Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 357 Deploying Troops (Part 1)

Upon hearing the names of the Zhang father and son, a cold, murderous glint flashed in Pei Qinghe's eyes.

From past lives to this one, grudges and hatreds have accumulated, a blood feud that must be repaid in blood.

Everyone knew that a battle with the Zhang family was inevitable. Yang Hu spoke first: "The funeral is over, it's time to muster the troops."

Lü Feng chimed in, "My second brother and I are willing to serve as the general's foot soldiers."

The true direct descendants of the Pei family, without even uttering a word, were all brimming with murderous intent.

Pei Qinghe first said to Meng Bing and Meng Liulang, "I am going to lead troops to fight against the Zhang family and demand justice. You brothers stay behind."

Meng Liulang was initially a little uneasy, but upon hearing this, he felt reassured and, together with his elder brother, bowed and accepted the order.

“I will personally write a proclamation to condemn the Zhang family,” Pei Qinghe said coldly. “We will send troops in ten days.”

By this time, news of the deaths of the Pei family elders at the hands of the Zhang family had spread throughout the north. The Zhang family father and son were ruthless and heartless, their bloodthirsty and unscrupulous killings filled the people with righteous indignation. The Pei family army first issued a proclamation, and then openly raised their banners to punish the Zhang family, making everything perfectly justified.

Don't underestimate these four words. Throughout history, countless heroes have risen and fallen, but very few have truly reached the pinnacle of power in the imperial court. Once tainted by the label of "treason," they naturally lose the hearts of the people. Take Qiao Tianwang, for example. He led the Jiangnan rebels to a resounding victory in the capital, but his reign on the throne lasted less than two years. Before he could even truly enjoy it, he was driven back by Situ Xi's army.

The two sides have been fighting each other non-stop. Today you take a city from me, tomorrow I will take it back. The war never stops, and the poor people are suffering.

In the north, Emperor Jian'an was a direct descendant of the Crown Prince, a legitimate member of the imperial family, and thus held the rightful and legitimate claim. The military generals also nominally submitted to the court.

Pei Qinghe's military expedition was to avenge the blood feud of his elders, and had nothing to do with rebellion.

That's the beauty of firmly holding the moral high ground.

After agreeing on the deployment of troops, the group discussed the number of troops to be sent. By the time everyone dispersed, it was past midnight.

Pei Qinghe picked up his pen and wrote a manifesto under the bright candlelight.

The anger and hatred that had been building up in his chest for days poured out onto the page, filling it with a murderous aura.

“I was worried that if the general ordered the Beiping army to lead the way to attack Bohai County, what would we do?” Meng Liulang sighed to Meng Bing in a low voice. “We have been guarding the city gates for several years. If we lead a large army to fight, I am afraid the morale of the troops will be unstable.”

Meng Bing patted Meng Liulang on the shoulder: "How could the general put us in a difficult position? This time, we brothers will stay behind at Pei Family Army. We can also take advantage of this time to train our troops properly. There will be plenty of tough battles to fight in the future!"

Meng Liulang nodded vigorously: "Brother is right. It was because the general wanted to fight the Xiongnu barbarians that I made up my mind to bring people back."

As a military general, his greatest desire was to fight on the battlefield against foreign enemies; being a mere guard dog all day was simply too stifling. Having wasted several years on a foolish emperor like Emperor Jian'an, he had finally broken free from the shackles left by his father and embarked on the path he had chosen.

Meng Bing's eyes gleamed, and he said in a low voice, "We will follow the general to conquer the world. Perhaps, one day in the future, we will achieve great things and restore the Meng family's reputation. Father will be proud of you and me even in the afterlife."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Your sister-in-law has left her family to come to Pei's army with you. You must treat her well."

Meng Liulang replied matter-of-factly, "Of course. She's my wife. If I don't treat her well, who else can I treat well?"

Meng Bing gave Meng Liulang a meaningful look.

Meng Liulang was both amused and exasperated: "Several years have passed, and I've long forgotten those youthful thoughts. The general has a chief steward by his side, and I'm married now. If I were to harbor any improper thoughts again, would I still be human?"

Just think it through.

Meng Bing smiled and urged Meng Liulang to go back inside. She then slowly walked back herself.

Candles were lit inside the house, and Mao Hongling waited with a smile. Meng Bing's heart warmed, and he took his wife's hand: "It's so late, why are you still waiting for me?"

Mao Hongling nestled into his arms and whispered, "I used to be all alone, but now that we're husband and wife, I sleep and wake up with you every day, and I've gotten used to waiting for you." "By the way, Sixth Sister-in-law is new here, I'll go visit her tomorrow."

Because she loved Pang Wenniang so much, Mao Hongling was willing to take the initiative to show goodwill towards her.

Meng Bing felt a surge of warmth in his heart and hugged his wife tightly: "Thank you for your help."

Mao Hongling gave him a reproachful look: "Why are you saying such formal things?" She paused and then asked, "How are Sixth Brother and Sister-in-law's relationship?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Bing immediately understood Mao Hongling's concerns and chuckled softly, "Don't worry, Liu Lang is a sensible man and won't do anything foolish."

Mao Hongling smiled and said, "That's good."

Those past experiences of my youth are insignificant compared to the overwhelming tide of events. The urgent matter now is to raise the banner and send troops to attack the Zhang family.

……

The next day, Mao Hongling went to see Pang Wenniang.

Before he could even speak, Pei Qinghe arrived.

Pang Wenniang was somewhat surprised, but more so delighted. She curtsied and said, "Wenniang greets the General."

Meng Liulang was the valiant general in her heart.

Pei Qinghe was the god of war in her teenage dreams.

She was never jealous of Pei Qinghe. She felt only pride and honor to be able to come to the Pei family army with her husband, Meng Liulang.

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly and reached out to help him up: "Please get up quickly."

"Pei Family Village is simple and unrefined; I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Pang Wenniang replied, "General, you have lived here for seven years, from having nothing to now commanding tens of thousands of troops and enjoying great renown. One day, when you rule the world, this will be the place where your dynasty rises. What is there to be ashamed of!"

Mao Hongling was astonished and gasped.

You really can't judge a book by its cover. How dare Pang Wenniang say such things! They all just kept those thoughts to themselves!

Pei Qinghe looked at Pang Wenniang with admiration in her eyes: "I've heard that you are well-read and exceptionally talented. Would you be willing to become a teacher and instruct children in reading in the future?"

Pang Wenniang's eyes shone brightly: "If the general doesn't mind my youth and lack of experience, I will certainly do my best."

Mao Hongling laughed and warmly grasped Pang Wenniang's hand: "Everyone in our Pei family army is required to read and write. Anyone who knows a few characters has been pulled in to become a teacher. In reality, their level is limited. It's really great to have you as a teacher in the future."

Pang Wenniang felt a surge of warmth in her heart and solemnly replied, "Second sister-in-law, I am unworthy of such praise."

She is indeed a clever and intelligent woman. Calling her "Second Sister-in-law" in front of her is a way of respecting Meng Bing's marriage into the family and following the Pei family's naming conventions.

Pei Qinghe nodded inwardly.

In the following days, Gu Lian led his troops to the capital, and Feng Chang returned with his troops. Unexpectedly, Li Chi arrived directly with his troops.

The Lü brothers and Yang Hu and Yang Huai were all feeling uneasy.

This Li Chi is too cunning. He couldn't even attend the funeral, so he simply brought his troops. Without making a sound, he overwhelmed the Guangning and Fanyang armies.

Pooh!
(End of this chapter)