Chapter 386: Chapter 386

There were many famous ancient cities in his home country in later generations, but without exception, they all had a strong commercialized feel. Looking around, they were all more or less the same; even the souvenirs from several ancient cities likely came from Yiwu.

It was only thanks to the advantage of being a "transmigrator" that he could witness this authentic charm.

Why bring so many subordinates?

The reason was simple. Although the Zhenbei Army had already taken control of the entire city of Chuzhou, and not much significant trouble could be stirred up within its walls now, this was a world where individual martial prowess surpassed ordinary limits. It was quite possible that some master from the Qian State was hiding in the city—someone unafraid of death, much less of implicating others—just waiting to stir up trouble at night.

Zheng Fan didn’t want his name to become a villainous supporting character in the future biographies of this world, suddenly killed by some righteous man or hero shouting:

"Yan bastard, surrender your life!"

And then, they would take his head and depart.

A man of means does not court unnecessary danger. Zheng Fan felt he wasn’t actually afraid of death, but considering the safety and lives of the seven demon kings under his command, it was better to be cautious.

After the Blind Man finished his business, he also came out. The two schemers, both carrying the same air of affectation, simply joined forces and began to appreciate and critique the architectural style of the Qian State.

As they admired the sights, they once again found themselves in agreement and arrived at a scenic spot. Ordinary attractions could be skipped, but the most famous one definitely had to be visited.

"You’ve worked hard," Zheng Fan said as they walked.

"Not at all, My lord. Truly, it wasn’t tiring. These matters may seem chaotic and difficult to handle, but as long as the sword is in one’s own hand, even the most difficult problems become simple. It’s just like how the Yan Emperor trampled the powerful clans; with the sword in hand, the deep-rooted ailment of clan governance, which has persisted for hundreds of years, can be shaved off just like that."

"Indeed. Chuzhou will eventually have to be abandoned, and the main army must continue to press south. Therefore, any arrangements made here, and what effects they might produce, are subject to far too many variables. It largely comes down to luck. Those Qian traitors who have now pledged allegiance to the Yan State might well switch sides again as soon as our army leaves. What I’ve done, including what’s in Zhao Jiulang’s register, is merely to lay the groundwork for a second round. After this, at the very least, when the Yan Army comes next time, their will to resist will be significantly diminished."

"I have confidence in your work."

"I’ve also noted a few locations and several families with whom we might deepen ties later. Perhaps we can develop them further in the future, but these are all uncertain matters. Consider it merely making a few arrangements, which is better than nothing."

As they were approaching the Royal Mansion, they heard shouting from up ahead.

"Direct Thief! Still putting on the airs of the Royal Mansion? Open your dog eyes and see! This is Yan’s domain now!"

Someone with a slurred tongue was shouting loudly; it was clear he was drunk.

Zheng Fan, the Blind Man, and the others walked over. At the entrance of the Royal Mansion, Prince Fu’s son and some household servants were blocking the doorway. In front of them stood four or five armored soldiers from the Zhenbei Army.

"Make way! I want to go in and see the Princess! I want to see what the Princess really looks like!"

The soldier kept yelling, while his companions appeared to be trying to restrain him.

Otherwise, how could these trembling household servants possibly stop these Zhenbei Army soldiers, especially since the Royal Mansion had already been stripped of all its guards?

More importantly, how would they even dare to try and stop them?

Tens of thousands of Zhenbei Army soldiers were currently stationed in Chuzhou city!

Even Prince Fu’s son, his face flushed with shame and anger, didn’t dare to put on his princely airs and scold them. It was a perfect illustration of being utterly at someone else’s mercy.

Zheng Fan waved his hand, and the armored soldiers from Green Willow Fortress at his side immediately swarmed forward, surrounding the area by the entrance of the Royal Mansion.

The few Zhenbei Army soldiers were stunned at first. Even the drunken one who had been yelling about seeing the Princess suddenly trembled.

When Zheng Fan approached, three of the four soldiers immediately knelt on one knee.

"Greetings, Chief Zheng!"

Although Zheng Fan was an outsider, his official position was high, and furthermore, Li Fusheng had already publicly shown his high regard for him. Those roving commanders might put on airs in front of Zheng Fan, but these ordinary soldiers wouldn’t dare show him any disrespect. Moreover, they already felt somewhat guilty.

Finally, the soldier who had been speaking drunkenly seemed to sober up a little. He knelt, though his body was still somewhat unsteady.

"Unauthorized drinking while the army is deployed?"

The Zhenbei Army had strict military discipline: during marches and battles, from the Regional Commanders down to the ordinary soldiers, no one was permitted to drink alcohol.

"In response to Chief Zheng, we... we did not drink," one soldier explained.

"You didn’t drink?" Zheng Fan bent down, looking at the soldier’s flushed, intoxicated face.

"Sir, we truly didn’t drink. It’s just that after we were relieved of our patrol duties, our Captain sent over some meat and vegetables, saying we should try the flavors of the Qian people."

The Zhenbei Army, from top to bottom, was full of food enthusiasts; Zheng Fan believed that.

"Sir, among the dishes sent over, there was one called Drunken Goose. This brother of mine, he has very low alcohol tolerance. After eating just a few pieces, he... he ended up ."

Drunken Goose? Content orıginally comes from NoveIꜰire.net

Zheng Fan paused for a moment, then looked closely at the faces of the other three soldiers. Indeed, their faces weren’t red, nor did they show any signs of drunkenness.

So, it seemed this soldier who was acting out was genuinely one of those legendary lightweights who gets drunk from even a tiny amount of alcohol.

"Hurry up and take him away. Find a few buckets of water to sober him up, before he’s seen by other superiors."

"Thank you, Sir! Thank you, Sir!"

The three soldiers immediately carried the drunken man away. It turned out they could have restrained him if they’d really wanted to. It seemed they were just feigning attempts to stop their fellow soldier’s drunken antics earlier, probably wanting to catch a glimpse of the Princess themselves.

Zheng Fan signaled his guards to disperse. He then cupped his hands in a salute towards Prince Fu’s son, who was still in mourning attire standing behind the household servants at the door, and said,

"My apologies for alarming Your Highness."

Prince Fu’s son quickly pushed aside the servants in front of him, walked down the steps, and bowed deeply to Zheng Fan, saying,

"Thank you for your assistance, General. I, Won Nian, am immensely grateful!"

"You don’t need to thank me."

"No, if not for your protection, General, the women of my Royal Mansion today... today... Alas, General, you are the great benefactor of our Royal Mansion!"

"You truly don’t need to thank me."

"General, please don’t refuse. You are the great..."

"I killed your father."

Prince Fu’s son: "......"

Today is the first day of adjusting my schedule, and my condition isn’t very good. Tomorrow, I should be able to resume my writing rhythm.

Any resemblance of place names or personal names appearing in this book to actual ones is purely coincidental.

Sometimes the brain just works that way; perhaps I knew, heard, or saw something in the past that formed an impression, and when needed, it just surfaces on its own. It’s not Long intentionally creating overlaps.

My apologies to my friends in Chuzhou and Cha River.

Don’t panic, hold tight to Long!