CHAPTER 423: CHAPTER 44: SURRENDER_3

The blind man went to a more distant spot to sit down. He began to read the documents he had collected from Chuzhou City, which recorded many affairs of the Qian State’s court.

A soldier squatted beside the blind man, occasionally delivering hot water to him.

Fanli and Xue Three were together, roaming around and looking for small holes to see if they could dig out any hibernating snakes.

A Ming and Liang Cheng sat together. A Ming took a sip from a waterskin, then passed it to Liang Cheng for a sip.

Neither of them spoke, letting the cold winter wind brush the hair from their foreheads.

Half of the Green Willow Fortress cavalry were resting, while the other half began to ride freely within a safe distance below the city wall, changing shifts periodically.

Inside Qing Mountain County Town, after an initial panic, quiet had also descended.

Time slowly passed. Xue Three and Fanli actually managed to catch a snake and were starting a fire to roast it.

At this moment, Zheng Fan opened his eyes. The qi and blood in his body hadn’t experienced any changes.

"My lord, don’t worry. Cultivation takes time," said Siniang. She had been sitting at a distance but rose and walked over when she saw Zheng Fan open his eyes.

"I’m not really concerned about this."

Haste makes waste. Besides, in this world, while there are so-called powerful individuals, having a large and well-equipped army can compensate for personal weaknesses in strength.

"By the way, Siniang, next time you change your appearance, try to make it a bit rougher."

Siniang, hearing this, was first stunned, then she understood.

When marching, she always disguised herself. Although she took on a man’s appearance, it was invariably too refined. Plus, her lord knew her true identity and they had shared physical intimacy. So, when he saw her disguised as a delicate-looking man...

Her lord was trying to prevent any potential complications, nipping them in the bud.

"I understand."

"My lord, would you like to eat some roasted snake skin?"

Xue Three came over with the roasted snake.

Zheng Fan waved his hand and said, "You eat it."

"Yes, my lord."

Zheng Fan looked up at the sky and said,

"It’s about time."

Zheng Fan pointed to Liang Cheng, who was still sitting there.

"Hey!"

Liang Cheng, hearing the call, looked over.

Zheng Fan made a circling gesture with his hand. Liang Cheng understood and began ordering the troops to assemble and prepare to leave.

The main army should be far ahead by now. Whether they scouted Qing Mountain County Town or not was no longer important. The priority was to pack up, catch up with the main force, and continue south.

At this time, the blind man came over and said,

"My lord, based on my observations, it seems the Yan Army forces heading south are considerably fewer than we imagined."

Skipping the Northern Three Prefectures of Qian State, the most direct route south passes through Shu Prefecture, Beihe County, and West Mountain County, then straight into Bianzhou County, where the imperial capital is located.

If an army of 250,000 were truly heading south, this route wouldn’t be so clear. At the very least, there should be a constant stream of mounted scouts from other garrisons.

But from Chuzhou City southwards for such a long stretch, it seems there’s only Li Fusheng’s garrison.

"Isn’t this very similar to what you guessed?" Zheng Fan retorted.

"My lord jests. Everything is within your control."

"Stop flattering me." Zheng Fan shook his head.

Actually, the top-level military plans have never been fully disclosed. Even now, many details remain unannounced.

For instance, which units and how many troops will be sent to the imperial capital, and where exactly the ambush for the Qian State’s three-sided relief armies will be set.

However, even if the higher-ups don’t say anything, there are always clues.

From Chuzhou City southwards, it’s quite obvious that the scale of the Yan Army’s southward advance is diminishing.

This implies that the main Yan Army forces likely remained in the Shu Prefecture region.

The blind man made so many arrangements in Chuzhou City, even going so far as to ’sell’ himself by marrying a woman from the Wen Family.

If, after some time, Qian State reinforcements return, retake Chuzhou City, and execute the entire Wen Family, wouldn’t all the blind man’s efforts have been in vain?

"My lord, the troops are assembled and ready," Liang Cheng came to report.

The Green Willow Fortress cavalry, having just completed what seemed like a winter outdoor team-building exercise, were finally assembled and ready to depart.

Zheng Fan mounted his horse and took a long, deep breath.

The blind man rode his horse next to Zheng Fan.

"Can the little lady ride a horse?" Zheng Fan asked.

"Yes, she can," the blind man replied.

"But she probably can’t ride for a long time."

"She’ll get used to it once she develops calluses."

"She’s your wife, you know," Zheng Fan reminded him.

If Siniang’s thighs were to become calloused from prolonged riding, Zheng Fan would certainly feel distressed.

Fortunately, Siniang knew martial arts and how to take care of herself, so there was no worry of such a problem. Yuexin, however, was different. Even if she could ride, what opportunity would a young lady from a prominent family have had for extended periods of vigorous riding?

"We’re at war. I know what’s important," the blind man stated.

"Oh, I see. You’re afraid of developing feelings for her, aren’t you?" Zheng Fan laughed.

"All men want to sleep with beautiful women, and all men like intelligent women."

The blind man made no attempt to hide his thoughts and continued,

"She is very beautiful, and also very intelligent."

"Alright, I won’t meddle in your affairs. I’m sure you can handle it," Zheng Fan said. Then, pointing to Qing Mountain County Town ahead, he added, "Blind Man, we can’t expect much from Chuzhou City. It would likely require at least a Garrison Commander to hold it. But this Qing Mountain County Town is quite nice. It’s nestled by mountains and water, boasts beautiful scenery, and is also a vital north-south transportation hub for Qian State. If we could establish ourselves here in the future, it would be a suitable place for development."

Liang Cheng spoke up,

"Qing Mountain hides a sleeping dragon; the land truly lives up to its name. It’s indeed a fitting place to build a foundation."

Zheng Fan asked in surprise,

"A Cheng, you know feng shui?"

A Ming, beside him, teased,

"It’s because he’s been buried so many times."

Everyone immediately burst into laughter. Zheng Fan raised his riding crop and said,

"A sleeping dragon? I wouldn’t dare to dream of it. I don’t think I have that kind of destiny. Besides..."

CREAK...

At that moment, the gates of Qing Mountain County Town opened.

The gates must have been barricaded from the inside, so they couldn’t have opened accidentally. The people inside must have cleared the obstructions before opening them.

Three riders emerged from within the gates. The one in the lead was dressed in the robes of a civil official and was bound tightly, like a glutinous rice dumpling.

Liang Cheng immediately sent someone to investigate. Shortly after, the scout returned and whispered something to Liang Cheng. Upon hearing it, a strange expression crossed Liang Cheng’s face, but he still rode back to Zheng Fan’s side.

He cupped his fist and said,

"My lord, the city garrison has tied up the county magistrate and is opening the gates to surrender to us!"

"..." Zheng Fan.