Chapter 154

Chapter 154

When Tong Sui left the military camp, she asked the various commanders to pass on a message to their troops.

"The 240,000-strong army is like the wheat seedlings in General Han's fields. Now, the wheat seedlings in Jizhou are the strongest. Do you want to remain as stunted seedlings or catch up and produce the same ears of wheat for General Han at harvest time?"

Most of the 70,000 soldiers in the right-wing army were militiamen, and who among the northern people had not seen wheat?

Farmers relied on their fields for food; poor crop management would not only lead to a poor harvest but also invite ridicule from fellow villagers!

Previously, there were factions within the militia, such as the old troops from seven counties and the surrendered soldiers from Shuozhou. Now, they no longer needed to be divided; everyone was a stunted seedling, having lost face before the Jizhou troops. Since their pride was already damaged, they might as well strive to catch up and win back their dignity in the next battle!

On the Jizhou troops' side, although they had won, they had lost the tactical competition to the right-wing army. Winning a battle required both the soldiers' bravery and the commanders' leadership. The capabilities of General Xiao and Xiao Er were evident to all. Who could guarantee that their own troops would outperform the militiamen in the next battle?

Since the militiamen no longer boasted or provoked, the Jizhou troops, already disciplined by Han Zongping, focused on training and no longer looked down upon the newly arrived surrendered soldiers.

The various commanders observed their troops, and by dusk, someone reported the changes in the army to Generals Feng Ji and Lu Gong.

Feng Ji said to Lu Gong, "I thought it would take until the return of Old General Xiao and Xiao Er to sort out the mess over there. I didn't expect that Second Lady arranged two competitions and resolved everything."

Everyone was under General Han's command, but Xiao Mu was new and had no connections with them. They saw no reason to actively help Xiao Mu resolve the troubles in his camp. Besides, the Jizhou troops were strong, while the Xiao family's troops, though weak, had just achieved a significant victory. If they offered advice rashly, it could easily be misinterpreted as jealousy or provocation by the Xiao family's men.

Lu Gong replied, "Xiao San and Xiao Si are young and hot-tempered, usually only obeying Old General Xiao and Xiao Er. Even if others noticed the conflict between the new and old troops, they might neither have a solution nor be able to persuade Xiao San and the others to cooperate. Second Lady managed to get both generations of the Xiao family to listen to her, which shows her capability."

Feng Ji added, "Being capable doesn't necessarily mean being bold. I admire her courage in taking charge of this mess. Not only did she arrange the right-wing army, but she also dared to come and arrange things for us. You saw how few young officers here would dare speak to me like that. At the time, I really wanted to tease her to see what she would do if I refused."

Lu Gong responded, "With the right-wing army shouting so confidently, refusing would be seen as cowardice. There was no choice."

Feng Ji laughed, "At first, I was a bit hesitant, fearing that a loss would make them resent our Jizhou troops and affect the morale of the entire army. But now, it seems her method has actually boosted the morale of the 240,000-strong army."

Lu Gong's eyes twinkled with amusement, "The wheat seedling analogy is good. Whether they are good or bad seedlings, they are all seedlings in the general's field. There's no need to distinguish between new and old; let's just see who grows the strongest."

On the Xiao family's side, Xiao Ye, Xiao She, and the Qiao brothers returned in the evening. Learning that Second Sister-in-law was in the eastern courtyard, the four brothers didn't hesitate to join her for dinner.

Tong Gui was also there.

Xiao Ye asked him, "When Second Sister-in-law asked General Feng to select a hundred soldiers for the competition, you cooperated so quickly. Did she talk to you about it beforehand?"

Tong Gui explained, "Last night, she asked me about the situation in the camp, and I told her the truth. The troops from the seven counties were arrogant on both sides, as you know. This morning, when Aman came and staged that scene, I guessed she wanted to use the Jizhou troops to humble our seven-county troops. Of course, I had to cooperate."

Xiao Ye, feeling a bit jealous, looked at Tong Sui, "Why didn't Second Sister-in-law ask me? Otherwise, it wouldn't have been Ah Gui's turn to shine."

Qiao Changshun chimed in, "Indeed, even Fifth Brother shouted a few times."

Xiao She proudly puffed out his chest, being the loudest among his brothers!

Tong Sui said, "Since none of you were around, I had to ask Second Brother. Fortunately, he was available; otherwise, I wouldn't have known how chaotic the camp was."

Xiao Ye rubbed his nose, "We understand, we'll inform Second Sister-in-law first from now on."

Qiao Changshun slyly changed the subject, "Second Sister-in-law, tell us how you came up with that brilliant plan. It's so clever, and now the troops are much more disciplined."

Even Zhou Jingchun and his family, along with Zhou Gui and her brother, looked at Tong Sui expectantly.

Tong Sui explained, "Last year, when the village received refugees, the situation was similar to the current one with the new and old troops. The old villagers feared the new ones would steal, and the new ones resented being treated like thieves. Coincidentally, Grandfather was training the troops to guard against Imprisoned Dragon Ridge. Uncle Sun fabricated a dream where the court needed more soldiers. The men in the village, fearing death, all joined the training. As they trained, there was no longer any distinction between new and old."

"I learned from Grandfather, first making our new and old troops admit they were equal, then using the Jizhou troops to humble them. Once they were all defeated, their hearts aligned. However, the right-wing army and the Jizhou troops are one family, so the morale couldn't be allowed to waver. I called everyone General Han's wheat seedlings."

Xiao Ye let out a long "Oh": "It sounds simple, why didn't I think of it?"

Tong Sui replied, "Because you didn't take it seriously."

Qiao Changshun added, "Even if we did, we wouldn't dare approach General Feng with such a request. Second Sister-in-law, you're truly bold."

Tong Sui said, "If they were scoundrels like the Li brothers, I wouldn't dare. But they are General Han's top generals. Even if they disagreed, they wouldn't insult or humiliate me over such a matter. Why should I be afraid?"

Xiao Ye remarked, "That's true. Ever since Second Sister-in-law killed those bandits, her courage has grown. She used to be afraid even of me."

Qiao Changan teased, "You and Third Brother look like bandits. How could she not be afraid?"

The two brothers started bickering.

Meanwhile, in Da Tong, after a two-day ride, Han Zongping and his party finally reached the outskirts of Da Tong City.

General Zhao Liangchen of Jinzhou brought his two sons and several officers to welcome them.

The two old friends greeted each other warmly and introduced their attendants.

Han Zongping had only one son, Han Bao, who was handsome and praised by Zhao Liangchen for his grace.

Zhao Liangchen had two sons, Zhao Zhuo and Zhao Jin, both tall and robust, clearly destined to be valiant generals.

Han Zongping disliked flattery but genuinely liked Zhao's two sons, praising them profusely, like a farmer with only one small cabbage envying another who had grown two large ones.

Fan Zhao glanced at Zhao Liangchen's smiling face and then at Han Bao's embarrassed expression, coughing slightly.

Han Zongping turned around and saw Fan Zhao gesturing towards Xiao Mu, laughing, "Look at me, almost forgetting to introduce my two new great generals. This is General Xiao Mu, who almost bloodlessly captured Shuozhou, and this is Xiao Zhen, who surpasses his grandfather."

His admiration for the Xiao family was evident.

Xiao Mu and Xiao Zhen stepped forward to greet Zhao Liangchen, with Xiao Mu saying, "Thank you, General Zhao, for your support. It is only because of your assistance that my grandson and I can temporarily manage Huai, Cheng, and the other seven counties, earning some undeserved fame."

Whether it was the Xiao family or the Li brothers, they operated under Zhao Liangchen's watchful eye. If he decided to send troops, the Xiao family would have no chance to show their abilities.

Zhao Liangchen helped Xiao Mu up, saying, "To be honest, General, I've long wanted to deal with the Li brothers. However, I bear the responsibility of defending the border and cannot act rashly. I must thank you for your timely action, which protected more civilians in the seven counties. It's regrettable that corrupt officials have kept me stationed in Jinzhou for over twenty years without knowing of heroes like you in Wei County. Otherwise, I would have recruited you long ago, instead of letting the Jizhou commander benefit."

Han Zongping laughed heartily, pulling Xiao Mu close, "This is the bond between me and General Xiao. Your resentment is futile."

After more laughter and conversation, they entered Da Tong City.

Zhao Liangchen hosted a banquet at his residence to entertain the group.

At the table, the generals first exchanged pleasantries, such as denouncing the treacherous Imperial Uncle Dou, praising Han Zongping's southern campaign, and commending the Xiao family for their successful capture of Shuozhou. Then came the reminiscences between Han Zongping and Zhao Liangchen, recalling several battles they had fought together, with cups clinking and several jars of wine emptied.

Xiao Zhen, being a junior, was entertained by Zhao Liangchen’s second son, Zhao Jin.

Zhao Jin: "We have heard much about the fame of Shi Jinhu and Qi Yun in Shuozhou. It is said that during the battle of Yin City, two of your commanders fought them for over a hundred rounds, one winning and the other feigning defeat. Your martial arts surpass those of your commanders. I am fond of martial arts; may I have the honor of sparring with you?"

The internal strife among the seven counties was not much of a concern to the Zhao family, but the Shi family's conquest of Shuozhou was noteworthy. Now that the Xiao family had defeated the Shi family, Zhao Jin was eager to test the skills of the Xiao family.

Xiao Zhen modestly replied: "Those were just our tactics to lure Shi Jinhu out of the city. Even when sparring with Qi Yun, we each had our victories and losses. How could I dare to show my clumsiness before the second young master?"

Zhao Jin: "I sincerely invite you, so please don’t use such words to evade me. How about this: you rest well tonight, and we can spar tomorrow morning?"

Xiao Zhen clasped his hands: "Then I will not decline."

That night, Xiao Zhen and his companions stayed at the Zhao residence. The next morning, Xiao Zhen got up to practice, and as he turned, he suddenly saw a master and servant standing at the end of the corridor.

Xiao Zhen immediately stopped and greeted the leading figure, Han Bao: "Greetings, young master."

Han Bao smiled: "No need for formalities, continue your practice. I just came to watch."

The scholarly young master, like a green bamboo, stood there waiting.

Xiao Zhen had no choice but to practice as usual for two quarters of an hour. The summer morning was already warm, and though his spear movements were as fierce as dragon roars and tiger growls, he only broke a light sweat, and his training clothes remained dry.

Han Bao couldn't resist stepping forward and asking: "May I try your spear?"

Xiao Zhen handed the spear over directly, kindly warning: "This spear weighs over forty pounds. Please be careful, young master."

Han Bao, prepared, took the spear with both hands, but even so, his arms visibly trembled.

Xiao Zhen considerately took back the spear.

Han Bao sighed in relief, admiring and envying: "Young General, you possess divine strength, not inferior to generals like Fan Zhao."

Xiao Zhen: "Young master flatters me. I just worked the fields for a few more years, accumulating the strength of a farmer."

Han Bao: "Do you think you can defeat the second young master Zhao?"

Xiao Zhen looked at the scholarly young master, who was half a head shorter than him, and asked: "Do you hope I win? After all, we are guests here."

Han Bao immediately replied: "In a friendly match, one must use their true skills. I only regret that I cannot join the competition myself to win a round for our Jizhou generals."

Xiao Zhen understood: "If that is the case, I will do my utmost."