Chapter 96

Cheng Pingzhi clasped his hands in a salute, “Commander Zhang, to be honest, I have come here to ask for your help.”

Xiaomao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, “Lord Cheng, you’ve come to the wrong person. Zhang Xiaozheng barely managed to save his life, and now he’s just a lone commander. I have no men and no money. What could the governor need from me?”

Cheng Pingzhi glanced at Scissors and Wild Dog, “It’s quite a coincidence to see both of you here as well.”

Scissors smiled, but Wild Dog’s nose was still pointed to the sky. As for Hong'er, she had already risen and retreated into the house when she saw Cheng Pingzhi and his men.

“Commander Zhang, regardless of why I’m here, I am still a guest. You wouldn’t refuse to let me in, would you?” Cheng Pingzhi said with a smile.

Xiaomao laughed heartily and gestured with his hand, “Lord Cheng, please. My humble abode is crude and simple, not as grand as the governor’s mansion. Please don’t laugh at it.”

“This courtyard has its own charm. Commander Zhang, you’re being too modest. Though small, it is meticulously arranged, and even I am impressed. Commander Zhang, you may appear rough on the outside, but you are a man of great refinement!” Cheng Pingzhi looked around the courtyard and praised sincerely.

Xiaomao became proud, “Lord Cheng, you’ve praised the wrong person. Zhang can only wield a knife, but when it comes to arranging things, I can only stare. It’s all my wife’s doing. I just put in some effort. Hong'er, Hong'er, come out and meet Lord Cheng. He’s praising you!”

When Xiaomao loudly called his wife to meet the guest, Cheng Pingzhi felt a bit awkward. He and Xiaomao had no particular relationship, and meeting his wife so casually was indeed inappropriate. It seemed that Zhang Xiaomao still retained his old ways from the江湖 (jianghu, the world of martial arts and chivalry).

Hong'er lowered her head and walked out from the back hall. She came to Cheng Pingzhi, gathered her skirt, and bowed, “This humble woman greets the governor.”

“Please, no need for formalities!” Cheng Pingzhi stepped aside and waved his hand, “Madam, please. I have come here to discuss some official matters with Commander Zhang.”

Zhang Xiaomao waved for Hong'er to go inside, then invited Cheng Pingzhi to sit down, “Lord Cheng, let’s be straightforward. I can’t think of anything I can do to help you.”

Cheng Pingzhi looked at Scissors and Wild Dog and smiled, “This matter is related to the Death Corps.”

As soon as he mentioned the Death Corps, Wild Dog’s head turned immediately. Although his nose was still pointed to the sky, his ears perked up, “Commander Zhang, you know that the governor and the Death Corps had some disagreements recently. So now that I need their help, I can only come to you to relay the message. I didn’t expect to meet the two deputy commanders of the Death Corps here.”

Xiaomao looked at Cheng Pingzhi thoughtfully, “What do you need from the Death Corps? In fact, they are still grateful to you. At least until now, they have no worries about food and clothing, all thanks to your generosity.”

“Because of that, I dare to come and visit. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the face to come. By the way, Wild Dog, your head is lower than before, and your nose is almost parallel to the door.” Cheng Pingzhi glanced at Wild Dog with a satisfied look. Indeed, the guy’s head was lower than before.

“Please speak directly, Lord Cheng. I can’t make decisions for the Death Corps, but since the two deputy commanders are here, you can discuss it with them. If they agree, it should be fine.” Zhang Xiaomao’s eyes moved between Scissors and Wild Dog. No matter what, he had to give the governor some face and hear him out.

“Do you three know Yang Yi well?” Cheng Pingzhi asked.

All three laughed.

“Yang Yi’s original patron was the Left Chancellor, Yang Yi and Lord Yang. With this connection, he has had a smooth career and rapid promotions. However, this time, the Left Chancellor has suffered a major setback, taking the wrong side in the imperial succession dispute and being forced to resign. According to what I know, the Second Prince is very displeased with him and may settle accounts with him after the autumn. Yang Yi is likely to face a dire fate.”

“What does this have to do with us?” Scissors said coldly, “The struggles of the powerful have nothing to do with us.”

“You’ve hit the nail on the head.” Wild Dog clapped his hands, “Who cares which prince is in charge? We just want to serve in the army, earn our pay, and fight the enemy. If we can survive and earn enough merit, we’ll go home to our wives and children.”

Cheng Pingzhi ignored the two and continued, “Yang Yi may have heard some rumors. These days, he might have some evil intentions. You have been stationed in Anyang for many years and know that Yang Yi has been the general of Anyang for almost six years, with many followers in the army.”

“What are you worried about, Lord Cheng?” Scissors interrupted.

“Today, I received a secret report that Yang Yi has been secretly meeting with his close followers since last night, even excluding the deputy general, Suxiu. The county troops have also become restless, and there have been several incidents of county troops causing trouble today.”

“A mutiny?” Scissors was shocked, “Does Yang Yi have the nerve?”

Zhang Xiaomao was skeptical, “Lord Cheng, Yang Yi is a cowardly and useless man. How could he dare to plan such a thing? Isn’t he afraid of being exterminated?”

“Even a cornered dog will jump over a wall, let alone a man. Moreover, if the Left Chancellor is completely removed by the Second Prince, what good can Yang Yi’s fate be? I am most worried that he will gather troops to rebel and join the Qin people. Even if he doesn’t have that intention, just letting the troops run wild in the city will cause countless civilians to suffer. Chaos caused by soldiers is worse than bandits!” Cheng Pingzhi looked worried.

“Gathering troops to rebel, I don’t think Yang Yi has the nerve, but letting the troops cause chaos and creating a city-wide disturbance, then escaping, is not impossible. Over the years, Yang Yi has accumulated a lot of wealth. Taking advantage of the chaos in the city, he could escape to the Western Qin with his close family and loyal followers.” Zhang Xiaomao said thoughtfully.

“Commander Zhang, you are right. No matter which scenario, I cannot bear the responsibility. So, after much thought, I can only come to the Death Corps. If the Death Corps moves into the city, with their reputation and combat strength, even if the county troops had ten times the courage, they wouldn’t dare to act rashly.” Cheng Pingzhi stood up and bowed deeply to Scissors and Wild Dog, “I beg the two deputy commanders to consider the safety of the city’s civilians and move into the city to protect them.”

Scissors stood up and returned the bow, “This?”

Wild Dog sneered, “When you need us, you treat us with respect, but when you don’t, you treat us like beggars and kick us out. There’s no such easy thing.”

“Lords, the previous incidents were instigated by Yang Yi. I am not a military man and could only be manipulated by him. Now, I deeply regret it. Even if you don’t remember my past assistance with supplies and weapons, please consider the innocent civilians in the city.”

Seeing Cheng Pingzhi’s weathered face, Xiaomao was moved, “Wild Dog!” he called.

Wild Dog stood up impatiently, “Alright, alright, Xiaomao, I know what you’re going to say. I’m a sick man now and not in the army. As long as Scissors and the monk agree, I have nothing to say.”

Cheng Pingzhi was overjoyed, “Thank you, Wild...” He couldn’t even remember Wild Dog’s real name and was stuck halfway through the sentence.

“He’s called Gan Wei,” Xiaomao said softly.

“Thank you, Deputy Commander Gan.” Cheng Pingzhi bowed deeply again, and Wild Dog limped into the house with a cane.

“Deputy Commander Duan?” Cheng Pingzhi looked at Scissors.

Scissors nodded, “Lord Cheng, rest assured. As you said, for the sake of the city’s civilians, I will discuss moving into the city with the monk. However, please arrange our quarters in the city properly.”

“Of course, of course. I will instruct Deputy General Suxiu to do it. He is my confidant and will arrange everything properly.” Cheng Pingzhi smiled.

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