The Demon Lords

Chapter 503 19: Street People_1

"Do you realize that for the comment you just made, dying ten times over wouldn't be unjust?"

Zheng Fan sat in silence, not deliberately showing any signs of panic.

Without that bit of political sensitivity and understanding of Lord Jingnan, Chief Zheng wouldn't have dared to dance on the tip of a knife.

The tacit peace maintained between Yan and the Situ Family can be interpreted, from a noble perspective, as Yan State showing respect for the Situ Family's efforts in defending the states of Xia against the incursions of the wild people, thus deliberately giving them some leeway.

If that's not the reason, then it must be that one of the three leaders has health issues, and when this person's health is compromised, it directly affects the country's decision-making.

That leaves only,

The Emperor.

Tian Wujing seemed to merely touch upon the matter and didn't plan to delve deeper into the topic. He changed the subject, asking, "What is your assessment of the current situation in Jin land?"

Zheng Fan immediately responded, "My Lord, originally the lands of the Three Jin would have been extremely chaotic. It would take our Yan a great deal of time and effort to fully assimilate them. But now, with the establishment of the Dacheng State by the Situ Family, they have, in comparison, helped us by dividing the Three Jin.

This time, the lands of the Three Jin are in turmoil, with many local tyrants rising up. It appears like a wildfire about to spread, but these are just flare-ups of frustration. Even if our army merely watches from the sidelines, this fire will eventually burn itself out. Moreover, this will serve to uproot, once and for all, those who harbor dissent and refuse to be governed."

"Merely observing won't be enough."

"Yes, my Lord, you are right. What this subordinate means is that we should first observe. When the fire is at its fiercest, we can then begin to extinguish it, without needing to exert too much effort. After all, even if these flare-ups are just frustration, one could still get burned if not careful.

We extinguish it gradually, herd it gradually, and guide it gradually. In the end, these embers will naturally be swept into the Situ Family's territory."

"Wouldn't this just bolster the Situ Family's momentum?"

"Not so, my Lord. It's like the saying: 'Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, but those grown north of the Huai River become bitter zhizi.'

These local magnates and powerful clans can build such momentum, much like the influential families within our Yan in the past, simply because they rely on the popular support they command in their home territories. Once they leave their native lands and go to new places, like fish out of water, they will become mere displaced people. Not only will they lose their former influence, but they will also become burdens and liabilities."

"Your insight is indeed quite astute."

"My Lord, you flatter me."

"So, these Huainan and Huaibei Commanderies, or this Huai—is it a river? Where exactly is it? Why have I never heard of it?"

"..." Zheng Fan remained silent.

"Never mind. Let's not dwell on this."

Tian Wujing stood up, and Zheng Fan hastily rose with him.

"Chief Zheng."

"My Lord, this subordinate is here."

"Since leaving Green Willow Fortress until reaching this current state of affairs, have you ever felt any regret?"

"To answer my Lord, I regret it so much my intestines have turned green."

"Heh."

"It was also this subordinate's greed. I thought that since I was going to Jin land for my post, I might as well establish a good relationship with Emperor Jin beforehand. That way, I'd have some support in the future. Who knew..."

"Chief Zheng, are you so certain that I will not hold you accountable that you dare to speak so unguardedly to me?"

For a Yan general to actually think of secretly colluding with Emperor Jin beforehand... such intentions are truly damnable!

"Isn't it because you've indulged me, my Lord?" Chief Zheng shamelessly latched onto the opening.

"You are a talented man; that's why I indulge you."

"Yes. A wise bird chooses a sturdy tree to nest in. Working under you, my Lord, one feels clear-headed and invigorated."

"However, there is one thing I wish to remind you of."

"My Lord, please instruct me!"

"Are you not one of the Yan people?"

"I am!"

"Are you not a Yan general?"

"I am!"

"Has Yan ever failed you?"

"Never!"

"If Yan never fails you..."

"Then this subordinate will never fail Yan! And never fail you, my Lord!"

"Remember the first half of your sentence."

"This subordinate will engrave it in my heart."

Lord Jingnan calmly looked out the window. Night had fallen, and rain had begun to fall outside.

At this time, winter had already passed in the southern part of Qian State, and the scent of spring was thick in the air. However, both Jin land and Yan State were located in the north, so winter there naturally lasted longer.

Therefore, it's not without reason that literature doesn't flourish in the lands of Yan and Jin. The long winter makes up most of the year, unlike in Qian State, where the four seasons are distinct in most areas.

Unable to witness enough spring blossoms and autumn moons, true poets cannot be nurtured there.

But sometimes, when life is too comfortable, it can easily soften a person's spine.

Lord Jingnan raised his hand and declared, "Chief Zheng, hear your orders!"

Zheng Fan immediately knelt on one knee and said with sincerity, "This subordinate awaits your command!"

"You are to quickly gather your subordinates, select one thousand elite cavalry, and at the hour of Zi, they will be at my disposal."

"This subordinate obeys!"

After receiving the order, Zheng Fan stood up and asked with a cheeky grin, "My Lord, who are we going to attack?"

"Whoever just attacked you, that's who we're going to attack now."

"The Jin army?"

With the establishment of the Dacheng State, the only force in the lands of the Three Jin that could still temporarily be called the Jin army was, in fact, Yu Huacheng's troops in the capital city.

Yu Huacheng had not yet been enfeoffed by the Dacheng State. So, nominally, he and his subordinates still belonged to the Jin army, even though just a couple of days prior, they were preparing to bring the butcher's knife down on their own Emperor's neck.

"As for how to stabilize the situation in the Three Jin, those in the imperial court have their considerations, and I have mine. You can listen to what those people in the court say, but don't let it affect your own actions."

"But earlier, they..."

"They withdrew not out of respect for me, Tian Wujing, but because they dared not move against me at this time, fearing they would anger our Yan."