Chapter 239: Congratulations
At year-end, the confidants stationed outside all returned to Pei Family Village. The Council Hall was filled with people. Each person’s position in the Pei Family Army was clearly visible.
Pei Qinghe sat at the head, with Pei Yun and Pei Yan on either side, followed by Mao Hongling and Pei Zhi, then Pei Xuan and Pei Feng. Next were Gu Lian, Feng Chang, Tao Feng, Captain Sun, and others. Shi Yan, Zhao Hai, and Bao Hao had also come today. Although they did not lead troops in battle, they were all indispensable important figures in the Pei Family Army.
Pei Qinghe’s gaze swept over the crowd’s varied expressions: “The Son of Heaven has issued a decree summoning me. Should this general go or not? Everyone, feel free to speak.”
Pei Yun was the first to speak without hesitation: “Military generals from the Northern Lands are gathering in Bohai Commandery. The general should go too.”
If only seeking to hold a corner, the current situation is sufficient.
But if aspiring to conquer the land, one cannot always endure in hiding. Taking this golden opportunity to show face before the military generals and deter hearts.
Pei Yan’s eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly: “Cousin Sister Yun is right. Our Pei Family Army has always kept a low profile. This time we crushed the Xiongnu Barbarians to pieces, so we should raise our banner and let everyone see.”
Mao Hongling’s temperament was cautious, considering meticulously: “What if it’s a Hongmen Banquet? If General Zhang harbors ill intent, wouldn’t it be dangerous then?”
“General Zhang is ambitious, not mad.” Pei Qinghe’s eyes flashed with light: “Over twenty armies in the Northern Lands, four have raised flags in independence, some have secretly joined the Rebel Army, others waver undecided, waiting for Situ Xi to reclaim the Capital City. At such a time, to strike at the military generals would immediately incite chaos in the Northern Lands. As long as he has a shred of calmness and reason, he won’t do such a foolish thing.”
At these words, everyone naturally understood Pei Qinghe’s decision.
Gu Lian and Feng Chang stood almost simultaneously, volunteering to accompany her to the Capital City.
Captain Sun also stood: “Your subordinate has been to Bohai Commandery and knows the terrain well. If anything happens, your subordinate can cover the general’s quick escape from Bohai Commandery.”
Pei Qinghe also favored Captain Sun to accompany her and nodded slightly upon hearing this: “Good, you go with this general. Gu Lian and Feng Chang will accompany too.”
The three were overjoyed and bowed to accept the order.
Tao Feng had originally been eager, but thinking of his wife Zhou Shi who had just given birth and their newborn daughter, the spark quickly extinguished.
Pei Qinghe then selected Pei Yan, Pei Xuan, and Pei Feng to accompany her.
Mao Hongling would stay to guard the Pei Family Army, while Pei Yun was to return to Beiping Commandery to hold it.
“If something happens to me, from then on, the Pei Family Army will be commanded by Pei Yun.” Pei Qinghe said calmly.
Everyone was startled and quickly looked toward Pei Yun.
Pei Yun was three years older than Pei Qinghe, calm and decisive, ruthless and ruthless, the undisputed second-in-command in the Pei Family Army. If Pei Qinghe met with an accident in Bohai Commandery, the one who could succeed her and command respect was indeed only Pei Yun.
Pei Yun did not act coy or dally, but agreed straightforwardly.
Pei Qinghe smiled and continued: “If something happens to Pei Yun, then Mao Hongling will lead the troops.”
If that day truly comes, it means the Pei Family Army lacks the strength and luck to dominate the world; they can just guard the three commanderies and get by.
After years of honing, Mao Hongling was no longer the weak woman who cried incessantly back then, and she nodded in agreement.
Pei Qinghe continued: “Time is pressing; I must set off tomorrow. Steward Shi, go prepare military rations for five hundred men for one month.”
Shi Yan stood, bowed, and accepted the order.
Pei Qinghe was going to Bohai Commandery for the prince’s Full Moon Banquet and naturally also to pay respects to the Son of Heaven. For public or private reasons, Shi Yan could not show his face. No need for Pei Qinghe to say it; the shrewd Steward Shi knew in his heart.
After the meeting adjourned, Shi Yan immediately went to the storeroom, took out several thick account books, worked the abacus, and listed a page of supplies. Besides the necessary military rations, each person needed an extra set of military uniform. They needed to bring weapons, warhorses, soft armor, bows and arrows, medicine, and also prepare generous gifts for the prince and the Son of Heaven. Before falling out with General Zhang, a generous gift for the Zhang Family too.
In addition, Pei Qinghe had smoothly taken over Beiping Commandery from the Meng Brothers; this favor needed repaying. For this trip to Bohai Commandery, generous gifts for the Meng Brothers too.
Dong Erlang led people busy all night, loading the supplies onto wide ox carts.
These ox carts were all special grain transport carts made by the Shi Family, sturdy and spacious.
The kitchen fires burned all night. Bian Shulan led everyone in the kitchen to stir-fry dry rations for the road, and also to send several loyal and capable people to accompany. In Bohai Commandery, five hundred soldiers needed daily food and drink; they couldn’t rely on the Son of Heaven arranging to that detail. Everything had to be properly arranged themselves.
Before departure, Pei Qinghe had no time for a private farewell with Shi Yan.
Shi Yan saw her off with the crowd, watching as Pei Qinghe mounted and galloped away. The crowd dispersed, but Shi Yan still stood silently in place.
The meticulous Mao Hongling deliberately stayed behind, softly comforting Shi Yan: “Qinghe is someone who does great things, with no time for romantic love. Rest assured; she values loyalty and righteousness and won’t betray you.”
Shi Yan withdrew his gaze: “I know. The general is an eagle, destined to spread wings and soar. I will strive to keep pace with her. I absolutely won’t hold the general back.”
Mao Hongling smiled faintly: “Steward Shi is too modest. You are the most important person under the general’s command.”
Only those who truly understand Shi Yan know how shrewd and powerful he is.
Those magnates who sent nephews and younger generation to the Pei Family Army, fantasizing that a handsome face could replace Shi Yan, are truly laughable.
Two days later, Shi Li came to Pei Family Village with New Year gifts and learned that Pei Qinghe had led troops to Bohai Commandery.
“There’s half a month until New Year. The general’s group will surely spend New Year in Bohai Commandery.” Shi Li laughed: “Cousin staying here alone is no fun; better return to Shi Family Fort for New Year.”
But Shi Yan said: “With so many in the Pei Family Army, they need daily food and drink. At New Year, double military pay must be issued. I simply can’t get away.”
Shi Li smiled helplessly: “Yes, yes, you are now too important; the Pei Family Army can’t do without you for a day.”
Shi Yan nodded frankly: “Logistics and internal affairs are cumbersome; others can leave, but I cannot. I’ll write a letter; take it back to Grandfather. Grandfather will surely understand my difficulties.”
Old Master Shi read the letter and indeed said nothing more, summoning all the Shi Family managers and instructing them to go buy grain immediately after New Year.
The Pei Family Army was expanding rapidly; Pei Yun was ceaselessly recruiting and training soldiers in Beiping Commandery, and now there was also the Guangning Army. Pressure on military rations had surged. Feeding so many soldiers’ bellies was no easy task.
The two Guang areas
