Munitions Empire

The inherent impression did not affect the construction team of Tang Country in building such structures, because they could provide housing for more people while also facilitating the construction of drainage systems.

General Feng Kezhi had not yet seen what a tube-shaped building looked like, so he knew less about the already transformed King City of Zheng Country than Qian Jinhang, who was beside him.

In his early years, General Feng Kezhi had visited the King City of Zheng Country with his father. At that time, he looked down on that rundown place where every detail exuded an inferiority to the Imperial Capital of the Dahua Empire.

It was like visiting Kyoto in Japan, where you could only see the cramped precision. If you went solely to appreciate this precision, you would indeed feel a comforting sense of "like father, like son."

But, if one had experienced the grandeur of the Weiyang Palace and seen the inherent elegance and luxury of Chang'an, then who could understand their bitter sorrow after those envoys returned from Tang Country?

"We are all remnants of a bygone era. Others respect you by calling you General. Before you learn their advanced ways, it's best to talk less and do more," General Feng Kezhi withdrew his gaze from a distance and advised Qian Jinhang who was already sitting at the bedside.

"Great General, your teachings are correct—I have been studying diligently these past days. I deeply feel the strength of the Tang military and have been cautious and meticulous to avoid mistakes," Qian Jinhang immediately nodded and responded.

"I am not lecturing you; I am speaking from my heart. These past days, I have thought about many things. Everything about Tang Country, which we once detested to the core as rebellious, looks different when you step out of the opposition circle and look back," Feng Kezhi said softly but very seriously.

He did not pause but continued on his own: "Everything that Tang Country is doing now might be another path to changing the world. Although we can't see it clearly or understand it... it might not necessarily be wrong."

"You are able to think this way, which is already much more impressive than Qian Jinhang," Qian Jinhang revealed a smile, half complimentary and half serious, "I only realized the truth of it after arriving in Chang'an."

He paused for a few seconds, as if recalling that miraculous journey: "When I left the Xicong battle zone, I saw crops soaked in mud along the railroad. The farther north I went, the better and more abundant the crops grew. I saw villages with new houses, and I saw magnificent cities and grand railway platforms."

"Honestly, although I don't think those buildings are more magnificent than the palaces of the Dahua Empire, those buildings that seemed like miracles were dwellings for the common people, platforms for the public to travel by train... the difference shocks me to this day."

"I envy you; you saw the scenes I wanted to see. When I can leave here, I also want to see the landscapes you've seen," Feng Kezhi said somewhat enviously.

"Great General, you will definitely see those landscapes," Qian Jinhang smiled, his face full of sincerity.

"Don't call me Great General anymore... I've thought about some things these days, or rather, I've come to understand some things about the Tang military. The title of Great General really feels increasingly ironic," Feng Kezhi waved his hand and told Qian Jinhang.

He forced a smile: "In the Tang military, I might only be qualified to be a Division Commander at best. Besides, the Great General is already dead. I am now just a man without a name, an insignificant person."

…

In the study, Tang Mo smiled as he set aside the recommendation letter that Qian Jinhang had written to him: "It seems that our captive Great General does have some personal charm."

"Qian Jinhang is also unlucky. After Feng Kezhi was captured by us, he had to steel himself to clarify his stance," Prime Minister Roger said with a smile at his side.

Two people, one surrendered and another captured, the one who surrendered held a high position, and it was never too comfortable for him to deal with his former superior who was captured afterwards.

"But based on the past period of usage, this Qian Jinhang still has some capabilities. He has commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, with control over the military and logistical operations of large troops. His experience is immensely helpful to the young staff officers," Luff who was sitting on the other side also said.

"I know... If these old antiques were not so stubborn, they'd actually have room for progress. How could someone who managed to become a general be a fool?" Tang Mo tapped his finger twice on the recommendation letter: "What I'm concerned about is, what position should be given to this Feng Kezhi."

"A civil post... might not be quite suitable, right?" Roger knew that Tang Mo had called him here because it was possible that Feng Kezhi could be temporarily accommodated on the civilian side.

Although it might not be his professional field, a period of adaptation, letting Feng Kezhi compromise for a few years, would help ease the tension on the military side and alleviate awkwardness.

"I think it's better to keep him in the military. On one hand, talents like him are rare, and on the other hand, we should also show some magnanimity," Luff said on the side.

"Then tell me, what position would be comfortable?" Tang Mo looked at Luff and asked, "Four Marshals is something we've already settled on, and the subsequent generals all have their own qualifications. Even old generals like Eric only have the rank of lieutenant general..."

Both Bai Fei and Lu Qianshan were lieutenant generals, and Eric and Qian Jinhang were also lieutenant generals. If a captured person were given the rank of a general, it would somewhat upset many people.