If the Situ Family wanted to challenge Yan while they were still finding their feet, these powerful clans wouldn't mind taking risks alongside them. After all, the Situ Family was acknowledged as the most influential among the three major families. They were also perpetually at war with the wild people, so their military was strong and their horses robust. But once the Situ Family showed no intention of fighting, these powerful local clan leaders were instantly drained of all spirit. In the face of Yan's iron hooves, they beca like helpless quails.
"Alright then. Have Tufa Chengji co visit ."
Tufa Su imdiately kowtowed. "This humble daughter shall return at once to report to the Family Head."
"Fine. You may return. I will wait here for him."
"This humble daughter takes her leave."
Tufa Su left the courtyard.
Xiong Lie said, sowhat anxiously, "Sir, what if..."
"If it cos to that, then so be it. Unless the Tufa Family is dead set on moving their entire clan into Skybreak Mountain, they will make a wise decision. Ultimately, even if they hide in Skybreak Mountain, do you really think our Great Yan's Tiger Guards can do nothing to them?"
As Zheng Fan spoke, his gaze fell upon Xiong Lie.
"So words might hurt your feelings. I should apologize to you in advance."
"Sir, please speak freely. I dare not harbor any resentnt."
"Mm, well, to be honest, the wild people and the Barbarians aren't really comparable. Although I've heard that a king has erged among the wild people on your northeastern snowplains, our Great Yan truly doesn't pay him much mind. We've been fighting the Barbarians for hundreds of years. Think about the full-scale conflict when the Barbarians were at their peak! Yet, have we, Yan, ever been at a disadvantage? Over the past century, the Barbarians have been beaten until they're terrified and hurting. When His Majesty, our sovereign, issued an edict, their Barbarian King truly dared not advance a single step further east. It's like playing chess: if you consistently play against grandmasters, your skills, no matter how poor, won't deteriorate too much. You all should weigh this yourselves."
"I dare not harbor any dissent, nor do the few settlents I frequently interact with. On this point, I can stake my life."
"Xiong Lie."
"Your servant is here."
"I don't think of you as a wild person. To be honest with you, under my command, there are more Barbarians than actual Yan people. I, for one, don't differentiate between barbarian or civilized, noble or common. As long as they are willing to serve , I treat them all equally.
"But I must state the unpleasantries upfront. While I won't be like the Jin people, who periodically enter the mountains to exterminate wild people..."
"On behalf of the many wild people settlents in the mountains, I offer my deepest gratitude for your great kindness and virtue, Sir!"
"Hey, not so fast, not so fast. I haven't finished speaking. If you don't want to be seen as a thorn in my side, then you must operate according to my rules."
"What does Sir an?"
"Pay tribute, conscript warriors from your tribes for my private forces, and send hostages to Shengle City. Of these three, not one can be omitted."
"This..." Xiong Lie faltered.
"What's wrong? Are you regretting it now?"
"I... I dare not."
"Alright, have your n get ready. Just in case Tufa Chengji suddenly goes mad, you'll at least need to hold him off for for a short while."
"Your servant obeys!"
Xiong Lie withdrew to summon his n.
Zheng Fan then turned to the blind man, pointed at the animal hide blanket on his body, and said, "I think if this blanket were made of Snow Wolf pelts, it would better accentuate my disposition."
"My Lord is absolutely right. Tiger skin is too coarse, fox fur is too effeminate. Snow Wolf pelts feel just right. This subordinate will keep it in mind for the future."
"Hmm, good."
"My Lord, are you planning to win over the Tufa Family?"
"Let's see if he's sensible first. Truthfully, I'm still eyeing his clan soldiers. Who asked us to be short on troops? That one thousand Jingnan Army soldiers still need to be returned. It's just that it will be hard work for you and A Cheng."
To be honest, any warlord who commands such a hodgepodge army usually ends up dying miserably. It's only in those Western heroic fantasy movies that one can readily assemble armies of various races and achieve victory. Still, I trust Liang Cheng's training skills and the blind man's indoctrination techniques; they are professionals, after all.
"Rest assured, My Lord, these are not difficult matters. Once everything is in order, everyone will be able to attend to their respective duties."
"Hmm, I think so too."
Saying this, Zheng Fan crossed his hands on his abdon and, with his eyes slightly closed, said, "I'm going to take a nap."
"Then this subordinate will go down and send word for them to launch the attack tonight, ahead of schedule."
"Mm, that's the safest approach."
"What would My Lord like for dinner? This subordinate will have soone prepare it."
"There's no rush. Tufa Chengji won't be visiting for a little while yet."
"That would be best."
"If he cos too early, then he'll be sent to an early grave later on."
...
"The Yan dignitary said he wants to visit him?"
"Yes, Chief," Tufa Su replied, kneeling before Tufa Chengji to report.
"Good, I understand."
"Chief, are you going now then?"
"No rush. Since he said he wants to visit him, how can one pay a visit without bringing a gift?"
Saying this, Tufa Chengji looked at his three younger brothers, all of whom were warriors of their tribe.
"The south and west city gates are already under our control. Pass down the order: tonight, throw open the city gates and light torches! Fourth Prince, you handle this."
"Yes."
"Second Prince, Third Prince, you two gather our clansn."
"Eldest Brother, which family should we target?"
"Which family? Apart from that wild people's family, we'll target all the rest."
"Eldest Brother, must we really do this?"
Tufa Chengji glanced at his brothers and berated them angrily, "They've already dared to brazenly enter the city and put on airs. What does this an? It ans they are extrely confident! Even if we were to fight them to the death, they're sure they could wipe us out completely. You all should be grateful! Grateful that I noticed sothing amiss with Xiong Lie's activities earlier, much earlier than the other families. Otherwise, we would have been offered up by the other families as their pledge of allegiance! When it cos to being a supplicating dog offering gifts, either don't offer any, or don't stoop to fawning! Since we've decided to be dogs, then we'll offer the grandest gift and be the dog that wags its tail most enthusiastically!"
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