CHAPTER 482: CHAPTER 482: THE EMPEROR OF DAYAN IS INHUMAN

The soldier conveyed Tang Zan’s exact words to Pei Shu’er.

Previously, Pei Shu’er thought that Tang Zan merely wanted to make a show of inviting her over, but now she realized he was serious.

It wouldn’t be appropriate to turn down Tang Zan’s invitation.

"Alright, I’ll head over then."

Before heading over, Pei Shu’er said to the soldier, "I’ll tidy myself up first and head to the main tent in half an hour. Make sure to inform General Tang quietly."

After all, she’d been in the kitchen all day, and she had a smoky smell on her; she definitely needed a bath.

Fortunately, the place she stayed wasn’t too far away. After washing up, she dried her hair in the space, and then made her way to the main tent.

Before reaching the main tent, she could hear the loud chatter and laughter of the men, though it was still more subdued compared to that of the Fire Head Army.

It wasn’t until Pei Shu’er announced her arrival and stepped into the tent that the atmosphere paused momentarily.

No matter how many times they saw Pei Shu’er, she always took their breath away.

This was a woman whose every move was filled with elegance and nobility, her actions unhurried, her eyes like peach blossoms, and her soft face full of gentleness.

Even as she moved, she carried a faint floral fragrance, irresistibly capturing everyone’s attention.

Truly, a beauty.

However, if one only regarded her as a beauty, they might suffer losses.

Despite her gentle appearance, she was uncompromising when provoked.

Tang Zan stood up, a smile tugging at his lips as he extended a hand towards her.

Pei Shu’er placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her to the seat of honor.

Tang Zan said, "Such a joyful event cannot lack the presence of the hero."

Pei Shu’er smiled, "Actually, it’s everyone’s achievement; every one of them is a hero."

The commanders felt much happier, one after another raising their cups to salute Pei Shu’er.

Maintaining her dignified and grand image as the General’s Wife, Pei Shu’er raised her cup and drank with them.

In the end, Tang Zan snatched her cup away and drank from it himself.

It wasn’t until the celebration banquet dispersed that Tang Zan pulled Pei Shu’er back to their quarters.

He was more passionate than ever.

"Let’s have a child; that way, our bond will grow deeper."

Even though Pei Shu’er knew it might be difficult for them to conceive a child, she went along with Tang Zan.

Smiling, she nodded, "Alright, it would be nice if the boy looks like you and the girl looks like me."

A smile tugged at Tang Zan’s lips as he drew Pei Shu’er into his arms again, inhaling deeply the scent on her body.

...

The news of Gulan Military Camp’s victory spread quickly to the Capital through fast horses.

Upon reading the report of victory, the Emperor was initially pleased, but gradually his smile faded.

Indeed, Tang Peizhong’s son was not a weakling.

However, with twelve thousand soldiers in a remote border region, he needed to be cautious.

"Very well, Gulan Military Camp has rendered meritorious service in repelling the enemy; they deserve a reward!"

"Order the crafting of weapons quickly to be sent to Gulan Military Camp, making sure each person is equipped."

"Additionally, absolve Tang Zan and the Tang Family from punishment, reward the Prince Zhan Mansion back to Tang Zan, and bestow upon him the title of National Guardian General, summoning him back to the Capital to report, with General Zhao temporarily taking over his military position."

This announcement caused everyone to look at each other in disbelief.

It seemed like a favorable event, that Tang Zan was returning home honored, but in reality, he held no real power.

Moreover, it was just so the Emperor could keep an eye on him closely.

Seeing no objections, the Emperor added another statement.

"Since there are no objections, this matter is settled."

Hanlin stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, usually this wouldn’t be an issue, but with the Dazi now so unified, recalling Tang Zan to the Capital might not be beneficial for managing the border."

With this, several others also stood in agreement.

The Emperor almost thought they were Tang Zan’s faction, but no, they were clearly loyal ministers, never forming factions.

The Emperor asked, "Then, what do you propose we do?"

"Your humble servant suggests, at least let the Dazi be subdued first?"

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then said, "Convey my decree to Gulan Military Camp, ensuring the expulsion of the Dazi from the Gulan Mountain Range within a year."

"Then, report back to the Capital."

He still couldn’t rest easy with Tang Peizhong’s son so far away.

Though he wanted to eliminate potential threats, with Tang Peizhong’s fall, Dayan’s decline was already obvious.

With the nation prioritizing culture over military in recent years, there were no talented generals available.

So Tang Zan deserved death, but just not now.

By keeping Tang Zan under his watch, if needed, he could send him to lead troops elsewhere.

As long as he didn’t stay long enough, the soldiers wouldn’t be blindly loyal to him.

This order was quickly delivered, and when Tang Zan received it, he wasn’t surprised.

After all, the Emperor of Dayan had shown his ruthlessness many times before.

It was the commanders who were frustrated.

"A year to drive the Dazi out of the Gulan Mountain Range—does he know how difficult that is?"

For starters, Gulan River currently separates the Dazi and Gulan Military Camp; otherwise, the camp couldn’t have been established before.

Now they are asked to advance fifty miles ahead, beyond the Gulan Mountain Range.

The fertile soil of the Gulan Mountain Range on the Dazi’s side can never be abandoned easily.

By then, it wouldn’t just be a few tribes; other Dazi tribes might band together.

It wouldn’t be an easy war to fight.

And given the Emperor’s intentions, it meant Gulan Military Camp had to attack proactively.

This made it more difficult, as their previous victories heavily relied on their fortifications, which wouldn’t be an advantage in active engagement.

They would have to face the Dazi head-on.

But in terms of physical prowess, they were no match for the Dazi.

The Emperor’s reward seemed more like sending them into danger.

Tang Zan remained silent, and even Pei Shu’er uncharacteristically kept quiet.

This obvious targeting and suspicion were apparent, even to a fool.

Tang Peizhong remarked, "I think the War King’s involvement has burdened you."

After saying this, he looked at Tang Zan, a trace of guilt in his eyes.

Tang Zan’s body tensed, then he gritted his teeth.

"The War King is our hero."

The other commanders echoed the sentiment.

Some even glared at Tang Peizhong, and some more hot-tempered ones directly got confrontational.

"What do you know? The War King is our hero."

Despite the confrontation, Tang Peizhong felt secretly pleased; his son had spoken up for him.

Did that mean there was less resentment in his heart?

General Zhao asked, "So what’s next?"

Tang Zan replied, "We must intensify training and engage the Dazi in a few smaller skirmishes."

"Let everyone get used to this kind of warfare."

Pei Shu’er frowned, "Really follow the Emperor’s orders?"

Tao Mingxuan smiled wryly, "Don’t follow? Planning a rebellion, maybe?"