Seeing that Ding Feng was getting a little carried away, Dai Liang hurriedly cautioned him. "I don't know what connection Chengyuan has with that bandit chief, but this campaign concerns the grand plan of seizing Jiao Province. We cannot let a band of mountain bandits casually disrupt our march. This morning, you were the one who proposed taking Jiangpu Pass first—why are your words and actions now at odds?"
"General Dai is right. Being lenient with oneself while harsh with others is not the conduct of a good general." Chen Shi echoed his dissatisfaction. His unit had escorted the grain convoy at the rear and moved slowly; the detour around Qujiang had cost them an extra two hours, and his men had been cursing as they marched.
Ding Feng clasped his fists and explained, "Please hear me out, Generals. It is not that I am lenient with myself and strict with others. The truth is that Guiyang's main force is all north of Qujiang. Zhenyang ahead is merely a small county, and Jiangpu Pass beside it has few troops stationed there. I merely wish to go ahead first and clear the way for the main army."
"Hahaha, so that's how it is. Chengyuan, hurry and give chase—don't let Wang Jin get too far away." Dai Liang laughed and waved a hand.
"Yes." Ding Feng immediately clasped his fists, mounted his horse, and rode off.
Hoofbeats thundered away. Watching the south, Chen Shi asked in confusion, "General, why did you agree? That fellow is clearly making us bring up the rear while he runs ahead to scoop up military merit for himself."
Stroking his beard, Dai Liang smiled. "How much military merit can there be in taking Zhenyang and Jiangpu? Guangzhou City is where the real merit lies. Ding Feng is