The large banner symbolizing the three guards of Prince Ning left Chang'an.

Head north all the way to Yanmen Pass.

When marching and fighting, food and supplies come first.

People can eat less, but war horses cannot.

One warhorse is worth five warriors!

Hay, bean cake, wheat bran, fine salt...

These are all essential!

To defeat a grassland overlord like the Liao, one must rely primarily on cavalry, employing swift tactics. To defeat the Liao, Dafeng mobilized virtually its entire nation. First, they negotiated peace with Xiliang to maintain stability, then mobilized 150,000 war horses. The civilian laborers and corvée labor to transport food and fodder numbered 300,000!

"Eat and drink well, and take time to rest."

Ning Que toured the camp, greeting his guards. They were still within Dafeng, so there were garrisons along the way to supply them. At each stop, civilians were dispatched to carry food and drink. Their food and drink were all provided by the garrisons, so they wouldn't need the food and fodder shipped with them.

"Your Highness, how long will it take to get to Yanmen Pass?"

"Yes, my sword is thirsty!"

"I have to chop off some Liao dogs' heads!"

"Haha, I heard that Liao dogs are all cowards who bully the weak and fear the strong!"

The army is not the court.

Most of the soldiers had little education.

They are also quite direct in their speech.

It's considered good in front of Ning Que.

When we get along normally, there's always a lot of swear words flying around.

"In the military, you have to call your position."

"Yes, General!"

Ning Que put away his smile and said seriously, "The Liao people are no cowards. In the early years, they kept a low profile, gradually encroaching on and expanding their territory. Two years ago, they even annihilated the Western Xia, and their morale is high. Now, with a vast territory spanning thousands of miles and three hundred thousand soldiers at their disposal, it's no easy task."

"We understand."

The soldiers also lowered their heads.

Ning Que looked at the bean rice in the pot and continued, "I'm not saying this to boost others' morale or diminish my own prestige. Dafeng will definitely win this Northern Expedition. And I want more than just victory; I want to take you home!"

They all raised their heads.

Looking at Ning Que, he was speechless.

As a general, your achievements are built on the corpses of your soldiers.

Regardless of victory or defeat, there will be rivers of blood and dry bones all over the ground.

Ning Que was able to say such words before the war.

Take you home!

Just this one sentence is enough!

Ning Que turned around and left to continue his inspection.

Once the military order is issued, even he cannot disobey it.

We must march fifty miles every day!

It can only be more, not less.

Must arrive at Yanmen Pass on schedule.

During the forced march, many civilians could not keep up.

Others are ill and cannot accompany you.

"tractor."

"What are your orders, General?"

"Pass the order down." Ning Que raised his hand. "If any soldiers or civilians are feeling unwell, they can hold onto the shafts of the carts. Order Bai Yu to form the rear guard and recruit the seriously ill. Also, leave some fast horses so they can catch up when the time comes."

"promise!"

As the saying goes, military orders are as strong as a mountain, and the law is merciless. If they fail to reach Yanmen Pass on time, they will be subject to military law. Ning Que made a compromise, allowing them to recuperate in the rear. He assigned Bai Yu to the rear guard and then rode fast horses to catch up. This way, they could avoid delaying the march and still take care of them.

"Brother, how do you feel?"

"Don't worry, he's fine." Chang Baicao retracted the silver needle and said calmly, "He's just a little weak from the long journey and the fast march."

"Thank you, Uncle Chang."

"It's a small matter."

Chang Baicao stood up.

He glanced at Wan Sanqian, whose face was pale.

"I have to show it to others."

"If Mr. Wan feels unwell, you can take some native pills."

"Thank you very much."

Wan Sanqian raised his hand with a wry smile.

He had traveled extensively over the years, often on long raids, but that was completely different from a military march. He rested wherever he went, and no one would rush him, allowing him to rest as many days as he wanted. But this time, it was a forced march, and regardless of the weather, he had to reach the garrison on time.

He took the native pill.

The situation is slightly better now.

"Brother Wan, if you really can't do it, you can stay here first."

"Wait until Bai Yu catches up, then you can join the army."

"It's nothing." Wan Sanqian smiled and waved his hand, saying calmly, "It's just that I've been traveling all over the place these years, busy with business, and my health is far from what it was when I was on Kunlun Mountain. I've only been traveling for a few days, and I'm already feeling a bit exhausted. I'll take it easy, and I should be better in a few days."

"That's fine." Ning Que smiled. "Brother, if you can't hold on any longer, you must tell me. We're still in Dafeng, and the war hasn't really started yet. If you really can't take it, it's okay. Don't force yourself to resist."

"Hey, don't worry."

Wan Sanqian smiled nonchalantly.

"Junior brother, you really opened my eyes this time."

"The first time I led the troops, I was able to enforce discipline."

"No wonder Master always misses you."

Ning Que had never led troops before.

But it can achieve this level.

After hearing this sentence, no one was dissatisfied.

What you say is what it is.

The army was united and morale was high.

Wan Sanqian has traveled to various countries over the years.

I have seen armies from many countries.

Sometimes wars break out.

Babao Trading Company seized the opportunity to make a fortune from the war.

When the people heard that they were going to the battlefield, they were all terrified.

How could they be the soldiers under Ning Que's command?

Everyone is happy to hear about the war.

I can’t wait for the war to start!

This is actually the difference.

"I've disappointed Master..." Ning Que sighed softly. "Master dislikes war and told us not to interfere too much in state affairs. He also said that the officialdom is a big melting pot. It would be better for me to stay in Kunlun Mountain and study to benefit the people."

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