Mother, I have returned to the throne.

Chapter 218: Conquer the powerful general!

Song Yuan was delighted to learn about the twists and turns between Huo Jianchuan and Zhou Shen.

For me, this experience is definitely an unexpected gain.

Zhou Shen actually owed Huo Jianchuan a favor, and it was for saving his life.

In this way, the next things will be much easier.

At Huo Jianchuan's invitation, Zhou Shen stayed in the military camp late at night.

In order to convince the other party, Song Yuan naturally did not return.

but.

Song Yuan had said before that drinking was prohibited in the military, and even Song Yuan himself had to abide by this.

In order to circumvent the rules, the group had no choice but to bring their big pot of rice to the workshop.

Speaking of Song Yuan's rule, Zhou Shen, who had been drinking, became bolder and actually spoke to Song Yuan hesitantly.

"Your Highness, today we are under the influence of alcohol and there are some things we should and shouldn't say. How about we just treat it as a casual chat?"

"No problem!" Song Yuan nodded with a smile.

Zhou Shen then continued, "In other places, it's understandable that soldiers don't drink, but in this bitter cold frontier, it's okay now. If we continue to live without alcohol for a while, it will be really hard to endure!"

"When the cold wind blows, especially at night, it's freezing everywhere. Even if you huddle together, you'll freeze to death. Drinking a few sips to warm yourself up gives you the motivation to keep going. Otherwise..."

In border areas, people freezing to death have happened before.

The cold weather here has long left a deep impression on the soldiers here.

Drinking has long been nothing new to everyone.

Even the superiors turned a blind eye and acquiesced to such statements.

Wine can invigorate blood circulation. After drinking a sip, you will feel your body warm for a long time.

With this strength, resisting the severe cold is no problem.

It’s a pity that although Zhou Shen’s intentions were good, when he finished speaking, everyone around him burst into laughter.

"Brother, haven't we said this before?"

Huo Jianchuan immediately stepped forward, patted Zhou Shen on the shoulder, and explained patiently.

"You've only been with the prince for a short time, so you don't know his personality. He doesn't care about other things, but when it comes to drinking, he won't give in!"

"In his words, stop making excuses for me. There are plenty of ways to stay warm in the middle of winter. You can do whatever you want, but just don't bring up the alcohol!"

"Hahaha, so it seems I've overthought it!" Zhou Shen laughed when he heard this and passed over the previous topic.

However, there was no hint of seriousness in his tone while he spoke, and it was clear that he was somewhat indignant about what Song Yuan said.

"You actually have good intentions. I can feel what you just said. To put it bluntly, you're doing this for the good of your subordinates. But sometimes, the bottom line is the bottom line, and you absolutely cannot cross it!"

Noticing Zhou Shen's expression, Song Yuan smiled and expressed his own opinion: "Since I don't allow them to drink, they will naturally find a way to keep warm when the time comes. It's really this thing that is too much of a hindrance. Aren't there enough mistakes caused by drinking every year?"

"You might not see it on a daily basis, but if you make a mistake, it's definitely a big mistake! In my opinion, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, so it must be stopped at all costs!"

"But don't overthink it. Since we're at the dinner table, there's no distinction between the big and the small. Just say whatever you want to say. If I act like a prince, I'd be wrong!"

Song Yuan's generosity immediately won everyone's favor.

The crowd, who had been a little slow at first, finally relaxed after hearing this.

As everyone was talking, under Huo Jianchuan's deliberate guidance, the final topic inevitably involved Zhou Shen.

Huo Jianchuan was the first to speak, and he turned to Zhou Shen and asked, "General Zhou, the prince went to your North Camp before, and when he came back he told me that your kung fu is really good. Even the prince's personal guards are no match for you. With such skills, you are definitely a leader in the army!"

"After learning about this, I'm a little curious. Logically speaking, a talent like you is absolutely rare. Why was you sent to the Beidaying Camp to do this kind of hard work of training soldiers in farming?"

"Oh..." Upon hearing such a topic, Zhou Shen's face suddenly became gloomy and he couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.

Sensing the other person's mood, Huo Jianchuan stepped forward and gently patted the other person's shoulder: "General Zhou, if you have any unspeakable secrets, you don't have to say it!"

"It's not that difficult to tell, it's just a little embarrassing!" General Zhou waved his hand and then began to explain the reason for the whole thing.

"Ultimately, the problem in this matter lies with me. I don't understand the ways of the officialdom, and my words offended people!"

At this point, Zhou Shen couldn't help but take a big gulp of wine, and then he told his past stories.

As a fifth-rank lieutenant general, Zhou Shen's status in the army is definitely not bad.

According to regulations, Zhou Shen can lead 3,000 soldiers alone.

Or, give it to a fourth-rank brigadier general as his deputy.

Before becoming a lieutenant general of the military farm, Zhou Shen had served as a deputy general. At that time, he was in Piaoxue City and was highly regarded.

It was just by chance that Zhou Shen discovered that the general in the city was doing something against the rules.

Many of them colluded with each other and relied on the positions of each other's subordinates to collect empty salaries!

Such behavior is a taboo in the military!

After Zhou Shen learned about this, he did not hesitate at all and informed the commander immediately. The commander could not afford to lose face and punished all those people in the end.

Although the final outcome was quite satisfying, Zhou Shen also offended many people because of it.

So this time, with the development of military farming, Zhou Shen was sent to Beidaying as soon as possible.

On the surface it was a level adjustment, but in fact it was equivalent to severely demoting him!

In a desolate place like Beidaying, the people under the tree are just a group of farmers who are not up to the task.

I'm afraid anyone would take this as a warning.

Treat this past as a scar in your heart.

"This group of people is so despicable! I think the commander might be in league with other generals!"

After hearing the last part, Situ Jing who was beside Song Yuan spoke first. Her tone was clear and filled with a hint of indignation.

"Those generals who drew empty salaries were merely punished, but in the end, you, the one who made the meritorious report, were demoted again and again until you were reduced to such a state. These guys are truly despicable and shameless. I'm afraid that the commander-in-chief is clearly the mastermind behind this!"

"This guess should be correct!"

Huo Jianchuan and others were quite knowledgeable. When they heard this, they nodded immediately, thinking that this was the truth of the matter.

Seeing someone supporting him, Situ Jing regained his spirits. He immediately turned around and said to Song Yuan encouragingly, "As a prince, you must take care of this matter. Later, you should tell General Wei to punish those people severely. Otherwise, you should take action directly and teach them a lesson!"

"Do you think this is a simple matter?"

Song Yuan's expression remained calm as he said, "Everything must be based on evidence. Ultimately, Zhou Shen's previous actions were somewhat alarming."

"You weren't strong enough back then. If you had been so reckless and resolute in exposing them, it would only have helped them discover their own shortcomings. Now, look what happens. If you go back and investigate again, those flaws you discovered before must have already been covered up!"

"Besides, you reported this to the commander-in-chief, and he ended up being involved. This matter involves a lot of things, after all, the interests are quite high. How can you guarantee that this matter has nothing to do with General Wei?"

"If we act rashly and end up having the thief cry thief, wouldn't that be a joke?"

To be honest, from Song Yuan's point of view, there is only one difference in the matter of drawing a salary without working.

That is being discovered or not being discovered!

This situation is common in the military and can basically be said to be an unspoken rule among the major generals. The only difference is that some people cover it up very well, but some people still cannot escape the law in the end.

Ultimately, it's a question of greed or not.

In Song Yuan's opinion, if this matter is controlled to a certain extent, he can make money quietly. Even if the higher-ups find out, they can turn a blind eye and let the matter go.

But for some people, 1/3 of the positions they hold are obtained through idle wishful thinking.

This practice really touches the bottom line.

This is the final tragic ending.

However, the current situation is special. With the war imminent, it is not a foolish thing to investigate such disciplinary issues at this time, even if Song Youji himself is here.

After all, the current situation is still dominated by a war.

As for the so-called justice...it cannot be guaranteed to be late at any time!

After hearing Song Yuan's analysis, Situ Jing, who was originally in high spirits, became like a deflated ball, with a drooping face and took a sip of wine in a bad mood.

As for Zhou Shen, he nodded in empathy: "Your Highness's words are truly resounding. Those guys are despicable and shameless. Even if we wanted to thoroughly investigate this matter now, I'm afraid the evidence would have been destroyed by them long ago!"

"Okay, if you ask me, don't worry about this matter!" Song Yuan noticed Zhou Shen's obsession and stretched out his hand to comfort him.

"Just remember this for now. I'm going to make a promise to you. If I ever find the opportunity, I'll make sure those despicable guys vomit back everything they've eaten, with interest!"

"Yes, that's right!"

Hearing Song Yuan's statement, Situ Jing on the side perked up again: "As for winning a battle without bloodshed, isn't that your greatest skill? I might not believe it if someone else said it, but when you say it, I have full confidence!"

Even the third prince was defeated repeatedly by Song Yuan.

Who are those generals?

Following Song Yuan's guidance, Situ Jing's mood became much brighter for a while.

Even Zhou Shen's tightly furrowed brows relaxed a lot.

Seeing that the relationship between the two sides had been developed to a certain level and was actually mature, Song Yuan didn't want to delay any further and immediately asked about the topic that concerned him most.

"By the way, General Zhou, I do have something I want to ask you. There's something I'm very confused about. Although you made a mistake, if I were to ask you about your true feelings, do you want to be content with the status quo and be content to be a small soldier, or do you want to venture out, risk your life, and accomplish something earth-shattering?"

Song Yuan's straightforward statement is equivalent to extending an olive branch directly to Zhou Shen.

Zhou Shen has become much more sophisticated since he suffered a loss last time. Naturally, he understood what she meant and spoke directly to the point.

"Your Highness said this, you want me to join you, right?"

"That's right!" Song Yuan did not hide anything and nodded openly.

"I'm not just planning on subduing you, I'm also planning on capturing Zheng He from Mohai City and the tens of thousands of soldiers under his command!"

hum...

Hearing Song Yuan's great military strategy, Zhou Shen's face suddenly darkened, and a bold idea popped up.

This prince is so bold that he even tries to get his hands on Mohai City.

What is his purpose in having such a plan?

Could it be that... you want to rebel?

Thinking of this, Zhou Shen's eyes couldn't help but show a bit of shock. He stared at Song Yuan for a long time without saying a word.

As if he had realized what the other party meant, Song Yuan smiled and explained.

"General Zhou, rest assured. The only thing on my mind is to get rid of those barbarians and trample the grassland!"

"As for rebellion, the one currently in power is my father after all. I cannot do something like father and son killing each other for the time being!"

After these words were spoken, Zhou Shen's expression improved a lot.

Seeing this, Huo Jianchuan, who was standing by, quickly offered help.

"General Zhou, if you ask me, in this small frontier, you probably wouldn't be able to find a better general than the prince even with a lantern!"

"I can guarantee that if you surrender to the prince, you will not suffer any loss. And to be frank... even if you don't agree now, this will inevitably end up like this!"

"Think about it yourself. Even if you just want to maintain the status quo, can you guarantee that your men will obey you?"

This……

Hearing this, Zhou Shen couldn't help but pursed his lips.

Only then did I realize something I had been overlooking.

I always wanted to test Song Yuan.

But in fact, how could he have the capital to test Song Yuan?

The morale of the Beidaying army has been completely shaken. It is no exaggeration to say that it will not be long before I am completely sidelined.

At this critical moment, are you still acting like a general?

People have already said this, if you still don’t bow your head, then you are ignorant!

When he thought of the last thing, Zhou Shen's eyes lit up and he stood up with a bang.

"From now on, General Zhou Shen, I will serve the prince at his whim!"

After all, Zhou Shen is still unwilling to be ordinary.

I am skilled in martial arts and still young, so why should I become a small general in charge of logistics?

I also want to achieve great things and fight on the battlefield!

We also want to create a better future!

We should also live a carefree life like the leader of the Tiger Guards, and take pleasure in settling scores!

"Good!" Seeing that a powerful general finally returned to his position, Song Yuan's face lit up with joy!

"From now on, you are mine. I promise you that I can't give you anything else. The only thing I can give you is supreme glory!"

"Sooner or later, those who targeted you will have to look up to you. In the end, they won't even be worthy of carrying your shoes!"

"The general will believe in the prince!"

Faced with the future described by Song Yuan, Zhou Shen nodded with a hint of seriousness.

After all, from the moment he leaned against it, he had no choice.

Now he and Song Yuan have become grasshoppers on the same rope, prospering together and suffering together.

Now I can only bite the bullet and go on with Song Yuan till the end!

Next, the group gathered together to start making arrangements for the future of those soldiers at Peking University.

Suddenly, snowflakes began to float in the air.

The vast expanse of white that appeared before their eyes made everyone stunned at this moment.

Song Yuan's face became even more serious, and his brows were tightly furrowed.

The first snow came earlier than I had expected!

Some things need to be accelerated!