Chapter 384: Chapter 384

It was written concisely and in a very colloquial narrative style. Clearly, whoever wrote this had a sharp understanding of the cultural literacy of the "soldiers" of this era. The first point mandated unconditionally securing the army’s supplies under all circumstances, which meant procuring provisions from the enemy. The second detailed the strategy to be employed when the army’s own supplies were ample.

The general idea was similar to what Zheng Fan had previously stated, but this was more detailed and included supplementary information. It showed that the author of this booklet was more meticulous and comprehensive in their planning and considerations.

Currently, the thirty thousand cavalrymen under Li Fusheng, which Zheng Fan was part of, had broken into Chuzhou City. This was arguably one of the wealthiest locations in Shu Prefecture, so naturally, they were adopting the second strategy outlined in the booklet.

Finally, two seals were affixed to the booklet, one at the top and one at the bottom. Zheng Fan recognized the one on top; it was likely the Yan Emperor’s personal seal. As for the seal at the bottom, Zheng Fan couldn’t identify it at first.

"Previously, the Lord mentioned you have a keen eye. I was a bit skeptical, but now, I believe him. Do you know who wrote this booklet?"

"Zhao Jiulang, the Prime Minister of our Yan."

Zheng Fan was stunned. His first reaction was his grudge against Zhao Jiulang; after all, he had once led barbarian troops to overrun Zhao Jiulang’s former school. Now, he had a much deeper understanding of this Prime Minister of Yan. For a Prime Minister to personally draft such a booklet for front-line generals, with such detailed content... Remarkable. Orıginal content can be found at novel·fiɾe·net

"You’ve clearly never seen this booklet before. You are very good."

Li Fusheng rubbed his brow and continued, "I’ll leave these matters in your hands."

As he spoke, Li Fusheng glanced back at the generals standing behind him, who all cupped their fists in acknowledgment.

"If your own troops are insufficient, go to them for assistance."

"I will not fail this assignment!"

Li Fusheng patted Zheng Fan’s shoulder a second time and then departed.

Zheng Fan took a deep breath. Planning is always easy to talk about, but things get complicated when you actually start doing them.

However, Chief Zheng wasn’t panicking in the slightest; he had a group of helpers.

In his previous life, Zheng Fan had often daydreamed about transmigration, imagining how he would develop, what paths he might take—in short, envisioning all sorts of peak life experiences. But after arriving in this world, Zheng Fan had come to realize one thing more and more clearly: if it weren’t for these seven demon lords by his side, he would have perished somewhere unknown long ago.

Reaching out, Zheng Fan beckoned to a nearby soldier. The soldier approached and saluted Zheng Fan, "Sir."

Zheng Fan pointed towards Blind Bei and Fanli’s position below the city wall, saying, "Be a good lad and call those two up here for me."

Then, a general with thick brows and large eyes, appearing to be in his early thirties, walked up to Zheng Fan and said cheerfully, "Chief Zheng, my five thousand troops currently have no city defense or outer sentry duties, so they are at your disposal."

Zheng Fan knew this man was Sun Guyi, a Mobile Corps General under Li Fusheng. Although Li Fusheng had given instructions before leaving, Sun Guyi’s proactive offer to Zheng Fan clearly indicated his intention to build a personal rapport.

"Thank you, General Sun."

"Don’t mention it, Chief Zheng. You’re also from the North; we’re practically kin. If you ask me, all these roundabout dealings aren’t as reliable as us folks from the same region sticking together. We Northerners don’t have it easy, you know. We’ve been fighting those barbarians for generations. What do we rely on? Isn’t it mutual support? What do you say, Chief Zheng?"

"What the General says is absolutely true."

"Alright, you get to it then. If you need to dispatch troops or send anyone, just give me a heads-up at my camp. Also, we need to hurry; we can only stay here for one more day."

"I understand. Thank you, General Sun."

"Ah, still so formal. Alcohol is forbidden in the army when we’re preparing to move out, but if you’re free some other time, come to my tent. I’ll call the others, and we’ll have a good meal together."

"Alright, when the time comes, I’ll brazenly show up with just my appetite."

Sun Guyi left, and the other Mobile Corps Generals and senior colonels also gradually descended from the city tower.

Not long after, Blind Bei and Fanli came up. Zheng Fan recounted his earlier conversation with Li Fusheng to Blind Bei. In truth, to the surrounding soldiers, Zheng Fan merely stood there silently, seemingly lost in thought. In reality, he and Blind Bei had already opened a "guild channel" for a private chat.

"This Zhao Jiulang... he truly is a formidable figure."

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Blind Bei’s voice, and also... helplessness. It seemed like anyone Yan State produced was an extraordinary character. What were they supposed to do in the future?

However, when Zheng Fan relayed Sun Guyi’s words to Blind Bei, Blind Bei fell silent for a moment, then said, "My lord, it’s beginning."

Zheng Fan nodded, indicating he understood.

Blind Bei continued, "When the Earl of North Border wanted to recruit you, My lord, it was out of public-spiritedness and a genuine appreciation for talent. Given the Earl’s stature, his actions are generally driven by his true character. But Sun Guyi is different. Armies, as a rule, are highly exclusive. Although you, My lord, are Northern-born, you rose to prominence in the South and are already considered one of Lord Jingnan’s men. Furthermore, you were put in charge of confiscating and distributing the wealth this time. An outsider temporarily joining this army and, on top of that, holding power over the distribution of spoils should, by all rights, be ostracized."

"Sun Guyi was most likely acting on Li Fusheng’s intentions. My lord, based on my past experiences, the intellect of so-called ’madmen’ is actually not low; it can even be higher than that of ordinary people. Moreover, although Li Fusheng is a high-ranking general under the Earl of North Border, his agenda might differ from the Earl’s."

Zheng Fan nodded and said, "Yes. Even if the two Lords and the Yan Emperor are united, their subordinates are already starting to form their own factions."

"Don’t worry, My lord. This is just an early sign. For now, it won’t affect the war effort."

"Furthermore, My lord, in the long run, this is inevitable. It’s also where our future opportunities will lie."

"Let’s not dwell on that for now. Focus on handling the immediate tasks."

Blind Bei smiled confidently and said, "Piece of cake."