Chapter 1389 - 339: Commitment (Part 2)

Chapter 1389: Chapter 339: Commitment (Part 2)

The most important thing is that Prince Jingnan wants to let our Lord Zheng take the spotlight, gain military achievements, and build reputation, not to borrow a knife to kill someone and blunt our blade in the process.

So, from now on, and likely until the battle at Town South Pass truly erupts, we’ll probably remain here to integrate and train new soldiers, taking the opportunity to solidify our own strength. There shouldn’t be other military engagements for now.

After all, in this campaign against Chu, Yan mobilized hundreds of thousands of regular troops; it’s impossible for us to be tasked with fighting every battle.

I know our Lord Zheng has always wanted a stable environment for quiet development, and now is the chance.

There’s something I won’t mention, but Mr. Bei, you would likely do it anyway, yet I cannot avoid mentioning it, lest I seem useless."

"Speak."

"The memorandum regarding casualties and requests for aid to Prince Jingnan is crucial."

The blind man nodded, taking a bite of the salted duck egg.

"We’ve done what we need to do. Now, it depends on whether Prince Jingnan gives us another opportunity."

"Hmm."

"There’s one more thing."

The blind man said, "What else is there?"

"This doesn’t count, but I feel that Tian Wujing may not strictly follow the plan to clean the periphery before wearing down Town South Pass."

"Oh? What do you think about this?"

"I have no opinion, because apart from continuing to wear it down, I don’t know what else can be done. I know the terrain of Jin land and Chu region; to conquer Chu, the only path is to pry open Town South Pass."

"Then why mention anything?"

"I didn’t say Tian Wujing might not have other thoughts, and after all, I’m merely Tian Wujing’s defeated opponent."

"Haha."

"Is everything fine with General Liang?" Gou Moli asked.

"What could be wrong with him?"

"No, I mean, this time he..."

"You couldn’t possibly imagine our relationship with my lord."

"Indeed, indeed."

The blind man finished his rice ball with the salted duck egg,

gently clapped his hands,

and said:

"Alright, you continue eating; I’ll go elsewhere to have a look around."

"Safe travels, Mr. Bei."

After the blind man left,

Gou Moli continued sipping his large bowl of porridge, his gaze wandering slightly, because in the distance, a general was riding swiftly away.

That was Jin Shuke.

Suddenly feeling the pressure, Gou Moli realized Jin Shuke is a barbarian like him, neither being Xia people.

But the difference is, though Jin Shuke has room to maneuver with Snow Sea Pass adjacent to the snow plains, once the foundation is no longer near the snow plains, can his role surpass Jin Shuke?

Everyone has a heart for competition, and Gou Moli could see that if nothing changes, Lord Zheng’s foundation would grow thicker and larger, with Zhuxia people as the core, an inevitable trend.

Thus, strictly speaking, he and Jin Shuke are eating from separate plates, and whoever gets more, the other must get less.

All of a sudden,

Gou Moli found the porridge in his large bowl less appetizing.

He glanced around at his men devouring their food heartily,

and cursed in the language of wild people:

"You pack of wolf cubs, hurry up and eat, and finish so we can get to work!"

"Yes."

"Yes."

His subordinates still treated him with respect.

But Gou Moli still didn’t feel quite at ease, taking a sip of porridge,

and in a strained voice said:

"Hey, our relationship with my lord is beyond your imagination."

......

Jin Shuke traveled back to the city, greeted warmly by both soldiers and generals along the way.

Everyone knew well the crucial role Jin Shuke played while leading the cavalry charge in one battle.

It can be said that Jin Shuke single-handedly changed the battle’s course.

Jin Shuke had already been favored by Lord Zheng, and while Keyan Dongge became a main general due to his Keyan Division, Jin Shuke was purely due to his "imperial favor."

Since he was already favored and had accomplished such great deeds, Jin Shuke’s future at Snow Sea Pass could only be promising.

Yet Jin Shuke remained modest, never flaunting his position, nor showed the slightest arrogance. He nodded in acknowledgment to the soldiers showing courtesy and returned the greetings from other generals with utmost respect.

Upon entering East Mountain Fortress, Jin Shuke went directly to Lord Zheng’s residence outside.

It wasn’t actually a residence, for East Mountain Fortress is a military fortress devoid of civilian components, but this place used to be the main general’s abode, thus it’s fairly decent.

After waking, Lord Zheng was settled inside.

Jin Shuke dismounted, approached the guard at the door, and inquired:

"Has Lord Zheng awakened?"

The guard shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuke nodded, eyes showing concern.

Shortly, just as he was about to leave on horseback, a guard rushed out from inside, seeing Jin Shuke at the door, and smiled:

"What a coincidence, General Jin, Lord Zheng just woke and instructed me to find you for an audience."

"Has Lord Zheng awakened?" Jin Shuke exclaimed in delight, handing his sword to the guard beside him before quickly heading inside.

......

Lord Zheng had just awoken,

when Jin Shuke entered,

Lord Zheng was sitting cross-legged on his bed, having a meal.

One meat and two vegetables plus a soup, unlike the usual bland porridge for someone recovering from a long illness.