Mang Mountain
Xiao Che, clad in armor, strode into the tent. Having weathered the bloody battles of the battlefield, his youthful innocence had shed, replaced by an aura of regal authority that commanded respect even in silence.
"Your Highness!" everyone rose to salute.
Xiao Che waved a hand, signaling them to be seated. "I have summoned you generals today because I received word that the rebel reinforcements will arrive within these two days. Do any of you have a plan to defeat the rebels before then?"
Xiao Che's army and the rebel forces were of comparable strength. The enemy, however, held the advantage of favorable terrain, and Xiao Che, mindful of the ancestral tombs of Mang Mountain, was at a slight disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chang Gong was also trapped here. With the Northern Army behind them and Xiao Che's victorious forces before them, their movements were restricted.
Such a large army required provisions daily, and even the wounded needed medicine. If they adopted a war of attrition, the enemy would not last long.
However, the arrival of rebel reinforcements would shatter the current stalemate, putting them in a disadvantageous position.
"Xiao Chang Gong's departure from Hanzhong this time was a gamble, bringing all of the Hanzhong army with him. I believe that any so-called reinforcements are merely a smokescreen. Furthermore, Xiao Chang Gong's ambush at Phoenix Mountain was intended for a swift, decisive victory. Now, having retreated ignominiously to Mang Mountain, even if someone had allied with him, they would likely break their pact at this juncture," General Fan said disdainfully.
"What the General says has merit, but if the rebels truly have reinforcements, won't we be in a passive position?" another replied.
"Even if there are reinforcements, we need not fear. Marquis Chenliu has received the news and is likely already on his way," General Fan advocated for a swift conclusion, unable to endure this prolonged stalemate.
...
The men in the hall argued incessantly, but most favored a swift resolution.
Although Xiao Che also wished for a swift victory, his position demanded greater consideration and he had his own reservations. He looked at Yu Mingjing, who sat at the lower end of the table, silent until now. "Mingjing, what are your thoughts?"
Before the expedition, Yu Mingjing had been his bodyguard. However, over the past year, he had proven exceptionally brave, achieving numerous meritorious deeds, and was now the General of Guide, qualified to participate in discussions.
Yet, he could not compare to these generals of higher seniority and age, hence his seat at the very bottom.
Yu Mingjing then spoke, "Your Highness, I received a secret letter indicating that the Northern Army may be in trouble."
Xiao Che narrowed his eyes, pondering. "Another anonymous letter?"
"Precisely!" Yu Mingjing presented the letter to Xiao Che.
Upon receiving it, Xiao Che noticed that the handwriting was indeed consistent with the previous anonymous letters.
Initially, he had doubted the sender, but every piece of information they provided had proven accurate. Furthermore, it was under the guidance of the anonymous letter that Mingjing had saved him. This person was trustworthy.
"Could it be that Feng Qirui is harboring treacherous intentions?" General Fan asked, his words quick.
In terms of seniority, General Fan was not inferior to Han Congsheng; both had been former bodyguards of the Emperor and were valiant on the battlefield. However, Fan was impetuous and often spoke without thinking, which was why he remained a fifth-rank general after so many years.
He was on good terms with Han Congsheng and naturally harbored resentment towards Feng Qirui, who had taken Han Congsheng's position. He blurted out his suspicions immediately.
"General Fan, speak with caution." Xiao Che's gaze turned cold.
General Fan spoke carelessly, but his words bordered on questioning the Emperor. If such remarks reached the Emperor's ears, it would be detrimental, and no matter how many battle merits he earned, he would remain a fifth-rank general.
Xiao Che, while seemingly rebuffing him, was actually offering a subtle warning.
General Fan realized his impropriety. "I misspoke, Your Highness, I beg your pardon."
Yu Mingjing seized the opportunity to change the subject. "If we consider past patterns, the content of the secret letter is highly likely to be true. If the Northern Army encounters trouble, the capital will be in danger."