Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 239 Congratulations
As the year drew to a close, the trusted confidants stationed elsewhere all returned to Pei Family Village. The council hall was filled with people. Each person's position within the Pei Family Army was clearly visible.

Pei Qinghe sat at the head of the table, with Pei Yun and Pei Yan flanking him on either side. Next were Mao Hongling and Pei Zhi, followed by Pei Xuan and Pei Feng. Then came Gu Lian, Feng Chang, Tao Feng, Sun Cheng, and others. Shi Yan, Zhao Hai, and Bao Hao were also present. Although they didn't lead troops into battle, they were all indispensable figures in the Pei family army.

Pei Qinghe's gaze swept over the various expressions on everyone's faces: "The Emperor has issued an imperial decree summoning me. Should I go or not? Let's all share our opinions."

Pei Yun, without hesitation, was the first to speak: "The military generals of the North have gathered in Bohai County, General, you should also go there."

If we were content with just this corner of the world, this would be enough.

If one harbors the ambition to conquer the world and dominate the land, one cannot remain hidden forever. Seize this opportune moment to make a name for oneself before the assembled generals and intimidate them.

Pei Yan's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly: "Sister Yun is right. Our Pei family army has always kept a low profile. This time, we defeated the Xiongnu barbarians so badly that it's time to show our banner and let everyone see us."

Mao Hongling was cautious and thoughtful: "What if this is a trap? If General Zhang has malicious intentions, wouldn't it be dangerous?"

“General Zhang is ambitious, but he’s not crazy.” Pei Qinghe’s eyes gleamed. “Of the more than twenty armies in the north, four have raised their own banners and declared independence, some have secretly joined the rebels, and others are wavering, waiting for Situ Xi to recapture the capital. At this time, killing the generals would immediately cause chaos in the north. If he has any sense of calm and reason, he wouldn’t do such a stupid thing.”

Upon hearing this, everyone naturally understood Pei Qinghe's decision.

Gu Lian and Feng Chang got up almost simultaneously and volunteered to go to the capital.

Sun Cheng also stood up: "This humble general has been to Bohai County and is familiar with its terrain. In case of any emergency, this humble general can cover the general's swift escape from Bohai County."

Pei Qinghe also preferred Sun Cheng to accompany him, and nodded slightly upon hearing this: "Alright, you will come with me. Gu Lian and Feng Chang will also come along."

The three were overjoyed and accepted the order with clasped hands.

Tao Feng was initially eager to make a move, but when he thought of his wife Zhou, who had just given birth, and their newborn daughter, his desire quickly died down.

Pei Qinghe then ordered Pei Yan, Pei Xuan, and Pei Feng to accompany her.

Mao Hongling stayed behind to guard the Pei family army, while Pei Yun was to return to Beiping County to garrison.

"If anything happens to me, Pei Yun will take command of the Pei family army from now on," Pei Qinghe said calmly.

Everyone was startled and quickly looked at Pei Yun.

Pei Yun is three years older than Pei Qinghe. Calm, decisive, and ruthless, she is the undisputed second-in-command in the Pei family army. In the event of an accident involving Pei Qinghe in Bohai County, Pei Yun is indeed the only one who can succeed Pei Qinghe and command respect.

Pei Yun didn't mince words or hesitate; she readily agreed.

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "If anything happens to Pei Yun, Mao Hongling will lead the troops."

If that day ever comes, it will be clear that the Pei family army lacks the strength and fortune to contend for supremacy, and will simply live a life guarding the territory of the three prefectures!
After several years of training, Mao Hongling was no longer the weak, tearful woman she once was, and nodded in agreement.

Pei Qinghe continued, "Time is of the essence; I must depart tomorrow. Steward Shi, prepare a month's worth of rations for five hundred men."

Shi Yan rose and bowed to accept the order. Pei Qinghe was going to Bohai County for the eldest prince's full-moon banquet, and naturally she would also have to pay homage to the emperor. For both public and private reasons, it was inconvenient for Shi Yan to show his face. This was something the shrewd Steward Shi understood without Pei Qinghe having to say it aloud.

After the meeting, Shi Yan immediately went to the storeroom, took out several thick ledgers, and, after some calculations on the abacus, listed a page of supplies. Besides the necessary military rations, each person needed to bring an extra set of military uniform. They also needed to bring weapons, warhorses, soft armor, bows and arrows, and medicine for wounds, as well as generous gifts for the eldest prince and the emperor. Before turning against General Zhang, they also needed to prepare a substantial gift for the Zhang family.

Furthermore, Pei Qinghe successfully took over Beiping County from the Meng brothers, and this favor was also important. On this trip to Bohai County, he should also prepare generous gifts for the Meng brothers.

Dong Erlang led his men to work all night, moving the supplies onto spacious oxcarts.

These oxcarts were specially made by the Shi family for transporting grain; they were sturdy and spacious.

The fire in the kitchen never went out all night. Bian Shulan led everyone in the kitchen to prepare dry rations for the journey. In addition, several loyal and capable men were to be sent to accompany them. Once they reached Bohai Commandery, the five hundred soldiers would need food and drink every day, and they couldn't expect the emperor to make such detailed arrangements. Everything had to be arranged by themselves.

Before leaving, Pei Qinghe didn't even have time to say goodbye to Shi Yan in private.

Shi Yan and the others saw Pei Qinghe off, watching her ride away on horseback. After everyone dispersed, Shi Yan remained standing silently in place.

The meticulous Mao Hongling stayed behind to gently comfort Shi Yan: "Qinghe is a person who does great things and has no time for romance. Don't worry, she is loyal and righteous and will not let you down."

Shi Yan withdrew her gaze: "I know. The general is an eagle, destined to spread her wings and soar. I will try my best to keep up with her pace. I will never hold the general back."

Mao Hongling smiled and said, "Steward Shi is too modest. You are the most important person under the General."

Only those who truly understand Shi Yan know how shrewd and capable he is.

Those wealthy families who sent their sons, nephews, and descendants to Pei's army, thinking that a handsome face could replace Shi Yan, are truly laughable.

Two days later, Shi Li came to Peijia Village to deliver New Year's gifts, only to learn that Pei Qinghe had led his troops to Bohai County.

“There are only half a month left until the New Year. The general and his entourage will definitely be spending the New Year in Bohai County.” Shi Li said with a smile, “It’s not very interesting for my cousin to stay here alone. Why don’t you go back to Shi Family Fort to spend the New Year?”

Shi Yan replied, "The Pei family army has so many people, and they need to eat and drink every day. They also need to receive double pay during the New Year. I simply cannot get away from them."

Shi Li smiled helplessly: "Yes, yes, you are too important now. The Pei family army cannot do without you for even a day."

Shi Yan nodded frankly: "Logistics and internal affairs are tedious. Others can leave, but I can't. I'll write a letter, and you can take it back to Grandfather. Grandfather will surely understand my predicament."

After reading the letter, Old Master Shi did not say much. He summoned all the stewards of the Shi family and instructed them to go out and buy grain immediately after the New Year.

The Pei family army is expanding rapidly. Pei Yun is constantly recruiting and training soldiers in Beiping County, and now the Guangning Army has also joined the ranks. The pressure on military supplies has increased dramatically. Feeding so many soldiers is no easy task.

The two provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi were not peaceful either, and they could not buy enough grain, so they had to detour to Sichuan to buy grain.

The Shi family has completely aligned itself with the Pei family's army. If the Pei family's army is defeated, the Shi family will also suffer a bad end. Whether for the sake of the Pei family's army or for the sake of the Shi family, they must do everything in their power to procure military provisions.

(End of this chapter)