Why Does Mr. Xie Favor Me? Chapter 23
byChapter 23 Guzang looks north
He is anxious!He is anxious!
The capture of Yelangtun gave the northern camp on the verge of collapse a breath of relief.The camp was filled with the long-lost fragrance of corn and rice, and everyone was even given a small piece of bacon.
The soldiers had vitality on their faces, repairing the camp defenses and practicing formations much harder.Xiao Jue’s is already like a rock in the hearts of the soldiers at the bottom.
The celebration banquet was held on a simple school ground, with a blazing bonfire roasting the captured sheep.Xiao Jue shared most of the wine and meat, holding only a bowl of hot soup and sitting with Wen Boyan, Zuo Yunci and several newly promoted generals.
There was a clean strip of cloth wrapped around Zuo Yunci’s arm. It was a scratch made to deflect Wen Boyan’s arrows during the night attack. It was not deep, but the sight of blood-stained sleeves made Wen Boyan still feel a little nervous when he recalled it.
He silently cut off the tenderest piece of roasted lamb leg and placed it on the wooden plate in front of Zuo Yunci.
“Eat more, the injury will heal quickly.” Wen Boyan’s voice was low and could hardly be heard amid the noisy celebrations.
Zuo Yunci was startled slightly and raised his eyes to look at him. The firelight reflected Wen Boyan’s clear-cut profile. In his usually calm eyes, there was now the warm light of the campfire and a trace of unmistakable concern.
His heart skipped an inexplicable beat, he lowered his eyelashes and whispered, “Thank you, Colonel Wen.” He cut off a small piece of meat with a dagger and ate it slowly, but his ears felt a little unnoticeable.
Xiao Jue had a panoramic view of the interaction between the two, his face remained calm, but a complicated feeling of comfort passed through his heart.In this cold and chilling north, it is always good to have some warmth.But his mind at the moment was more occupied by another thing.
“Zuo Yunci,” Xiao Jue said in a calm voice, “I have been exploring northward for the past few days. Is there anything unusual?”
Zuo Yunci immediately calmed down, put down the dagger, and said seriously: “Go back to the general, there is indeed something abnormal. The general will expand the scope of reconnaissance according to your instructions, paying special attention to the Black Rock Beach and other Northern Dynasty strongholds. I found that the troop movements on the Northern Dynasty’s front line are somewhat strange.”
“How strange?”
“They seem to be predicting our actions.” Zuo Yunci considered the words, “For example, the day before yesterday, we sent a team of 100 people to conduct an exploratory patrol to the northwest. The route was temporarily determined. However, a ranger of about 300 people from the North appeared at a pass ten miles ahead of the route almost at the same time. If the team had not been alert and discovered the traces in advance to avoid it, they would have probably been ambushed. Similar situations happened twice in three days.”
The bonfire crackled in the tent, and the celebratory noise seemed to be isolated. Wen Boyan frowned: “How do they know the temporary route? Unless…”
“Unless someone in our army has tipped off the information, and this person is in a position where he can access the specific operational deployment.” Xiao Jue answered in a serious tone.
He thought of Li Zhi’s resentful and unwilling eyes before he was arrested, and the influence of the Wang family in the court. Although Li Zhi had been eliminated, he would definitely leave more hidden thorns behind as he had been entrenched in the army for many years.
“General, this matter needs to be investigated in detail secretly.” Wen Boyan whispered, “If there is a traitor and his position is not low, any of our next military operations may fall into a trap.”
Xiao Jue nodded, his eyes flashing coldly: “Not only must we check, but we must also use it.” He lightly tapped the wooden case in front of him with his fingers, “Since they like to predict, then we will give them a big gift.”
He spread out the map and pointed to a place called Eagle Mouth Rock.”This is the only way to an important pasture and a small military horse farm in the Northern Dynasty. The terrain is dangerous and easy to defend but difficult to attack. If the news is spread, I will personally lead a thousand elites in three days to make a surprise attack on Yingzui Rock and seize the military horses.”
Wen Boyan and Zuo Yunci immediately understood: “Is the general trying to lure the snake out of its hole?”
“At the same time, he is attacking from the east and attacking from the west.” Xiao Jue’s finger pointed to another place, “The real target is Yaquan Town. This place is a small material transfer station in the Northern Dynasties. There are not many defenders, but a large amount of furs and medicinal materials are stored for the winter. By taking it, we can greatly improve the winter conditions for the soldiers, especially frostbite medicine.”
He looked at Zuo Yunci and continued: “Select the most reliable team from your scout battalion, pretend to be remnants of the caravan or refugees, and sneak into the vicinity of Yaquan Town to find out the internal information and the location of the granary and arsenal. Remember, only you can hold the information. The action plan will not be disclosed to any fourth person except the three of us.”
“The last general takes orders.” Zuo Yunci said solemnly.
“Wen Boyan,” Xiao Jue turned to him, “you are responsible for the preparations on the surface. Mobilize the so-called elites with great fanfare and make a surprise attack on Yingzui Rock. The movement must be loud and real. If the traitor is intentional, he will definitely try to pass on the news.”
“Yes.” Wen Boyan responded, and then asked, “What about the team that escorted Li Zhi and others and their evidence back to Guzang?”
Xiao Jue’s eyes narrowed slightly: “Calculate the time, it should be here soon. I hope Xie Pushe and Xu Shuhuai are ready to take the move.”
He remembered Xie Heng’s instructions before leaving. I’m afraid the wind and rain in Guzang will not be as easy as the sword in the north.
Guzang is a confrontation under the undercurrent.
On the table in front of Xie Heng, in addition to the military reports and grain and grass documents in the northern border, there was also a secret report from a censor in the Third Division who had a close personal relationship with him.
The report mentioned that although the Wang family donated food and complained about illness on the surface and seemed to be giving in, they made frequent moves in secret.Wang Yu claimed to be ill, but his cousin Wang Yuzong, who was known as the Smiling Tiger and had more sophisticated methods, frequently visited the residences of several clan princes and military generals.
“When Wang Yuzong visited the Duke of Zhenguo, he vaguely mentioned that the border generals were monopolizing power and would not lose their tails. He also lamented that Wang Zhaoruo was seriously injured that day, and there might be some hidden secret.”
Xie Heng read out the sentences in the secret music with a calm voice, but Xu Shuhuai’s eyes grew cold as he heard it.
“Are you going to counterattack?” Xu Shuhuai tapped the armrest with his fingertips, “Are you going to attack Xiao Jue? Or are you trying to put the fire on you by questioning Wang Zhaoruo’s old case?”
“Maybe it’s both.” Xie Heng put down the secret report, “The Wang family’s network of interests in the north has been torn apart by Xiao Jue. The fact that Li Zhi and others were escorted back is living evidence. They will not sit still and wait for death. Attacking Xiao Jue’s authority is to test His Majesty’s attitude and to set up obstacles for the possible in-depth investigation.”
He looked at Xu Shuhuai and said, “The food and grass dispatch needs to be stepped up to ensure that the supply in the north is safe. Xiao Jue cannot have any restrictions from the rear at this moment. In addition, the three divisions will interrogate those involved in the Wang family. You must pay attention secretly to prevent anyone from silencing or tampering with testimony.”
Xu Shuhuai nodded and said slowly: “I understand. A reliable person has been arranged to keep an eye on it.”
He paused, with a rare trace of solemnity on his face, “His Majesty left me alone for a moment after the court meeting today, and asked about the consumption of grain and grass in the north and Xiao Jue’s use of troops. There seemed to be deep meaning in his words.”
Xie Heng’s eyes narrowed: “Is Your Majesty worried that Xiao Jue is so eager to make meritorious deeds that he consumes too much? Or is he a little suspicious?”
“The Sacred Heart is unpredictable.” Xu Shuhuai sighed, “But the rumors spread by the Wang family may not have penetrated into His Majesty’s ears. It has always been a taboo for kings for border generals to exercise power. Xiao Jue is now reorganizing military affairs in the north, acting vigorously and resolutely, fighting a good battle, and his prestige is at its peak. If there are villains slandering him at this time, it is indeed easy to arouse suspicion.”
Xie Heng was silent for a moment and said slowly: “So, Xiao Jue needs to win the next city.”
He ran his fingertips over the words “Left arm injured, fortunately no serious injury” on the military report, and paused almost imperceptibly, “But this city must be won beautifully, won in time, and won to silence all doubts in the court. At the same time, he must find out the nails in the army and prove that his situation is not all smooth sailing, and there are also internal worries, in order to be able to alleviate the suspicion of monopolizing power.”
Xu Shuhuai smiled bitterly: “This really requires the horse to run, but also requires the horse to show weakness at every turn to protect itself. It’s hard for Xiao Jue.”
“This is the path he chose.” Xie Heng’s voice was very soft, but it carried a quiet power. “What we can do is to clear the obstacles for him at the rear, prepare enough food and grass, and stabilize the situation of the court.”
At this time, Uncle Cheng reported softly outside the door: “Master Lang, the person sent to pick up the escort team from the north sent back the news that the team has arrived at the post station a hundred miles away and can enter the city before noon tomorrow. However, he was attacked by unknown persons on the way. Li Zhi was seriously injured. He is hanging on ginseng soup, but he has been comatose and unable to speak. Colonel Wen handled it properly, and the main prisoners and evidence were not damaged.”
Xie Heng and Xu Shuhuai looked at each other and saw the coldness in each other’s eyes.
“Strengthen the response. After entering the city, he will be sent directly to the Imperial City Prison. We will send more personnel to guard him, especially Li Zhi. We must let him live to speak.” Xie Heng ordered, his tone decisive.
“Yes.”
After Uncle Cheng withdrew, Xu Shuhuai raised his eyebrows, looked at him and said, “It seems that the Wang family is really anxious, and even did things like silence them on the road. Li Zhi’s mouth seems to be able to pry out a lot of things.”
“The premise is that he can wake up and our people can protect him.” Xie Heng stood up and walked to the window, looking at the old plum tree in the courtyard that was only a shadow in the night. “I’m afraid it won’t be too peaceful in the court hall tomorrow.”
Not bad as he expected.Almost at the same moment, thousands of miles away in the north, the news started to stir.
All the elite troops from the northern camp came out, their flags were fluttering, and they marched toward Yingzui Rock. Xiao Jue’s general’s flag was prominently among them.News of the expedition spread quickly.
Late at night on the same day, a lightly-armed force of only 300 people, led by a general personally selected by Zuo Yunci, silently circled towards Yaquan Town by relying on the faint starlight and familiar terrain.
Xiao Jue and Wen Boyan are both included in this list.
The operation went extremely smoothly. The Northern Dynasty defenders in Yaquan Town seemed not to have expected to be attacked. Most of them were controlled in their sleep, and only sporadic resistance was quickly eliminated.
As Scout Zuo Yunci said, the warehouses in the town are filled with high-quality furs and processed medicinal materials, and there are even many bundles of arrow shafts and some iron ingots.
“Quickly, load everything you can take away into the truck, and burn everything you can’t take away.”
“General, do you want to burn it?” a subordinate asked.
“It would be a pity to burn it, but we must retreat quickly and lightly.” Xiao Jue looked serious, “And this fire is also a signal.”
Just as the flames of Yaquan Town were rising into the sky, an ambush and counter-ambush were being staged near Yingzui Rock, dozens of miles away.
As expected, the Northern Dynasty deployed heavy troops on the predicted Yingzui Rock Road and stood ready.But what they were waiting for was not Xiao Jue’s main force, but the suspect soldiers arranged by Wen Boyan in advance. After a brief contact, they pretended to be defeated, discarded part of the flag and baggage and quickly retreated.
The defenders of the Northern Dynasty thought they had defeated the surprise attack of the Southern Dynasty, and were waiting to pursue the enemy to expand the results. However, the sky-high flames of Yaquan Town and urgent reports for help came one after another from behind.
Outside Yaquan Town, Xiao Jue quickly evacuated with a load of loot and prisoners.Zuo Yunci led the scouts to clear up the traces.
Just when the team was about to reach a birch forest in front of the safe area, a dense rain of arrows suddenly shot out from the forest, with a clear target, pointing directly at Xiao Jue in the middle of the team.
At the same time, dozens of ambush soldiers in black clothes jumped out of the snow on both sides, and they rushed towards them without fear of death. They were strong and coordinated, and they were no ordinary Northern Dynasty rangers.
“There is an ambush, protect the general!” Wen Boyan shouted fiercely, his spear danced like a wheel, deflected several sharp arrows, and immediately protected Xiao Jue’s flank.
Zuo Yunci reacted very quickly. He could determine the assassin’s approximate location almost as soon as the arrows rained out. He fired the short crossbow and several screams were immediately heard in the forest.
With his flexible body, he led his scouts towards the ambush on one side, his sword flashing, and he was instantly fighting with several men in black.
These assassins are highly skilled in martial arts and have a clear will to die. They are completely trading life for life.Although Xiao Jue’s personal guards were brave, they were caught off guard and suffered casualties.
During the fierce battle, an assassin spotted the opening and threw a poisoned flying knife directly in front of Xiao Jue’s face.Wen Boyan was unable to fire back in time, and Zuo Yunci was a little further away, so he could only watch the flying knife shoot towards Xiao Jue.
Xiao Jue’s eyes widened and he tilted his head sharply. The flying knife flew past his cheek, bringing with it a trace of blood.But in this moment of respite, another assassin’s knife had already struck Xiao Jue’s shoulder.
“General!” Wen Boyan’s eyes were about to burst, but he was entangled by the assassins around him and couldn’t escape, so he could only roar.
At this critical moment, Zuo Yunci slammed the assassin away from the side, but due to excessive force, he and the assassin rolled to the ground.He didn’t care about his own safety at all, and used the clumsiest and most effective way to save Xiao Jue.
Zuo Yunci, who fell to the ground, fought closely with the assassin, and the danger was everywhere.Wen Boyan’s heart was so shaken that he shot away the enemy in front of him and rushed towards the battle group like crazy.
Xiao Jue had already stabilized his position and charged forward, and the guards also formed a formation to fight back. Seeing that the situation was over, the assassin leader suddenly bit into the poison sac and bled to death from his seven orifices.The remaining assassins were either dead or captured, but several of those captured immediately committed suicide by taking poison.
The battle quickly subsided, and only the thick smell of blood filled the cold air.
Wen Boyan rushed to Zuo Yunci, held his shoulders and checked him up and down. There was a cut on his shoulder, and the blood stained his clothes. His face was a little pale due to blood loss and fierce fighting, but his eyes were still full of smiles when he looked at Wen Boyan.
“How are you?” Wen Boyan’s voice was tight, and he reached out to help him, but he was afraid of touching the wound.
“The flesh wound is not a problem.” Zuo Yunci took a breath, stood up on his own, and looked at Xiao Jue, “General, are you okay?”
Xiao Jue wiped away the blood on his cheek, walked to the body of the leader who committed suicide by taking poison, and knelt down to search carefully.
Soon he took out a small iron plate next to his body, with a complex emblem engraved on it, as well as a surname mark that was familiar to Xiao Jue.
Within the Langya Wang family, only dead warriors or hidden stakes of high status may possess tokens.
“Wang family…” Xiao Jue stood up slowly, holding the cold iron plate.
This ambush was not a revenge by the Northern Dynasty, nor was it as simple as a traitor in the army leaking his whereabouts.This was a joint assassination between the Wang family and the Northern Dynasty forces. A traitor in the army passed on Xiao Jue’s true course of action, and the Wang family used dead soldiers hidden in the Northern Dynasty and cooperated with the Northern Dynasty who might have knowledge to set up this killing situation.
A good one can connect to foreign countries, a good one can kill them all.
“Clean the battlefield and return to the camp quickly.” Xiao Jue’s voice was cold to the bone. “Wen Boyan, immediately after returning to the camp, secretly control all senior generals and officials who may have come into contact with this action route. Zuo Yunci, your people immediately dispersed to investigate. From Li Zhi’s old troops to anyone who has unconventional correspondence with Gu Zang, no one can be spared.”
“Yes.” They both responded in unison.
On the way back to the camp, the atmosphere was solemn. Wen Boyan rode his horse and walked side by side with Zuo Yunci. His eyes fell on his blood-stained shoulders from time to time. Finally, he couldn’t help but whispered: “Let the military doctor handle it immediately when you get back. Don’t hold on anymore.”
Zuo Yunci turned to look at him, and saw that his brows were furrowed, and there was undisguised fear and worry in his eyes. The warmth in his heart spread again, diluting the pain of the wound and the danger just now, and he hummed softly.
[The author has something to say]
[Red Heart] My little darlings, today is Christmas Eve~
I’m here to read again haha [laughing] I feel very shy when I think that you will see me entertaining myself and talking to each other in the air [shy] Oh, remember to eat apples, which means peace every year [Fireworks]
At this time, is Xiaobao going to say, what should I do if I don’t like apples? [Crying]
Haha, don’t worry, please read – “Christmas Eve Apple Self-Rescue Guide”
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
All the apples on the supermarket shelves have experienced the moment of being “selected”. Some were chosen because of their ruddy appearance, and some were left until the end because they were slightly mottled. But no matter how they are selected, every apple will be solemnly picked up by a certain pair of hands at a certain moment, tied with a ribbon, and given a unique meaning.
The appearance of some apples is polished to be extra shiny, which is their “professional dress” [spreading hands] prepared for important festivals. But waxing and polishing is just the icing on the cake, not a criterion for defining whether it is a “good apple”.
Its sweetness, crispness, and inner richness have long been quietly grown in the sunshine and rain [touch your head]
Therefore, no matter the size, variety, or price of an apple, when it is cut horizontally, the core contains the same exquisite five-pointed star [fireworks]. This is the inner starry sky that it has given equally to everyone since the beginning of its growth.
It is only on this day of the year that it is explicitly called the “Peace Fruit”.But its essence is no different between yesterday and tomorrow [red heart] is people’s consensus and desire, which gives it the aura of this night.
Having said so much, I don’t know what I’m talking about.I seem to be off topic hahaha [Shut up]
Oh, in short, you may feel that you are just an ordinary “apple” today, but in a certain scene, with a certain person, or when you complete a certain thing, you will instantly become an irreplaceable “peaceful fruit” in his or her world [hug]
At that moment, you don’t need to change your essence, you just need to be yourself and you will already shine [touch your head] [throw flowers]