Chapter 162: Regrets

Chapter 162: Regrets

News from the front line reported a great victory without any ambush.

Ten thousand Xiongnu cavalry, carrying a large number of livestock, fled westward in panic, caught off guard by the Chu army. Nearly the entire force was annihilated, with only a few escaping.

Since it was difficult to supply the army in the field, Feng Shili ordered more than twenty thousand troops to return to Shattered Iron City to await further orders. He personally led five thousand men to pursue the Xiongnu, determined to capture or kill the fugitive Zaheyan.

Han Ruzi felt a bit embarrassed, but he was also very pleased. The Chu army’s great victory was far more important than his own predictions and reputation.

That morning, Han Ruzi bid farewell to the old general Fang Daye and welcomed the first batch of returning Chu troops. In the afternoon, he and Prince Donghai went to Riverwatch City to receive another contingent led by Chai Yue.

The ruins of Riverwatch City had been cleared to allow the passage of the army. It was late autumn, and the river’s shallow waters posed no obstacle.

Prince Donghai, rarely venturing outside the city, gazed at the ruins with a sense of melancholy before turning and smiling, “It seems our trip was in vain. We endured months of hardship in Shattered Iron City, yet we accomplished nothing.”

“As long as the Chu army wins, that’s what matters.”

“Yes, as long as the Chu army wins... We won’t have to spend the winter in Shattered Iron City, right?”

“That depends on the imperial court’s arrangements. The army will surely advance to quell the rebellions, but Shattered Iron City still needs to be guarded. Next year will bring even larger-scale battles...”

Prince Donghai leaned closer to Han Ruzi and whispered, “What did Lin Kunshan say to you?”

Han Ruzi looked into his cunning eyes and asked in return, “What did he say to you? When I returned to the residence, you two seemed to be having a pleasant conversation.”

Prince Donghai chuckled, “He wants to reconcile me with my uncle.”

“That’s a good thing for you.”

“A good thing? My heart was stabbed by my closest kin. The wound hasn’t healed, yet he expects me to forget the hatred and pretend nothing happened?” Prince Donghai wouldn’t easily forgive those who betrayed him.

“Isn’t that what ‘closest kin’ means?”

Prince Donghai snorted, “Now it’s your turn. Lin Kunshan must have given you some advice.”

“He suggested I capture Divine Hero Pass.”

“Hah, is he mad? Even if the court agrees, you wouldn’t be able to take the pass with ten thousand troops, let alone a few hundred garrison troops.”

“I don’t need ten thousand troops, just a few men. Wu Xiu has returned to the Capital, and there’s currently no general defending Divine Hero Pass.”

“Wu Xiu returned to the Capital?” Prince Donghai was taken aback and more intrigued by this, “Did he return on orders or privately? Why did he return?”

“Lin Kunshan said he didn’t know. Divine Hero Pass has sealed off information; he only found out by chance.”

“Interesting.” Prince Donghai glanced at the guards behind him, then leaned closer to Han Ruzi again, “You should... You really should capture Divine Hero Pass and then request the imperial court to appoint you as its defending general.”

“Without a legitimate reason, it would be hard to convince others and gain the court’s approval.” Han Ruzi didn’t believe it would be that simple.

“Without a legitimate reason? Isn’t there a rebellion within the pass? You could occupy Divine Hero Pass to quell the unrest. As for the court’s recognition... Have Han Xing appoint you to an official position first. A general in the field can act on the situation. Once the deed is done, the court usually acknowledges it.”

Han Ruzi smiled and shook his head. Given his identity, anything he did was far from “usual.”

“Staying in Shattered Iron City is a death sentence. Feng Shili will undoubtedly seek revenge for his nephew, and you’ve thoroughly offended Lady Hengyang. She won’t let you go either.”

Watching two capable generals slip away, Han Ruzi felt a sense of regret. As a mere Northern Protection General, he couldn’t promise wealth and honors, so he couldn’t gain loyal followers. Fang Daye and Chai Yue had grander ambitions than penniless fishermen.

The Chu troops returned in batches, in high spirits, making Shattered Iron City lively. Strict military discipline relaxed, and groups of soldiers roamed the streets, drinking, quarreling, and fighting. As long as no one died, it was tolerated. Some camps even had half-naked women, laughing and chasing drunken soldiers.

Han Ruzi wandered the city, astonished, and called for the leader of his private army, Chao Hua, to ask where the wine and women came from, as there were only a few female prisoners in the city.

Chao Hua scratched his head, “I’m puzzled too. Everyone hid some wine, but I don’t know where the women came from. Did they spring from the ground? But I guarantee, there are none in our army.”

Han Ruzi could only smile wryly.

Chao Hua took the opportunity to ask, “Everyone’s upset they didn’t go to battle. Can we...”

“In any event, I won’t be leaving the residence until dawn.”

Chao Hua understood the subtext and happily left. Being a soldier was tough; even those without merits needed occasional indulgence.

Cai Xinghai and Liu Heixiong returned later. After settling the soldiers, they came to see the Northern Protection General. They weren’t interested in what happened to the Xiongnu, only excitedly discussing the battle. After half an hour, they left.

Du Chuanyun, recovering from his wounds, came to congratulate Han Ruzi. After they left, Du complained, “What a battle, and we had more men than the Xiongnu. Did you regret missing it, Marquis Weary?”

Zhang Youcai shoved the tactless Du Chuanyun out.

Truthfully, Han Ruzi did regret it. He had taken risks all autumn, yet backed down at the last moment, losing a chance for merit.

Past midnight, Han Ruzi was about to rest when Prince Donghai rushed in, waving Zhang Youcai out, and seriously said, “I have a way.”

“What?”

“I have a way for you to safely capture Divine Hero Pass. My uncle wants to reconcile with me, right? I’ll write him a letter, asking him to give you command of Divine Hero Pass.”

“Grand Tutor Cui is the Southern Army’s Grand Marshal. I’m neither his subordinate, nor is Divine Hero Pass under the Southern Army’s jurisdiction.”

“That’s not important. The key is Divine Hero Pass has no general. We... you can take advantage of the situation, seize the pass, then ask for a title.”

“Then what? What can I do by holding Divine Hero Pass?”

“Don’t you get it? Wu Xiu’s return to the Capital is suspicious. Capturing Divine Hero Pass gives you a chance to return to the Capital too.”

“What if Wu Xiu returned for personal matters?”

“That’s the risk. Han Ruzi, aren’t you the one who loves taking risks?”

“Let me think about it. Not participating in the Chu army’s victory against the Xiongnu is one thing, seizing the pass at this time would be even more inappropriate.”

“It may be inappropriate for others, but it’s right for you. Think about it. You need to decide quickly before Feng Shili returns and the opportunity is lost.”

Han Ruzi couldn’t sleep.

Just after midnight, Han Ruzi had barely dozed off when Zhang Youcai woke him. Another Chu troop returned, bringing bad news that finally made Han Ruzi decide.

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