Chapter 2397: Testing Each OtherEditor: Henyee Translations

The Northwest Army could not be expanded further, especially after recent years of development. The Imperial Court wanted complete control, but most generals were reluctant and concerned.

General Feng could not ignore the opinions of the others and had to address their concerns. If he failed to reassure the generals, problems would inevitably arise.

He and General Xu valued Qi and trusted Shao Yunduan, but they were not the only leaders in the Northwest Army. There were many other generals who needed to be reassured as well.

On Lord Shao’s side, there were also subordinate officials and generals whom he valued. Integrating and aligning the two sides in the future would not be an easy task.

Shao Yunduan was not in a position to address these concerns directly. Any statement he made could jeopardize the negotiations.

Zhang Wenshu was the first to speak. With a friendly and polite demeanor, he echoed Jia Heming’s sentiments, praising General Feng, General Xu, and the Northwest Army. He expressed sincere goodwill and optimism for their future together. Then, with a tactful smile, he shifted the topic and inquired, "I wonder what the Northwest Army plans to do after joining our Lord?"

General Feng remained silent. Instead, it was another general, General Lv, who spoke. Like Zhang Wenshu, General Lv exuded politeness and sincerity, underscoring the Northwest Army’s genuine intentions. However, they carefully avoided directly answering Zhang Wenshu’s question, focusing instead on broader issues. If the Northwest Army were to align with Lord Shao, would it still retain its current autonomy?

General Lv’s question was more direct than anticipated, reflecting the underlying concerns of the Northwest Army.

This was precisely what Zhang Wenshu and Jia Heming had hoped for—clear and direct communication was preferable to ambiguous discussions.

Zhang Wenshu responded, "The Northwest Army, being part of the country’s imperial court, must follow the court’s orders. Otherwise, while it might appear powerful temporarily, it could lead to long-term chaos. Both sides would ultimately suffer. This isn’t alarmist talk—it’s a reality that all sensible generals should recognize after some consideration!"

General Lv and the others were taken aback, and their expressions shifted subtly.

The generals exchanged glances, their thoughts clearly stirred. Although Zhang Wenshu’s words were somewhat disconcerting, the generals present—those who had followed General Feng to this negotiation—were more composed and rational. They did not let their tempers flare in response to Zhang Wenshu’s remarks.

Upon further reflection, they had to concede that Zhang Wenshu’s points were not merely alarmist.

The Great Qin Imperial Court’s incompetence was well known. The repeated rejections for funds, food, and supplies from the three "Emperors" had already created significant friction between the Northwest Army and the Imperial Court.

Years of autonomy had led many generals to increasingly scorn the imperial court, growing more arrogant and resistant to control.

However, the establishment of a new imperial court was inevitable. When that time came, where would the Northwest Army stand?

The new imperial court would certainly not tolerate an arrogant and unruly Northwest Army. If the Northwest Army refused to adhere to the rules, they would eventually come into conflict with the new Imperial Court.

No matter how brave or skilled in combat, the Northwest Army would struggle to overcome the Imperial Court once the world was unified. They risked giving their enemies an opportunity for revenge.

Thus, the Northwest Army needed to make concessions and adapt. It was indeed time for reorganization.

Shao Yunduan responded with a smile, "The Northwest Army has rendered great service to the court, and the court will not mistreat it."

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