The Demon Lords-Chapter 755 - 166 Lord Pingye_4

Possibly, in Father's eyes, his current worry is the lack of funds and provisions to continue his grand ambition of territorial expansion. However, from my perspective, if measures aren't taken to control and curb this, the Yan State's power will begin to decline, even if we stop waging wars. This is the real reason why Father wanted to see me!

Ji Chengsu is still young, still adorable, so Father will dote on him. But the rest of us brothers have grown up; perhaps we're no longer amusing in Father's eyes.

Deep father-son affection? To hell with that! My third brother is still writing poetry in the lake pavilion!

There was no preamble, no lengthy explanation. The Yan Emperor's attitude was far more direct than the Crown Prince's.

In fact, this straightforwardness is my style. Who has time for such superficialities?

Of course, it was also because my Second Prince brother isn't as uninhibited as Father. After becoming the Crown Prince, his words and actions became even more constrained.

"In Lord Jingnan's Memorandum, one matter mentioned was the request to appoint General Zheng Fan of Shengle as the Chief Commander of Snow Sea Pass. Cheng Jue, what are your thoughts?"

Look at that. Typical of my father. We were supposed to be discussing family matters, yet the moment he opened his mouth, it was about affairs of state. This just shows how little Father values familial affection; it always comes last.

The mention of official matters prompted the Crown Prince to return to his seat, where he sat upright formally.

The Chief Commander of Snow Sea Pass? Indeed, that's it.

I wasn't surprised at all; I guessed this long ago.

All I can say is, that brother of ours, Zheng Fan, is truly a master of flattery.

When I first met him, it only took a few days for him to persuade me to fund his initial endeavors.

After he squeezed me dry, he immediately latched onto Lord Jingnan's coattails. For a while, he even flirted with the Earl of North Border.

Such a talent for navigating relationships truly leaves one speechless.

Returning to the matter at hand, after a major victory, it was customary for the imperial court to divide the spoils. A portion would be retained by the court, while another would be given to the commanding general to reward his subordinates. This had been the tradition since ancient times.

However, a commander should understand what they could openly ask for, what they couldn't, what required a subtle hint, and what was considered taboo.

Of the three passes in Jin land—South Gate, Town South Pass, and Snow Sea Pass—Snow Sea Pass was undoubtedly the most critical. It not only controlled the Snow Sea region but also formed a strategic pair with Town South Pass.

Such a vital location should naturally be garrisoned by a general appointed by the imperial court.

Lord Jingnan directly naming Zheng Fan to serve as the Chief Commander of Snow Sea Pass was, in essence, a breach of this unspoken agreement.

Of course, there was no question of Lord Jingnan overstepping his authority; after all, two imperial eunuchs delivering decrees had already met their deaths at the entrance of his marquisate.

"Father Emperor, in my opinion, Zheng Fan is capable of shouldering this important responsibility!" Ji Chengjue's response was firm and resonant.

The Crown Prince, standing to the side, had a subtle glint in his eyes. It was common knowledge that Zheng Fan was deeply connected to his sixth younger brother.

For princes, military authority was akin to a scalding potato: desperately desired when one was famished, yet liable to burn oneself.

The Yan Emperor looked at his sixth son. After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Zheng Fan's capabilities, This Emperor is aware."

Evidently, the Yan Emperor didn't deny Zheng Fan's ability to defend Snow Sea Pass. Indeed, Zheng Fan was qualified, as his contributions in this war were paramount.

For centuries, the Yan people had learned from their wars with the Desert Barbarians that defeating them was easy, but inflicting truly crippling damage was difficult.

If Zheng Fan hadn't made his solitary stand at Snow Sea Pass, then even if the wild people had been driven out, they would have suffered no significant losses. The snow-covered plains would have known no true peace.

However, this simple question and answer seemed rather dull.

Yet, this exchange encapsulated everything.

You don't know my relationship with Zheng Fan? You do.

Yet, I still answer directly: He's suitable.

Am I unaware that when Lord Jingnan explicitly proposed appointing Zheng Fan as the Chief Commander of Snow Sea Pass, the court, however displeased, would have to grit its teeth and accept? I know this.

But you still had to ask me.

What can I think? What am I supposed to think?

Lord Jingnan used this great achievement to make a clear demand. Can you refuse? Does the court dare to refuse?

As for bestowing a kingship... Does he even care?

His son is "gone."

Even if you grant him a hereditary kingship, would he care?

The Tian Family cherished it once. But now, the Tian Family has no one left.

The Yan Emperor sighed softly, reassessing the son standing before him.

Ji Chengjue maintained his posture from after he had replied.

Affection between this royal father and son? It's over.

Perhaps other royal families have it, but ours doesn't.

Moreover, when the Yan Emperor looked at this son, it was as if he were gazing at a younger version of himself. And it seemed this son of his also knew he resembled his father in his youth.

Therefore, both of them dispensed with pretenses.

The Crown Prince opened his mouth as if to speak, but he seemed unsure what to say. In such an atmosphere, his position was too delicate. Saying too much risked appearing hypocritical; saying too little might earn him a reputation for being unconcerned about his brother.

Finally, Ji Chengjue was the one to break the short silence.

In short, one must never leave their father hanging.