Me and countless me.

Chapter 621 The Incompetent Guo Jing

However, even though Huang Rong had a thousand regrets and doubts in her heart, she could not compare with Guo Jing's resolute mind. However, Guo Jing was also filled with mixed feelings.

The great hero of this world looked at the people of Xiangyang City, and at the generals and officials who had come to bestow titles upon him and assist him, but in reality, were monitoring him, and sighed deeply.

"Even if we bring Li Ke back, what good will it do? In the end, he will just suffer the same turmoil as Marshal Yue."

There were some things he didn't tell Huang Rong. He knew very well that Li Ke, who was capable of occupying a city or a region, couldn't possibly fail to see that the Song Dynasty's emperor and ministers were a bunch of worms and good-for-nothings. Even if he returned with Dadu after surrendering, there was absolutely no possibility of restoring the glory of Emperor Taizu.

They wouldn't even get the support that Yue Fei could have received.

Having read Yue Fei's military treatise and experienced many battles, Guo Jing knew very well that Zhao Gou initially supported the Northern Expeditions. However, he was too weak, too suspicious, and his ability as emperor was too poor; he was a useless person. This led to the injustice done to Marshal Yue Fei and the humiliation suffered by the Song Dynasty.

However, even the abilities demonstrated by the court led by such a useless person are something that the current court does not possess.

At least if it were Zhao Gou, he would never have forced Li Ke to fight at this time. Instead, he would have used other methods to control Li Ke, or even provided Li Ke with some resources, so that he could fight the Mongols to the death.

However, the current court only sees his various labels and completely fails to see the importance of the current situation. Because he is guarding Xiangyang, they are doing all sorts of self-destructive things and engaging in endless internal strife. Even if he joins such a court, he will only be forced to move to Jiangnan with his family to enjoy wealth and honor.

By then, how long can Xiangyang hold out?
Whenever he thought of this, Guo Jing felt an inexplicable surge of anger towards the Song Dynasty court, which he could not suppress. His smooth experience serving and fighting under Genghis Khan in his early years made him intolerant of the inefficient, infighting, and incomprehensible Song Dynasty court. Therefore, although he was forced to become an official of the Song Dynasty this time, he still did not consider himself a subject of the Song Dynasty.

Or to put it simply, although he was loyal to the Song Dynasty, he had no intention of being loyal to these fools and stupid emperors!

Therefore, when he went to take over the army, seeing all sorts of actors hinting at giving him money and tributes, Guo Jing's anger grew stronger and stronger, and he finally made up his mind.

"If you all were more diligent and conscientious, how could I, Guo Jing, not serve as an official in the court? Now that I'm back, I'll find a way to resign."

Thinking of this, Guo Jing couldn't help but think of the various people in the Mongol army and royal court who were willing to take responsibility and work hard, and who had no fear or apprehension about battle, only a positive atmosphere.

"I hope that one day our Song army can have an atmosphere like that of the Mongols."

However, the reality was utterly disappointing for Guo Jing. When he saw the army he was to lead, even though he had long lost all hope in the current Song Dynasty, he still couldn't help but feel a surge of anger!

The army before him was a ragged army. In the increasingly cold weather, these soldiers did not have enough clothes to keep warm, and their pale faces and thin figures showed that they had not eaten enough for a long time.

Not only that, there is a severe shortage of weapons and armor, and the elderly, weak, sick and disabled are everywhere. The number of soldiers who can fight is less than 20%!
Guo Jing couldn't help but clench his fists. He didn't even consider other possibilities, but looked directly at a soldier.

"How long has it been since you last ate?"

When Guo Jing asked the question, the soldier was stunned for a moment, and looked fearfully at the official beside Guo Jing, but dared not speak. So Guo Jing looked at the official beside him, and the official coughed lightly before speaking.

"General Guo, it's like this. Since these troops are now under your command, the original military garrisons are no longer responsible for this portion of the provisions. And because the provisions can only be distributed after the troops have been stationed for three days, but this week has been a forced march, so..."

The official gave a helpless smile.

"That's the rule, there's nothing we can do about it."

No way? Look at my Dragon Subduing Palm and see if there's any way!
Guo Jing wanted to say that, but he couldn't. He was a kind and generous man, perfectly embodying the image of a loyal and virtuous general. His personality made it impossible for him to do so.

So he just patiently nodded.

"Then please open the granary immediately and distribute the grain so that the brothers can have a full meal. Also, please provide them with cotton-padded clothes and other necessities."

Upon hearing this, the official nodded and spoke directly.

"Of course, but I am a lowly official and my words carry little weight, so these rules must still be followed..."

His idea was to discuss with Guo Jing how much everyone should ask for from their superiors, and how much each person should share in the spoils. After all, the Song emperor wouldn't dare not give Guo Jing anything; in fact, he had already given him a lot when he arrived. However, various tributes and customary gifts also needed to be given.

If Guo Jing wanted to integrate into this group, he would naturally have to blend in and follow their rules.

So although the rewards and appeasement were given, they naturally didn't reach Guo Jing. If Guo Jing wanted them, he would have to write a letter to ask for them again.

In the past, Guo Jing would have tolerated it, since as long as the Song Dynasty allowed him to continue to defend Xiangyang and protect the Central Plains, he would have tolerated it.

But at this moment, Guo Jing, who was being threatened, questioned, and forced to fight Li Ke, could no longer tolerate it.

If it were just a matter of embezzling his reward and appeasement, he wouldn't be so angry. But the fact that these soldiers on the front lines were starving and lacked even basic clothing, while they were here asking him for these worthless bastards, filled Guo Jing with rage.

So he stared straight at the official who had been sent to appease him and deliver the imperial edict.

"Really? But I heard that His Majesty gave me a lot of supplies. It seems I need to send someone to inquire about it."

His words turned the official's face ashen. He cursed Guo Jing in his heart as a mere warrior, knowing that Guo Jing was already extremely honest and upright. However, the people behind him, the ones who had promoted him, all wanted money, so he could only patiently explain to Guo Jing.

"Lord Guo, why are you so angry? It is only right for you to enjoy wealth and honor as you share the burdens of the country. Why break the rules because of some inconvenience? I believe in your deep patriotism, Lord Guo, but the rules are the way they are, and there is nothing I can do about it."

The official was truly sincere; he genuinely believed that Guo Jing was dedicated to the country and its people, as he himself was from the vicinity of Xianyang. However, seeing how unyielding Guo Jing was, he felt helpless.

He's already showing great generosity by coming, and he's even determined not to earn a single penny himself, but surely he wouldn't ruin his own home to take care of Guo Jing, would he?

However, although Guo Jing knew this, he was disappointed with the entire Song Dynasty, so he still spoke coldly.

“I know your difficulties and I understand your predicament, but sir, who will consider the hardships faced by the soldiers and the people who support the officials of the nation?”

The moment these words were spoken, all the officials fell silent, staring at Guo Jing in quiet contemplation.

Even the imperial envoy who was arguing with Guo Jing fell silent, and finally reminded Guo Jing of something.

"General Guo...be careful with your words."

Guo Jing took a deep breath and then nodded.

"Yes, be careful what you say. Please rest assured, sir, I won't make things difficult for you, it's just..."

He looked in the direction of the current capital of the Song Dynasty, took a deep breath, and finally gave up his idea of ​​finding people to confront the emperor and the officials.

Although he felt that only by doing this could the Song Dynasty be changed, he also knew that it would only exacerbate the conflict. So, all he could do was sigh.

"...There are some things that I am aware of."

He felt that disheartened feeling again, but when he thought of his mother who had died in the Mongol camp to avoid putting him in a difficult position, when he thought of the teachings of his masters, and when he thought of the chivalrous heroes who were under his command, who believed in him and thus in the Song Dynasty, and who had shed blood and sacrificed their lives for him, he took a deep breath and waved his hand.

"Let's go."

Guo Jing desperately wanted to march quickly to find Li Ke, as the longer the delay, the worse it would be for the Song Dynasty. However, this time he was leading the Song army, along with a contingent of Beggar Clan members and江湖人士 (jianghu figures). The Song army was utterly incompetent; although he had provided them with ample food, prolonged malnutrition, chaotic management, and deception had rendered the army completely ineffective. Even their supplies of weapons and provisions were only replenished through various methods devised by him and Huang Rong.

However, less than ten miles outside of Xiangyang, the Song army's formation completely collapsed, with many soldiers even killing and looting each other, and some even plundering villages.

Guo Jing was already exhausted from dealing with these matters, and with the added official social obligations, he was truly physically and mentally drained. He even vaguely sensed that as he devoted his mind to these things, his Dragon Subduing Palm technique was weakening.

So when he finally led his army to Dadu, the Mongols had been waiting for them for almost a month, and Li Ke's grain harvest was plentiful.

The food from the Dragon Ball world was ultimately weakened; it wasn't as exaggerated as it was in the Dragon Ball world, where it could practically grow by drinking the wind.

But that's enough for this world.

Within two months, the area surrounding Xiangyang City had been planted with wheat, corn, and soybeans.

Wheat stems and leaves are full of sugar, the leaves can be used as tobacco leaves, and the wheat stalks can be used to make clothes by extracting cotton-like fibers.

Moreover, it has an average of two ears of wheat, with an average of two hundred grains per ear.

Corn stalks can also be used to extract sugar, yielding twice the amount of modern corn. The large leaves of corn flakes make them a perfect source of animal feed.

The effect of soybeans is weakened, with a yield that is only three times higher than that of ordinary soybeans. However, the ability to retain fertilizer is greatly enhanced, and it can absorb moisture from the air and distribute it to the earth. As long as it doesn't rain for a whole month and there is no watering, there is no need to worry about the soil fertility even if wheat and corn are planted next to it.

The stems, leaves, and stalks are also excellent poultry feed.

The ability to resist diseases and insects was weakened, but Li Ke obtained a special potato seed from Longzhu Li Ke that could cure diseases and resist insects. As long as it was planted next to the field ridge, it could produce both peppers and potatoes at the same time, and also repel viruses and insects in the soil. The stems and leaves could also be used as antiviral feed for poultry.

However, there are also disadvantages. The second-generation seeds are very unstable and must be detoxified to ensure the current effect. The chemical reagents used for detoxification can only be produced by Li Ke's internal energy.

Faced with these agricultural products, the Mongols, Jurchens, and Song people who had previously obeyed Li Ke's orders only because of his military prowess basically knelt before him and completely obeyed his commands.

Muqali even came to apologize with a bundle of thorns on his back.

But there is one downside.

When Li Ke said he was a human being, they didn't really believe him. But when it came to work assignments, as long as Li Ke gave them a single instruction, they would complete them with 300% effort.

So when Guo Jing led his troops to the vicinity of Dadu, he almost thought he had seen a fairyland.

Countless golden waves of wheat swayed in the wind under the clear sky, creating waves of gold. As far as the eye could see, it was all a golden ocean. Not only that, he could also see many watermelons, and fruit trees swayed their branches on both sides of the field, hanging delicious fruits on their branches.

"...Why is that?"

Guo Jing couldn't believe that Li Ke wouldn't know about his long and drawn-out journey, and that so much grain was just left unharvested; it simply didn't make sense.

However, the Song soldiers under his command, as well as the Beggar Clan members, did not think so much. Looking at the golden wheat fields and the countless fruit trees, their eyes were filled with anticipation, longing, and regret.

Because they knew that once war broke out, all this beautiful scenery would disappear.

Guo Jing didn't want to start a war here, so after thinking it over, he sent an envoy to the direction of Dadu to convey his thoughts.

The accompanying imperial envoy saw what Guo Jing had written and wanted to say something, but in the end he just sighed and said nothing.

Li Ke then received Guo Jing's letter and couldn't help but laugh.

"As expected of Master Guo, he truly lives up to his name and is dedicated to the country and its people."

Guo Jing's letter was an invitation for him to send people out to harvest the grain and to discuss the matter of going to the Song Dynasty. That's why he sent the letter, which was full of persuasion to surrender.

Li Ke naturally saw Guo Jing's army, but he didn't harvest the grain because it was unnecessary, and also—

"General Guo, this grain is for you who have come from afar, as well as for the Mongols, so please don't be shy and take it. If you are afraid that I will attack, you can set up camp in front of my city and harvest the grain later, so as to avoid your army from coming out and exploiting the people of the Song Dynasty."

Li Ke followed Guo Jing's messenger alone to Guo Jing's side. Looking at the tens of thousands of troops behind him, he couldn't help but laugh.

Because he could see the longing in the eyes of these soldiers and the Beggars' Sect disciples—the longing for food and clothing.

Guo Jing was taken aback. He looked at Li Ke's sincere expression, but seeing him alone, he didn't think that this was the legendary Li Ke. He couldn't help but sigh.

“In that case… I thank you very much, but please go back and tell General Li that I came here against my will and do not wish to start a war. If General Li cares about the people of the world, why not join me in serving the court, protecting the country and ensuring its peace? This would be a great story for future generations.”

He still didn't believe that Li Ke could survive the combined attack of the Mongols and the Song Dynasty. Even if the Song Dynasty wasn't very capable, as long as the trade routes were cut off, Dadu alone wouldn't be able to hold out. Li Ke's holding out here would only cause more suffering to the common people.

Li Ke couldn't help but laugh. After laughing, he looked at the bewildered Guo Jing and slowly released his true energy, making Guo Jing realize that he was no small fry, but the true ruler of this city.

"I appreciate General Guo's kindness, but I am Li Ke, so there's no need for a messenger. However, before answering General Guo's question, I would like to ask you, Master Guo, a question for me—"

Guo Jing stood there, stunned. He truly hadn't expected that the person before him was actually Li Ke! The Li Ke who had seized control of Dadu!

Because that's basically suicide!

Therefore, Guo Jing, who admired Li Ke's chivalry and heroism, immediately clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"General Li, please speak freely."

"it is good!"

Li Ke nodded, pointed to the soldiers behind Guo Jing who were clearly members of the Beggars' Clan, and asked the question word by word.

"General Guo, since your lady is the leader of the Beggars' Sect, does the leader of the Beggars' Sect decide how many beggars there are in the world, or does the emperor and his ministers decide?"

As soon as Li Ke said this, Guo Jing understood one thing perfectly.

Li Ke would never defect to the Song Dynasty.

However, Guo Jing's ending may not be so happy.

However, his lifelong belief, the sacrifices and hardships he endured to protect the Song Dynasty, made him realize...

There's no going back now.

Ultimately, I am an incompetent person.

(End of this chapter)