Chapter 10, Attending the Banquet

Your Highness, what do you think

After a moment, he heard a heavy sound of footsteps. Only those who have spent years marching and fighting would walk with such weight

Gao Jie scratched his head for a while, then slapped his thigh and said: "Alright, this general shall attend his banquet!"

Zhu Cilang knew that it must be Gao Jie who had arrived, so he opened his eyes

The personal guard reported cautiously: "General, the provincial governor has expressed willingness to provide us with provisions according to the regulations for guest troops."

Lu Zhenfei cast an inquiring glance at Zhu Cilang

Gao Jie held his breath, nearly passing out from the effort

As a superior, one must consider not only the interests of individuals but also those of the nation

Can you not finish your sentence for once?

Chen Jinxing laughed heartily and said: "It certainly won't be a Hongmen banquet, as Dong Weng has not threatened the road governor."

Command General Gao to leave the personal guards downstairs, and he may attend the banquet himself

The meaning of a strategist is not to set up a grand banquet like the one at Hongmen

The Crown Prince inquired, and Lu Zhenfei replied with utmost respect, "In response to Your Highness, there are no outsiders present. Even the Commander of the Militia, Qin Gongming, has not been informed."

"Elder Dong, this condition is not too excessive. Since that provincial governor is willing to provide us with supplies, there is no need for us to 'forcefully collect grain' from our brothers."

Chen Jinxing said with a faint smile: "It is of no concern."

Chen Jinxing squinted his eyes and said calmly, "If the provincial governor had no intention of befriending the general, he would not have agreed to assist with military supplies according to the regulations for guest troops, nor would he have invited the general to enter the city for a banquet. The general may not be aware that scholars often discuss matters over a dining table. Since the provincial governor is willing to sit down and talk with the general, there must be a possibility for cooperation"

Gao Jie was taken aback upon hearing that Lu Zhenfei had conditions, his eyes widening in astonishment like cowbells

The bodyguard said cautiously

The meaning of the provincial governor's order is that you are only invited to enter the city for the banquet, and you may bring at most fifty personal guards, while the rest of your troops must remain stationed outside the city

Oh?

If Qin Gongming were to mock and ridicule at the banquet, it would not be pleasant if it provoked Gao Jie

Then the personal guard received the order and Zhu Cilang closed his eyes to rest

Gao Jie expressed his frustration: "I simply cannot stand the faces of these civil officials. Do they think that those bandits were killed by them? If it weren't for me risking my life on the battlefield, how would they have the luxury to indulge in pleasures within the city?"

He believed that the fewer people who knew about Gao Jie, the better. He certainly trusted Qin Gongming, but someone like Qin Gongming, who came from a military family, might not necessarily hold Gao Jie in high regard

Gao Jie held Chen Jinxing in high regard and, upon seeing his statement, quickly inquired, "What do you mean by this, strategist?"

Today, the entire Wangxian Tower has been sealed off, therefore this person cannot be anyone else but undoubtedly Gao Jie

Although Zhu Cilang is not worried about Gao Jie causing chaos, it is always prudent to be cautious

Gao Jie, upon hearing this, felt his anger subside slightly. He waved his hand and said, "We will definitely take care of Lu Zhenfei. We are not going anywhere; we will stay right here in Huai'an!"

Because the circuit governor can provide what Dong Weng needs. Chen Jinxing paused for a moment and then said: "Dong Weng can also provide what the circuit governor needs, both parties simply take what they require.

Seeing this, the strategist Chen Jinxing slightly curled his lips and said: "Why should the Eastern Lord be angry? It is already rare for this provincial governor to allow the Eastern Lord to station outside the city"

What are you talking about? Does that coward have any conditions?

"General, the provincial governor has stated that we can be stationed in Huai'an Prefecture, but there is one condition..."

He fled all the way here, but the civil officials of various prefectures and counties firmly closed the city gates, refusing to let them enter. Although Lu Zhenfei also did not allow them to enter the city, he at least provided them with food, which allowed the brothers to survive

Although extremely reluctant, Zhu Cilang's words were like gold, and Lu Zhenfei had no choice but to comply. Otherwise, it would be tantamount to defying the orders of the Eastern Palace, a charge that Lu Zhenfei could not bear.

"General, please calm your anger. The provincial governor has stated that we can provide provisions for the guest troops, but I urge you to ensure that your soldiers maintain discipline and refrain from committing acts of plunder against the common people"

Gao Jie slapped his thigh and exclaimed: "Damn it, these literati have so many tricks up their sleeves, I almost got caught in their web."

Gao Jie held the reins with one hand and cursed loudly

... ...

Gao Jie has not yet decided what to do next, and can only take it one step at a time

Gao Jie cleared his throat to mask his embarrassment: "Why does the strategist think that this general should enter the city to attend the banquet?"

Aside from Lord Haoyue and myself, there should be no one else attending this banquet, right

Haha, the governor of the road has graciously hosted a banquet, yet I, Gao, cannot accept such courtesy.

Gao Jieren had not yet arrived, but his presence was already felt. Lu Zhenfei and Zhu Cilang both turned their gazes towards the wooden staircase, where they saw a man dressed in a dark blue silk robe walking up.

Gao Jie scratched his head and said: "What is the point of us entering the city? Is it just to drink a few more cups of flower wine?"

General

Gao Jie swallowed and asked in confusion, "What? He is inviting me to enter the city for a banquet? Didn't he say that I am not allowed to enter the city?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized that Chen Jinxing could also be considered a scholar, and quickly waved his hand awkwardly, saying: "What this general means is not referring to the military strategist"

The provincial governor expressed a desire to invite the general to the city for a banquet

Report! General Gao Jie leads his personal guards to the banquet

It is now the end of March, and the weather is gradually warming up; even setting up a tent outside the city will not lead to death by cold. Currently, there is fierce fighting in the north, with Li Zicheng besieging Beijing. It is said that the Manchus are also eyeing Shanhaiguan, making it truly an uninhabitable place.

Your Highness, this Wangxian Tower is the largest restaurant in Huai'an City, hosting a banquet for General Gao is certainly not a matter of neglect

Gao Jie closed his eyes and let out a long breath, then sighed, "Does He Lu Zhenfei think that we, as his father, are willing to rob for food? With tens of thousands of people to feed, what can we do without military pay if we don't resort to plunder? We can't just conjure up food out of thin air. Well, since He Lu Zhenfei is willing to supply food, we will agree to his request to maintain discipline among our troops."

Zhu Cilang carefully scrutinized this person with a rather legendary personal history. He observed a broad forehead and a thick face, a strong back and a robust waist, a body full of muscle, and an air of heroism between his brows. Just from his appearance, he certainly resembled a fierce general.

Chen Jinxing stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then said aloud: "Dong Weng, this banquet must be attended by you."

Zhu Cilang changed into a lake blue robe, wearing a net cap, presenting a scholarly appearance

Damn it, this coward won't let us in the city!

In fact, Gao Jie was somewhat surprised that Lu Zhenfei took the initiative to offer financial assistance for food.

The Ming Dynasty is already riddled with wounds; if Zhu Cilang wishes to revive it, he must not allow infighting to occur any longer

At that moment, a servant of Lu Zhenfei rushed to the second floor and knelt down to report.

Gao Jie glared fiercely at the bodyguard and said displeased, "If you have something to say, just say it."

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this