58: tit-for-tat

“Oh?

Do you know that your delay almost caused Colonel Gong Lin to die in battle?

My Golden Fire Cavalry, 200,000 strong, attacked the Juqu Tribe, which numbered over a million. If Colonel Gong Lin hadn't captured their chieftain alive, the consequences would have been dire!

You say you fought to the death; which of them didn't fight to the death!”

She Jian suddenly erupted in anger. They were originally meant to assist the Liaodong Garrison, but unexpectedly ended up as the main attacking force!

That was bad enough. Not punishing him was already showing great restraint, yet now, during the awards ceremony, he was still chattering on. Was he perhaps under the impression that She Jian was too easygoing?

“Colonel Sir!

Who could have known that the 300,000 cavalry of the Juqu Tribe, who were out on a campaign, would suddenly return to their Encampment? This was too much of a coincidence!

Our Liaodong Garrison suffered 50,000 casualties. Are you unwilling to grant us even a single merit?

Are you not afraid of disheartening the Generals and Soldiers!”

Li Rupo said, steeling himself.

To encounter such a coincidence, he truly had the worst luck imaginable! It was like his bad luck's mother opened the door for bad luck itself; his luck was utterly dreadful!

But today, regardless of success or failure, he had to take the lead!

If he remained silent today, how would his Generals look at him?

One must know that these were not just his Subordinates; more than half of them were conscripted from nearby counties, and a significant portion were his father's sworn brothers!

If these men were not convinced, how would he succeed his father in the future?

One must know that among his more than ten brothers, besides his eldest brother Li Rusong, who held a position in Xianyang, the remaining brothers might all contend with him for this position in the future!

She Jian did not answer him, but instead instructed his personal guards: “Someone, bring the person up!”

Subsequently, two Soldiers escorted a person into the Royal Tent.

The Generals all craned their necks to look.

“Who is this? Does the Xiongnu King really look like this?”

“Hmm, Old Gong, take a look, is this the Xiongnu King?” Captain Zhang Kai nudged Colonel Gong Lin, signaling him to look.

“No, this rat-tail hairstyle, it's clearly a Jurchen. How could he be the one I captured alive amidst a million Soldiers?” Colonel Gong Lin tilted his head for a glance, then shook his head and curled his lips in disdain.

“Hey, you're getting ahead of yourself!” Zhang Kai chided with a laugh, most annoyed by his smug demeanor.

Lin Yue looked closely. This was the Nuzhen Tribe Military General captured by Pan Feng.

“Today, in the Juqu Tribe's Encampment, a Second-Rate Military General was discovered. Do any of you know who he is?” She Jian asked.

Upon hearing 'Second-Rate Military General,' the Generals all took a few more glances, then silently shook their heads.

Lin Yue directly used the Art of Recognizing People.

【name: Huerhan

Identity: Nuzhen Tribe

Martial Power: 85

Intelligence: 81

Command: 83

Politics: 77

Charm: 74

】

It was Huerhan, the adopted son of Nurhaci of the Nuzhen Tribe, and one of the Five Founding Ministers of the Later Jin Dynasty in history!

No wonder he could fight Pan Feng to a standstill!

“County Lieutenant Li, I presume you recognize this person?” She Jian asked.

“This humble general does not recognize him.” Li Rupo shook his head.

“Oh? Is that so? I don't believe it.” She Jian said with an amused smile.

“Why is the Gentleman of the Household mocking This humble general?” Li Rupo glanced at Huerhan, who was bound on the ground; the latter nodded silently with firm eyes.

“Hahaha, I heard this person even calls you uncle?”

“These are all rumors spread by the common folk. Does the Gentleman of the Household believe them?” Li Rupo simply let go, retaliating with sarcasm.

“Oh? Well, it's best if there's no relation. Now that the Juqu Tribe matter is settled, another Nuzhen Tribe has appeared. It seems this general must report to the Great General.”

“The Gentleman of the Household may report as he wishes. The truth of the matter will be judged fairly!”

“Good, then let's dismiss for today.” She Jian said.

“Wait, does the Gentleman of the Household truly refuse to give my Liaodong Garrison justice?” Li Rupo asked, unwilling to give up.

“Justice? Heh heh, if you are not convinced, you may go and accuse this general.” She Jian said indifferently.

Logically speaking, the actions of the Liaodong Garrison could be considered meritorious, or not meritorious, depending on the perspective.

But ever since the Great General reported the Battle of Heye City to The First Emperor, and Emperor issued an edict reprimanding Li Chengliang, a feud had been established between the two armies!

However, the Great General was upright and incorruptible. After Emperor issued an edict prohibiting foreigners from fleeing and raising an Army to deter foreign tribes, the Great General privately warned their main Generals before setting off that, when facing foreign tribes, they should unite and stand together against external threats, and not bring their grievances onto the battlefield!

She Jian believed he was not biased, even entrusting the right to issue attack orders to Li Rupo!

When Li Rupo's unit was attacked, it was also She Jian who led 30,000 Golden Fire Cavalry to rescue them, stabilizing the situation!

Although Li Rupo was indeed somewhat unlucky, he caused the Golden Fire Cavalry to fight alone! This nearly led to the complete annihilation of Colonel Gong Lin's forces!

Now, he was still speaking recklessly and being aggressive.

Today, he definitely would not give this merit to Li Rupo!

“Hmph, although This humble general's official position is minor, for the 50,000 brothers who died in battle, I will still report you to the higher authorities!” Li Rupo said fiercely.

“Go home and complain to your father.” She Jian finished speaking, then stood up and walked out, no longer wishing to deal with Li Rupo!

Upon hearing this, the Generals burst into laughter, while Li Rupo and the Liaodong Garrison Generals' faces turned ashen!

“Colonel Gong Lin!” She Jian stopped at the entrance of the Royal Tent.

“This humble general is here!” Colonel Gong Lin stood up and shouted.

“Your unit will remain here, coordinate with the Liaodong Infantry to transport the spoils of war back to Hou City, and then await the Great General's orders here.

The rest of the Army will return with me!”

“Yes!” The Generals all stood up simultaneously and followed She Jian out.

Colonel Gong Lin stared at Li Rupo, saying nothing more. This grassland still awaited the Great General's decision on whether to abandon or keep it.

During this period, he would keep a close eye on the Liaodong Garrison to prevent even a single bit of the spoils of war from being embezzled!

Outside the main tent, She Jian turned and said to everyone: “Two incense sticks' time. The wounded will remain here for treatment, and all others who can move will return with me.”

“Yes!” The Generals responded, then dispersed like birds, issuing their respective orders.

This, of course, included Lin Yue, who returned to the location of the White Horse Righteous Cavalry with Pan Feng and Xing Daorong.

“Military Marquis, we still have over 2,300 brothers who can ride horses, and over 240 wounded brothers remaining here.” Li Ze said to Lin Yue.

They had started with a full complement of 3,000 men; now only about 2,600 remained, with approximately 400 having died in battle.

Lin Yue nodded silently. After several battles, his heart, though not as cold as the blade in his hand, was no longer as tender as it once was.

“Prepare. The wounded brothers will stay here, and fifty men will be assigned to care for them. The rest of the Army will return with the main Army.”

“Yes.” Li Ze responded.

Then, as soon as the two incense sticks' time was up, the Army had already assembled at the main gate of the Royal Tent.

Wind rustled the grass, and the 'Meng' banner fluttered in the wind. Countless Generals and Soldiers stood quietly and solemnly on their warhorses.

Their armor, though not ornate, was stained with blood, further displaying the ferocity of a tiger-wolf Army.

She Jian beckoned to Lin Yue and said: “Stay by my side.”

“Yes!” Lin Yue nodded.

“Depart! Return!” A Military General shouted, then She Jian led the way, with the Army following behind.

200,000 Golden Fire Cavalry galloped across the grassland!

“This isn't the way back. Where are we going?” Lin Yue asked, looking at the boundless grassland.

“Jianzhou Jurchen!”