The Demon Lords

Chapter 462 59 South_1

PHEW... Chief Zheng enjoyed a rare bath today. The slightly hot water covered his body from the neck down, making his skin flush an excited red, as if all the fatigue of recent days had been swept away in that moment.

Ever since Li Fusheng had coerced the Qian people of the capital region into attacking the city, the imperial capital had remained tightly sealed, and the North Border Army had launched no further assaults. Even the construction of siege equipment was halted. Instead, both sides were maintaining a rare "peaceful understanding."

However, every day from dawn to dusk, Yan people would come to the foot of the city wall and hurl curses at those atop it, and the Qian army on the walls would immediately retort. Neither side was within arrow range. Additionally, the Qian people didn't dare open the city gates to charge out. Thus, they harmoniously maintained the rule of "gentlemen use words, not fists."

The Qian people on the walls cursed: "Yan bastard! Yan barbarian!"

The Yan people below retorted: "Qian pig! No balls!"

Zheng Fan had even ridden his horse over for a closer look. Truth be told, it really felt like the online regional flame wars of later eras. They hurled the same few insults back and forth, yet they never seemed to tire of it. Chief Zheng, however, quickly grew bored listening. Perhaps I should teach the Yan people how to have a song battle someday, he mused. We could make up some catchy, insulting songs. If everyone sang them together, it would be imposing and make us seem quite cultured.

Zheng Fan sat in the bathtub while Siniang scrubbed his back. The two were accustomed to each other, especially in this regard. Siniang knew exactly the pressure and pace Zheng Fan preferred; even a simple back scrub from her could make Chief Zheng feel as if he were floating on air.

"My lord," Siniang said, "Liang Cheng came by earlier. He said Li Fusheng has ordered everyone to pack their things tonight."

Zheng Fan nodded. This city... it's unconquerable, he thought. Previously, by occupying West Wind Crossing, our Yan Army gained the initiative, leaving the imperial capital completely exposed before us. But several days have passed. The Qian army on the other side of the river should have nearly completed their detour by now, and the loyal armies from all over Qian State are likely closing in too.

In fact, scouts reported just yesterday that several loyal armies of Qian State had already gathered on the southwest side of the imperial capital and had even constructed a fortified camp. Those commanders seemed to know their limits; they didn't dare openly march to the city and challenge the Yan Army to a decisive battle. Instead, they continued to wait for more loyal armies to arrive.

Truthfully, ancient emperors were unwilling to issue this kind of "royal service" order except as a last resort. Firstly, such an Imperial Edict signified a collapse of imperial authority and prestige. It would make everyone realize, Oh, so the old emperor is just like Wang Erzi from our village entrance—when he loses a fight, he also has to call everyone for help! Secondly, a "royal service" order effectively gave local powers a legitimate opportunity to expand their influence. Even if the immediate crisis passed, the resulting landscape of regional warlords challenging central authority would be difficult to resolve quickly. It was, in essence, quenching thirst with poison.

"Sigh... I just don't know where the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan have taken the main army," Zheng Fan mused aloud.

The blind man had reported the situation to him, but Zheng Fan still couldn't guess where their main forces had gone. Still, since Li Fusheng had already made preparations for a retreat, Chief Zheng, who was feeling a growing "war-weariness," was glad to accept it.

Campaigning and fighting are truly exhausting, Zheng Fan thought. I haven't even had time for my needlework in ages.

"Siniang, you must be tired," said Zheng Fan, touching Siniang's hand.

Normally, a woman's hands would grow rough from years of needlework, but Siniang's hands were always so smooth and supple. Soft and warm, they carried a hint of perfectly refreshing coolness.

"My lord, I am not tired at all. It is my blessing to be able to serve you," Siniang replied.

Zheng Fan had grown somewhat immune to the flattery from the blind man and his associates, but Siniang's words always managed to please him.

This just proved it once again, Zheng Fan mused. Men are such jerks.

"Siniang, come join me in the bath," Zheng Fan said.

SPLASH...

Water rippled, and steam swirled.

After his bath, Zheng Fan changed into a new set of clothes he had found in this Qian residence. Siniang had altered them to fit him perfectly. Putting on his armor afterward, however, was less pleasant. However, Zheng Fan, accustomed to "cherishing life and fearing death," reluctantly donned the heavy armor, also stuffing the "sword embryo" into his breastplate.

Zheng Fan was currently at a manor in the capital region, not far from the Yan Army's main camp. Today, he was indulging himself a little.

Zheng Fan stepped out of the bathing room; Siniang still needed to finish her bath.

Outside, Fanli was waiting, with the sword boy sitting on his shoulder.

The little girl was still dressed as a boy. When she looked at Zheng Fan, her eyes held no obvious hatred. I don't know if this girl is a Sword Embryo or not, Zheng Fan mused, but with such a disposition, she'll be extraordinary when she grows up.

With their lord coming to bathe, security arrangements were naturally indispensable. Three hundred cavalry were posted as guards outside the manor.

However, just as Zheng Fan stepped out of the manor gate, intending to stretch, he saw the figure of a woman appear ahead.

Some of the Green Willow Fortress cavalrymen immediately drew their bows and nocked arrows, while others formed ranks to outflank her from both sides. Inspired by how the North Border Army had dealt with Shatuo Queshi, Zheng Fan had specifically made Liang Cheng drill the troops in methods for eliminating skilled fighters.

It wasn't that these cavalrymen were being overly jumpy; after all, the capital region was currently a scene of near devastation. Many Qian people had already fled with their families when the Yan forces first arrived. Furthermore, Li Fusheng's recent tactic of using Qian civilians' lives to assault the city had shattered any lingering wishful thinking among those who had remained. They too had quickly abandoned all hope and fled south.