Now that he's become a prisoner, he couldn't be more straightforward. As the attacked party, he first helps Zheng Fan establish legitimacy, then straightforwardly states his willingness to be Lord Zheng's lackey, a backer.
Straightforward, efficient, clean, unlike other surrendering individuals who clearly lack the courage to slit their throats and commit suicide but still want to hold their heads high in the name of unyielding loyalty after being captured.
Zheng Fan became interested, pointed to the Third Prince still kneeling on the ground, and said:
"Continue."
"Lord, this was originally the territory of the Anyang Tribe. Our Naman Tribe doesn't have many troops or people stationed here, but in our Naman Tribe's main territory, we can mobilize twenty thousand warriors!"
Zheng Fan raised his hand, interrupting:
"As I understand it, your Naman Tribe's main territory has just over ten thousand elite troops."
"Lord, you are discerning, but there's also over ten thousand from servant soldiers and troops from subordinate tribes."
Zheng Fan wasn't familiar with the concept of servant soldiers, as he was mentored by Tian Wujing, naturally influenced by Tian Wujing to pursue elite troop strategies.
As for the Naman Tribe's own forces, Lord Zheng didn't think much of them. The wild people's armies only truly show their fighting power in the hands of the Wild People's King; at other times, they're really just average.
For instance, last year when accompanying the Lord on a campaign to the snow plains, thirty thousand Jingnan troops crushed tribes and shattered several wild people's units. If it weren't for the Wild People's King breaking through Snow Sea Pass, Zheng Fan believed he would have continued with the Lord to sweep through the snow plains.
"Lord, there is a batch of people in my tribe under my personal training, who are willing to follow my orders."
This means he can collaborate from inside and out.
Zheng Fan nodded and said:
"Go on."
"Please, Lord, send me back, and I will assist you in conquering the Naman Tribe!
Although without my help, the Naman Tribe is still a bunch of rabble before you, your soldiers are too valuable to bear such losses.
Furthermore, I am willing to serve as your servant, to help you pacify the snow plains!"
"Good, San'er, bring the wine."
Xue Three took out a wine bag, first passed it to Zheng Fan. Zheng Fan opened it, took a sip, then tossed it to the kneeling Third Prince.
The Third Prince received the wine bag,
first knocked his head towards Zheng Fan,
then, unable to contain his joy, picked up the wine bag and took several big gulps,
drinking so eagerly that he choked.
"Cough cough... cough cough..."
Madam Wu immediately crawled over to help pat his back.
"Lord, this wine is truly delicious, hahaha."
Zheng Fan chuckled,
and said:
"The Third Prince's name is quite renowned in the snow plains, even I have heard that the Wild People's King once praised the Third Prince as the Snow Plain's Literary Star, with talent for a future Prime Minister."
The Third Prince said earnestly:
"Lord, I am but a crude wild person of the snow plains, really unworthy of such praise."
"A wild person of the snow plains?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Once, someone said something similar, claiming to be a savage of the desert."
The Third Prince immediately said:
"I admire Left Valley King's spirit, but dare not compare myself to Left Valley King."
"Oh, you certainly know a lot."
"Lord, I enjoy reading and have often exchanged letters with the outside before."
"Wow, truly extraordinary. It seems the Wild People's King was right about you, you are not simple."
"I am willing to serve you unto death!"
The Third Prince shouted.
"Good, you go die then."
Zheng Fan agreed.
At the same time, Xue Three threw his dagger before the Third Prince.
The Third Prince was instantly stunned,
how could it be this way?
Zheng Fan yawned,
slowly said:
"But that Wild People's King once said something else, oh, maybe you didn't know. He said, if I were to attack the Naman Tribe, and encounter you, I mustn't let you go, nor should I believe your words to let you leave.
He said, you're not as good as him, but the difference is just that little burden of your tribe's father and brothers, a small flaw in your personality;
However, once the Naman Tribe is destroyed, and you lose the burden, there'd be another Wild People's King arising on the snow plains someday.
I said, I'm not afraid, if there's another, I'd just deal with him as before.
He said,
but are you afraid of trouble?"
Zheng Fan leaned back slightly,
staring into the blue sky,
answered himself:
"Yes, I am afraid of trouble."
————
Good night, everyone.
Reviews
All reviews (0)