bookrandom Chapter 2013: A High-Stakes Gamble!
Chapter 2013: A High-Stakes Gamble!
"I trust my fifteenth brother!"
"I believe that as a descendant of the Chu family, he would never do anything that would hurt his own people and please his enemies when the country is in peril, and he would never betray the land and state of our great Chu!"
Chu Ning's gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Feng Anguo: "General Feng, immediately draft an imperial edict and send it back to the capital by express courier!"
"The fifteenth prince, Prince Xuan, Chu Xuan, is hereby promoted to Governor-General of Youzhou, overseeing all military and political affairs of the two northern prefectures, You and Yun!"
"With this imperial edict, he is authorized to mobilize all available troops within the country, including a portion of the three major camps in the capital region, troops from various prefectures and counties, and border garrison troops, to be under unified command and march north to confront the Scorpion Clan! It is imperative to keep the barbarian cavalry outside the country's borders!"
This order was earth-shattering!
It's tantamount to entrusting the safety of half the country to a former political enemy.
Feng Anguo's body trembled slightly. He saw the determination in Chu Ning's eyes and knew that the emperor's mind was made up.
He was fully aware of the immense risks involved, but at this moment, he could say nothing more than accept the order. He took a deep breath, bowed, and replied:
"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"
Chu Ning seemed to want to dispel the heavy atmosphere brought about by this decision, or perhaps to change the subject, he changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat lighter:
"By the way, General Feng, is there any news from Mulan?"
Feng Anguo quickly composed himself and replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress has sent a military report that the Vermilion Bird Legion has completed its rest and will surely arrive at Zhennan Pass before noon tomorrow."
"it is good!"
A genuine smile appeared on Chu Ning's face, a smile that reflected his longing for his beloved concubine and his anticipation of the approaching powerful reinforcements.
"Pass down the order: tomorrow, I will personally go out of the pass to welcome Mulan and the soldiers of the Vermilion Bird Legion!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Feng Anguo accepted the order, bowed, and left the room.
Once again, Chu Ning was the only one left in the large room.
He slowly sat back in his chair, his gaze returning to the enormous sand table, his fingers unconsciously tracing the line representing the Great Wall in the north.
Using Chu Xuan was a huge gamble.
But he believed that for the sake of the Great Chu, he had to take this gamble.
Now, he needs to focus his energy on the upcoming decisive battle with Li Jing.
The next day.
In the twelfth lunar month, Zhennanguan was blessed with a relatively warm midday.
The pale golden sunlight of winter pierced through the thin clouds, shining on the majestic pass and the vast land, dispelling some of the gloom and chill of the past few days, but it could not dispel the pervasive atmosphere of desolation inside and outside the pass.
However, amidst today's somber atmosphere, there is an irrepressible sense of anticipation and excitement.
Outside the pass, on both sides of the wide official road, stood two rows of elite Imperial Guards, their armor gleaming and banners fluttering.
They stood motionless like spears nailed to the ground, their eyes fixed intently on the distance.
Further out were the main force of the royal army, composed of soldiers from various units who had come to greet them.
Although their ranks were not as orderly as those of the Imperial Guards, their faces, weathered by war, were filled with heartfelt joy and respect.
In the air, it seemed as if invisible war drums were gently beating, the prelude to the triumphant return of the army.
Above the gate tower, a bright yellow canopy, symbolizing the status of the Emperor of Great Chu, swayed gently in the breeze.
Chu Ning, dressed in military uniform with a cloak embroidered with gold and black dragon patterns, stood before the battlements.
He stood tall and straight, his face particularly clear in the sunlight, his deep eyes gazing at the rising dust that was getting closer and closer at the end of the official road.
Feng Anguo and a group of senior generals stood solemnly behind him, slightly to the side, all holding their breath and waiting for the arrival of the meritorious legion.
Finally, on the horizon, a crimson wave emerged.
Immediately afterwards, the wave expanded and became clear, transforming into a disciplined and imposing army.
Countless crimson Vermilion Bird battle flags fluttered in the wind like burning flames, leading this battle-hardened army.
The soldiers were clad in standard red armor, their weapons reflecting a cold and orderly gleam in the sunlight.
With resounding footsteps and the sound of their footsteps approaching from afar, like rolling thunder, carrying an invincible sharpness, it was none other than the Vermilion Bird Legion, which was renowned throughout the world!
At the very front of the procession, a lone rider stood out.
The general was immediately clad in specially made phoenix-winged gilded armor, the armor plates shimmering in the sunlight, and a crimson cloak billowed behind his shoulders, like the wings of a soaring phoenix.
Her face was still covered by that mysterious white veil, revealing only a pair of clear, cold, and commanding eyes.
It was none other than the Imperial Noble Consort, the commander of the Vermilion Bird Legion—Feng Mulan!
The army slowly came to a stop a short distance from the pass, their movements perfectly synchronized, demonstrating an extremely high level of training.
Feng Mulan gently lifted the reins, spurred her horse out of the crowd, and, under the watchful eyes of countless people, arrived alone at the place where the imperial carriage was located in front of the pass.
She nimbly dismounted, her movements graceful and fluid. She walked a few steps to Chu Ning, and following the proper etiquette of a subject, clasped her hands and bowed. Her clear, melodious voice resonated throughout the entire area.
"Your Majesty, I, Feng Mulan, was ordered to lead the Vermilion Bird Legion south to provide reinforcements. I have successfully completed my mission and have come today to report back! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Her voice was not loud, but it had a golden quality, containing strength and loyalty.
A broad, undisguised smile spread across Chu Ning's face as he strode forward and personally helped Feng Mulan up.
His gaze lingered for a moment on her heroic armor and veil, his eyes filled with admiration and tenderness:
"My beloved concubine, please rise! You must be tired from your journey!"
Feng Mulan stood up and then turned to Feng Anguo, who was standing next to Chu Ning, bowing again with a more feminine touch of intimacy and respect in her tone.
"Daddy."
Feng Anguo's tiger-like eyes held an barely suppressed excitement and pride. He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"It's good that you're back safe and sound. Thank you for your hard work."
A thousand words are contained in this greeting.
Chu Ning held Feng Mulan's hand tightly, glancing around at the eager soldiers. His voice suddenly rose, carrying the emperor's praise for a meritorious official and encouragement for the entire army:
"My beloved concubine, you have outmaneuvered Helian Wujiu's 40,000-strong enemy army outside Luoxia Mountain, thus enhancing our military prestige and boosting our morale."
"Furthermore, in coordination with General Xue Huaide from within and without, they decisively defeated Wang Zhongsi, laying the foundation for victory in the southern border region! This is an unparalleled achievement!"
"I am greatly pleased, and the soldiers of the three armies share in this honor!"
Feng Mulan raised her eyes, and the corners of her lips beneath the veil seemed to curve slightly.
She surprisingly revealed a touch of girlish charm and playfulness, and following Chu Ning's words, she said in a tone that was half serious and half joking:
"Your Majesty, your humble servant and the soldiers of the Vermilion Bird Legion braved dangers and traveled thousands of miles to provide assistance. After a fierce battle, we have finally lived up to Your Majesty's trust."
"Now that we have achieved our goal, Your Majesty cannot simply offer a few words of praise and send us on our way."