The Demon Lords-Chapter 735 - 156: Ennoblement_1
General Zheng's face was now a canvas of question marks. These were not feigned, for he genuinely had no idea what was happening. How, in his own house, did he end up with… such a beautiful woman?
Yes, the saying that "one's appearance depends on one's clothes" turned out to be entirely true. After a bath, with her hair done up and dressed in a proper outfit, she had completely transformed once she no longer held a child in her arms. General Zheng still couldn't reconcile this woman with the pitiful, child-clutching mother to whom he often gave snacks. This transformation was actually more shocking than the effects of photo-editing software in the modern era because, previously, this woman had been utterly destitute, lacking even a single piece of clothing to cover herself.
Tian Wujing pointed at Zheng Fan and said, "General Zheng, tell this Marquis, was this move also for the sake of stabilizing the army's morale?"
"…" Zheng Fan remained silent.
Tian Wujing asked again, "You didn't even close the door?"
"…" Zheng Fan was silent.
Tian Wujing feigned comprehension, nodded slightly, and said, "No wonder you caught a cold."
"…" Zheng Fan was silent.
In reality, this was the most Tian Wujing had smiled in over half a year. Some people are destined for loneliness. They might grow accustomed to it, but in truth, no one genuinely enjoys such solitude. So-called hermits are merely escaping; those who truly dare to face loneliness find that their solitude cannot be shared with anyone. Tian Wujing had been smiling, but the smile on his face slowly faded.
In fact, as long as they won the war, he wouldn't care what mischief Zheng Fan got up to in the city. He wouldn't criticize him for these things, as he was already aware that Zheng Fan had some minor flaws. Many in the Zhenbei Army and the Jingnan Army knew of the dispute between the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan over Zheng Fan. The Earl of North Border had always regretted not being able to bring Zheng Fan, a native of Beifeng Prefecture, back to the Zhenbei Army.
However, Li Liangting had once told Lord Jingnan that this young man was a true raw gem, but the sharp edges at the back of his head needed to be smoothed out. He was different from those common soldiers. How could the Earl of North Border not know how many of his generals and soldiers under his command dreamt of seizing the throne and placing him upon it? But their thoughts, while perhaps expected, were understandable. Setting aside the highly treasonous element, their desires were actually quite simple.
But Zheng Fan was different. His mind was excessively agile. In terms of style, he, Li Liangting, Tian Wujing, and the Yan Emperor all acted without restraint because, from their lofty positions, few could check them. Yet this young man, despite not yet holding a high position, already exuded that kind of aura. It was a kind of disdain for rules, rites, and conventions. What would happen when he reached a higher position in the future?
Thus, initially, Tian Wujing had also considered suppressing Zheng Fan. But Zheng Fan was truly too "outstanding." Moreover, Tian Wujing himself had experienced a great deal. He was somewhat weary, and there were certain matters he no longer had the energy to manage.
Zheng Fan had sensed this change as well. Previously, Lord Jingnan had indeed suppressed him, like an elder acting for his own good. But since the last expedition to the Snow Plains, things had begun to change dramatically. Previously, Lord Jingnan's admiration for him had been subtle, known only to him and a select few privy to the inner workings, who understood Lord Jingnan's high regard for this General Zheng. But starting half a year ago, many had noticed that Lord Jingnan intended to promote this General surnamed Zheng.
In fact, from the imperial family down to the street food vendors of Yanjing, everyone needed to consider the matter of succession. Only when one has a successor, and the group can become familiar with their capabilities in advance, can the future transition of power proceed smoothly. The Jingnan Army's establishment was already quite significant. Moreover, after the Zhenbei Marquisate relinquished control over half of the Zhenbei Army, the Jingnan Army became, strictly speaking, the only major military power in Yan truly independent of the imperial court and His Majesty.
Of course, Zheng Fan hadn't considered these matters. He enjoyed "scrounging for resources," but fundamentally, he wasn't thinking of inheriting anyone's assets to become a "second-generation heir." He preferred to treat it like a city-building or management simulation game, constructing his own "My World," brick by brick.
A Ming arrived with several soldiers carrying trays of food. The woman, realizing she might have appeared overly disrespectful, immediately knelt upon seeing the highly esteemed General Zheng also kneeling. A Ming then led her out. From beginning to end, A Ming maintained his stoic face, as if all of this had nothing to do with him.
"My Lord, that was just an accident, a mere accident," Zheng Fan chuckled awkwardly, placing the food on the small coffee table.
There weren't many dishes—two meat and one vegetable—but on the battlefield, it was already considered a rare delicacy.
They ate in silence. Zheng Fan accompanied Lord Jingnan through the meal, then had the soldiers outside clear the dishes. Others brought in tea and dessert.
Indeed, even after being besieged for so long, General Zheng's standard of living hadn't fundamentally declined. Occasionally, he would go to the city walls, wave to the soldiers, and share some fried noodles with them. Most of the time, however, he had his own meals specially prepared. When conditions were poor, he wouldn't be fussy; but when conditions allowed, he wouldn't mistreat himself. Food supplies at Snow Sea Pass had been tight, but it hardly mattered that one more General Zheng was consuming them.
However, one thing surprised Zheng Fan: though he had mentioned the Sword Saint during his earlier account, Lord Jingnan hadn't expressed any desire to see the still unconscious Sword Saint, even after they finished eating. Of course, compared to not even asking a single question about his own son, Lord Jingnan overlooking the Sword Saint seemed quite normal.
For some reason, Zheng Fan didn't dare to bring up the matter of the child in front of Tian Wujing. It was as if the boy he had casually named Tiantian was a forbidden topic here. The white hair of the man before him seemed to serve as a warning to Zheng Fan as well. This feeling was difficult to put into words. Zheng Fan knew that the reluctance to mention the child wasn't because Tian Wujing was afraid, but because Tian Wujing didn't want to lose control of his fury.
"The war, for now, is over. We need to recuperate," Lord Jingnan said.
This meant that, in the short term, the Yan people would neither launch a northern expedition against the Snow Plains nor seek to initiate a war against the Chu State. In fact, after the war between the three states, the Yan people had annihilated the Helian and Wenren families, obtained half of Jin State, and their own expenditure of resources had been tremendous. Originally, the basic national policy was to rest and recuperate for a few years, and concurrently digest the Jin land under their control. But soon, another major eastern campaign erupted, and this war was not won in a single stroke but was fraught with twists and turns. The spoils of war were great; they had indeed swallowed the entire Three Jin. However, this land of the Three Jin had been ravaged by warfare for two years. Cheng State, in particular, was almost completely devastated, its entire eastern half nearly a no-man's-land. Currently, both soldiers and civilians were utterly exhausted. If they didn't rest and recuperate, they would genuinely be treading the path of aggressive warmongering. Of course, not continuing the fight was one thing, but the tens of thousands of Chu "babies" in Jade Plate City could not be let go.
Tian Wujing pointed to the ground beneath them and said, "You and Snow Sea Pass have somewhat of a bond."
"My Lord, no, I don't want it." Zheng Fan understood the implication. Snow Sea Pass was a good place, but he didn't want it. To the north lay the territory of the wild people. If they didn't fight now, they would have to eventually, and that task would undoubtedly fall to him. Furthermore, if war broke out with the Chu State in the future, his forces would certainly be ordered south. Warfare was a means to facilitate business; Zheng Fan himself wasn't fond of fighting. Most importantly, the industrial layout in Shengle City had already been established, and he was just waiting to return to initiate the next phase of development. If he moved now, wouldn't all his previous groundwork be for naught? True, Shengle City wasn't considered a rich territory, but then again, Shenzhen had once been just a small fishing village. The most crucial point was that Shengle City was located in the central region of the Three Jin lands, at its northernmost extent. In the future, no matter where war broke out, as long as he guarded the pass through the Skybreak Mountains, the flames of war would never reach him first. It was like a child afraid of ghosts at night, preferring to sleep safely between their parents.
"Commander of Snow Sea Pass?" Tian Wujing looked at Zheng Fan.
"My Lord, this position carries immense responsibility. Your humble subordinate is of limited talent and learning. I am truly afraid I would fail to live up to Your Lordship's great trust."
I don't want this place, absolutely not!
"An Earldom?"
The Yan Dynasty was extremely parsimonious with noble titles, so being enfeoffed as an Earl was considered an exceptionally high honor. Of course, the titles of Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan transcended mere nobility; even Prince Cheng had to kneel before Lord Jingnan, despite his own princely status.
"My Lord, your subordinate's meager contributions hardly warrant the bestowal of a noble title!"
Tian Wujing pointed at Zheng Fan and said, "You're quite something."
In the past, Zheng Fan had preserved his strength by not rescuing allied forces, for which Tian Wujing had reprimanded him. Now, Zheng Fan was again reluctant to part with his established foundation. Ultimately, that stingy streak in this man hadn't changed one bit.
But Zheng Fan held firm, believing in two principles: one, that political power grows out of the blade of a saber, and two, the necessity of establishing his own exclusive territory. His goal was not to bring honor to his family and ensure future generations' prosperity, nor was it to reach the apex of his career within the Yan establishment. What he desired was to achieve true freedom through his own strength.
However, for Tian Wujing to discuss this with him right after a major battle, even before the Yan Emperor knew the news from the front lines—the intention to promote him, the attitude of wanting to push him to a higher position, was exceedingly clear. Yet, Zheng Fan shamelessly persisted in his refusal.
"Actually…" Zheng Fan began, looking at Tian Wujing with eyes full of anticipation. Actually, there should be a turning point after this, this matter should be considered settled now.
Tian Wujing paused, then, as if he had thought something through, said, "Actually, no one cares whether you're willing or not."
"…" Zheng Fan was speechless.
