Chapter 154:

Chapter 154:

A few days later, the three army commanders sat together conversing at the governors residence in Song Zhou City, Su Li, Li Daozong, and Su Dingfang.

Commander, are you certain His Majesty will provide funds to recruit soldiers? Su Dingfang widened his eyes, appearing utterly surprised. He and Li Daozong had long been aware of Su Lis plan. In the past, they might have considered Su Lis plan insane. However, they had witnessed Su Li single-handedly defeating numerous enemies and achieving remarkable feats. After witnessing such grand displays of skill, Su Lis plan seemed like a natural course of action. Having a commander-in-chief who could assemble an army on his own while they reaped the rewards felt like a dream come true. With such robust support, victory would come easily. What more could they ask for?

Although they found Su Lis plan reasonable, they doubted he would receive substantial support from Li Er. The reason was straightforward, Li Er was the Emperor, and no matter how much trust he had in Su Li, he needed to maintain a balance. This was similar to how Li Jing was often given command of only one army during campaigns. While it appeared that Li Er placed great trust in him on the surface, this trust was limited to the military aspect. Even during military campaigns, Li Er didnt always fulfill all of Li Jings requests.

Su Li, leading a separate army this time, already held a high status. After following Li Ers orders to combat the Tubo, he sought additional opportunities to explore the plateau and the northwest. Strictly speaking, this behavior was audacious. Furthermore, both Su Dingfang and Li Daozong remembered the banquet in Lin Yuan Palace the last time. Li Er had personally admitted that if Su Li could decisively pacify the northwest in one battle, he would grant him a title from a different clan. Not only did Su Dingfang, but even Li Daozong, who understood Li Er very well, find this promise unreliable. So, from any angle, Li Er had no reason to demand that Su Li continue his offensive.The source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))

Su Dingfang and Li Daozong were concerned, while Su Li sat there with a smile, composed and calm. This was because Su Li believed that Li Er wouldnt disappoint him. Su Li was prepared to give up if Li Er didnt respond to such an opportunity.

Did being an outsider prince of the Tang Dynasty hold that much allure? Li Ers only sensible choice was to allocate more manpower and resources. However, for Su Li, sending more manpower had one primary purpose, having more laborers to clean up the battlefield. It would add a certain ambiance if they could also send a few outspoken generals to stand on the side and chant slogans.

In truth, Yu Chigong and Cheng Yaojins arrival wasnt orchestrated by Li Er. They had volunteered to witness the prowess of the rumored best general of the current era. As for why they had come, it made little difference to these two. They had heard that in the last battle against the Tubo, the combined efforts of tens of thousands of Tang soldiers paled compared to Su Lis achievements, which was quite astonishing. With such a powerhouse around, following him into battle wouldnt likely lead to any significant military accomplishments.

At this point, Su Li shifted his gaze to behind Cheng Yaojin. And who is this?

Su Li deliberately acted like he had just noticed Hou Junjis presence. He had no choiceever since this individual had entered the room, he hadnt stopped emanating an air of disdain. He looked down his nose at people, clearly not holding anyone in high regard. It remained a mystery why Li Er had placed such a character in his ranks, but Su Li knew who this person was without asking.

Hou Junji, Duke of Chen, was known for consistently wearing an air of superiority on his face. Currently, only Li Er could barely catch his attention. However, even Li Er might not wield much influence over him in a few years.

Junior Officer Hou Junji, I greet the Grand Commander, Hou Junji casually extended his hand in Su Lis direction, not bothering to make eye contact. He emitted a disdainful snort through his nostrils, almost as if that was his version of showing respect. He emphasized the words Junior Officer and Grand Commander.

Unfazed by the attitude, Su Li responded, General Hou, if you have no other tasks, you can assist in organizing and training the youth in the city.

Hou Junji responded with a slight snort, essentially his way of agreeing.