Chapter 110: Funeral
As for the border soldiers who died in battle, they meant nothing to the Yanzhou Gentry; before this battle, no one cared about their lives.
Every year some of them died, either from freezing or starvation, or at the hands of bandits, or from wild beasts; to the Yanzhou Gentry, it was all inconsequential.
Even now, with the Li King holding a grand ceremony for the fallen border soldiers, the gentry felt the Li King’s true objective was to publicize his achievements. How could a dignified Imperial Prince genuinely hold a memorial for mere border soldiers?
The only ones who believed the Li King was sincere were the Yan Clan. The three Yan siblings all changed into hemp clothes for mourning and brought heavy gifts to attend the funeral in the border city.
The Yan Clan’s steward and clan members all advised Yan Jiu to just send someone, that there was no need to attend in person, as everyone knew the Li King intended to use this opportunity to make a move.
Yan Jiu stated with certainty, “No matter how the Li King makes a move, he won’t make a move against the Yan Clan. I genuinely admire the Li King, and I will attend this funeral in person.”
As for Yan Shiyi and Miss Yan, Yan Jiu said they didn’t have to go, but they insisted on going.
Especially Miss Yan, she heard that the Li King was seriously injured and felt immense heartache. She didn’t have many opportunities to see the Li King, and she cherished every meeting.
Zheng Pengpeng was the second member of the gentry to arrive at the border city. He wore mourning attire and was carried in a sedan chair by his clan members, and then pushed in a wheelchair upon arrival at the border city.
Half of the Zheng Family’s treasures had been transferred by Zheng Yun. For the properties and land that could not be transferred, the Zheng Family took the deeds for ten thousand mu of fertile land near the border city, preparing to give them to the Li King.
This was Li Heng’s suggestion to the other members of the Zheng Family: if they wanted to survive, they could only beg the Li King with the most humble and respectful attitude.
Although the Li King’s methods were cruel, he responded to softness, not hardness. The conflict between the Zheng Family and him was mainly caused by Zheng Yun. Zheng Pengpeng had been ill since emerging from the tomb and was unaware of anything Zheng Yun had done.
They believed that if they told the Li King the truth, offered generous gifts, and sincerely mourned the border soldiers, the Li King would not pursue them to the bitter end.
Hearing that the Yan Clan, the Zheng Family, and Prefect Li had all set out with heavy gifts, the Yanzhou Gentry all took action, fearing they would fall behind and be held accountable by the Li King.
When they arrived at the border city and personally witnessed its current state, seeing the Tartar corpses piled into a heap of corpses, they finally understood how tragic that battle had been.
The border city was still emitting thick smoke, and amidst the scorched earth, one could see the corpses of warhorses burned to death. In the areas not burned near the city wall, the ground was stained dark brown by blood.
It felt as if stepping on it would crush flesh and blood.
In the withered grass scorched by flames, one could still find broken arrows and swords with flesh and blood attached, and even scattered limbs and chunks of meat.
The feeling of witnessing it firsthand was more shocking than any written description or spoken word.
The ferocity and ruthlessness of the Tartars, the bravery and fearlessness of the border soldiers, the world-destroying power of firearms, and the Li King’s all-or-nothing gamble of burning a city to ensure peace for the entire borderlands.
At this moment, all who witnessed it felt a sense of admiration. In this world, how many people possessed such courage?
In just two months, they had trained the border soldiers army, who previously only farmed and hunted, into an elite force capable of resisting the Tartars.
They had turned the dilapidated border camp into a burial ground for the Tartar army!
Not a single Tartar escaped! Those were Tartars!
Previously, they could only tolerate and permit the Tartars to raid outside the city, stealing from the border people. They even feared the Tartars would be dissatisfied and secretly sent provisions.
They only hoped that after the Tartars were satisfied, they would leave quickly; this was how it had been year after year.
Now, the Li King had shown them through this battle that the borderlands would no longer be about appeasement or sacrificing the populace for peace.
Instead, it would be about fighting back with fire!
Anyone who dares to offend our borderlands will never return!
The gentry exchanged glances, and a thought emerged in their minds: the sky over Yandi was truly about to change.
In the past, they saw the Li King as arrogant and lawless, like a clown, provoking disgust but leaving them helpless.
They watched coldly as the Li King and the Zheng Family engaged in absurdities, waiting to see the Li King fail to control even the Zheng Family and struggle to survive in Yandi like a beggar.
But this battle, this city still emitting smoke and wild fires, and the heap of corpses of Tartars told them.
The Li King was not incapable of dealing with the Yanzhou Gentry; he simply did not wish to turn his fist against his own people. But if you dared to underestimate him, you would be inviting self-immolation.
Some families had only sent a steward or a collateral branch member; they immediately sent people back home to inform the head of the family to come and pay respects in person!
Jinsui, bringing Gu Changxiao, first met Yan Jiu. Even Li Heng’s request for an audience was met with a reply: “His Highness is busy. The official may proceed to the spirit hall to pay respects.”
That’s right, the Li King had specifically set up a spirit hall for the fallen soldiers. Countless soldier tablets were arranged densely from highest to lowest, and regardless of the visitor’s status, they had to respectfully burn incense and pay homage.
Yan Jiu presented the bounty he had promised and asked Jinsui with concern, “How is His Highness’s injury?”
Jinsui forced a smile and raised her hand, “A minor injury, it will heal with rest. Jiulang need not worry.”
Yan Jiu glanced at Gu Changxiao and subtly gave Jinsui a look. Jinsui’s heart stirred, and she signaled for the others to leave first.
She saw Gu Changxiao’s lips tighten, a micro-expression she had learned to interpret after getting to know him well; the real Li King was very displeased.
Jinsui guessed he must regret not switching back his identity, being treated as a real Li King bodyguard and having to avoid him when discussing matters.
When only the two of them remained in the tent, Yan Jiu took out a slip of paper from his sleeve, with an address on it.
“Zheng Yun’s hiding place,” Yan Jiu said softly.
Jinsui’s heart leaped with joy. Although she was confident she could find Zheng Yun, it would certainly take some time. With Yan Jiu’s help, it would save time and effort.
She also understood why Yan Jiu had sent the others away; after all, they were all Yanzhou Gentry, and the Yan Clan certainly couldn’t openly help the Li King against other gentry.
She said gratefully, “Thank you, Jiulang. Rest assured, heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know.”
Yan Jiulang naturally changed the subject, “The border city is being rebuilt. If His Highness needs Yan Jiu for anything, just say the word.”
Jinsui did not hesitate, “We certainly need manpower. My people are all injured. Can you lend me eight hundred to a thousand young and strong men?”
“It’s getting cold soon, we must finish building shelters for the winter.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t keep them at the border city and refuse to let them go. They will be provided with food and wages for their work.”
Yan Jiulang lowered his head and smiled, thinking of the rumors in the city; whether it was a person or a dog passing by the border city, they would be put to work.
“Wages are not necessary. I will bring people over tomorrow with Yan Shiyi.”
At this moment, Gu Changxiao’s cough was heard from outside the tent. Jinsui quickly said, “Thank you, Jiulang. I’m busy today, so I won’t be able to entertain you.”
Yan Jiu stood up and said, “I’m going to offer incense to the soldiers.”
As he left, he brushed past Gu Changxiao, and they exchanged a glance, nodding faintly.
For some reason, at that moment, Jinsui felt a sense of tension.
Gu Changxiao did not directly ask what they had discussed in private, but instead said meaningfully:
“Yan Jiulang is intelligent and cunning. You should meet with him alone less often.”
