CHAPTER 295: CHAPTER 292: DIFFERENT

Lishu knew that Xie Liangchen was not familiar with the eight states, so she drew a simple map on the ground.

"About this far."

Cheng Yanzhao would need at least a day to lead his troops over for support, and if there were any obstructions along the way, the situation would be uncertain.

What could be foreseen was that the journey would not be peaceful.

"Hurry and prepare the meal," Xie Liangchen instructed Lishu.

Lishu nodded, perhaps Miss Xie was worrying about the war! Although they had sent military supplies, it was still uncertain whether the battle at the West Pass could be won.

"Han Wei is formidable," Lishu said, "People in the eight states all know, just like the citizens of Zhenzhou know General Song Xian."

Xie Liangchen nodded.

After the military supplies from Zhenzhou arrived, Old General Zhang clearly felt a boost in morale.

Miss Xie not only sent military supplies but also brought manpower.

The camp was filled with the aroma of food, though it was just some extra dried meat and radish, it truly filled the soldiers’ stomachs, making the radish taste more fragrant than anything.

Cheng Yanzhao looked at the meal in his hand, only feeling pity for Song Xian.

With everything prepared, Cheng Yanzhao led the troops to the West Pass.

Xie Liangchen also roughly understood Song Xian’s current situation. This was the most difficult battle since Song Xian’s westward campaign, and with few soldiers to start with, facing Han Wei’s large army left no time for respite, only a bitter struggle.

Fortunately, they managed to firmly contain Han Wei in place; as long as Han Wei made no progress, it meant Song Xian had not retreated.

That cavalry, personally led by Song Xian from the Vigorous Martial Army, would have faltered long ago if it were any other troops.

Xie Liangchen did not know if Song Xian could hold out until reinforcements arrived, nor if Song Xian was injured.

She could only wait for word from the West Pass.

Upon reaching Xinzhou, Xie Liangchen became even busier, caring for the wounded and helping to prepare provisions, but every time she finished her tasks, she couldn’t help but feel a heaviness in her heart when she thought about the lack of battle reports.

"The news from the West Pass has likely arrived."

Chen Yongsheng glanced at the military leader who dismounted and spoke in a low voice.

Xie Liangchen looked at Chang Yue, who immediately walked quickly towards the military tent.

A moment later, Chang Yue came out from the tent: "Old General Zhang requests Miss Xie to come and talk."

The military tent was not usually open to civilians, but Old General Zhang sensed Miss Xie’s uniqueness from Cheng Yanzhao and Chang Yue.

Though Song Xian and Cheng Yanzhao left the remaining troops in his charge, in the hearts of Song Xian and others, he was not as esteemed as Miss Xie.

After sitting down, Old General Zhang said, "The reinforcements have arrived. General Song and Han Wei are in a fierce battle in Dai State." This battle would surely decide victory.

Old General Zhang continued, "Most of Han Wei’s forces have gone, already at their limits, and the Song Family Army has also suffered significant losses."

Xie Liangchen listened quietly.

Old General Zhang added, "General Song is also injured, though the letter did not specify the severity of the injuries."

Xie Liangchen remained silent for a while, then looked up: "Is the battlefront stable now?"

Old General Zhang said, "I reviewed the map and the battle report; Han Wei will not escape, the result will be clear within three days."

Three days.

Xie Liangchen nodded, "In two days, I will take people to the West Pass to treat the wounded, does the Old General think this is feasible?"

Old General Zhang thought it might be better to wait a few days, but upon meeting Miss Xie’s clear eyes, he felt a hint of urgency in her seemingly calm gaze.

Involuntarily, Old General Zhang said, "It could be dangerous."

Xie Liangchen replied, "As long as it doesn’t interfere with the combat, it’s fine."

Xie Liangchen rose, saluted Old General Zhang, and then left the military tent.

Standing outside the tent, Xie Liangchen looked towards the direction of the West Pass.

...

West Pass.

After the encounter with Han Wei’s troops, both sides withdrew for a short rest.

No need to count the troops, Song Xian knew Han Wei’s forces had suffered severe losses, and Han Wei was now without discipline, turning from a fierce tiger into a rabid dog.

Song Xian and Cheng Yanzhao examined the map.

"They want to escape from here. As long as we block their final retreat, we can kill him in Dai State."

Song Xian nodded.

Cheng Yanzhao continued, "We have captured over a thousand of their troops. Han Wei’s morale is in disarray."

Once Han Wei is defeated, Song Xian’s advance east would be unstoppable.

Song Xian pointed at the map, about to make some arrangements when he suddenly coughed, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

Cheng Yanzhao’s expression changed: "What happened? Where are you hurt?"

Song Xian waved his hand: "It’s nothing serious, hasn’t affected the organs."

Cheng Yanzhao frowned tightly: "Perhaps I should lead the troops, and you take a rest."

"No need," Song Xian said, "tomorrow’s battle will decide the outcome."

With Song Xian’s decision, no one could sway him. Cheng Yanzhao sighed, "Don’t forget, Miss Xie is still waiting for you in Xinzhou. If something happens to you, I won’t bother going back."

Hearing this, Song Xian’s eyes lit up: "What did she say to you?"

Seeing the energetic face, Cheng Yanzhao was relieved, thinking perhaps Song Xian’s injury wasn’t as severe as he feared if he had the spirit to think of Miss Xie.

Cheng Yanzhao said, "Then just for one day. After tomorrow, whether Han Wei is slain or not, you need to rest, and leave the rest to me."

Song Xian nodded.

After a brief adjustment, before dawn Song Xian led the troops to battle Han Wei again.

As Han Wei’s forces were just setting up their defensive formation, Song Xian charged with the Vigorous Martial Army.

Screams of battle echoed, the ground littered with countless corpses.

Han Wei’s troops attempted to escort Han Wei away, but Song Xian firmly blocked his path, and Han Wei gritted his teeth, gripping his long blade tightly.

In the end, Han Wei chose to fight to the death rather than surrender.

Song Xian galloped forward, his spear clashing with Han Wei’s several times, finally piercing Han Wei’s chest, while Han Wei’s blade embedded in Song Xian’s armor.

Calmly, Song Xian cast Han Wei’s body to the ground, commanding: "Clear out Han Wei’s remnants, spare those who surrender."

The sky darkened.

Song Xian rode back to camp, dismounted, and saw Cheng Yanzhao approaching. He wanted to speak, but darkness enveloped his vision, leaving only Cheng Yanzhao’s anxious face.

"How is it?"

"The wound’s not deep, already treated."

Song Xian heard the conversation nearby, one voice was Cheng Yanzhao, the other was... Sister Chen.

Song Xian opened his eyes, trying to discern his surroundings, only managing to see a blurry silhouette.

After an indeterminate time, Song Xian woke again to the sight of a simple military tent. He turned to see a young girl asleep beside his bed, her breathing deep and steady.

As if connected, the girl suddenly woke, lifting her head to meet Song Xian’s gaze.

In that look, Song Xian’s heart trembled, and he hoarsely said, "Why did you come."

Xie Liangchen was momentarily stunned, then said, "Everything in Xinzhou is arranged. I... came with people to tend to the wounded."

The tent was very quiet, and Song Xian gazed at her steadily. After a fierce battle, opening his eyes to see the person he most wanted to see; how could he contain his thoughts: "To see the wounded or to see me?"

Xie Liangchen pressed her lips, her heart pounding like a drum: "Both."

Song Xian reached out as if to hold her, hesitated, then paused: "Am I the same as them or not?"

Xie Liangchen felt the wind was particularly strong tonight. She thought of saying Dai State was much colder than Zhenzhou, but before she knew it, her hand was held.

She couldn’t help but shrink back, lips parting.

She heard herself say, "Different."