Zheng Fan was momentarily stunned.
So, is this sour cabbage fish?
Zheng Fan hadn’t actually identified the dish as sour cabbage fish from its appearance. Ever since he had awakened, Siniang and the others had improved his daily meals, so he didn’t have much experience with the local culinary customs.
That sour cabbage just now... was it a bit too dark?
Zheng Fan immediately picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks and put it into his mouth.
The taste... This wasn’t river fish; it must be sea fish.
The thing was, Zheng Fan had been allergic to seafood as a child, so he wasn’t particularly interested in such ingredients. Consequently, he couldn’t distinguish what specific type of sea fish this was.
"It seems you don’t like it very much."
"For such things, they should be caught in the morning and cooked by evening at the latest. That’s when the flavor is freshest."
"Yes. The one who gifted this mentioned it took a full month to transport it here from the Qian State, kept on ice the entire journey. Apparently, the southern part of the Qian State is a vast ocean, and the people there can make a living by fishing. It’s a pity that the north of our Yan is desert. Our Yan people can’t very well live by eating sand." The source of this content ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝘯𝘦𝘵
"My lord, I believe there will come a day when our Yan people can also enjoy this delicacy."
Lord Jingnan picked up the cup beside him, its contents—tea or wine, unknown—and took a sip, then said, "The cost of catching seafood on the coast and transporting it here is exorbitant; it’s not something ordinary people can afford."
"What I meant, my lord, is that by that time, the Qian people who fish and eat by the sea today will have become Yan people."
Lord Jingnan pointed at Zheng Fan. "You have quite a silver tongue. It’s a waste for you to be a Commander."
"My lord flatters me."
Is he going to promote me?
"I can write a letter of introduction to Wei Zhonghe for you. You can go and join him. In the future, you might become exceptionally distinguished."
The name Wei Zhonghe instinctively reminded Zheng Fan of Wei Zhongxian.
Zheng Fan suppressed his burgeoning excitement and asked, "My lord, forgive my ignorance, but who is this Master Wei Zhonghe?"
"He is the Chief of the Ministry of Rites in our Great Yan."
Zheng Fan was speechless.
"I’ve finished eating. You continue."
Zheng Fan didn’t stand on ceremony. He ladled some of the sour cabbage fish soup over his rice and, along with the other dishes, quickly finished the bowl.
Dujuan, who was standing nearby, stepped forward to offer Zheng Fan more rice.
"No, thank you. I’m full."
"As a soldier, you must always eat your fill. A full stomach is what truly matters," Lord Jingnan said.
"You are right, my lord, but I truly am full. Besides, I have injuries."
"Oh, that’s right. I almost forgot."
"My lord, the tea is ready," Dujuan announced.
Lord Jingnan stood up. "Follow me."
Zheng Fan followed Lord Jingnan into an inner room, which resembled a study. However, a clothes rack inside made Zheng Fan pause.
The garments hanging on the rack exuded an imposing, noble aura, embroidered with figures that looked like a mix of dragons and pythons.
"Grand Commandant Yang sent not only fish but also a Prince’s robe. He said it was adapted from the court attire of Qian State princes, with modifications reflecting the customs of our Yan region. Along with it was an official document bearing his seal as commander of the three borders, in which he directly addressed me as ’His Highness, Prince Jingnan.’"
"I heard that Grand Commandant Yang is a eunuch?"
Lord Jingnan nodded, walked behind the desk, and sat down. "Indeed, he is a eunuch. Most people believe he rose through favoritism, relying on Lady Yang’s three sisters to gain the Qian Emperor’s favor and secure his position. However, that’s not the case. To reach the position of commander of the Qian State’s three border regions, even a pig would have to be extraordinary."
Zheng Fan suddenly recalled what Liang Cheng had said before the army formation over a month ago: even if a pig were in command of the Jingnan Army, the probability of failing to defeat the Qian State’s border forces would be very low.
Hold it in, don’t laugh.
"My lord, that eunuch scoundrel is trying to sow discord."
"He is indeed trying to sow discord. But do you know, he won’t be able to hold his position as commander of the three borders for much longer? Yet, even now, he persists in these actions. Though he’s a eunuch, I believe that among all the civil and military officials of the Qian State, very few can compare to him."
Why do officials love superficial projects? Because they yield quick political achievements. Few are willing to undertake the diligent, quiet work of laying solid foundations. Once their transfer orders arrive, they pack up and leave. Why make things easy for their successors? Indeed, not many are willing to plant trees for future generations to enjoy the shade.
Lord Jingnan picked up his teacup and continued, "When news of his speech at the front lines that day, and his subsequent inaction, reached the Qian State’s imperial capital, the entire court was in an uproar. The memorials impeaching him for cowardice, fear of battle, and disgracing national dignity have already piled high in the Qian Emperor’s Imperial Study. This Grand Commandant Yang is about to be transferred."
Zheng Fan was momentarily unsure of the meaning behind Lord Jingnan’s words. However, he recalled the conversation he and Blind Bei had shared over a month ago. Blind Bei had ultimately said that as for Lord Jingnan’s true intentions, it was up to you, My lord, to gamble on what they were.
Taking a deep breath, Zheng Fan understood. From being invited into the room, to sharing a meal, to being openly shown this clearly forbidden Prince’s robe—all of this had to be Lord Jingnan’s deliberate arrangement.
An opportunity was laid before him. It all depended on whether he could gamble correctly and seize it.
"My congratulations, my lord!"
"What is there to congratulate?"
"If this Grand Commandant Yang is transferred, his successor as commander of the Qian State’s Three Borders will surely not dare to follow in his footsteps. Should my lord then decide to move against him, he certainly wouldn’t retreat into fortresses and avoid battle as Grand Commandant Yang did. He might even proactively seek engagement! That will be the moment for our Great Yan cavalry!"
Lord Jingnan looked at Zheng Fan intently but didn’t comment on his words. Instead, he pointed at Zheng Fan and said, "You will hand over your duties at Green Willow Fortress. Choose one of your subordinates to assume the position of Commander in your stead. In seven days, it will be the Empress’s birthday. You are to join my personal guard and accompany me to the imperial capital."