Chapter 0003: Opportunities and Dangers Coexist

Once a general began to criticize Wu Qigong, the others quickly joined in to cast stones at him, all pointing out Wu Qigong's mistakes, completely forgetting the joy they had felt upon receiving the news of victory

At this moment, Qi Shan's voice came again: "Li Zhen, you are quite bold and have achieved great merit, very well. I appoint you as a thousand-man commander to assist Wu Qigong in resisting the bandits"

This conclusion was drawn by Li Zhen based on the Taiping Army's northern expedition

The Taiping Army is approaching; who can defend against the enemy

The brigadier general glared fiercely at Wu Qigong and said loudly: "Bandits are all desperate criminals, and especially the bandit king Yang Xiuqing is even more formidable. We have killed Yang Zhengqing, and Yang Xiuqing will not let this go easily. If this matter leads to problems in the newly established Jiangbei Camp, you, Wu Qigong, will not escape responsibility even if you die a hundred times."

Qi Shan fell silent for a moment and sighed, saying: "Li Zhen, you have killed Yang Zhengqing and achieved a merit. I will overlook your indiscreet words since you are a person of merit. Although your courage is commendable, it is best for you to withdraw now." After a pause, Qi Shan continued: "Let us set aside the matter of Yang Zhengqing for the time being; allow me a few days to consider it. I am feeling fatigued, so everyone may leave now."

He strode out and bowed respectfully to Qi Shan

Upon returning to the camp, the two individuals and the books settled down in their respective places.

Chirp!

Li Zhen looked at the general, who resembled a shrew cursing in the street, feeling quite unsettled in his heart

In Wu Qigong's eyes, a unique brilliance flashed, revealing his great excitement

General Wu, can the six thousand soldiers you lead withstand the rampaging bandits?

Everyone believed that Li Zhen was speaking arrogantly, and some even thought he had lost his mind. A mere centurion, leading fewer than one hundred soldiers, dared to claim he could defeat one hundred thousand bandits, which made these generals look down on him.

Wu Qigong raised his eyebrows and said, "It is not easy to ambush the bandits!"

Wu Qigong felt dejected and was ready to turn and leave, but was stopped by Li Zhen.

Thank you, my lord

Wu Qigong pondered for a moment and said, "My lord, why not let 'him' go into battle."

Li Zhen's expression was calm, and he spoke in a measured tone: "General, the matter concerning Yang Zhengqing can be easily resolved, and there will be no danger involved. Currently, Yang Xiuqing's forces are focused on the Northern Expedition, with the target being Beijing, not the Jiangbei garrison. Even if Yang Zhengqing were to be killed, it is unlikely that a large army would come after us; at most, there would be twenty to thirty thousand troops, which is not a cause for concern."

Li Zhen said: "After Yang Zhengqing was killed, the news reached Yang Xiuqing's ears. Yang Xiuqing then sent generals to seek revenge, and it would take at least ten days for the messages to go back and forth. During this time, we can make sufficient preparations. Today, I will assassinate Yang Zhengqing, and when the bandits come again, we will also be able to eliminate the new bandit leader and achieve victory"

After a pause, Li Zhen instructed, "Come here, bring the map."

Wu Qigong and Li Zhen turned around and walked towards the tent entrance

The two individuals once again performed a respectful bow to Qi Shan before turning around and exiting the tent

Wu Qigong asked again: "Even if a small number of bandits come, can we win?"

Wu Qigong inquired: "What have you discerned?"

Li Zhen nodded and said: "The general is wise. I indeed plan to assassinate the leader of the bandits. However, this operation requires careful planning to strive for a decisive annihilation of the bandits."

Li Zhen listened to the two communicating in sign language, feeling utterly confused. However, he wanted to create an opportunity for himself, so he took the initiative to volunteer, saying loudly: "My lord, the bandits are merely a disorganized mob, lacking any real strength. I am willing to eliminate the bandits for you and stabilize the northern camp. If you do not believe me, I am willing to sign a military pledge."

Li Zhen asked with neither arrogance nor servility: "May I ask, my lord, if Yang Xiuching were to send a large army to attack, how would you defend against the enemy? The generals in the army are merely for show and do not dare to engage in battle. Are you really going to sit idly by while the Jiangbei camp is under siege?"

Li Zhen smiled and said, "It's just a small matter"

In history, after the Taiping Army captured Nanjing, leaders of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, including Yang Xiuqing, reached a consensus to abandon the siege of the Jiangbei and Jiangnan camps surrounding Nanjing and to focus all efforts on the northern expedition, aiming to capture Beijing in one decisive strike. At that moment, the Taiping Army was experiencing a series of victories in the northern campaign, achieving substantial results. Yang Xiuqing could not forsake the overall situation of the Taiping Army for the sake of Yang Zhengqing.

Li Zhen felt delighted; with Qi Shan's words, the matter became much easier to handle

He

Li Zhen clasped his fists and said: "My lord, this time it was merely the killing of Yang Zhengqing, not of Yang Xiuqing and Hong Xiuchuan. It is not a matter of great concern. A group of ineffectual bandits poses no threat. If Yang Xiuqing were to lead a hundred thousand bandits to attack, I would be willing to stand against them for you; if Yang Xiuqing were to send tens of thousands, I would be willing to swallow them for you"

Suddenly, the generals in the tent burst into loud laughter

Wu Qigong had no way out and also said: "My lord, I am also willing to sign a military pledge."

Wu Qigong gritted his teeth and said: "I have no way out; I can only rely on you. This battle will be arranged by you"

Qi Shan resolutely stated: "He will not engage in battle until the very end"

Qi Shan said in a deep voice: "Why haven't you all retreated?"

This fellow truly lives up to being his soldier; he is a resolute man, and his mentorship has not been in vain

Li Zhen pointed at the map and said: "The bandits are mobilizing troops from Yangzhou, and there are three routes to the Jiangbei camp. The first route is a narrow path, unsuitable for a large army to march; the second route is a waterway, which, if approached by boat, would consume a significant amount of manpower and resources, making it also unsuitable; the third route is a flat official road. I estimate that the bandits will come via the third route, and we will set an ambush on the road to annihilate them."

Li Zhen felt relieved upon seeing Wu Qigong relinquish power

Qi Shan pondered for a moment and said: "There is no need to establish a military order; I will temporarily trust you. I hope you can achieve victory once again. Alright, you may go and prepare well."

Wu Qigong said impatiently: "Yang Xiucheng's anger is not to be taken lightly. Are you confident?"

Qi Shan inquired: "Li Zhen, what do you have to say this time?"

After a moment, a soldier entered holding a map. Li Zhen took the map, waved his hand to dismiss the soldier, and then spread the map of Yangzhou on the ground, carefully examining it.

Upon hearing this, the generals all departed

A general, filled with frustration, glared at Wu Qigong, his right fist pounding against his chest, his face contorted in anguish as if he had just lost his mother. He lamented, "My lord has tasked you with leading the troops to combat the bandits; there is no need for you to kill Yang Zhengqing! We only need to defeat the bandits; why must you hasten to eliminate them completely?"

Qi Shan pondered for a moment and then said, "You two are preparing to fend off the bandits, and you will certainly need weapons and other supplies. If you have any requests, you may draft a memorial, and I will grant them all."

Wu Qigong is timid and lacks the ability to command troops in battle, but he is not lacking in cunning. He understands that he is tied to Li Zhen, sharing both glory and loss. Li Zhen possesses courage and means, so Wu Qigong does his utmost to assist him. As long as the bandits are defeated, Wu Qigong will also be able to share in the spoils.

Wu Qigong frowned and said, "Are you planning to resort to the same old tricks?"

There are still more than ten days until Yang Xiucheng sends someone for revenge, which is enough time for Li Zhen to prepare. Moreover, Li Zhen also needs to modify the bird gun in his possession to facilitate the assassination of the bandit leader.

Hahaha ... ...

Regarding the generals under his command, Qishan was very familiar with them; almost all of the generals were capable of holding office but ineffective in practical matters. Qishan furrowed his brow and asked, "Wu Qigong, the bandits are coming; can we win?"

As the words fell, another deputy general stepped forward

Li Zhen hurriedly turned around to express his gratitude, a hint of joy appearing on his face

Qi Shan furrowed her brows, her face displaying a look of contemplation