Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 426 Loyalty (Part 3)

Pei Yan wandered around the military tent three times and waited for more than half an hour before Pei Feng finally came out.

Pei Feng's eyes were slightly red, but his expression remained calm.

So, was it a response or not?
Pei Yan muttered to herself, then put on an awkward, ingratiating smile: "Pei Feng, what did your cousin Qinghe say to you?"

Pei Feng snorted through his nose: "From now on, call me General Pei Feng."

Pei Yan's eyes lit up, her lips curled into a smile, and she promptly cupped her hands in greeting, changing her address to, "Greetings, General Pei Feng."

Pei Feng glanced at her: "I'll be leading my troops away in a few days. From now on, you'll be the commander of my cousin's personal guard. You must protect my cousin's safety. Even in the military camp, you must stay by her side every step of the way."

The last sentence is quite meaningful.

Pei Yan didn't think much of it and readily agreed.

Next, Pei Feng carried two thick military manuals to the military camp to count the soldiers.

With Gu Lian and Sun Cheng as precedents, Pei Feng's troop deployment went very smoothly.

Just as Pei Qinghe said, Pei Feng is a true direct descendant of the Pei family, and a male heir. In the eyes of the world, after Pei Qinghe ascends the throne, Pei Feng should even be granted the title of Crown Prince. Right now, he's merely given a small prefecture, and Pei Feng is far more than qualified to receive such a title.

Zhao Hai, Yang Huai, Tao Feng, and other sons-in-law of the Pei family each went to find Pei Feng in private, each with their own instructions or to present a generous gift.

Many influential military leaders came to see him off.

Feng Chang had no choice but to come.

Pei Feng had grown up and matured rapidly in just a few days, his calm demeanor bearing a resemblance to Pei Qinghe. He dismissed those around him and met Feng Chang's gaze.

Feng Chang was a truly intelligent man. Seeing this provocative and accusatory tactic, he immediately understood what was going on. He knelt down, his face filled with shame.

Pei Feng sneered: "Feng Chang, I ask you, when you had no clothes or food, who took you in? Who taught you martial arts and swordsmanship? Who taught you to lead troops into battle? Who valued you and made you a leader in the army? Who trusted you and sent you to garrison troops in the county town?"

"What right do you have to be jealous of Gu Lian? What right do you have to be dissatisfied with Sun Cheng?"

"Gu Lianxin is loyal to the general and has no ulterior motives. Although Sun Cheng is a military officer of the imperial court, he took the initiative to come and join us. In the past few years, he has served as the leader of the vanguard battalion, doing the most dangerous jobs. Which one of them is not better than you?"

A series of questions exposed the true nature of Feng Chang.

Feng Chang was embarrassed and ashamed, his eyes were red, and tears of regret flowed down his face.

"Feeling suppressed and frustrated, you harbored resentment and had thoughts you shouldn't have," Pei Feng continued coldly. "You should be glad that you repented in time at the crucial moment. Otherwise, you would have been hanged under the tree north of Pei Family Village long ago."

"The general sent me to lead troops to Fang County to cover for you. Otherwise, the entire army would be pointing fingers at you, harboring suspicions, or mocking and despising you."

"If you're even human, put away your petty thoughts. From now on, focus on following the general and killing those Xiongnu barbarians!"

Feng Changhong's eyes were red, and his voice was hoarse: "I understand the great kindness and righteousness the general has shown me. I swear to heaven that I will serve the general at the forefront from now on. If I dare to waver even slightly, may I die under the hooves of the Xiongnu barbarians, leaving no trace of my body."

Pei Feng said coldly, "What goes around comes around. Remember what you said today. Wipe away your tears before returning to your tent. Don't let anyone notice anything amiss."

Feng Chang roused himself and agreed, wiping away his tears and forcing a nonchalant smile before returning to his tent.

He waved his hand, dismissing his personal guards, and sat alone in silence.

He's been getting by like this for the past few days.

He also wanted to ask himself what had possessed him that day. Why had he replied to the Zhang father and son? Was it because he felt resentful and unconvinced after being outmaneuvered by Gu Lian and then surpassed by Sun Cheng? The facts proved that Gu Lian and Sun Cheng were indeed far superior to him. The Zhang father and son had sent out numerous envoys, but didn't Gu Lian and Sun Cheng also have their own envoys? How come they remained so steadfast and loyal? Why was he the only one who wavered?

Time will tell. He was indeed no thoroughbred, just a lowly horse mixed in with fine horses.

Fortunately, he pulled back from the brink and avoided making a grave mistake. Fortunately, the general was willing to cover for him and give him a chance to repent.

If Feng Chang doesn't come to his senses soon, is he even human?
……

On the day Pei Feng led his troops to depart, Pei Qinghe led a group of military officers to see him off.

I've said what needed to be said countless times these past few days. I've also given all the necessary instructions.

Pei Qinghe said softly to Pei Feng, "After you go to Daifang County, you often write to me."

Growing up can happen in the blink of an eye.

Pei Feng, the little boy who had been hiding behind his cousin, straightened his back and said with bright eyes: "Of course. I still have to write to my brother-in-law. When he allocates money and supplies, I have to make sure Fang Jun is taken care of first."

Everyone laughed when he said that.

Shi Yan also laughed: "I can't agree to this. Otherwise, General Gu and General Sun will write to question me. General Yang and General Li will also be dissatisfied."

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Pei Yan stepped forward and handed Pei Feng a thick package: "This package is full of your favorite beef jerky. Take it with you and keep it for the road."

Pei Feng was taken aback: "Where did you get so much beef jerky?"

No matter where you are, beef is a prized meat. Pei Qinghe values ​​agriculture and forbids the indiscriminate slaughter of cattle. Beef is extremely rare in the army. Only cattle that have been accidentally injured and slaughtered are made into beef jerky to satisfy Pei Feng and his men's cravings.

This huge bag of beef jerky is enough for half a year's worth of snacks.

Pei Yan waved her hand with an air of magnanimity: "Don't worry about that. Just take it with you."

Pei Yue pouted, and couldn't help but blurt out, "They're just ripping us off."

Everyone: "..."

Pei Yan was not ashamed at all, and argued vehemently: "You guys are too weak and useless. You lost every single fight, and the beef jerky was all won by me honestly and fairly, how is that considered looting? If you're not convinced, go back and train properly, and then fight back!"

Pei Yue was so angry that his mouth was almost puffed up like a frog's: "Brother Feng, now that you're gone, who will lead us to fight against Sister Yan, that big bully!"

Pei Qinghe smiled and continued, "If Pei Yan dares to bully you in the future, just tell me. I'll back you up!"

Pei Yan retorted, "Where did I bully them? It was all a fair and square competition! You've been beating me so badly since we were kids!"

Pei Qinghe glanced over indifferently.

Pei Yan immediately shut up and behaved herself.

Pei Feng couldn't hold back his sorrow and parting at all, and grinned out loud.

He mounted his steed, waved goodbye to the crowd, and then spurred his horse forward, galloping towards his own distant horizon.

(End of this chapter)