Iron Cavalry into the snow plains, forcibly driving the defeated wildling soldiers into those few castles so that our Yan army could take the opportunity to practice siege warfare."

Chen Xianba twisted his neck,

"Actually, this is my first time too, little brother. Do you feel any discomfort?

I do."

"I don't."

Chen Xianba was slightly surprised by this answer, but looking at Tian Tian's frank gaze, he smiled:

"Little brother, you're more promising than your older brother."

Tian Tian shook his head and pointed to the piles of heads in front of him:

"I really don't feel anything for them."

Tian Tian's childhood was spent with Mo Wan, Shatuo Qieshi, and others. His concept of "life" and "death" was more direct and profound. He had so-called moral standards, but he didn't care about them.

"Heh heh."

Chen Xianba smiled, reached out and patted Tian Tian's shoulder, then turned his head and said to the group of armored soldiers behind him:

"Also, pick out some more heads for me and send them to the surrounding towns to warn them that our Great Yan's two hundred thousand troops have entered Chu, the Chu Imperial Guards have been defeated, and Chu's destruction is imminent. But those who defend their cities, on the day the city falls, will be the day our army massacres the city!"

"Understood!"

"Understood!"

Chen Xianba walked to a water tank, started washing his hands, and said to Tian Tian as he washed:

"Actually, massacring a city is the most effective deterrent. Of course, benevolence is sometimes useful, but not here. For example, if His Highness were to one day lead his troops to Yanjing City, benevolence would be very useful.

But for the lands of Chu, especially places like Sansuo Prefecture which are almost abandoned by the Chu Kingdom, letting the Chu people see blood will make them learn to behave."

"Brother Ba is right."

"You've always been by His Highness's side, you'll understand these principles even better than I do. Actually, although I've been leading troops outside these past few years, I increasingly feel that the years I spent as a personal guard by His Highness's side were when I made the most progress.

Not in military strategy, not in cultivation, but in principles. Sometimes, a few casual words from His Highness can be truths that others can't sum up in a lifetime."

"I feel the same way. Many of Father's words are thought-provoking."

"There's a ridiculous rumor that when our Great Yan Emperor was still a down-on-his-luck prince, it was because he liked the way our His Highness spoke that he was willing to associate with His Highness, who was just a centurion back then;

Moreover, he called himself his younger brother, respecting our His Highness as his elder brother."

Tian Tian nodded in agreement; "The Emperor is Father's younger brother."

Then, Tian Tian added, "The Crown Prince is also my younger brother."

Chen Xianba laughed loudly,

Very unreservedly saying:

"That's great, the entire Imperial Family are younger brothers."

In the Jindong Army, there was really nothing to avoid when saying these things.

"Brother, what do we do next?"

"Keep fighting, keep taking, and don't divide our troops to garrison. Just knock on each door and say hello.

Even if these cities revert after we leave and raise the Chu flag again, it doesn't matter.

Remember when I followed His Highness into Qian? Chuzhou City was taken once before, and the second time we went in, it was much smoother."

Speaking of this analogy, Chen Xianba glanced at Tian Tian with some apprehension, and when he saw that Tian Tian didn't understand the meaning, Chen Xianba shook his head, relieved that this little brother also had things he didn't understand.

…

After Xiawei County was taken, this army, mostly composed of auxiliary soldiers and laborers, continued to advance.

In less than a month, they captured seven small county towns and two prefecture cities, which were slightly larger.

They were basically met with defeat at the mere sight of them, without much resistance. Some, because the Yan army was tired from traveling and arrived late, even had the city defenders and local elders and aristocratic representatives take the initiative to come out of the city twenty *li* to surrender.

The resistance of Xiawei County was a bloody warning;

And the county towns that surrendered and opened their gates afterward, without being looted or massacred, were the sweet dates;

Under these circumstances, most of the local Chu people were still willing to surrender, it was nothing more than losing some wealth and livestock, which was a drop in the bucket compared to the city being stormed by soldiers.

And the morale of Chen Xianba's army began to rise higher and higher.

Unlike Tian Tian, who was somewhat "green" and "wooden" in some ways, Chen Xianba's personality had an extremely clear flamboyant side.

When Zheng Fan first got him, he said that he had the shadow of Tian Wujing;

Unfortunately, people change. Over the years, because he respected His Highness so much, he gradually lived himself into the shape of "Zheng Fan."

On the march, Chen Xianba would occasionally ask Tian Tian if some of his actions, words, and movements sometimes had some of His Highness's style?

Of course, Tian Tian said yes.

But what Tian Tian knew even more was that his impression of his father was actually completely different in the army, in the eyes of outsiders, and at home.

It was just that when the Blind Man and the others were helping to build Zheng Fan into a god, Tian Tian was still a little tot. By the time Tian Tian grew up, Zheng Fan had already adapted to his identity, and he didn't need to be deliberate, he could naturally exude the aura of a true superior;

Therefore, this difference, in Tian Tian's view, was his father's way of caring for his family.

Outside, he was the dignified Regent, the guardian of the Jindong Army and people, and at home, he was a kind father who was willing to play with his children.

It could only be said that these two brothers, one big and one small,

Had a preconceived notion of "His Highness" that was too good, and in many ways, they were able to automatically imagine and beautify him.

The auxiliary soldiers were marching and "conquering territory" all the way, and their war merits were soaring.

Having morale alone would naturally not make them a true strong army, otherwise, Gou Moli wouldn't have lost so miserably in the Second Wangjiang War;

But if they didn't even have morale, then they couldn't even be considered an army.

After being baptized by a series of "great victories," the auxiliary soldiers' temperament was gradually changing. In addition, there was the daily training, and the routine that was indispensable every time they arrived near a city, this auxiliary army was rapidly growing up and beginning to resemble a regular army.

In addition,

Chen Xianba didn't make things difficult for those cities that took the initiative to surrender, nor did he touch the local nobles and large families;

But he took the initiative to ask them to submit;

This was actually what these local snakes wanted, so it couldn't be considered "conscription."

For a time, the sons of local magnates, many of whom brought their own food, armor, and weapons, took the initiative to serve under Chen Xianba's command.

The scale of this group was now close to three thousand, many of whom even had their own warhorses;

At the same time, wherever the army went, they were often the most active, scouting, persuading to surrender, and even when they encountered a little resistance, they were the most enthusiastic in charging and killing.

Chen Xianba even selected eighteen sons of prominent families from among them, broke the alcohol ban, and swore brotherhood with them by smashing bowls, which moved them to tears.

Tian Tian didn't join in this excitement, and most of the time, he watched calmly from the sidelines;

And Chen Xianba was clear about Tian Tian's personality and didn't force him to follow him to "socialize."

After all,

With the identity of the Regent's eldest son here, being a little aloof would actually be more enjoyable for those people.

Today,

Another city was broken without a fight, and Chen Xianba was drinking with his "eighteen" sworn brothers to celebrate.

…

"Have you eaten?"

Chen Xianba walked up behind Tian Tian and asked.

"Yes." Tian Tian responded.

Chen Xianba sat down next to him. Originally, Chen Xianba thought that Tian Tian was sitting here watching the moon, but after sitting down, he realized that Tian Tian had drawn a map on the ground with branches.

"Those guys before were encouraging me to petition His Highness to let me garrison this Sansuo Prefecture, hehe."

"What does Brother Ba think?"

"In order to appease them first, I naturally patted my chest and agreed, but in my heart, I don't think it's very interesting. To circle a thatched shed and become a king and overlord may be a very good idea in the eyes of those local powerful families, but to me, it's not worth mentioning.

We're still young, not yet time to retire."

"That's right."

"What are you thinking about?"

"Has Brother Ba noticed that things have been going too smoothly lately?"

"Isn't smooth how it should be?" Chen Xianba asked in return.

"Too smooth isn't good either." Tian Tian frowned slightly and continued, "In a few days, we'll be at the location of Sansuo Prefecture's capital city. All the other small and medium-sized cities have surrendered without a fight. What do you think this prefecture city will do, Brother Ba?"

Chen Xianba said nonchalantly:

"What will they do? Won't they definitely try to trap us here and annihilate us?"

"Um…"

Tian Tian was stunned there,

All the words that he had been thinking about, worrying about, and trying to organize to persuade and advise, suddenly became unspeakable after Chen Xianba said this.

Chen Xianba also picked up a branch and kept outlining the area around the map that Tian Tian had drawn:

"Here, here, and here, hehe, also here."

This was the western half of Sansuo Prefecture, which they could only touch after crossing the hurdle of the prefecture city.

"According to our marching speed, it's about right." Chen Xianba coughed lightly and continued, "Actually, from the earliest Xiawei County to the cities we've broken since then, there's always been a common problem.

According to their story, first of all, the Chu Imperial Guards had already withdrawn from here long ago. Without the Chu Imperial Guards as a foundation, the local military forces should have long since lost confidence.

Every city we pass, the city gates open and surrender, but… local garrisons are rarely seen.

Their explanation is that the garrisons slipped away directly, abandoning their armor and weapons, and went into the civilian population, fearing that we'd liquidate them. This explanation is actually quite tenable, really.

When two countries are at war, the conflict and opposition between the armies often surpasses that with the people of one side.

But I only massacred half of Xiawei County, and what follows can be said to be free from any offense, but at least it can be considered polite, making the Chu people on the side of the broken city feel flattered, right?

Even so,

Those who are entrenched around me and have come to join me are all sons of local powerful families.

The number, as of now, isn't small.

But,

These local powerful families are clear that after our army enters here, they should come up early to hug a thigh and get familiar, so that they can continue to thrive here in the future, and even enter the eyes of our Prince's Mansion.

But,

What about the military leaders?

The sons of local powerful families, to put it bluntly, there are some young and promising young men in their families who are sent in to pursue a career in the new dynasty, which can be understood.

But don't those military leaders know that by joining us with their troops intact, they can obtain a better ladder?

Back then, when Great Yan destroyed Jin, how many Jin military leaders transformed themselves and aren't they now generals in the army?

Not to mention that our Prince's Mansion still has Qu Peiluo as a living signboard.

Not a single one,

Not a single one,

Not a single one of the local garrisons that were organized as an army has come over, are they all afraid of me like tigers and have all disbanded and run away?

Let me just say this,

Even if I massacred the city, even if my reputation is bad, I can't extinguish the desire of some people to climb up by taking advantage of my coattails.

Especially in the recent cities, I've let those guys help me scout and persuade them to surrender early on, but the garrisons still collapsed and fled.

Hehe."

Chen Xianba took a deep breath and stabbed the branch in his hand directly into the loose ground:

"Little brother, they're looking down on us, don't you think?"

Tian Tian nodded and said, "Yes."

"Come on, little brother, you say something too."

"Brother, you've said everything."

"I'm sorry, but in a few days, when we arrive at the foot of the prefecture city, you can say it in the commander's tent, okay?"

"Ah?" Tian Tian smiled, "Brother, there's no need."

Tian Tian thought that Chen Xianba was taking care of his need to be in the limelight;

However,

"Oh, every time our His Highness discusses matters in the commander's tent, he has everything under control, letting General Liang and the others speak first, and then His Highness makes a final decision.

So,

I don't want to say too much that day either."

"Okay, Brother."

"Thank you, little brother."

"Just as long as you're happy, Brother."

Tian Tian reached out and pulled out the branch that Chen Xianba had previously inserted into the ground and said:

"Brother, don't you feel that this scene is very similar? A hundred years ago, the Qian army marched north, capturing territory all the way and being invincible."

"Yes, as a result, Great Yan implemented a scorched earth policy at that time, and when the Qian army in the northern expedition was exhausted and in internal turmoil, it was given a fatal blow by the first Marquis of Zhenbei. So, the one in charge of the Chu in Sansuo Prefecture's capital is taking himself as the first Marquis of Zhenbei, how interesting."

Tian Tian then said:

"Brother, shouldn't it be even more interesting that they're taking us as the Qian people?"

"Right, right, right, this is the most unbearable, how unreasonable!"

…

On the city wall of Sansuo Prefecture's capital,

A middle-aged man wearing a cyan official robe and an official hat stood there. The wind was a bit strong, constantly blowing the long hair on his temples.

"Lord, are you really not leaving?"

"I am the Prefect of Sansuo Prefecture, how can I leave?"

"But in His Majesty's decree, he hopes that you will leave. This humble one's mission is also to escort you back to Yingdu, back to His Majesty's side."

"Commander Cui can go back to report to His Majesty first."

"And you? Lord Xu?"

"Since there's something that can be done, how can I not do it?" Xu Wei smiled, "I've always disagreed with His Majesty on political matters. In His Majesty's view, everything can be cleared and started all over again.

But in my view, His Majesty's idea is too beautiful. The Yan people haven't given us a chance.

For ten years,

First, there was Qu Tiannan's tragic song under Yupang City, the national war between Yan and Chu, and then His Majesty used the Yan people's knife to cut off the wings of the nobles.

Even that year, Yao, was sent away in an unclear way.

This is like a chessboard, if you want to lay out a steady layout and try to form a general trend, you have to see if the other side will give you this opportunity.

And even if you blindly pursue and attack and fight for every inch of land, you often won't lose too badly.

Commander Cui, look, it's clear that the Yan people's main force is still on the Moyai Prefecture line. This time, those who have entered Sansuo Prefecture are clearly a small and insignificant detachment of the Yan people.

Although the Imperial Guards aren't here, the prefecture soldiers, government soldiers, and local soldiers of our Sansuo Prefecture can be gathered to number about thirty thousand.

How can we escape?

How can we run?

How can we shrink back?"

Xu Wei opened his hands and bowed to this Phoenix Nest Internal Guard Commander. Commander Cui immediately took half a step back.

"I dare to ask Commander Cui to tell His Majesty after returning that the reason why our Great Chu has fallen into its current decline;

It's not that our Chu people dare not fight, please open your eyes and see how many pillars of Great Chu have died in battle!

It's not that our Chu people aren't good at fighting, please listen carefully, on the banks of the Wangjiang River, in the lands of Liang and Zhao, the Yan people have also wailed miserably!

The defeat of our Great Chu,

Lies in His Majesty's many thoughts, in His Majesty's miscellaneous thoughts, in His Majesty… always thinking of keeping that one hand to determine the universe, but the universe is about to be overturned.

I, Xu Wei, use my life to petition, hoping that His Majesty will think twice."

Commander Cui immediately shook his head and said, "I wouldn't dare to pass these words on to His Majesty."

Then,

Commander Cui took off his cloak, pressed down on his saber,

And said;

"We'll stay."

"Really?"

"Actually, not only you, Lord, can't understand it, but this humble one is also an old Phoenix Nest Internal Guard, and can't understand it either. When did our Great Chu Phoenix Guard and that Qian Silver Armored Guard become inferior to the Yan Secret Agents?

But,

Lose,

Lose,

For ten years,

Always losing damn it!

I,

Have had enough of losing!"

………

"Thud!"

On Sansuo Prefecture's capital city, two Chu figures were lamenting.

And at a distance of sixty *li*,

Two very young generals were standing face to face.

They had been arguing earlier, arguing about who should lead the central army to enter the trap first, and who should lead the cavalry to maneuver and respond on the periphery.

Everyone wanted to fight for the job of entering the trap, because it was the most dangerous.

"Little brother, how about we have a fight?" Chen Xianba suggested.

"No good." Tian Tian shook his head, "We're one commander and one deputy commander, if we have a fight, it'll be inappropriate. If Father finds out, we can forget about leading troops out again in the future."

"That's right."

Chen Xianba was obviously the most in awe of His Highness. Every time Tian Tian brought out Zheng Fan, it was almost always effective against Chen Xianba.

"How about this, Brother, let's find a rock, carve two words on the front and back, write the word 'Heaven' on one side, and the word 'Earth' on the other side, toss it up, and if the 'Heaven' side lands up, I'll lead the central army into the trap, and if the 'Earth' side lands up, you'll do it."

"This…"

Chen Xianba really wasn't trying to grab credit this time, but didn't want Tian Tian to put himself in danger.

"Brother, how about you toss it?"

"Okay."

Chen Xianba immediately agreed, adding: "A gentleman's word…"

"Is as good as a bronze chariot."

Chen Xianba felt that if he tossed it, it would be stable. His realm was higher than Tian Tian's, and he could control his Qi and blood to be released invisibly, and could completely control the result without having to look at the probability.

"Brother, wait a moment, I'll find a rock."

Tian Tian lowered his head, his eyes scanning around,

"Hey, Brother, look, this red rock is good, let's toss this one."