Chapter 154 (1/2)
Chapter 154
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
To put nearly a million lives in such incompetent hands would be literally destroying their own army. The fact that the quality of Yan Bei soldiers had fallen so low as to let a bunch of inexperienced generals command such an important battle was unimaginable. If Yan Xun had been around, he could still suppress this folly with his influence. But just with Chu Qiao alone, how could she reverse everything? Did Yan Xun know about all these problems? If he did, how could he still hand over command to that idiot named Cao? And if he didn't…
Chu Qiao helplessly frowned. How could he not know? It was Yan Xun! But why had he gone to Meilin without so much as to brief her on the situation? Furthermore, he had instructed her to look for Lady Yu. If she were to leave Beishuo, over half of the Yan Bei territory would be lost! Yan Xun, what exactly were you thinking?
These elders of the Da Tong guild were better than anyone when it came to arguing, stirring trouble, and picking fights, and they were also unparalleled when it came to cheering people on and creating seeding discord amongst civilians against the enemies. But making them lead armies, create strategies, and to see through the enemy's plans would be an inappropriate task for them!
The rage within Chu Qiao had been rising uncontrollably, and she could no longer suppress it. She had already sent seven groups of people to inform Lady Yu, and none had returned. If someone who could control the situation did not come, Yan Bei would lose this battle, without any doubt!
The sunlight of the dusk shone down like blood, as the sounds of the soldiers cheering could be heard in the distance. Amidst the cheering, one could even hear the sounds of children's laughter. Chu Qiao did not know how much longer this laughter could last, and neither could she predict how much longer they could live for. If she had any forces, even if she had only a hundred, she could tie up those corrupted generals up. But she did not have any. All the bodyguards that Yan Xun had given her had been sent to find Lady Yu. Now she did not even have a messenger with her. Should she secretly infiltrate tonight and get rid of all those old idiots? This thought flashed through her mind, but she immediately rejected it, frowning. If she had an assault rifle, that plan might actually be feasible.
The sky darkened as Chu Qiao stood up gradually. The pristine white moonlight shone on the ground. In the dark, her silhouette was frail and lonely, and exuded an intense helplessness and loneliness.
Just as she left the Mayor's office, she saw a few soldiers running in her direction clumsily. The leading one bumped into her, and seeing how she was wearing high-class clothes, he suddenly realized his folly, as he kneeled to apologize. They were all farmers, and they had yet to get used to the changes made in Yan Bei. When they meet officer along the way, they would habitually kneel down to greet them. Chu Qiao realized that these were all child soldiers, and the eldest was at most 14 years old, with the youngest possibly not even 10. Each was holding a wooden stick, with a metal stick attached to the tip acting as a spear point. Such a weapon would not be able to last even one round against the enemies on the battlefield. The blades of the Xia Empire were of the best quality and greatest sharpness, and could easily cut through all armor, much less break those sticks which these kids called ”spears”.
Rather than calling them soldiers, it would be more appropriate to merely label them as paupers. Yet, they were the backbone of the million-strong Beishuo army. Chu Qiao was once again overwhelmed by an intense sense of helplessness, as though she had been dropped into a sea, and the seaweed wrapped around her feet. No matter how she struggled, she could not swim back to land.
Chu Qiao frowned, as though her heart had been gripped tightly by the hands of a devil. After Yan Xun left, Cao Mengtong had authorized mass conscription. Within a hundred miles, all the refugees were gathered. The women were brought in as comfort women, and the men were conscripted as soldiers. Even the elders were assigned tasks in backline support. At that moment, the entire Beishuo turned into a monstrous hell. These officers of Da Tong behaved like beggars who went from having nothing to suddenly becoming emperor. Such greed and violence were beyond that of even the Xia Nobles. Chu Qiao had sent multiple requests for a meeting, but she had been rejected and ignored. After killing a few soldiers who had been bullying the civilians, those who refused to be enslaved would either escape the city or hide in the Military Staff Office. By now, that office had already been brimming with people. Such was the democracy of Yan Bei! Such was the leadership that Yan Bei had struggled for! Such was the future and hope that Yan Bei civilians had faith in!
Chu Qiao took a deep breath. These people were truly unfortunate. They had welcomed and supported those who would ultimately lead them to their demise! Her fist clenched tightly, as though she wanted to crush something. When Yan Xun came back…when he came back, she must…
”Master,” the leader of the group of kids asked timidly, ”are you Master Chu from the Military Staff Office?”
Lowering her head, Chu Qiao saw that the kid was merely 11-12 years old. His arms looked as though they would break with just a slight twist. With a pale complexion, it was obvious that he was undernourished. Yet his black round eyes still sparkled with the shine that was unique to kids. He only wore a rag with an oversized coat that already started falling apart.
”How did you recognize me?”
”There is only one female master in the army!” the kid happily responded. ”Master, we've all heard that you were a kind person!”
The kids behind all crowded over and started talking. ”My elder sister is in the Military Staff Office. She was saved by you, Master. Do you know her?”
”My mother was also there!”