During the meal, which extended until sunset, everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Surprisingly, on this occasion, Cheng Mo was completely different from his usual self. He abandoned his previous reserved and distant demeanor, becoming warm, enthusiastic, and generous. He spoke fluently and insightfully about the current situation of the war, pre-war preparations, strategic deployments, and outlined his plans and policies for the future joint development of the land and naval forces in Dongbin. In the midst of conversation, he frequently raised his glass in toasts.
The seasoned generals and capable officers not only greatly appreciated this young marshal but also felt a deep sense of respect for his treatment of them, rough military men who were often looked down upon by the civil officials in the court. The atmosphere was vibrant with camaraderie. As they bid farewell, each of them faced Cheng Mo, raised their right fist to their left chest, and solemnly said, "Marshal, please stay. We take our leave." The title "Marshal" was spoken with genuine sincerity.
After seeing off everyone, Cheng Mo, with a slight intoxication, grabbed Xiang Bei's hand and drew her closer, saying, "Did you see that? These old generals all call me Marshal, they genuinely follow me. Even General Qiao himself personally toasted me. How does that compare to your 'brother' Qiao Ziqiu? He couldn't even keep up with my drinking."
"Yeah, you're the man!" Xiang Bei breathed a sigh of relief as she managed to free her hand, patting her chest in relief, then shifted the conversation to more serious matters. "By the way, you mentioned going back in a few days. Does that mean it's not convenient for me to stay here? I can leave tomorrow if needed. You don't have to worry about me while you're leading the troops into battle."
"Sunrise Resistance Luo Xiaju is originally the residence of the lord of the new city. You can stay here without any worries. The twenty thousand troops of the royal army from the southern expedition, led by your younger maternal uncle, Captain Huo Changlin, will arrive soon. They will be under my command upon arrival, becoming the defenders of Dongbin. I want to go to Zebei Town to meet them, take a three-day rest there, and then head south here with the assembled forces. So, I want to hurry over there." Cheng Mo thought about the unpredictable second son of the Huo family. This time, he would meet him for the first time as Xiang Bei's uncle, so he had to make a good impression.
"Sounds good. Over the past few months, we've completed the first phase of the Same City Roadside Traveler Lodges, with the main parts already in operation. We can leave at any time, just need to resupply and stay at our traveler inns along the way. You haven't seen them yet, so it's a good opportunity to inspect them, Chairman Cheng."
"Alright, I'll make the arrangements tomorrow morning, and we can set off after lunch. Chairman of the board Tong, are you ready to sleep overnight at the same city roadside traveler inn as Chairman Cheng's family?"
"Ah, Lord Cheng, Marshal Cheng, Duke Mo, you're living in ancient times, so maybe be a bit more subtle with your persona."
"Bringing up ancient times again. I really wish I could see what this 'modern' world you talk about is like."
"I wish too, but I can't go back, never ever." Mentioning the modern world amidst their banter, Xiang Bei felt a moment of nostalgia.
Cheng Mo regretted unintentionally mentioning the modern world again, causing Xiang Bei to sink into melancholy once more. He gently pulled her into his embrace, lifting her delicate hand and placing it on his chest, letting her feel the warmth of his beating heart for her. Perhaps then she wouldn't long to return so much?
The next day's lunch was a farewell banquet among close friends, so only Prince Rong and the father-son duo from the Qiao family were invited.
"Older General Qiao, Brother Qiao ZiQiu and I have become sworn brothers in Dongbin. Today's lunch is just a family gathering. We haven't had a chance to congratulate you in person for the exoneration of the Qiao family. Your journey here, rallying your old troops, recruiting new soldiers, and training the navy must have been exhausting. Cheng Mo takes this opportunity to sincerely thank you. Everyone present here is your junior. Whether it's public or private matters, if you have any instructions, please feel free to speak."
"Lord Cheng, you have overwhelmed this old servant. I know that this exoneration was made possible by your efforts. Allow me to express gratitude on behalf of the Qiao family, my eldest son, and the Qiao army. I will drink these three cups of wine in respect." Elder General Qiao had endured ten years of humiliation. He had always believed that his family's grievances would one day be cleared, but he never expected that the one who would contribute the most to their exoneration would be this young Prince from a thousand miles away. Elder Qiao marshaled over fifteen thousand of his old troops, along with five thousand new recruits, without reservation, and integrated them, putting great effort into training them while traveling by boat, all with the intention of handing over a formidable navy to Cheng Mo.
"Elder General Qiao, please call me by my courtesy name Renzai, my in private. After the meal, Miss Tong and I will set off for Dongbin to join the Southern Expeditionary Army. We will spend some time there organizing and coordinating the troops. During these days of training on land and sea in sunrise bay XiaWan, I hope you will oversee matters comprehensively, General Qiao." Since the majestic Qiao naval forces arrived, and he received the seal of authority, Cheng Mo had genuinely felt elder Qiao's sincerity.
"Very well, I will await the arrival of the army here." After their interaction, elder Qiao had a very favorable impression of this Queen's son, who had been absent from the capital since childhood, rumored to be aloof and unapproachable. If his second son could form such a close bond with a leader like him, Elder Qiao could rest assured.