Chapter 881: Rewards
Chapter 881: Rewards
After months of war, the dust has finally settled in the Iron Blood City. Lu HaiKong, having completed the burial of the martyrs and the opening ceremony of the Spirit Hall, hosts a grand feast for his generals and the newly arrived small team.
This evening, Lu HaiKong is not discussing official matters; it's purely a celebration. Not only is he hosting these generals, but the entire army, aside from the necessary guard units, is also indulging in their own festivities.
After a challenging battle, Lu HaiKong allows for some relaxation. Despite the lack of supplies delivered after the war, Lu HaiKong deliberately retrieves exquisite wines from his ring's hidden treasure trove to treat his generals.
Indeed, that little girl's talent in this aspect is astonishing. The wines Lu HaiKong retrieves from his treasure trove are excellent in both taste and effect, allowing the generals to drink merrily.
In comparison, the members of the small team seem more reserved when drinking with the generals. Most of them feel the battle aura lingering on the generals, which gradually fades but is still intimidating for ordinary scholars.
However, four individuals in the small team catch Lu HaiKong's attention.
The first is Xun Yan, who even in this setting exudes a carefree and listless air, as if indifferent and lacking in vigor. Lu HaiKong's gaze lingers on him for a moment, silently noting him before moving on.
As Lu HaiKong's gaze shifts, it immediately meets a pair of bright eyes.
These eyes have been fixed on him from the start, and their owners are Guo Jia and Dan Fu, who, upon their arrival, have been observing Lu HaiKong. However, there's a slight difference in their gaze; one is observing, while the other's eyes are filled with pure admiration.
Lu HaiKong nods to the two young men and then shifts his gaze to scan the small team. Among the scholars, only one person causes Lu HaiKong to pause.
That scholar, if Lu HaiKong recalls correctly, is named Sun Yi, a top student from the Li Cai Study Hall.
And indeed, Sun Yi's performance lives up to his reputation. Despite not being accustomed to the battle aura of the generals, he manages to control his emotions and doesn't display any signs of nervousness or insecurity.
Lu HaiKong pays attention to the small team, not just to foster a sense of camaraderie, but also because they are the true heroes of tonight's feast. After months of arduous battles, the hardships these soldiers have endured are unimaginable. Therefore, they fully deserve to be the stars of tonight.
Lu HaiKong's feast tonight is not merely a celebration. After the third round of drinks, Lu HaiKong signals Chen Ping to bring out the list he prepared earlier.
Lu HaiKong glances at the list in Chen Ping's hand and then signals him to put it away.
Subsequently, Lu HaiKong raises his cup and begins the reward ceremony.
After such a grand battle, Lu HaiKong wouldn't simply end with a feast; he must reward his generals.
"This battle, from mid-September until now, relied on the lives of my generals. Iron Blood City has finally been established. My generals sacrificed their lives for Iron Blood City, and I, Lu HaiKong, will not let their blood be shed in vain!"
As Lu HaiKong speaks, he waves his hand, and Chen Ping steps forward, bringing out the list and starting to announce the rewards.
Lu HaiKong is quite generous to his generals, with the main generals receiving rewards of thousands of acres of fertile land and tens of thousands of gold coins, along with some houses and other items.
However, compared to these rewards, Lu HaiKong's generals value weapons and mounts more.
These generals are battle-hardened, and they are in their prime. For them, money and land are not as appealing as weapons and mounts.
Among the generals, only Gao Shun shows some excitement upon hearing about the monetary rewards.
The other generals' expressions change upon seeing Gao Shun's reaction, and some distance themselves from him. They seem ashamed to be associated with Gao Shun, and even the scholars in the small team show a decrease in their regard for Gao Shun.
This is quite normal. Lu HaiKong's generals are in their youth, filled with hot-blooded vigor. To them, Lu HaiKong is their lord, and sacrificing for him is a normal occurrence.
They speak of loyalty. For these young generals, monetary rewards are dispensable. Gao Shun's excitement, on the contrary, makes them feel disdain. Aside from those familiar with Gao Shun, many people feel that Gao Shun lacks loyalty towards Lu HaiKong and is too driven by personal gain.
Action:
In a private moment, Guo Jia and Xun Yan walk side by side, leaving the banquet hall.
"So, not hanging out with your little buddy?" Xun Yan glances at Guo Jia, teasing him.
"I think you should have something to say to me." Guo Jia, gazing at the starry sky as they stroll, responds without turning his head.
"I could have something to say to you, that kid."
Xun Yan chuckles and, after a moment of silence, continues walking without a word.
There's a special atmosphere between them, and Xun Yan knows this encounter will have a significant impact on his friend. He's aware that Guo Jia has his reasons for asking.
"Have you decided to stay?" Guo Jia suddenly asks out of the blue.
Xun Yan, seemingly expecting this question, doesn't show much surprise. Instead, he looks up at the sky and, after a moment, replies, "Perhaps staying wouldn't be bad. After all, that guy is very powerful, and you've seen his generals. Good generals like clouds and fierce warriors like rain. Plus, he's a righteous person. At least, he's righteous to his own people, and working under him would surely be comfortable. Since we have to choose someone eventually, choosing someone strong and easy to get along with wouldn't be bad."
As Xun Yan speaks, Xun Yu turns to look at Guo Jia, "And you, what are you thinking?"
"Me? Let's see..." Guo Jia responds with a hint of uncertainty.
(End of Chapter)
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