Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 430 Turmoil (Part 3)

"What a disgrace!"

General Song flew into a rage and berated Song Dalang mercilessly: "What did I tell you before we came? Never cause trouble! Look at what you've done today!"

"Jiang Huan caused trouble and was caught red-handed by the prefectural governor's office. He deserved to be interrogated. Who told you to go and demand his release?"

"As it turned out, General Song's prestige was ruined, and he alarmed Prime Minister Pang and Vice Minister Qin, and even attracted General Pei! You've completely disgraced me today!"

Song Dalang was on the verge of tears, struggling to defend himself: "I never expected such a small matter to escalate to this extent."

General Song glared at him fiercely: "You still don't understand? This is no trivial matter! The general originally wanted to establish his authority over the military generals of the north! You just happened to walk into it, and the general has made you the scapegoat!"

"Believe it or not, we don't even need to wait until tomorrow; this story will spread throughout Yan County tonight. My son and I will become a laughing stock."

“Our Pingyang army surrendered to Pei’s army and showed goodwill, and repeatedly sent troops to help General Pei win battles. The merits and reputation we have made have all been ruined by you.”

"How could I have given birth to such an idiot like you!"

Song Dalang looked like an eggplant that had been baked in hot oil under the scorching sun; he was completely wilted.

General Song cursed and scolded, but he was still not satisfied. He then shouted, "From now on, keep your tail between your legs and be more discreet in your words and actions. If you dare to cause trouble again, I'll break your legs!"

Song Dalang lowered his head almost to his chest: "Father, don't worry, I will never dare to do it again."

Just then, a bodyguard hurried over: "Reporting to the general, General Pei has sent a booklet."

General Song took a few deep breaths: "Bring the booklet over."

The guards quickly brought over the booklet.

General Song looked closely and saw that the cover clearly stated the five characters "Pei Family Army Military Regulations". The regulations consisted of five pages, totaling more than six hundred words, which he read in no time.

General Song frowned and called Song Dalang over: "You should also take a look at the military regulations of the Pei family army."

Song Dalang perked up and flipped through the pages one by one, becoming more and more shocked as he read: "The Pei family army's military regulations are so strict!"

He had once led troops and fought alongside the Pei family army, witnessing firsthand their strict discipline and formidable fighting power. However, this was the first time he had ever seen the Pei family army's military regulations.

"The Pei family army has been established for less than nine years, yet it has become the leading elite force in the north. It is truly extraordinary." General Song sighed. "Strict military regulations are nothing special; what is remarkable is that the Pei family army truly enforces these strict regulations. Therefore, wherever the Pei family army goes, it does not harm the people in the slightest and is deeply loved by the people. With such a disciplined army, how could its combat power not be strong?"

Song Dalang thought for a moment, then asked cautiously, "General Pei sent this booklet. Does he mean that he wants our Pingyang Army to reorganize its camp according to the rules of the Pei family army?"

General Song nodded: "That's exactly right."

The father and son were silent for a moment.

"General Pei, if you want to be the true emperor of the North, you must first control and manipulate the armies there," General Song said in a low voice. "The Liaoxi Army, Beiping Commandery, and Guangning Army have already submitted, needless to say. With Lü Feng dead, Pei Xuan became the commander of the Fanyang Army. Gu Lian, Sun Cheng, and Pei Feng each led troops to occupy the Changle Army, Runan Army, and Daifang Army. Add to that Pei Yun of Bohai Commandery, and the direct line of the Pei family army. You calculate how many troops General Pei truly controls?"

Song Dalang silently calculated in his mind, and soon his mouth went dry: "Wouldn't that require an army of 100,000?" "At least 100,000." General Song said in a deep voice: "Once General Pei ascends the throne and becomes the emperor, he will be able to collect all the taxes from the north and continue to expand the army. Even if we have to support 100,000 soldiers, it's not like we can't afford it."

“Our Pingyang Army, as well as the Taiyuan Army, Puyang Army, and Changshan Army, all placed their bets on General Pei long ago, so how could we not obey her orders?”

"She has the ambition to completely crush the Xiongnu barbarians and the ambition to unify the country. It is inevitable that she will use some methods against the various armies. The first step is to impose the military regulations of the Pei family army on the various armies."

Song Dalang's expression was somewhat complicated: "Then what does Father intend to do?"

General Song was speechless, and rolled his eyes at Song Dalang: "What else can we do? I made the decision two years ago, taking the initiative to form a marriage alliance with the Pei family and to send troops to reinforce the Pei family army. Can we turn back now?"

"Since we've chosen this path, even if it's difficult, we must keep going. We must never be opportunistic, and we should never think about things like King Qiao or General Situ. They're always fighting, ignoring the lives of ordinary people and showing no concern for the Xiongnu. They're not worthy of being compared to General Pei."

"You listen to me carefully and remember this. Minor mistakes can be corrected gradually, but you can't be confused about important matters."

Song Dalang solemnly agreed.

……

Pei Qinghe, who had used various means to suppress the Song family, was not in a good mood either. His expression was solemn, and he remained silent.

Prime Minister Pang advised in a low voice, "The north has been in chaos for several years. The military generals, relying on their troops, have each carved out their own territory and acted as local emperors. It will not be easy to bring them under control overnight."

Vice Minister Qin also said, "The general has done enough."

Pei Qinghe remained silent for a moment, then sighed, "There are external and internal troubles, the people are suffering, the bureaucracy needs to be cleaned up, and the army needs to be reorganized. There is just too much to do!"

In her past life, she was merely the leader of a rebel army of over ten thousand men, who controlled most of Yan County. She worried constantly about feeding her subordinates.

Now, she commands tens of thousands of elite troops, many loyal generals, has conquered half the land, and has the assistance of experienced civil officials like Prime Minister Pang and Minister Qin. She is about to sit on the dragon throne and rule the northern lands. It can be said that she has created an unprecedented achievement.

The difference between the two is more than a thousand miles.

Everyone sees her as calm and composed, completely unaware that she also feels somewhat lost, helpless, and flustered. Then, she inevitably experiences anxiety and insecurity, always feeling that she hasn't done nearly enough.

Prime Minister Pang looked intently at Pei Qinghe: "With a thousand things to do, we can tackle them one by one, step by step. General, you have a heart that loves the people, unwavering resolve, and unparalleled bravery. Who can rival you?"

Vice Minister Qin chimed in, "General Song and his son are usually arrogant and domineering, but today, when they were in front of you, they didn't even dare to raise their heads. With such prestige, General, what is there to worry about in achieving great things?"

Pei Qinghe composed herself and gave a self-deprecating laugh: "I was actually a little flustered and at a loss when I got to this point. Fortunately, I had the help of Prime Minister Pang and Vice Minister Qin."

Prime Minister Pang replied solemnly, "It is my honor to assist the general in achieving great things."

Qin Shilang said firmly, "General, you should focus on conquering the world. We, your subjects, are willing to share the burden of the trivial matters of state."

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly, regaining her composure and confidence: "You are right. I am so young, I have plenty of time. If I don't understand something, I can learn it slowly. As long as I am willing, I can always learn it and do it well."

(End of this chapter)