"Then, it seems even more necessary for this subordinate to speak up."
"This is the second time today."
In fact, this method was not originally Zheng Fan’s; it was a pre-existing example from the Qing Dynasty in that other world. Because the Qing Dynasty was established by a minority group that seized the empire after entering through the pass, they understood the grassland peoples better due to their own background. Precisely because of this, they could devise the right remedy for the problem.
For instance, the population reduction method used by the Earl of North Border’s administration on the four Guiyi tribes was actually implemented during the Qing Dynasty to artificially control the population of the various Mongol groups. Every year, barring any mishaps, the Qing Dynasty emperor would travel to the northern regions with royal dignitaries to escape the summer heat. The Mongolian princes and dignitaries would also join them, and they would all have a gathering. They would then arrange marriages for more than ten princesses and award a round of shared dividends. At the same time, the court would encourage, well, vigorous missionary work in the grasslands.
Thus, the nightmare of the grasslands that had continuously troubled the Ming Dynasty, while occasionally leading to rebellions, ultimately did not cause too much disturbance during the Qing Dynasty. The Qing court successfully neutered the proud and fearsome wolf of the grassland—their former comrades-in-arms—turning it into a husky.
Actually, Blind Bei had mentioned another method to Zheng Fan. It was simpler, more devastating, and crueler, fully demonstrating how vicious a blind old scoundrel could be.
But this suggestion was directly rejected by Zheng Fan!
Blind Bei also expressed his complete understanding of this! ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ Nove1Fire.net
"There, it’s starting."
The Sixth Prince gestured towards the front.
Naduo Jiayang was pushed to the front row, forced to witness firsthand the devastation of the Nadu Department and the mountains of his people’s corpses.
Naduo Jiayang collapsed. He began to scream loudly, though it was unclear what he was shouting. Behind him, dozens of his tribesmen who had fled and been captured with him were also crying; their families had also died last night.
Surrounding them, the nobles of the three major tribes, led by their respective chieftains, watched everything unfolding before them. This was an order from the Old Madam; the three tribes dared not disobey.
At this time, a Colonel of the Zhenbei Army was stopped by the Sixth Prince, who asked him some questions. Then, as if showing off a treasure, he rode back to Zheng Fan to gloat, "That one howling at the front is Naduo Jiayang, the young chieftain of the Nadu Department. He was the one who colluded with the Royal Court priests. Last night, the Royal Court priests were performing their rites in his tribe. Isn’t it hilarious? To make things easier for the priests, he even had his own concubine attend to his father in bed, and had the concubine drug him. His father, the chieftain of the Nadu Department, was knocked unconscious. So, when the three tribes attacked the Nadu Department last night, it was incredibly easy. His father was still unconscious even when his head was chopped off."
"Well, at least he passed without pain."
"Colonel Zheng, is your point of focus always so peculiar?"
"Your Highness, this subordinate is merely kind-hearted. I can’t bear to see people suffer."
"I believe you. I truly believe you."
Zheng Fan watched the howling Naduo Jiayang and said, "He truly is a ’great filial son’."
"Yes, indeed. A ’great filial son’."
This reminded Zheng Fan of Ma Chao from the Three Kingdoms period, who was also such a ’great filial son’. He was very similar to the Naduo Jiayang before him, though Naduo Jiayang was far too foolish.
「Once the ’lesson’ was over」
Naduo Jiayang and his men were beheaded one by one by the Zhenbei Army soldiers. The chieftains of the three major tribes could finally close their eyes and depart with their tribal nobles. Many nobles, who had been whooping excitedly while leading troops in battle last night, were now pale and drenched in cold sweat. Evidently, their nerves were a bit slow to catch up; only now did they truly grasp the feeling of ’when the hare dies, the fox grieves’.
It was a mercy from the Old Madam that she didn’t make each of them write an 800-word reflection paper to submit upon their return.
"Alright, let’s head back. Back for some soup, I’m freezing to death."
The Sixth Prince spurred his horse, returning to the oasis with Zheng Fan.
The marketplace was bustling once more, and shops had reopened for business. The mutton today was exceptionally cheap, almost unbelievably so. This was thanks to the Nadu Department, wiped out last night, which had contributed its entire flock of sheep. The Zhenbei Army soldiers would also have a much more comfortable winter; at least, there would be no shortage of mutton soup.
The shopkeeper brought out flatbread and mutton soup. Zheng Fan grabbed some scallions and cilantro, sprinkling them into both his and the Sixth Prince’s bowls. The two of them picked up their soup bowls and started to slowly sip the soup.
After downing more than half a bowl of soup, the Sixth Prince was the first to put down his bowl. He said, "Colonel Zheng, Seventh Uncle wishes to take you as his disciple."
"This subordinate knows."
"But I want you to refuse him."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fan put down his bowl and said very seriously, "I have long heard of Seventh Uncle’s fame and have always admired his character. Now that such a wonderful opportunity is before me..."
"It’s true that I’m an idle prince..."
They both stopped speaking.
Silence persisted for about ten seconds.
The Sixth Prince said, "Why did you stop talking?"
Zheng Fan smiled. "This subordinate was waiting for Your Highness to speak."
"Heh, it’s true I’m an idle prince, but I have a knack for business."
"Your Highness, this subordinate does not lack money. The perfume is my creation."
"I know. But I am the silent owner of the Yan State’s largest trading conglomerate!"
Zheng Fan’s heart grew cold. This meant that, in a later era, the man before him was like a ’Papa Six’ figure. And he didn’t have Papa Six’s troubles because his family name was Ji, not Zhao—oh, no, it was Ji.
"Colonel Zheng, we’ve known each other for nearly three days. I’ve heard that in the Qian State, many couples don’t even meet before their wedding day."
"Your Highness, if you have something to say, please say it. Don’t stray too far from the topic. Or if you must, don’t make it too... tangential."
"Alright, I’ll be direct."
"Very well, this subordinate is all ears."
"In the north, significant events will unfold in the coming years. It’s no longer suitable for your development."
"Go south. Face either the Jin State or the Qian State. They are far gentler and more understanding than the Barbarians. Plus, they are exceptionally hospitable."
"But, Your Highness, this subordinate loves the northern wind, the northern clouds, the northern folk songs. I love..."
"I will fully support you!"
"I pledge my loyalty to the state and will serve until death!"
"You’ve thought it through?"
"His Majesty treats his subjects with profound virtue; this subject will naturally dedicate his life to the state."
"Hold on, what did you call me?"
"No, not that. Say it a couple more times. I like the sound of it."
"Your Majesty is wise and brilliant."
The Sixth Prince slapped his thigh, then stood up and brought his face close to Zheng Fan’s, so close their breaths mingled.
"Colonel Zheng, you truly can’t bring yourself to... deal with yourself with one strike first? I really don’t want to have to personally act against you in the future. That would be too damaging to our rapport."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fan replied, "Your Highness could also learn from the idols in the temples..."
The Sixth Prince was momentarily speechless. He pointed at Zheng Fan and, after a good while, said very seriously, "But you must not usurp the throne!"
"This subordinate can refrain from usurping, but I can’t guarantee my son won’t."
After saying this, they both faced each other and burst into loud laughter.
The other patrons in the mutton soup shop looked at the two of them as if they were a pair of idiots, getting so worked up over a bowl of mutton soup.
The Sixth Prince laughed until tears streamed down his face. He finally had to wipe his eyes with his sleeve, then stood up and said, "I’m tired. I’m going back to sleep. In dreams, one can have anything."
"Your Highness, please don’t leave yet."
The Sixth Prince, who had already left the table, stopped and looked back at Zheng Fan. "Is there anything else?" he asked.
Zheng Fan spread his hands. "Your Highness, you need to settle the bill."