The Demon Lords-Chapter 580 - 77: Dreadful news!_1

Zheng Fan did not advise Tian Wujing to leave the army and return first. Although a Pixiu possessed far greater endurance and speed than the best warhorse, Tian Wujing was leading the army. It was naturally impossible for him to depart alone, even with his wife about to give birth. Proposing such a suggestion would, first, be an insult to Lord Jingnan. Second, it would be risking one's life to offer such flattery—flattery that could genuinely cost one's life.

After traveling through the Skybreak Mountain range for over twenty days, the army finally emerged and returned to Shengle City. Siniang and the Blindman mobilized the city's soldiers and citizens to organize a grand banquet honoring the soldiers returning from the expedition. In reality, it was a continuous, flowing feast. Moreover, meat was scarce at this banquet; vegetarian dishes predominated. However, to the Yan soldiers, who had eaten their fill of meat on the campaign until they were sick of it, these vegetarian dishes were a welcome sight. They devoured them with the ferocity of starved tigers released from their cages, finding them incredibly appetizing.

Tian Wujing also entered Shengle City. Although he probably wished to leave immediately and hurry back to Litian City, he had to see things through to the end. Today marked a grand feast for all the troops. Although the imperial court's rewards had not yet been announced, this was essentially an early celebration of their successful campaign. As the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force, he naturally could not leave on such a day. After today, the army could be left to several generals to manage its reorganization and return journey, allowing him to travel light and hurry back.

Originally, Siniang herself had prepared the main table for this feast in Shengle City, intended for Tian Wujing and the high-ranking officers of the Jingnan Army. Unexpectedly, what even Zheng Fan did not foresee was that Yao Zizhan was still present. Originally, according to their agreement, this literary sage of Qian State should have finished his teaching and left already. When Zheng Fan had departed, he had specifically instructed the Blindman regarding Yao Zizhan. This old man is a bit unusual, but he's rather entertaining. Killing him would be pointless; it's better to let him go. After all, he still needed the man to return as per their agreement and sing his praises. However, the old man had not left; instead, he shamelessly waited in the hall for Tian Wujing and Zheng Fan.

After Yao Zizhan revealed his identity, the generals of the Jingnan Army tactfully made their excuses to Tian Wujing and their host, Zheng Fan. Claiming they would feel more comfortable eating and drinking with the soldiers, they departed without taking seats at the main table. This made Zheng Fan re-evaluate Yao Zizhan's influence. Perhaps because I was immersed in the 'Three Hundred Tang Poems' in my previous life, I don't have a strong appreciation for the poets and literary sages of this world. But Yao Zizhan's reputation is actually enough to make these battle-hardened generals feel they should yield their seats. That's far more interesting. Perhaps the old man's frequent boasts—that the Yan Emperor would willingly trade three thousand elite cavalry for him, Yao Zizhan, and his old bones—weren't entirely false after all.

Hence, the banquet table, which was originally full, was instantly left with only three people. Tian Wujing sat at the head of the table, Yao Zizhan took the next most honored seat, and Zheng Fan accompanied them in the lowest seat.

Yao Zizhan first raised a cup of rice wine and toasted Lord Jingnan: "Yao Zizhan, a remnant of the Great Xia, congratulates Lord Jingnan on his triumphant return!"

Tian Wujing raised his wine cup, making a token gesture of acknowledgement.

Ultimately, three of the Four Great States were legitimate successor states of the Great Xia Dynasty, with pure lineages. The Xia Emperor had once enfeoffed the Marquis of Yan, Lord Jin, and the Duke of Chu, tasking them with pacifying the northern barbarians, the eastern Wild People, and the southern Shanyue, respectively. All three succeeded, not only expanding the Great Xia's territory and clearing out foreign tribes but also establishing legacies that endured to this day. The founding emperor of Qian State, however, had no connection whatsoever with Great Xia. After the fall of Great Xia, the region that became Qian State had been fragmented and ruled by various factions for several generations. But the Zhao imperial family of Qian would never admit this. They went so far as to fabricate history, concocting tales of ancestors who were supposedly great figures under the Xia Emperor, credited with grand achievements. They would stop at nothing, even resorting to self-deception, to force their way into the esteemed lineage.

"My Lord," Yao Zizhan continued, "I have also heard about the situation in Cheng State. The Yu family lineage, after centuries of pioneering efforts, now finds itself in dire straits. It is truly lamentable. Our ancestors labored hard to establish their domains. If we, their descendants, cannot protect these ancestral lands and territories, how will we ever face them in the afterlife?"

Zheng Fan quietly ate his meal. Old Yao's words are a bit strange, a little too sentimental, he thought. To be fair, the Yan Emperor might put an arm around a member of the Situ Family and say, 'You and I are both remnants of Great Xia; we should naturally resist common foes together.' But the Yan Emperor would never say such a thing or even hint at such sentiments to the Zhao imperial family of Qian. That stunt the Qian people pulled a century ago was simply too memorable, and not in a good way. So, what is Old Yao getting at with all this sentimental talk? What's he really selling?

Tian Wujing set down his wine cup. "Master Yao, if you have something to say, please say it." He's giving Yao Zizhan some face, at least, not bluntly telling him to 'spit it out,' Zheng Fan mused.

Yao Zizhan sat down. "My Lord, regarding Cheng State's current crisis, what I wish to say is this: Chu State can no longer be relied upon, and our Qian State is too distant from Cheng. I can only hope that Your Lordship and His Majesty the Yan Emperor, on account of us all being remnants of the Great Xia, might lend the Situ Family a hand. Anyone can rule this vast and beautiful land, but it must not fall to the Wild People."

"Is this your Emperor's intention, or your own?" Tian Wujing asked.

Yao Zizhan stood up, retrieved a yellow scroll from his robes, and announced with utmost sincerity, "The secret imperial edict of His Majesty the Qian Emperor is here!"

Zheng Fan continued eating. Siniang's fried lotus root slices are delicious—fragrant but not greasy, crispy but not burnt. Truly tasty. Tian Wujing also picked up his chopsticks and began to eat as well. This left Yao Zizhan standing there in an awkward silence.

After a moment, Yao Zizhan could no longer maintain his composure. He proffered the secret edict, saying, "My Lord, this is from my Emperor's own hand."

Tian Wujing did not reach out to take it, merely asking calmly, "The Qian Emperor's secret edict? Why present it to me, a marquis of Yan State?"

Zheng Fan chimed in, "Exactly! Surely the Qian Emperor doesn't intend to make our Lord a king of Qian State?"

Yao Zizhan chuckled. "And why not?"

Zheng Fan continued his teasing, "Fine. Send over the West Army Division, and our Lord will command it."

To Zheng Fan's surprise, Yao Zizhan actually nodded. "Your Lordship, if you truly wish to visit our great Qian and admire the scenery of Jiangnan, what harm would there be in entrusting all the armies of Qian to your command? In the war to break Jin, the world believed the Earl of North Border was the true commander. But who among those truly in the know is unaware of who *really* won that campaign?"

"Heh, this is bizarre," Zheng Fan interjected. "I say, Master Yao, you didn't used to be this naive."

Yao Zizhan ignored Zheng Fan and continued addressing Tian Wujing: "Your Lordship, my Emperor has long admired you."

Tian Wujing nodded. "There will be opportunities in the future to visit the imperial capital and pay my respects to His Majesty the Qian Emperor. After all, the path has been scouted. As for the splendors of Jiangnan, I can see them then, as a side trip."

The implication was obvious. He means when Yan invades Qian, Zheng Fan thought.

Yao Zizhan sighed, his gaze falling upon the secret edict. Seeing that Tian Wujing would not accept it, he turned to Zheng Fan: "Brother Zheng, why don't you take it?"

"Why should I take it? It's from your Emperor to the Lord Marquis, not to me."

"My Emperor was also deeply impressed with you, Brother Zheng. That meeting in the hothouse—your witty conversation left an unforgettable impression on him, one he still recalls."

Zheng Fan glanced at Tian Wujing. Seeing no reaction from the Lord Marquis, he reached out and accepted the secret edict, though he did not open it.

After that, Yao Zizhan became much more subdued. He focused on eating and drinking, even composing a poem to liven the atmosphere before finally declaring he couldn't hold any more liquor and excusing himself from the table.

Once Yao Zizhan had left, Tian Wujing also put down his chopsticks. Zheng Fan immediately followed suit.

"Accompany me to the camp to see the soldiers."

"Yes, My Lord."

Zheng Fan understood what Tian Wujing intended to do. He's planning to leave tonight, he guessed, then said aloud: "My Lord, I will have my wife pack some things, and then we shall accompany you back."

"And the affairs of Shengle City? You're not attending to them?"

"I have several stewards, My Lord; it won't be an issue. I only ask that Your Lordship not charge me with dereliction of duty. Besides, as the child's godfather, I really should go and see them. After we arrive, my wife can stay to attend to Lady Dujuan during her postpartum confinement, and I will return with all speed."

Tian Wujing nodded his assent. "Go speak with your wife then. Consider this a personal favor I owe you. I'll go to the camp first to see the men."

"Yes, My Lord."

Zheng Fan went inside to speak with Siniang. Upon hearing his plan, she furrowed her brow slightly. "My Lord," Siniang said, "logically speaking, Lady Dujuan should have given birth by now. Why haven't we received any news of it here in Shengle City?"

"What do you mean?"

"My Lord, you and Lord Jingnan were campaigning in the snow plains and the Skybreak Mountain range, so it's understandable if correspondence was delayed. However, everyone knows Lord Jingnan would pass through Shengle City on his return. If the Lady Marquis in Litian City had already given birth, why hasn't someone been sent ahead to await the army's arrival and report the news?"

"That's true."

Zheng Fan took a deep breath. "That explains why Lord Jingnan is in such a hurry. He must have sensed something amiss too. Then again, if you count the days, Dujuan might have only just given birth. Litian City is quite far from here; the messenger could still be on the road."

Siniang, aware of the close relationship between her lord and Lord Jingnan, said, "Let's hope so, My Lord. Shall we leave now?"

"No need to pack anything?"

"What could the Lord Marquis's manor possibly lack?"

"Good point."

After giving a few more instructions to the Blindman, Zheng Fan and Siniang headed to the army camp. The army camp grew even livelier with Tian Wujing's arrival. Lord Jingnan was currently moving among the soldiers, a wine cup in hand. The wine was mostly for show; no one in the Jingnan Army, from the generals down to the common soldiers, would dare try to get Tian Wujing drunk.

When Zheng Fan and Siniang entered the camp, Tian Wujing glanced their way, nodded, and signaled for Zheng Fan to wait a moment. He still needed to visit the wounded and sick soldiers.

「Just then,」

a swift horse galloped into the camp from outside, followed by more than a dozen Jingnan Army outriders. Even amid the banquet, vigilance outside the camp was not neglected. Evidently, these outriders recognized the newcomer, for they hadn't tried to stop or announce him, but were merely escorting him towards the Central Military Camp.

The rider was missing his left arm. As he galloped past Zheng Fan, he looked somewhat familiar. Who is that? Zheng Fan wondered. Thinking back, he recalled the man: Ma Kui, one of Tian Wujing's former personal guards. Zheng Fan had once spent time in Lord Jingnan's personal guard detachment during a trip to the imperial capital, so he recognized him. He must have been severely injured in the war against Jin, becoming partially disabled. That's why he no longer served in the army but had returned to the Lord Marquis's manor to serve as a household guard.

Tian Wujing watched his former personal guard gallop towards him, his gaze slightly narrowed. Ma Kui practically fell from his horse, scrambling and rolling across the ground a few times before he reached Tian Wujing's presence. The surrounding soldiers initially wanted to laugh at his clumsy arrival, but when they saw the tears and mucus streaming down Ma Kui's face, they all instinctively fell silent.

Ma Kui crawled to Tian Wujing's feet and clutched at his boots, crying out wretchedly, "My Lord! My Lord! Your subordinate deserves death! I deserve death! I... I failed to protect the Lady Marquis…"