Chapter 135: The Army

Chapter 135: The Army

The sun gradually rose, and the coolness of the early morning quickly dissipated. Dew turned into evaporating heat, mingling with the fresh scent of wild grass and the pungent smell of horse urine, continuously drilling into noses. People had nowhere to hide, gradually getting accustomed to it, but their hearts tightened more and more.

All the horses had been fed overnight and were now wearing muzzles to prevent them from grazing and to stop them from neighing randomly.

The riders on horseback also held the reins tightly, not daring to relax in the slightest. If their mounts caused chaos, even for a very short period, it could mean a death sentence.

Tens of thousands cavalry were divided into several tiers, stationed in a pot-shaped valley. After nearly two hours, they still maintained their formation and quietness, which was truly not easy.

This was one of the most elite armies of the Chu empires. In valleys and hills within dozens of miles, there were over a hundred thousand cavalry hidden. Further back, there was an equal number of troops, totaling nearly three hundred thousand. Even during the reign of the formidable Martial Emperor, the Chu empire rarely could muster such a large number of soldiers.

The sole purpose of this mustering of the army was to thoroughly defeat the Eastern Xiongnu and ensure over a decade of border peace.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

No matter how one predicted, this was a battle destined for victory. The only problem was that the enemy refused to show up.

For the past two months, the Eastern Xiongnu had frequently invaded the border, showing signs of a massive southward movement. But when the main force of the Chu army arrived, the Xiongnu refused to engage. Despite several preparations for battle, they always ended in nothing.

No one dared to be careless; every ambush required full dedication.

Han Ruzi, ostensibly the Northern Protection General, actually had only about a thousand troops under his command. Apart from that, he had no other soldiers or resources. His position was no different from other noble scions; they were all minor generals serving under the Grand General Han Xing.

In the valley, they occupied a distinct area, followed by an attendant. Their attire was distinctive, easily recognizable to outsiders. Not far from them stood Han Xing on a military carriage. Every now and then, cavalrymen would ride in from outside the valley to report on various situations.

The task of hundreds of noble scions was to observe and learn the art of military governance and warfare, but most of them were already tired. Wiping sweat from their brows, they whispered to each other. In the entire valley, only this area made any noise, albeit not loud, but it was noticeable.

Prince Donghai impatiently tugged at the collar inside his armor, complaining softly, The Xiongnu really know how to pick their timing, provoking us in the hottest season. We might all end up dying of heat. Who picked out this armor for me? It weighs a hundred pounds.

Han Ruzi remained silent. He was one of the very few noble scions earnestly observing the Grand General. Although he couldnt hear what was being said up front, he could see the arrangement of flags and officers, and there were many subtleties to observe.

Hey, no need to look; there wont be any fighting today for sure, Prince Donghai couldnt stand anyone ignoring his words.

Yeah, Han Ruzi also realized it. The messengers from outside the valley were arriving frequently, yet General Han Xing seldom sent anyone out to deliver orders, indicating that the Xiongnu hadnt shown up again.

Watching all this is pointless; the formation and deployment are handled by the staff officers, Prince Donghai yawned widely. Im going to have a good sleep when we get back. I stayed up too late last night.

The messengers on both sides of Han Xing began to move, riding their horses swiftly. They controlled the reins with one hand and vigorously waved command flags with the other. After receiving the orders, the cavalry in the valley withdrew in batches. Without fighting, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Like the Grand General, the noble scions had to wait a while before they could move. During this time, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Even Han Ruzi no longer kept a close eye on Han Xing all the time. He turned to Prince Donghai and said, Whos that person? He keeps looking over here.

Prince Donghai had noticed long ago and said casually, His name is Chai Yue. Hes Chai Yuns uncle. Ignore him; hes insignificant. His birth mother used to be a singing girl. None of us bother with him.

Chai Yue was about twenty years old, only a few years older than Chai Yun.

Is he new here? Han Ruzi, although unable to name everyone, was familiar with most faces, but Chai Yue seemed unfamiliar to him.

With Han Xings old bones, its commendable enough if he can make it alive to the northern border. Pursue the Xiongnu? Hed drop dead halfway. The old man is good at defense, not offense. Hes already decided to divide the troops and station them on the border. Thats why Ive come to look for you.

Where will we be assigned?

Prince Donghai glanced at Han Ruzis two attendants. Reluctantly, they silently left the tent, taking the remaining food and drink with them.

Attendants will gradually become like their masters. Yours are still dull. That eunuch is slightly better, but the other one, where did he come from? He acts like a savage, he doesnt even know how to bow.

Youve met him before. Hes called Ni Qiu, from the Chao family Fishing Village.

Prince Donghai shook his head, indicating he didnt remember. Then he continued formally, They say its an assignment, but its actually a choice. Youre the Northern Protection General; Han Xing will have to give you a city. Hell discuss it with you

Will he? Since arriving in the northern border, Han Ruzi hadnt met Han Xing alone.

He will. Trust me. Dont choose a city outside the Great Wall; those have horrible conditions, and theyre easily raided by the Xiongnu. And dont pick the northeast; its especially cold in winter, and its the Southern Armys defense zone. You dont want to obey Cui Hongs orders, right?

Han Ruzi shook his head.

Definitely dont choose the northwest; that area falls under the jurisdiction of the Northern Army, and the Champion Marquis isnt friendly towards you.

Then theres nowhere left to go.

Theres still one option. Mayi City is known as a direct barrier against the Xiongnu, with the Grand General personally stationed there. Even if the Xiongnu are fools, they wont come to probe here. Itll be safe until next spring. You can say you want to stay by the Grand Generals side to learn more. Endure this winter, regroup the troops in spring, and the Xiongnu wont be a threat anymore.

Han Ruzi smiled but remained silent. Prince Donghai continued, I came to inform you in advance. Dont make reckless decisions. If youre really sent to a solitary city and surrounded by the Xiongnu, we wont make it through. This isnt a joke. No matter how great your ambitions are, you have to survive first.

Do you have to follow me?

Prince Donghai said coldly, Do you think I want to? Im doing this for Cui Hong to see, to let him know that even without the Cui clan, I have options.

Zhang Youcai entered the tent. Master, the Grand General requests your presence.

Both men in the tent stood up simultaneously. Prince Donghai nodded discreetly, whispering, Survival matters more than anything else. Stay away from danger.

This was a military camp, so meeting the Grand General required formality. With the help of Zhang Youcai and Ni Qiu, Han Ruzi put on his armor again and walked out of the tent. Guided by a messenger, he headed towards the central command tent.

Han Xing had already removed his armor and was sitting in a fur chair, dressed in civilian clothes. He was indeed too old for this, needing rest.

Han Ruzi was surprised to find he wasnt the only one invited. Chai Yue, who often watched him during the day, was standing quietly beside the Grand General.

[1] The Great Wall was not actually a singular wall, but a series of fortifications along Chinas northern borders, forming a defensive line. The term Great Wall will be used to denote this defensive line since its a familiar term.

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CH 134