Chapter 4: If Our King Were Young

Li Congjing followed the direction pointed out by Li Cunxiu and indeed saw a yellow flag fluttering out from the Liang camp, so he nodded slightly

Li Congjing watched the departing figure of Li Rongyuan, lost in thought

The casualties among his comrades caused Li Congjing's heart to tighten repeatedly. He looked towards Li Cunxiu, only to find him expressionless, as if the battle before him could not stir any emotions within him

With a sharp sound, Li Congjing drew his dagger, gazed for a long time, suddenly pointed the blade at the night sky, and gritted his teeth, saying: "There is no choice left, then let us fight!"

Having spoken, Li Cunxiu turned to stare at Li Congjing, "Dare you to take down the head of Zhang Lang for this king?"

A night without conversation

Damn it! Li Congjing spat out a curse. He thought angrily: "In the twenty-first century, I hate that I was born in the wrong era. If I were in a chaotic time, I would surely be a hero, establishing my own dominion! Back then, I was truly young, unaware of the blessings I had, with food, drink, and entertainment, and also with girls. Although I wasn't immensely wealthy, at least I didn't have to live like I do now, wandering daily between killing and being killed"

At this moment, Li Congjing had already exited the main camp

Li Rong was affiliated with the local militia, which is to say, the regional army. Unlike central troops like Li Congjing, who roamed far and wide to engage in battles, they rarely ventured outside their territory. It was precisely because of his familiarity with local conditions that when the main army arrived here, he was summoned to lead scouts to venture out and gather intelligence on enemy movements—this was also a customary practice

This demonstrates the valor of Li Cunxun and the soldiers under his command

When Li Congjing returned to the tent to rest, he received military orders transmitted down from the higher-ups: to have a meal at the time of the horse's direct morning watch, and to await orders in front of the command tent at the third quarter.

Li Cunxiu withdrew his hand, his gaze becoming sharp. "The silver-armored general under the yellow flag is Zhang Lang, the commander of this Liang army. Recently, this king marched north to suppress the Khitan and safeguard our Central Plains territory, yet the Liang army stabbed us in the back, which is truly detestable. The outcome of this battle is already determined, with no suspense; however, the enemy commander must not survive, or else this king's resentment will remain unresolved."

Li Cunxiu let out a cold snort, "Is it really that easy to leave whenever one wishes?"

However, Li Congjing was too eager for military achievements. After ten years of honing his skills, he had already waited patiently for too long. He did not know how much more time this world would afford him to prepare. Before that, he must place himself in a high position and possess his own army, so that he could establish his own power and have the means to protect himself in the ever-changing chaos of the world.

By the next day at the hour of Shen, the army arrived outside the city of Weizhou. Li Congjing, being a close bodyguard of Li Cunxiu, followed closely beside him, which afforded him a broad view. At a glance, he spotted the Liang army's camp that he had seen the day before.

Li Congjing believed that, given his relationship with Li Cunxiu as uncle and nephew, along with his service beside Li Cunxiu during these days, especially in the battle against the Khitan where hundreds were surrounded and fought against thousands, they had indeed shared life and death together. Li Cunxiu's earlier words should not have been entirely in jest, as they contained a significant element of encouragement.

Previously, General Duan Ning of the Liang army captured Weizhou. After that, the vanguard general Zhang Lang launched a fierce attack on Weizhou following his conquest of Xiangzhou. Meanwhile, Zhang Wenli, who was engaged in battle with the Jin army in Zhenzhou, coordinated with him from the north and south, creating an imposing momentum that seemed poised to shake the very foundations of Jin territory

After the great army set out, it began a rapid march. The 5,000 cavalrymen, all clad in black clothing and black armor, rode their steeds along the official road, moving like a coiling dragon, creating a sensation as if the earth trembled and the mountains shook. As far as the eye could see, only armor was visible.

Li Congjing's words came from the heart. Having fought alongside Li Rong for a day, he naturally had an understanding of each other's military qualities. However, upon hearing Li Congjing's words, Li Rong not only did not feel invigorated, but his eyes instead dimmed.

This is fundamentally a question with no choice. Li Congjing thought, "If I back down now, Li Cunxun will probably never look at me again, and my days will be considered over. On the contrary, if I succeed, perhaps this Li will truly fulfill his words from yesterday and grant me a position as a real military commander, giving me the opportunity to defend a region.

One statement exudes a sense of righteousness, truly worthy of the twenty-first century, indeed a master of pretense.

"A scholar does not seek war, and an army lacks combat effectiveness." Li Rongdao

Taking out the jade pendant he carried with him, a cool sensation came from his thumb. Looking up at the moon, Li Congjing's mood gradually calmed down. After a long while, Li Congjing sighed and murmured, "Well, at least in this era, the night sky is still filled with many stars."

Of course, as the Prince of Jin, bearing the safety and peril of a nation, it is only under the most pressing necessity that one should personally engage in battle at the front lines, and naturally, such actions should not be taken frequently

"Tomorrow, the royal army will go into battle, and Wei Province will have a great war to fight again!" Someone spoke beside him; it was Li Rong from the scout team. This man, in his thirties, had arrived outside the camp at some point, and now he wore a look of deep reflection.

Li Shaorong pondered for a moment and said: "If our king possesses the youthful vigor of a tiger"

Li Shaorong remained, while the others followed Li Congjing into battle Li Cunxiu shouted, his tone resounding as if he himself were about to go into battle

Attack

Wei Bojun finally broke into the Liang army's formation. After a brutal battle, the Liang army began to collapse. At this moment, a great fire started in the Liang army's camp

"Shaorong, what do you think of this young man?" Li Cunxiu asked the general beside him

Is it really that easy to take the head of a general amidst ten thousand troops? This is not a game, and such matters are not so simple... Even if the timing, location, and support of the people are all favorable, it is merely a slim chance at best

Li Congjing cupped his fist towards Li Cunxu and said, "Your Highness, the King of Jin, please wait a moment; I will return shortly after I leave."

Li Congjing chuckled lightly and said, "Is Captain Li Zheng also a warrior?"

As the reinforcements arrived, a wave of cheers erupted from Weizhou City. Upon recognizing the banners of the reinforcements, it became clear that the troops of King Jin had rushed in from Mazhi. There was no longer any reason to withhold cooperation in battle. At that moment, the city gates swung open, and the troops of Weibo surged out, coordinating their attack with those coming from Mazhi, launching an assault on the Liang army's main camp from two directions

Li Congjing sheathed his sword and suddenly heard the sound of drums coming from the central army's tent. Immediately, the flag of the watchtower was waved, and a dozen soldiers rushed out from the central army camp. Before long, the sound of horns echoed throughout the camp

Unlike the previous time when he was besieged in Youzhou and engaged in fierce battles with the Khitan cavalry, this time, Li Congjing was able to view the ongoing war from a different perspective, gaining a deeper understanding of how a war should be conducted

Li Cunxiu laughed heartily

This person is a fine blade, Li Congjing thought. He said, In regard to Captain Li, this is indeed the time to showcase one's skills.

This is essentially the difference between soldiers and generals. Li Congjing felt ashamed of his emotions, which further made him realize how great the difference was between himself and those seasoned generals. He secretly resolved in his heart, "Compassion does not command troops; I will eventually face thousands of troops and horses without flinching."

As Li Congjing rushed out, a thought suddenly popped into his mind: Yesterday, Li Cunxun deliberately refused to promote me based on merit, even saying something about taking the enemy general's head amidst ten thousand troops... Could it be that he had already made up his mind to send me to kill Zhang Lang today?

That is a matter concerning Master Li, and it has nothing to do with me. Mr. Li's task has already been completed, and he will return to this town tonight. Having said this, Li Rong turned and walked away, his back appearing desolate

Li Congjing was taken aback

In an instant, thoughts raced through his mind. After weighing the pros and cons, Li Congjing smiled faintly, appearing extremely calm and composed: "It is merely the head of a common man; taking it is as easy as turning my hand. What is there for my subordinates to fear?"

Every brave person must value courage

The sun is just right

Is Zhang Lang ultimately going to burn the camp and flee?" Li Congjing murmured as he saw the great fire in the Liang camp

In this world, those in low positions resort to cannibalism, while those in high positions commit fratricide and patricide. The court can change its officials every few years; what else can be relied upon?

At the hour of Chen, Li Cunxiu summoned his generals in the camp. Immediately, the Jin army, which had long been prepared, set out. The oath-taking and speeches were omitted; this time, Li Cunxiu traveled from Youzhou to Weizhou in just five days, bringing with him five thousand elite troops, all lightly equipped cavalry, aiming to achieve victory through speed

Li Cunxun waved his hand decisively, without a second thought. With a military order issued, a thousand men from the left and right vanguard battalions charged forward like a sharp blade, directly attacking the Liang army's camp, which was on high alert. Meanwhile, Li Cunxun himself, accompanied by a hundred personal guards, rode his horse up a nearby gentle slope, overlooking the entire battlefield

General Shuai: Set out for battle the next day

Li Congjing stood just behind Li Cunxiu, merely a few paces away, allowing him to have a complete view of the battlefield situation

He suddenly recalled some anecdotes about Li Cunxiu. When this fellow was a bit younger, he loved to lead a group of about a hundred people to provoke the enemy camp, only to be pursued by several million. However, he was never captured, often managing to fight back and inflict over a hundred casualties on the enemy before retreating unscathed

Upon hearing the sound of the horn, Li Congjing's expression immediately became solemn

Furthermore, Liang Jun has begun to retreat, and the military situation is quite chaotic. At this moment, launching an attack still holds a significant possibility of success

After charging straight towards the Liang army's main camp, the archers of the Liang army naturally did not remain idle. With three volleys of arrows and three waves of sword rain, they inflicted considerable casualties on the Congmazhi forces. From Li Congjing's perspective, the rain of arrows, like locusts, caused groups of Congmazhi soldiers to fall from their horses, yet this still could not hinder the charge of Congmazhi. Amidst the rising dust, the army continued to swiftly approach the Liang army's formation, and the sounds of shouting and killing were hauntingly intense. From Li Congjing's perspective, the rain of arrows, like locusts, caused groups of Congmazhi soldiers to fall from their horses, yet this still could not hinder the charge of Congmazhi. Amidst the rising dust, the army continued to swiftly approach the Liang army's formation, and the sounds of shouting and killing were hauntingly intense

After the Vanguard Camp exited, Li Congjing, dressed in full armor, mounted his warhorse and led his own troop, accompanied by Li Cunxiu, who was clad in Mingguang armor.

Li Cunxiu's gentle gaze fell upon Li Congjing's vigorous figure, a hint of admiration and a touch of expectation flickering in his eyes

Having spoken, he spurred his horse and leaped down the hillside

Li Congjing walked silently through the camp, illuminated brightly under the full moon, with shadows of people flitting about. Occasionally, patrolling soldiers passed by him, yet he kept his head down the entire time, lost in a myriad of thoughts.

After Ma Zhi charged into the Liang army formation at a certain cost, his killing power was immediately manifested. The pikemen and heavy shield soldiers in the Liang army formation were unable to inflict significant casualties on Ma Zhi. Li Congjing observed the chaos in the Liang army, where men and horses were thrown into disarray, resembling hunting dogs rushing into a flock of chickens, causing a flurry of feathers and panic. The Liang army formation quickly faced a tremendous test.

In the context of General Yan Bao of the Jin army besieging Zhenzhou, Li Cunxun descended from Youzhou, completely disregarding the defenseless Zhenzhou. As long as the Liang army is defeated in this battle, Zhenzhou, no matter how fierce, will be isolated and unable to raise much of a storm. Therefore, today's battle is of utmost importance

Indeed, favorable circumstances lead to complaints, while adversity inspires one to strive harder

As he spoke, Li Cunxiu pointed towards the Liang army camp, turned to Li Congjing, and revealed a set of pearly white teeth, gently guiding him: "Congjing, did you see that yellow flag in the Liang army camp?"

The only notable difference from yesterday is that today, General Liang did not launch a fierce attack on Weizhou City. Instead, over ten thousand troops stood ready in formation, maintaining a defensive posture at the camp. It seems that the actions of Li Congjing and others yesterday have already alerted Zhang Lang to the arrival of reinforcements from the Jin army. However, Zhang Lang likely did not anticipate that the one arriving this time is none other than the Jin Wang himself, who was in the far northern region of Youzhou just five days ago