Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 358 Deploying Troops (Part Two)

The proclamation condemning the Zhang family of Bohai spread with the autumn wind, reaching all parts of the north in just a few days, causing a great uproar.

General Song of the Pingyang Army read the rubbing of the proclamation over and over again, his brow furrowed for a long time. Only when he made up his mind did his brows relax.

General Song summoned Song Dalang and said, "The Pei family army is about to launch a campaign against the Zhang family. We are related to the Pei family by marriage, so we should also do our part to avenge the Pei family's blood feud."

"Now gather a thousand men and head towards Bohai County."

The Pei family army will be dispatched soon. Considering the time, it's too late to get to Pei Family Village now, so we might as well just move out and meet up with the Pei family army halfway there.

Song Dalang rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with excitement, and agreed.

Seeing his eldest son so excited, General Song couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you worried that General Pei will lose the battle?"

Song Dalang raised an eyebrow and replied, "General Pei is a born war god, invincible in every battle, even the Xiongnu barbarians have been repeatedly defeated. Who in the world can rival General Pei!"

That tone was so matter-of-fact.

It's practically a universal truth.

Having fought alongside Pei Qinghe against the Xiongnu barbarians for nearly half a year, Song Dalang was completely convinced of Pei Qinghe's superiority. Every time he mentioned Pei Qinghe, he spoke with the same proud tone.

General Song was suddenly speechless. After a long while, he finally spoke: "War is not a game, so be careful."

Song Dalang said, "Yang Hu, Lü Feng, and Li Chi are all formidable in their own ways. There's also Meng Liulang, who is known for his bravery, who has also led his troops to join General Pei."

"If our Pingyang army is going to bet on the Pei family, we must bet big and strive for a real merit in supporting the emperor. When it comes to rewards in the future, we will not fall behind others."

General Song: "..."

General Song's eyes widened like copper bells.

Song Dalang did not back down and continued, straightening his chest: "If Father did not value General Pei, why would he have taken the initiative to send my sister to Pei Family Village and let the Pei family choose her? Last year, he even sent out his elite cavalry."

"General Pei originally had too many concerns and was reluctant to raise his own banner. Now, the Pei family elders have bravely sacrificed their lives, giving General Pei the best opportunity."

"The proclamation stated that the Zhang family father and son should be killed, but in reality, once the Zhang family fell, the northern court would be almost finished."

"The trend of the times is irresistible, and the will of the people is unwavering. Who can stop General Pei from conquering the land?"

General Song's gaze was extremely complicated.

He's probably really old. He's lost the vigor and passion of youth. When it comes to changing dynasties, Song Dalang is fearless. But his own father is hesitant and indecisive.

Then consider the commanders of the various armies currently in Youzhou; each one is younger and more capable than the last… Turbulent times produce heroes. Only Pei Qinghe can keep these unruly young generals in check.

In this world... at least in the North, no one can rival Pei Qinghe's brilliance.

General Song remained silent for a long time before saying, "Take three thousand men with you."

The Pingyang army has a total strength of 6,000, and sending out half of its forces is indeed a heavy bet.

Song Dalang grinned and said, "Thank you, Father. Don't worry, Father, I will do my best to bring them all back."

When it comes to war, it's really hard to say. No one can guarantee victory without going into battle.

General Song snorted irritably: "Arrogance leads to defeat. Don't you understand such a simple principle? Since you're determined to follow General Pei, you'd better show some real skills. Otherwise, with so many fierce generals in Pei's army, how will you get a chance to shine?"

Song Dalang took these words to heart and nodded vigorously. The father and son discussed mobilizing troops in hushed tones when suddenly there was a loud knock on the door. Song Dalang went to open it: "Sister, what brings you here?"

Song Xue walked quickly to her father: "Dad, I want to go to Pei Family Village."

Another one who's siding with outsiders.

General Song, who always doted on his daughter, inwardly grumbled but didn't show it on his face. He coaxed her gently, "General Pei has issued a proclamation and will soon be sending troops. It seems war is about to break out in the north, and things are not peaceful anywhere. Your brother is going to lead troops to follow General Pei. You shouldn't cause trouble; just stay quietly in the camp..."

"The funeral arrangements for the elders in the Pei family were rushed, and I didn't make it to the mourning hall to kowtow." Song Xue seemed not to hear her father's objection: "When I get back, I will burn some paper money at the graves of the elders."

"The Pei family army is going to fight the Bohai army. I don't know how long the battle will last. Pei Feng will definitely be going with the army. I'll stay in Pei Family Village and wait for the general and Pei Feng to return."

General Song looked at his stubborn and obstinate daughter with a headache: "Xiaoxue, can't you listen to your father...?"

Song Xue looked directly at General Song: "Father, I will set off tomorrow."

General Song rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply: "Go, go! A daughter is no longer under her father's control once she grows up. You are engaged to Pei Feng, so you are practically a daughter-in-law of the Pei family. Such an important matter really requires your presence."

Song Xue immediately smiled broadly, affectionately hugged her father's arm and shook it, then rushed out like a gust of wind.

……

Ji Province and Bohai Commandery are right next to each other. The proclamation written by Pei Qinghe himself had naturally already reached Bohai Commandery.

The civil officials were terrified when they read the fiercely worded and menacing proclamation.

The military officers remained relatively calm. The departure of the Beiping army was a heavy blow to Bohai County, but it wasn't entirely without its benefits. The wavering neutral faction had now all sided with General Zhang.

There is no possibility of reconciliation between the Pei and Zhang families. If the Pei family army comes, then let's just have a fight.

The Pei family army was renowned, but the Bohai Navy was no pushover either. Their forces had expanded rapidly in recent years, reaching nearly 80,000 elite troops. The Pei family army, having traveled a long way to attack the city, was naturally at a disadvantage. Back then, when Tao Wudi led an army of 100,000 to attack, didn't he still suffer a crushing defeat?
General Zhang was still lying in bed recovering from his injuries, and the number of military officers entering and leaving his residence was increasing every day.

Inside the palace, however, it was unusually quiet.

The people discussed the proclamation and the impending war in private, but when they came before Emperor Jian'an, no one mentioned a single word.

Emperor Jian'an never mentioned it. It seemed that as long as he didn't ask, everything would remain peaceful and quiet.

Emperor Jian'an still harbored a glimmer of hope that Prime Minister Pang and Gao Yong could appease the furious Pei Qinghe and stop her from launching a military campaign.

Prime Minister Pang, who deliberately slowed down, arrived at Pei Family Village at a very opportune time, exactly the day before the Pei Family Army was to set out.

Prime Minister Pang and his entourage encountered the vanguard battalion on patrol.

Sun Cheng waved his hand, and the cavalry behind him drew their long swords in unison, the cold blades pointing directly at Prime Minister Pang, whose face was as white as paper, and Commander Gao, whose expression was grim.

"Captain Sun..."

“I am no longer Captain Sun,” Sun Cheng said coldly. “Commander Gao, there’s no need for you to try and build a relationship.”

"The Zhang family killed twenty-three members of the Pei family, along with one hundred of the Pei family's elite soldiers. Blood debts must be repaid in blood!"

"The general knew you were coming and ordered me to lead men on patrol to wait for you. Now come with me to see the general. You can speak with him as you see fit!"

(End of this chapter)