The Demon Lords

Chapter 474 2 - The Sky is High and the Birds Can Fly-4

Instead, it was the common people who often accumulated wealth that could rival nations. The deployment of hundreds of thousands of Yan troops and the resources sustaining the current situation were all funded by the Yan Emperor's confiscations from the aristocratic clans.

However, at that time, he had assigned the matter to Siniang and the Blindman. He hadn't expected Siniang to be able to hide the wealth in plain sight.

"To answer, my lord, it is hidden in Prince Fu's tomb."

"PFFT..."

Zheng Fan couldn't help but laugh. This Prince Fu truly was a treasure from head to toe; he had been exploited in every conceivable way, even his grave wasn't spared.

"My lord, you instructed us to assist with Prince Fu's burial at the time. I therefore assumed your intention was for us to hide the valuables there."

"Ah... oh, yes. As long as you understood."

Zheng Fan waved his hand.

"San'er had already prepared a secret passage into Prince Fu's tomb. In the future, we can arrange for people disguised as a merchant caravan to transport the goods out."

"Well done. I'm very satisfied."

The wealth confiscated from exterminated families throughout Chuzhou City, combined with various forms of tribute, amounted to a staggering sum. Even after distributing a portion as rewards to the local populace and the soldiers of the Northern Garrison Army, the remainder was still an immense fortune.

Zheng Fan nodded. He felt reassured. In any era, life always felt somewhat hollow without money in hand.

"This is good; it saves me the trouble of bothering Ji Chengjue further," he thought. "I hear the imperial court is preparing to name the crown prince. Ji Chengjue's days are likely to become difficult."

Next, Zheng Fan looked at Wen Sutong. This old fox was indeed a pragmatist. Otherwise, how could other civil officials have figured out that Siniang was falsifying the accounts?

Wen Sutong continued, "Lord Zheng, there are three avenues for you to recruit soldiers."

Saying this, Wen Sutong picked up his teacup and took a sip.

He was waiting for Zheng Fan to say something like, "I'm eager to hear the details!" or "I'm all ears!"

But Zheng Fan directly said, "Just spit it out."

"PFFT..."

Wen Sutong sprayed the tea from his mouth. Yuexin quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her grandfather's mouth.

The Blindman merely smiled and said nothing.

Wen Sutong gave Zheng Fan a somewhat reproachful look and continued, "There are three. Firstly, in the newly annexed lands, Yan people will inevitably be relocated to settle there."

This has been the unchanging method since ancient times. Military occupation alone is insufficient to assimilate new lands or foster loyalty towards the central authority; migration is essential.

"This migration would primarily consist of members of former aristocratic clans and convicts. These people naturally harbor resentment towards the imperial court. However, some among them are learned and capable, and could be enlisted for assistance."

"Continue."

"Secondly, there are the wild people from the Skybreak Mountains and the lands to their north. Since Lord Zheng can command the Barbarians under your banner, perhaps the wild people can also be recruited."

"Hmm, and the third?"

"That would be the Jin Army."

"The Jin Army?"

"The Jin people are, in fact, capable warriors. There are many reasons for their recent crushing defeats, but it's not because they are inherently poor fighters. Moreover, the Jin have numerous cavalrymen. If we can persuade them to join us, we can immediately form cavalry units. However, to make use of the Jin people, you must cultivate a good relationship with one person."

"Who?"

"Emperor Jin, Yu Ciming. He personally opened South Gate Pass, allowing the Yan Army into Jin. Most emperors wouldn't dare do such a thing. But his ability to let go also means he dares to take risks. I heard that he is currently in Yanjing, paying his respects to the Yan Emperor. When he returns to his state for his enfeoffment, Lord Zheng, you could offer to escort him to his new domain. Lord Zheng is adept at building relationships; of this, I am deeply convinced. However, this matter requires extreme caution. Cooperating with Emperor Jin is akin to asking a tiger for its skin."

"He may be a tiger, but we are lions."

Saying this, Zheng Fan turned to the Blindman and said, "When you get back, write a letter to Ji Chengjue. Ask him to arrange this matter and then have him help us secure a better territory."

"My lord, didn't you just say that Ji Chengjue's situation is quite difficult right now?"

"He's already walked ninety-nine steps; the last little stumble won't matter much."

The Blindman nodded in understanding. But he still felt that his lord's approach was rather unscrupulous. However, after glancing back at Yuexin, he suddenly felt he had no right to criticize his lord internally.

"I am tired. I shall go and rest," Wen Sutong said, leaving with Yuexin's support.

Zheng Fan then remarked, "This rather convenient father-in-law of yours is quite something."

"Indeed."

"It's a pity he has to be sent to Yanjing as a mere figurehead. Otherwise, if he stayed here with us, he could help alleviate some of your pressure."

"Hmm."

「At this moment」

Fanli approached.

On Fanli's shoulder sat the sword boy. This seemed to have become their standard way of appearing, much like how a panda is usually seen holding bamboo.

"My lord, she said she wants a new name, so I came to ask you," Fanli said.

Zheng Fan smiled and, gesturing towards Fanli, said, "You could have just named her yourself."

"I did, but she didn't like it and hit me."

The sword boy pouted, her arms crossed defiantly.

"What name did you give her?" Zheng Fan asked, finding himself unconsciously slipping into a similar accent due to Fanli's influence.

Fanli grinned sheepishly and said, "I told her that since we're all my lord's servants, she's also my lord's handmaid. So, I gave her the name: Sword Maid."