The picturesque Baigu Mountain, also known as Baigu Mountain, is connected to the Taihang and Wangwu ranges. According to legend, Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs here and discovered the five grains, which is how it got its name. The area is lush with trees and has a unique elegance. When fog envelops it, it resembles a fairyland, making it an excellent place for scholars and poets to cultivate their sentiments.
With a sudden rush of hoofbeats, a cavalry unit of over twenty men from the Qin Army burst through the mist. They hurriedly dismounted in front of a stone staircase in the woods, followed by Wang Jian, Li Xin, and Sun Thirteen stepping out from the ranks.
Having heard that there were descendants of Shennong in this area, they took the risk to approach Changzi County City once again. Fortunately, most of the Shangdang Region had been occupied by the Qin Army, but there was still no guarantee that some remnants of the Zhao Army had not managed to retreat in time. Now they could not afford to be overly cautious; Luzi's injuries left the accompanying surgeon at a loss.
This venture was inspired by an old military doctor in the Qin Army Camp. He had heard a story from his master about the legend of the Shennong Family. According to oral tradition, it mentioned that the Shennong Family encountered a Danque on Baigu Mountain. For some unknown reason, this Danque that flew to this place held in its beak what people still use today as rice, historically referred to as Nine-Headed Rice.
Upon hearing this story, Wang Jian felt like cursing. "You say wounded but not starving; what kind of rice are you talking about? This person is on the brink of death; can we discuss something more relevant?!"
The old military doctor clearly understood that this was not the time for storytelling. Clearing his throat, he said, "What I just mentioned in that tale includes a key figure. It implies that the Shennong Family discovered medicinal herbs here!"
Wang He caught on and asked, "Are you saying that there are descendants of the Shennong Family in Baigu Mountain?"
The old military doctor looked at everyone inside the main tent and nodded heavily. "I have heard my master mention Scoundrel before, but that was fifty years ago. In such chaotic times, whether any descendants of the medical field's ancestors still exist is uncertain." After saying this, he turned to look at Luzi, whose face was pale as paper. He shook his head and added, "It depends on General Lu's fortune; there may still be some chance involved..."
At this moment, Wang Jian could not afford to hesitate any longer. He bowed deeply to thank the old military doctor and then requested Commander Wang He for permission to head to Baigu Mountain in search of an extraordinary healer.
Wang He turned to check the military map and located Baigu Mountain. Measuring with his hand, he couldn't help but shake his head. According to reports from scouts sent out, there was likely a remnant of Zhao Army hiding nearby as well. If what the old military doctor just said was true, this group of Zhao Army might also be seeking medical assistance! Moreover, this mountain was too close to Changzi County City, where at least five thousand Zhao Army soldiers were stationed.
Due to learning about Luzi's whereabouts, Wang He worried that advancing too far would disrupt supply lines. Therefore, after receiving news about Luzi, he immediately ordered the forward troops to consolidate their defenses. Heaven knows what Lian Po was up to; if he figured things out and sent an army for a direct ambush, it would be troublesome!
"This journey is too dangerous; Baigu Mountain is still under Zhao Army control."
Hearing the difficulties faced by the Old General, Wang Jian understood the reason. Mobilizing troops was not something that could be done overnight, especially since most were currently resting. Issuing an order involved the movement of hundreds or even thousands of people simultaneously. By the time everything was in place, the incense for Luzi would have already been offered!
"Left Chancellor! This is nothing; we are born for danger. If we can find a deity this time, that goes without saying, but if..."
Wang He saw that several of his younger brothers had made up their minds and waved his hand to stop Wang Jian from continuing. "Alright! How many men do you need?"
Wang Jian smiled slightly and looked at Sun Thirteen and Chang Yu beside him. "General! Just draw Li Xin and twenty men for me; that will be enough!"
Wang He initially thought that this operation would require at least a few thousand people, so he was secretly impressed to hear that just twenty would dare to enter Zhao Army's controlled area. However, fewer people had their advantages; it would indeed be harder for the enemy to detect them. But this operation must succeed; failure was not an option. While he nodded in agreement, he still wanted a reassuring answer.
Dong Qing had seen Wang Jian's skills; with a single arrow, he could capture that assassin. Seeing that the Old General was still hesitating, he stepped forward and said, "I earnestly request the General to allow me to lead my troops to provide support!"
The so-called support did not mean breaking through Qin Army's defense line but rather stationed at the front lines waiting for news. If Wang Jian encountered Zhao Army while returning from his mission, he would rush directly to the incident site to provide assistance.
Dong Qing had followed General Bai Qi in numerous campaigns and had gained his favor. What he learned was the essence of rapid response and swift strikes over long distances. His unit's speed in action was absolutely top-notch in the military.
With his flank providing support, there should be no issues! Wang He finally made up his mind and ordered Wang Jian to set off immediately for Baigu Mountain, while Dong Qing would follow with his troops to reach Qin Army's front line. As for Li Xin, there were no issues; he would simply be notified to catch up on the way.
Considering their identities, Wang Jian and the others did not change out of their military uniforms for this operation. This was a battlefield! A group of civilians couldn't guarantee their lives while recklessly charging around on horseback. Who would be foolish enough to do that!?
At this moment, wearing Qin Army's military uniform could at least prevent misunderstandings among their own people. Moreover, recalling their previous experience with short swords and ordinary ranged weapons made them cringe.
Without proper titles, words would not flow smoothly! Since there is such a saying, equipping themselves with Qin State crossbows and long swords from Qin State would indeed make it legitimate!
As Li Xin caught up with the Special Operations Group, they were finally fully assembled. The more than twenty soldiers following Wang Jian were all associates from the Prosperity Record brought out of Changzi County City. Their true identities naturally belonged to Luzi's subordinates, known later as the special forces. Each one was full of vigor, and any randomly selected individual was not an ordinary person.
It was only fitting that these former associates could now wear military uniforms. From this point on, they were also part of the official family. When encountering an acquaintance on the road, they could at least exchange pleasantries as equals. If it weren't for Brother's incident causing discontent among the brothers, they would surely be smiling in their dreams.
At this moment, the elite of the Qin Army suddenly appeared at Baigu Mountain, ready to accomplish something significant. Not to mention that a rapid response unit of the Qin Army could arrive from thirty miles away at any time to support them; even without reinforcements, this group could carry out their tasks with ease. As General Wang stepped onto the stone steps, they quickly organized themselves into two teams. One team was responsible for escorting the three generals up the mountain, while the other team protected the warhorses and sought a suitable campsite nearby to hide.
They were all determined that this time, even if they had to tread on iron shoes, they would find a way to rescue their comrade and return to the Qin Army Camp!
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