Chapter 196: Fierce Battle
The fierce battle between the Rebel Army and the Beiping Army had the entire Northern Lands watching closely.
To obtain firsthand accurate news, Pei Qinghe dispatched the experienced Captain Sun.
With the two armies clashing, getting too close could easily draw one in. Captain Sun cautiously kept a distance of more than ten li, specifically waiting for dispersed deserters.
After learning this, Pei Qinghe smiled to Mao Hongling, Pei Yan, and the others: “Captain Sun is indeed cautious and meticulous.”
Pei Yan rarely admired someone: “Having him as a Battalion Commander is truly underutilizing his talent.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and hummed in agreement: “With his capability, he can independently lead troops in the future.” Just like Pei Yun, Gu Lian, and Feng Chang.
Mao Hongling said softly: “The Beiping Army is so brave and valiant, truly beyond expectations.”
After half a month of fighting, the Beiping Army firmly held the City Wall. The Rebel Army suffered heavy casualties. Such a record was enough to make the Beiping Army proud above all others.
Pei Qinghe, however, said: “The Beiping Army was originally the strongest garrison in combat power in the Northern Lands. The Meng Brothers—one shrewd and slick, the other fierce and gutsy. While our Pei Family Army has been training troops, the Meng Brothers haven’t been idle these two years, constantly recruiting and training soldiers. Such a battle result is not surprising.”
“That day I wrote a letter to General Yang, telling him to wait and see. General Yang watched for half a month and has completely dismissed the idea of sending troops.”
The Bohai Navy of sixty thousand hasn’t even made a move yet! At this rate, the Rebel Army will struggle to breach the Bohai Commandery City Gate.
Shi Yan, as the Head Steward of the Pei Family Army, also attended the Pei Family Army’s important meeting today. He spoke up: “I don’t understand warfare, but I can see something off.”
“The Beiping Army’s total strength is only ten thousand, far less than the Bohai Navy. General Zhang has remained stationary. The Beiping Army keeps winning victories, but their troop strength is being heavily consumed. At this rate, before the Rebel Army withdraws troops, the Beiping Army will be crippled.”
A mocking glint flashed in Pei Qinghe’s eyes: “The Zhang Father and Son are scheming against the Beiping Army. They are borrowing a knife to kill, deliberately consuming the Beiping Army’s troop strength.”
“Little do they know, the Beiping Army’s successive great victories have boosted their morale and edge, and raised their banner. As long as the Meng Brothers hold on, the Beiping Army’s military banner won’t fall. In the future, recruiting soldiers for the Beiping Army will be especially easy.”
Shi Yan had a sudden realization: “So the Meng Brothers aren’t fools either. They’re building the Beiping Army’s reputation.”
“When General Meng was alive, he already outshone General Zhang.” Pei Qinghe calmly continued: “Now the Meng Brothers are upholding the Beiping Army’s brave and valiant banner. After this battle, the Beiping Army will become elite soldiers renowned throughout the realm.”
“The Zhang Father and Son’s countless schemes have instead achieved the Meng Brothers and the Beiping Army.”
Of course, being able to hold on also shows the Meng Brothers are capable enough. If it were mediocrities, they might have had their heads chopped off by the attackers long ago.
In front of Shi Yan, Pei Qinghe did not praise Meng Liulang. Instead, it was Shi Yan who endlessly praised Meng Liulang’s bravery and valor.
Tao Feng and several other Battalion Commanders were all from the Beiping Army. Hearing of the Beiping Army’s majestic and dominant display, they couldn’t help but puff out their chests with pride.
After the crowd dispersed, Shi Yan deliberately stayed behind and smiled lowly: “So the Beiping Army is this powerful. No wonder you intentionally kept Meng Liulang back then.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and glanced at him: “Back then the Pei Family Army was newly formed and couldn’t yet be called elite soldiers. Five hundred disciplined, skilled, and brave Beiping soldiers came to Pei Family Village—I naturally wanted to keep them all.”
Shi Yan smiled and picked up: “Meng Liulang is tall and heroic, with handsome features; he truly is the best son-in-law candidate.”
Pei Qinghe laughed in exasperation: “Didn’t you say you didn’t mind? Why is there so much sourness in your words?”
Shi Yan grinned: “I didn’t have the right to mind before. I had to pretend to be composed and confident. Now that General Pei has me in her heart, I dare to be a bit sour.”
Pei Qinghe burst out laughing: “You must have eight hundred wits, all used on me.”
Shi Yan’s face was as thick as a City Wall, without a hint of embarrassment: “Without some scheming, how could I firmly capture General Pei’s heart.”
Pei Qinghe was amused into light laughter.
Her clear and heroic face bloomed like a flower.
Sparks of intense heat flashed in Shi Yan’s eyes as he grasped Pei Qinghe’s hand, slowly drawing near and capturing her lips.
A long while later.
Shi Yan held Pei Qinghe close, murmuring softly by her ear: “You don’t know how fortunate I felt that day. Luckily Meng Liulang was too proud and resolutely left. It was then that I resolved, even if it meant falling out with Grandfather, to come to Pei Family Village.”
After spending time together, Shi Yan’s true temperament gradually revealed itself to her.
He was patient, steady, and could put on a front. After more than two years, certain no one could take his son-in-law position, his private speech became increasingly direct and bold.
Pei Qinghe chuckled lightly: “No need to emphasize it repeatedly. I’m not the type to eat from the bowl while eyeing the pot.”
Shi Yan gazed deeply: “Then I must fill your bowl completely, without leaving a gap.”
Pei Qinghe was amused again.
“Cousin Sister Qinghe!” Pei Yan’s loud voice came before she pushed the door open and entered directly. Pei Qinghe swiftly retreated two steps.
Shi Yan quickly adjusted his expression, appearing entirely composed.
“What happened?” Pei Qinghe asked.
The oblivious Pei Yan noticed nothing amiss and replied: “The Prefect of Beiping Commandery sent a messenger with a letter.”
Pei Qinghe’s eyes flashed: “Bring the messenger here.”
Shi Yan tactfully withdrew quickly.
Moments later, the messenger from Beiping Commandery was brought into the room.
The messenger was Advisor Zheng, staff officer to Prefect Shen of Beiping Commandery.
Advisor Zheng was in his fifties, with a neat goatee, small but spirited eyes, and he humbly and respectfully saluted: “Greetings, General Pei. I am Zheng, sent by Prefect Shen to deliver a letter.”
The counties in the Northern Lands publicly acknowledged Emperor Jian’an as the Son of Heaven. With Emperor Jian’an’s Imperial Decree, Pei Qinghe became a proper ranked Imperial General. The former Sixth Sister Pei was replaced by the majestic and dominant General Pei.
Pei Qinghe smiled faintly: “No need for formalities, Advisor Zheng.”
Advisor Zheng inwardly marveled at this one-of-a-kind General Pei’s youthful heroism, while presenting Prefect Shen’s letter with a respectful demeanor.
Pei Qinghe was in no hurry to read the letter and chatted amiably with Advisor Zheng.
Advisor Zheng kept an extremely humble posture, flattering and currying favor everywhere. Pei Qinghe knew at once that he sought something from the Pei Family Army.
Sure enough, after a few exchanges, Advisor Zheng said: “Four years ago when General Pei exterminated the mountain bandits, our Prefectural Governor praised General Pei. In just a few short years, General Pei established the Pei Family Army, greatly defeated the Xiongnu Barbarians, and routed the Fanyang Army. The Prefectural Governor admires General Pei greatly. This time he specially sent me with two thousand shi of military rations as a generous gift for General Pei.”
Pei Qinghe glanced at Advisor Zheng: “No merit, no reward. This general has no merit for Beiping Commandery; accepting such a generous gift would be undeserved.”
