The Demon Lords

Chapter 796 175 Great Wind_3

The intention to recruit was unmistakably obvious. Ran Min naturally understood that it was time for him to make a choice. To put it frankly, he didn't have much leeway. He was merely a Squad Leader, while the other man was the Minister of War. The very fact that the Minister was willing to speak with him was already an immense honor.

After a moment's hesitation, Ran Min rose and knelt before Mao Mingcai, declaring, "The Jingnan Army belongs to Yan, to the Imperial Court, and to His Majesty! Sir, you are the Minister of War; I, your humble servant, will naturally obey your commands!"

Mao Mingcai nodded in satisfaction, gestured for him to rise, and said, "Stand up."

"Thank you, Sir."

Ran Min stood up.

"After this imperial edict is announced, you will accompany me back to the capital."

"I will follow all your arrangements, Sir!"

"Mm, good."

Just then, a personal guard outside the tent reported, "Sir, an envoy from the Chu State requests an audience."

"Let him in."

After speaking, Mao Mingcai stood up and adjusted his attire.

Ran Min intended to leave, but Mao Mingcai stopped him with a smile, saying, "Stay and meet him with me."

Jingyang entered. He wasn't wearing his official uniform but rather a long robe with distinctive Chu regional characteristics.

"Brother Mao."

"Brother Jing."

The two addressed each other as brothers rather than by their official titles.

"Brother Jing, what guidance brings you here so late at night?"

"Guidance is too strong a word. I simply felt that after we jointly announce the edict tomorrow, we will part ways. A sense of reluctance came over me, so I took the liberty of visiting you late tonight for a chat."

Mao Mingcai nodded and said, "Perfect timing. Prince Cheng gave me some excellent tea today. I'll have someone brew it for us."

"Excellent, excellent."

Without needing further instruction, Ran Min volunteered, taking the tea leaves out to boil water.

After stepping out of the tent, he took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. Even now, his mind was still buzzing, but he knew clearly that his path forward had widened considerably. Every time Mao Mingcai walked through the camp and spoke with people, Ran Min had deliberately yet subtly tried to make an impression. His efforts had not been in vain; he had finally caught the attention of this high official. He genuinely loved the armor of the Jingnan Army, but he could not forsake the recognition of the Minister of War. From that day he had killed someone in the hall, he had sworn to himself: if the street could not offer him true freedom, then he would seize everything he desired on the battlefield.

In truth, Jingyang and Mao Mingcai were merely chatting casually, not discussing any serious matters—just the customs of the Yan region and the local products of the Chu region.

They didn't talk for very long, perhaps half an hour, before Jingyang rose, bid farewell, and returned to his own tent.

Ran Min took the initiative to clear away the tea set. Mao Mingcai sat down, stretched lazily, and remarked, "The Qian people appreciate elegance and literature, the Jin people favor homosexuality, and the Chu people value etiquette and propriety. Only we Yan people lack a sense of humor. Heh, there's truth in that saying. The Chu State's envoy sought me out tonight not really to discuss anything, but merely to fulfill the Chu people's sense of courtesy. As a Yan man, I found conversing with him truly trying."

Forcing conversation when there's nothing to say is indeed awkward. Besides, the two of them couldn't discuss official business, not even touch upon sensitive topics. Otherwise, if word got out, they could easily be accused of treason and collaborating with the enemy.

Ran Min chuckled and said, "Actually, anyone can enjoy good days. It's just that we Yan people have had it too hard in the past."

Mao Mingcai nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this. "There's insight in what you say. Why can't we Yan people compose poetry and write prose in Jiangnan? Why can't we Yan people sing with abandon by the great lakes of the Chu region? In the future, all of this will be possible."

Ran Min responded, "It must be soon."

"Soon?"

"Because right now, all we have in hand is homosexuality."

"You... HA HA HA!" Mao Mingcai burst out laughing.

Then, waving his hand to stop his laughter, he said, "Alright, alright. Since that's the case, I daren't keep you in my tent any longer."

"Please rest, Sir. Your humble servant will take his leave."

The following morning, the column departed from the post station.

By noon, they had reached the banks of the Wang River.

As they were boarding the ferry, Ran Min noticed someone galloping on horseback on the opposite bank. The horse, however, looked a bit too robust.

When their ferry reached the middle of the river, the rider on the far bank also reined in their mount, seemingly having spotted the column and deliberately waiting for them.

And then Ran Min saw clearly: the creature the rider was mounted on was not a horse at all, but a Pi Beast.

"Which dignitary on the opposite bank is that, to be riding a Pi Beast?" Ran Min muttered to himself.

At that moment, Mao Mingcai also walked over, chuckled, and said, "That's not a Pi Beast; it's a Pixiu."

"A Pixiu?"

The banner of the Yan State is the Black Dragon flag, but the Pixiu is considered Yan's true totem. After all, no one has ever seen a real dragon, whereas Pixiu have always existed.

As for Pi Beasts, both civil and military officials have a chance to be bestowed one upon reaching a certain rank. Pixiu, however, are different; only the absolute top echelons of nobility can possess them.

"The person on the other bank is likely the one who almost became your superior."

"Lord Zheng?"

"It should be him. Prince Jingnan once made a special petition to the Imperial Court for a Pixiu, reportedly to gift it to Lord Zheng. That was before the war began. Subsequently, as expected—much like a precious sword bestowed upon a renowned hero—Lord Zheng indeed fought an exceptionally brilliant battle."

Hearing this, Ran Min felt a surge of longing. With a sigh that was half envy, half deliberate show of emotion, he said, "I want one too."

Mao Mingcai heard this and replied, "Perform your duties well in the future, and you'll have your chance."