The Military Governor in Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 106 A Win-Win Situation

Ye Fandong's personal visit to Qianshanbao suggests he has a clear purpose.

Jia Chen wondered to himself how many people Ye Fandong wanted him to keep.

Despite his thoughts, Jia Chen still smiled and said, "Brother, I was just about to go to Zhenqiang Fort to find you. I'll take care of things at Qianshan Fort, and I'm sure you'll be satisfied."

Ye Fandong stared at Jia Chen for a moment, then sighed, "I haven't taken up my post at Zhenqiang Fort yet; I came from Juqiang Fort. When I came over just now, I took a look at Qianshan Fort. Brother, you have even more cannons on your city walls than last time. Don't even mention Zhenqiang Fort; even Desheng Fort only has a few more large general cannons than you."

Ye Fandong was still quite envious and moved by Jia Chen's production of so many cannons.

Anyway, he can't make that many things.

These all cost a lot of money, and it's unclear why Jia Chen would be so willing to spend it.

Ye Fandong could naturally guess the source of Jia Chen's silver.

Jia Chen and his men killed so many Northern barbarians, they must have obtained some spoils of war plundered by the Northern barbarians.

Ye Fandong didn't have much to say about these things.

It's perfectly normal for people to secretly hoard their spoils.

The higher-ups will turn a blind eye; otherwise, how can they get the people below to work so hard?

Once these valuables were distributed, I certainly wouldn't give them away again if it were me.

At most, some would be distributed to the servants and trusted confidants below.

The fact that Jia Chen has so many cannons clearly means he used all the spoils of war to build them.

Take out the gold and silver to make cannons?

Anyway, Ye Fandong can't do it.

The forging of guns and cannons was a matter for the imperial court.

He simply couldn't understand Jia Chen's actions.

"It's all for self-preservation," Jia Chen sighed.

Ye Fandong nodded; that made sense.

Even for the sake of self-preservation, there were still too many cannons.

Without thinking further, he said, "Brother, I know that you built Qianshan Fortress single-handedly, and you trained these soldiers one by one. We must have a very deep bond."

Jia Chen remained silent; he was unaware of Ye Fandong's thoughts and could only wait for him to continue.

"Your soldiers are all full of energy; I'm envious just looking at them," Ye Fandong exclaimed.

This is the truth.

When he came over, he wasn't just looking at the cannons on the city wall, but also observing the people.

In his eyes, the guards at Qianshan Fort were all no less capable than his own personal guards.

In other words, even the ordinary guards under Jia Chen's command are equivalent to his elite troops.

That's really outrageous; there are five hundred people!

No wonder Jia Chen was able to achieve such great military exploits before, daring to go out of the city and fight the northern barbarians in the open field.

That's where Jia Chen's confidence comes from.

In fact, as long as you eat your fill and eat well, your mental state will naturally be good.

Before, when everyone was starving and cold, and everyone was malnourished and pale, even moving around was difficult, so where would they get any energy?

Of course, there's also the fact that the soldiers at Qianshanbao had to train every day, emphasizing discipline, which naturally made them more energetic and spirited.

Ye Fandong's words made Jia Chen's heart sink.

It seems difficult for me to take more soldiers with me.

Actually, he could understand Ye Fandong; if it were him, he probably wouldn't have let the soldiers of Qianshan Fort leave so easily.

"Brother, I'd also like to discuss the matter of the garrison at Qianshan Fort with you," Jia Chen said.

This matter will have to come to the forefront sooner or later, so we might as well be frank and speak our minds.

Ye Fandong waved his hand and said, "Brother, don't overthink it. I didn't come here to take your soldiers."

Jia Chen was stunned.

That was so unexpected.

He didn't expect Ye Fandong to say that.

In his view, Ye Fandong was definitely there to take over Qianshanbao.

Before taking over, I wanted to negotiate with myself, such as how many cannons to keep and how many people to keep.

If both sides can reach an agreement that satisfies them, then that's good, and the friendship can still exist.

If there are significant differences of opinion, it is not impossible for them to become enemies.

Therefore, Jia Chen had actually prepared for some losses.

"Brother, I don't quite understand what you mean," Jia Chen said.

Does this mean Ye Fandong has agreed to let him take all the men from Qianshan Fort with him?

It's unlikely. If they were to be taken away, how would the garrison at Qianshan Fort be replenished?

Transferring people from Zhenqiangbao?

Jia Chen thought this was unlikely, as it would weaken the defenses of Zhenqiang Fort, and he believed Ye Fandong would not do such a thing.

Even if troops are mobilized, the number will certainly not be too large.

However, if the number of soldiers guarding Qianshan Fort is not large, it may be easily breached by the Northern barbarians.

Jia Chen couldn't quite understand it.

"I have an idea," Ye Fandong said with a smile. "Zhenqiang Fort, Juqiang Fort, and Qianshan Fort are at the northernmost point of the Northeast Road. Even if we consider the entire Datong Town, they are the northernmost points."

Jia Chen nodded.

That's true, they are located at the northernmost point, especially at Qianshanbao.

He still didn't quite understand what Ye Fandong's words had to do with not wanting the soldiers from Qianshan Fort.

"It's too dangerous for us to face the northern barbarians head-on. I think we should join forces and support each other," Ye Fandong continued. "As for Qianshan Fort, we can jointly govern it, though that's only in name. In reality, I'm already struggling to manage Zhenqiang Fort, so you'll have to put in a lot of effort for Qianshan Fort. After all, you're familiar with it and I believe you can better coordinate the defense."

Ye Fandong's words shocked Jia Chen.

This means he wants me to continue managing Qianshanbao.

Qianshanbao is a fortified town under the jurisdiction of Zhenqiangbao. Logically speaking, as the garrison commander of Juqiangbao, he has no jurisdiction over this area.

According to Ye Fandong, joint jurisdiction is a good approach.

Since Qianshan Fort is still under its jurisdiction, those who remain will likely have few objections and can feel at ease.

After all, it's impossible for me to take everyone with me, so this is a perfect solution.

"Hey bro, what's going on?"

It can be said that Ye Fandong was relinquishing power, handing over jurisdiction of Qianshanbao to himself.

Who would complain about having too much power?

Who would complain about having too many fortresses under their jurisdiction and send them away?

But Ye Fandong did just that.

Regardless of whether it's true or not, Ye Fandong has now shown goodwill to himself.

"Brother, to be honest, I have no confidence in holding Qianshan Fort," Ye Fandong said with a wry smile, shaking his head. "I know you'll definitely take a group of elite troops with you, and even if you leave some behind, what will I use to resist if the Northern Barbarian army marches south again? If Qianshan Fort falls, that will be my responsibility, Ye Fandong's responsibility, and I'll be in deep trouble. If Qianshan Fort were inside the Great Wall, I might have some confidence in holding it, but here, I have absolutely no confidence. Brother, you're probably the only one who can hold Qianshan Fort. I'm begging you for help."

Upon hearing this, Jia Chen realized that what Ye Fandong said was indeed true.

If they take their men and some cannons with them, the defensive capabilities of Qianshan Fortress will definitely decrease.

Even if Ye Fandong sends people, it would be difficult to guarantee the safety of Qianshan Fort.

Jia Chen couldn't refuse this request; it was the best solution.

"Brother, but we don't have the final say on this joint defense," Jia Chen said with some concern.

If I continue to invest troops and firepower in Qianshan Fort, and everything is completed, what if Ye Fandong turns his back and takes away Qianshan Fort? Wouldn't I be dumbfounded?

Human nature is unpredictable, so we must be wary.

After all, Qianshanbao was a fortified town under the jurisdiction of Zhenqiangbao.

Even if I appeal in the future, I will have no grounds for complaint.

"Don't worry, I've already thought this through. We'll jointly report this to the Lieutenant General. If he disagrees, we'll continue to report it to the General's Office and ask you, Lord, to make the decision for us," Ye Fandong said with a smile. "Besides, this is also for the better defense of the North East Road, so I believe there won't be any problems."

Jia Chen nodded.

This matter will definitely benefit the defense of the eastern part of the northern route. Even if Liu Tianwang does not agree, there will be no problem with Chen Tai's side.

"Brother, if that's the case, I have no problem. I believe that if we join forces, even if the Northern barbarians launch another large-scale southward invasion, we can ensure the safety of the three cities," Jia Chen said with a smile.

"Yes, as long as these three cities are safe and sound, that's all that matters to us," Ye Fandong said with a smile. "However, there's something else I need you to do to help me out."

"Brother, just say what's on your mind. We're like brothers, aren't we?" Jia Chen laughed.

He now appears more natural in front of Ye Fandong.

Although they had addressed each other as brothers before, there was still a difference in status between him and Ye Fandong, so he felt a little uneasy.

Things are different now. I am now a garrison commander. Even if the Juqiang Fort is not as good as the Zhenqiang Fort, it is at least of the same level in name.

"I've taken quite a few men from Juqiang Fortress, so I hope you can do me a favor," Ye Fandong said somewhat embarrassedly.

Jia Chen's eyes widened.

I never expected that Ye Fandong would have the same concerns as me.

It seems that Ye Fandong's management of Juqiangbao is quite good. Most of his men are his trusted confidants, whom he can rely on, which is why he wanted to take them with him.

"Alas, there's nothing I can do, brother. There probably won't be many people left at Zhenqiang Fort. The adjutant will recall them." Ye Fandong sighed deeply.

Jia Chen understood.

The main force of the Zhenqiang Fort garrison is now the former Beijing garrison troops brought by Wei Ya. With Wei Ya dead, it is not surprising that Liu Tianwang recalled these people to Desheng Fort.

So what's left are the old, weak, sick, and disabled. It's understandable that Ye Fandong wanted to bring as many troops from Juqiangbao as possible to Zhenqiangbao.

"So, once we get to the Fortress of Resilience, I'm afraid you'll need to recruit a new batch yourself. I'm sorry to have troubled you," Ye Fandong said with some guilt.

Jia Chen found it amusing.

In fact, for Jia Chen, having too many soldiers left at the fortified position was not a good thing.

Jia Chen prefers to recruit new soldiers, as he can better manage them and train them better in the future.

Otherwise, all that would remain would be seasoned veterans in the military, cunning and sly, and Jia Chen didn't want those kinds of guys.

The problems with the Da Hong Army and the border troops are too great; it would be better to start from scratch.

Although it was difficult and costly to get started, it was worth it in the long run.

The people Ye Fandong has his eye on, Jia Chen might not necessarily approve of.

Jia Chen's standards are much higher than others.

It's good that Ye Fandong took the person away; it's like I'm doing him a favor, a win-win situation.