Chapter 1277 – Attacking Huang Song, Unifying Dongqing (Nineteen)
When Yuan Xin made his move, he genuinely wanted Nie Xun dead.
After being calm for so many days, he instead felt lucky that the other party was still alive.
If Nie Xun had died, this matter would forever weigh on Lord Jiang’s heart, and Yuan Xin would never be able to gain any further trust.
Moreover, it might even drag down the Yuan clan’s descendants.
With that thought in mind, when Yuan Xin learned that Nie Xun was gradually out of danger and starting to heal, he turned a blind eye and didn’t let the military doctor do anything rash. After all, he would have plenty of opportunities to make things difficult for Nie Xun later on—there was no need to rush this.
Yuan Xin’s tiger-like eyes gleamed as he pressed, “What else did you discuss?”
Hua Yuan chuckled, “The student inquired for a while, but unfortunately, the military adviser was lacking in energy, so he had to leave with regret.”
Yuan Xin scoffed and mocked, “He certainly enjoys the luxury of being coddled; he gets one little knife wound and acts like a month-long woman.”
What does “month-long” mean?
It refers to the common practice of a postpartum confinement period. If Nie Xun were to hear Yuan Xin say this, he’d surely be furious.
Hua Yuan quietly listened, a faint smile perpetually gracing his face, his presence as low as a background wall.
Yuan Xin couldn’t be bothered to mention Nie Xun further; he was more worried about the situation at the frontlines. He followed Hua Yuan’s arrangements but yielded little results.
They had cast out the bait, but the big fish refused to bite.
Hua Yuan learned about this and was somewhat surprised, saying, “Who is the enemy general? So cautious and troublesome?”
Yuan Xin lamented, “I don’t know either. The scouts haven’t reported anything useful, just that it’s some young, unfamiliar general.”
He hadn’t met Jiang Pengji, and the scouts who were sent out didn’t know what she looked like, since Jiang Pengji disguised herself as a man in the army, often wearing heavy armor and a helmet that covered the sides of her face—
Unfamiliar folks could easily mistake her gender.
Everyone knew that Lan Ting was the only female lord, so it was impossible for them to connect that to her.
Due to this information disparity, it wasn’t until now that anyone realized the “seriously ill” Jiang Pengji had already been having fun in Chenzhou for nearly a month.
Hua Yuan shook his head upon hearing this; if it was indeed a young general, then it made even less sense.
Yuan Xin pressed on, “What’s wrong with that?”
Hua Yuan said, “General, think about it: if you were their general, would you pursue victory relentlessly or retreat in haste?”
Yuan Xin pondered for a moment before decisively saying, “Naturally, I would retreat in haste.”
With a god’s-eye view, Yuan Xin recognized that a scorched earth policy was a pitfall, and of course, he wouldn’t foolishly claim he would ‘pursue victory.’
Hua Yuan added, “If the general knows nothing and has the upper hand, you only need to follow the plan and pursue the enemy to exponentially enlarge your victories. With such a tempting prospect, would the general really give up such a huge gain at a critical moment?”
Yuan Xin’s face flushed, unwillingly admitting, “Naturally, I wouldn’t want to.”
No one could be indifferent when faced with alluring benefits.
Hua Yuan further stated, “If you feel that way, how much more so for a young and obscure general?”
Young generals definitely have their pros, but they also come with many flaws, such as being overly eager for success, hasty, and lacking experience.
Yuan Xin had some defects in character, but his combat experience was unquestionable, or else Huang Song wouldn’t repeatedly offer him opportunities.
If Yuan Xin was willing to risk it, then not to mention the impulsive, immature young general, who was also an unfamiliar face.
The fact that they were inexperienced meant their desire for achievement would be stronger than that of regular generals. Yet facing such temptation and choosing to retreat without engaging in battle? How could they possibly act like a fresh, naive chick?
Yuan Xin reflected and said, “So, are you suggesting that the commander is someone else?”
Hua Yuan’s expression turned serious as he said, “General, being well-traveled and knowledgeable, who do you think this style resembles?”
Yuan Xin contemplated carefully under Hua Yuan’s reminder, muttering as he thought, “There are only a few renowned generals under Liu Thief, each with their own personalities and manners. This decisive style—hard to guess, perhaps it’s a newly allied face.”
Though reluctant to admit it, Liu Xi had established herself as a dominant lord over most of Dongqing and a part of Beijiang.
Even if she were a woman, she could bring benefits. Whoever sees a profit will undoubtedly be eager to ally with her.
It wouldn’t be surprising to have a fresh face join her ranks.
Yuan Xin asked, “What, you don’t agree?”
Hua Yuan smiled wryly, “The student does have limited insight, but does the military adviser not think… this style resembles that of Lady Lan Ting herself?”
Yuan Xin was taken aback, almost biting his tongue.
What did he just hear?
Liu Xi?
Yuan Xin shook his head vigorously, “Impossible, impossible! Liu Thief was deeply affected by her grandmother’s death and nearly lost her life—how could she take the risk to come to Chenzhou? If she were to come here, then who would sit tight on the frontline? This guess is too absurd and laughable—”
Thinking logically, Yuan Xin was right in saying that.
Jiang Pengji might be reckless, but surely her advisors would have common sense and wouldn’t allow their lord to leave the frontline and delve deep into enemy territory?
Seeing Yuan Xin’s determined expression, Hua Yuan smiled awkwardly, “What the military adviser says… it must be the student’s wild thoughts.”
Though he had no evidence, Hua Yuan felt it must be Jiang Pengji.
He had studied a number of the battles led by Jiang Pengji, and her distinct personal style was striking. From the moment she began attacking the Green Garment Army, she showcased her decisiveness. This person was always so composed and clear-headed, as if she were viewing the play from the sidelines—
Such a clear-minded person would truly disregard the bigger picture and take the risk of running into enemy lines?
Yuan Xin said, “If the thief doesn’t bite, think of another method.”
Hua Yuan snapped back, smiling, “I happen to have a plan; the military adviser, please lend me your ear.”
The two began whispering, and Yuan Xin’s eyes grew increasingly bright.
Jiang Pengji sneezed loudly, rubbing her nose and saying, “Zixiao must be thinking of me.”
Yang Si: “…”
Lord, look down; that’s the face you dropped.
“I wonder how Huaiyu’s preparations are coming along—”
Having had enough fun, Jiang Pengji planned to withdraw, her interference making things restless in Chenzhou. Huang Song must be having a headache from all the news.
To prevent the enemy from suddenly becoming clever and trying to engage her in a war of attrition, Jiang Pengji instructed Feng Jin to prepare for her return.
As long as she crossed the gorge, her army would be safe.
Yang Si said, “The message has been relayed; Huaiyu will arrange it properly.”
Just as Jiang Pengji was about to nod, she keenly heard the sound of horse hooves. She noticed two teams of scouts hurriedly returning to the army.
“Report—ambush signs detected ahead—”
Ambush?
Jiang Pengji furrowed her brows, displeased, saying, “It’s tough fighting in another’s territory; they’re always throwing ambushes at us.”
If she accidentally stepped into a trap, Jiang Pengji could lose quite a few troops.
Yang Si asked the scouts, “How many ambushers were spotted?”
The scout replied, “According to the signs, there are about ten thousand.”
Ten thousand ambushers?
That’s quite the operation?
Since the ambushers had the advantage, even with Jiang Pengji’s awareness, a real battle would still likely cost them nearly ten thousand soldiers.
As they neared departure from Chenzhou, Jiang Pengji wanted to avoid unnecessary casualties.
She turned to Yang Si, asking, “Can we detour?”
Yang Si was familiar with the terrain in Chenzhou; otherwise, Jiang Pengji wouldn’t have brought him along.
He replied, “We can take a detour.”
