Xu Jing then asked many people, wanting to know what happened to Xu Dengyun's body in the end.
But no one knows.
Xu Jing went to the Xu residence again and stayed there for a while.
Then he left the mansion and continued with his work.
The city's garrison was reorganized, the police officers were reorganized, the defenses of the four city gates were arranged, and any remaining enemy forces within the city were eliminated...
Xu Jing still has a lot to do.
On the other side, Guo Jiwang led Zhou Zhengqing into the governor's mansion.
He had already learned of the ordeal that Lu Hongjian's family had gone through.
Inside the main hall, Guo Jiwang stood in front of the chair where Lu Hongjian had once sat and died, quietly looking at the empty seat.
Lu Hongjian first met him at a banquet hosted by the Duke of Gao. Guo Jiwang first met Lu Hongjian on his way to the imperial examination. Lu Hongjian took the initiative to come up to him and chatted for a few words, saying that he admired his talent.
By then, Guo Jiwang already famous in the capital, admired by many, and sought to strike up a conversation with him. He didn't remember Lu Hongjian's name.
Shortly after the imperial examination, Guo Jiwang attended a poetry gathering.
At this point, everyone knew that he had offended the prime minister and dared not get close to him. Only Lu Hongjian took the initiative to come over and offer him a cup of wine.
This time, Guo Jiwang remembered the name Lu Hongjian.
Later, with the help of his Lineage, Lu Hongjian quickly filled a substantive post and left the capital to take up his new position.
Before his departure, Lu Hongjian held a farewell banquet and invited Guo Jiwang, but Guo Jiwang did not attend.
That was the only interaction between the two; they didn't see each other again for more than a decade afterward.
Guo Jiwang thought that this might be a chance to meet again and have another drink.
In my youth, I rode swiftly on the spring breeze, never believing in the possibility of separation in this world.
Little did they know that the toast at the poetry gathering years ago would be the last time they ever saw each other.
Guo Jiwang suddenly picked up the wine jug in his hand, took a few big gulps, and then poured the remaining half-jug of wine onto the ground:
"Brother Lu, the wine you toasted me at the poetry gathering back then was the best wine I've drunk in over a decade... I wanted to tell you that in person..."
After emptying the wine jug, he stood there for a while.
"Grown ups."
Zhou Zhengqing called out from behind, as if he wanted to say something.
Let's go.
Guo Jiwang around, his expression no longer revealing any abnormality.
He strode out of the main hall and headed towards the outside of the mansion:
We still have a lot to do.
That afternoon, Wu Shuangren received the casualty figures for the day's battle.
Seventeen of his personal guards were killed and nine were seriously wounded!
The remaining militia suffered 35 deaths and 28 serious injuries.
Nearly half of these casualties were caused by Ciwen!
"... In this battle, we captured a total of nine relatively intact sets of infantry armor, as well as eleven sets of self-made heavy armor, twenty-two sets of lamellar armor, and forty-seven sets of leather armor."
"In addition, we also captured fifty-three warhorses."
Chen Tie reported to Wu Shuangren.
Normally, Bai Jinhuan Bai Jinhuan would report the post-battle inventory results, but today, while leading his personal guards in armored armor in a fierce battle, he was struck by Ciwen's staff and seriously injured, and is now lying in bed.
Therefore, Chen Tie was put in charge of reporting to Wu Shuangren.
"We must properly handle the bodies of our fallen brothers, and in the future, we must bring their ashes back to Bo County."
Wu Shuangren gave the order, his tone heavy.
The recapture of Yi Prefecture City in one battle, along with the capture of so much armor and warhorses, should have been a cause for celebration. However, upon learning of the casualties among his own men, and the events surrounding Xu Dengyun and Lu Hongjian, he found no joy whatsoever.
"I understand, Commander-in-Chief, don't worry, I'll arrange everything."
Chen Tie said.
Wu Shuangren: "Also, I repeatedly remind the captains below to keep a close watch on everyone! No disturbing the peace, and absolutely no robbery, murder, or other serious incidents are allowed; otherwise, they will be dealt with according to military law!"
Chen Tie stood at attention and saluted. "Yes, sir! I guarantee I will complete the mission!"
Wu Shuangren patted him on the shoulder. "Go on, you've worked hard."
After Chen Tie left, Wu Shuangren continued to lead his men to patrol the city, clearing out the remaining forces of the Mist Hidden Temple and some Mount Liang people hiding in the city.
Until nightfall.
The entire Yi Prefecture City was 'cleaned up', and militiamen from Bo County were deployed to defend the city and various important locations.
Wu Shuangren was finally able to sit down and rest, and he entered an elegantly decorated mansion.
This courtyard was Hong Zhanming's property in the city, but now it's empty and occupied by Wu Shuangren, who is using it as a temporary residence.
I had just sat down and taken a sip of water when someone else walked in.
It was Guo Jiwang.
"Gentlemen."
Wu Shuangren called out.
"Um."
Guo Jiwang nodded, sat down opposite him, and poured himself a glass of water.
"The Prefect of Yi Province, the Chief Clerk, and the Military Advisor all wish to see you, but I told them you are injured and cannot see them for the time being."
Guo Jiwang put down his cup and said to Wu Shuangren.
Wu Shuangren nodded; he truly had no mood to deal with these officials of Yi Province.
"The five militia leaders in Rong Province have already learned that the Yi Province is dead. I told them that they also deserve credit for the recapture of Yi Prefecture City, which temporarily appeased them and convinced them to stay and help defend the city."
Guo Jiwang continued, "You're right to ask Chen Tie to enforce strict military discipline. But actually, your local militias aren't capable of abducting women or committing murder for money yet. On the contrary, the militias from Rong Province might not be so well-behaved."
Wu Shuangren was taken aback, then realized what he meant.
The militia he recruited were mostly tenant farmers, or as Guo Jiwang called them, "honest country folk," so there was no need to worry too much about their discipline for the time being.
On the contrary, the local militias in Rong Province, with their mixed personnel and being located in other places, are the most likely to commit evil deeds.
Bandits pass by like combs, soldiers pass by like fine brushes—this isn't a joke in this era, but a stark reality!
Having paid such a high price to reclaim the city from the bandits, it would be utterly ridiculous to end up with a reputation even worse than theirs!
Just as Wu Shuangren was about to call for help, Guo Jiwang spoke up:
"Don't worry, I've already warned those five militia leaders and instructed Chen Tie to assign several battalions to keep a close eye on them. However, we must show them the proper respect, as we'll still need these people to help defend the city. I've promised the militia leaders in Rong Province that they'll receive rewards in the next few days."
Wu Shuangren was taken aback. "But we didn't bring much money with us on this trip..."
Guo Jiwang interrupted with a smile, "How could I possibly let you pay for this?"
"Um?"
"We rescued the people of Yi Prefecture City from the villains, and Yi Prefecture City should show its gratitude in a way that is both morally and logically appropriate. I have already spoken with those officials, and in the next few days the government will organize the wealthy households in the city to contribute money and grain. Moreover, the wealth left by Mist Hidden Temple in the city is considerable."
"Thank you for your planning, sir."
Wu Shuangren bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.
Guo Jiwang his hand. "I don't know if it's because the occupation was too short, or because the leader of the Mount Liang force still has some conscience and is very strict with military discipline. I carefully investigated and inquired this afternoon, and during the day that Mount Liang occupied the city, not many serious incidents occurred within the city."
Wu Shuangren recalled his encounters with Zhigang and Lin Qian earlier that day and nodded, saying, "That's actually a good thing."
Guo Jiwang smiled enigmatically, "It's certainly a good thing for the common people, but not necessarily for us."
Wu Shuangren understood what the other party meant.
It is said that we risked our lives to save the people of a city from fire and water, but before the fire and water could even rage, this favor seemed less significant.
Those wealthy households who were forced to contribute money and grain might even hold a grudge.
"By the way, what about Mist Hidden Mountain?"
Wu Shuangren then remembered that Guo Jiwang had arranged a large team over there.
Guo Jiwang: "I immediately sent someone on horseback to inform the remaining brigade to evacuate via the side paths. They should be back soon."
Wu Shuangren: "I thought the master would have that large brigade set the mountain on fire before evacuating."
Guo Jiwang his head. "It's not worth it."
Although his plan for Wu Shuangren was to use the lives of those eight hundred monks and the threat of burning down Mist Hidden Mountain to coerce Ciwen into leaving the city, if Wu Shuangren actually did it, he would inevitably be remembered as 'tyrannical'!
Wu Shuangren seemed to be deep in thought.
Guo Jiwang added, "Moreover, if Ciwen is pushed too far, he might lead his men directly to Bo County."
Wu Shuangren's expression changed, and he immediately asked, "Do you think they will go to Bo County next, sir?"
Guo Jiwang his head. "If the enemy leads their troops to Bo County now, it will force you to immediately lead men to hunt them down. They have suffered defeat after defeat, and their morale is very low. They are not yet at their wits' end, and they still have the Mount Liang army behind them. There is no need to gamble everything. I think the most likely scenario is that they will first go to Mist Hidden Mountain to obtain enough supplies, then return to Rong Province to join up with the Mount Liang army, and then come back to fight them later."
Wu Shuangren paused for a moment, then said, "So, what we need to do next is to defend the city?"
"Good. Next, we must make use of all available resources. We need to find ways to mobilize the manpower and resources within the city, as well as the local militias in the other counties of Yi Province."
Guo Jiwang spoke, he suddenly stood up, "I'm going to get some sleep first. We'll discuss it again tomorrow after all the details are finalized."
Wu Shuangren stood up and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."
Guo Jiwang turned and walked out of the house, saying as he went, "Remember to have someone collect a few jars of good wine for me in the city; consider it a reward."
"Must!"
Wu Shuangren called out to the other person's back.
After Guo Jiwang left, he sat down again.
He was exhausted after a long day and should have gone to rest earlier.
But for some reason, I couldn't find peace in my heart.
Wu Shuangren got up, walked out of the house, and onto the street.
It was already curfew, and there wasn't a single pedestrian on the street.
Wu Shuangren soon encountered a patrol of militiamen, who immediately stood at attention and saluted upon seeing him.
"Commander-in-Chief!"
Wu Shuangren nodded. "Do you know where County Commandant Xu is?"
"Commander, I understand."
One of them raised his hand and spoke.
Wu Shuangren waved his hand. "Alright, you take me to find County Commandant Xu, the rest of you continue patrolling."
"Yes."
Wu Shuangren followed the militiaman away.
A moment later, the militiaman led him to the outside of a mansion. "Commander, County Commandant Xu is inside. He instructed us to send someone here to inform him immediately if any emergency occurs."
Wu Shuangren looked up and saw that the plaque above the mansion read 'Xu Mansion'.
He stepped inside.
In the courtyard at night.
Xu Jing, still wearing his armor, sat alone under a tree, lost in thought.
Hearing footsteps, he turned around and saw Wu Shuangren, and immediately asked, "Has something happened?"
Wu Shuangren shook his head. "Nothing, just came to see you."