The Demon Lords

Chapter 803 176: Tiger Talisman!

When Li Fusheng approached Zheng Fan and saw him still seated atop the Pixiu, Li Fusheng's expression immediately turned grave.

"Zheng Fan, Lord Zheng, so, do I, Li Fusheng, need to personally pay respects to you and salute?"

In Li Fusheng's eyes, Zheng Fan was a soldier he trained, and he was genuinely pleased that his subordinate had achieved success.

After all, long ago, he had determined that Zheng Fan was destined for greatness, and he had personally brought him into the central army to teach him how to fight.

The military is different from other trades, where there's no concern of the apprentice starving the master, and the military particularly values bonds of brotherhood.

But when one rises to a high position and completely disregards old comrades and superiors, lacking even courtesy and decorum, it's difficult to accept.

Ran Min stood behind Li Fusheng, first noticing the expression on Li Fusheng's face, then silently fixing his gaze on Zheng Fan, who was still unmoving atop the Pixiu.

After Li Fusheng expressed his dissatisfaction, Zheng Fan still did not dismount.

Mao Mingcai then stepped forward voluntarily, saying:

"General Li, please expedite the allocation of some grain from the army for these Chu people as an emergency measure."

Li Fusheng looked at Mao Mingcai,

pressed his lips together,

and ultimately knelt on one knee;

"This humble officer Li Fusheng pays his respects to the Minister!"

The Minister of War is akin to a nation's defense minister.

A general is similar to a regional commander; on paper, the hierarchy is clear.

Accompanied by the Earl of North Border's house dismantling the North Border Army and voluntarily offering it to the court, the generals of the North Border Army, who previously didn't even acknowledge the authority of the highest sovereign outside of their Lord, had to adapt to these new rules.

"General Li, please rise quickly; Mao is not worthy of your respect. Please hurry with the....."

At this time,

Zheng Fan leisurely spoke:

"Li Fusheng."

Not Mr. Li,

not old brother,

not even the official title of General Li,

but directly called by name.

Li Fusheng's eyes immediately widened,

just what exactly was this fellow up to,

did he specifically summon me to lose face in front of others!

Conflicts within the army occur at the soldier level, but also amongst the officers; essentially, it's about establishing dominance over one another.

Mao Mingcai was extremely surprised, glancing at Zheng Fan, still seated serenely atop the Pixiu, and then at Li Fusheng, unclear about what transpired between the two generals.

Ran Min felt a sense of pressure because he was close to Li Fusheng and could clearly detect the emanating aura of danger from him.

But soon,

Li Fusheng's gaze suddenly flickered,

he recalled that today's early meal in the army was paired with dried meat.

Generally speaking, such a meal is prepared on mornings when the troops are about to go to battle, ensuring the soldiers have sustenance to fight.

Now, Cheng State is exerting national power, only barely able to support the Yan Army's supply of provisions; drinking and feasting lavishly is impossible.

Additionally, Li Fusheng knows Zheng Fan is not such an unkind person; since the conclusion of the tri-state war, he has consistently received gifts sent from Shengle during holidays.

Li Fusheng's breathing suddenly intensified.

In the words of a blind man, Li Fusheng likely has some mental issues but is certainly not a fool; how could a fool command a town's elite troops?

Currently,

Li Fusheng hesitated,

instinctively wanting to kneel,

but felt it inappropriate,

considered acknowledging by cupped hands,

but found it somewhat perfunctory,

Direct Thief,

why aren't you making your intentions clear, is this what I think it means!

Zheng Fan extended his hand, mimicking the gesture Tian Wujing favored, stroking the mane of the Pixiu below him,

gravely said:

"General Li Fusheng of the North Border Army, hear the order!"

Li Fusheng's eyes immediately narrowed,

he waited a moment,

discovering Zheng Fan did not take out the Prince Jingnan order.

An order akin to an imperial edict,

you don't hold it in your hand,

how dare you command someone of equal rank and older qualifications in such a manner?

But,

this was precisely why Zheng Fan selected Li Fusheng first to come before him.

When it comes to killing,

when it comes to enjoying killing,

no one compares to this mad general!

Li Fusheng still did not kneel to hear the order but refrained from asking Zheng Fan where the Prince Jingnan order was.

Zheng Fan did not rush,

calmly continued:

"Brother Bao, died here, didn't he."

Li Fusheng clenched his molars audibly at these words;

then,

Li Fusheng knelt before Zheng Fan on one knee,

shouted:

"This humble officer is present!"

Zheng Fan pointed to the location where the Chu people were seated,

slowly said:

"Who are they?"

"They are Chu people," Li Fusheng replied, at this point, his facial muscles started to twitch slightly; an excitement began to spread and rise from within his heart.

Yes,

indeed,

it appears to be what I suspected.

"Oh, they are Chu people, isn't that strange..."

Li Fusheng grinned fiercely,

looked up,

at Zheng Fan,

his voice trembling slightly due to forcibly suppressed excitement:

"Strange... What?"

Zheng Fan leaned back slightly,

yawned,

shook his head again,

and continued,

with a chuckle,

as if witnessing something extremely amusing,

said:

"Strange that they, are still alive."

————

Goodnight, everyone.