Chapter 2, Please Fight.

What does this mean, what does Han Dang want to do? Gongsun Yue is only seventeen years old this year, having just completed his coming-of-age ceremony for less than two years. He has neither entered school nor taken up an official position, so there are some things he may not necessarily understand. It wasn't like this just a moment ago

Han Yigong, I naturally know your abilities, and I am aware that as a child of a humble family, you dream of rising to prominence. But is today the day for you to act dishonorably? The noblemen from two counties are atop the Lulong Tower, observing enemy movements. If you disturb them, the charge of inciting chaos could easily lead to your execution, and I do not wish to be implicated in your actions

"There is no need for you to be like this, Brother Yigong." Gongsun Xun was eager to get to know this person, so he quickly supported the other party. "Please follow me upstairs; let us go find Chief Gongsun."

Dear fellow villagers, since the beginning of the Jian Ning era, it has been many years, and we, in this border region, have been plundered and harassed by the Xianbei almost every year. Sometimes they come with a hundred or so riders, and at other times with thousands. Today they kill my neighbors, and tomorrow they seize my goods. In spring, when the grass is not yet green, they come to raid the haystacks; in autumn, when the horses are fat and strong, they come to steal the grain. Even in winter, when the grasslands are unbearably cold, they come to the borders to snatch some clothes for warmth. As the New Year approaches, the Xianbei are still camped at the frontier. Are they planning for us to celebrate the New Year at the border? This is truly outrageous...

Firstly, it appears that the military strength in the Xianbei camp today is actually at its weakest stage. Roughly speaking, there may only be two to three thousand soldiers left, or even fewer.

To understand, according to the military system of the Han Dynasty, there are two groups forming one squad, five squads forming one team, two teams forming one battalion, and two battalions forming one regiment. Not to mention anything else, these four military marquises are already three ranks above this mere squad leader, and moreover, they are officials of the court with a rank of six hundred stones. Additionally, given that we are currently in a time of war, if they were to become truly enraged, any one of these four could easily strike down this squad leader who is inciting the crowd and disturbing the morale of the army without hesitation. Outsiders would still commend the strict military discipline.

After stating these reasons, Han looked slightly expectant as he bowed again to Gongsun Zhao: "The opportunity for battle is fleeting. I, unworthy as I am, am willing to fight against the traitors for the country. Please, my lord, grant me one hundred cavalry to launch a night raid on the enemy camp. As long as we can shake the enemy's camp, at that time, my lord can send foot soldiers to support us... We are sure to achieve a great victory!"

"Your Excellency," said the scholar surnamed Tian, bowing. "Please look at the Xianbei camp outside the city..."

"Still a ... ... blank slate." The member of the Tian family, a prominent clan from Beiping, was blushing profusely

Uh... I do not dare to address you as such, I am but a humble person... I am Tian from Xu County, Youbei Ping...

"Alright," Team Leader Tian felt somewhat disheartened upon seeing his unruly subordinates, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. "If you are all well-fed and have no place to vent your frustrations, then go take care of the horses in the corridor, so as to avoid causing unnecessary trouble here."

The team led by Tian. Han, upon hearing this, smiled slightly, neither anxious nor angry. "The food is sufficient and the soup is hot, but the young men are indignant at the arrogance of the Xianbei dogs, eager for battle..."

Therefore, even if we set aside the final moral argument, purely from a military perspective, the probability of a successful night raid is quite high, as once the enemy camp is thrown into chaos, various tribes are likely to abandon their camp and return to their respective bases.

Han Dang was even more overjoyed upon hearing this

Han Dang did not recognize the other party, but merely by observing their attire and demeanor, he could tell that the person was a scion of a prominent family, either wealthy or noble, and thus hurriedly paid his respects

Finally, this is the last opportunity to rescue the wealth of the Han children who have been plundered. If we do not act now, in a few days, it is likely that these abducted individuals and their possessions will never return.

Secondly, at this time, the troops stationed in the main camp are largely composed of tribes that have engaged in plundering. With spoils in hand and a longing for home, their desire for battle is likely not very high

And this is the reason for Han Dang

One could see that this person, after more than three days, had a slightly flushed complexion, delicate eyebrows, and large eyes. Dressed in a long robe with a wide collar, and additionally adorned with a black ribbon and a copper seal at his waist indicating his identity, he was undoubtedly Gongsun Zhao.

"A night raid is absolutely out of the question!" At that moment, a middle-aged man in a straight-cut robe suddenly interjected.

I do not know. Whether it is Arjun or Gongsun Zhuji who has inexplicably been promoted half a rank, it is still Gongsun Xun. He shrugged his shoulders, nearly choking his uncle, but then he pointed to Han Dang, who was still kneeling there. "However, is there not a person here who is well-acquainted with the enemy situation? Whether to fight or to defend, why does my uncle not first listen to his words?"

However, although more than a dozen cavalrymen were exhausted, they looked at each other and none of them left. In the end, they all turned their eyes towards that squad leader on the side. Upon witnessing this scene, Gongsun Xun couldn't help but marvel, for according to Gongsun Yue, this Han Dang had only joined the army for less than half a year, yet he was able to rally more than a dozen cavalrymen as a squad leader. It seems that this Han Dang, Han Yigong, is indeed the same Han Dang that his mother had mentioned.

Upon hearing this, Han Dang finally got up from the ground. Slightly invigorated, he could not help but cast another grateful glance at the young man who had repeatedly shown him kindness.

Moreover, the Lulong Pass spans across the two commanderies of Liaoxi and Youbeiping. Additionally, the territory of Liaoxi is vast; if we were to refer to later maps, it would extend directly from what is now Fuxin in Liaoning all the way to Qian'an in Hebei. Furthermore, among the five major cities within the commandery, four are located on the plains of Hebei, protected by the Lulong Pass, while the commandery's capital, Yangle City, is situated far beyond the pass. Thus, when the Xianbei people arrive, Liaoxi is naturally divided into two parts.

Gong Sun Zhao was a native of Zhi in Liaoxi, a clan uncle of Emperor Taizu. He was recommended for his filial piety and integrity. During the Xiping era, he served as the Chief of Right Beiping and later was promoted to the position of Prefect of Xiangping

How could one not be pleased to meet this person, Han Dang?

However, as soon as they ascended the stairs, the previously cheerful young man immediately became somewhat timid—there was no other reason; upon reaching the Lu Long Tower, they were confronted by a group of grim-faced mid-level military officers from the fortress. At the forefront were eight garrison commanders, four cavalry marquises, and even a military advisor!

Moreover, the frequent rotation of tribes recently has likely overwhelmed the Xianbei nobles in charge of the camp, making it difficult for them to manage effectively and ensure proper command of the camp

"Yigong, everyone is eating, can't you spare me a little? Is there sand and gravel in the rice, or is the soup not hot enough? You tell me, and I will naturally give you an explanation."

Given this situation, under the circumstances where the governor of Liaoxi cannot manage the affairs here, Gongsun Zhao, as the Chief of Youbeiping and a member of the Gongsun clan of Liaoxi, is undoubtedly a person of great authority in the Lulong Pass.

... ...

Once again, among the tribes, there will inevitably be instances of unequal distribution of spoils between the garrison and the raiding forces, and in the event of conflict, they may not necessarily provide effective mutual support

Gongsun Zhao felt a sense of relief: "Tian Jun, please go ahead and speak!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd on the Lu Long Tower felt relieved, Han Dang appeared dejected, while Gongsun Xun slightly narrowed his eyes

Team leader Tian, upon hearing this, became extremely agitated. Just as he was about to personally descend the building to confront this fellow, unexpectedly, a head suddenly popped out from the stairs of the tall building opposite him

Gongsun Zhao seemed to be somewhat apprehensive about his clan nephew, who was still a year away from the coming-of-age ceremony, so he finally nodded reluctantly and said: "Han Dang, is it? Please rise and speak in detail..."

That clever Han Dang, Lord Han, has asked you to come up.

Mr. Tian was immediately filled with shame and anger, and dared not speak further

Gong Sunxun nodded repeatedly behind, as this statement sounded quite imposing, indeed possessing a certain aura of a formidable minister

It is indeed a situation where one feels helpless.

Just as the two brothers were whispering on the stairs, the commotion in the courtyard indeed caught the attention of the mid-level officers in the watchtower. On the southern city wall, a squad leader wearing a black cap and a maroon military uniform, with not even a moment to wipe the sauce from his beard, angrily poked his head out.

"What could it mean?" Gongsun Xun, who had spent two years in the county treasury office, couldn't help but yawn while leaning against the staircase. "I just want to achieve military merit."

The team leader was utterly astonished, while Han Dang was all smiles. He exchanged a few playful glances with his team leader and then quickly ascended the five-zhang high city tower, gripping the hilt of his sword. At the staircase, he saw a young man, eight feet tall and dressed in a brocade white robe, waiting for him with a cheerful smile; it was naturally Gongsun Xun.

However, although this seemingly imposing sergeant was passionate and fervent, the hundreds of people in the hall mostly just listened, with only a dozen or so soldiers standing behind him joining in the clamor, which caused some commotion

However, these individuals merely glared at him with a scowl, and then suddenly turned to the leading scion of a prominent family with smiles, stepping aside to voluntarily clear a path... A true noble, surrounded by officials, military officers, and wealthy clansmen, stood before them

Gongsun Yue suddenly realized: "He intends to incite the crowd and coerce Shangguan into leading the charge, doesn't he?"

In summary, this Lord Gongsun Zhao, hailing from the prominent Gongsun family of Liaoxi, was once recognized for his filial piety and served as a San Shu Lang in the court... which is precisely the path that Gongsun Xun diligently sought... Today, he holds the position of the Right Beiping Changshi, a senior official with real power equivalent to six hundred stones.

On the other side, with the support of his companions, Han Dang indeed mustered the courage to speak up: "Captain, I assure you, I am not causing trouble for no reason; I truly have a brilliant plan to repel the enemy"

It should be noted that the Xianbei established a military camp at the entrance several miles outside the pass, not with the expectation of breaching the formidable Lulong Pass... In reality, even if you were to have the Xianbei Khan Tan Shihuai personally lead tens of thousands of elite Xianbei troops here, it would not necessarily guarantee the breach of this strategically significant and majestic Lulong Pass. Clearly, these several thousand Xianbei have set up camp here merely to block the exit of the troops within the pass, preventing them from being suddenly attacked while they are scattered and plundering in the regions of Liaoxi, Liaodong, and Xuantu outside the pass, thus falling victim to a pincer movement and ending up with no return.

It is said that although the Lulong Fortress only has this one stronghold in its core area, the entire Lulong defense system spans across the two prefectures of Liaoxi and Youbeiping, extending over a hundred miles. According to Gongsun Yue's earlier explanation, this individual named Han Dang is currently a cavalry squad leader belonging to the Liaoxi section of the Lulong Fortress.

However, Gongsun Zhao, who held great power, glanced at the enemy camp just a few miles away. After much hesitation, he finally spoke: "Lord Yi, please return and rest for the time being. This matter... will be discussed again later"

I have met the lord. The disparity in status is too great, so Han Dang quickly bowed down.

Since it is a matter of military affairs, it is best not to interfere, said Gongsun Xun with a serious expression. Think about it, everyone. If a commoner offers advice on such life-and-death military matters, will the Chief of Staff listen or not? If he does not listen, it is inevitable that some will say the Chief of Staff is unresponsive to advice and closes off communication; but if he does listen, while success would be good, if things do not go well, the advisor can simply walk away, leaving the Chief of Staff and the officials and soldiers in the Lulong Pass to bear the responsibility, even at the cost of their lives... Does this not make it difficult for everyone?

Gongsun Xun did not say much, but instead smiled at the other party, took a half step back, and cleared the view.

It is said that the Gongsun Changshi mentioned by Gongsun Xun also has the surname Gongsun, with the single name Zhao. He is indeed the clan uncle of Gongsun Xun, Gongsun Yue, and Gongsun Zan. There is no way around it; after all, the Gongsun clan is a prominent family in the various counties around the Bohai Sea. Moreover, they are prosperous in terms of population and have smooth paths in official careers.

I am aware of your loyalty and bravery. " Gongsun Zhao nodded slightly, speaking in a somewhat perfunctory manner, while his eyes continued to glance at his nephew, who stood silently with his eyes closed beside him. "It is just that the night raid..."

Han Dang took a deep breath, quickly stepped forward half a pace, pointed at the clearly visible Xianbei military camp outside Lulong Tower, and seized the opportunity to speak.

"I am unworthy of such treatment from you, my lord." The opportunity was right before him, and Han Dang naturally mustered his courage. "I do not dare to claim it as a brilliant strategy; I have merely heard that the Xianbei and various Hu tribes are provoking us beyond the frontier, which fills my heart with indignation. I, Han Dang, am lacking in talent, but I am willing to launch a night raid on the enemy camp to rescue the children of my hometown!"

What is your current position? Gongsun Xun has been loafing around in the governor's office for several years, and with an official rank of 200 shi, how could he possibly not know how to deal with such a person

However, isn't the clan uncle currently inspecting the camp here at Lulong Pass today? With so many prominent figures in the Lulong Tower above, are they not afraid of causing a commotion and facing punishment?

The speaker is a robust young man, with a thin beard and hawk-like eyes, carrying a sword and wearing armor, looking around with confidence, truly a hero from the Yan region. However, his pair of bow legs appears somewhat incongruous, yet it also indicates to those around him that he is a warrior accustomed to fighting on horseback

Indeed

"Are you Han Dang?" Gongsun Zhao furrowed her brow slightly, first glancing at Gongsun Yue, who had come to deliver the message, and then casting a somewhat helpless look at Gongsun Xun, who was leading the way. She then suppressed her temper and asked the newcomer, "I have heard that you possess a brilliant strategy to repel the enemy. Please, share it with me."

At this time, as the end of the year approaches, the north wind brings a cold wave, and the plundering actions of the Xianbei people have actually entered the latter half. The easy targets have mostly been raided in the past few days, and what remains are either tough nuts to crack that require time or are devoid of any value. In fact, during these days, it is common to see Xianbei individuals who have completed their looting tasks coming to meet the main force at Lulong Pass with their 'spoils.' Meanwhile, some units that did not receive much in terms of loot hurriedly leave this place.

"I wonder who you are and what position you currently hold?" Gongsun Xun, who had been silent all along, suddenly opened his eyes

"If you ask me, I’m afraid he must have heard about our clan uncle inspecting the camp today, which is why he is making such a fuss." Gongsun Xun yawned again and shook his head repeatedly. "Alright then, since he is our fellow townsman, we cannot let him suffer losses. A Yue, you go upstairs to find our clan uncle..."

Then Ah Ruan... um, does Gongsun Zhuji think it is possible to go to battle after all? Gongsun Zhao, feeling helpless, quickly interjected, seemingly afraid that the other party would bring up some unpleasant words, making it difficult for everyone. "You are the deputy historian of the Gongsun Zhuji office in Liaoxi County, which can be considered as part of your responsibilities."

"Team rate, listen to my words." That person still seemed unwilling to accept it. "Night battle, I Han..."

"I won't listen!" This captain was truly infuriated, and he uttered another curse. "As for you, Han Dang, you are my subordinate, so you must listen to me!"

Upon hearing these words, the young man was momentarily taken aback, and the more than ten cavalrymen behind him also lost their spirit

Indeed, the meaning of Han Dang was guessed by that team, which was to launch a night raid, but he was not so eager to achieve merit that he would ignore reality; his reasoning was still quite sufficient

"What nonsense!" The team leader surnamed Tian was furious upon hearing this. "Not to mention that major military matters are decided by the nobles, it is already late in the day. We are all cavalry; do you expect us to charge into battle at night?"

Indeed, it has caused a stir among the esteemed individuals