Xiahou Jiuxiao's arrangements for Hou Yuan's funeral affairs were not merely compensation for the old general. They were also meant to steady the army's morale.
An army like the Dingnan Army nominally belonged to the court, but in reality, it was Xiahou Jiuxiao's private army. As Grand General, he was little different from a warlord, except that he still obeyed the court.
Thus, compensation for casualties among his soldiers was also secured by the Grand General.
Hou Yuan had died today, and Xiahou Jiuxiao had granted his descendants so many honors and benefits. Naturally, when the others died in battle, Xiahou Jiuxiao would not shortchange them either.
Once this news spread, the morale shaken by Andong City's destruction would stabilize again.
Xiahou Jiuxiao pulled the campaign map toward him and said gravely, "Have Yan Qizhong select a thousand men from each city and deploy the Fire-Cloud Long Serpent Formation eighty li behind Andong City.
"Put all the army's formation plates and city-defense equipment under his command. Tell him to hold that position like a nail driven into the ground.
"Also, send orders to the other cities. No matter how the Day-Changing Alliance provokes them during this period, they are to defend only, never attack. Under no circumstances are they to leave their cities!
"At the same time, order Zhao Hongtian, the general defending Ten Thousand Willows City, to activate the 'Prince' contact.
"Since this attempt to seize the city was a trap set by the Day-Changing Alliance, Deep Sea is certainly beyond saving. Have 'Prince' pass along the messages, and tell him to exercise the utmost caution.
"Finally, tell Sang Tianhong, the master of the Nine Abyss Gate, that I accept his terms!"
Zheng Baiyu froze at the final sentence, but immediately nodded and walked straight out of the Royal