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墨書 Inktalez
Ji Yan had great ambitions, but due to Zhong Xue being present, he did not dare to reveal his thoughts. The Wei Army was numerous and strong, and he knew he could not compete, so he naturally did not dare to act recklessly. He originally planned to watch the Wei Army and the Korean Army fight it out until both sides were locked in a stalemate, then come out to help defeat Korea in one fell swoop, allowing him to possess the vast lands of Korea.
He had a good plan, so he had been actively preparing, checking maps and looking for the most advantageous methods of attack.
At this moment, hearing Zhong Xue say that whoever occupied the capital first would own the territory, his heart couldn't help but stir. He was also afraid that it was just a test from him, so he hurriedly said, “Since Lord Jun recognizes me as a brother, there’s no need for such talk. I owe my current situation entirely to Lord Jun’s support; this Korea should rightfully belong to Lord Jun.”
Zhong Xue smiled and said, “That won’t do. Since ancient times, those capable have held high positions; Korea should be no different. Let us swear an oath: whoever can capture the capital will possess the territory.”
Ji Yan was overjoyed. “If Lord Jun insists, then it’s settled. However, it’s just you and me making empty promises; that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Zhong Xue understood what he was thinking; he wanted to solidify this matter so that he couldn’t backtrack. Coincidentally, he thought the same way and said, “Then let’s have the generals under our command witness this. Shall we draft a document right here?”
“Very well.” Ji Yan was so happy that he nearly burst into tears.
The two immediately returned to summon their subordinates for a meeting at the Central Army Tent. In front of many generals, they signed the document and wrote down their names on a Bamboo Slip. The ancients valued trust; now it would be impossible for them to go back on their word.
Zhong Xue and Ji Yan struck three palms in oath and laughed heartily afterward.
“Congratulations to Lord Jun for achieving victory.”
“Likewise.”
Upon returning to the Wei Army camp, Kazama was sulking and clearly unhappy, while Zhong Xue was surprisingly in a good mood.
Unable to hold back, Kazama asked, “Lord Jun, are you really going to give away such prime meat for nothing?”
Zhong Xue laughed and said, “How could that be? I’m just afraid that even if I’m willing to give it away, he might not be able to stomach it.”
“What does Lord Jun plan to do then?”
“Go call Dong Cheng. I have something to discuss.”
Kazama knew this had to be a secret and couldn't let too many people know. He hurried out to call Dong Cheng in, and before leaving, he pulled down the curtain. The last time, he hadn't closed the door properly, which ruined his good fortune, and Zhong Xue had someone beat him with a Military Rod fifty times. Even now, his backside still ached.
When Dong Cheng arrived, his face was beaming as if a flower had bloomed. Before he even entered, he said, "I was worried about Lord Jun and whether you had any ideas to resolve the current predicament. Clearly, you have already thought it through."
Zhong Xue smiled and gestured for him to sit down. "That's right, but there are still details to discuss with the strategist."
Dong Cheng plopped down opposite him and casually picked up his teacup to take a sip. Lord Jun's tea was personally roasted by San Chun; it was something you couldn't find anywhere else and was truly delicious.
Zhong Xue shot him a glare, causing Dong Cheng to startle and quickly put the cup back as if he had never touched it.
He chuckled and asked, "What does Lord Jun plan to do?"
Zhong Xue spilled that cup of tea on the floor and poured another one, sipping it gently. "You need to lure the Zhao Army away so they can clear the path for us ahead."
"That sounds good." Dong Cheng swallowed hard. Perhaps when Korea fell, he could ask Lord Jun for some tea leaves to enjoy. But seeing how stingy he was, it might be more reliable to just ask San Chun directly.
The two of them discussed strategies, leaning closer together until from the outside, it looked as if they were embracing.
Kazama watched from outside and couldn't help but sigh. Was this a sign that Lord Jun's temperament had changed and he now liked men? Or were he and the strategist conspiring together to harm others? Regardless of the reason, someone was bound to suffer misfortune.
After Ji Yan signed the documents, he felt quite pleased. He called over several of his trusted generals and asked how they could get ahead of the Wei Army.
Vice Commander Hu Quan said, "To be honest with you, today scouts reported discovering a shortcut that leads to Korea's Weicheng. If we send troops early enough, we can take this shortcut to reach Weicheng."
Ji Yan's eyes lit up. "Is this shortcut reliable?"
"Absolutely reliable."
He laughed heartily. "This truly helps me."
He immediately ordered the army to prepare, and on the morning of the 21st, they began their march, taking a shortcut to arrive early at the capital of Korea, Weicheng.
Early in the morning, Zhong Xue was still in bed when he heard someone report that the Zhao Army had already broken camp. He yawned and was about to catch a bit more sleep when Dong Cheng burst in excitedly. As soon as he entered, he exclaimed, "Lord Jun is truly a genius!"
Zhong Xue couldn't help but frown; it was early morning and he was already making such a racket. Wasn't he going to let anyone sleep?
He looked displeased and said, "Wasn't it you who arranged this last night? If anyone should be praised, it should be you."
Dong Cheng rubbed his nose and admitted, "To be honest, I did come to take credit."
Last night, he had found a few soldiers and chatted with them at a place where Vice Commander Hu Quan of the Zhao Army would pass by. They discussed finding a shortcut and reporting it to Lord Jun, which would surely be a great achievement. Hu Quan was known for being opportunistic and obedient; upon hearing the soldiers' claims, he couldn't help but ask a few more questions, which led to him uncovering significant information.
He was extremely pleased with himself and thought about how to report this to the young master. Just then, Ji Yan wanted to find a way to arrive earlier than the Wei Army, so he immediately detailed everything.
In fact, this route had already been prepared by Zhong Xue for him. It would indeed allow them to arrive at Weicheng early; however, at the same time, he had sent word to Korea that the Zhao Army would launch a surprise attack. This would force the Korean Army to mobilize troops for containment, inevitably exhausting much of Zhao Army's main force.
By then, the Wei Army could quietly approach Weicheng from another route, allowing them to rest while waiting for their enemies to tire before easily reaching Weicheng. Even if the Zhao Army arrived first, they might not have the fighting strength needed to capture Weicheng.
This was an ingenious plan for the Wei Army that killed two birds with one stone. Fortunately for them, Ji Yan was extremely ambitious and sometimes acted impulsively without considering the consequences; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy to trick him.
As a dignified strategist came here to claim credit, Lord Jun naturally had to do something about it. Zhong Xue thought for a moment, then stood up after getting dressed and gave him a hard knock on the head while coldly saying, "You can leave now."
Dong Cheng rubbed his head; he knew he wouldn't get anything. Recently, military expenses had been too high, and Lord Jun had become increasingly stingy. As he left, he casually tucked away a jar of tea leaves from the table and smiled slyly at Zhong Xue. "I'll take this as my reward."
Before Zhong Xue could respond, he dashed out like lightning.
Zhong Xue was so angry that his nose turned red. This strategist was good at everything except being greedy and shameless; it was just tea leaves—did it really have to be so sneaky? Of course, if he had asked openly for them, Zhong Xue wouldn't have given him any anyway.
He instructed Kazama that Dong Cheng was never allowed back into his room again; if he dared let him in once more, he would be punished each time.
Kazama was almost in tears, wondering what this had to do with him.
On the second day after the Zhao Army broke camp, the Wei Army also set off. Dong Cheng led the first team ahead, while Zhong Xue brought up the rear, and they split into two routes heading towards the capital of Korea.
With a great battle imminent, everyone felt tense, fearing that any mistake could lead to losing everything they had worked for.
San Chun was also feeling anxious. She woke up early in the morning with her eyelids twitching. She didn't know why but had a sense that something was about to happen.
When she mentioned this to Ji Xun, he smiled and said, "You're probably just worried about Zhong Xue, unable to sleep at night, which is why you're overthinking."
San Chun forced a smile and replied, "Do you really believe I wouldn't worry about him?"
Ji Xun shook his head.
In truth, San Chun wasn't overly worried about Zhong Xue. He was someone who always planned ten steps ahead and never engaged in overly dangerous activities. He was skilled at using others, treating everyone as pawns in his game. Although there were times when he would risk everything on a gamble, most of the time he left himself an escape route. He had already conquered the difficult Chu State; taking down Korea would not be a challenge.
She smiled at him and said, "Right now, I'm most worried about you. I just hope you can recover soon."
Ji Xun felt happy in his heart and said, "I'll be fine. Even if it's just for you, I want to live a few more years."
As they talked, Winter Bamboo Shoot called them from outside, saying breakfast was ready and inviting them to eat.
Ji Xun took her hand and cheerfully went out. He really enjoyed his current life and sometimes couldn't help but think how nice it would be to live a little longer, even if just for a few more days.
Breakfast was plentiful: a plate of steamed dumplings, a plate of pine nut cake, a plate of mixed wild vegetables, and a pot of thick rice porridge.
San Chun loved steamed dumplings the most. She picked one up but hadn't put it in her mouth yet when she heard sounds of fighting outside, as if many people were rushing up the mountain.
A moment later, a guard rushed up the mountain to report, "Madam, it's bad! Someone is attacking the mountain. There are too many of them, and the brothers below can't hold them off. Please, Madam, hurry and leave."
San Chun was startled. Their presence here should have been kept secret, and these guards were disguised as hunters and woodcutters wandering in the mountains.
She asked, "Could it be that someone leaked our whereabouts?"
Ji Xun replied, "That may not be the case. With so many hunters and woodcutters in the mountains, it's hard not to raise suspicion. Let's not worry about that for now; we need to leave quickly."
San Chun nodded, and the two hurried out, not even bothering to gather their belongings. Outside, Master Yuzhen and Winter Bamboo Shoot were waiting for them. Accompanied by several soldiers, the four of them rushed down the mountain.
Ji Xun was unwell and could only walk a few steps before needing to rest. At this slow pace, they would surely be caught sooner or later.
San Chun called for a soldier to help him.
The soldier responded with a shout, "I apologize!" He then took hold of one of Ji Xun's arms while Winter Bamboo Shoot supported the other side. The two of them nearly lifted him as they ran down the mountain.
Ji Xun felt embarrassed but knew that escaping was more important than his pride.
On the way down, San Chun asked the soldiers what was happening. One replied, "We don't know either. Suddenly, a group of people rushed up from below without saying a word and tried to force their way up. We brothers stopped them from coming up; this mountain isn't theirs—why should we let them through?"
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