Actually, this was something that Meng Wu couldn't help but accept; after all, swords and blades do not discriminate. No matter whether the Zhao Army came with thousands or tens of thousands, the subsequent battles would only become more brutal. Rather than having a great leader hinder them in the camp, it would be better to let Luzi hurry back to Gao Ping.
This was not only Meng Wu's thought but also Li Xin's. The two realized that General Lu had personally come up the mountain, and their heads felt like they were swelling by a third. After hastily accompanying him to inspect the Fortifications, they hoped he would leave quickly. When they saw this high-ranking leader taking his time and returning to the Main Tent to sit down, just as they were about to remind him, Luzi proactively suggested leaving.
This was actually for the best, as it saved them quite a bit of explanation time.
Li Xin watched Luzi disappear into the valley and felt relieved. He sighed and said, "I didn't expect we could live for another week; that's quite a pleasant surprise in life!"
Meng Wu smiled and nodded in agreement, assessing the Zhao Army busy with their preparations at the Shanxia camp. Regardless of what they were preparing for, their own defense could not be relaxed. Thus, he called on the Soldiers to hurry up and reinforce the fortifications and transport arrows. No matter how many days they could hold out, it was impossible to abandon their posts before the Qin State Army arrived.
The current situation was clear; this vanguard unit of the Qin Army was already bound to the war machine. If they abandoned this Natural Barrier, even if they weren't pursued by the Zhao Army Cavalry, returning safely to Gao Ping would be impossible. If they fought desperately to hold on, perhaps there was still a chance of survival.
Since that was the case, then let’s fight!
The wounded Soldiers from this operation did not retreat afterward because the chances of returning to Gao Ping without the protection of their companions were slim. Moreover, Luzi alone could not protect so many people. Rather than having him take the Wounded down the mountain and slow down their journey, it was better for him to leave alone.
Protecting General Lu's safety was indeed part of a Qin Soldier's duty. Fortunately, the Wounded understood this situation and did not voice any complaints.
The mountain winds that occasionally swept through still carried a chill but were clearly no longer bone-chilling cold. The afternoon sun shone brightly; leaning against a Haystack made one feel warm enough to want to close their eyes and sleep.
The melting snow turned into droplets that eventually formed small streams about an inch wide on the ground. When many small streams gathered at the Camp Gate, they created a narrow creek flowing out of the gate. It then disappeared into the snow outside, never to be seen again.
The coldest part of this year had finally passed; with spring's arrival, the earth would shed its white veil. By then, the mountains would be re-clothed in green, showcasing life's vibrant richness. And we, these hurried passersby, would have long since turned into dust, existing alongside heaven and earth.
Meng Wu stood with his hands tucked in his pockets on top of the Fortifications' wall, admiring the snow-covered mountains. Before he could express his admiration, he heard Soldiers shouting: "General Lu is returning to camp!"
Li Xin, who was taking shelter in Haystack, suddenly opened his eyes wide, digging at his ears as if he were hallucinating. Just as he was pondering whether he had been dreaming again, he heard the Camp Gate creak open. He hurriedly jumped up and ran towards the gate, only to see Meng Wu descending from the wall, supporting his waist with a long sword.
As the gate swung open, Luzi, clad in armor and riding the Seven Star Black Steed, appeared with an imposing demeanor. He waved to the Soldiers standing on either side and then casually led his horse inside.
Hadn't he just left? Why was he back again?
Meng Wu exchanged glances with Li Xin, and they quickly stood side by side to salute.
Luzi dismounted from his warhorse with a flourish. "Thank you all for your hard work! I felt too lonely up in Shanxia, so I decided not to leave this time!"
Hearing this, Li Xin was momentarily stunned. Wasn't this person just here? Why did it sound like he had just arrived? Was the earlier encounter a dream? Or was this one a dream?
Meng Wu discreetly tugged at the dazed Li Xin and gestured for him to step aside. After glancing at the Soldiers, he followed behind Luzi towards the Main Tent.
Once they were seated, Meng Wu reminded him, "General Lu! The summit of Old Horse Ridge is too dangerous! If a fight breaks out, arrows will be flying everywhere..."
Luzi waved his hand dismissively and said, "I have good news! I just received intel that my main force, led by Sun Thirteen, has likely left Gao Ping County and is on their way here..." As he spoke, he noticed Li Xin staring down while sucking his thumb.
Meng Wu nodded in agreement but was about to continue listening when he realized Luzi had stopped talking. Looking up to see what was happening, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. "General Li has been caught off guard; please don't take offense, General!"
Li Xin had been biting his fingers repeatedly and finally confirmed that the earlier encounter had indeed been a dream. However, his mind wasn't focused on that and he didn't catch what Meng Wu had said. Seeing both of them looking at him, he quickly put down his hand and cleared his throat. "General Lu! I believe it would be unwise for you to stay here for long; it would be best to leave quickly before the Zhao Army launches an offensive."
Meng Wu stood up in agreement. "I killed so many Zhao People yesterday alongside General Li; surrendering is definitely not an option. We are prepared to hold our ground until the last soldier falls. If the General remembers us brothers, please light a fire for us when you pass by here in the future..."
"Shut up!" Luzi slammed the table and stood up, saying, "Defending the camp and resisting external enemies is our duty! Killing enemies is only natural; how can it be related to surrender!?"
Hearing such a completely different response, Meng Wu suddenly put his thumb in his mouth. Pouting and staring at the slightly angry Luzi, he dared not say another word.
Seeing two dignified Qin Generals sucking their thumbs, what would outsiders think if they saw this!
Luzi couldn't help but laugh in anger. "What!? General Meng is sucking his thumb later than General Li, right!?"
This statement jolted Meng Wu awake! He immediately realized his earlier blunder and quickly hid his thumb behind him. Seeing that Li Xin hadn't reacted yet, he hurriedly reached out to pull his thumb out.
Luzi intended to say a few more words but suddenly noticed the two opposite him exchanging glances and making gestures while grinning. He couldn't help but feel extremely puzzled; what was going on with the usually composed Meng Wu and Li Xin today?
"You two! What on earth are you doing!?"
Li Xin, through the earlier exchanges with Meng Wu, finally realized that neither now nor before was he dreaming. Besides, how could two people have the same dream at the same time? If this assumption held true, then the whole situation was just Luzi playing a joke. You see! The outside is a battlefield that could ignite at any moment, and you still have the leisure to come here!
"Great... General! I still stand by what I said with General Meng earlier; please leave this place and return to Gao Ping quickly! The Zhao Army outside could attack at any moment! If that happens, even if you want to leave, you won't be able to!"
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