Chapter 191 (1/2)
Chapter 191
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The army moved off swiftly, disappearing into the vast, snowy plains in a flash. In the blink of an eye, another army followed suit in their tracks. This night was not to be a night where people could sleep in peace.
It was late in the night when Huo An saw Zhuge Yue. In Mingxi Valley, only 200 of the 300 people remained, but they maintained the same standard of vigilance and willpower to fight. The entrance to Mingxi Valley was narrow; it was easy to defend but hard to attack. There was sufficient livestock in the valley; there was no need to worry about rations running out. As long as they managed to last three days, Zhao Che would realize that the amount of Yan Bei troops stationed at Yanming Pass had diminished. He would then take the opportunity to strike, forcing Yan Xun to head back. At that time, Zhuge Yue anticipated that he would have the golden opportunity to escape.
With just the slightest look, Huo An understood the intricacies of Yan Xun's plan. Given the terrain and formation of Zhuge Yue's army, even if they barged into this place by brute force, they would have to pay a huge price.
”General Zhuge, I am General Chu's subordinate, the commander of the Xiuli Army, Huo An. I have something important to tell you.”
Zhuge Yue was dressed in a neat outfit and maintained his cold look. Despite the fact that he was a fugitive on the run, he was unfazed. He looked at Huo An plainly in the eye and questioned slowly, ”If I remember correctly, the commander of the Xiuli Army should be He Xiao.”
”General He Xiao has died in battle. Presently, I have been tasked to replace him,” Huo An answered emotionlessly, with a calm look on his face.
Zhuge Yue raised his eyebrows upon hearing his words but did not probe further. He looked at him plainly, his sharp look piercing right through him. Huo An gathered his emotions and replied calmly, ”General Chu has said that your whereabouts have been revealed. Regardless of any pressing issues, please leave immediately. She has prepared a secret passageway for you at Helan Mountains. If you believe her, you can travel towards Tang and escape from Yan Bei. If you have other routes out, please leave quickly. Your Highness has dispatched large armies to surround you. If you don't leave now, you won't have the chance to.”
”What happened to General Chu? Why did Commander He Xiao die in the battlefield?”
The look on Huo An's face changed. He thought for a long while before replying, ”General Chu only instructed me to tell you these words. As for other matters, forgive me for not being able to say more.” As he finished his words, he turned around and prepared to leave.
Zhuge Yue called after him, ”Stop there.”
Huo An did not stop. Swoosh! A young soldier whipped out his sword and placed it against his neck. Coldly, he hissed, ”Didn't you hear Young Master calling after you?”
Huo An turned around to see a young man of about 18 to 19 years old. The look in his eyes was only possessed by that of a swordsman.
”Yue Jiu, don't be rash.” Zhuge Yue instructed in a low voice. The young swordsman retreated as he lowered his head. Huo An turned around and looked at Zhuge Yue, who had a calm look in his eyes. Slowly, he said, ”General, traitors have surfaced within my department. They have harmed you and General Chu. Your Highness ordered General Chu to kill you, but she refused. She even dispatched troops to stop Your Highness's troops, falling out with the army. Presently, I have no dignity to go back and face General, or beg for her forgiveness. I only hope that you will listen to General Chu's words and leave quickly. If not, the 9,000 people of the Southwest Emissary's Garrison, along with General Chu, will have sacrificed themselves in vain.”
As he finished his words, Huo An whipped out his sword and sliced it across his neck. Zhuge Yue was quick to react, deflecting his sword away. However, he was still too late. A trail of blood smeared across the man's neck and started to stream out non-stop.
Meng Feng squatted down and took a closer look at Huo An, who lay on the ground. She looked up and said, ”Don't worry. He won't die.”
Zhuge Yue's expression was solemn. He looked at the barren, snowy plains and remained silent for a long time. His subordinates were all looking at him. One of them said, ”General, we cannot trust this man's words fully.”
Zhuge Yue nodded and said, ”Let's search for information.”
”Yes!”
As dawn broke, one scout sprinted back and said, ”General, we have checked. Some civilians said that General Chu's army is on their way to Yuegong City at full speed. They passed by here two hours ago. I have checked the horses' footprints. They were messy, which showed that they were hurried. However, there is no official notice from Yan Bei for the capture of General Chu.”
Zhuge Yue nodded and remained silent, his mind deep in thought.
In a short while, another scout came back and said, ”General, we have checked. The Black Eagle Army is led by Cheng Yuan. They have split into five directions and are following behind Miss Chu, in order to capture her. They have over 100,000 people.”
”Master, the counties along Yuegong are providing reinforcements and setting up roadblocks. The conscripts are on vigilant patrolling duties. Yuegong City is preparing for a large-scale mobilization of troops. It does not look good.”
”General, Yan Xun is on his way to Yuegong too.”
The winds raged on; the landscape was desolate. Zhuge Yue was dressed in a grey cloak as he stood upright. He walked over to his warhorse and said in a low but firm voice, ”Let's go to Yuegong.”
”General!” Meng Feng held the reins of Zhuge Yue's horse. She stood in front of him and replied in a low voice, ”You cannot go.”
Zhuge Yue looked up slightly but remained silent. Meng Feng understood the message that the look in his eyes conveyed. Sternly, she advised, ”There are many loopholes in this story. Even if it is true, given our current capabilities, we shouldn't be rash.”