C102. Send a Letter.

C102. Send a Letter.

Xin Zhou inquired, "General?"

Chu Hechao replied, "Nothing."

He lowered his hand from rubbing his brow, the handsome expression on his face disappeared, replaced by a cold and resolute demeanor.

Outside the city gate, Yuan Li watched as the figure of the army gradually moved away and eventually disappeared.

In his heart, he repeated the words "safely return" several times before composing himself with a sense of melancholy, leading his people back on the journey.

Yuan Li naturally noticed Chu Hechao's reluctance, which was not deeply concealed, but rather thick, carrying a hint of bitterness, making him feel uneasy as well. During the brief embrace from Chuhechao, Yuan Li even distinctly heard the man's heartbeat.

Yuan Li worried, what should he do about this situation?

After losing his parents, Chu Hechao had become overly reliant on Yuan Li, treating him as if he were his second life. If he looked like this after leaving for just a few months, what would happen if he went to fight in even more distant places?

Should Yuan Li be tethered to his waist like a dog?

Yuan Li wanted to sigh but remembered how Chu Hechao would always scold him when he did, so he repressed the urge.

Yang Zhongfa was left behind in Ji County by Chu Hechao, both to protect the safety of Ji County and because of his old age. Though still a brave and skilled warrior, Chu Hechao feared for any mishaps that might occur if he ventured into Bingzhou.

Yang Zhongfa understood the intentions behind this decision and was not bothered by it. He cheerfully remarked to Yuan Li, "General seems to always experience chaos during his birthdays every year. It seems like this year will be no exception."

Yuan Li paused, then quickly asked, "When is the General's birthday?"

Yang Zhongfa replied, "The fourth day of the first month."

Realizing that the time had already passed, Yuan Li said absentmindedly, "He never told me."

"It doesn't matter whether he told or not. A man who has lost his father cannot indulge in celebration on his birthday. I just happened to remember," Yang Zhongfa quickly advised, "Lord Yuan, you must remain cheerful and not be saddened. The General instructed me before leaving not to let you be upset."

Yang Zhongfa found it strange himself and joked, "If the General didn't value family, he wouldn't have taken his brother's wife. I thought he saw you as..."

He abruptly stopped speaking, then awkwardly covered his mouth, "I've said too much."

Although Yuan Li's mind tensed for a moment, he remained calm on the surface, smiled, and changed the subject, "Can I send a message to the General while he attacks Bingzhou?"

"After capturing Taiyuan and Jinyang, the General will establish a base there, and Lord Yuan can naturally send messages to him at that time."

Yuan Li nodded, "I understand."

Last year, during the time of the General's birthday, he was immersed in the death of the clan's patriarch, followed by this year's blizzards and the attack on Bingzhou, causing chaos. But now that Yuan Li knew, he couldn't just overlook it.

While the Prince and Consort of Chu had recently passed away, Chu Hechao's birthday would not go unnoticed. Yuan Li wanted to bring some joy to the man.

The unresolved issue between Chu Hechao and his feelings for Chu Mingfeng had always been a thorn in Chu Hechao's heart. Whenever he tried to explain, Chu Hechao would get angry at the mention of Chu Mingfeng's name.

Now, with Chu Hechao far in Bingzhou, detailing the circumstances in a letter to him could bring him some happiness, resembling a birthday gift from Yuan Li.

After making his decision, Yuan Li monitored Chu Hechao's progress in attacking Bingzhou.

Chu Hechao led a thousand light cavalry, each carrying only ten days' worth of provisions, on a swift march of a thousand miles. Within seven days, they entered Bingzhou from the northern desert, first seizing Yanmen County, and then ambushing Taiyuan County.

In Bingzhou, the counties were in disarray due to snow disasters, but Chu Hechao, a renowned general, effortlessly took control of these counties.

Upon hearing that Chu ahechao was leading the troops from Youzhou, the county officials didn't even think of resisting. They simply abandoned their cities and fled, leaving the gates wide open.

On the 16th of February, Chuhechao swiftly captured the unprepared Taiyuan and Jinyang due to the escape of the governor.

By the 20th of February, fifteen counties within Taiyuan were successively captured, with officials either fleeing or surrendering, resulting in the capture of five thousand county soldiers.

After occupying Taiyuan, Chu Hechao immediately sent a message to Youzhou, directing Yuan Li to lead fifty thousand troops to assist in capturing the remaining eight counties.

Upon receiving the message, Yuan Li promptly counted the troops.

The garrison troops of Youzhou could not be mobilized, so only the newly trained Youzhou recruits were available for action. Yuan Li then sent Wang Er and Guan Zhihuai to lead the troops to Taiyuan.

Yuan Li did not appoint his own men as the main commander but rather appointed Guan Zhihuai as the main commander and Wang Er as the vice-commander.

The choice of main and vice-commander was strategic; Wang Er had only led a few hundred men in battle and had never commanded a large force. Tasking him with leading fifty thousand new soldiers into battle would be detrimental to both sides.

Commanding a large force is a turning point for many commanders, and those capable of leading such forces are considered exceptional generals.

Guan Zhihuai was such a capable commander, and Yuan Li appointed Wang Er as vice-commander with the intention of having him learn from Guan Zhihuai.

Upon learning of his new role as vice-commander, Wang Er was ecstatic. This was his first time participating in such a massive battle and leading a large number of troops. Wang Er could hardly contain his excitement and immediately began preparing for the campaign.

In addition to a letter, Chu Hechao sent Yuan Li a birthday gift – a cart of Zhu Ye Qing and a cart of Fenjiu.

Both of these drinks were specialties of Taiyuan County in Bingzhou. Zhu Ye Qing was clear, sweet, and mellow, while Fenjiu was soft and had a long-lasting taste, both renowned as excellent wines.

Chu Hechao remembered Yuan Li's comment about not liking the local drinks, so he sent these two cartloads as a gift.

The soldier who delivered the letter to Chu Hechao also mentioned, "The General said he couldn't make it in time for your birthday on the 13th of March, so he sent these in advance and will make it up to you when he returns."

Touched by the gesture, Yuan Li smiled and approached the carts, feeling a sudden desire to see Chu Hechao.

After a deep breath, he instructed the soldier, "Tell your General that I'm looking forward to celebrating our victory in Bingzhou together when he returns."

The soldier respectfully acknowledged the command.

Yuan Li then handed him another letter, saying, "Deliver this to the General personally. No one else must know about it."

The soldier solemnly accepted the letter, promising, "Lord Yuan, rest assured. Even in death, I will deliver this letter to the General."

The fifty thousand troops from Youzhou arrived at Taiyuan and Jinyang half a month later, trailing behind the light cavalry.

Chu Hechao had already begun attacking Shangdang County, seizing several victories as the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Army in the county was slow to react.

Upon learning of this, Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er hurriedly set out for Shangdang County to meet with Chu Hechao.

In the military camp, Chu Hechao was discussing with Xin Zhou whether to eradicate the Huanglong Army or force them to retreat to the Taihang Mountains, causing trouble for Wu Shanshi in Yizhou. When they heard that Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er had arrived, Chu Hechao promptly summoned them in.

As soon as the two entered, they were met with the piercing gaze of their illustrious and martial general. In the somewhat dim tent, his eyes resembled those of a fierce tiger, almost startling them.

Chu Hechao seemed to have a question in mind but refrained from asking immediately. Instead, he gestured for the two to enter and assigned tasks to each of them.

He instructed Guan Zhihuai to lead Wang Er and thirty thousand soldiers down the middle route towards the west, capturing the major counties of Xihexian, Shangxian, and Shuofang. He then ordered Xin Zhou to lead a force of twenty thousand troops northwards, seizing the smaller counties of Yanmen, Yunzhong, Wuyuan, and Dingxiang.

Chu Hechao himself would lead the light cavalry to tackle the largest and most chaotic uprising in Shangdang County, establishing control over the regions of Taiyuan and Shangdang, overseeing the overall strategy.

Chu Hechao was known to act in this manner; if the enemy posed little challenge, he would delegate opportunities for military merit to his subordinates. However, when faced with a formidable opponent, he would lead from the front and take charge of the battle.

"We are in a hurry to arrive, and due to the snow disasters in Bingzhou, most of the counties have lost communication, making it impossible to send urgent messages to Taiyuan and Shangdang in time. This is an advantage," Chu Hechao swiftly traced his gloved finger across the map, delivering his instructions succinctly, "You must set out immediately and seize this opportunity."

The three men understood this was a rare chance, and with some effort, they could achieve military success. Their excitement was palpable as they emphatically responded, "Yes, sir!"

With the main business concluded, the atmosphere in the camp lightened. Chu Hechao sat quietly, tapping his fingers on the armrest before glancing at Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er, asking, "Did Jixian bring any messages?"

Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er were puzzled. What message should they have brought?

All eyes turned to Wang Er, as he was known as Yuan Li's trusted confidant.

Feeling increasingly perplexed, Wang Er racked his brain and, seeing the general's expression darken, hesitantly shook his head, "My lord did not instruct us with any specific message. He only asked me to learn how to lead troops from General Guan."

Chu Hechao stared at him for a moment, making Wang Er break out in a cold sweat before speaking in a stern tone, "Is that all?"

Wang Er replied meekly, "Yes, that's all."

Chu Hechao's facial expression shifted, showing a range of emotions. "Heh," he muttered.

The cold laughter sent shivers down Wang Er's spine.

As soon as Chu Hechao dismissed them, Wang Er sprang out of the tent.

Alone in the tent, Chu Hechao poured himself a glass of water to cool off his temper.

Well, it had only been a month and a half since he left, and this person didn't spare him a thought?

Heartless.

As he simmered with frustration, a messenger who had gone to Jixian came out and approached Chu Hechao, whispering, "General, the lord asked me to inform you that he is waiting for you to return to open the wine barrels and celebrate the conquest of Bingzhou together."

Chu Hechao's anger dissipated at this news. His expression softened as he muttered to himself, "Alright, at least he has some conscience."

His furrowed brow relaxed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His mood lifted.

The messenger added, "The lord also sent a letter for you."

Chu Hechao sat up abruptly, the chair creaking under his sudden movement. His eyes sparked with anticipation. "Quick, bring me the letter!"