"Hmph, I knew he'd just bury himself in hard work and fighting enemies. No wonder after all these years, he's still just a border general. Truly a blockhead."
There was a lot of disdain in his eyes, utterly contemptuous of his approach.
If he were more cunning, with his achievements over the years, he would surely be a first-rank military marquis by now.
Thinking this, the Ninth Prince felt that rotten wood could not be carved.
Then, he continued to lie down in the general's mansion, waiting for merit to fall from the sky.
Meanwhile, in the military camp, General Su finally met up with Xiao Ji and his nephew, his excitement overflowing.
"If it weren't for your resolute resistance, I fear I wouldn't have seen the peace of Liangzhou City today. If people could fly, I'd be flying over to lend you a hand, so you wouldn't have to spend all your time building bridges and paving roads. It's been killing me."
His words were heartfelt, and his eyes were a little red with emotion.
Xiao Ji patted his shoulder. General Su was a few years older than him, so he addressed him as Brother Su.
"With Brother Su handling matters in Ganzhou City, we were able to fight here without any worries. Although Brother Su wasn't physically in Liangzhou, you provided so much support for Liangzhou's victory. Xiao Ji thanks you on behalf of the many soldiers and civilians."
General Su shook his head. "When you say that, I feel deeply ashamed. It's truly pathetic for a general not to be able to fight on the battlefield."
Anyone with eyes could see his internal dissatisfaction, but the words couldn't be spoken too plainly.
"It's just a pity for Deputy General Zhen. The stab wound wasn't treated in time. I'm afraid his back will ache whenever it's cloudy or rainy."
Deputy General Zhen had followed General Su for many years and had decades of military experience. He naturally understood the concept of dying in battle.
"Don't worry. I know Old Zhen. When we return to Dongdu City, I'll ask Divine Doctor Zhang for some medicine and see if I can cure his ailment."
Xiao Muqian nodded. He greatly admired Divine Doctor Zhang's skills and thought he might indeed be able to cure him.
The three chatted for a long time, sharing their thoughts after not seeing each other for days.
As night fell, General Su did not return to the general's mansion but rested in the military camp.
Although the conditions were not as good as the general's mansion, he felt more real lying there. Soon, he was fast asleep.
For three to four consecutive days, he joined General Xiao and the others in the reconstruction of Liangzhou.
In fact, other things were fine; the main challenges were rebuilding the army's structure and repairing the city walls.
With these tasks at hand, they had recruited many passionate youths at the conscription office, but the problem was the shortage of veteran soldiers and officers to distribute.
Fortunately, General Su brought his men. He was quite adept at training new recruits.
After taking over this matter, Xiao Ji's burden was somewhat lightened.
However, the Ninth Prince had been left in the general's mansion for many days. If they had continued to serve him with good food and drink, it would have been fine, but now they were "short of food and clothing." How could he, who was accustomed to a life of luxury, and his incompetent generals endure this?
So, someone offered a suggestion.
"Your Highness, since General Xiao cannot provide us with benefits, why not try a different approach?"
"Oh? What approach?"
"I've been inquiring in Liangzhou City these past few days. The merchants here are quite wealthy, especially the Feng and Hua families. Since Liangzhou City was not breached, they haven't suffered any significant losses. Why not host a celebration banquet and invite all these people to dine? Those who are sensible will naturally understand how to show their respect to Your Highness."
As he spoke, a greedy glint appeared in his eyes.
These people followed the Ninth Prince and always got a share of the spoils. What's more, they were merely merchants. If they were sensible, they could be given some favors, but if they were foolish, they could be used as a warning to others!
"Hahaha, this is an excellent idea. Very good. Immediately take my imperial decree and invite these people. Let's set it for tomorrow. Tell them that I, this prince, will be hosting a banquet in the general's mansion to entertain those who have contributed to Liangzhou, and they must attend!"
Even if they couldn't make it in person, their gifts must not be absent!
Otherwise, they would surely regret it!
The man received the order and immediately set about the task. Soon, merchants of all sizes in Liangzhou City received invitations.
At the Feng family, Madam Hua, being straightforward, expressed her dissatisfaction.
"Bah, why not just say you want us to send gifts? To think that a noble prince would be so undignified!"
Feng Shan reprimanded her in a low voice, "Stop talking nonsense. The children are here!"
Madam Hua glanced at the children sitting below and swallowed her resentment.
Her eldest son, Feng Jinhua, spoke up in his mother's defense. "Father, don't blame Mother. Everyone knows the meaning behind the Ninth Prince's invitation. If he dares to do it, why should he fear our gossip?"
He bore a striking resemblance to the old master of the Feng family and was the eldest grandson of the Hua family. Therefore, he had been doted on by both families since childhood.
He had his own abilities, but his temperament was unruly and lacked steadiness.
He was accompanied by his second brother, Feng Jincheng, and third sister, Feng Jinyue, who had lived pampered lives since childhood. They could make decisions about food and entertainment, but they were of no help in such matters.
They could only sit obediently below, filling the seats and listening to their father and mother, and elder brother speak.
"Gossip? How many heads do you have to gossip about a prince? Liangzhou City is far from the imperial capital. You haven't suffered any losses, which is why you've developed such an arrogant and ignorant personality. If you had grown up in Dongdu City, who knows how much trouble you would have caused! It's a good thing I didn't agree when my elder brother asked me to send you there, or the Feng family might have had to pay for your mouth today."
His words were sharp and hurried. Feng Jinhua was unconvinced, but he knew his father's methods, so he could only swallow his pride. However, his dislike for the Ninth Prince grew even stronger.
Madam Hua felt sorry for her son, but she also knew that a doting mother often spoils her child.
Feng Jinhua's words were acceptable within the family, but if he spoke carelessly outside, it could bring disaster. Therefore, she did not defend him.
She simply changed the subject.
"My lord, don't be angry. Hua'er is still young; he just needs more guidance. What should we do in this situation?"
If they sent gifts, they feared the Ninth Prince would make an exorbitant demand that would cripple them.
They had been helping with the reconstruction of Liangzhou City recently, and their accounts did not have much cash left.
But if they didn't send gifts, they feared that such a severe accusation would implicate his elder brother Feng Hai's family in Dongdu City as well.
Feng Shan was also in a dilemma for a moment.
Just as he was at a loss for ideas, a servant reported that someone from the Hua family had arrived.
The couple exchanged glances, knowing that they must have also received the invitation and come to discuss it.
They immediately said to the young attendant standing outside, "Quickly invite them in!"
"Yes."
As the attendant quickly invited the person in, he thought it was Madam Hua's elder brother. To his surprise, even the old master of the Hua family had arrived, and his expression was very grim!