Chapter 2: Observation of Qi (Part 2)

"Not bad!" Wang Shoutian replied simply

Time was short, and Zhang Yi stepped in, performing a meticulous salute: "Captain!"

A gust of wind swept by; apart from the sound of the wind, the only other thing was the faint metallic scent of blood lingering in the air

The military organization of the fanzhen consists of five men forming a group, ten men forming a fire team, and fifty men forming a squad. The squad leader is already a legitimate military officer, starting from the ninth rank, known as the accompanying military deputy. Currently, Wang Shoutian holds the position of accompanying military deputy.

At that moment, the door opened, and a mountain dweller was brought in

The people from the surrounding ten miles and eight villages, those who could escape have fled, and those who could not have, by nightfall, found a relatively concealed corner to endure.

If one can utilize him, combined with a thorough understanding of history and knowledge of the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, it is not impossible to strike back with a counterattack

In the early hours, a gentle breeze

A mountain dweller who had gone ahead to scout the situation suddenly ran back: "Seventh Master, there is a village ahead, and enemy troops are conducting a search there"

In war, regardless of which side emerges victorious, the outcome for the common people is always disaster

This sixty-person team marched quietly under such circumstances

Five hundred men constitute a guard, led by a commander known as the Xuanwu School Lieutenant. Three guards form a unit, which is overseen by a chief commander, at the rank of a deputy general, and can be referred to as a general, with a total of one thousand five hundred men.

"He Zhong, please repeat what just happened and your words for Zhang Yi to hear," Wang Shoutian said.

Although Li Chengye gradually fell out of favor after becoming the King of Shu, he still attained the position of a guerrilla general, overseeing a regional Zhechong Prefecture, and held the rank of a fifth-grade military officer

The victorious side dispatched a team of cavalry, continuously harvesting the heads of those who had failed and fled. Too many headless corpses lay scattered in the fields; had it not already reached early autumn, it is feared that another plague and turmoil would ensue.

"Approximately how many people?" He Qiuyi asked, waving his hand.

Seeing that Wang Shoutian had made up his mind, it was indeed possible to avoid the enemy's sharp edge. Zhang Yi bowed and said: "Understood"

Indeed! Wang Shoutian thought to himself, but said aloud: "Since you want to return to the mountain, then go back to the mountain. Take us with you; I have something to say to your family member, Wulang"

Wang Shoutian was taken aback, put down the copper basin, and looked at the others

"Sir, what should we do now? Should we continue down this path, or find a place to rest for a while?" He Qi asked.

In his previous life, Wang Shoutian certainly had a destiny. He was later adopted by the governor and inherited a high position; how could he possibly lack a destiny?

Zhang Yi lowered his head in thought for a moment, then raised it, looking at Wang Shoutian, and said: "If the lord can recruit several hundred mountain dwellers, we should be able to fight a battle!"

Indeed, that is why I have decided to enter the mountains with the local villagers. Wang Shoutian said while waving his hand: "Among the villagers, there are hundreds of skilled archers. If we can recruit them, or at least mobilize them for a short time, we may be able to achieve this strike! As for the destination, you need not worry about that; I have my own plans!"

No!

Upon entering the mountains, there will naturally be Fifth Brother to receive them. They only have sixty people and will not cause trouble. If they truly dare to create a disturbance, Fifth Brother will certainly have his own ways to handle it. In this regard, He Qi is rather unconcerned, as it is evident that he has great faith in his Fifth Brother.

Those present either listened intently or gaped in astonishment. Wang Shoutian continued, "The current situation is quite delicate. Rather than joining forces with them and ultimately being besieged by the reinforcements of the enemy, it is better to seize the opportunity to deliver a sudden strike against the enemy. Such an outcome would be far more effective than a direct confrontation with maps and plans."

The scent of death has begun to permeate this area since a few days ago

If we can recruit, we can fight; if we cannot, at least we can avoid the enemy's sharp edge for now!" Wang Shoutian smiled and waved his hand, saying, "The time is about right, let's mobilize the troops immediately!

Zhang Yi listened silently, his expression unchanged, simply waiting

Three capitals and one prefecture, appointing a guerrilla general, with a total of 5,000 personnel

Inside the tent, there was a profound silence.

Try to avoid them as much as possible. Are there other paths to take? Wang Shoutian pondered for a moment and asked

Upon further reflection, one indeed cannot discern the essence of one's true nature

"Does the adult also know about our Wulang? He is now the head of our family!" He Qi was taken aback, raised his head, and looked at Wang Shoutian

He Zhongxian remained silent for a moment, then asked: "Young official, what are your plans for this trip with the mountain people? Although the departure of the mountain people will indeed cause us some loss in military strength, there are also many other scattered troops. Moreover, a few days ago, someone already heard news about Deputy Commander Qian. Why don't we go join Deputy Commander Qian and the others? It seems that many managed to break out when they were scattered... Although the departure of the mountain people will indeed cause us some loss in military strength, there are also many other scattered troops. Moreover, a few days ago, someone already heard news about Deputy Commander Qian. Why don't we go join Deputy Commander Qian and the others? It seems that many managed to break out when they were scattered..."

Ah? He Qi opened his mouth wide.

He Qi bowed to the adult! This mountain dweller appeared somewhat robust as he performed the greeting.

There are more than ten riders, the mountain dweller replied

This reasoning is quite absurd, but for the mountain dwellers, it is about this level. Wang Shoutian let out a cold snort and said nothing further

The military forces of the fiefdom are few; our town has only four divisions. This time, the defeat was due to the collapse of one division.

After a moment, Wang Shoutian's indifferent voice was heard: "You are a mountain dweller and share the surname He, so what is your relationship with He Wulang?"

"Go ahead, prepare yourself, we will set off shortly!" Wang Shoutian waved his hand, signaling him to leave. Although He Qi was filled with questions, he did not dare to ask and retreated.

Wang Shoutian did not answer the question immediately; he had been waiting for this inquiry. He waved his hand and said, "Call Zhang Yi over."

He Zhong, after listening, looked at Zhang Yi with some surprise: "Huo Chang is right, young official, with just this few of us, even if we find the opponent's location, we won't be able to take them down!"

A group of people continued on their journey. At this hour, the path was quiet. Along the way, they had not encountered any enemy troops, although they occasionally came across one or two corpses.

"... ... Young official, do you wish to retaliate?" He Zhong could not help but open his mouth wide

... Hmph, I have heard that you are clamoring to return to the mountains. Since you have joined my army, you are bound by military law. Do you understand that, on this point alone, I could have your heads severed! Upon seeing this person, Wang Shoutian coldly reprimanded.

The mountain dweller walking ahead is the team leader, and He Qi, who is at the very front of the group, is also engaged in conversation with someone.

Wang Shoutian shook his head slightly, indicating that this person was not adept at dealing with superiors. However, he did not think much of it and said, "Indeed, Vice Commander Qian's remaining troops are still in Zhen Ding County, but they have already suffered significant losses. It is estimated that they can barely gather a single battalion. With this number of people, it is sufficient for defending the city, but I fear that launching a counterattack will be quite difficult"

The second team is designated as a battalion, and the commander is referred to as the accompanying military officer, holding the rank of a regular ninth-grade military official

Since he has said so, the other mountain dwellers naturally have no objections

There is still a trace of their innate energy, which is similar to oil and water; it can actually be seen and is easily distinguishable

"Seventh Master, are you really going to take them into the mountains?" A villager walked beside He Qi, expressing some apprehension towards the few people behind them: "What if they cause trouble in the mountains..."

In the distance, a small village, devoid of any cooking smoke, appears like a massive tomb.

Indeed, it is winding; however, such a narrow path will not attract many enemy troops for inspection, as it is difficult for cavalry to traverse: "Then let us take this route, marching during the day. It is far too dangerous to use the main road. We still have a day's journey to reach the stronghold, so it is better to be cautious," Wang Shoutian said.

Could it be that this is the impact brought about by time travel and the fracture?

"Spare me, my lord, spare me!" He Qi, being a man who knows how to adapt to circumstances, immediately kowtowed and said, "How could a lowly person dare to flee? I simply do not know where to go; I only wish to return to the mountain and wait!"

"... ... Young official, are you really going into the mountains?" After a while, He Zhong hesitated and asked.

He Qi was well aware of the situation and turned to walk to the end of the line to report this situation to Wang Shoutian

This person is said to be skilled in martial arts and archery, and has a group of fierce mountain dwellers under his command. Coupled with his eagerness for official positions, he is undoubtedly someone who can be utilized

In the original history, Li Chengye was merely the son of a county magistrate. During a journey, he encountered a person who eagerly approached to serve him. He eventually gained recognition and was promoted to a trusted confidant. In the early stages, he achieved numerous military successes, was promoted multiple times, and was renamed He Zhong.

The atmosphere in the tent suddenly became tense, and He Qi could only keep bowing and begging for mercy, surprising those around him. When did this young official gain such intimidation?

He nodded at seven o'clock and immediately directed the mountain villagers to enter this small path, while Wang Shoutian and the other soldiers followed suit

Isn't escaping to the mountains the same as escaping to the county town?

There is a road over there that can also lead to our place, hetushu.com. However, the road is not very easy to traverse. He Qiyi pointed to a nearby mountain path

"Even if the enemy forces are scattered, there must be elite troops at their headquarters. With our limited number of people, it will be very difficult to take them down." At this moment, Zhang Yi spoke up

At this point, his heart was beating somewhat "thump-thump" in his chest

Indeed, the enemy we are facing this time consists only of a single battalion, and it is not yet fully reinforced. It is said that there are only 800 men. Although we achieved a great victory this time, the losses will not be small. Moreover, during this significant victory, it is certain that some troops will be dispatched for reconnaissance and pursuit, leaving their main force vulnerable. Wang Shoutian, recalling history, stated publicly: "Of course, after a great victory, the enemy will reinforce their troops, but this will take time. For now, they have at most half of their battalion's strength."

This is the idea that Wang Shoutian holds in his heart

Being caught means a dead end

Several young guards, devoid of any other aura, yet exuded a trace of white mist. Wang Shoutian appeared contemplative; one trace stemmed from their identity as soldiers, akin to civil servants on Earth, representing the status conferred by their roles as minor officials in this world.

"No!" Hege Zhong replied helplessly, reiterating what he had just said.

Moreover, although Wang Shoutian served as a military governor for only three years and was later imprisoned with restricted information, He Wulang, an early general under Li Chengye, was still aware of this

At this moment, the sky had begun to brighten, and the surroundings became increasingly clear.

The dawn sun illuminates the fields brightly. At this time, it is typically when farmers head out to the fields; however, in this vast expanse, not even a ghostly shadow can be seen.

He Wulang is the chieftain of the mountain people, engaged in hunting and fur trading, and occasionally involved in some gray businesses through water management. However, this individual is exceptionally keen on holding an official position and is constantly seeking ways to achieve that.