My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 426 The Name of the Elite
"Is the prince determined to initiate a decisive battle with Tianbao?"

That night, Liu Yi, exhausted from his journey day and night, arrived before Gao Yu and truthfully reported the news from the front.

"Exactly."

Gao Yu frowned.

He didn't think Gao Huan could defeat Erzhu Rong, because leading a small force to charge into battle and commanding a large army are two completely different concepts.

Leading a few thousand soldiers into battle, you don't need to worry about anything else; just rely on your bravery and recklessly charge through.

However, Gao Huan clearly lacked the ability to command large-scale military operations, including coordination and organization.

Firstly, he lacks the talent, and secondly, he lacks experience.

On the contrary, Erzhu Rong, although he followed the "elite army route", regarded his Qihu elite cavalry as a trump card to kill the enemy with one sword and one blow on the battlefield. It was not that he was incapable of commanding large troops.

Erzhu Rong's training methods were a standard template for large-scale military operations.

Leading troops into battle can only determine the outcome of a local battle, and the outcome of a local battle cannot determine the overall situation of the battle. Large-scale military operations require overall victory.

"No, I have to get there as soon as possible to prevent any accidents."

If Gao Huan loses.

It will affect the morale and fighting spirit of their own troops, and will also cause the powerful clans in Xiangzhou and Yinzhou to make decisions in advance.

Most powerful families and clans are like "fence-sitters," supporting whoever wins. It's rare for them to blindly bet on one side and support it to the end.

after all……

For established families and powerful clans, the continuation of their lineage is of utmost importance. They will help whoever wins. They may never be able to provide timely assistance, but for them, being able to add to their existing success and ensure the continuation of their family line is enough.

Only some powerful families with less influence would think of taking a chance by offering help in times of need.

Gao Huan's previous retreat and avoidance of battle had already swayed the local powerful families and clans to Erzhu Rong's side. If he were to suffer another defeat, Erzhu Rong would be able to completely win over the hearts of the powerful families and clans in these two prefectures, obtain a large amount of grain and manpower from them, and establish a foothold in Xiangzhou and Yinzhou by relying on the cities.

It will be even more difficult for me to take back these two states.

Although pursuing a 'quick victory' is not advisable, wasn't the reason why I fought so hard in Yingzhou and even blocked the news after the great victory, all in order to catch them off guard and completely recover the entire Hebei region in one fell swoop?

"Liu Yi, you must be tired from your journey. You should rest now."

Liu Yiming looked exhausted, but upon hearing this, he forced himself to stay alert and slapped himself twice to make himself look more energetic. "I am the general's personal guard! How can it be that while the general is fighting on the front lines, I am resting in the rear?"

Gao Yu remained silent, but too many of his old brothers who had followed him since Huai Shuo had perished on the road to war.

He truly didn't want anything to happen to his personal guards who had been with him day and night for so many years.

But seeing Liu Yi's resolute expression, Gao Yu knew he couldn't persuade him. He nodded helplessly. "Then, do you know who is in charge of the garrison left behind after the prince's army went to war?"

"It was Sun Teng and Jia Xianzheng."

These were all friends whom Gao Huan had made back when he held a banquet in Huai Shuo, so it's normal.

Gao Huan is the same as Gao Yu.

The two brothers did not have much family support. After expanding their own power, they could only rely on people who were close to them to help them control their territory. Whether they had the ability or not was not important; being close to them was the most important thing.

"Go to them immediately with my seal and tell them to prepare armor and warhorses!"

Liu instantly understood Gao Yu's idea and immediately cupped his hands in greeting, "Yes!"

After changing horses, he immediately took several attendants and rode ahead at full speed, disappearing into the night.

Then Gao Yu turned to Peng Le and said, "Zixing, apart from the Xuanjia Army, all officers above the rank of captain in each prefecture who are strong, healthy, and skilled in horsemanship shall accompany me on this journey!"

"Here!"

Peng Le immediately turned around and began to prepare.

The Xuanjia Army has always selected the best of the best. Most of its members are those who have performed outstandingly in martial arts training. Only those who have passed various high-intensity tests are qualified to participate in the Xuanjia Army's assessment.

Even with such stringent conditions, the soldiers were still eager to be selected for the Xuanjia Army!

Without him.

Firstly, the Xuanjia Army is the army directly commanded by Gao Yu, who is the 'sun' in the hearts of every soldier. Being by the side of the sun is the greatest honor!

Secondly, the Xuanjia Army has made outstanding military achievements. As long as they survive, they will be promoted to the lowest rank of Guoyi Duwei in Zhechong Prefecture.

Thirdly, as Gao Yu's personal guard, the Xuanjia Army enjoyed the highest level of treatment, eating the best food, using the best equipment, and wearing the best armor.

It can be said that the Xuanjia Army is essentially an 'officer corps'; entering the Xuanjia Army means becoming a prospective 'officer'.

"Uncle, can I join you in this battle?"

While Peng Le was mustering his troops, Duan Shao came to Gao Yu's side and volunteered to fight.

Gao Yu looked at him, still somewhat immature, and couldn't help but chuckle, "You're still young..."

"My uncle was young when he destroyed the Gao chariot back then, why do you look down on me like this!"

He truly deserves to be called the foremost of the "Three Heroes of Northern Qi".

Gao Yu didn't say anything more. "Then you can stay by my side."

Duan Shao looked delighted and immediately bowed respectfully, saying, "Yes, General! This humble general will certainly not fail your expectations!"

"You brat, military law is merciless. Since you're going to follow me, I won't give you any special treatment."

"General, do not underestimate me! I have been skilled in archery and horsemanship since childhood!"

Peng Le quickly gathered his soldiers.

Of the three thousand Xuanjia soldiers, one thousand were selected from the elite troops left behind by Ashina Tumen.

For these brave warriors of the Ashina tribe, it was an honor to follow the renowned and peerless spirit of the grasslands. Finally, another five hundred men were drawn from the local army.

They numbered less than five thousand in total, but each and every one of them was an absolute elite.

Each person carried no baggage, only half a day's rations and some beans to feed the horses, traveling light for the purpose of a raid.

Gao Yu didn't waste any more words, he simply said, "The outcome of this battle is in your hands. Follow me on the march and kill the enemy!"

The army continued its march according to the original plan.

Gao Yu personally led more than 4,000 carefully selected brave warriors, breaking away from the main force under the cover of night, and began to march frantically forward.

It was close to sunrise.

Gao Yu ordered the entire army to rest on the spot for a while, eat, and then continue their march!

They soon arrived outside Julu City!
Sun Teng, Jia Xianzheng, and Liu Yi were already outside the city, preparing horses and armor.

It really is Gao Yu who has come!
Sun Teng and Jia Xianzheng were overjoyed!

"Moheduo! We've been waiting for you! Quickly! He Liuhun's army should already be fighting Erzhu Rong's army. If you can go and provide support, you can definitely catch Erzhu Rong off guard!"

Gao Yu didn't stand on ceremony with them.

"Where are the armor and warhorses?"

“It’s all ready. There are still quite a few elite troops in the city’s garrison. If you want them, I’ll give them all to you.”

"No need."

Gao Yu shook his head.

It wasn't that he looked down on them; what others considered precious and elite might not even qualify as 'elite' in Gao Yu's eyes.

"Men, change horses! Three horses each! Be quick, don't waste time!"

Jia Xianzheng and Sun Teng looked at the silent soldiers. They could see the exhaustion on their faces. It was clear that many of them had reached their limit after the forced march.

however……

No one uttered a sound; everyone gritted their teeth and persevered!

The two watched Gao Yu leave, and couldn't help but mutter, "So this is the elite force under Mo Hedu's command... I have also seen many elite forces, but compared to the Xuanjia Army, they are like clay chickens and earthen dogs."

"Otherwise, why do you think Erzhu Tianbao would be so afraid of Mohedu? Who wouldn't be afraid of such elite troops?"

"Fortunately, we are not enemies of Mohedu. If I were to fight against such a valiant army, I'm afraid even five lives wouldn't be enough for me to die."

"Hahaha, now that Mo Heduo has arrived, you and I can simply stay in the city and wait for the news of a great victory at the front!"

Gao Yu led his army onward and soon arrived at the location of Gao Huan's army. However, he found the army in disarray, with the soldiers completely out of control, and Gao Huan was nowhere to be seen.

Upon further inquiry, it was learned that Erzhu Rong's army had been "defeated," and Gao Huan had led his cavalry in pursuit.

"This seems suspicious..."

Gao Yu then ordered, "Change to warhorses, and have everyone don armor."

The warhorses were not armored, and Gao Yu had come lightly equipped. Where would he get so many armored horses in Julu City?

Even if they were armored, Gao Yu wouldn't let his warhorses wear armor; what he wanted was mobility!
"Keep moving!!"

After changing into his new warhorse, Gao Yu gave the order again and immediately spurred his horse forward!

...........................

Black clouds are threatening to destroy the city.

On the vast, boundless plain, ten thousand horses gallop without stopping.

Rumble!
Even the earth seemed to tremble before the iron hooves.

Dugu Xin stood there completely stunned.

They've been through countless battles over the years; what haven't they seen?

But when they saw the Xuanjia Army charging towards them, they were still greatly shocked!

The horse beneath him seemed to sense the overwhelming killing intent as well!
The horse was neighing and struggling uncontrollably, which finally woke up Dugu Xin and the others. They tightened the reins to soothe the horse under their feet until a 'general' wearing a ghost mask came to them.

Although he couldn't see the man's face, the mere look in his eyes beneath the mask sent chills down his spine. Dugu Xin knew very well that this was an acquaintance.

"Qimitou, Wenbin, do you want to be my enemies?"

The leader slowly removed his demon mask, looked at the two expressionlessly, and said coldly.

Dugu Xin was startled and broke out in a cold sweat. The soldiers behind him, wearing masks of ghosts and gods, were also staring at them coldly.

It seemed that as long as Gao Yu gave the order, they would act without hesitation and kill them all.

Li Hu quickly dismounted and bowed respectfully, saying, "How dare we be enemies with the general?"

"What's the situation at the front?"

"He Liuhun has fallen into an ambush... and is now surrounded by the army."

Li Hu felt a chill run down his spine, but he forced himself to answer.

Gao Yu glanced at them coldly, but said nothing more. After putting the ghost mask back on, he raised the horse spear in his hand and shouted.

"My comrades, the enemy is at the front! Follow me... and kill them! We will surely win this battle!!"

"Victory is certain! Victory is certain! Victory is certain!!"

(End of this chapter)