Published at 26th of August 2019 11:32 pm

Chapter 20- Joining the Army

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Daji City, when Zuo Canglang followed Wenqi back, it was already the eighth month of the year. The wound on Wenqi's back had, because of the constant traveling, not only had not recovered, but started to swell. Wenqi didn't bother with it, but rather still got up early as usual, taking care of military matters.

Currently, Daji city had been burnt into crisp by Murong Yan during that last battle, and the corpse of the Yu troops had, in the depths of summer, quickly started smelling and rotting. Within the city, lingered a slow and ambulating, persistent and prevalent stink, and the flies and bugs all gathered in swarms.

Zuo Canglang helped the soldiers everyday to pile the corpses together, and then burned them. Some soldiers assisted the civilians in rebuilding their homes. In the city, even the rivers and ponds had a floating humid stench, and clean water had to be drawn from a long distance away.

Usually, Zuo Canglang didn't have anything to do, as Wenqi never stated what her duties were within the army, and nobody officially mentioned her to the leaders.

But Zuo Canglang actually couldn't idle around, and she was like a normal soldier, using cloth to cover her mouth and nose, taking care of the rotting corpses in the city. One by one, the bodies were piled together, and burnt. A rain of sweat and corpse ash stuck to the young woman's skin; a scene that would cause normal people to vomit upon sight, she did not treat as anything extraordinary.

A hundred thousand corpses, using the phrase of corpse mountain or blood sea, were both too frivolous descriptors. Wenqi stood by a temporary tent, looking at that girl that was working busily amidst the rotting corpses. A few commanders followed behind him; he didn't say anything, so nobody had the gall to open their mouths.

As time grew, his assistant commander, Yuan Xi couldn't hold it in anymore, saying, "Marshal Wen, are we going to continue staying here, building homes?" Wenqi's temperament was good, not even minding his words, "It's not me complaining, ah, but we've been troops for so many years, and have been idle for how many years. It was still the previous battle that was something worth a breather. But, after finally winning a victory after such difficulty, the imperial court once again doesn't use its military, this is really......"

He had a face full of dissatisfaction, and once he finally saw Wenqi's expression, he finally shut his mouth.

Wenqi once again looked at the busy Zuo Canglang, asking, "What do you think, how is she?"

Yuan Xi rubbed the back of his head, saying, "Aye, Marshal Wen, we've been in the army for so many years, and haven't even seen a few women. Whether she is pretty or not, currently, let's not talk about. But, if you like her, then......"

Wenqi finally sighed, "Yuan Xi, I'm asking, what do you think about her character?"

Yuan Xi said, "Eh, it's difficult to tell. Usually she rarely talks, but when she's working, she actually puts in effort. Even in this type of situation, she's not even a bit scared."

Wenqi suddenly raised his voice, "Ah Zuo, come here."

Zuo Canglang turned her head, finally discovering that since some time ago Wenqi had already arrived here. She quickly walked over, paying her respects, "Marshal Wen." Wenqi nodded, saying, "This type of hot day, you don't have to do this."

Zuo Canglang took off her glove, and inside, it had already been soaked with a wet oil, with a nasty smell. Her expression was calmed, "The weather is hot, and if the bodies aren't quickly disposed of, if it results in sickness, one fears that it would be even worse."

Wenqi nodded, saying, "His majesty ordered us to retreat to Su Ye, and continue fortifying. And in the night, to begin patrolling. Go and prepare, all of you."

The few commanders all received their orders, but Zuo Canglang looked at them, her expression a bit puzzled. Wenqi asked, "Is there a problem?"

Zuo Canglang said, "If this subordinate is to speak frankly, at this time, Marshal Wen should patrol, but should not fortify." Wenqi raised his brow, and Zuo Canglang continued, saying, "The Yu forces suffering such a heavy defeat, in a short period of time, they will not attack us again, so Marshal Wen should bring the troops towards the Ping Du Gate to the west of Mayi city. In order to prevent an invasion by Western Jing."

Everyone was startled, and Yuan Xi said, "Western Jing and we have signed a suzerainty treaty, and currently they are Great Yan's patron state, so how can you determine that they will attack us?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Because Yu country will send emissaries to Jing, probably exaggerating their own combat abilities. And then, while we had exterminated one hundred and fifteen thousand of their elite, due to this combat, we have also suffered much and don't have much left. And then, they would invite Western Jing's emperor to invade, to partition Yan. Western Jing's emperor already has that type of wolfish appetite for Yan, so he will definitely send troops to gather intelligence. And once Western Jing invades, Gu Zhu, Shan Rong, and Tu He would all believe that Great Yan's era has passed, and all join in."

Everyone's expression changed, and Yuan Xi asked, "That Western Jing, back then had invaded, but they were all, by Marshal Wen, forced out of the gates, and northern Yu was also scared witless by us, and yet they would come again?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Northern Yu won't come again, but will definitely act this way. In this battle, they have suffered such heavy losses, and around them are all wolfish states. For self preservation, whether to incite others against Yan for vengeance or not, they can only make this move. Because only with Great Yan in chaos, will the other beasts not care for Yu Guo, which is also suffering deep injury. When the time comes for the wolves and lions to partition Great Yan, it will be the perfect time for them to get some breathing space."

Once these words left her mouth, everyone was immediately covered in cold sweat. Wenqi asked, "Based on your understanding, how should we proceed?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Marshal Wen should first bring a small detachment of troops, to patrol, towards the Ping Du gate west of Su Ye. Once Western Jing's great generals see Marshal Wen personally, they will know Great Yan has some defensive preparations, and won't be willing to make a move recklessly. On our side, one one hand, we will send emissaries to Gu Zhu, to convince their king to attack Yu country, while on the other hand, we will attack Small Quan Mountain. Currently Yu country's Canyu is leading all his troops to defend the border between Yan and Yu, to prevent us from counterattacking. Once Gu Zhu begins war with them, if Yu country doesn't send troops to defend against Gu Zhu, Gu Zhu will prevail, and if they move troops to defend their rear, we will have an opportunity on our side."

The sun that day was very bright, and on the tips of her hair was all dust and sweat, her face was soft, but her lips were very dry. She lifted her hand, using her sleeve to wipe her sweat, continuing by saying, "No matter between us who succeeds, the other country would still know who the weak one is. Once the other tribes and factions get wind of this, Yu country will definitely fall."

After she finished, for a long time nobody spoke. Zuo Canglang looked at everyone, a bit puzzled, asking, "Did I say anything wrong?"

Wenqi asked, "You are saying, we need to bring some troops to guard Ping Du gate, on one hand, to limit Western Jing, and then, with Gu Zhu, together, invade northern Yu?"

Zuo Canglang frowned, saying, "No, Great Yan's treasury is empty, and can't afford another battle. We are only threatening Small Quan mountain, to limit northern Yu. Once Gu Zhu succeeds, other countries will compete to get a piece of the pie, and Yu country will definitely fall into the chaos of war. We only need to capture Yu country's imperial family's Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin, and then toss Small Quan Mountain's cities to Shan Rong or Tu He. As such, Gu Zhu will first attack, and their casualties would be greatest. And Shan Rong and Tu He's casualties won't be great, but their gains would be the greatest. So among the three of them, there would definitely arise disdain and distrust. No matter if they begin fighting amongst themselves or defending against each other, it would preserve Great Yan from troubles."

Commander Jun Xu Lang asked, "Why do we want to capture Daxi Cheng first?"

Zuo Canglang said, "A land without a leader will only become more chaotic, and additionally, the Daxi clan, in northern Yu's roots are deep, and their reputation is great. Our capturing them into our hands, if in the future we are attacking the old land of northern Yu, we will have confidence in victory."

Wenqi's gaze stopped on her face, and at that moment, she was like a big spotted cat, and only her gaze was moving with a brilliant smoothness. Wenqi said, "Tonight I will bring twenty thousand people to head towards Mayi city; Yuan Xi, receive your orders."

Yuan Xi knelt on the ground, and Wenqi said, "This military matter, will be under your complete command. Zuo Canglang will take the role of military observer. Regarding the matters of combat, once it has started, send immediate word to me."

Yuan Xi and Zuo Canglang knelt and acknowledged the order, "Yes!"

Wenqi took a look at Zuo Canglang, saying, "Everyone's dismissed, but Yuan Xi, stay behind." After all the commanders had left, Wenqi turned around to look at Yuan Xi, saying two statements, "Suye is to the west and Yu is to the north. Although it is within a city, but it is still separated by a long distance. Military news is like fire, and must be reported promptly, but even so, it might not come in time."

Yuan Xi said, "Marshal Wen means......"

Wenqi said, "If we're talking about courage and might, within Great Yan, no one is your match. But if we're talking about knowledge and tactics, she excels you by far. If you run into difficulties with making decisions, you should greatly consider her suggestions."

Yuan Xi said, "Marshal Wen, you know this subordinate, as letting me enter the battle and fight enemies, I am unmatched. But these circular and repetitive matters, I am really...... why does Marshal have to make me responsible?

Wenqi said, "Yuan Xi, she is second highness's person. This person and us, ultimately can't take the same road. That's why you have to use her, but also have to guard against her. Regarding all military matters, you should personally take care of them. You definitely can't cut corners or loose your guard!"

Yuan Xi pulled his hair, a bit bothered, "Yes."

Wenqi said, "Yuan Xi, what I am passing into your hands, is not the military seal or seal of command, and it's also not the leisure of a marshal, but it is the entire morale of the northwest army, and it is all the troops' loyalty, and it is his majesty's many years of grace and trust!"

Yuan Xi's expression slowly turned serious, and Wenqi stared at his eyes, saying, "I don't care who ascends the throne in the future, but the troops under my command, no matter if it is even a single one, must be troops within his majesty's hands."

Yuan Xi's sweat started flowing, "No, no, marshal, what you're speaking of is too serious, I...... my heart will feel a bit uncomfortable!"

Wenqi passed him the military seal, saying, "Promise me, since she is the military observer, she only has the authority to comment on matters, but will definitely not have any military authority!"

When Yuan Xi received the seal, his hands were shaking.

That night, Wenqi brought twenty thousand troops, rushing for the borderlands with Western Jing, Suye city's west, setting camp by the white wolf river. Zuo Canglang accompanied Yuan Xi with the army, heading towards northern Yu's Small Quan Mountain, north of Suye city.

The whole way, Yuan Xi was looking at Zuo Canglang, and Zuo Canglang was observed until she felt uncomfortable, and couldn't help but rub her face, saying, "Did I not wash my face cleanly?"

Yuan Xi only slightly coughed, and then immediately moved his gaze away.

As the troops were marching, Wenqi had asked Murong Yuan for permission, to send emissaries to persuade Gu Zhu. This was the merit of a gifted subject, and in this large battle, Great Yan had managed to exterminate a hundred and fifty thousand of northern Yu's troops. Currently, they were invading northern Yu, so Gu Zhu's king would definitely consider it. Within his words and between his words, Wenqi still mentioned his second highness, Murong Yan.

And although Murong Yuan approved the matter, he still sent one of the crown prince's attendants, Gao Che to accompany the matter.

A few days later, Gu Zhu agreed to invade, and the merit of the persuasion was awarded to the crown prince.

Wenqi silently sighed, but he could not do anything. After the final week of the eighth month, Western Jing once again began amassing troops, but the garrison general, upon seeing that Wenqi was encamped to the west of Suye city, at white wolf river, immediately wavered, and did not advance.

Back then, that one battle between Western Jing and Great Yan, Wenqi managed to, using only thirty thousand men, prevail over Western Jing's one hundred something troops, until their rations ran out, so he couldn't help but sigh greatly. Currently if they fought again, how much confidence did he actually have?

Western Jing, with this hesitation, Yuan Xi and Zuo Canglang managed to lead troops to attack northern Yu's Small Quan mountain. Northern Yu was in the middle of resisting, when Gu Zhu invaded, attacking northern Yu from the east, invading their Yan forest.

Northern Yu was instantly bumbling everywhere, and Gu Zhu easily succeeded. Within a single night, Western Jing's great armies bypassed Suye city, immediately attacking northern Yu's Mayi city. Once Western Jing invaded, the other factions all invaded, and the whole Yu country was, in the span of a short three days, entirely embroiled in the midst of war.

Yuan Xi led on the horse in front, as the infantry captured Small Quan mountain. Zuo Canglang said, "Give up on holding the city, and pursue Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin!"

Yuan Xi took a look at Small Quan mountain's fruits of their labor, "This was a city exchanged with many lives, so why are we just giving it up like this?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Throw it to Shan Rong, and Western Jing will definitely fight with them over it. If we keep it in our hands, it will only become a curse."

Yuan Xi lowered his hand thinking, and then saying, "Very well. Then we'll pull back now?"

Zuo Canglang said, "I'll bring a small group of people, and pursue Daxi Chang and the others."

Yuan Xi was just about to agree, when he thought of Wenqi's entrustment before the matter, and immediately changed his mind, saying, "There has never been a military observer personally leading troops, so if there is anything that goes wrong, how will I explain it to marshal Wen? Draw out the route, and it'll be enough if I go!"

Zuo Canglang said, "There are three possible routes. And this route is likely to run into imperial guards, so it is extremely dangerous! The small route doesn't allow the passage of many people, so it'll be better if I personally go."

Yuan Xi quickly said, "This route, I will personally bring troops towards, and the remainder, we will assign Zhuge Jin, Xu Lang to separately bring troops to pursue."

Zuo Canglang was a bit startled, and biting her lips, said, "Okay." And then drew out two additional paths.

Yuan Xi had thought he had done a pretty job, and with Zhuge Jin, Xu Lang, brought three groups of troops to the small path to stop Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin. Zuo Canglang personally sent out this three groups of men out of Small Quan mountain, and took a look at the remaining sixty thousand troops, her lips hooked upwards, and she revealed a smile.

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