Cha Fuli slowly raised the military tally instead, reining in his smile. "I am the supervising commissioner of the Northern Garrison Army. The court has expressly decreed that Taigu City falls under our command. Why have you not opened the gates?"
Lü Wenhua nodded. "Yes, the court has expressly decreed that... but the grand marshal of the Northern Garrison Army is not you, Cha Fuli. It is Chen Yingyang."
Cha Fuli slowly lowered the hand holding the military tally. Jie Anhuai sighed.
The two of them had discussed this issue as well. It was a difficult one.
Because the nominal supreme commander of the Northern Garrison Army was Chen Yingyang, not Cha Fuli.
Even though Cha Fuli was the supervising commissioner, that post belonged to the court's hierarchy, not the military chain of command.
Jie Anhuai called out, "Generals on the walls, I do not know what Li Qingxian has told you, but I can assure you that you must not let him deceive you. It is only right and proper for the Northern Garrison Army to take charge of Taigu City. We have come here to fight the demons, not to engage in the infighting the rumors speak of. I, Jie Anhuai, pledge this on Chief Minister Jie's name. We are all comrades in arms..."
Cha Fuli nearly slapped Jie Anhuai flying. The fool! Some things were understood by everyone, but could never be spoken aloud.
Before Jie Anhuai could finish, Silent Sword Ren Shihao slowly asked, "Were the Old Royal Army our comrades in arms?"
Jie Anhuai's voice cut off abruptly.
His gaze flickered. He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
Cha Fuli sighed. "Brothers of the Taigu Army..."
"We are not your brothers. Our brothers lie beneath the grass all along both banks