The Road to Glory

Chapter 129: Decision

Before the Liang army formations beneath the city walls could fully withdraw, the gates of Jinzhou suddenly swung open from behind. Han Qi personally led his troops charging out, shouting, "Where do you remnants of Liang think you're fleeing!"

The rearguard of the Liang formation consisted of infantry. The Pei Army, leveraging their cavalry at the forefront, charged forward to first cut off the retreat route of the Liang infantry, then surrounded and attacked them with Pei infantry pouring out from the city gates.

Fan Yuan was leading the vanguard when he heard the sounds of battle behind him. Turning back, he saw their rear infantry had been pinned down by the Pei Army. Knowing this maneuver must be a trap, he shouted, "Full speed retreat! Don't get drawn into prolonged fighting!"

He dispatched a unit of mounted archers to support the surrounded infantry. The cavalry galloped back while drawing their bows on horseback, raining arrows on the pursuing Pei troops and successfully delaying the relentless Pei infantry for a moment.

The encircled Liang infantry took advantage to gradually eliminate the pursuing Pei soldiers who had lost their reinforcements.

However, the Pei cavalry soon flanked from both sides, lowering their spears to slash at the legs of the Liang mounted archers' horses.

Under cover of the light cavalry, Han Qi broke through the Liang cavalry line that was blocking the Pei pursuit. His long spear swept aside obstructing Liang soldiers as he charged straight toward Fan Yuan, provocatively shouting, "Liang traitor!" Dare to face your Grandpa Han in battle!"

Fan Yuan was directing the army's retreat when he heard the challenge. Turning, he saw a young Pei general charging directly toward him, knocking down countless soldiers with his horse's momentum.

Though initially unwilling to engage, with the enemy having broken through to his position, retreat was no longer an option. He immediately took up his weapon and rode forth to meet the challenge, spitting, "Ignorant brat! Delivering your own life to me!"

Their warhorses brushed past each other, long weapons clashing with a piercing shriek before they wheeled their mounts around to continue fighting.

After several exchanges, both had gauged each other's capabilities. Han Qi called out from horseback, "With your martial skills, how is it that you remained unknown throughout Emperor Shaojing's reign? Does such a corrupt Liang dynasty deserve your loyalty?"

Fan Yuan seemed to recognize something in his spear technique, his hostility somewhat diminished. He tilted his long blade behind his horse and examined Han Qi. "You practice the Han Family Spear Technique. Are you a descendant of the Han family?Han Qi sneered, "My father was Han Zongye, who was imprisoned as a rebel alongside General Qin Yi by Emperor Mingcheng merely for pleading on the general's behalf!""

Fan Yuan said, "Before the princess went to King Chen's court, she had been investigating General Qin Yi's old case. She has been examining all records and evidence to clear every official wronged in that case. When we retake Luodu and obtain the complete archives from the Ministry of Justice to uncover the truth, she will definitely provide redress for those wrongly accused! But that's separate from this matter. If you persist in following Pei Song to wreak havoc and bring chaos to this land, the princess will not spare you!"

Han Qi mocked, "Your princess certainly knows how to win people's hearts and twist right and wrong with empty words. As for bringing chaos to this land, who could surpass her Wen clan? When people have already been persecuted to death by her Wen clan, what use is this crocodile tears of reopening cases? Or perhaps this so-called case review is merely her means of deceiving the world to gain reputation?"Towards the end, Han Qi seemed utterly consumed by hatred, viciously digging his heels into the horse’s flank as he raised his spear and slashed downward once more. His youthful face was flushed red from the scorching sun, his disheveled bangs fluttering in the dust-laden wind, while his eyes blazed with years of pent-up resentment and fury.

Fan Yuan blocked the strike with the hilt of his long blade and shouted, “Emperor Mingcheng’s folly in his later years did lead to grave errors, and during Shaojing Emperor’s reign, the court was long controlled by maternal relatives, worsening the empire’s deep-seated ills. But what does any of this have to do with Changlian Wang’s lineage? In their lifetimes, Changlian Wang and his son exhausted themselves in diligent governance for the people, striving to uphold this collapsing empire. They sought out and cared for the descendants of wrongly accused officials wherever they could be found. Even before Pei Song’s rebellion, they had compiled archives of many unjustly persecuted ministers, waiting only to overthrow the Party of Ao and ascend the throne to publicly exonerate these officials. Since you followed Pei Song in capturing Luodu, have you not seen these archives?”

Hearing Fan Yuan’s words, Han Qi froze briefly, but he soon withdrew his weapon and pressed the attack again, sneering, “Who doesn’t know you Liang officials are just like your princess—all slick talk, deceiving the ignorant masses into continuing their support for your Wen Shi? Do you truly think this general would believe such nonsense?”

Fan Yuan parried Han Qi’s assault as he retorted, “My words may be doubted, but can the archives compiled in Luodu’s Ministry of Justice repository be falsified?”

Han Qi’s final thrust was once again blocked by the hilt of Fan Yuan’s long blade. With a powerful shove, Fan Yuan forced Han Qi and his horse back two steps. Spitting on the ground, Han Qi snarled, “You may be fools, but the common people of this land are not! They know well who treats them rightly!”

No sooner had his words fallen than a Wild Goose Feather Arrow shot toward Fan Yuan from behind. Caught off guard, the arrow pierced through the armor on his back, and blood soon seeped around the shaft.

Fan Yuan turned to see Dou Jianliang leading Chen Jun’s troops forward. The Liang soldiers below, unaware of Dou Jianliang’s betrayal and mistaking him for reinforcements, were caught off guard as Fan Yuan was entangled with Han Qi, giving Dou Jianliang an opening for this treacherous strike.

Overjoyed at having hit Fan Yuan with his arrow, Dou Jianliang shouted from his saddle, “Surround and annihilate the Liang army!”

Fan Yuan, veins bulging on his temples in rage, spat the word “Despicable!” at Han Qi. He then swung his blade behind him, severing most of the arrow shaft and leaving only a shallow stub. Wheeling his horse around, he commanded, “Stay calm and follow my orders! Iron Shield Formation, advance! Archer Formation, loose arrows!”

Han Qi was equally stunned by Dou Jianliang’s sudden arrow shot. After Fan Yuan hurled that single word at him, a wave of profound humiliation surged within him.

As Fan Yuan, wounded, returned to the ranks to take command, Han Qi did not pursue him. When his newly appointed cavalry deputy urged his horse forward to give chase, Han Qi blocked him with his spear.

The deputy, still inexperienced, turned to him in confusion. “General?”

Han Qi’s face was dark with fury. “I, Han Qi, am not one to win by dishonorable means!”

The deputy attempted to protest, “But…”

A cold glare from Han Qi silenced him.

Fan Yuan, despite his injury, galloped through the army formations, rallying his soldiers to form ranks and defend against the enemy. Thanks to his efforts, Dou Jianliang’s treacherous stab in the back ultimately inflicted minimal losses on the troops.However, as Fan Yuan was galloping back, his figure suddenly swayed inexplicably before he ultimately tumbled straight from his horse. Several nearby guards cried out in horror, shouting "General!" as they rushed forward.

Han Qi, who was farther away, frowned upon witnessing this scene. When Fan Yuan was lifted by his guards, his face had turned bluish-black—clearly a sign of poisoning.

Han Qi's expression immediately darkened further.

In warfare between armies, cunning strategies and unexpected tactics may be employed.

But when generals engage in combat, no underhanded tricks should be used.

With Fan Yuan's collapse, the Liang army's barely stabilized morale instantly shattered once more, allowing the Chen army to immediately tear open a breach in their shield wall.

Dou Jianliang led the cavalry charge at the forefront. Seeing Fan Yuan poisoned and fallen from his horse, his spirits soared as he shouted: "A hundred taels of gold to whoever captures the Liang commander Fan Yuan alive!"

The Chen soldiers below immediately pounced like hyenas catching the scent of blood.

Several commanders under Fan Yuan's command were still loudly shouting to reorganize their troops for defense, but having witnessed their commander fall from his horse and their shield formation broken by the Chen army, the soldiers' morale had collapsed too severely to withstand the Chen army's onslaught.

The Chen troops previously held back by the Liang army's mounted archers now caught up, preparing to charge together and completely crush the Liang forces, but they were stopped by signal flags from Han Qi's personal guards.

Watching this, the deputy general couldn't help saying: "General, if we let Fan Yuan and the Liang army escape, how will we explain this to the Minister later?"

If they could kill Fan Yuan and completely scatter this frontline Liang army, even though the Liang camp still held three prefectures and one county in the Southern Border, they would inevitably lack the strength to launch northern campaigns anytime soon. They might even struggle to defend when counterattacked.

After unifying the Southern Border, they could use the terrain of Hundred Blades Pass to block Southern Chen outside the pass.

Then the only remaining major enemy would be Wei Qishan in the Northern Border. Once they captured the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, the entire Central Plains would belong to Pei Song.

Facing such a favorable situation, the deputy general even worried that Dou Jianliang might kill Fan Yuan and claim the highest merit, while Han Qi prevented them from participating in this battle. Besides his anxiety, the deputy general couldn't help feeling some resentment.

Han Qi said coldly: "If the Minister blames anyone, I alone will bear the responsibility. I despise how Dou Jianliang used poison arrows to injure others and disrupt the Liang army's morale! For one hour, the Jinzhou Army will not participate in this chaos."

The deputy general knew Han Qi possessed the temperament of a martial general, but the battlefield was no place for upholding principles. He continued persuading: "General, we cannot act on impulse..."

Han Qi turned his head, staring coldly at the deputy general: "Are you afraid that this Liang army of less than twenty thousand troops, with their morale already broken, still cannot be severely damaged by Southern Chen?"

The deputy general could only hint tactfully: "But if Dou Jianliang takes Fan Yuan's head..."

"His troops will be decimated anyway. What does it matter if we let him have this highest merit?"

Han Qi's question struck the deputy general speechless. The deputy general's expression changed as sudden understanding dawned.

Dou Jianliang had been forced to rebel by Yu Wenjing's schemes. As long as he maintained military forces, he remained a tiger with fangs—someone even Pei Song wouldn't feel secure keeping nearby. It would be better to let the Liang army deplete most of his troops, thus achieving two goals with one move.

The Chen army led by Dou Jianliang maintained fierce momentum, pursuing Fan Yuan relentlessly and slaughtering countless Liang camp soldiers along the way.However, the Liang generals led their troops in a desperate rearguard action, preventing Dou Jianliang from catching up to Fan Yuan, who had been placed on horseback by his personal guards and was fleeing along a small path.

Growing increasingly anxious, Dou Jianliang noticed Han Qi standing by with the Jinzhou Pei Army, merely observing the battle. Seeing his own Chen Army suffering heavy casualties, Dou gradually realized the Pei Camp's scheme: to let him and the Liang forces exhaust each other in a mutually destructive conflict.

Cursing inwardly, Dou knew he was already trapped with no way out. He resolved to capture Fan Yuan's head and present it to Pei Song as a merit, determined not to let his army be decimated here.

He immediately ordered his subordinate generals to cease their relentless pursuit of the Liang forces and only put on a show of effort. Then, he selected a contingent of his elite troops and personally led them down the small path to chase Fan Yuan.

As they passed through a mountain trail, rocks suddenly rained down from both sides, accompanied by the thunderous battle cries of Liang soldiers—an ambush had been set here.

Dou Jianliang was shocked. With only a small force at his disposal, he hastily retreated on horseback, dodging the falling rocks.

Li Xun, leading two thousand troops with no capable martial general among them, dared not risk pursuing Dou Jianliang. After temporarily scaring off the enemy and blocking the mountain trail with rocks and felled trees as thick as bowls, they hurriedly withdrew to follow Fan Yuan.

Having retreated some distance without seeing the Liang ambush forces give chase, Dou grew suspicious. He turned back and found the mountain trail blocked by scattered rocks and felled trees, immediately realizing that the earlier battle cries had been a bluff.

Furious at losing what had seemed a certain victory, Dou whipped a fallen branch blocking the path and spat angrily, "Let's go back!"

—

The party rode back to the previous battlefield, only to find the Liang forces gone. The vast wilderness now held only the Pei and Chen armies facing off against each other.

Dou Jianliang's eyelids twitched at the sight. Returning to his formation, he asked the leading general, "Where are the Liang troops?"

The general whispered, "Following your orders not to fight the Liang forces to the death, and since they showed no will to continue fighting while the Jinzhou Pei Army stood by, this general pursued them for about two li before... letting them escape..."

Dou felt a vein throbbing at his temple. He lashed the general across the face with his whip and cursed, "You fool!"

He had indeed ordered them not to exert full effort against the Liang army, but they shouldn't have let them escape where the Pei Army couldn't witness it. Had the Liang troops fled under the Pei Army's watch, he would have had explanations ready when facing Pei Song.

But now, not only had he failed to bring back Fan Yuan's head, these idiot subordinates had pursued the Liang army to a remote location and let them escape unseen by the Pei forces.

Having witnessed the tactics of Pei Song's strategists, Dou knew these two failures would surely be used against him later.

The only silver lining was that he still commanded over ten thousand troops. Pei Song would remain somewhat wary of him and wouldn't press too harshly.

Dou had considered declaring independence, but as a Chen Army that had betrayed the Liang Camp, they would be hunted everywhere in Liang territory. They couldn't withstand retaliation from a recovered Liang Camp, nor could they survive Pei Song's pursuit.

His only viable path now was to attach himself to Pei Ying as Pei Song desired.After lashing out with that whip, Dou Jianliang vented some of his inner fury. He strode to the front of the Pei Army formation and addressed Han Qi, "I wish to see Minister Pei."

Han Qi shot him a glance and, without uttering a word, directly signaled a retreat and turned to leave.

This was undisguised contempt.

After Han Qi rode past him, Dou Jianliang’s expression darkened completely. His jaw clenched tightly, his face twisted with suppressed rage as if he wanted to devour someone alive.

The accompanying general cautiously called out to him. Gnashing his teeth, Dou Jianliang spat out two words through gritted teeth, "Follow them."

Upon reaching the city gate of Jincheng, Pei Song emerged personally with a group of officers to greet him. "General Dou’s valor has long been known to me. It is my fortune to have you join my ranks."

Though Dou Jianliang inwardly seethed with hatred, he maintained a smiling facade and hastily clasped his hands in salute, saying humbly, "I dare not accept such praise." He continued, "I had intended to present the head of the Liang commander Fan Yuan to you, Minister, but we were ambushed by reinforcements from the Liang Camp along the way. That scoundrel Fan Yuan managed to escape, though he was struck by a Poison Arrow. Even if the poison doesn’t kill him immediately, he will surely be severely wounded."

Pei Song detected the underlying meaning in his words. He glanced at Han Qi before continuing with a smile, "Why did you pursue the enemy alone?"

Maintaining his salute, Dou Jianliang glanced sideways at Han Qi and replied evasively, as if greatly troubled, "General Han and my officers were jointly containing the main force of the Liang Army."

His words were clever—neither directly accusing Han Qi of standing idly by nor absolving him of responsibility for letting the Liang Army escape.

Considering the mention of the Poison Arrow, Pei Song largely understood the discord between the two. Without showing any expression, he called out Han Qi’s name and asked, "Since you were personally present, how did you allow the Liang Army to escape by cutting off their rear?"

Han Qi, however, remained unyielding. Without offering any defense for himself, he stepped forward, saluted, and said, "It was my failure in duty. I willingly accept punishment. From Jinzhou to Xinzhou, there are still several hundred li to cover. The Liang Army can only take temporary refuge at Wayaobao along the way. I will lead troops to thoroughly crush them."

But Pei Song declared, "Since you acknowledge your failure, go and receive twenty military strikes, then reflect on your mistakes. I will personally lead the pursuit with General Dou."

At these words, both Han Qi and Dou Jianliang were taken aback.

Behind his back, Pei Song’s fingers subtly rubbed together, barely containing his battle fervor.

Whether the Liang reinforcements Dou Jianliang mentioned were Xiao Li or not, he would force this person to reveal himself.

News of Dou Jianliang’s defection to Pei Song, the Liang commander Fan Yuan’s injury and retreat, and the entire Southern Border frontline Liang forces being pursued by the Pei and Chen armies as they withdrew to Xinzhou did not reach Xiao Li until the following day.

At the time, he was in Yuan Fang’s room, questioning him about the details of that day’s events. After the scout delivered the news, Yuan Fang, overwhelmed with grief, smashed his medicine bowl and beat the bed in anguish, wailing, "Old Fan, Old Li—they too have fallen victim to that dog Pei Song and those Southern Chen traitorous slaves!"

With this, the Southern Border alliance was completely shattered.

The Wei Army had been annihilated, the Chen Army had defected, and the remaining Liang forces had suffered heavy losses. It was uncertain whether they could escape back to Xinzhou under the pursuit of the Pei and Chen armies.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Li said, "General Yuan, Tongzhou is no place to remain for long. With Pei Song facing no threats in the Southern Border, he will soon discover that the Pei Army garrison in Tongcheng has been taken by us. He will also realize that there are no longer any clashes between the righteous army and rebel forces in Tongzhou. Before the Pei Army repairs the old Great Wall within Jinzhou, I will send men to escort you back to the Northern Border."Yuan Fang was well aware that once Pei Song discovered Tongzhou had united into a major force, he would inevitably dispatch troops to attack it.

Previously, their allied regular forces from Liang, Chen, and Wei had managed to suppress the Pei Army in the Southern Border. How could the righteous army in Tongzhou—still inadequately equipped with arms and armor—possibly withstand Pei Song’s assault?

He immediately proposed, “Brother Xiao, you are both courageous and resourceful, a true hero among men. Moreover, you once saved my life. Why not lead the brothers of Tongzhou and accompany me to the Northern Border? The Marquis has always valued talent and will surely entrust you with important responsibilities, allowing you to realize your grand ambitions.”

Xiao Li did not respond immediately, as if deep in thought. Yuan Fang continued to persuade him, “Tongzhou’s city defenses are weak, and the major armories in the Southern Border have been seized by the Liang and Pei armies, cutting off the supply of weapons. If Pei Song’s main force attacks, it will undoubtedly be a battle to the death!”

After a moment of consideration, Xiao Li replied, “Even when the seventeen counties of Tongzhou governed themselves independently, ordinary civilians could no longer endure the chaos of war and relocated with their families. Those who remain are mostly rebels who took up arms or bandits who turned to the hills. Leading our brothers away from Tongzhou does not worry me, as I fear no reprisals from Pei Song against the common people. However, if the Liang Army is truly annihilated by Pei Song and he directs his full force toward the Northern Border, it may bode ill for the Marquis.”

He raised his head and added, “Furthermore, Commander Fan of the Liang Camp shares some camaraderie with me. I cannot stand by and watch him, wounded, fall to the pursuit of the Pei and Chen armies. I have an unworthy request: Could you, General, lead the rest of my men to the Northern Border first? I wish to lend Commander Fan some assistance.”

Yuan Fang had once served in the same court as Fan Yuan, Li Xun, and others. Though they had little interaction in the past, their recent alliance had fostered genuine camaraderie. Hearing that Xiao Li intended to aid Fan Yuan, Yuan Fang was both curious about the origins of their friendship and impressed that this young man could establish ties with Fan Yuan—proof that he was no ordinary figure. It seemed his own knowledge of the Southern Border was simply too limited to have heard of Xiao Li’s reputation.

Yet, above all, he felt admiration. After all, Pei Song had already secured a dominant position across the Southern Border battlefield. Sending troops to aid the Liang Army at this juncture was tantamount to a suicide mission.

Yuan Fang, who cherished talent, urged him at once, “I know you are a man of principle, Brother Xiao, but Pei Song’s forces are sweeping south with unstoppable momentum. Taking your men there now would only mean throwing your lives away. Preserve your strength while you can—there will be time to avenge Commander Fan later!”

Xiao Li responded, “The Liang Camp’s supply transfer point for the frontline troops is at Wayaobao. Its defenses can hold off the Pei Army for a time. To buy the main force enough time to retreat to Xinzhou, the Liang Army will surely leave a contingent to defend this pass at all costs. If I lead my men there, we need only help them delay a little longer.”

Seeing how familiar Xiao Li was with the Liang Camp’s supply routes, Yuan Fang was both astonished and puzzled. Yet, observing his confident demeanor, his earlier concerns eased somewhat.

Moreover, Xiao Li’s earlier point was valid: if the Liang Army in the Southern Border could avoid complete collapse and continue to divert Pei Song’s attention, it would greatly benefit their own campaign in the Northern Border.

With a sigh, Yuan Fang said, “Since you’ve made up your mind, Brother Xiao, I can only wish you a safe and successful journey.”

Xiao Li nodded to Yuan Fang in gratitude.

His request for Yuan Fang to escort his men to the Northern Border was, in essence, an entrustment of their lives to him.If he were to meet with misfortune while aiding Fan Yuan, the brothers who had risked their lives to follow him could still secure a proper future.

—

Upon returning to the main tent, Xiao Li immediately summoned his trusted followers—Zhang Huai, Song Qin, Zheng Hu, and others—to discuss the matter. Zhang Huai was the first to object: "I disagree!"

Xiao Li had no intention of explaining further and simply stated, "My decision is final."

Zhang Huai fumed with impatience: "I know the Prefect is a man who values loyalty, but back in Jinzhou, that Liang Camp shot you with a poison arrow! No matter how deep your bonds were, they should have been severed by that single arrow! We followed you as strategists because we wanted to achieve great deeds under your command, not to watch you recklessly endanger your own life!"

Song Qin and Zheng Hu were both startled upon hearing this. They only knew Xiao Li had suffered an arrow wound in Jinzhou and had seemingly stayed in Liang Camp before, but why he left Liang Camp was something Xiao Li never mentioned, so they never inquired further.

Now hearing that the poison arrow which nearly claimed Xiao Li's life was the work of Liang Camp, they immediately felt it was unjust.

"What? The arrow wound that left Second Brother with a chronic injury was given by Liang Camp?" Zheng Hu, being the most impulsive, couldn't accept it: "Second Brother, this time I stand with the strategist. Pei Song was already a tough opponent, and now he has that Southern Chen dog by his side. Even if we brought all of Tongzhou's troops, we wouldn't be enough to withstand their assault!"

Song Qin also said: "Second Brother, it would be better to reconsider this matter carefully."

Xiao Li replied: "The one who shot me with the poison arrow is one matter, and Commander Fan is another. My decision has nothing to do with Liang Camp. Pei Song killed my mother - we've been mortal enemies since then. As for the tens of thousands of brothers in Tongzhou, I've already entrusted General Yuan to lead them to the Northern Border under Wei Qishan's command to seek their futures."

He glanced at Zhang Huai, Song Qin, Zheng Hu and the others before calmly issuing the order: "You will all go with them."

Zheng Hu couldn't bear to hear this and immediately slammed the table as he stood up: "Second Brother, what kind of talk is this! If it's about avenging Auntie, then what reason do I have not to go with you!"

Song Qin didn't speak immediately, but he knew deeply that Xiao Li wasn't the type to act impulsively.

Having hidden and endured since escaping from Yongzhou, why would he suddenly stop being patient?

Zhang Huai was likely quite angered by Xiao Li. Rubbing his forehead, he said: "Even if the Prefect wants revenge, there will be plenty of opportunities after joining Wei Qishan's forces."

Xiao Li placed both hands on the table spread with the military map and looked up: "Do you really think I'm making this decision out of impulse?"

He pointed at the barbarians beyond the Northern Border on the map: "Autumn has been here for some time. In another month or two, the Outer Pass Barbarians will inevitably invade. By then, Wei Qishan will need to divert troops to guard the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun. If there are no forces pinning down the south, and Pei Song attacks Wei Qishan with full strength, how long can Wei Qishan hold out while being attacked from both front and rear?"

"When Pei Song unifies the Liang territories, then we confront him - that would truly be like an egg striking a rock."

These words left everyone in the tent silent.

Xiao Li continued: "As long as Liang Camp still has strength to pin down Pei Song in the Southern Border, Tongzhou gains an additional layer of protection. Even without forming an alliance, we and Liang Camp would form a pincer formation, preventing Pei Song from attacking either side with full force. Then we wouldn't need to completely depend on Wei Qishan's whims in the future."

Hearing this, Zhang Huai's expression changed accordingly as he stared at the map and pondered seriously.

Just as Xiao Li said, it would only be safe for their Tongzhou if the Liang army in the Southern Border still had strength to deal with Pei Song.

Otherwise, being unable to resist Pei Song's full assault and moving the entire prefecture to the Northern Border would mean handing all initiative to Wei Qishan.

Between being a powerful ally ruling one's own territory and going to submit as a subordinate, even a fool wouldn't choose the latter.Zhang Huai studied the map repeatedly, furrowing his brow as he said, "I still feel this plan is far too risky..."

Xiao Li replied, "That's why I've prepared a backup. If I don't return, follow Yuan Fang to the Northern Border. Given the life-saving favor we owe him, he won't treat you poorly."

Only then did everyone in the room understand Xiao Li's profound consideration. Zhang Huai felt deeply ashamed for having misunderstood him earlier, yet was genuinely moved. He rose and bowed solemnly to Xiao Li, saying, "To encounter a wise lord like you, Governor, is Huai's great fortune. I am ashamed of my earlier words. Since Your Excellency is determined to go, I request to accompany you!"

Song Qin and Zheng Hu chimed in unison, "I'll go too!"

Other trusted followers in the tent began shouting "Governor!" or "Second Brother," clamoring to join.

Xiao Li rolled up the map and declared, "Tiger will come with me. Zhang Huai, you and Big Brother take the men to the Northern Border."

He patted Song Qin's shoulder and added, "I've entrusted our brothers to General Yuan, but I'll only feel at ease if you go with them."

Song Qin's remaining objections were silenced by these words.

Zheng Hu, aware of Song Qin's concerns about the mission's danger, thumped his chest and vowed, "Don't worry, Big Brother! With me here, I'll definitely protect Second Brother!"

Realizing further persuasion was futile, Zhang Huai simply asked, "How many troops does the Governor plan to take?"

Xiao Li answered, "We're only helping the Liang army hold off Pei and Chen's forces at Wayaobao. Three thousand soldiers will suffice. Select only those who volunteer to follow me—no conscription."

Zhang Huai cupped his hands, "Understood. I'll issue the orders immediately."

Zheng Hu laughed, "Second Brother, you can rest easy! Probably the whole army would volunteer to fight that scoundrel Pei Song. We'll have more volunteers than we can handle—no need for conscription!"

As the group exited the main tent, Zhang Huai had already relayed the military orders, and the entire camp was packing up.

Tao Kui, guarding outside, saw the guards bringing horses for Xiao Li and Zheng Hu and rushed forward, "Where is the Governor going? A Niu wants to go too!"

Doctor Tao had spent considerable effort finally getting him to address Xiao Li properly.

Xiao Li said, "You stay with your grandfather to protect General Yuan on the journey to the Northern Border. Guard them well."

Tao Kui didn't know how far the Northern Border was but still gazed eagerly at Xiao Li, clearly wanting to follow yet hesitant to refuse the assigned task.

Zheng Hu laughed heartily and clapped his shoulder, "Silly boy, let your Brother Tiger have this round! Next time we'll compete fairly!"

Somewhat cheered, Tao Kui muttered, "You said it..."

A guard arrived reporting that Zhang Huai had finished selecting the troops. Xiao Li nodded, fastened his arm wraps, and mounted his horse. Addressing Song Qin and the trusted commanders, he said, "I leave the journey to the Northern Border in your hands, brothers. I'm off!"

Wayaobao.

After Li Xun reunited with the retreating Liang main force while bringing the poison arrow-wounded Fan Yuan, they endured multiple pursuits from both Pei Song and Dou Jianliang's forces. Sacrificing rearguard troops several times to survive, they finally reached Wayaobao.

The group hurried into the city. Seeing Li Yao, Li Xun felt both relieved to have a leader and fearful that Li Yao might also fall into Pei Song's hands. Anxiously, he asked, "Lord Minister, why have you descended the mountain at such a time?"After speaking, he continued as if talking to himself: "Quickly, you should follow Marshal Fan and return to Xinzhou with the main army first. Xinzhou has steep mountainous terrain as a natural barrier—Pei Song won't be able to breach it anytime soon. I will lead our men here to buy more time..."

The consecutive days of peril and devastating news had kept Li Xun's nerves stretched taut, leaving him somewhat dazed. He had forced himself to remain standing solely out of fear that his collapse would further shatter the army's morale. In his current state, he failed to notice the elderly Taoist priest accompanying Li Yao, who had already walked straight to Fan Yuan—being carried on a stretcher by soldiers—and, disregarding the man's unconscious state, pried open his eyelids to examine them before forcing his jaw open to inspect his tongue coating.

Seeing Li Xun and his party in such a wretched state, Li Yao knew the situation must be far worse than what had been reported to him. He said, "Zhongqing, do not rush. Explain everything to this old man slowly."

Though Li Xun was already a man past fifty, after enduring so many upheavals and facing the uncertainty of whether Fan Yuan and the main Liang forces could even survive the return to Xinzhou, hearing Li Yao address him by his courtesy name in this elder's tone suddenly warmed his eyes. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he wept bitterly: "Lord Li! Dou Jianliang has defected to Pei Song! He even wounded Marshal Fan with a Poison Arrow! We have failed—the princess's strategic arrangements in the Southern Border have been ruined by our incompetence!"