Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1214 Winning over
The twilight in Daguge carries a rugged tranquility.

A dry, hot wind swept through the small town, which had recently changed hands, carrying the lingering smells of livestock manure and spices from the market that had dispersed. It blew across the mottled, earthen-yellow walls and the "Musician" defense flags on the buildings.

The town center, formerly the residence of the local 1515 chieftain, has now become Song Heping's temporary command post.

The palm trees in the courtyard cast long shadows, and on a simple military table under the trees was a set of purple clay teaware that was clearly out of place with the surrounding environment.

Song Heping, dressed only in camouflage, slumped in a somewhat old-looking rattan chair, squinting as he watched the sunset slowly being swallowed by the earth.

Compared to the deafening artillery fire and the chaotic, frantic distress signals on the radio network from Ozam's side, it was unusually calm here, as if time was flowing ten times slower.

"Sergeant, the Iligor government's 9th Armored Brigade's defenses on the eastern outskirts of Ozam have been breached again. General Saif's command post has retreated to the vicinity of Balad. If they retreat any further, they'll have to retreat into the city and fight in urban warfare. He's called you several times since last night, trying to communicate with you."

Jiang Feng's voice came from the communication terminal next to him, his tone calm, as if he were reporting on a routine matter that had nothing to do with him.

Song Heping leisurely sipped his red tea.

"Saif? He's the commander-in-chief of the Iligor government forces in this operation, right?"

He chuckled, his tone unreadable, neither mocking nor pitying. “Tell him to hold on, American air support will be here soon—though in Iligo, ‘soon’ usually means ‘next life’.”

Jiang Feng's lips twitched slightly, which was enough to acknowledge his smile.

He had followed Song Heping for a long time and was well aware of his old squad leader's temperament.

When Song Heping begins to casually quip about the battlefield situation, it often means that he already has a complete plan in mind.

Moreover, it's usually not a plan that would make things easy for the opponent.

"It's even worse on the Kold's side."

Jiang Feng continued his report, his finger swiping across the tablet: "They're surrounded on three sides, trapped in that godforsaken place, Agra. They lack heavy weapons, and their supply lines are completely cut off. The 1515 men are using pickup trucks to tow anti-aircraft machine guns and firing horizontally; their position has shrunk by a third. The Americans have sent several waves of planes, destroying a few technical pickup trucks, but it hasn't solved the fundamental problem. Colonel Kurt... has sent another encrypted communication, with strong wording."

How intense?

Song Heping turned to look at Jiang Feng with great interest.

"Is it a threat to stop supplying us with logistics, or a threat to put me back on the Pentagon's 'bomb list'?"

“Both. He also implied that if we continue to stand still and allow the Kold'd forces to be wiped out, we will bear all the consequences of ‘undermining the anti-terrorism coalition strategy.’”

"Consequences? Hahahaha."

Song Heping finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

“Tell him that I am most afraid of taking on consequences. So, in order to avoid taking on consequences, I have decided to... continue to hold back.”

Jiang Feng knew that Song Heping was forcing Song Heping to bow down to those Americans who thought they controlled everything.

On the surface, Song Heping didn't say anything about the blood debt in the Tuz Valley, and even readily accepted Colonel Kurt's explanation of "intelligence failure." But this matter could never be left unresolved.

His silence was never a compromise, but rather a gathering of strength, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver a fatal blow.

"Let our people take good care of the home."

Song Heping stood up, stretched, and his joints cracked slightly. "Reinforce the defenses of Dagula and the surrounding outposts. Tell the brothers to take turns on leave, and arrange for them to have the entertainment they need in town. There will be more fighting to come; there's no need to rush."

"clear."

Jiang Feng nodded, then added, "In addition, our 'Shadow' squad confirmed that the 1515 armed group in Hurmatu City showed signs of splitting off to support Agra. There are about two hundred of them, equipped with a number of heavy machine guns and recoilless rifles."

"Good thing."

A genuine smile appeared on Song Heping's face. "Let them pass. The more they go, the less resistance we'll face when we enter the city later. Tell the 'Shadow' squad to keep a close eye on things. I need to know how many capable fighters are left in Hurmatu, and where their command posts, ammunition depots, and water sources are located."

"Yes."

Just then, a bodyguard strode over from outside the courtyard and whispered a few words in Jiang Feng's ear.

Jiang Feng's expression shifted slightly. He turned to look at Song Heping and said in a more serious tone, "Old squad leader, Afanti is here."

Song Heping paused slightly as he reached for the teapot, but then resumed his normal motion.

He picked up the small purple clay teapot and poured himself a cup of strong, bitter local black tea.

"Oh? So fast?"

He took a sip of the scalding hot tea, as if the visitor was not the highest-ranking officer of the Persian Revolutionary Guard, but merely an ordinary neighbor who had arranged to visit.

"How many people did you bring?"

"They've arrived at the first checkpoint with only two cars and a few attendants, traveling light. They request an immediate, private meeting with you."

Jiang Feng spoke faster.

"His coming to see you is probably related to the current stalemate."

Song Heping put down his teacup, his fingertips tapping lightly on the warm cup wall, making a rhythmic tapping sound.

My gaze turned to the window again. Night had completely enveloped the earth, with only a few windproof lamps in the command post courtyard casting a small, dim yellow glow in the darkness.

"Please invite him to the underground secret room."

Song Heping's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable determination.

"Activate the highest level of security and counter-surveillance procedures. I'll be there shortly."

He paused, then added, "In addition, have the 'Shadow' team immediately send the final reports on all unusual troop and vehicle movements detected on all routes between Hurmatu and Titrick over the past 24 hours to my terminal."

He stood up and habitually straightened his collar, which didn't actually need straightening.

"I need to first ascertain the true extent of the 'sincerity' brought by our old friend, and what kind of price tag is attached to it."

The command post's underground chamber was converted from the original cellar, with thick soundproofing and electromagnetic leakage prevention materials added to the walls.

A low-wattage incandescent bulb hung overhead, illuminating the huge table in the center, covered with detailed military maps, and a few simple folding chairs around it.

When Song Heping entered the secret room, Afanti was already waiting there.

Afanti was dressed in military uniform, with a white beard, and his appearance was striking.

Only the occasional glint of shrewdness in his deep-set eyes revealed a intelligence and sharpness that contradicted his kind appearance.

"Song, have I disturbed your peace?"

Afanti stood up, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a standard local greeting. His smile was gentle, and his Persian-accented Arabic had a unique rhythm.

"You're too kind, old friend. Dagula welcomes your visits anytime."

Song Heping replied in fluent Arabic with a perfectly timed smile on his face. He walked to the other side of the table and sat down opposite Afanti.

"I just wonder what kind of wind blew you here on such a turbulent night?"

After a few simple pleasantries, the atmosphere instantly became direct and somber.

When old friends meet, Afanti doesn't beat around the bush. He takes out a not-too-thick document bag from a leather briefcase he carries with him and gently pushes it in front of Song Heping.

"You're a straightforward person, so I won't beat around the bush."

Afanti leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"Regarding the Tuz Valley... our American 'friends' resorted to some less-than-honorable tactics. This is part of the relevant communication records and evidence of personnel movements that we obtained through certain special channels, and the content is sufficient to illustrate the matter."

Song Heping did not immediately touch the file folder.

He simply looked at Afanti, his gaze calm, as if the other man had simply pushed a trivial product catalog toward him.

"American?"

He raised an eyebrow, his tone as calm as if confirming something he already knew.

Afanti nodded meaningfully: "Some people want to use a sharp knife, but are afraid of cutting their hands. So they always try to sharpen the handle in some inconspicuous places, or... simply let the knife chip a few marks when it cuts into hard bones."

Song Heping smiled.

This time, it was laced with undisguised sarcasm.

"A very interesting metaphor."

He finally reached for the file folder, but instead of opening it, he ran his fingers over the rough paper surface.

"So, you didn't come all this way just to give me this 'consolation prize,' did you?"

The term "consolation prize" actually carries a lot of meaning.

After all, Joseph's reconnaissance team had already been wiped out, and the belated intelligence was of no use; at best, it was just a piece of evidence.

Of course, using this evidence to indict Americans is pointless.

The biggest rogue on Earth is least afraid of evidence.

The fact that Afanti brought these things to see me at this time strongly suggests an attempt to win me over. Moreover, he must have known about the situation beforehand, but he had his own purposes.

Americans, you know.

Afanti would absolutely not mind if Song Heping turned against them. "Of course not."

Afanti also smiled, but there was a hint of calculation in his smile.

"I simply want to show you my attitude and sincerity. I believe that a capable friend like you deserves more reliable and timely information support. Therefore, I suggest that your troops directly connect with the intelligence agencies of our Revolutionary Guard for the battlefield intelligence they need. I will personally be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the information."

He looked at Song Heping with intense eyes: "This means you will gain a deeper and more authentic battlefield situational awareness than you currently have through other channels. This includes, but is not limited to, the real-time movements of the 1515 armed group, its internal conflicts, its supply routes, and even... information that some of our Western 'friends' don't really want you to know."

A major bargaining chip.

Song Heping knew exactly what was going on.

Afanti is using a higher level of intelligence sharing to gain his favor, and perhaps even paving the way for deeper cooperation in the future.

He was fully aware of all this. The Persian intelligence network was deeply entrenched in Iligo, especially at the grassroots level and in the complex tribal relations. It was indeed unique and often more grounded than the Americans who relied on technological means and aerial reconnaissance.

But trust?
Song Heping also harbored a degree of caution regarding intelligence within the Revolutionary Guard.

Persia's internal affairs are too complex.

From the very first day he dealt with Afanti, he sensed this.

Any intelligence transmitted from Persia could be corrupted.

Could this be a smokescreen released for a specific purpose?
Could it be that at certain crucial moments, for the sake of greater strategic interests, one might be used as a pawn to be sacrificed?
He has to be wary of all of these.

"I appreciate your kindness."

Song Heping gently placed the file bag back on the table and said in a calm yet firm tone, "Direct intelligence communication is of paramount importance, involving the lives of over ten thousand of my men. I need time to assess the situation and establish a corresponding verification mechanism. After all..."

He paused, then met Afanti's gaze.

"In our line of work, sometimes being overly 'enthusiastic' in helping others can actually keep us up at night."

A barely perceptible hint of admiration flashed in Afanti's eyes.

He enjoys dealing with intelligent people, especially those who are neither easily convinced nor blindly rejecting others.

Song Heping's caution was within his expectations.

"I understand, I completely understand."

Afanti readily accepts good advice.

"You can use the information we provide as a reference for cross-validation purposes. However, in addition to this document, I have a 'little gift' for you."

He pointed to the location of Hurmatu on the unfolded map.

"If Mr. Song's next destination is here, then perhaps these two secret passages can be of help."

"A secret passage?" Song Heping's attention was truly drawn. He leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the spot that Afanti was pointing to.

"Yes, two secret passages that very few people know about."

Nasreddin's finger moved slowly across the map, drawing two hidden lines.

"Before the rise of that pack of mad dogs in 1515, our special forces had infiltrated the area multiple times to support local militias resisting the US military and his puppet regime. Hurmatu's defenses were strong, and a direct assault would have been too costly, so we assisted our local partners in secretly digging and clearing these two passages. One was deep inside an abandoned brick kiln in the east of the city, with its entrance cleverly camouflaged; the other was under a pile of rubble near a dried-up riverbed in the west of the city."

His fingers precisely pointed to two seemingly ordinary spots.

“Very few people know about these secret passages. After occupying this place in 1515, we were busy with plundering and expansion and did not discover them. We still maintain intermittent contact with some of our contacts in the city. If used properly, a small, elite team can infiltrate the city undetected and launch a surprise attack from the center. Or, at the very least, it can create a decisive opportunity for a frontal assault.”

Song Heping's mind raced; he hadn't expected Afanti to have this trick up his sleeve.

It seems that this old fox's years of cultivation in northwestern Iligo were not for nothing; he really has something good hidden away!
But this "gift" is undeniably significant.

This effectively reduced the difficulty of conquering Hurmatu from hellish to normal, reducing casualties by at least half.

This shows great sincerity!

By presenting the item to Song Heping, Afanti was clearly telling Song Heping that he was absolutely trustworthy and that he would never betray Song Heping like the Americans had done to weaken his power.

"This gift is very precious."

Song Heping said sincerely, "On behalf of my more than 10,000 brothers, thank you."

"There's no need to be so polite between friends."

Nasreddin waved his hand dismissively, seemingly nonchalant, but the fine lines around his eyes betrayed his satisfaction. Giving someone something they desperately need is far more powerful than empty promises.

The atmosphere became more relaxed.

Both sides revealed some of their cards and saw the foundation for deeper cooperation.

Afanti changed the subject and asked the question that everyone was concerned about: "So, Mr. Song, when do you plan to... postpone your return to the battlefield? Ozam and Agra are almost at their breaking point."

Speaking of this, Song Heping leaned back in his chair again, regaining that relaxed feeling of having everything under control.

He picked up the pitcher on the table and poured a glass of water for himself and Afanti.

"Not urgent."

He uttered two words softly, as if the deafening battle outside had nothing to do with him.

"Oh?"

Afanti picked up his water cup, gesturing for him to continue.

"Some people need some time to come to terms with reality."

Song Heping's tone was indifferent.

"The reality is that it's pointless to try to play tricks on me, Song Heping. Trying to use someone else to do your dirty work and then ruin it is not so easy."

He looked at Afanti: "They want to deplete my manpower? Fine. Then I'll stop and let them see if their own hands will be chopped off by the enemy without my 'knife'. The government forces of Ozam and the Kold people of Agra were all supported by them. If these forces are crippled or even annihilated, I won't be the one who feels the most pain."

He took a sip of water and continued, “I’m waiting. Waiting for the Americans to bleed enough in Ozam and Agra, waiting for them to realize that without my offensive to tie down the main force of the 1515 armed group in Hurmatu, their entire Iligo Northwest Strategy will collapse. When they can’t hold on any longer, someone will naturally come to me with new conditions to talk.”

A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth: "At that time, if I don't take some benefits, I'll feel I'm letting myself down, and even more so, I'll feel sorry for the brothers who shed their blood in Tuz Valley."

A naked conspiracy!

I'm not going to fight. I'm just going to watch you make a fool of yourself and wait for you to beg me. If you don't beg, then we'll all watch your base crumble together.

As for whether 1515 will become too powerful?
Heh, do I, Song Heping, care?

As a mercenary leader, wherever there is money and profit, that is the battlefield.

The Americans have lost out, and he might even be able to pick up more benefits from the ruins.

Afanti stared at Song Heping for several seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the secret room with a hint of schadenfreude.

"good very good!"

He put down his water glass. "Song, you are indeed an extraordinary person who does extraordinary things. Since that's the case, I might as well lend you a hand again."

Then, Afanti's smile faded, and he said seriously, "I will immediately order the Revolutionary Guard 'Jihad' Brigade, which was originally responsible for making a feint attack on the left flank of your troops and moving towards the flank of Hurmatu, to cease all offensive operations and immediately switch to defensive rest."

This move is a sure kill!

Song Heping's decision to halt the frontal attack had already shifted all the pressure to Ozaim and Agra.

Now, even the Persian troops on the flanks have stopped. What does this mean?
This means that along the long front from Dagula to Hurmatu, the 1515 armed forces can almost completely ignore their flanks and rear. They can devote most of their troops stationed in and around Hurmatu to the siege of the Ozam government forces and the Kold'd forces trapped in Agra without any worries!

The pressure on U.S. allies in Ozham and Agra will instantly increase!

A breakdown can really happen in just a few hours, or even a few minutes.

"I, Song Heping, will remember this favor."

Song Heping nodded solemnly.

This is real, tangible support, more effective than ten thousand empty words.

It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Afanti stood up. "I hope our cooperation will be pleasant from now on. I also look forward to seeing those arrogant fellows lower their heads."

The two looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing.

Having achieved his objective in the secret meeting, Afanti did not linger any longer. Escorted by guards arranged by Song Heping, he quietly left Dagula, just as secretly as he had arrived.

After seeing Afanti off, Song Heping returned to the ground command post alone.

Looking at the large map hanging on the wall, Song Heping was mentally rehearsing everything that was about to happen.

Suddenly, he jolted awake.

I almost overlooked something else very important!

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)