The Demon Lords-Chapter 655 - 120 Jingyun_1

The news of the Eastern Conquest Army's defeat spread rapidly.

Once the Departure Bell tolled, the news could not be suppressed. Even if the younger generation did not understand its significance, there were always those who did. With a few inquiries, everyone soon learned the truth, especially since the court had made no attempt to censor the information.

Back in the day, when the Yan people hadn't yet thoroughly suppressed the Barbarians, battlefield defeats were common. Each time the Departure Bell rang, men old and young would gather their weapons, pull their warhorses from the stables, prepare their weapons and armor, bid farewell to their families, and then ride out on expeditions with the Emperor.

Although Yanjing had enjoyed a long period of peace, the confidence of the Yan people, built over many years, remained strong. This defeat was the Eldest Prince's failing, not the Yan Army's. There was nothing more to be said—they just had to go and hit back. We've already beaten down the Barbarians, so what's to fear from these damnable wild people? If the Chu people dared to meddle, then we will fight Chu State as well!

Much can change over hundreds of years, but some things deep in their bones remained.

The court hadn't issued a call to mobilize, nor had muster rolls been distributed; yet, in Yanjing, many households had already prepared for battle.

Laborers, accountants, retired veterans, prosperous merchants, even touts from the brothels…

Don't laugh. It was true.

Regardless of their trade or profession, or the quality and price of the clothes on their backs, once the Departure Bell tolled and the reason was understood, people spontaneously began to do what they felt was necessary.

As the saying went: "The king raises his army; we ready our spears and halberds. We share a common foe!"

The robust national strength Yan had cultivated over the past century, combined with the Yan Emperor's recent victories in foreign wars, meant that public sentiment was firmly on their side.

In Yanjing itself, hardly a family lacked ancestors who had served as soldiers or fought on the battlefield. It was time to dust off and bring out the family heirlooms.

Some even went to pawnshops, asking to redeem the swords and armor they had pawned years before. They had no money; otherwise, they wouldn't have resorted to pawning such treasured possessions.

Pawnshops were typically seen as places that bled people dry, but few understood that these establishments also operated on a principle of "righteousness." They had to navigate both legitimate and illicit circles; without a certain understanding, they simply couldn't stay in business.

If the pawned items could be found in their inventory, they were returned. If they had already been sold, the pawnshop would provide the funds to acquire replacements.

These down-on-their-luck families declared boldly, "We're not taking advantage of you. After we've been to the battlefield, if we die, then it's the shopkeeper's bad luck for a losing investment. If we survive, we'll repay you with the rewards from the court, principal plus interest, in full! We won't shortchange you!"

The men of Yanjing, living under the Son of Heaven's gaze, might enjoy boasting and blustering in peacetime, but when crisis struck, they wouldn't flinch. They were ready to give their all.

「In a small inn」

The three government servants Yan Xiaoliu had brought to escort the congratulatory gifts were now clamoring to rush home, pack their things, and enlist.

While they were spirited and impassioned, Head Constable Yan appeared somewhat too indifferent.

Public sentiment is a valuable asset, Head Constable Yan mused, but Great Yan isn't yet so desperate as to need such methods to support the war.

Head Constable Yan wasn't a military expert, but he often read books on strategy, especially those penned by that fellow surnamed Zheng—he'd read them three times already. He also knew that without a period of coordination and training, without deep cultivation and experience, a motley crowd couldn't be instantly transformed into battle-hardened elites.

The people of Yanjing had bravely followed the Ji Family ancestors on expeditions into the wilderness because wars were frequent back then. Now, Yanjing had been at peace for over sixty years; to imagine replicating that past glory was somewhat naïve.

Still, as a descendant of the Ji Family, witnessing such commendable spirit among the Yan people brought him some comfort.

But professional matters should be left to professionals. Damn it, that sounded like something that fellow would say.

"Big Boss, what are you thinking about?" one of the government servants asked.

"I was wondering if the County Lord, with the wedding called off, is still staying at the West Garden."

「The court deliberation ended amid an extremely stifling atmosphere.」

The oppressive atmosphere stemmed from the defeat at the Wang River. Losses were indeed immense—no wonder the city gate commander had directly followed ancestral protocol and sounded the Departure Bell. The main force of the Left Army had been virtually wiped out, and other armies had also suffered casualties.

Secondly, the Marshal of the Eastern Conquest Army was Ji Wujiang, the Eldest Prince, personally appointed by His Majesty and his eldest son.

Ever since the Yan Emperor had suppressed the powerful clans and then achieved a string of victories in foreign wars, his supreme "Son of Heaven" status had become increasingly solidified. Even when speaking, court officials had to choose their words carefully, wary of any hint of indirect criticism or veiled insinuation.

Actually, everyone present had a good idea of what needed to be done. How many of those holding high positions in the court were fools?

After the Eldest Prince's failure, he was clearly no longer suitable to command the Eastern Conquest Army. A replacement was needed.

Who should it be?

Who else could it be?

The one closest to the battlefield?

The most experienced in warfare?

The one who knows the wild people best?

Very well, then.

All three criteria pointed to one man.

Yet, that very man had been secluded in his mansion for months, even refusing imperial edicts, openly disrespecting both the court and His Majesty.

So, how could the atmosphere not be oppressive?

They couldn't overtly criticize the Marshal who was to be dismissed, nor could they openly discuss his potential successor.

In the end, the Emperor simply ordered the court to adjourn, leaving only a few key officials led by Zhao Jiulang to continue discussions in the Imperial Study.

Only then did the other court officials feel as if they had been granted a reprieve, departing after proclaiming, "Long live the Emperor!"

After exiting the palace gates, many ministers made the same gestures: they shook their heads, gazed at the sky, and sighed.

Such a grand wedding, they lamented, how could it have suddenly led to such a crisis?

「The scenery within the West Garden was truly breathtaking.」

One had to admire it—the Qian people might be inept at warfare, but in matters of luxurious indulgence, they were indeed unsurpassed in the current age.

The County Lord, divested of her formal red attire, sat on a stone bench in the courtyard. Holding a plate of candied fruits in her left hand, she swung her legs and ate, for once displaying a touch of girlishness.

However, a woman's appearance is most deceptive, and the more beautiful the woman, the more adept she is at this art.

General Zheng, at least, would never forget how, early in his career, he had nearly been led to his death in the desert, used as bait by this very County Lord. That incident could almost be called General Zheng's "awakening" to the true nature of the world.

Li Liangshen stood in the courtyard, leaning on his sword, simply watching her.

The seven commanders from the Marquisate were all the County Lord's sworn brothers. It could be said they had watched her grow up. "An elder brother is like a father"—this was no mere platitude for them.

"Brother, do you think I am heartless? Leopard Brother died in battle, yet I can still eat."

Li Liangshen replied, "If you are hungry, you should eat."

"I am hungry. I didn't realize getting married was so troublesome. Those women from the palace have been fussing over me from last night until this morning, and they were set to continue all day. I really couldn't bear it any longer."

"If you can't bear it, then you don't have to. For the Ji Family to marry you is not you marrying up; it is you condescending to marry them. Remember this, so you won't be bullied in the future."

"If Father and Mother knew you said that, they would surely scold you."

"The Lord Marquis and Madam are not here, so I must ensure you don't suffer the slightest grievance."

"But Brother, aren't you going to make some preparations?"

"Preparations for what?"

"The Ji Family's eldest lost the battle. Never mind the heavy losses of soldiers and officers; he certainly can't hold onto his position as Marshal of the Eastern Conquest Army, right? You know Fu Sheng, and I imagine His Majesty knows him too. It's unthinkable that he'd be made Marshal."

"If he can't remain in his position, it won't be my turn to take over."

"But isn't Lord Jingnan supposedly in seclusion at his residence? He's not even accepting imperial edicts."

"He will."

"Not necessarily. His wife is gone, and his child... it's as good as gone. Don't you think he'd harbor resentment?"

"He will."

"That's right. 'Humans are not plants; how can they be unfeeling?' I don't believe the Qian people did this. The Qian people might be poor at fighting, but in other areas, especially scheming, they've always been quite adept. To just eliminate Dujuan like that... wouldn't the Qian people be too foolish?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"I mean to say…"

The County Lord gestured towards the east. There lay the Imperial Palace.

"Some things can't be said."

"Can't I even talk about them?"

"No. Some words, once spoken, cannot be retracted. You can think about it, but keep those thoughts to yourself."

"But just thinking won't lead to any clarity. Though I've never met Lord Jingnan, since he's reputed to be my father's equal, he must be an upright and indomitable man. If this had happened to Father, do you think he would lock himself away in the Marquis's residence and do nothing?"

Li Liangshen sighed and said, "County Lord, this is Yanjing, not our Marquis's estate."

"What's there to be afraid of? With you here, Brother, even if Wei Zhonghe comes, he won't be able to eavesdrop, right?"

"I can't always stay by your side."

"I'm not foolish. But, Brother, do you truly have no chance at all? I don't believe you'd be content guarding the outskirts of Yanjing forever."

"Lord Jingnan won't give me that chance. Besides, neither the court nor His Majesty would feel secure entrusting it to me."

"There isn't the slightest possibility?"

"None."

"Are you that sure?"

"Because he is Tian Wujing."

The County Lord fell silent.

"The Departure Bell has sounded," Li Liangshen said, glancing around. "According to Ji Family tradition, when the Departure Bell tolls and warfare persists, Ji Family men may neither marry nor conduct funerals. This place has a pleasant environment. I reckon you'll be staying here for some time."

"Anyway, I don't want to marry so early. By the way, what kind of illness does Chengjue have?"

"I couldn't find out."

"Alright then, Brother, you can go attend to your duties. I have Seventh Uncle to keep me company here."

Just then, Seventh Uncle approached, carrying a cloak. Like a caring elder, he draped it over the County Lord's shoulders.

Li Liangshen's eyes met Seventh Uncle's, then he turned around and left the West Garden.

"The air is growing cool, County Lord. It's best you go inside. If there's anything you'd like to eat, I'll send someone to buy it from outside. Yanjing has far more delicacies than our northern frontier."

"Seventh Uncle…"

"Hmm?"

"I want to eat pickled garlic."

Hearing this, Seventh Uncle froze. Looking down, he saw that the face of the young woman seated before him was streaked with tears.