Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 257 Alliance (Part 3)

Some things really need to be said openly and clearly, without ambiguity.

General Song gladly took his seat and met Pei Qinghe's gaze: "I also have something I'd like to say to General Pei."

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly: "General Song, please speak. I am all ears."

In terms of military strength and prestige, the Pingyang army was far inferior to the Pei family army. General Song took the initiative to arrange a marriage, betrothing his beloved daughter to the Pei family. Such an alliance, from the very beginning, had the intention of showing goodwill.

General Song was straightforward and didn't mince words, saying, "The alliance between the two armies is actually beneficial to our Pingyang County. If we lack food or supplies in the future, or if we encounter a formidable enemy, I will not stand on ceremony with General Pei and will definitely ask for help."

"The reverse is also true. If Pei's army is in trouble, our Pingyang army will not stand idly by."

Pei Qinghe nodded: "What General Song said is exactly what I was thinking." After a pause, she slowly asked: "What does General Song think of the Bohai Army?"

General Song commented realistically: "They are certainly much stronger than our Pingyang army, with ten times our strength. Even ants can kill an elephant if there are enough of them. With enough soldiers, you can win a battle by sheer numbers. However, the Bohai army's discipline is too poor; they are far from being truly elite troops."

Even General Song, whose own army was known for its mediocre discipline, complained about the poor discipline of the Bohai Army. This gives you an idea of ​​how infamous the Bohai Army was within Jizhou.

Pei Qinghe said, "So what about the Zhang father and son?"

General Song coughed twice, and his speech suddenly became much more cautious: "General Zhang has the merit of supporting the emperor's ascension to the throne, as well as the merit of fighting bravely to defend the city. He is deeply trusted and valued by the emperor. Young Master Zhang is serving as the Vice Minister of Revenue. He is a young and talented man. I admire both of them very much."

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "There is no one else here but General Song and me. What we said tonight will not be heard by a third party. General Song need not worry."

General Song seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "Then I will speak the truth. In matters of state, General Zhang can make decisions with a single word, and the Emperor listens to General Zhang's advice without question. This is truly contrary to the duty of a subject."

Pei Qinghe's eyes flashed, and he suddenly uttered a startling statement: "Within three to five years, there will be a major upheaval in Bohai Prefecture."

General Song's expression changed abruptly, and he reflexively looked around.

"General, rest assured, Pei Yan is guarding my tent; not even a fly can get through." Pei Qinghe said calmly, "Actually, anyone with eyes can see that the Emperor is in a precarious situation, and chaos in the north is only a matter of time. General Song went to Bohai County and was so eager to form an alliance with my Pei family through marriage; isn't that because he saw through the wolfish ambitions of the Zhang father and son?"

General Song was speechless.

Pei Qinghe's dark eyes shone brightly in the candlelight: "True gold is made in fire, and heroes emerge in troubled times. I, Pei Qinghe, neither like nor need to boast. The world has seen the true strength of the Pei family army."

"I assure General Song that he has made the right decision and will never regret it."

How can this still be considered an alliance?
It's clearly the Pingyang army that's here to win him over!
General Song was speechless again, still somewhat unwilling. After a moment of deliberation, he finally spoke, "It is a blessing for the Pingyang Army to be able to stand together with the Pei family army."

Mutual support and assistance also imply equality of status. This shows that General Song is not yet willing to join the Pei family army.

Pei Qinghe was not disappointed. To raise one's arm and have all the heroes of the world bow down is a dream come true. Conquering the world is not something that can be done overnight; a steady, step-by-step approach is best.

Pei Qinghe poured two cups of tea, picked one up for herself, and handed the other to General Song: "I offer this cup of tea in place of wine to General Song."

General Song picked up his teacup and gently tapped it against Pei Qinghe's, producing a crisp sound: "I toast General Pei!"

The two drank the tea in their bowls in one gulp, and the alliance was thus established.

After returning to his military tent, General Song summoned his three sons and instructed them to take good care of the Pei family.

Song Dalang couldn't help but sigh, "Father, I don't know how the younger generation of the Pei family trained, they are all very powerful. General Pei goes without saying, Pei Yan, Pei Zhi and Pei Xuan are all good fighters."

The two brothers chimed in, "That's right! Yesterday, when we sparred in the training ground, all three of us brothers were defeated by them. It was a disgrace."

"A grown man of seven feet tall, unable to even defeat a few women. I'm ashamed of myself, even without anyone making fun of me."

"And then there's Pei Feng, only thirteen years old, with superb riding and archery skills and exceptional physical prowess. By the way, he's also read many military books and speaks eloquently about military strategy and training. He's certainly qualified to be our brother-in-law, and he hasn't disgraced my sister."

General Song looked at his disappointing sons and said irritably, "You used to be so arrogant and self-righteous, but how do you compare to the younger generation of the Pei family? I can't even hold my head up high."

Song Dalang said, "How about Father has a go at General Pei's place tomorrow and save face for our Song family?"

General Song was amused and slapped Song Dalang across the face: "You even dare to make fun of your own father. I think you're asking for a beating. I'll loosen your muscles for you."

On that day, in the martial arts training ground inside the palace, General Song had personally witnessed Pei Qinghe display his divine prowess and defeat General Xie.

What's the point of this? What's the point of saving face?
If he really resorts to violence, he'll lose all face.

Song Erlang and Song Sanlang grinned as they watched their elder brothers get beaten.

After his three sons had all left, General Song finally found some peace and quiet. Pei Qinghe's words flashed through his mind again.

"True gold is forged in fire, and heroes emerge in times of chaos." General Song sighed softly, "Whoever can end this chaotic era will be the true master of our land."

"No rush, I need to take another look and think about it some more."

……

Pei Qinghe stayed in the Pingyang military camp for a month, imparting all of the Pei family army's training strategies.

The Pingyang army's combat strength was mediocre, falling into the category of being neither the best nor the worst. General Song's strengths lay in his self-awareness, his lack of arrogance, and his willingness to listen to advice.

Pei Qinghe shared all his knowledge with General Song, who humbly accepted the instruction and became much more diligent in training his troops than before.

Pei Qinghe then specifically instructed: "The people's hearts are like water. Those who are supported by the people's taxes should protect the peace of the people in their region. General Song should also restrain his soldiers and not allow them to disturb the people."

To call it a disturbance is an understatement. The Pingyang army suffers from many of the problems common to modern armies. In Pei Qinghe's view, their discipline is utterly lax. Once outside the camp, the soldiers are practically bandits.

General Song was slightly embarrassed, but smiled and replied, "General Pei is right. I will strictly enforce military discipline from now on."

Since things weren't truly under control yet, Pei Qinghe didn't want to say anything more. She smiled and changed the subject, which was embarrassing for General Song.

As they were talking, Pei Xuan came over with a grave expression and reported, "General, our men have brought an urgent report by fast horse. The Xiongnu barbarians have entered the pass again."

(End of this chapter)