The Hebei military camp was not draped in mourning white, but silence pervaded the tens of thousands of soldiers as they quietly collected bodies and tended to wounds...
Everyone was immersed in grief and simmering rage. Yet, the happiest person at this moment was none other than Zhao Ling. Such a monumental achievement would undoubtedly be credited to him. The Hebei camp had never won such a decisive victory before—what did it signify that a triumphant report arrived the moment he appeared? Once he returned to Bianjing, he would be promoted at least several ranks!
To avoid leaving any evidence for others to exploit, he could no longer stay in Hejian Prefecture!
Having made up his mind, Zhao Ling immediately ordered his belongings packed and set off by carriage for the Hebei camp.
An Jiu and the others naturally followed.
"Tch." Gao Dazhuang couldn't help but curse at Zhao Ling's behavior. "What a despicable man!"
Upon arriving at the Hebei camp, Zhao Ling swiftly wiped the smile from his face, straightened his collar, and stepped out of the carriage with a solemn expression.
After announcing his arrival, Zhao Ling headed straight for the general's tent.
Inside the grand tent, Ling Ziyue had removed his armor, wearing only his inner garment with a dark blue robe draped over his shoulders. His resolute face bore the marks of hardship, and his left shoulder and entire arm were heavily bandaged from severe injuries.
"General Ling." Zhao Ling clasped his hands in greeting, startled by Ling Ziyue's appearance. "You're injured?"
"Injuries are commonplace in battle. Military Supervisor Zhao makes too much of it." Ling Ziyue glanced at him indifferently, his heavy heart leaving no room for pretense. "What brings you here?"
Seeing Ling Ziyue's cold demeanor, Zhao Ling swallowed the congratulatory words he had been about to utter and instead said, "My condolences, General. I’ve been unwell these past days, so I temporarily stayed in Hejian Prefecture. It was fine when nothing was happening, but now that the Liao army is launching a full-scale invasion, how could I stand idly by? Today, I’ve specially returned to camp."
"Attendant!" Ling Ziyue called out sharply.
A soldier entered, and Ling Ziyue ordered, "Arrange a tent for Military Supervisor Zhao."
"Yes, sir!" The soldier acknowledged and left.
Zhao Ling was somewhat surprised. Though Ling Ziyue had always treated him with superficial courtesy, he knew the general harbored deep resentment and often gave him subtle rebuffs. He hadn’t expected such easy compliance!
Just as he was puzzling over it, Ling Ziyue spoke again. "Scouts report that the Liao army is assembling a force of 150,000. The ambush six days ago was merely a prelude. Military Supervisor Zhao, rest well and prepare to join me in battle."
"Of course." Zhao Ling forced a smile. Now that he was here and Ling Ziyue had agreed to let him stay, there was no turning back—at least not for the moment.
He would have to stay for now and find an excuse to leave before the battle began! Having made up his mind, Zhao Ling’s expression relaxed slightly as he stood. "I’ll go pay my respects to the fallen first."
"As you wish." Ling Ziyue replied.
Unfazed by the general’s cold indifference, Zhao Ling rose and left.
Ling Ziyue glanced around. "Is the young lady present?"
The group hiding in the shadows hadn’t expected Ling Ziyue to possess such formidable mental strength and were taken aback. The "young lady" he referred to was likely An Jiu, who had delivered the message days earlier. But should they respond? They all looked to Gao Dazhuang.
Gao Dazhuang rolled his eyes, his expression screaming, "I’m not a young lady."
"If the young lady has no objections, please make yourself known," Ling Ziyue said.That day, he witnessed An Jiu vanish into the blinding white light with his own eyes. After all, it was the first time he'd been desperately saved by a woman on the battlefield. He acknowledged this debt of gratitude, and moreover, he wanted to ask An Jiu if she knew anything about the blue light arrows. (To be continued...)
PS: Just got back from Sanya. I've been sick these past few days, exhausted from the trip, and dealing with various troubles. Taking a rest tonight—this update is shorter than usual. Will continue tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's support and kindness.
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