Chapter 723: The Generals’ Secret Plan
Brought back to the main issue by Fan Wanming’s question, Xue Ruhong nodded seriously. "That’s right. This general has discovered the origin of the golden pillar."
Unable to bear the suspense, Tan Pengtai urged, "Stop keeping us in suspense! Hurry and tell us. This general is about to die from anxiety!"
Xue Ruhong helplessly glanced at him, then continued, "The first golden pillar appeared when we enshrined Fairy Bai’s golden statue in the temple. The second appeared when Military Advisor Tuluo was interrogated by the Great General and finally chose to join us."
"The third appeared after the rain-praying ceremony. It was when the long-awaited rain fell, and the people were grateful for Heaven’s blessing and Fairy Bai’s kindness."
At this point, Xue Ruhong asked, "Do you all see the connection between these events?"
Fan Wanming thought for a moment, then realization dawned on him.
Noticing the slight change in Fan Wanming’s expression, Xue Ruhong smiled in satisfaction.
"That’s right. The golden pillar appears when many people feel gratitude toward Fairy Bai or Heaven. Therefore, it is most likely a manifestation of boundless merit."
At his words, Ding Zhenshun and Tan Pengtai were both startled.
After a brief moment of shock, Ding Zhenshun came back to his senses and said, "Now that you have explained it, it does make sense. Each time the golden pillar appeared, it was always a moment before the collective gratitude."
Now that they understood the source of the golden pillar, Tan Pengtai said, "If Fairy Bai came through the golden pillar, then perhaps we really can summon her again by recreating it."
He looked at the others, worry filled his voice as he asked, "But... how do we do that?"
Fan Wanming pondered for a moment before saying, "The sweet potatoes are almost ready for harvest."
Tan Pengtai was confused, but Xue Ruhong and Ding Zhenshun’s eyes lit up.
"That’s right," Ding Zhenshun said firmly. "The day of the harvest will be our chance to bring Fairy Bai back."
Looking at their excited expressions, Tan Pengtai finally understood. "General Fan is right! That’s a perfect opportunity!"
While the four of them discussed how to recreate the golden pillar, the sky gradually brightened.
When the first ray of sunlight broke over the eastern horizon, they finally heard faint movement from inside the commander’s tent.
Turning toward it, their excitement faded, replaced by worry.
"But for now, our priority is to improve the Great General’s condition," Tan Pengtai said worriedly.
Patting his shoulder, Xue Ruhong gave him a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, General Tan. Let’s go inside and check on the Great General first. But remember. Don’t tell anyone about our plan until we are certain about the result."
The others nodded in agreement.
After all, giving someone hope only to take it away is the cruelest thing in the world.
While the generals were waiting outside the commander’s tent, inside, Feng Xiyan finally put down the last report he had received from the shadow guards.
Looking at the stacks of documents, he let out a tired sigh, then stood up and walked out of the tent.
Noticing the tent flap being lifted from within, the four generals stopped talking.
Seeing Feng Xiyan come out, pale and exhausted, they clasped their fists and bowed slightly. "This subordinate greets the Great General."
Feng Xiyan showed no reaction. He looked at the still-dark sky, then turned to the generals and asked emotionlessly, "Is there something important to report?"
Xue Ruhong stepped forward and said, "Great General, after cleaning up the battlefield, this subordinate has sent the weapons and armor to the blacksmiths to be melted down and turned into farming tools."
"As for the warhorses, they have been sent to the stables. They are weak and injured, so it would take some time to nurse them back to their peak conditions."
Listening to the report, a trace of emotion finally appeared in Feng Xiyan’s eyes. "Well done."
After Xue Ruhong finished his report, Tan Pengtai stepped forward. Clasping his fists, he said, "Great General, this subordinate has arranged for the war prisoners to join the construction teams."
"There are currently four ongoing construction projects. With the addition of these war prisoners, we should be able to complete all projects within three weeks."
Two hundred thousand people were no small number. However, the food needed to feed them was also not a small amount.
Feng Xiyan thought for a moment before asking, "General Tan, do we have enough supplies to feed everyone?"
Tan Pengtai smiled slightly and replied, "Great General, thanks to the He Clan’s efforts in reviving the economy, expanding the trading routes, and promoting our new currency, the common people have now regained their stable lives."
"Although the first batch of sweet potatoes is not yet ready for harvest, our current supplies are sufficient to feed everyone for at least three years. By the time we use them up, we will have harvested sweet potatoes at least a dozen times."
"The He Clan has also helped us settle refugees as farmers, open new farmland and roads, and establish trade with other kingdoms, empires, clans, and tribes. As long as the economy remains active, we will not lack supplies in the future."
Tan Pengtai had wanted to mention that as long as the Bai Feng Store still existed, the Feng Army would never run out of supplies, weapons, and money. However, he did not dare bring up Bai Hanyun’s name and changed his words at the last moment.
After listening to Tan Pengtai’s report, Feng Xiyan said calmly, "All of you have done well."
Receiving his praise, Xue Ruhong and Tan Pengtai clasped their fists. "It is our honor to serve you and the common people, Great General."
Now that the supply issue was settled, Feng Xiyan turned to Fan Wanming and instructed, "General Fan, prepare the troops. We will depart for the imperial capital city of the Yu Empire before noon."
Hearing this, Fan Wanming was surprised. Looking at Feng Xiyan’s pale face, he asked with a hint of worry in his calm voice, "Great General, why the urgency?"