CHAPTER 325: CHAPTER 18: IT’S RUDE NOT TO RECIPROCATE_2

"They must be addicted to attacking Mianzhou City."

What Chief Zheng didn’t know were the full repercussions of his last invasion of Mianzhou City, where he had beheaded a group of officials and left his mark. Not only had this led to him being blamed for the "Chahe Village" incident, but details of his recent activities had also been secretly circulated by the imperial court among the top military leaders.

His name was... known in enemy territory.

"This man employs very cunning tactics," was all Meng Geng could reply. "And he’s highly skilled in warfare."

"Tell me more," Zhong Wenhao prompted.

"As you command."

Meng Geng then recounted everything, from the Yan people’s ambush at the city gate to Lady Daxi’s sudden fit of madness that triggered infighting between the local garrison and the Qian soldiers within the city.

Zhong Wenhao listened with narrowed eyes, sitting motionless, appearing as if he might drift off to sleep.

When Meng Geng finished, Zhong Wenhao opened his eyes and spoke,

"Green Willow Fortress... is it a Yan fortress?"

"It should be."

"From what you’ve said, this Zheng Fan of Yan sounds like quite the character. He attacked Mianzhou City twice, succeeding the first time and nearly succeeding the second. He can assess the situation, knows how to command troops, and skillfully employs both conventional and unconventional tactics."

With that, Zhong Wenhao looked at his personal soldiers and ordered, "Notify the Silver Armored Guard tomorrow. I want a detailed report on this Zheng Fan. Oh, and dispatch a cavalry unit to reinforce Tianlang."

He then rubbed his temples and said, "I’m tired. Let’s rest."

"Marshal, your sleeping quarters have been arranged."

"Hmm. Meng Geng."

"Your subordinate is at your command."

"You must be tired too. Go change your clothes. From now on, you’ll serve as my personal aide, helping me with strategy. Later, I’ll have someone bring you the deployment maps to review. I want to see how much of your father’s skill you’ve truly inherited."

"I will not disappoint your expectations, Marshal."

"Good."

Zhong Wenhao retired to his bedroom, assisted by his personal attendants.

"Marshal, shall I have someone remove the writing from the pillar?"

"Remove it? What for? We removed it last time, and didn’t he come anyway? Leave it. Let all the civil and military officials who come and go see it. Let them learn from this shame and thus find their courage."

"Understood. Also, Marshal, regarding the Silver Armored Guard, should we first submit a memorandum to the higher authorities?"

"Why?"

The personal attendants serving Zhong Wenhao were similar to the Li family’s household retainers; they were typically family members or descendants of meritorious soldiers from the West Army Division. Consequently, they could speak more freely with Zhong Wenhao in private, as he was, in a sense, their elder.

"Marshal, that could easily be problematic."

"Problematic? Am I here to wage war or to engage in pleasantries? If the Yan Emperor can entrust the Spy Bureau of Yinlang County to Tian Wujing, why can’t Zhong Wenhao command this Silver Armored Guard?"

"The Silver Armored Guard might not respond."

"Heh, then tell them this: I have a tradition of consecrating my war banner with a sacrifice before battle. This trip was rather rushed, so I didn’t bring any condemned prisoners along."

"Understood, Marshal."

"Mianzhou’s terrain is favorable. Have all units of the West Army Division establish their encampments and defensive positions based around Mianzhou City."

"Understood, Marshal. The Prefect of Mianzhou is still kneeling outside."

"From now on, Mianzhou City will no longer require a Prefect."

***

When the cavalry from Green Willow Fortress returned to the stronghold, it was already broad daylight. After a night of raiding and achieving rich spoils, they were understandably exhausted. Yet, as they removed their armor and ate their noon meal, the soldiers were still buzzing with excitement.

"First, register and count the severed heads, then load them onto the carts. I will personally deliver them to Nanwang City tomorrow."

After giving these simple instructions, Zheng Fan retired to his room. As was his custom, by the time the troops returned, young women would have already heated water and prepared it for his bath.

Sinking into the bathtub, Zheng Fan closed his eyes in blissful satisfaction. The sensation of his weary body, exhausted from a full day’s efforts, soaking in the hot water was a comfort almost beyond words.

At this moment, Yun’er pushed open the door and walked in, saying, "Master, Madam Si said she needs to tend to some soldiers with external injuries, so she asked me to come and attend to your bath first."

Zheng Fan nodded.

Yun’er began to scrub Zheng Fan’s back.

Zheng Fan recalled that Yun’er was the first person he had seen upon waking in this world. Nearly a year had passed. Young girls changed quickly, and Yun’er no longer seemed as immature as before.

Recently, Siniang had been responsible for most of Zheng Fan’s daily care, so he had few opportunities to interact with Yun’er.

Now, she was primarily responsible for supervising the other young women.

After his bath, with Yun’er attending to him, Zheng Fan donned the leopard-skin nightgown he had acquired from the Hyena Gang and slipped into bed.

Yun’er knelt beside the bed, poured water for Zheng Fan, and then, looking at him, asked, "Master, do you require my company?"

"I’m tired."

"Yes, Master."

Yun’er discreetly withdrew from the room.

Zheng Fan’s lips curved into a smile. Although he had no intention of taking her up on the offer, the thought of a young woman willingly offering herself was rather pleasant.

Many men could control their carnal urges, but few could truly purify their minds of all desire. Even women, upon seeing a handsome man or a distinguished older gentleman, might feel the urge to drool over the screen.

Zheng Fan closed his eyes; he was genuinely exhausted. Tomorrow, he had to go to Nanwang City to report and have his military achievements officially recorded. That would undoubtedly require considerable mental effort, so it was best to sleep first.

As he drifted into a drowsy state, Zheng Fan vaguely heard the door being pushed open. Soon after, a soft, voluptuous body slid into his bed.

A familiar fragrance, familiar curves, a familiar sensation.