The Demon Lords

Chapter 518 30 The Endgame_1

Zheng Fan had indeed fallen asleep. It wasn't an act to display his calm demeanor and composure; the afternoon sun was simply too comfortable. Besides, from defending the city to entering the Jin State imperial palace, and then hastily leading his troops to the borders of Shengle City, he hadn't had any real rest in days. So, he genuinely drifted off.

When he opened his eyes again, he realized it was already dark.

The Scribe was still sitting beside Zheng Fan, writing on some documents.

This was the Scribe's duty. He was currently stretched thin, covering the work of ten men. Even with his psychic abilities enhancing his efforts, he would exhaust himself sooner or later if he continued like this.

However, once everything settled down, the dozens of scholars from the Wen Family could be trained as secretaries, significantly lightening the Scribe's workload.

"You didn't wake me, letting me sleep for so long," Zheng Fan said.

"My lord, I left the courtyard door open for you. Many of Xiong Lie's wild people saw you sleeping soundly," the Scribe replied.

"Thoughtful of you."

"It is my duty."

"Weren't you afraid I'd catch a cold?"

"My oversight, My lord."

"Be more careful next time. At least get me an extra blanket or something."

"Understood."

"Is it over?" Zheng Fan asked.

"The battle cries started to fade around dusk and have stopped now. It seems to be over," the Scribe replied.

"Oh."

Zheng Fan rubbed his face, yawned, and said, "Sleeping so long this afternoon has messed up my sleep schedule. I won't be able to sleep tonight."

"It's just as well. Siniang should be arriving in the city tonight."

"Heh."

At this moment, Xiong Lie, clad in full armor, walked into the courtyard and reported to Zheng Fan, "Sir, Chieftain Tufa Chengji of the Tufa Family requests an audience. He has come alone, without any of his men."

"Let him in."

"Yes, Sir."

「A moment later,」

Tufa Chengji entered, covered in blood. He held a head in his left hand, another in his right, and one more hung at his waist. He looked like a new bride visiting her parents' home on the second day of the New Year.

He walked straight up to Zheng Fan and was about to kneel when Zheng Fan spoke first, "The blood on your armor and face... it's obviously smeared on."

Tufa Chengji was speechless.

Chief Zheng had also experienced his share of battles, and being splattered with enemy blood was commonplace for him. Moreover, he had spent a long time with Li Fusheng, who was the type to practically bathe in blood. Thus, Zheng Fan could easily discern such details.

This left Tufa Chengji in an extremely awkward position. He stood there, knees half-bent, unsure whether to complete the kneel or stand upright, looking as if he were holding a horse stance.

Seeing this, Zheng Fan chuckled and said, "Regardless, your willingness is clear. I accept this gesture."

Tufa Chengji felt a wave of relief wash over him.

But then he noticed that Zheng Fan had been looking at the ground while speaking, not at his face.

THUMP!

Tufa Chengji immediately dropped to his knees.

"Tufa Chengji pays his respects to Your Excellency!"

"Let's hear about these gifts," Zheng Fan said. "I enjoy making friends, and I especially enjoy seeing the gifts friends bring. I might seem a bit greedy, so please don't mind my eagerness."

"This humble one dares not, this humble one dares not."

"Get to the point."

"Yes, Sir! This is the head of Zhou Zhengwen. He was a dog kept by the Helian Family in Shengle City. The Helian Family dared to offend the might of Great Yan, launching an unrighteous war against Yan—an act condemned by gods and men alike!

"The Helian Family has already been crushed under the iron hooves of Great Yan's King's army. Tufa Chengji specially executed this Helian lackey and offers him to the King's army of Great Yan!

"This is the head of Ning Cuicui, she was..."

Three heads.

Three clan leaders.

This meant that of the five men who had eaten lunch together at noon, excluding Xiong Lie, the other three were now presented as severed heads.

They had pledged to unite against the "Yan bastards," yet at the first opportunity, they decisively sold out their comrades.

After Tufa Chengji finished his report, Zheng Fan tilted his head, looking at him.

"Those eloquent phrases must have been a mouthful to memorize, weren't they?"

"Your Honor is perceptive. This humble one is uncultured and feared my crude words might offend Your Honor's ears, so I had someone prepare them beforehand..."

"Alright, I've said it before, your sincerity is noted."

"Thank you, Your Honor!"

"I accept your gifts."

"Thank you for your graciousness, Your Honor!"

"Courtesy demands reciprocity. I should also inquire about your family."

"Yes..."

"The Tufa Tribe, how many members do you have in the Shengle area?"

"Core clan members, just over a thousand."

"That few? That's rather disappointing."

"Including the outer clan members, there are over five thousand. We can muster nine hundred clan soldiers. For Your Honor's information, we lost a considerable number of clan soldiers in annihilating these rebels."

"Hmm, that's not too bad. Well then, is the Tufa Tribe willing to serve Great Yan?"

"Naturally, we are willing!"

"Good. I like your attitude. I believe the Lord and His Majesty will also appreciate it." Saying this, Zheng Fan gestured to Xiong Lie. "Take these three heads away. I'm a bit squeamish; I can't stand such sights."

Like I'd believe that! Xiong Lie thought.

But Xiong Lie dutifully came forward and removed the heads.

Zheng Fan then pointed at Tufa Chengji.

"The Tufa Tribe is a major clan in the Shengle area. You must have accumulated a great deal of wealth, correct?"

"All land under Heaven belongs to the King. Everything the Tufa Tribe possesses belongs to Great Yan's King's army, and thus to you, Your Honor!"

"Oh, that sounds very pleasant. But rest assured, I am not lacking in wealth and goods."

This was no mere polite remark. The treasures from Prince Fu's tomb outside Chuzhou City had yet to be transported, and the wealth confiscated from the Jin State capital city was piled as high as small mountains. Zheng Fan could indeed beat his chest and proudly declare:

I am not short of money.

Of course, once his enterprise truly expanded, this silver would likely run out quickly. Otherwise, the Earl of North Border wouldn't fight so desperately for resources.

Maintaining an army was expensive, and maintaining an elite army was even more so. Conscripting peasant soldiers and bandit troops was cheap, but they lacked combat effectiveness.

To the west lay Great Yan, to the east the Situ Family, and to the north, the wild people. None were soft targets. Without elite troops, one lacked the confidence to even speak.

Zheng Fan did not bid Tufa Chengji to rise, so Tufa Chengji could only remain kneeling.

Neither spoke, and the oppressive silence caused beads of sweat to form on Tufa Chengji's forehead.

The people of Jin land enjoyed falconry. Tufa Chengji felt like a hawk being relentlessly worn down.

In truth, he was misjudging Zheng Fan. Zheng Fan simply didn't know what else to say, so he opted for silence. He had the confidence to let the silence hang; an awkward pause meant little to him.

Finally, Zheng Fan thought of something. He asked, "I've heard that whoever controls Shengle City must rely on the support of local powers like yourselves?"

Upon hearing this, Tufa Chengji immediately turned his head to look at Xiong Lie.

Xiong Lie stood there silently, saying nothing.

But it was clear to everyone. Xiong Lie was the one who had snitched!

"Your Honor, that was merely a delaying tactic on my part, to lull the others into complacency while I secretly sought an opportunity to joyfully welcome Great Yan's King's army!"

Zheng Fan nodded, smiled at Tufa Chengji, and said, "Speak plainly."

"Yes! This humble one was deluded and ignorant of Heavenly might! I deserve ten thousand deaths!"

Tufa Chengji kowtowed, his forehead striking the flagstones.

Heh, this manner of speaking I learned from Lord Jingnan really is effective. Lord Jingnan used to use these words to intimidate me, and now I'm putting them to good use myself.

"Chieftain Tufa."

"This humble one is here."

"Your past actions, I can let them be bygones."

"Your Honor is merciful! My entire tribe will be eternally grateful for your benevolence!"

"However, it still depends on your future conduct."

"This humble one understands. This humble one comprehends."

As for the task of intimidation, Zheng Fan couldn't be bothered to do it himself. Once the main army entered the city and he had fully taken control of Shengle, his Demon Kings knew all the tricks for manipulating people, managing subordinates, and knocking them into shape.

All he needed to do now was put on the airs of a powerful court official and enjoy the fleeting satisfaction.

It felt quite good. You all do the work, and I get to do the posing.

Just then, a wild people guard entered from outside. Xiong Lie immediately went over to hear his whispered message. Following that, Xiong Lie knelt and reported, "Sir, the King's army has entered the city."

This meant the situation in Shengle City was now firmly decided!

Zheng Fan nodded. He turned his head to his side, only to find that the Scribe had vanished at some point.

Zheng Fan threw off the blanket covering him and rose from his recliner. At that exact moment, the Scribe walked out carrying a suit of armor.

The Scribe knelt down and said respectfully, "My lord, please don your armor!"

Then, the Scribe berated, "You two slaves! Are you not going to assist My lord in donning his armor? Are you blind, like me?"

An expert's touch was evident. The Scribe was naturally adept at creating an atmosphere and manipulating people's emotions. Furthermore, he imbued his words with psychic energy, which inherently carried a coercive pressure on Xiong Lie and Tufa Chengji's minds.

Hearing the Scribe's words, the two men immediately rose and stood by Zheng Fan's side like servants, beginning to help him put on the armor.

Xiong Lie was somewhat better off. Even if he harbored some minor schemes, he was, nominally, a household slave adopted by the Sixth Prince. Now that the Sixth Prince had gifted him to Zheng Fan, it was only natural for him to serve Zheng Fan as a slave.

Tufa Chengji, however, was somewhat bewildered. He had originally thought he could present these substantial gifts and negotiate his future "salary and benefits." How had he been instantly relegated to the lowest rank of servitude?

It could only be said that from the moment he entered, he had been systematically cut down and beaten, his initial imposing manner completely worn away.

But, given the atmosphere, both men obediently began to help Zheng Fan with his armor.

Zheng Fan simply held out his arms, allowing them to serve him.

Meanwhile, in the private mental channel established by the Scribe:

"Scribe, why does this scene feel so familiar?"

"My lord is wise. It's reminiscent of 'Emperor Kangxi's Inspection Tour in Disguise'."

"The pageantry isn't quite there."

"Rest assured, My lord. Liang Shilong has just entered the city."

"Then you're stealing the show. Wouldn't the effect be better if I put on the armor when A Cheng arrives with his troops and soldiers are arrayed all around?"

"Yes, My lord. That was my oversight."

"Just be mindful next time."

"Yes, My lord. I understand."

"Sigh, it's just that wearing this stiff armor right after waking up is quite uncomfortable."

"My lord."

"Hm?"

"As for the dragon robe, Siniang finished embroidering it long ago. That should be more comfortable than armor. Shall we change into it now?"

Zheng Fan fell silent.