Chapter 166 (1/2)

Chapter 166

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

At this time, it was exactly eight years from the Battle of Huolei Plains. Witnessed by all of Yan Bei, the Xia Empire finally paid a devastating price for those actions. On the evening of the same day, the fourteenth prince, Zhao Yang, rushed to Beishuo. Integrating the remnants of the Southwest Army, he sent half a million soldiers to encircle Beishuo City again.

In the meantime, in Menglai province deep within Xia territory, Yan Xun finally received Lady Yu's messenger eagle. After reading the letter, he gazed at the ancient capital of Zhen Huang, which was no longer far away. He stood alone for a long time. Finally, he returned to the main tent and issued an order that shocked everyone, ”We will rush back through the night to assist Beishuo!”

After returning to Beishuo City, Chu Qiao was treated like a hero. With the exception of those on guard duty, the entire military and civilian population in Beishuo City gathered at the city gates. For a moment, the massive crowds erupted into a wave of jubilation that was as if the battle of Beishuo had been won. When Chu Qiao marched into the city gates along with the Southwest Emissary's Garrison, the welcoming crowd almost overran the troops. Lu Zhi, the deputy commander of the second army, had already died, so the newly appointed deputy commander Yin Liangyu led the troops in an attempt to maintain order. Despite his best efforts, the troops were quickly overwhelmed by the excited crowds.

Chu Chuo looked around calmly. Although the soldiers of the Second Army had been reorganized, it was clear that the army had been exhausted. The remaining soldiers were injured, their clothes were tattered, and they were covered with blood and dirt. Fear, timidity, confusion, uncertainty, and all kinds of uneasy emotions clearly flashed through their eyes. The dirt and grim concealed their pale faces, and many of them had also lost their scabbards. They had merely randomly attached their weapons by their waists. For that reason, one could hear crisp collisions between them as they move. It was clear as day that they had no fight left in them.

Compared to soldiers of the Second Army who seemed to be panicking like rabbits, the officers and men of the Southwest Emissary's Garrison were of a sharp contrast. Although they were also bloodied and dirty, they were confident, calm, and maintained a neat formation. They were strict and disciplined, riding steadily along. They followed Chu Qiao and quickly paced down the long street. The winds blew over their robes, sending the smell of blood that was dyed onto their dark coats into the masses. They seemed merciless and desolate. Yet, upon seeing them, thunderous cheers erupted in the crowds. Even when a million strong army was defeated, even when the Yan Bei officers had fled, only they threw themselves into the fray, and resolutely took up the responsibility of defending the country.

Yin Liangyu dashed forward. The chaotic crowd had even caused his helmet to slant. Without having time to adjust his headdress, the young officer quickly greeted, ”Master Chu, your arrival here at this juncture saved Beishuo from destruction. The entire Second Army will forever be indebted to you!”

Chu Qiao jumped off the horse and smiled quietly. She replied, ”General Yin, your words are too much. Both the Second Army and the Southwest Emissary's Garrison are in this together, as we both serve Yan Bei.” Then, the young lady took off her hood. Even though she had gone through such a fierce battle, she was still tidy and clean. Dressed in a military uniform, her figure was upright, exuding overwhelming beauty. Not only was she a gallant soldier, but her attractiveness as a woman was also exceptional, with her beautiful face, white complexion, and crystal clear eyes which were further complemented by her confidence and compassion.

There were exclamations of disbelief within the crowd. Soldiers and civilians alike, those who had not seen her started to comment as the songs of praises came like a tide. Starting from the rebellion of Zhen Huang to the battles of the Northwest, from the upheaval in the Tang Empire to the battle of Chidu, she had created so many glorious achievements that people had forgotten about her age and appearance.

But at this moment, on this tattered battlefield, the beauty of the young girl shined like a bright light above of people's heads. Everyone could not help but exclaim, ”So this is Master Chu? She is so young?”

”Indeed! This is unbelievable! She is so beautiful!”

Although she had defeated the forces led by Zhao Qi, Chu Qiao understood that this battle had barely affected anything. The only reason why the Xia Army had been routed was due to the fact that Zhao Qi had sent all reserves to the frontline in order to rush the siege. After all, that would be a logical strategy, as the Xia Army had already encircled all enemies, and they wanted to complete the siege by nightfall. With the backlines empty, there were only supply troops. Even the closest cavalry was blocked from Zhao Qi by two supply formations. The Southwest Emissary's Garrison was entirely cavalry, so their movements were extremely fast. Like a leopard charging into the back of a swarm of sheep, along with the misfortune of Zhao Qi's sudden death, the Xiao Army was left without an effective leader, reducing the entire army to just a mob of soldiers. With that, Chu Qiao was able to secure an easy victory. Even then, the hundreds of thousands of troops were not something that would vanish overnight. Along with the arrival of Zhao Yang later in the day, Chu Qiao was worried at the state of the war. She hid her worries, and merely asked Yin Liangyu, ”Where is General Cao? I have urgent military intel to inform him.”

Yin Liangyu grimly replied, ”The general is in the conference room. Master, please follow me.”

The general's quarters looked the same, as the pitch black obsidian tiles were arranged in neat rows. The torches shone brightly as the heavy footsteps echoed along the empty corridor.

Finally arriving before the conference room, the two young guards saluted Yin Liangyu before greeting him, ”General Yin!”

Yin Liangyu nodded, as he leaned back and introduced Chu Qiao, ”This is Master Chu from the Military Staff Office.”

The two guards had obviously seen her before, as they greeted, ”Good day, Master Chu.”

Chu Qiao nodded back, ”Good work.”

”Is the General inside?” General Yin asked.

”He is. The General has waited for the two of you for quite a while.”