295 Western Ling's Famous Generals Enter the Scene

eup, and still irresistibly attractive even if disheveled. Wen Tingyun’s poetry is like a woman in full makeup; Li Yuanchun's poetry resembles a woman with minimal makeup; while Later Master [referrin...295. War Breaks Out, Renowned Generals of Xi Ling

295. When the war broke out, renowned generals of Xi Ling.

Outside Li City, amidst thunderous drumbeats, two white figures stood proudly before hundreds of thousands of troops. The dark and vast ranks of the Mo Army were silent. Black banners fluttered in the wind. Everyone looked up at the pair of white-clad figures with admiration and respect.

Behind Ye Li was a line of generals who would be accompanying them on this campaign: Zhang Qilan, Lyu Jinxian, Feng Zhirao, Mo Hua, Zhuo Jing...

In a ritual to honor the heavens with wine, the air outside the city filled faintly with its aroma. After sharing a cup of farewell wine with those who came to see them off and the soldiers of the Mo Army, Mo Xiuyao loudly declared, "Departure!" His clear voice carried through the entire gathering.

"As you command!" hundreds of thousands shouted in unison.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged a smile before mounting their horses at the front. Leading the way on horseback, followed by other generals, then gradually moving soldiers formed a long black line receding into the distance.

The crowd outside the city gates slowly dispersed once the last soldier of the Mo Army left. Xu Hongyu and Xu Qingchen flanked Qingyun Scholar respectfully. "Father, let's go back," they said. The scholar nodded and sighed to his two sons and grandchild, "Dragon rises... there will likely be many matters for Li City in the future. Prince Ding entrusted you with the northwest; take care."

Qingyun Scholar looked at his descendants and nodded approvingly. With a smile he said, "In addition to this world, the northwest is full of storms ahead. Take care yourselves."

"Thank father for reminding us. We understand," they replied.

Moyan held hands with Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui, looking up at the adults longingly. Although he was clever enough to sense something important, he didn't fully grasp their conversation. He knew that Grandfather was advising his uncles about something. "Grandpa, Yuchen wants to help too."

Qingyun Scholar chuckled and patted Moyan's head affectionately, saying, "You just do your best to be obedient—that will be helping."

Moyan frowned with a sense of injustice; he wasn't still a little child!

Xu Qingchen bent down to pick up Moyan and smiled. "Look after Zhirui and Junhan well, that would greatly assist your uncle." Moyan nestled contentedly in his elder uncle's arms. He had to fulfill Immortal Uncle’s request. Looking at the two little 'bao bao' next to him, Moyan suddenly felt a surge of responsibility. These little moppets knew nothing and clearly needed care. Alright then, this young lord would reluctantly take charge of them. Lifting his head to look at the receding black dragon in the distance, Moyan sniffed slightly in Xu Qingchen's embrace—he missed his mother so much.

The northwest wasn't very large; it didn't take long for the Mo Army to reach the border with Xi Ling. Without stopping, they gave no time for reaction by the border garrison of Xi Ling and broke through their frontier city in just two days—this was the first time anyone had ever breached this city since Xi Ling's founding. At this moment, War God Lei Zhenting still resided within Chu territory, casting covetous eyes towards its southern riches.

Receiving news of the war report, Lei Zhenting shattered a blue porcelain teacup in shock and leapt to his feet in fury, "Mo Xiuyao!"

The generals below who had been full of confidence exchanged puzzled glances. One general mustered up courage to ask, "Your Excellency Did the Mo Army send troops to aid Chu Even so, we need not fear them." Although it was well-known that the Mo Army was renowned for its bravery and prowess, this time they were not facing Xi Ling alone; there were also Northern Frontier and Beirong. Though they didn't know much about that northern frontier, their ability to approach within hundreds of miles of Chu's capital in mere months couldn’t be underestimated. As for Beirong, it was known that the nomadic tribes beyond the frontier were fierce warriors. Prince Ding’s plan to take on three foes could yet be a gamble.

"Yes! Your Excellency should calm down; we need not fear Mo Xiuyao!" Many generals thought similarly and began to prepare for battle, forgetting about their previous defeat by the Mo Army several years ago.

Lei Zhenting sneered coldly. "Aid Chu Hmph! Yes, Mo Xiuyao has sent troops—but not to aid Chu; he's attacking Xi Ling!"

"What" Everyone was aghast.

After the initial fury had subsided, Thunder霆 also calmed down. He said in a low voice, "Xuanyao修堯 and Ye璃 personally led an army of hundreds of thousands to attack Western Capital. They have already broken through the border defense. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were caught off guard and retreated hastily! Useless! How could they not hold for two days with such numbers" It would be impossible if Thunder霆 had no guard against Xuanyao修堯 at all, regardless whether it was wartime or peace time, he always kept a close eye on the Black Family Army. So even when he led his entire country's army to attack Great Chu大楚 and left dozens of thousands stationed in the northwest borderlands. He never thought that those hundreds of thousands would not hold for two days under Xuanyao修堯!

“Didn’t Xuanyao修堯 promise not to interfere!”

Thunder霆 sneered, "Low and despicable So-called agreements are only valid when you want to comply with them. When you don’t want to comply they become a worthless piece of paper. Besides…Xuanyao修堯 promised not to get involved in the war between East Chu東楚 and Western Capital.

“My lord, your subordinate is willing to lead troops back to reinforce the border defense!” someone offered.

Thunder霆 closed his eyes and said sternly, "Xuanyao修堯 only brought forty thousand soldiers into Western Capital. Another hundred thousand are stationed on its borders."

The others were shocked, “Is Xuanyao修堯 trying to prevent us from reinforcing the border”

"Indeed, the general defending the borders of Western Capital is Zhang起瀾瀾 of the Black Family Army. Although not old, he is a veteran of the Black Family Army. If our army returns in full force he will be unable to stop them, but delaying us for some time should still be possible. Most importantly, once we withdraw it would be hard to guarantee that Eastern Chu’s東楚 soldiers won’t take advantage and chase after us. We’ll then face an enemy attacking from both front and rear." Thunder霆 said coolly, the youthful glow of his face had faded into a dull grayness. What he didn’t say was even if they could manage to return and block the Black Family Army, all their efforts in Eastern Chu東楚 would be wasted. The soldiers of Eastern Chu東楚 were not incapable of action although not as valiant as those from Western Capital, two months of fighting had also caused many casualties among Western Capital’s軍隊. If they returned without success, putting Western Capital at risk, he, the Regent, would surely lose all his power.

Until then, Thunder霆 understood that he was completely fooled by Xuanyao修堯. He even started to doubt whether these past few years of keeping a low profile were just waiting for him to be unable to wait and attack Eastern Chu大楚, because no matter what, Xuanyao修堯 himself could not take action against Great Chu大楚.

"Xuanyao修堯! What a good one…" Thunder霆 ground his teeth as he said.

“My lord, are we just going to…” The generals below were indignant. Just how Let Western Capital be attacked while continuing the attack on Eastern Chu東楚 That was clearly impossible. But giving up what they had already gained in Eastern Chu大楚 and returning How could they bear that

Someone hesitated, “If Young Master守皇 City守皇 , he may be able to stop the Black Family Army’s進攻. If we divide some troops to go back for support…” His voice faded as he spoke. Although their army was much stronger than the Black Family Army, if they divided half of it and went back first, they would have to cross 400,000 soldiers before encountering Xuanyao修堯’s精銳. How many people could still be left aside from that And how effective would those who remained be against Xuanyao修堯的大軍

There was silence for a long time in the room until Thunder霆 spoke up, "Lieutenant General, I will leave you 300,000 troops. Continue attacking Eastern Chu東楚 but do not rush."

The middle-aged man who sat next to him and was also his second-in-command stood up and said loudly, “Your subordinate obeys your orders, my lord.” Thunder霆 nodded and continued, "I will lead the rest of our forces back to Western Capital as quickly as possible. I hope it’s not too late…"

The others wanted to comfort their lord but looking at his tired expression made them unable to say a word. Thunder霆 waved his hand and said, “You can all go now.”

“Your subordinate will withdraw,” The generals withdrew respectfully from the empty room. Leaving only Thunder霆 alone under dim lamplight. For a long time he swept everything on the table down onto the floor with one wave of his hand, “Xuanyao修堯!”

As expected by Thunder霆’s worst prediction or rather, repeating what happened several years ago when Western Capital attacked Great Chu大楚, they marched forward at full speed. In a short half month, the 400,000 Black Family Army had already taken over four cities in Western Capital and advanced to Bian City汴城, which was second only to the capital city of Western Capital. It was also more prosperous than An City安城 where the Murong family once resided due to its geographical location as a must-pass route for countries heading towards Li City璃城 or Central Plains中原. Its prosperity was self-evident. More importantly, although Western Capital was vast in area, most regions were unsuitable for growing food crops; half of the remaining areas that produced grain were near Bian City汴城. Sitting on the Dragon Mountain龍山 to the east of Bian City汴城 was Longshan Academy龍山書院, one of the three most famous academies of this era and on par with Lishan Academy驪山書院.

Such an important place naturally could not be treated like others. As soon as the Black Family Army arrived here, Lei騰風 also led 300,000 troops to Bian City汴城. The two armies then truly faced off at Bian City汴城 for the first time; previous battles could only be considered a one-sided defeat. Lei騰風 was exhausted from rushing with his army all the way to Bian City汴城, and the Black Family Army had been engaged in high-intensity fighting and marching for over 20 days, so they were also very tired here. So Xuanyao修堯 ordered them to set up camp outside of Bian City汴城 to rest before starting their assault.

In the main tent of the Black Family Army, all the generals looked spirited. Several consecutive victories had made them excited and left them unsatisfied, so when Xuanyao修堯 ordered a halt to the siege many could not hold back and came forward one after another to request battle.

Sitting side by side in the main seat of the tent, Ye璃 watched as everyone fought over who would lead the charge at Bian City汴城 with a smile. Feng之遙 was lazily leaning on his chair while laughing at them; he scratched his ear and looked at Xuanyao修堯, "My lord, you should say something, otherwise they’ll really start fighting." Upon hearing this, everyone stopped arguing immediately and all turned to look at Xuanyao修堯.

Xuanyao修堯 said slowly, "Didn’t I already say Set up camp and rest. Attack the city tomorrow."

Yun霆 was puzzled and said, "But Your Highness, Lei Tengfeng's reinforcements of 300,000 have already arrived. Shouldn't we take advantage of their fatigue to catch them off guard"

Mos Yao glanced at him with a cold expression and replied casually, "They may be fatigued, but so are we. Are you all not thinking that our progress has been too smooth recently, leading us to believe that Western Liang is really不堪一擊。不要忘了，最近這十幾年二十年來，西陵和大楚之間一直都是西陵占上風的。”

Wasn't it because the Mo Family Army hadn't participated in the war Someone muttered in their heart.

Mos Yao said indifferently, "The reason we've been winning so smoothly these days is firstly because Lei Zhen霆 has pulled most of his elite troops to attack Da Chu. Secondly, our surprise element caught them off guard before they could react. Although Western Liang often invades others' borders, their homeland hasn't seen a war for many years. Their weakness is similar to that of the Mo Family Army—good at attacking but not defending. Allow me to tell you seriously, the real battle has just begun from Bian City."

Lü Jinxian frowned and said, "Your Highness is overestimating Lei Tengfeng too much."

"Your Highness isn't praising Lei Tengfeng," Ye Li, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, spoke up. "Bian City is the second largest city in Western Liang after the imperial capital. There are many talents hidden here."

Talents hiding like dragons and tigers Everyone looked at each other in confusion; they hadn't heard of any important figures from Western Liang.

Ye Li smiled slightly and shook her head, "Before Prince of Southern Command, Western Liang had three famous generals. Does anyone here know about them"

The people present were all military officers who knew this well. Yun霆 said solemnly, "Your Highness Consort, the three great generals of Western Liang refer to Fengtian General Long Yang, Jingtian General Zhu Yan, and Shun Tian Grand General Feng Ao. These three were reportedly close friends with the previous emperor Xuanwen Emperor during his youth. After ascending the throne, he expanded Western Liang's territory by nearly a third towards the west. However, only Zhu Yan among them had ever fought against Great King, resulting in one victory and one defeat. The other two have always been stationed on the western and northern borders. Since the current emperor ascended the throne, he has been controlled by his brother, Prince of Southern Command. These three generals are loyal to Xuanwen Emperor and the current emperor he chose, thus clashing with Prince of Southern Command. They were subsequently stripped of their military power. This was about... twenty years ago."

The others nodded in agreement; what they knew matched what Yun霆 said. The youngest among these three generals should be at least seventy years old now. Who knows if they are still alive, and even if they are, it's unlikely that they would take to the battlefield.

Ye Li smiled faintly, "Unfortunately, two of these generals are currently in Bian City: Fengtian General Long Yang and Jingtian General Zhu Yan."

The crowd fell silent.

Mos Yao looked at everyone with a smile, "Are you all still going to fight"

After some silence, someone finally said, "Of course we will fight! But... it's best if we rest before fighting!" Bian City isn't just Lei Tengfeng's 300,000 troops; there are also the defenders around Bian City and scattered soldiers retreating from the front who number at least another 200,000. Even if Long Yang and Zhu Yan have conflicts with Lei Zhen霆, they wouldn't sit idly by while Bian City is under siege—likely already prepared for our arrival. It's good to be brave, but blindly charging forward without seeing the reality in front of you is foolishness.

Mos Yao nodded contentedly, "Very well, all of you go rest now. Present your plans to attack the city to me tomorrow."

"Your subordinate takes his leave!"

Everyone withdrew, with Feng Zhirao hesitating at the back before finally staying behind. Mos Yao glanced at him and said unhappily, "Do you still have something to say" Feng Zhirao thought for a moment and sat down again, "Your Highness Are Long Yang and Zhu Yan really in Bian City"

Mos Yao chuckled, "Would I benefit from lying to you"

Feng Zhirao sighed, "This luck is too bad. Meeting one of these old demons would be enough trouble; why must we encounter two It's said that even the Regent Wang back then found it difficult to defeat Zhu Yan."

The previous regent of Da Chu, Mo Liufang, was known as a prodigy who never tasted defeat. However, he drew equal with Zhu Yan, proving just how formidable this Jingtian General is. Moreover, the other Fengtian General, though never having faced the Mo Family Army in battle, had a reputation that once surpassed even Western Liang's emperor in the western regions.

Mos Yao smiled and said, "Indeed, our luck isn't good. These old generals might find it difficult to charge into battles, but as military advisors guiding Lei Tengfeng, they will make your lives miserable enough. But we're not doing too badly ourselves; the terrain ahead of Bian City is flat. Otherwise, misfortune would have already befallen us before even reaching the city walls."

Feng Zhiyao was taken aback and asked in confusion, "What do you mean You're not going to take action yourself"

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "Even if I were to act, it wouldn't be much better than what you two are doing. As for me… I don’t like sieges."

Feng Zhiyao couldn't help but roll his eyes. Was he supposed to choose whether or not to fight based on personal preference The Bian city in front of them wasn’t going to disappear just because he didn’t like it.

Moxiu Yao said with some regret, "Speaking of which, this king really wanted to meet these old generals. Unfortunately… they are getting old..." Perhaps it was because Moxiu Yao was too brilliant or perhaps the name of the Prince Regent’s Mansion was too well-known. This generation almost no one could compete with him. Compared to his father and even his elder brother's time, Moxiu Yao was undoubtedly lonely. People always talked about how the Prince Regent was so adept at strategic planning and commanding battles, but only he knew that he had not been able to engage in a satisfying battle for a long time.

"How do you know they haven’t nurtured successors" Feng Zhiyao muttered.

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "If that were the case, it would be better. Then… things would be more interesting."

Finally, Feng Zhiyao left in a huff without figuring out what Moxiu Yao was trying to say.

In the main tent, Ye Li leaned against Moxiu Yao and asked softly, "These two old generals are indeed formidable. We have to be cautious. Are you really not going to manage them when we attack the city tomorrow" Moxiu Yao smiled faintly and said, "It’s fine to break their morale a little. Everything has been too smooth along this journey; it wouldn’t feel right otherwise."

Ye Li nodded as she understood Moxiu Yao's concerns. In fact, that was precisely her concern. Although the unexpected appearance of these two old generals in Bian city might disrupt their original plans, it was much better than letting these soldiers face future enemies with excessive pride and possibly meet destruction.

"Is there enough time If Lei Zhen霆t returns in time, we will be the ones caught between an enemy front and rear attack."

Moxiu Yao held her hand and said, "Don’t worry. No matter what… Zhang Qianglan wouldn’t be able to hold off a force of forty thousand for even one or two months if he had no real ability. Besides… I have something else to give Lei Zhen霆t."

Ye Li thought about it and said, "Meng Chun And the Nanzhao" The person who could pose a threat to Lei Zhen霆t in the south besides Mo Jingli’s army was none other than Meng Chun and the Nanzhao. Since Mo Jingli was guarding his own territory, unless Lei Zhen霆t crossed the Yunlan River, he would not take any military action against him in the south as the Li Prince. Hence, it could only be Meng Chun and the Nanzhao.

"What benefit did you promise Princess Anxi" Warfare between nations was never just about friendship; there had to be real benefits involved.

Moxiu Yao wouldn’t conceal anything from Ye Li as he said with a smile, "It wasn’t me who talked to her. Take a look, this is the letter I received today."

Ye Li took the scroll and read it with a smile. "Is it your big brother’s Did your big brother… negotiate with Princess Anxi" She sighed softly, “My big brother...”

"He is the brain behind the entire northwest and the Prince Regent’s Mansion," Moxiu Yao held her hand firmly as he said, "Qingchen Xu is doing what he should do. Although it will erode his relationship with Princess Anxi bit by bit, that doesn’t mean she has any doubts in her heart. When both sides are concerned about their own interests, the original friendship gradually fades and they get accustomed to their current and future relationships. But I don’t feel apologetic for this."

Ye Li shook her head and said, "Giving three states near the Nanzhao border to them Princess Anxi actually agreed" This condition was too vague; it wasn’t even certain that Mo’s army would be able to defeat Xiling.

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "Between the Prince Regent’s Mansion and Lei Zhen霆t, Nanzhao has to choose a side. The strategy of befriending distant states while attacking nearby ones means even if they fall out with the Prince Regent’s Mansion, it wouldn’t be beneficial for Nanzhao. However, if Nanzhao cooperates with the Prince Regent’s Mansion, swallowing up several states in Xiling is not impossible."

"Are you really planning to give parts of Xiling to Nanzhao" Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

"That’s something for the future; I don’t even have it now."

So… it's still just empty promises...ned around with a light snort, saying, "If General Leng has such confidence, I'll wait to see!" With that, he flung his sleeves and quickly walked away. Seeing the other person's resolute departure, L...