freenovelworld Chapter 207 Prologue
Chapter 207 Prologue
Chapter 207 Prologue
Under the warm spring sun, a caravan laden with goods moved slowly along the winding and rugged mountain road. The wheels of the carriages rolled on the rocks and soil, raising dust. Tao You led the caravan of several hundred people, as usual, slowly making their way towards Anguo.
On the hilltop, Shen Qing stood high above, gazing at the departing group as they gradually disappeared into the towering mountains, his expression unusually solemn.
On that day, a preliminary strategy for attacking the enemy was drafted. It was only a preliminary strategy because reality was full of variables. Even scheming against Tao Yang could encounter many unexpected complications, let alone the ever-changing battlefield.
Simply put, we've temporarily set up plan A, but if that doesn't work, there are plans B, C, and D.
With the basic plan settled, the leader who would lead the team to infiltrate Anguo territory with Tao You is of paramount importance! As mentioned earlier, the situation is constantly changing, so the leader must have the ability to coordinate the overall situation and adapt to changing circumstances, as well as the courage to make decisive decisions!
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Shen Qing originally planned to personally lead a team to infiltrate the camp. However, as soon as this suggestion was made, not only Lu Zhen but also the generals in the camp all advised against it.
The sayings like "A son of a wealthy family should not sit under a dangerous roof," "A gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall," and "A noble son does not venture into dangerous places" are all examples of the proverbs and proverbs that Lu Zhen, who rose from humble beginnings, had a group of uneducated men who were struggling to find the right words and allusions. Although the metaphors were not very accurate, they generally conveyed the same idea.
His identity is special. If Tao You were to defect temporarily and be killed in Anguo, Xuanguo would not only face tangible material losses such as food, troops, and cities, but would also lose face!
Shen Qing understood the deeper meaning behind it and was speechless, but he had to admit that reality was cruel and people's hearts were treacherous, and that everyone's worries were not unfounded.
Although he felt deeply disappointed, he was not a stubborn person who would not listen to advice, and he did not insist on the proposal after it was rejected.
"It's better to serve two masters for one matter. Why don't we let Military Advisor Guo go instead?"
"Yes, and Guo Canjun has extensive experience in dealing with the people of Anguo."
"You idiot!" Guo Yu's lips twitched upon hearing this. He, a strategist who wields a pen, going to the front lines to fight hand-to-hand? He just wanted to make a name for himself, not die!
"Ahem~" Guo Yu cleared his throat, "Although I have infiltrated Anguo, I will still need to engage in battle when necessary. I, a mere scholar, am afraid I am not up to the task."
These words inevitably drew a wave of disdainful glances, but Guo Yu remained calm and composed. One cannot risk one's life for the sake of saving face, can one?
Hmph~ His job is to stay in the rear, strategize and win battles from afar, he won't stoop to the level of these crude warriors!
“What Yuanzhi said makes sense,” Lu Zhen stepped in to smooth things over, “We still need a brave general to keep things in order.”
The head of the personal guard, Lu Yuan, had a bright eye and stepped forward to volunteer, saying, "This humble general is willing to go!"
Shen Qing could see the intense desire bursting from his eyes. The job of a bodyguard on the battlefield mainly involves protecting the commander's banner. Unless the army is completely defeated, the safety level is second only to the commander-in-chief.
But if the battle really reaches the commander's banner... to put it this way, if the personal guards die, the commander may not necessarily die, but if the commander dies, none of the personal guards will survive!
Well, Ji Yun's personal guards are an exception.
Getting back to the point, although the survival rate was higher, the opportunities to fight were fewer. Since Lu Zhen got older and stopped personally charging into battle, it was practically nonexistent.
But as a soldier, Lu Yuan naturally had higher ideals and pursuits!
But Lu Zhen only gave him a deep look before rejecting him. Lu Yuan's situation was the exact opposite of Guo Yu's; he was brave but lacked resourcefulness, a pure warrior!
"Bo'an is incredibly loyal and brave. Without you protecting the banner, I feel uneasy!"
"Marshal..." Lu Yuan was deeply moved.
"Alright, this mission still requires a general who is both a skilled military strategist and a highly respected figure in the army!"
After all, they were deep in enemy territory, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them a suicide squad. They needed someone who could keep the situation in check, so that the soldiers wouldn't be thrown into disarray by fear while in a foreign land.
After eliminating these two, the most suitable candidates were Qi Shang, the commander of the Lingxiao Army, and Mu Qi, the left vanguard of the Chixiao Army. The two refused to give way to each other and even adopted a fighting stance, making the atmosphere in the command tent extremely tense. Shen Qing, who was encountering this scene for the first time, was also startled.
The two, having worked together for many years, naturally had a tacit understanding and struck at the same time after exchanging sharp glances!
In the end, Qi Shang won a great victory with his scissor hand gesture!
Shen Qing: "..."
·
Thus, the current situation arose, with Shen Qing leading the main force at a distance trailing behind the caravan, like a cheetah lurking in the shadows, waiting for the best opportunity to strike.
Shen Qing withdrew her gaze, turned her head and looked at Lu Zhen, who was sickly but still had a tall and straight posture, and said softly, "Father, you really didn't need to come in person this time. Why don't you stay at Pingshan Pass and wait for our army's triumphant return?"
Lu Zhen slowly shook his head. He understood that Qingxi was concerned about his physical condition, but he knew his own body well and could clearly feel the hourglass of life flowing away rapidly.
"This may be the last battle of my life," Lu Zhen said, his gaze fixed on the distant, rolling mountains. His eyes held a complex mix of emotions, a dark undercurrent surging within them. His voice, though slightly hoarse, was unwavering: "Having spent my life on the battlefield, how can I possibly end up dying in a wretched state on my sickbed?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Qing felt a pang of sadness, vaguely understanding Lu Zhen's persistence.
Most people toil their whole lives hoping to enjoy their old age in peace, but not everyone seeks a good death. On this cruel yet glorious battlefield, writing the final chapter with blood and life is far more suitable for a marshal's end than lying on a sickbed waiting for death. To die on the battlefield is perhaps the best final resting place for a famous general.
The mountain wind howled past, fluttering the sleeves of their clothes. They stood quietly on the mountaintop, gazing into the distance, each harboring unspeakable ideals and determinations in their hearts.
The passing of life is always a heavy topic, and no one can truly empathize with it; any comfort offered would be too superficial and insubstantial.
"Father, Commander..."
"Snapped--"
Just as Shen Qing was about to say something to change the subject, she was hit on the forehead by an unidentified falling object from the sky.
Enemy attack?!
Shen Qing raised her hand to touch it, looking at the white, flowing substance on her fingertip. Then she looked up and saw a titmouse fluttering its wings and flying by.
"..."
Then he met Lu Zhen's indescribable gaze.
"Ahem~" Lu Zhen coughed lightly, subtly shifting his gaze. "Great fortune, all taboos are lifted!"
"..."
Time does not stand still for anyone, and the world does not revolve around any one person. Just as Shen Qing encountered the flying object, the army of Jing Kingdom was fighting fiercely with the reinforcements of Qi Kingdom in Cangzhou. Ning Cuo, the Marquis of Weiyun of Yu Kingdom, officially set off to lead his army on a southern expedition.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince's Palace in Yasukuni was also in turmoil.
"The Crown Prince is ultimately just a heir apparent; His Majesty can depose him with a single edict. Your Highness should make plans as soon as possible."