Chapter 257: Alliance
Some words must indeed be spoken openly and clearly, without ambiguity.
General Song gladly took his seat, meeting Pei Qinghe’s eyes: “I also have words I want to say to General Pei.”
Pei Qinghe smiled faintly: “Please speak, General Song. I am all ears.”
In terms of troop strength and momentum, the Pingyang Army is far inferior to the Pei Family Army. General Song took the initiative to form a marriage alliance, betrothing his beloved daughter to the Pei Clan. Such an alliance carried the intent of bowing one’s head in goodwill from the start.
General Song has a straightforward temperament and didn’t beat around the bush. He said directly: “The two armies forming an alliance is actually to our Pingyang Commandery’s benefit. In the future, if we lack grain or supplies, or encounter a formidable enemy, I won’t stand on ceremony with General Pei. I will definitely ask for aid.”
“The same goes in reverse. If the Pei Family Army has matters, our Pingyang Army will not stand idly by.”
Pei Qinghe nodded: “What General Song said is exactly what I have in mind.” She paused, then slowly continued: “What does General Song think of the Bohai Navy?”
General Song gave a frank evaluation: “Of course much stronger than our Pingyang Army, with ten times our troop strength. Even ants in great numbers can bite an elephant to death. With enough soldiers, one can pile up a victory even with manpower alone. However, the Bohai Navy’s military discipline is too poor, far from true elite soldiers.”
Even General Song, whose own army’s military discipline is mediocre, looks down on the Bohai Navy’s military discipline. One can imagine how notorious the Bohai Navy’s reputation is within Jizhou.
Pei Qinghe said: “What about the Zhang father and son?”
General Song coughed twice, suddenly speaking much more cautiously: “General Zhang has the merit of following the dragon in enthroning the Son of Heaven, as well as merit from fiercely battling to defend the city. He deeply earns the Emperor’s trust and favor. Young Master Zhang serves as Minister of Revenue, a young prodigy. I greatly admire both father and son.”
Pei Qinghe smiled: “There is no one else here, just me and General Song. Words spoken tonight will absolutely not reach a third person’s ears. General Song need not worry.”
General Song seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and said in a low voice: “Then I will speak plainly. On imperial court matters, General Zhang’s word decides it all. The Emperor listens to General Zhang’s words and follows his plans. This truly violates the duty of a subject.”
Pei Qinghe’s eyes flashed as she suddenly said something astonishing: “Within three to five years, Bohai Commandery will face a great upheaval.”
General Song’s expression changed abruptly, reflexively looking left and right.
“General, rest assured. Pei Yan is guarding outside my military tent. Not even a fly can get through.” Pei Qinghe said calmly: “In truth, anyone with eyes can see the Emperor’s situation is precarious. Chaos in the Northern Lands is inevitable sooner or later. General Song visited Bohai Commandery once and immediately eagerly sought a marriage alliance with my Pei Clan. Isn’t it because you saw the wolfish ambition of the Zhang father and son?”
General Song was speechless.
Pei Qinghe’s black eyes sparkled brilliantly in the candlelight: “True gold comes from fierce fire, heroes emerge in chaotic times. I, Pei Qinghe, do not like to boast or need to. How the Pei Family Army truly is, the world sees clearly.”
“I guarantee to General Song that your decision is correct. You will absolutely not regret it in the future.”
Was this still just forming an alliance?
Clearly, it was recruiting his Pingyang Army!
General Song was speechless again. Still not entirely willing in his heart, he pondered for a moment before saying: “To mutually assist with the Pei Family Army is the Pingyang Army’s fortune.”
Mutual assistance also implies equal status. It was clear General Song was still unwilling to fully submit under the Pei Family Army’s banner.
Pei Qinghe was not disappointed. With a call to arms, all the heroes of the world bow their heads—this is a beautiful dream. Conquering the world is not achieved overnight; proceeding step by step with steady footing is best.
Pei Qinghe poured two cups of tea, picked up one herself, and handed the other to General Song: “I use tea in place of wine to toast General Song a cup.”
General Song raised his tea bowl, clinking it lightly against Pei Qinghe’s with a crisp sound: “I toast General Pei!”
The two drained the clear tea in their bowls, and the alliance was thus sealed.
……
After General Song returned to his military tent, he called over his three sons and instructed them to properly host the Pei family members.
Song Dalang couldn’t help sighing: “Father, we don’t know how the Pei Clan youngsters were trained, but each one is extremely powerful. No need to mention General Pei. Pei Yan, Pei Zhi, and Pei Xuan are all skilled.”
The two brothers chimed in: “Exactly. Yesterday on the training ground, in sparring, we three brothers all lost to them. What a humiliation.”
“Tall men of seven feet, unable to even beat a few women. No need for others to mock; my own face burns with shame.”
“And Pei Feng, only thirteen years old, excels in riding and shooting, with impressive skills. Right, he’s also read many military books and speaks insightfully on military strategy and training troops. As our brother-in-law, he is indeed qualified, without disgracing our sister.”
General Song looked at his unpromising sons and said irritably: “In the past, you were arrogant and self-important. Now compared to the Pei Clan juniors, how do you measure up? Even your father can’t hold his head up.”
Song Dalang said: “Father, how about tomorrow you spar with General Pei to win some face back for our Song family?”
General Song was both angry and amused. He reached out and slapped Song Dalang: “You even dare to joke and mock your own father. I see your skin itches. Let me loosen your muscles and bones.”
That day in the Imperial Palace’s training ground, General Song had personally seen Pei Qinghe display divine might and soundly defeat General Xie.
Spar what? Seek what face?
If they truly fought, his old face would be thoroughly thrown to the ground.
Song Erlang and Song Sanlang watched their eldest brother get beaten, grinning widely.
Once the three sons had left, General Song’s ears finally had some peace. Pei Qinghe’s words flashed through his mind again.
“True gold comes from fierce fire, heroes emerge in chaotic times.” General Song sighed softly: “Whoever can end this chaos will be the true master of the land.”
“No rush. I still need to watch more, think more.”
……
Pei Qinghe stayed in the Pingyang Army barracks for a month, imparting all the Pei Family Army’s troop training strategies.
The Pingyang Army’s combat power is mediocre, the type insufficient compared to the best but more than adequate compared to the worst. General Song’s strength is his self-awareness; he is not arrogant and can listen to advice.
Pei Qinghe taught generously, General Song humbly learned, and troop training became much more diligent than before.
Pei Qinghe specially instructed: “Popular support is like water. Sustained by the common people’s taxes, one should protect the local common people. General Song should also strictly restrain his soldiers, not allowing them to disturb the common people.”
“Disturb” was actually too mild. The Pingyang Army’s lower troops had many problems. In Pei Qinghe’s view, their military discipline was truly lax. Once out of the barracks, the soldiers were half bandits.
General Song was slightly embarrassed and smiled in agreement: “General Pei is right. In the future, I will strictly enforce military discipline.”
Not yet fully recruited, Pei Qinghe did not press further. She smiled and changed the embarrassing topic for General Song.
As they spoke, Pei Xuan came to report gravely: “General, our people sent an urgent report by fast horse. The Xiongnu barbarians have invaded the pass again.”
