Chapter 367: Chapter 367

That day, Hui Wenzu had gathered all his troops. He preferred to risk his own reputation rather than seeking a random place to conduct a drill or make a round trip.

However, this time was different from the last. Upon seeing Brother Pheasant, Brother Pheasant said directly, "Lord Zheng, the Lord invites you."

A small clay stove had an iron plate on top. Oil was smeared on it, and some brown sugar was sprinkled, which melted to form caramel. The Earl of North Border sat behind the stove. Using a short knife, he first cut a few slices from the rice cake and placed them all on the iron plate, then he began flipping them.

In no time, the SIZZLING aroma filled the air. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the Nove1Fire.net

Tian Wujing sat in a chair opposite, holding a booklet and watching silently.

In Yan, the two lords—one from the north and one from the south—were reunited.

"It’s ready. Want a slice? The rice cake made by Uncle Xue is delicious."

The Earl of North Border generously pointed to the rice cakes on the iron plate.

Tian Wujing shook his head and flipped a page. He didn’t like sweet food.

"Hah, it’s clear you’ve had a comfortable life since you were young," Li Liangting remarked.

He skewered a piece himself and brought it to his lips. Ignoring how hot it was, he took a large bite, chewing vigorously even as his mouth trembled.

Nearby, Qingshuang handed over a cup of ice water made from melted snow.

Li Liangting took it and gulped down a mouthful.

The Earl of North Border ate with great relish.

"So, what does the Qian State Gazette say?"

The Gazette, also known as the Palace Bulletin, was not a newspaper. It was a type of internal reference, periodically compiling imperial edicts, officials’ memorials, and political intelligence. This compilation was then distributed to officials of a certain rank for review. This was essentially state-secret intelligence. By reading the Gazette, one could grasp many official trends within a nation.

Of course, for the Spy Bureau, obtaining a copy wasn’t a difficult task.

"The West Army Division’s cavalry units are moving north. Minister Zhong and young Master Zhong have parted ways."

"Heh, the old habits of the Qian people never change."

Li Liangting picked up his knife and skewered another slice of rice cake. This one was slightly overcooked, but even crispier. "In the early years, when you were still young, there was a Tattoo-faced Master in Qian State."

"You know nothing. You hadn’t even been appointed to lead troops back then."

Tian Wujing didn’t argue; he couldn’t be bothered to debate either.

"The rebellion of the chieftains in Qian State’s Southwest might have seemed insignificant to you and me—and in fact, it was. If it weren’t for those chieftains taking advantage of the mountainous terrain, the Qian armies could have quelled it long ago. Didn’t that Zheng lad go to Qian State once and bring back the heads of several thousand Wolf Land Soldiers to claim credit for his achievements? At that time, my father and the former Emperor were still alive. Those two old fellows were anxious enough to breathe fire over this Tattoo-faced Master, haha."

Li Liangting took a bite of rice cake and continued chewing, "First impressions matter. Suppressing the rebellion of the Southwest chieftains was just the first step. Why could this Tattoo-faced Master exert so much pressure on those two old men back then? Because, thanks to him, the military figures of Qian State were beginning to rise and gain prominence.

Direct Thief! Qian State is too damn big and too damn rich! According to Qian State’s records, they maintained an army of eight hundred thousand on the three borders and eight hundred thousand imperial guards annually. This didn’t even include forces like the Zu family’s army in the Southwest and along the southeast coast. If the military men of Qian State truly became a force to be reckoned with, it would be difficult for us, Yan, to advance south again."

Tian Wujing put away the booklet in his hand and calmly said, "The Zhao Family of Qian State obtained their kingdom illegitimately. Their national policy has always been to restrain the military with civilian rule."

After he finished speaking, Tian Wujing added, "Throughout all of history, only His Majesty, our Emperor, has dared to completely entrust military power to his subordinates."

"That Zheng lad once said something quite astute: ’There’s too little grain at home. Even if we brothers fight amongst ourselves until our heads are broken, none of us will get enough to eat. It’s better to go out and plunder for food.’"

"He’s always had a way with words."

"Indeed. Even that eunuch Wei Zhonghe appreciates him."

"How many times have you mentioned him today?"

Li Liangting tossed his short knife to the ground, the blade piercing the floorboards. He wiped his mouth unceremoniously with the back of his left hand and said, "What I mean is, damn it, I wanted him back then, but you refused to let me have him! Fine, he’s yours now, but you’re still just letting him rot in that fortress of his!"

"Isn’t Hui Wenzu also one of your men?"

"Hui Wenzu is a capable man."

"But to leave that Zheng lad languishing there is such a waste. Our Yan Kingdom isn’t like Qian State, which has a large population and sees talented individuals emerging constantly."

"A while back, the Zhong Family’s young general led three thousand West Army Division cavalry on a circuit around the border of Yinlang County."

"I’m aware of that incident."

"He might have fooled Hui Wenzu, but he couldn’t fool me. If Hui Wenzu had been willing to dispatch troops to intercept them at that time and held out until reinforcements from other garrisons arrived, they could have trapped that Qian cavalry unit."

"Heh, so you’re saying he avoided battle to preserve his strength?"

Tian Wujing remained silent, as the matter was self-evident.

However, Li Liangting shook his head and said, "Wujing, it’s like they say, ’One who doesn’t manage the household doesn’t know the cost of firewood and rice.’ More than ten years ago, His Majesty directly appointed you to lead the Jingnan Army. That command was handed to you on a silver platter. You’ve never experienced the hardship of building up such a command from scratch. Sometimes, fighting wars is like doing business: there are risks and potential profits. But those purely foolish, losing battles? It’s better not to fight them at all."

"I’m surprised to hear those words from you, Earl of North Border."

"TCH! How do you think my three hundred thousand-strong North Border Army came to be? Yes, for the past few decades, the greater part of our Yan Kingdom’s tax revenue has gone to maintaining my North Border Army. But to be honest, maintaining such a massive force—three hundred thousand cavalrymen—is truly difficult. That’s why I understand that lad. Anyway, the loss of face wouldn’t be his own. The one in a higher position is the first to suffer the Missed; he had no need to risk his life."

"So that’s why your daughter would use the lives of two thousand laborers as bait."

"Heh, laugh all you want. That’s just our family’s way. So what!"

Tian Wujing had no desire to speak further.

"Look, war is coming. Why not give this lad a hand? If it really doesn’t work out, since you’re not using him, how about you assign him back to me?"

"This war will inevitably claim lives. His Majesty’s Imperial Edict is also very clear: I am to command this battle."

"I won’t fight you for command! As long as my North Border Army gets to clash with those Qian people, hell, I’d even serve as your halberd-bearer!"

"If he wants to preserve his strength, then let him stay there and preserve it."

"Heh, Wujing, aren’t you being too ruthless? You were the one who insisted on keeping him. He’s human; humans are bound to make mistakes, aren’t they? Are you just going to write him off completely for this one incident? Do you realize that if he misses this war, it’ll be incredibly difficult for him to rise again?"

"The path he has chosen is his own."

"Tsk, isn’t there even a little leeway? That lad is sharp; he knows when it’s truly time to go all out and risk everything. At the very least, among those commanders, he has the most achievements and is the most capable fighter, wouldn’t you say? If you don’t include him, won’t it dishearten the other commanders?"

"The heads of over two thousand Wolf Land Soldiers mean nothing in my eyes."

"Oh? Then what more do you expect him to do to earn merit? Does he need to go and bring you back the head of a Qian Prince?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Wujing seemed to genuinely consider it for a moment before saying, "That would work."