Chapter 1404 - 335: Standpoint

Chapter 1404: Chapter 335: Standpoint

The hot pot had been taken off the campfire long ago, but inside, Lord Zheng’s heart was still boiling.

Prince Jingnan revealed the entire plan for the campaign against the Chu people to him, and even someone as experienced as Lord Zheng was shocked.

This is a true national war; if you count the civilians, it involves millions of people.

This is Tian Wujing for you. In managing and executing military operations, he can intricately manage every aspect, while also drawing out a grand strategy that belongs uniquely to his vision.

The literati of the Qian State write poetry and lyrics, often exclaiming "Jiangshan like a painting" or "the landscapes are thus enchanting". But in the eyes of generals, the land is merely a vast sandbox dotted with cities, lakes, mountains, and hills. They do not care if the land is picturesque; they care about wielding their command to lash across this vast expanse.

His own position was no surprise, long planned by Prince Jingnan.

Indeed, the battle of Yangshan Village was merely a prelude;

Lord Zheng originally thought it was to help him claim the first merit, but now it seems the true purpose was not this. Prince Jingnan likely wanted him to earn merits while consuming a significant portion of his strength so that he could justifiably retreat from the frontline to rest and recuperate, thus laying the groundwork for a future surprise attack on Jing City by entering Chu by ship.

However, the battle of East Mountain, although there was an unexpected counterattack by Shi Yuantang, was ultimately pushed back by him, leading to the capture of East Mountain.

This did not affect Prince Jingnan’s plan; rather, it provided better momentum.

Because now, they no longer need to wait, instead they can openly retreat for rest and to recruit more soldiers, and with solid military merits and achievements here, no one dares to criticize this openly;

Even the Chu people would find it normal not to see the "Zheng" flag in the upcoming battles, and for Lord Pingye and his troops to disappear from the Yan Army’s frontline combat sequences would be quite expected.

After all, weren’t the casualties heavy?

The swift capture of East Mountain accelerated Prince Jingnan’s plan, allowing him to more leisurely deploy this piece on the board.

Moreover, he could summon him back to his side, continuing to teach by example.

Much like how a commander would arouse and encourage his soldiers with inspiration before a charge;

Prince Jingnan is well aware of the challenges and difficulties a large-scale raid presents to leading generals. So, using this opportunity to pull him closer is also a way to prepare himself better.

This is the first reason;

The second is, during this time of "rest" and "development," to officially appear by his side, enhancing his presence, and elevating his position within the army targeting Chu.

Since ancient times, leaders’ close aides naturally hold an exalted status when by the leader’s side, receiving much flattery, but once sent elsewhere for more experience, they often find themselves overestimating their abilities, and those who once flattered may mockingly watch.

The fortunate progressors seldom find favor within any group.

Lord Zheng had no such concerns, as his military achievements were legitimate, and in the Yan Army... even among the Chu, no one would question Lord Pingye’s capabilities in battle.

Furthermore, with Prince Jingnan’s almost obvious favoritism, the elevation of Lord Pingye within the Yan Army was doubly effective.

The afternoon wind carried heat, finally bringing Lord Zheng back to clarity from his earlier emotional surge.

He pointed to the leftover hotpot and said to Gongsun Zhen and Gong Lin:

"Don’t waste food."

"Yes, Lord."

"Yes, Lord."

Lord Zheng stood up, seemed to remember something, and said:

"In the afternoon, draw up the defense map surrounding the King’s Tent for me."

Gongsun Zhen and Gong Lin appeared excited, thinking that Lord Pingye was personally teaching them.

But Lord Zheng merely thought letting them wander idly like this was not something he’d care to explain to their fathers later, so he casually assigned them a task regardless of its significance, just to keep them occupied first.

Leaving his tent, Lord Zheng returned to the King’s Tent. Lifting the curtain, he saw Tian Wujing already seated at the head position.

On the seat where Lord Zheng had been in the morning, more memoranda were piled up.

Lord Zheng didn’t speak, quietly seated himself, and began to review the documents.

Memoranda kept coming in, some from the rear, some from the front;

Meanwhile, Lord Zheng had to write inquiries to be sent out on behalf of Prince Jingnan.

Still the same old procedural stuff, the routine topics he handled in a streamlined manner, decisions needing to be made that weren’t too difficult, Lord Zheng would handle them himself, while those requiring another glance from Prince Jingnan were set aside.

Once forwarded,

Tian Wujing ignored the other two piles, directly picking up the three separate memoranda.

One was about a Commander in Xue Chugui’s unit drinking in the camp. The disciplinary officer in Xue Chugui’s unit recommended demotion, pay reduction followed by reassignment to the vanguard camp.

Lord Zheng’s decision: behead them as an example for the whole army.