The Demon Lords-Chapter 593 - 89 Promotion_2

"I'm doing quite well. Please convey to His Highness that there's no need to worry about me."

I suppose His Highness would be very happy to hear this.

"Master Zhang, could you speak more frankly? I'm sorry, but I've been feeling out of sorts recently, unwell, and it's rather uninteresting for you to speak in such cryptic ways."

"Uh..." Master Zhang stammered.

"I am someone who appreciates kindness; the Sixth Prince is well aware of this. So, there's no need for you, Master, to keep testing me here."

"This servant has been presumptuous."

Master Zhang stood up to apologize. But he had figured something out: the man before him had clearly placed himself on an equal footing with his own master.

"Let's discuss important matters."

"Yes, Lord Zheng. Several hundred shopkeepers and caravan leaders accompanied this servant."

"So many?"

"They're all trusted veterans. After the Ministry of Revenue took over His Highness's businesses, some were pushed out, but most quit on their own accord. They're all our own people, Lord Zheng, so you can trust them."

"Alright."

Talented people are hard to find. Even though we're now implementing quality education in Shengle, that's for future development. Right now, we need genuine business and management talent to get everything operational. I'm sure this group of people will play a significant role once they get to Shengle.

"Also, there's something else Lord Zheng should know in advance."

"What is it?"

"The Crown Prince will have his grand wedding in the autumn."

"The Earl of North Border's daughter?"

"Precisely."

Zheng Fan nodded. This was something everyone had tacitly agreed upon; it was only now being formally scheduled. Judging by the timing, it wouldn't be long.

"Additionally, the Eldest Prince will lead two garrison units of the North Border Army to relieve defenses during the bridal escort."

"Using the Forbidden Army for the exchange?"

"Yes."

When the Three Nation War began, the Eldest Prince, Ji Wujiang, led nearly 100,000 Forbidden Army troops to reinforce Beifeng Prefecture. Now, it's as if the Forbidden Army has been left in the north, while he brings 100,000 North Border troops back with him.

Everyone in the army knows the true quality of the Forbidden Army. This is undoubtedly a complete personnel swap, but to a certain extent, it could also be seen as a dowry from the Earl of North Border's Mansion.

Absorbing border troops to strengthen the capital—this is a good move.

As a result, the original 300,000 North Border troops suffered considerable losses in the war. Even though new recruits were quickly brought in, with Li Bao's contingent stationed in Quhe City in the northern part of the New Jin territory, one military town was effectively split off from the six towns of the North Border Army. Now that the Eldest Prince is leading 100,000 troops to Yanjing for a garrison exchange, it means the once mighty 300,000-strong North Border Army has been diminished by half.

The Emperor of Qian State must be very envious of the Yan Emperor's 'directness'. Although the Qian State court has begun to address the issues of ghost soldiers and inflated army numbers, they still primarily use gentle methods. This is because the vested interest class serving as Forbidden Army generals in the capital has extremely close ties to the court, arguably forming a power bloc of their own.

Both sides, in fact, realized the problem of the Forbidden Army's poor combat effectiveness during the great war. The Yan Emperor directly sent the Forbidden Army from the capital to Beifeng Prefecture to eat sand and toughen up.

"His Majesty is truly willing to part with so much," Zheng Fan sighed.

Whether the Earl of North Border is willing or not is actually irrelevant. Considering the relationship between the Earl of North Border and His Majesty, they are so close they could almost share the same pair of pants. Now that his daughter is getting married, giving 100,000 iron-armored cavalry as a dowry is both reasonable and logical.

One can imagine that this princess will be one of the most powerful crown princesses in history. With a dowry of 100,000 North Border troops by her side, it would be impossible to maintain a low profile.

At the same time, this is also the Crown Prince's marital family. Whether in ancient or modern times, it is commonplace to form an alliance between two powerful families or forces through marriage.

Other emperors are always preoccupied with preventing the Crown Prince's power from growing too large, fearing they will be forced into early retirement as a Retired Emperor. But the Yan Emperor is quite nonchalant, directly handing military power to the Crown Prince, and in the capital city no less.

"Lord Zheng, His Highness means to say that it may become increasingly difficult for him to stay in the capital."

Being tormented by his own father, the Emperor, every so often—one day his mother's grave is desecrated, the next his concubines are taken away, his dignity trampled upon whether his father is pleased or not—such a life is simply inhuman.

"Does His Highness plan to leave the capital?" Zheng Fan asked.

Isn't this seeking death? And if Ji Chengjue told his father he wants to come to Shengle to find me, to contribute to the defense of the country, wouldn't the Emperor punish me along with him? 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"His Highness wishes to request from His Majesty a position as a county magistrate in Tiancheng Prefecture."

"Oh, that's better."

Tiancheng Prefecture is considered part of the broader capital region, still under the Yan Emperor's watch. By leaving in this way, Ji Chengjue can catch his breath a little. Of course, whether he is permitted to go depends on the Yan Emperor's intentions.

"There's one last thing this servant would like to ask Lord Zheng on behalf of my master. His Highness didn't instruct me when I came, but I think that once I return, my master will definitely ask."

"Go ahead and ask."

"Lord Zheng, do you think this matter will simply blow over?"

Zheng Fan shook his head. "I don't know," he said.

Some things can be hidden from the common people, but not from the true elite. The identity of Lord Jingnan's wife, the utter demise of the old Master in the palace—even if concealed very well, they can't escape the notice of those determined to find out. Those who are meant to know, will know.