The Demon Lords

The intent was to create border friction, pressure Qian State, and simultaneously compel them to deploy more troops to the borderlands.

But it's one thing to go out and stir up trouble; you can get away with that. But you stirred things up so much you got yourself routed, beaten soundly, and came back thoroughly thrashed by them.

Were you trying to pressure the Qian people or boost their confidence?

Indeed, Zheng Fan's past exploits had given them excessive self-confidence. It's true that Qian State's military readiness is lax, and it's also true that Qian soldiers don't hold up well in a fight, but even a broken ship has a few good nails left.

Moreover, compared to Lord Jingnan's forces, the border troops Qian State could muster were indeed somewhat ineffective. However, the soldiers from the various fortresses, plus the county militia of Yinlang County, weren't actually part of Lord Jingnan's military system; the difference was akin to that between the national army and local security regiments during the republican era.

The situation in Beifeng Prefecture was similar; the gap between the Northern Frontier Army and the local garrisons was truly vast.

Furthermore, the barbarian soldiers under Zheng Fan's command, considering their equipment and mounted archery skills, were so formidable that even if the Jingnan Army faced them in equal numbers, they would likely be outmatched by the forces from Zheng Fan's Green Willow Fortress Outpost.

Looking at Zuo Jiqian sighing there, Zheng Fan's face showed concern, yet inwardly, he was quite gleeful. Who asked you not to take the people of Qian State seriously?

At this moment, Zuo Jiqian finally revealed his true intention.

"Brother Zheng, it's said that in three days, the new Commander of Nanwang City will take office. At that time, all of us local Commanders will have to go to Nanwang City to report. This time, I, your brother, made such a mistake and lost face for us Yan people. I am truly ashamed, but I've always wanted to redeem myself on the battlefield.

If this new Commander, fresh in his post, wants to make an example of someone to establish his authority, I hope Brother Zheng, you might put in a few good words for me."

Zheng Fan said, somewhat surprised, "Brother Zuo, your words make us sound like strangers. You and I have faced life and death together; we are comrades who have shed blood for each other. If there's anything you need, I, your brother, would certainly not hesitate.

But, I hold a humble position and my words carry little weight. If this new Commander doesn't even give face to your Zuo Family, Brother Zuo, what use would it be for me, your brother, to say anything on the side?"

The Zuo Family probably holds a significant status, and not a low one at that.

Zheng Fan remembered that when Lord Jingnan had found out Zuo Jiqian was from the Zuo Family, he had even chatted with Zuo Jiqian for a bit.

Regardless of how the Yan Emperor planned to deal with the powerful clans in the future, or Lord Jingnan's own stance on the matter, Zheng Fan doubted that a new Commander who wouldn't even show deference to the Zuo Family would show any to him.

Although Chief Zheng had always been one to bluff by claiming connections to powerful people... But that was for fooling others; I can't fool myself into lameness, genuinely believing I'm a big shot now.

"Brother Zheng, you truly have to help me, your brother, otherwise…"

Zuo Jiqian then actually took the initiative to leave his seat, walked over to Zheng Fan, and made to kneel.

Zheng Fan was shocked.

Then he seemed so shocked that he forgot to reach out and stop Zuo Jiqian from kneeling.

Zuo Jiqian's knees bent halfway.

Zuo Jiqian was speechless.

Damn it, why aren't you helping me!

Zheng Fan continued to look shocked, still in a state of utter shock.

Zuo Jiqian felt awkward.

The atmosphere in the hall grew heavy.

THUMP!

Zuo Jiqian closed his eyes and knelt.

Zheng Fan immediately stood up and said in feigned surprise, "Brother Zuo, what are you doing? We are brothers who have gone through life and death together! Is there anything that can't be said properly? Must you resort to this?"

He expressed shock verbally, but his hands still made no move to help Zuo Jiqian up.

Zuo Jiqian took a deep breath and said, "This time, truly, only you can save me, Brother Zheng."

As a scion of his family, chosen and sponsored with family resources to serve as an official in an external post, if you then lose that position, it's tantamount to squandering the family's investment. Never mind the family elders; even your jealous peers wouldn't let you off easy!

"Brother Zuo, speak clearly. Who exactly is this new Commander, who dares to show such disrespect to your Zuo Family?"

The previous Commander of Nanwang City, Xiao Dahai, had died mysteriously; Zheng Fan himself couldn't tell if it was a natural death or…

Then, the Prefect of Nanwang City had been assassinated at Xiao Dahai's funeral.

According to the system, the Commander of Nanwang City was the direct superior to these fortress Commanders, including Zheng Fan.

It was just that the current situation involved Lord Jingnan having moved the Jingnan Army into Nanwang City, taking overall command, which hinted at military intervention in local affairs.

But the new Commander of Nanwang City, appointed by the imperial court, was still due to arrive. His duty was to command the local security forces.

"This new Commander has been transferred from Beifeng Prefecture."

"Well, Brother Zuo, it's really not that I, your brother, am trying to shirk responsibility. Actually, I don't know many people in Beifeng Prefecture."

"Brother Zheng, this time, only you can save me. After this incident, Lord Jingnan hasn't uttered a single word of reprimand. This clearly means he's waiting for the new Commander to take office, to do him a favor.

This new Commander, in his previous local posts years ago, was renowned for his impartiality; he was especially known for daring to deal with the scions of powerful and noble families. My status as a member of the Zuo Family won't just be unhelpful this time; it might even harm me."

"Brother Zuo, this, I really…"

"Brother Zheng, I heard that you once served as a Trade Protection Commandant in Hutou City in Beifeng Prefecture?"

"Yes, I did."

"Doesn't that line up then? The new Commander who was transferred here also held office in Hutou City back then. Brother Zheng, you should know him."

"Wait a moment…" Zheng Fan stopped Zuo Jiqian, took a couple of breaths, and asked, "This new Commander, is his surname Xu?"

"Precisely. Xu Wenzu, courtesy name Mingzheng. Because he most enjoys disciplining and sanctioning the children of powerful and noble families, people call him Lord Mingzheng."

HISSS…

Comrade Deep Sea, you've been transferred here to be my immediate superior?

Zuo Jiqian's face lit up with pleasant surprise as he said, "It seems Brother Zheng knows this Xu Mingzheng?"

Zheng Fan nodded and said, "I know him."

"Then, is there a chance for my situation, brother?"

Zheng Fan sighed and said, "Brother Zuo, you could actually send someone to Hutou City to inquire."

"About what?"

"Everyone in Hutou City knows that this Lord Mingzheng and I, your brother, are like fire and water."

"Ah!"

Zuo Jiqian instantly collapsed to the ground. He had thought he had found a savior, an intercessor, but it turned out he had grasped onto a harbinger of disaster.

"Then, then, Brother Zheng, doesn't this mean I, your brother, am in deep trouble?"

Zheng Fan reached up and rubbed his face.

With a troubled expression, he said, "Brother Zuo, I'm in deep trouble too."