CHAPTER 293: CHAPTER 290 TRUST

Xinzhou.

Old General Zhang quickly walked into the army tent.

Song Xian led his army to officially engage with Han Wei’s troops. Han Wei’s forces were defeated and fled north, aiming to retreat to the West Pass. If he occupies the West Pass, Song Xian would have to worry about being attacked from behind when he tries to chase the imperial family of the previous dynasty to the south, as Han Wei could emerge from the West Pass anytime, leaving Song Xian besieged from both front and rear.

Song Xian could not allow this to happen. He wanted to take Xinzhou and Dai State, making these two states his base. Hence, the battle was fast and fierce, with Song Xian constantly on horseback.

After ambushing Han Wei, Song Xian placed Old General Zhang at the rear. Firstly, because Old General Zhang was advanced in age, his health not as good as before due to years of war; secondly, because Old General Zhang was familiar with the land of the Eight States and could strategize for Song Xian from the rear, watching the movements of the previous dynasty’s troops to prevent any schemes.

Song Xian stood in the army tent, leaning over the map on the table. He hadn’t removed his armor, which under the lamplight gleamed coldly, with dried blood layering together, adding a touch of menace to Song Xian.

Seeing this, Old General Zhang’s heart tightened; no wonder Han Wei’s troops fell within seven days. It wasn’t because Han Wei was too incompetent, but because Song Xian was such a sharp weapon.

From Song Xian’s appearance, his return to the barracks was likely just a brief reorganization. Soon, he would return to the battlefield.

"Are you leaving again?" Old General Zhang asked.

Song Xian nodded, "Han Wei is trapped here. I must encircle him before the West Pass. The walls of the West Pass are too high, and there are fortifications inside. If Han Wei passes through, attacking the city would cost us dearly."

Old General Zhang walked over to look at the map.

Song Xian said, "I’ll first lead light cavalry to block Han Wei. Later, Cheng Yanzhao will bring reinforcements to join me."

The plan sounded simple, but to block Han Wei with only light cavalry was inherently dangerous, potentially allowing Han Wei to counterattack.

After all, a surprise attack is a double-edged sword; it can harm both the enemy and oneself.

"Han Wei will be prepared," Old General Zhang said, "He retreated with at least 20,000 troops unharmed, likely setting ambushes knowing you would pursue."

Song Xian replied, "I know, precisely because Han Wei is smart, we can’t let him occupy the West Pass. Otherwise, even if the imperial family is defeated, he can still occupy the pass, making it difficult for anyone to do anything. Moreover, if the Liao people come from the north, Han Wei could open the pass to let the wolves in."

Such a great threat cannot be left unattended. Song Xian must control the critical passes.

Old General Zhang said, "But the rear’s military resources might be insufficient." Supplies, medicine, arrows, all must be prepared before the battle, else failure would be near, and Song Xian could be in danger.

Song Xian didn’t look up: "I’ve received news from Zhenzhou; they will send supplies. The Daqi Court’s subsequent resources will also arrive. The light cavalry will carry only seven days’ supplies; Cheng Yanzhao will bring the rest."

Old General Zhang frowned. If the conflicts in Zhenzhou and Dingzhou aren’t resolved quickly or if further disturbances arise, the resources wouldn’t be complete.

Could it be father and son have an inexplicable bond, where Song Xian immensely trusts Song Qizheng to stabilize the northern situation?

Song Xian raised his head, his deep eyes showing determination: "Don’t worry, General. I have a plan." He knew who was guarding Zhenzhou, leaving Zhenzhou to her, believing in her ability to secure the land of the Eight States as much as she trusts him.

Their hearts understood each other.

Old General Zhang looked at Song Xian; whether an illusion or not, he seemed to see a hint of a smile on Song Xian’s face a moment ago.

Since Song Xian made up his mind, Old General Zhang refrained from further persuasion, as he wasn’t familiar with Zhenzhou and Song Qizheng’s situation.

"Rest for a while," Old General Zhang said, "Even the fastest reorganization of troops takes an hour."

Song Xian nodded, walked to the corner, and rested without removing his armor and boots.

As he closed his eyes, drowsiness swept over him.

Since arriving in the domain, Song Xian had been constantly leading troops across battlefields. Even a person made of iron would feel worn out. To capture Xinzhou and Dai State, Song Xian exhausted all his strength; once his body and mind relaxed, he quickly fell asleep.

"Master, Miss Xie is here."

Upon hearing Chang An’s voice, Song Xian immediately opened his eyes.

"Indeed, Miss Xie has brought supplies from Baimaling."

Song Xian got up and hurried outside.

Pulling aside the army tent, the sun shone brightly outside.

The girl, dressed in an imperial-colored gown, rode a snow-white warhorse towards him. Before reining in the horse, she moved to leap off its back.

Reckless.

Song Xian’s expression changed. Hastening his pace, he reached out to catch the girl’s slender body.

A familiar floral fragrance filled his nose as he held her tightly in his arms.

Her face bore a smile, her bright eyes fixated on him.

A breeze lifted her strands of hair, gently brushing against his cheek.

Song Xian only wanted to rest his forehead against hers, quietly embracing each other, without saying a word, just peacefully...

"Master, Master..."

Someone nearby.

Song Xian started, instantly waking up, instinctively wanting to hide the person in his arms behind him. Moving his arm, he found there was nothing there.

After a moment Song Xian came to his senses; this was in the army tent.

He didn’t expect to fall into such a deep sleep, just a little rest, and an hour passed.

"Is everything ready?" Song Xian’s voice was slightly hoarse.

Seeing the master like this, Chang An felt sympathetic: "Master, why not delay an hour, rest a bit more."

"No need." Song Xian stood up, saw the food on the desk: millet and pancakes.

Song Xian always ate the same as the soldiers, especially when resources were scarce. Such food was already quite good.

He wondered how Zhenzhou was.

No time to worry about these; he needed to finish the battle swiftly for the Eight States, Zhenzhou, and Dingzhou to be at peace.

Song Xian picked up the bowl and quickly finished his meal, then walked briskly out of the army tent.

The light cavalry had assembled, the horses moving their hooves, emitting soft neighs.

Song Xian forged ahead, with the light cavalry team swiftly following like arrows racing forward.

Seeing this, emotion surged within Old General Zhang; an impulse to fight alongside Song Xian welled up.

After a moment, Old General Zhang withdrew his thoughts, focusing on procuring military supplies for Song Xian. He’d send people to the surrounding states and counties, though the people of the Eight States led hard lives and supplies would likely be limited.

Still reliant on Zhenzhou’s shipment for supplies.

The question was, would they truly arrive?

Three days after Song Xian left, Cheng Yanzhao returned to the camp.

Old General Zhang personally went out with people, but retrieved very few supplies.

On the fourth day, the military leader guarding Baimaling reported.

"Carts and horses have arrived, coming from the direction of Zhenzhou."

"It’s the supplies, the supplies."