peace talks

Just as West Pass was on the verge of falling, a troop suddenly appeared, led by Gao Fu.

It turned out that before setting off, Gao Yuan had transferred a hundred men from West Pass. Combined with the fifty men left behind in the main camp and some recovered lightly wounded soldiers, he ordered Gao Fu to lead them to reinforce West Pass.

The number was small, only a little over two hundred men, but for the soldiers defending West Pass, it was like sending charcoal in a snowstorm.

Most importantly, besides these two hundred fresh troops, Gao Fu also brought heartening news.

"General Huo, the enemy at East Pass has been completely annihilated. The Family Head has already led troops to flank the enemy's rear. As long as we hold off today's attack, we can defeat the enemy in one fell swoop."

This news was like a shot of adrenaline for everyone, and morale instantly soared.

The Lan Xang people couldn't understand how the pass that was just on the verge of collapse had suddenly become impregnable again.

Even though they tried their best to demolish the city walls and chopped down a giant log to open a gap, they still couldn't break in.

Seeing that it was already dusk and the soldiers were exhausted, Khon Kham could only order a retreat.

Watching the Lan Xang people recede like a tide, Huo Jun breathed a sigh of relief and slumped directly onto the ground, a wave of exhaustion washing over his entire body.

The change occurred at this moment.

An army suddenly appeared and attacked the Lan Xang camp from the south. The five hundred soldiers Khon Kham left to guard the camp collapsed almost instantly without resistance.

This time, the camp he had worked so hard to build and which was exceptionally sturdy became an obstacle blocking their own way.

If it were morning, when everyone's physical strength was abundant and morale was high, it would be fine, but at this moment, after a day of sieging, they were exhausted.

Most importantly, seeing the city about to fall but failing to complete the task in one go, the spirit of the Lan Xang people completely dissipated.

Many people just felt their arms and legs go weak, threw down their weapons, and slumped on the ground, unable to get up no matter how much they were called or pulled.

"Prince, what should we do?"

Looking at his confused subordinates, Khon Kham also wanted to ask "what should we do."

At this moment, Khon Kham was indeed in a desperate situation, with strong enemies in front and behind. Only three paths lay before him.

The first was to forcibly attack the pass. Once the pass was taken, they could strike directly at the heart of Menge. However, that would inevitably lead to an attack from the enemy behind them.

The second was to turn back and retake the camp. But the enemy who had ambushed the camp was clearly stronger and had been waiting at their ease. In the worst case, the enemy could burn the provisions and retreat, leaving them in a dead end even if they retook the camp.

As for the third path... he didn't dare think about it or do it.

Seeing it get dark, Khon Kham's five thousand plus troops could only sit in the open fields on an empty stomach, everyone's eyes revealing a hint of confusion.

Most hateful was that at this time, the aroma of food wafted from both ends, making them feel even hungrier.

At night, just as the Lan Xang soldiers were about to sleep, the sound of drums suddenly thundered, and shouts of killing rose from all sides.

Everyone was forced to get up and pick up their weapons to prepare for the enemy, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

Xia Luqi led men to the outskirts of the Lan Xang camp, quietly slit a few throats, and after causing a stir among the Lan Xang people, retreated into the darkness.

Just as the Lan Xang camp had quieted down and the soldiers were about to sleep, Xia Luqi came again with his men.

Another stir ensued, even causing many people to kill each other in the chaos, yet not a single hair of the Qian Army was caught.

That night, Xia Luqi came three times. By the end, the Lan Xang people didn't even dare to sleep, each one keeping their eyes wide open like copper bells.

At dawn, another aroma of food wafted over. This time it was even worse, as there was actually the scent of meat broth.

Having not slept all night and being famished, the Lan Xang people completely broke down.

After enduring the night, the line of defense in Khon Kham's heart also collapsed. Looking at the listless soldiers all over the ground, he knew he wouldn't even have a chance to fight for his life.

"You, yes, you. Go negotiate with the Han people. As long as they let us go back, everything is negotiable."

These subordinates' spirits had also broken down. Hearing Khon Kham's decision, no one felt it was inappropriate; instead, their faces lit up with joy.

The person who was named struggled to get up, took Khon Kham's seal of office, and ran out impatiently.

Hearing that a Lan Xang envoy had arrived, Gao Yuan showed a smug smile.

"It seems these people's minds aren't that firm after all, hahaha. Bring the man in."

Soon, a dark, thin, and small man was brought in. Seeing Gao Yuan sitting in the main seat, he hurriedly bowed deeply and said in quite proficient Chinese:

"A subordinate of the Third Prince of Lan Xang pays respects to the Great Qian General."

Gao Yuan hadn't expected to catch such a big fish this time, and an idea immediately popped into his head.

"I wonder how much life-buying money your country's Third Prince is prepared to offer?"

The man showed a fawning expression and bowed again.

"Please give us your instructions, General."

Gao Yuan was in no hurry to name a price, but intended to ask about the market situation first.

"I just don't know what the Third Prince's status is in your country. Is he favored?"

It was unclear whether this person wanted to express that Khon Kham was not favored to lower the price, or if he was simply mindless, but he began to talk incessantly.

"My King favors the First Prince more. Although the Third Prince was born to the Queen, he is not favored and is somewhat marginalized in the court."

Gao Yuan was a bit disappointed. He thought he had caught an elephant, but it turned out to be just a thin sheep. However, he soon had another idea.

"It seems the Third Prince's situation is precarious. I wonder if he's interested in doing business with me?"

The visitor looked at Gao Yuan in surprise, his expression changing unpredictably. It took a long time before he spoke.

"I am dull-witted, please clarify, General."

Gao Yuan waved his hand.

"You can't make the decision on this. Go call your prince to come and talk to me. See the guest out."

The man wanted to say something more, but two guards had already come in and hauled him out, while also throwing a bag of rice to him.

Drinking the exceptionally sweet rice porridge and listening to his subordinate's report, Khon Kham fell into deep thought.

His subordinates, however, said nothing, each bowing their heads and greedily drinking the rice porridge in their hands. For a while, the sound of slurping was everywhere.

Looking at the envious and longing gazes from all around, Khon Kham felt like he was sitting on needles and having thorns in his back, and the porridge bowl in his hand felt increasingly hot.

Sighing, he finished the porridge in one gulp, stood up, and patted his buttocks.

"You stay here. I will go talk to the Han general."

After saying that, he ignored his subordinates and, with two Personal Guards and a determination to face death, walked toward Gao Yuan's camp.

The Lan Xang people watched the Third Prince's back, and suddenly felt their prince's figure becoming taller and grander.

Having revealed his identity, Khon Kham reached his own former central commanders tent without hindrance and met Gao Yuan.

Seeing the Han general who had pushed him into a desperate situation for the first time, Khon Kham was also stunned.

For no other reason than the fact that this general was too different from what he had imagined.

Fair skin, red lips and white teeth—he could bet that if Gao Yuan dressed in women's clothing, he would be more beautiful than ninety-nine percent of women.

After being stunned for a long time, Khon Kham realized his gaffe and hurriedly bowed to Gao Yuan.

"Please forgive me, General. It is truly the first time this humble prince has seen such a beautiful man."

Gao Yuan was slightly proud; he had absolute confidence in the looks of this body. However, he said coldly:

"Cut the sycophantic nonsense. I wonder if Prince Khon Kham has already made a decision?"

Like a fish on the chopping block, and with the situation being stronger than the person, Khon Kham could only grit his teeth.

"As long as you can let me and my soldiers live, this humble prince is willing to cooperate with the General."