The Demon Lords

Chapter 473 2 - The Sky is High and the Birds Can Fly-3

But for the sake of future development, one still needs a territory of one's own.

"If we're going to Jin land, we need to prepare thoroughly in advance," said the blind man.

"Hmm." Zheng Fan nodded. "I spoke with Hui Wenzu. As Yan people, we should have the courage to take the lead. Jin land has newly submitted, so it naturally needs people to secure this new territory properly and make it thoroughly Yan land."

"What did Hui Wenzu say?" Wen Sutong asked.

"Hui Wenzu was very moved, then he refused my request for new troop reinforcements."

On this southern campaign, the 2,500 cavalry from Green Willow Fortress accompanied the Zhenbei Army, suffering nearly a thousand casualties. It could be said they were truly hit hard.

Originally, Nanwang City had already trained a batch of new recruits from good families. Replenishing each unit's troops was standard practice.

But when Hui Wenzu saw that Zheng Fan planned "to fly higher and farther," he decisively cut Zheng Fan off.

As the governor of a region, he naturally had no obligation to raise soldiers for others.

"Among those who came with us from Chuzhou City this time, there were also thousands of surrendered soldiers from the Qian army," Wen Sutong said.

"I don't want puppet soldiers."

What combat effectiveness could puppet soldiers possibly have? These men were already set in their ways. They knelt when the Yan people arrived, and they would surely kneel in future battles. Their training potential was truly minimal.

Wen Sutong had said this with his own agenda, thinking the more Qian people in Zheng Fan's ranks, the better. But seeing Zheng Fan's flat refusal, although he didn't understand what "puppet soldiers" meant, he could tell it wasn't a complimentary term.

"I've heard that Lord Jingnan is the one governing Jin land," the blind man said.

A newly annexed territory naturally required a great general to maintain control and stabilize the situation. Tian Wujing was a man capable of annihilating his own entire clan; it was indeed appropriate for him to govern the new territories. Even the people of Yinlang County now avoided speaking of Tian Wujing. Once Tian Wujing went to Jin land, his reputation alone could genuinely stop children from crying.

Wen Sutong shook his head and said, "During the Xia Dynasty, there was the position of Prefect, similar to our Qian's Jiedushi. However, a Jiedushi is in charge of the civilian and military affairs of an entire commandery, while a Prefect is responsible only for a city and its immediate surroundings. The position of Prefect was later abolished and its powers divided because it tended to lead to 'the tail wagging the dog,' threatening the central authority. The Yan Emperor re-established this post, likely intending to use this method to bring the newly incorporated lands under firm control.

"Since you are granted a degree of autonomy, you naturally have to bear some of the costs. Supplies like military rations, weaponry, and manpower won't be fully provided. You'll have to find ways to procure them yourself; this is an established convention. In some respects, you Yan people are quite similar to the Barbarians and are already accustomed to this rule. Lord Jingnan, in governing the new territories, is also stretched thin in terms of military strength. He certainly won't be able to privately spare many soldiers for Lord Zheng."

Zheng Fan nodded. He had, in fact, considered this matter and lamented, "So, we still have to adhere to the principles of self-reliance and independence."

"Insightful," Wen Sutong praised.

Zheng Fan rolled his eyes at Elder Wen and continued, "According to you, Elder, how should I replenish my troops?"

With this old strategist by his side, it would be a waste not to use him. Besides, the man would soon be reporting to Yanjing to become a figurehead; it was truly now or never before his advice became unavailable.

Wen Sutong gestured to their surroundings and said, "Actually, Lord Zheng, you began preparing for this quite some time ago."

"Preparing for what?"

"Preparing for rebellion."

"Even if you're telling the truth, could you perhaps be a little more subtle and not state it so brazenly?"

"Yes, this old man misspoke."

"Continue."

"Lord Zheng, your forces are primarily composed of two groups. One group is the Barbarian soldiers. They have little sense of belonging to Yan. This is understandable, as Barbarians look very different from us Easterners, making it difficult for them to fully integrate. The other part is the prisoner soldiers from formerly noble families. These men harbor deep resentment towards the imperial court."

"So, you're saying I've been preparing to rebel from the very beginning? Is that it? Just look at the composition of my troops, then!" Zheng Fan retorted.

"This old man believes this approach can continue. After all, 'independence and self-reliance' were your own words, Lord Zheng. If something were to happen in the future, you must at least ensure you can mobilize your troops. Even if you genuinely need to defy your superiors, these men must be willing to follow you without hesitation. Otherwise, if an Imperial Edict is issued or some higher-up appears, your troops might defect, and you wouldn't be able to command them. Then you'd become a laughingstock."

"Tell me the method," Zheng Fan prompted.

"Yes. To go to Jin land, the first step is to recruit soldiers and procure warhorses. As for finances, you need not worry." As he spoke, Wen Sutong glanced at Siniang, who was sitting next to Zheng Fan, and said, "Back in Chuzhou City, your wife handled the accounting of all assets."

Hearing this, Zheng Fan immediately looked at Siniang.

Siniang nodded with a smile.

She comes from a business background, after all. If you can't cook the books, how can you even do business?

"My lord, the wealth we've siphoned off is quite substantial. As soon as things stabilize a little, we can transport it over."

That means it's likely still hidden in or near Chuzhou City.

"Where is it hidden?" Zheng Fan asked.

He hadn't known about these matters.

Back in Chuzhou City, Li Fusheng had left Zheng Fan in charge of all the clearing out, confiscating property, and exterminating clans. Many prominent wealthy families had their homes ransacked. One should never underestimate the wealth of these major families.

A national treasury, in truth, doesn't hold vast amounts of silver. Much of it is allocated years in advance by budgets. Funds come in only to go out again; they merely pass through, always destined to be spent.