"..."

Mr. Sheng is still the same 'erudite in stance,' 'nonchalantly spouting vulgar jokes' Mr. Sheng, even after such a long time without meeting, he hasn't changed a bit.

The feelings among everyone also haven't changed at all.

After some casual chatting, Tang Fei emptied his cup of Yi Qiushi and said, "I've had someone prepare a salt marsh lamb; tonight I'll personally cook a roast lamb for everyone, a welcome gesture for Mr. Sheng... I've got other things to attend to and can't stay with you."

"Go ahead, go ahead, we know you're a big deal now, a man busy with myriad affairs." Sheng Xinhua waved his hand casually.

After Tang Fei and Little Fatty left, Sheng Xinhua looked at Phoenix and said, "I know you're also busy with affairs, no need to deliberately stay with me."

"That won't do; to me, no one is more important than sister."

"Why didn't you say it a moment ago?"

"Saying it now is the same, isn't it? Come, sister, I'll drink with you."

------

When Tang Fei arrived at No. 11 courtyard, Tang Shengyan was chatting with his wife and children.

His seven-year-old grandson and five-year-old granddaughter surrounded him, occasionally letting out bell-like laughter.

Seeing Tang Fei enter, Tang Shengyan waved his hand, signaling his wife and children to go inside.

"General Tang."

"General Tang, greetings."

"Greetings, Lord."

------

Tang Shengyan's son and daughter came forward to greet him, and his youngest son, Tang Siyuan, shamelessly addressed Tang Fei as 'Lord.'

Tang Shengyan frowned deeply, the old man still held his head high, yet his offspring turned out to be a bunch of softies.

Tang Fei warmly greeted the Tang family, smiling and said, "The old General is enjoying family happiness; am I visiting at an inconvenient time?"

Tang Shengyan glanced at Tang Fei, sarcastically saying, "Under the eaves, one cannot help but lower one's head. Even if General Tang came at midnight, I'd also have to crawl out of bed to serve tea and wine."

"Does the old General have an issue with me? If there's anything the younger generation hasn't done well, the old General must earnestly let me know."

"Then let me ask you, what we discussed before, you only needed to bring out the families of Kong Yinghan and the other senior Flame-Bathed Legion members... why bring out my family as well?"

"Old General, I did it for your own good. Just think, Kong Yinghan is the deputy commander of the Flame-Bathed Legion; he defected... to my bandits... my Tang Fei's army..."

Accidentally slipped the tongue.

I suppose I should watch less of the enemy stations in the future.

They always call them bandits, which Tang Fei thought was quite catchy, so he went along with it.

"Other senior Flame-Bathed Legion members are stepping forward to serve us, yet as the commander, can you maintain innocence? You say you have no involvement with us; does Shen Wuxiang believe it?"

Tang Shengyan blew his beard and glared, saying, "So what if he believes, and what if he doesn't? I, Tang Shengyan, act, why do I need to explain myself to others?"

"Shen Wu trusts me, and I give him face. Shen Wuxiang doesn't trust me; then I'm not someone anyone can trample on."

"But doing this, bringing my whole family out... it's like mud thrown into my pants; even if it's not dirt, it becomes dirt."

"Old gentleman, Blue Star has an old saying that goes: A nobleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. I know, the old gentleman has great authority and direct descendents in the army. Even Shen Wuxiang wouldn't dare easily provoke the old General's might."

"But now Shen Wuxiang is cornered; if he acts against your family, wouldn't it be too late for regrets at that moment?"

"I invited the old General over, firstly out of respect, secondly hoping to leverage the old General's prestige to recruit more talents for me. If something unspeakable truly happens, and white-haired people are sending off black-haired ones, can the old General bear such a blow?"

"The old General should have heard, right? The situation in Phoenix City was extremely precarious, Shen Wuxiang was already prepared to act against the families of the Flame-Bathed Legion leaders..."

"The people he dispatched were the God slaying Sword Guard Wei Qing of Three Sabers, Three Swords, Three Fools; the old General is a Cultivator, you should have heard this name, right?"

"Fortunately, I had Ling Yunxiao lead a large group of experts over for rescue, otherwise I'm afraid the entire Weishan District would have been drenched in blood."

Tang Shengyan was shocked and said, "Shen Wuxiang truly dares to do such heartless things?"

"Can there be any doubt? The old General knows Mr. Sheng Jing, right?"

"Imperial Finance Minister, of course, I know?"

"How does Mr. Sheng Jing's status compare to the old General's?"

"Higher, not lower." Tang Shengyan acknowledged frankly.

Sheng Jing holds one of the Imperial Three Ministers position, already one of the three giants atop the Empire's power pyramid.

Even if Tang Shengyan were arrogant, he wouldn't dare claim his status surpasses Sheng Jing.

"Mr. Sheng Jing also came, just residing next door to the old General."

"Truly?" Tang Shengyan appeared incredulous and asked, "Why?"

"Shen Wuxiang wanted to kill him; I saved him through various means," Tang Fei said solemnly, "If the old General doesn't believe me, you can visit No. 3 courtyard. I think Mr. Sheng Jing would surely welcome you."

Tang Shengyan took his tea cup, drank tea, and even cold tea couldn't calm the anxiety in his heart.

After a long time, he sighed heavily and said, "Shen Wuxiang overreached. The more he hastened, the more mistakes he'd make."

"The old General's still worrying about him?"

"I'm worried about those old brothers in the army, afraid they'll suffer from my involvement and face Shen's cleansing."

Tang Fei fell silent.

He knew such things would happen, but... isn't this the true nature of war?

How can a peaceful transition of sovereign power occur without bloodshed and sacrifice?

"Enough. Enough." Tang Shengyan waved his hand and said, "I don't blame you, people have their destinies; forced endeavors are futile."

"The old General's old brothers are extraordinary people; they will certainly have means to protect themselves." Tang Fei racked his brains to offer this comfort.

Tang Shengyan glanced at Tang Fei, too lazy to continue the banter.

"Did you come for something today?"

"Here to discuss Flame-Bathed Legion's restructuring."

"Such things should be asked of Kong Yinghan, why ask me?"

"I know who truly runs the Flame-Bathed Legion." Tang Fei smiled warmly, "Old General, give me a definitive answer; how long will it take to successfully restructure the Flame-Bathed Legion?"

Tang Shengyan pondered for a moment and said, "It'll take two months, at least two months..... you know, it's not only internal Flame-Bathed Legion restructuring; it's about merging several military branches."

"Even if the system is completed, it needs harmonization and training... You'd need several months of training to maintain combat effectiveness, right?"

"There's no time." Tang Fei said decisively, "Finish restructuring in one month, train directly on the battlefield. Soldiers who've seen blood are good soldiers."

Tang Shengyan knew Tang Fei was preparing for a new round of offensives and needed multi-branched coordination.

Even though he knew it was a bit rushed, there was no better way.

He knew Tang Fei was speaking as a Lord now.

If he didn't comply...

His wife and children are under their watchful eyes.

Have to learn to bow down.

"Fine, one month then." Tang Shengyan said sternly, "A month later, I'll give you a Flame-Bathed New Army that's hard-hitting and resilient."

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