Chapter 4: Offensive (Part 1)

What? With a crack, Wang Zun's brush broke, leaving a large ink blot on an official document

"This is unacceptable. Wuliang is brave and skilled in battle, deeply trusted, and familiar with the mountains and forests. It is only right that he takes charge of the specific command matters." Wang Shoutian said, noticing that He Wuliang was still trying to decline, and spoke more sternly: "In warfare, life and death are at stake; one must be cautious. If I lead, I fear the outcome will be difficult to achieve. Only with Wuliang in command can we act with confidence and ease"

Originally, the title "Lord" was unacceptable within the imperial court system; however, now that regional warlords are prevalent and the court has weakened, each has its own leader, and this title has been in use for a century.

Chen Xiang! Wang Shoutian carefully recalled this name; this was the person who defeated his army and killed the commander Lu Yan. In his memory, it was also Wang Shoutian's first defeat, surrounded by the city, facing imminent danger. Therefore, Wang Shoutian had a particularly deep impression of him

With an army of one thousand five hundred, defeated by eight hundred men, Lu Yan is truly making progress. What about the others?" After a while, Wang Zun's voice, filled with suppressed anger, echoed in the study

The once bustling square suddenly fell silent, as both the mountain dwellers and the soldiers temporarily set aside their concerns to listen to the sound of the flute

Cough, come in!" After a moment of waiting, a voice came from inside

Nuo! Li Xiangong respectfully salutes and begins to refine the command

The sound of the flute resonates gently, rippling under the tranquil moonlight, permeating the crowd, as if a spirited little bird has flown through the serene deep valley... It embodies both the longing for home and the joy of obtaining sustenance

Your Excellency, Wang Xuanzhi and Wang Zhongyi have both returned to Zhengding County, where they are defending the city alongside Deputy General Qian Xin. The whereabouts of Wang Shoutian remain unknown. Li Xian continued to report and document this.

Your Excellency?" Li Xian did not write the command, but looked on with concern

Although today appears to be easy, it is, in fact, quite difficult. If it were not for the fact that I finally resorted to the private assistance of the governor, who provided me with the Silver Feather Sword Talisman that can only be used in emergencies, and leveraged the governor's authority to suppress the situation, otherwise, even if I were eloquent, it would be hard to achieve such an effect

Later, Chen Xiang was defeated and killed by Li Chengye, who presented his head, which greatly pleased Wang Shoutian at that time, leading to the promotion of Li Chengye, not realizing that this would become a future calamity

Even though historically he was killed two years later, he was nonetheless a figure who held the position of a commander. Given the current circumstances, to kill him is not an easy task.

Moreover, that evening, a banquet was held in the hall of the mountain stronghold, inviting several individuals to participate

The spears were being inspected, the long knives were being sharpened, the bows were being checked for elasticity, and there were also many vine armors made by the mountain folk, which were no worse than leather armor

"Delightful!" After finishing the drink in his hand, He Wulang happily invited the guests to take their seats. Following that, discussions about the preparations for the banquet ensued, with everyone engaged in deliberation.

I am fine, just issue the command!" Wang Zunzhai said wearily, closing his eyes

Before my eyes, there emerged the image of a widow from my clan over a decade ago... It was on this very night that he gained a son; however, such a disgraceful matter could not be publicized, and Wang Zunzhih only provided discreet care.

He Yi has sent another report, stating that with autumn approaching, the soldiers are lacking clothing and are unable to keep warm... Hmph, he is complaining to me about poverty again. Does he think I am unaware of how much he secretly withheld from the supplies sent to the army last time?" Wang Zun's words echoed in the study.

Li Xian pushed the door open and saw the governor working under the window. On his desk, m.hetushu.com, there were stacked documents that filled the eight-foot long and four-foot wide official table.

His deputy, Qian Xin, performed poorly in battle and was demoted by one rank. Along with the Xuanwu School Captain, he led a guard unit. The selection of the commander for the Yanshan region has been temporarily shelved, pending the completion of the necessary appointments, after which capable individuals will be chosen

However, no matter what, it was a success

Without revealing any emotion, Wang Zunzhong said: "The people of Yanshan have always been loyal and righteous. Those who die in battle should have their sons benefit from their achievements, serving as the Xuanwu Cavalry Commander, leading a guard unit"

Outside the window, all was silent, with only the crispness of autumn in the air. He couldn't help but cough, and as he coughed, his hands became stained with a hint of bright red

Wang Zunzhih finished speaking and then coughed a few times

Li Xian listened to his words, having already adjusted his breathing, and said: "Why must the lord be angry? In today's world, many generals are somewhat unruly, and they often seek personal gain under the guise of public affairs; this is merely human nature. Only by pacifying the various regions and establishing multiple armies, each under proper control, can we achieve success"

He Wulang has counted a total of three hundred people, including He Qiqi, which can be considered an elite force.

Since the major matter has been settled, Wang Shoutian is no longer an outsider. Although he is not yet considered the lord or superior, he is still engaged in service. Therefore, He Wulang issued an order, allowing the guests to stay inside rather than spending the night outside, and made arrangements to free up a room.

Zhang Yi, who was on patrol, could not help but stop and listen attentively

Secretary Lang Li Xian hurriedly walked in with a scroll of notice in hand. Li Xian was originally an elegant person, with a demeanor that was leisurely and composed, exuding calmness and tranquility. It was rare to see him in such a flustered state.

Together we fight the enemy! Together we fight the enemy!" the mountain people shouted in unison

As the melody faded away, its lingering notes gradually disappeared against the city walls and stone steps. After a moment of daze, it finally elicited echoes from the crowd, expressions of sentiment, and the sharp clashing sound of armor.

It is evident that although Wang Zunzhih is not exceptionally brilliant or martial, he can still be regarded as magnanimous and grand. Unfortunately, fate was not on his side; by the time Wang Zunzhih ascended to the throne, he was already thirty-six years old. Despite his diligent efforts over the years, he faced numerous setbacks due to his ill fortune.

Li Xian displayed a sense of sadness; his relationship with the military governor was not merely one of master and subordinate, but rather one characterized by a degree of mutual trust and candidness.

On that night, the cold moonlight shone brightly, the wind was cool, and the distant roars of wild beasts in the mountains could be faintly heard

The most pitiable situation is the untimely death of children; the only son also died in a horse riding accident last year. It has become necessary to select an heir from among the family, which can be described as an elderly person mourning a young one.

I originally thought that this son would lead a simple life, after all, I have a son. However, the third son passed away prematurely, and the eldest son died in a horse riding accident, a series of calamities befell him.

After the enthusiasm of the crowd had slightly subsided, the ceremony was officially announced to begin

"... ... Then, what about everyone else?" Wang Zunzh asked. Although this question seemed nonsensical, he knew that Li Xian understood his meaning

Moments later, the sound of a flute came from an attic.

Several strong men approached, carrying large trays that had been prepared in advance. The trays were filled with large bowls containing wine. One by one, the bowls were arranged neatly in front of the long table where everyone was seated. After the jars of wine were opened, someone embraced the jars and quickly poured the wine into the bowls.

From the perspective of later generations, Chen Xiang was not a renowned general. Although he won this battle, he did not occupy any strategic locations, and thus, within Changding Town, he only received some material rewards.

However, this matter is inevitable. Above, between the white mist and the red mist, a large patch of hazy gray mist has temporarily appeared. This is the fortune borrowed from www.hetushu.com, and it is also the capital for this small challenge against fate

The makeshift rooms are limited, and with sixty people suddenly pouring in, there are always some who vacate their rooms to allow the soldiers to sleep. Moreover, the villagers did not immediately rest; many family members were busy preparing for the men who were going to battle.

The defeat in battle cannot shake the foundation; I will personally lead the volunteer army to provide support

Wang Zunzhih closed his eyes, seemingly in deep thought, remaining still and expressionless, making it difficult to discern reality from illusion

"He is a young official, I never expected he could play the flute!" He Zhon raised his head, murmuring to himself, as the moonlight flowed like water, evoking a sudden surge of emotions in the young man.

Wang Zunzhong slowly opened his eyes, gradually stood up, opened the window, and gazed outside, remaining motionless.

Led by Wang Shoutian and He Wulang, the mountain villagers followed behind, each holding a bowl of wine, which contained their blood, and they tilted their heads back to drink it all.

Wenyang County · Prefectural Governor's Study

Yet my heart is in turmoil, O Heaven, you have already taken away my three sons, do you still wish to take away my last son?

According to the battle report, he has already fallen in battle! Li Xian, upon hearing this furious voice, felt a sense of trepidation himself.

The Yizhong Army is the foundation of Wang Zun's power, serving as the capital to control the other three capitals and maintain the position of the Grand Commander. The total number of troops amounts to 2,000, among which 200 are known as the elite of the elite, referred to as the Black Guard

After taking a hot shower, Wang Shoutian and others changed into clean clothes and, under the guidance of the mountain villagers, arrived at the hall

This is how things stand. After the banquet, we must prepare for battle, and we will deploy our troops tomorrow morning!" In the hall, He Wulang solemnly stated his decision and waved his hand.

Whether it is Wang Shoutian, He Zhong, or Zhang Yi, they have long been hungry. Due to the reasons of traveling and other factors, their meals have been quite simple. Upon encountering delicious food, they naturally feel an urge to eat.

The many faces illuminated by the flickering flames of the bonfire bear the shadows left by the toil of life, while also revealing an involuntary expression of melancholy inherent to the human experience

Come, everyone, prepare to take the blood oath! After drinking this bowl of wine, we will follow Lord Wang and fight the enemy together! We will strive for a bright future for our wives, children, and elderly!" After everything was ready, He Wu said passionately.

At the desk, the regional governor Wang Zunzhih, who is actually not very old, is nearly fifty years old. He is dressed in ordinary robes, with only a wooden hairpin inserted in his hair. He is deeply focused on his work, while a young boy grinds ink, maintaining a quiet atmosphere, not daring to make the slightest sound during the ink grinding process

The banquet is well arranged, exceedingly lavish, featuring an array of mountain delicacies, with aromas wafting throughout

"I humbly request your guidance, my lord," He Wulang said politely

In a small attic, Wang Shoutian set down his flute, remained silent for a moment, and closed his eyes in deep thought

In the dark and shadowy village, the crimson glow of bonfires is visible everywhere

Your Excellency, General Lu Yan has suffered a crushing defeat, with significant losses. Deputy General Qian Xin has retreated to Zhengding County. Li Xiang respectfully lowered his head and delivered this report

Upon arriving at the door, he whispered: "My lord, I have urgent news."

Moreover, attacking the enemy's main camp, although troops are being dispatched from various locations and there may be a lack of forces, the elite soldiers remaining in the main camp are indeed a formidable force. How can this be treated so lightly?

Upon hearing Wang Shoutian's remarks, He Wulang and several mountain leaders were quite pleased, and thus, the subsequent meetings were conducted very successfully

The governor Wang Zunzhih laughed heartily, then coughed twice, saying: "Well said, but you came here in a hurry just now, your steps seemed a bit anxious, which is not like you... Is there something significant happening?"

In addition to He Wulang, there are also He Qii and several other mountain leaders among the mountain dwellers