The Demon Lords

Chapter 471 2 - The Sky is High and the Birds Can Fly-1

The afternoon sunlight was pleasant, casting a lazy warmth upon everything it touched.

Outside Green Willow Fortress, Blind Man and Elder Wen Sutong reclined comfortably in their deck chairs. A small tea table sat between them, with Yuexin pouring the tea. At each of their sides, a long rack stood, both draped with sausages.

Smoked sausages dangled from the rack on the left. They were flavorful and incredibly versatile, perfect for slicing and stir-frying with almost any dish.

Hanging from the rack on the right were Qian State-style sausages. Predominantly made with lean meat, complemented by a touch of fat, and seasoned with grain liquor, they turned out rather firm and salty after air-drying. Paired with two bowls of white porridge in the morning, they were truly a luxurious treat.

Blind Man and Zheng Fan were both fond of this type, while Elder Wen, who hailed from Qian State, had recently taken to eating the smoked sausages.

"My dear grandson-in-law, could we perhaps enjoy our sunbathing in a different spot next time?"

"And why is that?"

"I'm getting old."

"Hmm?"

"Basking in the sun while smelling the cured meat, I feel as if I'm being air-dried myself."

"A happy funeral."

"That won't do. I still want to see my great-grandchild born."

"Don't you already have great-grandchildren?"

In ancient times, it wasn't uncommon for children as young as fourteen or fifteen to become fathers, especially in wealthy families. If a young master got his personal maid pregnant, it typically ended either with the maid being beaten to death or promoted to the status of a junior concubine.

"I'm particularly looking forward to yours with Yuexin."

Blind Man shook his head and replied, "That simply won't do. Old folks often tend to kick the bucket right after their dearest wish is fulfilled. To ensure you live a bit longer, I'm in no hurry on my end."

"It's said that the Yan Emperor is planning to change the reign title," Wen Sutong said, raising his teacup for a sip. Mindful of his granddaughter's presence and his role as an elder, he decided to merely hint at the matter.

He genuinely cherished these leisurely moments with his grandson-in-law. He was an old man rich in experience. He had navigated the treacherous currents of the political world. His name had once been announced at Donghua Gate, marking his success in the imperial examinations. He had stood in the front ranks of the imperial court. And now, he had even become a traitor to Qian State. If his life's journey and tales could be brewed, the resulting wine would surely be intoxicating enough to inebriate anyone.

However, in front of his blind grandson-in-law, the old man always sensed an intellectual equal, and furthermore, he believed the man still held much in reserve. He saw himself as a jar of aged wine, its once potent aroma having mellowed and dispersed with time. His blind grandson-in-law, however, was like a wine still aging in the cellar. Even if one couldn't taste it yet, for a connoisseur, simply being near the jar, feeling its presence, was a great pleasure.

Blind Man nodded and said, "It signifies a new beginning."

From the standoff between the Northern Army and the imperial court at the start of the year, to the subjugation of the powerful clans, and then to the conquest and annexation of Jin State's territory, this year had been exceedingly eventful for Yan State. Changing the reign title also signified bidding farewell to the disturbances of the past and collectively turning over a new leaf.

"I reckon Lord Zheng should at least be appointed as a brigade general this time."

"I thought you would persuade our Master to transition to a civil position."

"For someone who could write the "Zhengzi Art of War," how difficult could it be to switch to a civil post? However, in the current world, after Qian State suffered such humiliation, it's inevitable that the status of military officials will be elevated and military strength developed. Internal strife is about to begin in Chu State, and the Situ Family of Jin State is also on tenterhooks. Even for Great Yan, who can clearly say how long this booming, yet precarious, prosperity can be maintained? In a prosperous age, it is a delight to wear scholarly robes and write of romantic exploits. But in these current chaotic times, it's far more practical for a local strongman in troubled times to have troops firmly in hand."

The old man's perception was astute. The era of stalemate and peace among the four states had ended. In the next sixty years, a fierce struggle, a battle of dragons and tigers, was bound to erupt between them.

"We are, of course, aware of this."

"Of course, you all are. As for me, once I go to Yanjing this time, I won't be able to help you much. I'll be like a clay idol—gleaming on the surface, but ultimately hollow and inconsequential inside. These Wen family lads I'm leaving behind, they lack the skills for horsemanship and battle. Forcing them upon you would likely just make them a burden. But the overall situation should indeed be different now. Based on the merits Lord Zheng will be recognized for this time, while establishing his own official bureau might not be possible, the scope of his ambitions and pursuits should largely transcend the current limitations. There are some principles you should understand. Only knowing how to command troops is, in the end, the way of a mere Martial Cultivator. It's like rootless duckweed: it may appear vibrant, but it cannot truly withstand any storm. Military power must be controlled, and the people's livelihood must be managed; neither is dispensable."

"You are right."

The Blind Man was respectful towards his father-in-law.

The old man also knew that once he went to Yanjing this time, he would likely be stationed there for several years. Wanting to provide any remote assistance would be difficult, which was why he was offering these parting words of advice before his departure. It wasn't so much about pointing out every flaw and making up for deficiencies, but rather a token of the old man's heartfelt concern.

"Among Qian State's regional military commands, the West Army Division is foremost, with the Zu family second. But in my opinion, the Zu family's future development will surely surpass that of the West Army Division. The fundamental reason for the West Army Division's strength lies in the fact that when the Tattoo-faced Master was in command, he forcibly absorbed and consolidated numerous military factions, using military might to carve out his own sphere of influence. However, the foundation of this sphere of influence is actually unstable. It's true they have troops in hand, but they are suppressed by civil officials from above. If the central authorities were to cut off their supplies, they would be unable to advance even an inch. Therefore, they have been reduced to mere playthings in the hands of the various ministers. Ordered west, they go west; ordered north, they must go north, completely disregarding how much vitality the West Army Division loses from being dragged around like this. The Zu family, on the other hand, is nominally exceedingly deferential. However, they are garrisoned in the southeast, control maritime trade businesses, and because they pacified the sea pirates in the southeast, they hold immense prestige in the hearts of the people there."