If it were not for an urgent six-hundred-mile courier letter with stern wording sent from the Beiliang Protectorate, Yan Wenluan, the current Commander-in-Chief of Beiliang’s infantry, would not be standing atop the city wall of Xiaguang City, but rather at Luange City. Therefore, when news arrived that the city of Wo Gong had been breached by the vanguard of the Northern Liang army in just one day, the high-ranking military and political officials of Youzhou felt waves of dread. If General Yan had encountered any mishap, then defending the Hulukou Pass would have been utterly impossible. It must be remembered that just two or three years ago, within the military circles of Youzhou, people openly said around tables, “It makes little difference whether Beiliang has a Crown Prince or not, but whether Youzhou has General Yan or not makes a world of difference.” Of course, no one today would dare utter such reckless words.
Yan Wenluan and Chen Yunchui, the two immovable pillars of Youzhou’s military, walked side by side to a nearby ballista nicknamed “Old Brother Jiuniu.” Among Beiliang’s heavy crossbows, the “Jiuniu” and “Erhu” models were heavily deployed across major cities. Yan Wenluan hefted one of the massive bolts, nearly identical to a spear, with a calm expression. Behind him, the hearts of the others weighed as heavily as that giant arrow. According to the established strategy, if the Northern Liang army had only sent 150,000 troops south into the Hulukou Pass, the city of Wo Gong was still expected to hold its ground. However, even though the Northern Liang army’s eastern front forces deployed into Youzhou exceeded expectations by double, the fact that Wo Gong fell in just one day was truly shocking. He Zhonghu, the veteran general personally responsible for the military affairs of the three cities in Hulukou, could still vent his anger by cursing Zhu Mu and Gao Shiqing. Others, however, lacked the courage to do so. In truth, they couldn’t bear to either, considering that all six thousand defenders of Wo Gong had died in battle. The dead deserve respect, and besides, had those men ever brought shame to Youzhou’s army?
Huangfu Ping, with a complex expression, said, “The Northern Liang infantry not only possesses a large number of finely crafted bows and crossbows, but also six hundred catapults. Even after suffering heavy casualties in successive waves of attacks by 20,000 enemy troops, their commander Zhong Tan ordered each thousand-man unit to be replenished to full strength, continuing the assault until Wo Gong was finally breached.”
He Zhonghu sneered coldly, “This is the Northern Liang barbarians honing their troops at the expense of Wo Gong. Even a fool could guess that once they captured Wo Gong, they would dismantle half the city. When they attack Luange, the catapults won’t just fire two volleys.”
Yan Wenluan asked calmly, “Have the eight hundred cavalry stationed in Luange been recalled?”
Huangfu Ping nodded, “They are already on their way back to Xiaguang City. No one expected the Northern Liang’s assault to be so intense, leaving no opportunity for Wo Gong’s cavalry to sortie and harass the enemy. If Zhong Tan hadn’t been so stubborn, the Northern Liang infantry would have suffered at least another two or three thousand casualties.”
He Zhonghu slammed his fist against the city wall, his voice filled with grief, “They were all brave sons of Youzhou!”
Yan Wenluan gently placed the arrow back, and Xie Chengshu, the commander of Xiaguang City, nervously swallowed and bravely spoke up, “General, due to our relocation of the Liuzhou soldiers from both Wo Gong and Luange cities, unrest has arisen in Luange…”
The moment this sensitive topic was broached, everyone, including He Zhonghu and Huangfu Ping, carefully turned to look at Yan Wenluan.
Yan Wenluan’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, “Unrest? Sounds a bit too mild, don’t you think? Come on, Xie Chengshu, you’re related by marriage to Yang Biao of Luange City, so are you covering for him? If I’m not mistaken, the Hupu Battalion of Luange, which used mutiny to threaten their commanding officer, was one of the few veteran battalions in Youzhou. Both of its former commanders, Zhong Hongwu and Liu Yuanji, were trusted subordinates of two old generals. When Zhong Hongwu lost his post, our battalion commander resigned his armor in loyalty. That was bad enough, considering most of Zhong Hongwu’s officers were of that ilk. But as for Xun Shu, who served as a personal guard under the old man Liu Laoye, he shouldn’t have dared to act so recklessly. Tell me, how many of you esteemed officers here are dissatisfied with my decision to withdraw the Liuzhou soldiers from the front lines?”
No one on the city wall dared to breathe heavily, especially Xie Chengshu, the commander of Xiaguang City, and his two deputies, who had already knelt down, unable to utter even a word of apology.
He Zhonghu quickly tried to smooth things over, saying helplessly, “Look at how you’re talking, putting on that fierce expression. Who would dare to speak honestly with you like this?”
Yan Wenluan said nothing.
He Zhonghu sighed, smiled at the three officers from Xiaguang City, and kindly said, “Get up, all of you. The General has said countless times that a man’s knees are not meant for kneeling to others. Two of you have even been to Qingliang Mountain and met the General face-to-face. Didn’t he always just ask you to salute with a fist each time?”
Yan Wenluan suddenly said, “Remove the name of the Hupu Battalion.”
At this, even He Zhonghu’s face changed dramatically, let alone Xie Chengshu and the others still kneeling.
In Beiliang, if a veteran battalion suffered defeat, or even if they won but their results were inferior to other veteran battalions, it was like being stabbed with a knife. But to have their battalion name removed? That was worse than death! In Beiliang, even if a veteran battalion was wiped out to the last man, they could still retain their name. In fact, all veteran battalions loved to compete with each other. Over the years, they first compared who had killed the most enemies, then who had superior combat effectiveness, and finally, even how many times their entire battalion had been wiped out. Those who excelled in this last category could command genuine respect. Take for example the Xian Deng Battalion, which shared the same seniority as the Lotus Seed Battalion, the Partridge Battalion, and the Great Horse Battalion. It had won the top honor by being wiped out the most times. For decades, it had proudly claimed the title of the first veteran battalion in Beiliang. Even a lowly soldier from this battalion would look down on officers from other battalions, even if they were commandants or colonels. This led to a strange phenomenon in the Beiliang border army that outsiders could never understand: often, a “colonel in this life, a general in the next.” This meant that the commanders of these veteran battalions preferred to remain colonels for their entire lives rather than take on higher-ranking general positions, saving that for their next life.
Removing the name of the Hupu Battalion meant that the battalion would cease to exist forever, rendering all the efforts of the fallen and retired soldiers in vain.
Especially for those fallen heroes who died far from home, in the eyes of the Beiliang border army, they would become wandering ghosts unable to find peace for generations.
Yan Wenluan casually spat on the ground, still speaking in a calm tone, “What a bunch of crap. They’re ten streets behind the veteran cavalry battalions of Liangzhou.”
The old general then left Xiaguang City directly.
Huangfu Ping’s expression was strange, but he could not leave Xiaguang City for now. He silently accompanied the infantry commander to the city outskirts and then hurried back to the city wall. Indeed, no one had left, and everyone remained exactly where they were. Xie Chengshu and the other three were still kneeling with their heads bowed. Even He Zhonghu, who was usually good-tempered and approachable, now had a face dark with fury. Lu Zhonghui, the deputy commander of Xiaguang City and also the commander of another veteran battalion, was a middle-aged general whose scars outnumbered the years of his son. Surprisingly, he was there, weeping like a wronged child. Lu Zhonghui’s Dangqi Battalion was a veteran battalion personally forged by Yan Wenluan. Back in the days of the Western Shu campaign, when the rugged terrain made it unsuitable for Xu’s cavalry to maneuver, the Dangqi Battalion had already achieved great feats during the Battle of Xilei Wall. It was hailed for its prowess, with the saying that one step was worth one cavalryman. Even the vanguard general Chu Lushan, who led the famed thousand-cavalry charge into Shu, praised them, saying, “Not only is one step worth one cavalryman, but a thousand steps can block a thousand cavalrymen,” hence the name Dangqi Battalion.
When Yan Wenluan muttered, “What a bunch of crap,” it was not just a flippant remark from someone standing idly by. It was a slap in the face to himself, the supreme commander of Beiliang’s infantry.
He Zhonghu placed both hands on the city wall, his back to the others, and softly said, “With Wo Gong lost, how could he not be heartbroken? Throughout all of Beiliang, who could possibly feel the loss of Hulukou more deeply than Old Yan? Not just Hulukou, but all the infantry of Youzhou were personally trained by him. Do you think he truly wanted us to let the Liuzhou soldiers die first before our own Youzhou men? Impossible. Now, over ten thousand Liuzhou soldiers stationed along Youzhou’s borders, including those from Liangzhou, local Liuzhou troops, and even those settled in Lingzhou, are all watching us at Hulukou.”
He Zhonghu took a deep breath and spoke sternly, “Issue orders to Luange City: strip the Hupu Battalion of its name! All officers from the battalion commander Xun Shu down to the squad leaders are to be allowed to participate in the city’s defense while under disciplinary review! If they feel that this mutiny and rebellion aren’t enough to vent their anger, fine. Let them try to kill Luange’s commander Yang Biao! If that happens, I, He Zhonghu, will personally lead troops to quell the rebellion!”
Xie Chengshu gritted his teeth and said, “I humbly request the General to allow the Hupu Battalion soldiers to redeem themselves and give them a chance to regain their veteran battalion status!”
He Zhonghu suddenly turned around and kicked the commander of Xiaguang City so hard that he flew backward, “At such a critical moment, with such a big disturbance in Luange, do you think only General Yan is furious? Do you think that urgent six-hundred-mile courier letter only warned our General Yan not to risk his life? The Protector of the Beiliang Protectorate, Chu Lushan, has already made it clear, ‘If the Youzhou troops refuse to be disciplined, despite the urgency of the Liangzhou campaign, we can still spare a few capable generals to take over the defense.’ Do you hear that? Chu Lushan already wants your father-in-law out of Luange City! What use is my agreement?”
The supreme commander of the infantry had already left. Although the deputy commander He Zhonghu did not immediately leave Xiaguang City, he was so furious that he quickly stormed down from the city wall.
Huangfu Ping, following behind He Zhonghu, asked, “Could this be going too far?”
He Zhonghu waved his hand and firmly replied, “Our Youzhou army isn’t that delicate!”
Huangfu Ping continued, “Then what about those two hundred ordinary soldiers who, at the time, followed the Hupu Battalion’s lead in the commotion and tried to leave the city?”
He Zhonghu coldly replied, “What’s there to ask? Deal with them according to military law—execute them immediately!”
Huangfu Ping, still following his shadow, asked, “General He, I’m asking about the families of these two hundred men in Youzhou. What should be done with them?”
He Zhonghu paused in his steps.
A long silence followed.
Huangfu Ping softly said, “For these two hundred men, I will record them all as having died in battle. If in the future Qingliang Mountain or the Protectorate asks about them, I will take responsibility.”
He Zhonghu turned around, “Huangfu Ping, what are you trying to achieve?”
Huangfu Ping smiled without answering.
He Zhonghu narrowed his eyes and slowly said, “Huangfu Ping, to be honest, I really don’t like you, the Youzhou General. Even if you did me this favor today, I still dislike you very much. I’ve seen too many clever people like you.”
Huangfu Ping smiled Calmly and said, “If I were truly clever, wouldn’t I just do things without speaking?”
He Zhonghu smiled slightly, turned away, and sighed softly, “If only the Great General were still alive. Even if he didn’t come to Xiaguang City, he should have shown up at the Protectorate. But not now. Not only is he not here, we can’t even see the shadow of our Beiliang King.”
Huangfu Ping wanted to speak but held back, eventually saying nothing.
※※※
Half a day later, inside Luange City, on a martial training ground with its gates tightly shut.
Only a single battalion of soldiers remained.
Two thousand seven hundred and twenty-six men.
All had arrived.
The veteran battalions of Beiliang placed the utmost importance on the “old” tradition. Usually, the number of soldiers at the time of a battalion’s founding determined its permanent strength. Except for a few veteran battalions that had been established with very small numbers, most maintained their original numbers without change.
In the Beiliang army, aside from the Xu family banner under the command of the Great General Xu Xiao, only one other type of unit was allowed to raise a flag bearing a surname other than Xu. In the past, Chen Zhibao, who had risen to the rank of Beiliang Protector, could not raise a Chen family banner, and today, even Yuan Zuozong, the current cavalry commander, could not raise a Yuan family banner. However, the Lotus Seed Battalion could, the Great Horse Battalion could, the Partridge Battalion could, and the veteran battalion that still had the words “Hupu” on its banner fluttering in the wind this morning could as well. But from now on, they would be no different from ordinary border troops of Beiliang.
Lu Zhonghui, the deputy commander of Xiaguang City and commander of the Dangqi Battalion, personally brought a military order and a message to Luange City and the Hupu Battalion.
As deputy commander, he delivered the order to Yang Biao, the commander of Luange City, ordering the Hupu Battalion to be stripped of its name.
Then, as commander of the Dangqi Battalion, he arrived at the Hupu Battalion’s encampment. Without entering, he stood at the gate and said one sentence to Xun Shu, who was weeping openly, “First, let your entire battalion die in battle. Then, when you meet your fallen predecessors below, you can kneel.”
On the martial training ground.
Xun Shu stood at the front, expressionless. Beside him were the Hupu Battalion’s twenty-three commandants and forty-seven deputy commandants, many of whom were still covering their faces with their hands.
Xun Shu said solemnly, “I, Xun Shu, have failed you all. I have failed all those who died fighting in the Hupu Battalion!”
He pounded his chest with his fist, “I don’t understand General Yan’s order. I don’t understand the first part, and I refuse to accept the second! Deep in my heart, I refuse to accept it!”
Xun Shu roughly wiped his face and laughed bitterly, “But refusing won’t help. Are we really going to stage a mutiny, to actually rebel in Luange City, as General He suggested?”
Xun Shu looked at the faces before him and said gravely, “Whether any of you are thinking that, I can’t control. But if anyone dares to do so, I will be the first to kill him! Anyone who dares, come out and fight me one-on-one? First, you can take my position as commander!”
Suddenly, Xun Shu burst into laughter, “As for you brats, I could knock a whole group of you down with just one hand!”
Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted loudly, “Commander, if I kill a few more Northern Liang barbarians tomorrow, can General Yan give us back the Hupu Battalion name?”
Xun Shu did not deceive his brothers. He shook his head.
Suddenly, Xun Shu roared toward the outside of the training ground, “Yang Biao, take your men and get the hell out of here! I am an old soldier of the Youzhou Hupu Battalion, not a rebel! Tomorrow, if I and my brothers don’t kill more enemies than your seven thousand men, I, Xun Shu, will be reborn as your son in my next life!”
Listening to the thunderous curses within the Martial Arts Tournament field, Yang Biao, the city lord of Luanhe City, rubbed his ears and bitterly smiled at the two deputies beside him, saying, “We can rest assured now. Let’s go.”
Before leaving, however, Yang Biao cupped his hands and shouted back, “Mr. Xun, remember this! If in the days to come your killing tally falls short of ours, you better become Yang Biao’s obedient son!”
By the gods, the Martial Arts Tournament field had already echoed with a unified sound of swords drawn from scabbards. Yang Biao hastily led his men away in a blur.
At this time, Hong Jingyan’s Rouran cavalry, as expected, were about to arrive outside Youzhou City first, yet were destined not to participate in the siege.
This naturally also meant that Luanhe City, whose military strength surpassed even the Crouching Bow stronghold, was about to face an imminent deadly battle.
※※※
Along the fifty-thousand strong central line of the Beiman forces, inside the grand general’s tent, a fat man circled around the Sand Table of Beiliang again and again.
No one knew exactly what the Southern Court Grand King was muttering to himself.
Dong Fatso walked to the Sand Table’s depiction of the Western Regions, paused momentarily, then circled around to the Jizhou area, stopping again.
He paused again upon seeing the area between Beiliang and Xishu.
Finally, he arrived at the center of the table, placed both hands on the edge, and softly murmured, “Once the Hu-Lou Pass and Crouching Bow City fall in a single day, the entire Central Plains must now be cursing you Beiliang as a pile of dog shit, cursing your Xu family cavalry for falsely claiming to be the mightiest in the land…”
Dong Zhuo habitually clicked his upper and lower teeth together, “I know you surely haven’t hidden yourself in Qingliang Mountain. You have three choices: break through Liuzhou to the west, go deal with those monks on Langtuo Mountain in the Western Regions, or head to the Xishu border and humbly arrange a face-to-face negotiation with Chen Zhibao, making a painful trade deal for Beiliang, or else head to Hengshui Yinyao in Jinorth, and help Youzhou clean up the mess the new ruler of Liyang has handed you.”
The fat man kept muttering to himself in a low voice, “If you go to Xishu, that’s beyond my reach. If you head to Jizhou, those two thousand mediocre cavalry, which Wei Jingtang couldn’t even make a dent with, won’t be enough to handle you… If you head to the Western Regions, now that would be a real headache. Would I actually assign a Jie Shi or a Great General especially for you, personally leading tens of thousands of troops to lie in wait there? I might be willing, but others wouldn’t be!”
Dong Zhuo began circling the table again.
“How about tossing a copper coin, guessing whether it lands with the character side up or not?”
“No good! How can matters of state be treated like a child’s game!”
“Exactly! Dong Zhuo, you’re the Southern Court Grand King now. You must act with caution!”
“Right! That makes sense! Hey, you lot still standing there like fools—get me a copper coin, quick!”
※※※
As the great fortress of Litian City, the paramount stronghold in the northwest of the Liyang Dynasty, was bombarded by over a thousand catapults, the Beiliang Protectorate headquarters, not far from Litian City, still functioned with swift and orderly efficiency. The Protector even had the leisure to discuss with others beside a sand table depicting the terrain of You, He, and Ji provinces, showing concern for the imminent full-scale battle at Luanhe City. If the Youzhou military still dismissed the stirrings at Luanhe as mere local generals’ squabbles, those standing in the Protectorate hall understood clearly that Protector Chu had developed a strong intent to kill. Had it not been for Xu Weinan’s single remark, Chu Lushan would have already disregarded Yan Wennan’s dignity and dispatched envoys to take over the border defenses at Luanhe.
Because of this, Gu Dazu, the deputy commander of the infantry at the Liangzhou front, had already clashed with Chu Lushan, and many generals, including Zhou Kang, were forced to act as mediators.
Standing before the sand table, Chu Lushan interlaced his fingers in front of his abdomen, lightly tapping the back of his hands.
It wasn’t merely a matter of military talent; one’s position also influenced a battlefield commander’s thinking.
The difference between a general and a strategist—though only a single character apart—was like the difference between sky and mud.
Xu Weinan sat on a chair, a thick blanket covering her knees, with Yuan Zuozong and Qi Dangguo present.
Interestingly, though of different surnames, they were all “family.”
Gazing at the sand table, Xu Weinan softly said, “Based on the casualty figures from Crouching Bow City, even if Yang Yuanzan’s siege tactics are ‘Central Plains’-style, the Hu-Lou Pass can still trade four or five thousand for fifteen or sixteen thousand, even more of the Beiman army. The Hu-Lou Pass becomes increasingly difficult as the battle progresses. However, both sides’ top generals know well that Xiaguang City will be a turning point. Once Xiaguang falls and Youzhou’s gates are thrown wide open, the Beiman will gain more tactical options—cavalry or infantry battles, besieging cities to lure reinforcements, targeting Youzhou’s limited cavalry specifically, or even abandoning Youzhou altogether to fully support their central line forces.”
Qi Dangguo murmured, “If the Beiman had initially taken the bait and focused on attacking Liuzhou, their supply lines would have revealed many vulnerabilities.”
Xu Weinan shook her head, “If they truly attacked Liuzhou, it wouldn’t merely be a supply line issue. Dong Zhuo and that Taiping Decree possess enough skill to turn their supply lines into bait, luring us into a trap.”
Yuan Zuozong nodded, “With a million troops pressing forward on all fronts, it’s as if half the Southern Court of Beiman is sacrificing itself to ensure smooth supply lines. In fact, not only are the two border provinces of Longyao and Longyao bleeding heavily, mobilizing no fewer than a million cattle and sheep, but also the provinces of Juzi and Hexi have already begun moving. With the Northern Court Grand King Tuoba Pusa having quelled internal unrest and begun marching south with his troops into Liuzhou, Beiman has essentially committed its entire nation to this brutal war. Even if we intend to launch a surprise attack, it can no longer be called a ‘surprise.'”
Chu Lushan, whose gaze had been aimlessly wandering the sand table, suddenly fixed his eyes on a certain spot in the Hu-Lou Pass and muttered, “What if…?”
Qi Dangguo couldn’t understand at all. Yuan Zuozong was deep in thought, quickly weighing pros and cons.
Only Xu Weinan decisively rejected, “No, it’s too risky. This goes completely against our original Beiliang strategy!”
Still puzzled, Qi Dangguo turned to Yuan Zuozong, his fellow adopted son of the general, who smiled lightly, “The true significance of the Hu-Lou Pass, beyond merely depleting Beiman forces, holds deeper implications. The Hu-Lou Pass’s unique geographical depth not only benefits Youzhou but the entire Beiliang. At the time, our father and Master Li had made the worst-case scenario plans—if Liangzhou were to fall, there were three retreat options. The first was to retreat into Xishu with the army, relying on Shu to support Nanzhao, which was the best option. The second was to enter the Western Regions through present-day Liuzhou, but that was the worst option, as we lacked a stable foundation there. The third, a middle option, was to hold the Hu-Lou Pass at all costs on the west and north of Youzhou. If necessary, we would seize control of Hezhou and Jizhou, disregarding the Liyang court’s opinion, and forcefully reestablish a horizontal frontline across Beiliang! The key point of this strategy was to treat the Hu-Lou Pass as the Central Plains’ Xiangfan City.”
Yuan Zuozong pointed at the Hu-Lou Pass and slowly said, “The Protector intends to stage a surprise major battle at the Hu-Lou Pass, sending either me or General Zhou with elite cavalry to take out Yang Yuanzan’s western forces in one fell swoop. This would further strain the already insufficient forces in Liangzhou and Liuzhou, making the situation increasingly precarious. However, if we manage to succeed against the odds, the risks would be great, but so would the rewards…”
Xu Weinan solemnly said, “There’s no such thing as luck in this world! We cannot afford to gamble, and Beiliang hasn’t reached the point where such a gamble is necessary!”
Qi Dangguo secretly gave Yuan Zuozong a “you do what you must” expression, while Yuan Zuozong smiled calmly.
Chu Lushan thought for a moment and said, “At our worst, Beiliang’s ultimate plan is to fight until our last reserves are exhausted, forcing Beiman to pay a price of over six hundred thousand troops. That’s not difficult.”
Perhaps if anyone else had said such words—even Zhou Kang, the deputy commander of the Beiliang cavalry—people would have scoffed at such an exaggerated claim. But when Chu Lushan said it, people truly believed him.
Still interlacing his fingers, Chu Lushan slightly bent one finger and pointed toward the northern Ji direction, “Wei Jingtang finally showed some conscience and didn’t abandon Hengshui City. Because Hengshui still stands, Yu Luandao didn’t have to use his ten thousand Youzhou cavalry to attack that Yinyao City, which was nearly handed over to two thousand Beiman troops by Ji Province. Actually, the current situation isn’t too bad. Gu Jiantang at least hasn’t openly told Beiman’s westernmost border forces, ‘Hey mates, hurry up and attack Youzhou. Stop staring at me with those longing eyes all day. Once you leave, I’ll pretend I saw nothing.’ Also, the Liyang Zhao emperor hasn’t ordered the Ministry of Revenue to allow Beiliang’s civilians to change their household registrations, nor has he allowed Hezhou and other areas to act like courtesans, not only refusing Beiliang’s silver but even giving money back…”
Yuan Zuozong lightly coughed once.
Realizing his words might not be appropriate in front of Xu Weinan, Chu Lushan chuckled and quickly changed the subject, “I’m not much of a chess player. But if I played a hundred games with my father, I’d win a hundred times.”
Qi Dangguo rubbed his chin and smiled knowingly.
After the joke, Chu Lushan continued, “Wei Jingtang and Hengqiu City are unpredictable variables. Both we and Beiman were equally unprepared. It all depends on who can seize the opportunity. Besides, the Prince has also gone there…”
This time, Xu Weinan was furious on the spot, directly shouting his name in anger, “Chu Lushan! Have you swallowed the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard?!”
Qi Dangguo was startled and even more confused.
Yuan Zuozong softly said, “It’s too risky. Even if the Prince, with Yu Luandao’s cavalry, decisively defeats those two thousand Beiman light cavalry after a long journey without support, perhaps it would have ended there, at most advancing westward for a few small battles. But once we send additional troops, it would force the Prince and his ten thousand Youzhou cavalry into a major battle outside the Hu-Lou Pass. At this time, Hong Jingyan’s Rouran cavalry have remained inactive. The Youzhou forces, separated by the jagged half of the Hu-Lou Pass, even if our cavalry joined the Prince, it would still be too risky. This risk is even greater than my leading troops to the Hu-Lou Pass to eliminate Yang Yuanzan. It’s too reckless. No!”
Chu Lushan loosened his interlaced fingers, raised his arms, and rubbed his temples with two fingers, staring fiercely at the Hu-Lou Pass, “You think this is me forcing the Prince? No, it’s the Prince forcing us!”
Chu Lushan picked up a bamboo stick and fiercely jabbed it into the sand table at the Hu-Lou Pass, his face twisted with intensity, “The Prince wants to tell Youzhou, tell all of Beiliang, that during this great battle, he, the Beiliang King, he Xu Fengnian, will be right here!”
Xu Weinan seemed to want to stand up, struggled slightly, then sat still, closed her eyes, and silently bit her lips.
Yuan Zuozong smiled happily, his phoenix eyes narrowing with a rare gleam of brilliance, a display of his long-suppressed sharpness since becoming the Beiliang cavalry commander, “Then let’s do it!”
After opening her eyes, Xu Weinan’s expression was calm, her gaze piercing as she looked at the Beiliang Protector, “Can Litian City hold for forty days?”
Looking at the three of them, Xu Weinan solemnly said, “If not, not a single soldier will be allowed to leave the Liangzhou border!”
Chu Lushan coldly snorted, “At the very least!”
Before Xu Weinan could look at him, “White Bear” Yuan Zuozong left her only with a distant back view.
After stepping over the threshold, Yuan Zuozong, who always paid great attention to his appearance, unusually stretched his arms wide, yawned, and shook his neck.
After completing these actions, Yuan Zuozong quickly exited the Beiliang Protectorate.
That very day, a cavalry force of ten thousand silently departed from its encampment.
Among the thirty thousand Beiliang iron cavalry, renowned as the mightiest in the land,
This cavalry force was the mightiest of the Beiliang army.
The Snow Dragon Cavalry!
※※※
A six-thousand strong cavalry force, after a long and arduous march, suddenly appeared outside the Hu-Lou Pass.
At the forefront rode a warrior clad in armor, wielding a spear, and carrying a Beiliang saber at his waist.
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