“The Battle of You County resulted in a loss of just over 3,000 soldiers for our army, thanks to the ingenious strategies of General Yi!” The latest war report had also been sent to Shangdang, and upon reading it, Duan Qin couldn’t help but sigh with relief.
Excluding the wounded, the actual casualties were just over 3,000, and nearly a thousand of them were stationed troops lost during the defense of Wu County. This number was even lower than the casualties during the initial campaign against the Xiongnu, making it quite a rare outcome for such a large-scale battle. Apart from the advantage gained from the defensive strategy of holding firm and clearing the fields, there was also the astonishing surprise attack orchestrated by Yiyan. Most of this battle was actually resolved in the rear. If not for this, the losses would have been several times higher.
Liang Feng didn’t interrupt but inquired, “Proper arrangements should be made for compensation. What about the financial losses?”
“We lost a fortress, twenty-six water mills, and a considerable amount of fields and irrigation channels were completely destroyed. This will significantly impact the harvest in Leping this autumn.” Duan Qin didn’t dare to conceal anything and reported the facts.
The You County army wreaked havoc for a month in Leping, unable to capture the main city but showing no mercy to Wu County and the agricultural facilities. Luckily, the summer harvest had already concluded; otherwise, the situation might have been much worse. Nonetheless, even with that said, the autumn harvest could no longer be expected. The comprehensive destruction of water facilities would require a considerable amount of manpower and resources for repairs. Additionally, the astronomical figures spent on war supplies and equipment made it a substantial cost. Nevertheless, compared to the dire consequences of defeat, these losses were negligible.
“Reward the three armies, exempt taxes in Leping, allocate funds for rebuilding water facilities.” Liang Feng paused. “And as for Lord Wen, after the troops return, recall her to Jinyang.”
This time, Wen Jiao, serving as the chief official in Leping, had made significant contributions. Managing all logistics single-handedly, his performance was competent and far from that of an under-twenty young man. Sending him back to Jinyang with important responsibilities was already planned. Now, after demonstrating his abilities, delaying his return to Leping would be a waste.
Duan Qin nodded. “And for Zhongshan County, news just arrived that the county seat has been recovered.”
The sudden change in Zhongshan County was truly unexpected. Using some method, Zu Ti convinced the Zhongshan Liu clan to rise up together, assisting the defenders of Changshan in capturing Zhongshan. While it was only a matter of time before they took control of other counties in Ji County, having someone’s assistance saved a lot of trouble.
Moreover, Zu Ti’s actions revealed his attitude. Liang Feng’s previous goodwill and respect weren’t in vain. The position of Chief Secretary was practically set in stone.
“Send someone to invite Chief Secretary Zu; pay attention to family matters as well. When Ji County is fully recovered, we should also explore Fanyang County in the north.” Regarding Zu Ti’s attitude, Liang Feng couldn’t remain indifferent. This was clearly a matter of entrusting his family’s fortune, so it had to be treated with utmost seriousness.
Moreover, unexpectedly, Zu Ti’s initiative was remarkable. He effortlessly persuaded the Zhongshan Liu clan and several other prominent families. Liang Feng only vaguely remembered this individual’s name and Zu Ti seemed not to have fought in any renowned battles, mainly holding a defensive position north of the river. From this perspective, his strength appeared to lie not on the battlefield but in strategic acumen. Nevertheless, this might be even more advantageous. In times of chaos, power struggles were common. The ability to convince others to submit, coupled with a keen strategic vision, was more valuable than mere prowess in battle.
“This is only natural. Also, Chi Jian seems to be showing some interest. We just need the Lord to take Ji County, and talents will naturally flock to us,” Duan Qin said, a smile appearing on his face.
This was the advantage of winning the Battle of You County. Once the status and position were secured, those talents who were previously unresponsive and uninvolved would reconsider and align themselves with Bing County. In this way, it would greatly benefit the Lord’s grand cause.
Liang Feng’s face didn’t show much of a smile. “This matter can be discussed later. Let’s wait for Lord Boyuan’s return first.”
Duan Qin immediately fell silent. He could infer some of the reasons behind the Lord’s visit to Shangdang. A meritorious general like General Yi must surely be generously rewarded and welcomed home. However, assassinating Wang Jun, causing chaos in Ji City, and surviving with only two thousand troops – how many would return alive from such endeavors? The northern territories of Ji County were mostly occupied by You County’s forces. Simply crossing this blockade was extremely arduous. Sigh, for such loyal and capable generals, he also hoped for their safe return.
Bowing respectfully, Duan Qin said, “Ye City has reinforced its garrison, closely monitoring Ji County’s movements. General Yi’s remarkable achievements were surely heaven-sent; Lord, please don’t worry.”
Don’t worry? Liang Feng felt like he had been waiting for too long. Too long to endure. It had been more than ten days; when would that person return?
※
A weary and exhausted procession crossed the border from Ji County into Si County. After ten days of constant travel, many horses had perished, several hundred to be exact, leaving too few for the knights to ride daily. Most people dismounted, relying on their legs to move forward. Only the severely wounded took turns riding, preserving their strength.
This type of march slowed down the speed of the procession. Fortunately, they had already left control of several commanderies by You County, and the familiar roads allowed them to hide during the day and move at night, reducing the risk of encountering enemies. Though the number of battles decreased, there were still casualties. Severely injured individuals stopped breathing on horseback. Each person’s face lacked expression—no pride in victory, no joy in escape, only numbness. Numbly enduring pain, hunger, and exhaustion, they pressed forward toward the distant goal.
As this tired army crossed Guangping, someone came forward to greet them.
“General!” A team of fast horses galloped over, and the person in the lead dismounted, tears in their tiger-like eyes. With a thump, they knelt to the ground.
Seeing the newcomer, Yiyan widened his eyes, “How did you come to Si County? What’s the situation with the Bing County army in Bing County?”
“We won! A great victory! The Lord ordered us to come and welcome General, and we finally found you!” The newcomer was none other than Wang Long. Only the Tiger and Wolf Battalion could handle such scouting missions.
However, no matter how prepared he was, seeing such a battered army made Wang Long couldn’t help but shed tears. These were all his comrades, his brothers who had walked out of Liang Mansion with him! Only six hundred or so were left! Almost half of them were lost!
Upon hearing the news of the great victory, Yiyan’s figure swayed for a moment. He felt the taut rope around his chest loosen a bit. They had lifted the siege of Bing County with only two thousand light cavalry! This battle was worth it!
Wang Long didn’t have that much sentimentality. Seeing Yiyan struggling to stand, he jumped up and held his arm, “General, let’s go back to Ye City first! Many soldiers have been added to the city, and it’s absolutely safe!”
Yiyan deeply understood that the troops behind him were also at the end of their strength with powerful crossbows. One more day of rest and treatment could save many lives. Nodding, he asked, “And the Lord?”
“The Lord has moved his residence to Shangdang and is also waiting for the General to return…” Wang Long’s words were not finished when he felt a tight grip on his arm. The hand was stained with blood and covered in scars, gripping his arm fiercely.
“The Lord is waiting for me in Shangdang?” The flames in Yiyan’s heart flared up suddenly. “Give me a horse. I want to rush to Shangdang!”
“General!” Many people shouted, and Liu Gong behind him was extremely anxious. “General, you are quite injured. Rest for a while before setting out!”
“Give me a horse!” Yiyan’s voice left no room for disagreement.
Wang Long was a bit stunned, dumbfounded for a while before saying, “But General, with your injuries…”
His armor had no intact parts. They were already in Ye City, why rush again? However, the fiery determination in the man’s eyes was overwhelming, and even Wang Long couldn’t resist. Helplessly, he said, “I’ll accompany the General back to Shangdang!”
“I also want to go back to Shangdang!” “I will follow the General!”
Many people behind them shouted. Although this battle was fierce, Yiyan, the commander, always stood behind them, saving countless lives. Now, returning to Shangdang, their hometown, who could not be excited?
However, Yiyan paid no attention, directly mounting his horse. “You go to Ye City first. Rest there for two days. If the doctor allows, then return to Shangdang.”
Without waiting for others to catch up, he urged his horse forward. Wang Long became anxious and grabbed Liu Gong, instructing, “Quickly take the brothers into the city for treatment. I’ll follow the General back.”
With that, he led about a hundred riders behind Yiyan, heading straight for Fukou Pāss.
On this side, hurrying along the road. On the other side, the news had already been sent to Lu City.
“Have you found their whereabouts?” Liang Feng suddenly stood up, disregarding his demeanor, and loudly asked.
“Found them! There are more than six hundred riders!” The messenger’s face turned red with excitement. “General Yi didn’t even stay in Ye City; he rushed straight to Shangdang…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Liang Feng had already stepped towards the door. Duan Qin, who was on the side, hurriedly followed, “Lord?”
“I’ll go to the pass and meet him!” Liang Feng’s steps had never been so fast; he seemed to be creating wind as he moved.
“But General Yi may not arrive anytime soon…” Even without the threat of enemies, with the Lord’s status, could he casually go out to greet someone? Let alone going out to greet, just rushing from Shangdang now was a bit unconventional. If something happened, who could bear the responsibility?
Liang Feng suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Duan Qin, “Six hundred men! Two thousand elites were reduced to six hundred. Can Yiyan remain uninjured? Is he still heading to Lu City? No, I should be the one to meet him!”
In that voice, there seemed to be thunder, but also pain. A pair of black and bright eyes were like a long spear, sharp and uncompromising. Duan Qin’s throat went dry, and he couldn’t utter a word. Liang Feng didn’t pay any attention to him, continued to stride forward, and loudly ordered, “Go and bring the best doctor in Lu City, and military doctors too. Come with me to Fukou Pass!”
Who could resist such decisiveness? In just half a moment, a guard unit was assembled. Without any ceremonial escorts, and without even riding in a carriage, Liang Feng, on horseback, led the way towards Fukou Pass.
Fukou Pass was relatively easier to traverse, and a hundred riders could still move quickly. Wang Long, riding on his horse, couldn’t help but advise, “General, when we reach Fukou Pass, take a break. Rushing like this, your body won’t be able to take it. Besides, it’s getting dark, and the road is difficult. Even if we go to Lu City, it will be tomorrow. Why rush like this?”
He couldn’t bear to see it anymore. This person had rushed all the way from Si County, practically without stopping. Not to mention resting, he wanted to travel even at night. In less than two days, he was almost at Fukou Pass, almost as fast as an express courier. He and the guards could barely hold on, having traveled for ten days, but how could the general, who hadn’t returned to the prefecture yet, have such stamina? Before reaching the county seat, if he falls off the horse, he won’t be able to stand it!
However, Yiyan paid no attention, persisting in his own way, galloping towards the increasingly close destination. Fukou Pass was after all a strategic point, quite magnificent. Seeing the city walls right in front of them, Wang Long wanted to advise again but suddenly noticed something strange about the city gate. There were twice as many defending soldiers inside and outside the pass. What was going on?
Before Wang Long could speak, Yiyan leaped down from the horse. His movement wasn’t like dismounting but more like stumbling down. Wang Long hurriedly dismounted, wanting to support him, but Yiyan shook off his arm and staggered towards the pass.
Only at this moment did Wang Long notice a familiar figure standing below the pass. Even in military attire, it couldn’t suppress his outstanding demeanor. Wasn’t that, the lord?
Yiyan couldn’t hear any sound now, just staring blankly at the person in front of him, moving step by step forward. His body began to tremble, and both hands couldn’t stop shaking. Was this an illusion caused by excessive yearning? Or was he finally going to sleep forever, receiving mercy from heaven before his last moments?
However, that figure did not disappear. He moved, carrying an anxiety and tension that made hearts tremble, coming forward to meet him.
“Boyuan…”
Upon hearing that call, Yiyan’s knees weakened, and he knelt on the ground. He should have saluted, he should have conveyed his achievements to that person, telling him how glorious and arduous the victory in this battle was.
But he couldn’t utter a single word. His mouth opened twice, and then Yiyan’s figure swayed, collapsing to the ground.
“Boyuan!”
