700: Rallying (Part Two) [Combined]

The morning meeting ended, but everyone was still reeling from the shock.

After most people had left, Qi Shan looked at Shen Tang with disapproval. "My lord, this is far too risky."

What was so risky?

Shen Tang planned to leave the newly surrendered forces under Qiu Cheng in charge of the home front.

Not only in Sibao Prefecture, but also in part of Longwu Commandery.

As for Minfeng Commandery, their energy, manpower, and time were all in short supply. They couldn't spare any attention for that area for now, so they would simply send people to take over. They hadn't yet worked out any specific governance measures. Most likely, they would wait until the Dragon Slaying Bureau was over before seriously planning its development.

"I know what Yuan Liang is worried about. You're afraid Qiu Cheng's former subordinates will take the opportunity to band together and occupy the nest?" Shen Tang asked.

Qi Shan made no attempt to hide it. "Yes!"

It wasn't that they couldn't put surrendered generals and scholars to good use, but there needed to be sufficient time to observe them and make sure they were truly loyal and reliable, with no ulterior motives. Otherwise, if the fighting went badly at the front and a fire broke out in the rear, they would be utterly defeated.

"Qiu Cheng's bones are hardly cold. Putting them to use at a time like this is indeed risky, but..." Shen Tang hadn't failed to consider Qi Shan's concerns. She simply had her own plans.

"First, they'll only have the authority to govern and supervise, not command troops. Second, I revealed the National Seal at the morning meeting. People choose to betray others mostly because loyalty doesn't offer them enough benefits. If they betray me, they'll have only two paths before