Chapter 85 The General is truly a divine being!
A large army was approaching from a dozen miles outside the Prison Dragon Pass. The neighing of horses and the roar of men filled the air, and the dust they stirred up blotted out the sun, making it look like a giant dragon from afar.
The resounding hoofbeats seemed to shake the entire earth. Based on his years of experience serving in the army, Wen Ji judged that "there are at least tens of thousands of people coming."
Yan Wuxin exclaimed in surprise, "My goodness! Jiang Kingdom has reinforced its troops again? Where did they get so many soldiers? If they pile all their troops on the border, how will they survive in their own country?"
Lu Jinlan slowly shook her head, "They came from the west, they don't seem to be soldiers from the Jiang Kingdom."
Xiang Ruzhen looked through her binoculars and exclaimed, "That's right, they're flying the Xiao banners; these are the troops of the Qu Kingdom!"
Wen Ji frowned immediately. "The Jiang and Qu kingdoms are going to besiege the city together? That's terrible. Seven hundred thousand troops, almost ten times our strength. Let alone attacking the city, they could easily raze the Prison Dragon Pass to the ground."
A cold glint flashed in Lu Jinlan's eyes. "With such a huge investment, it seems that Jiang and Qu are both on the verge of collapse and are determined to fight us to the death. A mere 80,000 troops at the small Prison Dragon Pass have actually caused both countries to mobilize such a large force. They really think highly of me, Lu Jinlan."
Wen Ji hurriedly asked, "General, what should we do?"
Lu Jinlan sneered, "Don't panic, we'll talk about it when we get back."
*
The study served as the war room, where Lu Jinlan spread out a map in front of his generals.
"This is where we are. The north gate of Qiulong Pass is currently guarded by the armies of Jiang and Qu, numbering approximately 700,000 men. It is evening now, and they are setting up camp. They are expected to attack the city tomorrow morning. What strategies do you all have? Please speak frankly."
Everyone lowered their heads, and Xiang Ruzhen hurriedly said, "Don't be so pessimistic. The 700,000 troops that General Lu just mentioned are just an exaggeration. In fact, the Jiang Kingdom lost 10,000 to 20,000 men in the last siege, and its strength is now less than 450,000. Xiao Chengying of the Qu Kingdom is even less likely to bring all 250,000 troops. She has to leave at least 50,000 troops to guard Chizhou City."
Yan Wuxin hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, actually, all of them together only amount to a little over 600,000, it's not...it's not that scary."
Lu Jinlan smiled slightly, "Actually, I think their arrival is just in time. This war has lasted long enough. As long as we win this battle, there will be no more war on our borders. Gentlemen, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. Don't you want to go home and reunite with your families with your rewards?"
They looked at each other, and Yang Ning said, "General, we have long since put our lives on the line since we put on this uniform. We are not afraid of dying, but we are afraid that even if we die in battle, we will not be able to defend the city."
Lu Jinlan said confidently, "When have I ever led you to a defeat? I haven't lost a single battle since the first day I went to the battlefield. What does defeat feel like? I don't know."
“But I must tell you, I am a man who cherishes his life very much. But I cherish not only my own life, but also yours. You have followed me through life and death, so I will not lead you to your deaths.”
"The enemy has reinforcements, and so do we. You all should know that the Grand Marshal of Jingbian is my mother-in-law. The Song family army is not far from here, and the Grand Marshal must have received the news. I dare say that the 300,000 Song family troops will arrive tomorrow."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and their faces lit up with joy.
"That's right! The Song family army is nearby, and Commander Song will definitely lead his troops to their aid!"
"This gives us hope!"
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "I haven't finished yet! Beizhou City is less than seventeen miles from here. There are more than 300,000 Ling family soldiers there, who can rush to the aid of Qiulong Pass in no time."
The former generals of the Ling family army were stunned for a moment, and someone couldn't help but remind them: "General, I'm afraid... I'm afraid the Ling family army will not be willing to support us."
“That was before, not necessarily now. The young marquis of the Ling family army, Ling Zhaoren, has a very close relationship with us. She is currently in Beizhou City. With her there, borrowing troops is not a problem. Right? Wuxin.”
Yan Wuxin immediately lied and said, "That's right, we're so close we'd share a pair of pants."
Xiang Ruzhen glanced at the two of them secretly, but remained silent.
Lu Jinlan smiled and said, "I also have some good news to share. I'm going to see Xiao Chengying in a bit. I've already come up with a plan, and I'm at least 50% confident I can persuade her to abandon the attack on Qiulong Pass." The generals were overjoyed: "Really? General, you're truly a genius!"
"If the Qu Kingdom's army retreats, the balance of power will shift, and we will have the advantage!"
Lu Jinlan said, "That's right. Go back and reassure your men, and strengthen the city's defenses. Tell everyone that reinforcements will arrive tomorrow. As long as we hold the city gates, we will definitely win a great victory."
The generals withdrew, leaving only Xiang Ruzhen, Yan Wuxin, and Wen Ji inside the room.
Yan Wuxin said anxiously, "My mind is in complete turmoil. I can't tell which of what you just said was true and which was false."
Lu Jinlan shook her head. "It's hard to say. Right now it's all fake, but there's always the possibility that it could become real."
"It suddenly occurred to me that instead of persuading Xiao Chengying to give up the attack on Qiulong Pass, I should persuade her to help me. If she is willing to be our reinforcement, then we really will win."
Yan Wuxin reached out and touched her forehead. "Are you out of your mind? Are you dreaming? Qu and Jiang are allies. Why would she be willing to be our reinforcements?"
Lu Jinlan brushed her hand away and laughed, "Haven't you heard the saying? Between nations, there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests."
Xiang Ruzhen sighed, "But things happened so suddenly, what benefits can you offer to persuade her? Let's hope for reinforcements from the other two groups."
Lu Jinlan shook his head. "To be honest, of these three reinforcements, the most promising is Xiao Chengying. As long as I see her, I'll have a chance to persuade her. If that doesn't work, I still have a trump card to deal with her. But the other two..."
Lu Jinlan looked at Wen Ji as she spoke, "Strategist, you have served by my mother's side for many years. Based on your understanding of her, do you think she would rashly send troops to help?"
“This…” Wen Ji thought for a moment, “The current situation is quite serious, and in principle we should not send troops. But since you are here, General, and the Commander-in-Chief regards you as his own flesh and blood, she may come.”
Lu Jinlan shook her head and said, "If I were her, I wouldn't have come. The reason is simple: the enemy outnumbers our army several times over. Although the Song family army is strong, it has no advantage in fighting on flat ground. The enemy has more people and a better position, so we should wait for them to tire themselves out."
"If the mother general really brings the entire Song family army here, it is very likely that she will not be able to save us, and we will suffer heavy losses, or even be completely wiped out."
Xiang Ruzhen frowned. "But if the Song family army doesn't come, who else can reinforce us? Even if your dream comes true and Xiao Chengying switches sides to help us at the last minute, she only has 200,000 troops, which is still not enough to fight against the Jiang Kingdom's 400,000 troops."
Lu Jinlan said, "Then we can only hope that the Ling family army can contribute. We don't need much. Even if the Ling family army is willing to support us with 100,000 troops, the difference in numbers between the two sides is not significant, and the chances of winning are on our side."
Yan Wuxin frowned. "But how could the Ling family army be willing to provide support? You just killed Ling Xin's confidant Yan Lufeng a few days ago. Ling Xin is probably hoping to see us make a fool of ourselves. She would rather die here than send troops."
"Of course, if killing Ling Xin would be useful, I would kill her. But even if Ling Xin is dead, the Ling family army won't listen to me."
Lu Jinlan laughed and said, "Give it a try. I'll write a letter asking for help, and you can go to Beizhou City for me. Reason with her and appeal to her emotions, ask her first, and if she doesn't know what's good for her, then threaten her. Anyway, you do what you think is best, and I'll take responsibility if anything goes wrong."
Yan Wuxin patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry! We also have 80,000 Ling family troops inside Qiulong Pass. I don't believe that the Ling family troops in Beizhou City can just stand by and watch."
"Their comrades are fighting bloody battles and their lives are hanging by a thread. Aren't they moved at all? Even if Ling Xin doesn't agree to send troops, how many of her soldiers have any conscience or courage?"
Lu Jinlan praised, "That's right, that's the point. You should ask Yang Ning to go with you. She's been in the Ling family's army for many years and should have some old acquaintances. Try to persuade as many as you can."
"After the battle begins tomorrow, the south gate will be wide open, allowing entry but not exit. You can bring reinforcements in through the south gate and proceed directly to the north gate to meet the enemy."
"Remember, you must see the Ling family army march out with your own eyes. Don't believe anyone's verbal promises."
Lu Jinlan handed the letter requesting help to Yan Wuxin, gave her some instructions on some details, and then let her leave.
Lu Jinlan wrote another letter to Song Jingxiao and handed it to Wen Ji, saying, "I trouble the strategist to have someone send this letter out. I have written three scenarios in the letter. The Commander-in-Chief will naturally act accordingly after reading it."
Wen Ji took the letter and went out. Lu Jinlan said to Xiang Ruzhen, "I'm going to the Qu Kingdom's camp. I'm leaving Qiulong Pass to you. If the enemy suddenly attacks the city tonight, you must hold them off."
Xiang Ruzhen took a deep breath. "This trip is dangerous. Do you really want to go?"
Lu Jinlan nodded. "No one can do this for me."
"Alright, I will hold the city until you return safely. As long as you are here, the city will remain; trust me."
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Jinlan said firmly, "I believe you. But in case... in case something unexpected happens, don't be so stubborn. Even if you can't be imprisoned, you must be alive. When the time comes, go to Beizhou City and find Wuxin."
Xiang Ruzhen felt a pang of sadness and said in a deep voice, "There's no 'what if'. If anything happens to us, Wuxin will take good care of our families."
Lu Jinlan's eyes reddened, and she smiled through her tears, "Don't be so pessimistic, we will definitely win. Wait for me, I will definitely be back before dawn."
*
Xiao Heng was washing clothes in his room when Lu Jinlan strode in. "Stop washing! Pack your things immediately. Your elder sister has led troops to the pass."
"What?" Xiao Heng hurriedly shook the foam off his hands and said anxiously, "How could she do this? I'm still in the city! If you hand me over, do you think she'll withdraw her troops?"
Seeing his flustered and bewildered expression, Lu Jinlan couldn't help but smile. "Of course not."
"What should we do? No, I have to go and tell her that if she dares to attack the city, I will jump off the city wall."
Lu Jinlan quickly pulled the person back, "If she's determined to attack the city, jumping ten times won't help. Why don't you pack your things and take me to see her so I can have a proper talk with her?"
Xiao Heng was taken aback: "You want to see my royal sister?"
“Hmm,” Lu Jinlan grasped his hand, her eyes smiling, “Don’t you want me to meet your family?”
Her ambiguous attitude made Xiao Heng's mind wander.
Could it be that Lu Jinlan intends to arrange a marriage on the eve of battle? Although it is common for countries to use marriage to repair relations, isn't it too late now that the enemy is at the gates?
Xiao Heng hesitated for a moment, "Is it too late for you to talk to my elder sister now?"
Lu Jinlan said firmly, "There's still time. Before the war begins, there's still time for everything."
Xiao Heng thought to himself, it wasn't right for him to be following Lu Jinlan around without any official status. If he could take this opportunity to arrange a marriage, he might even get the title of a concubine, turning misfortune into blessing.
He quickly wiped his hands. "I'll go get ready right away."
*
Two fast horses galloped to the Qu Kingdom's military camp outside Qiulong Pass, where the sentry shouted sternly, "Halt! Who are you?"
Immediately, both of them covered their faces with veils, dressed in black, and wore black cloaks with hoods covering their heads.
It was dark by then, and you could see almost nothing.
One of them removed his mask and shouted, "How dare you! Don't you even recognize me?"
The guards on duty recognized him and exclaimed happily, "Young Master, what brings you back?"
The guards quickly stepped forward and took the horse. Xiao Heng dismounted and said, "There's going to be a war. If I don't come back soon, I'll die in the city. This is my friend. I brought her out to avoid trouble. Where is my elder sister? I need to see her."
The guards led the two inside, and when they arrived outside Xiao Chengying's tent, Xiao Chengying's personal guards stopped them, saying, "Young Master, please wait a moment. His Highness the Crown Prince is meeting with distinguished guests."
Xiao Heng said unhappily, "What distinguished guest? More important than me?"
The man smiled and apologized, "His Highness is naturally pleased to have you back, but the person in the tent is an envoy from the Jiang Kingdom, and we cannot treat him with disrespect. Please wait a moment, young master and your friend."
Xiao Heng glanced back at Lu Jinlan, and seeing her nod slightly, he said, "Alright, then we'll wait a while."
Lu Jinlan looked around and suddenly said in a low voice, "Why don't we find a place to have a cup of tea and wait?"
Seeing how relaxed she was, Xiao Heng was even more pleased. "Alright, I'll have them make the arrangements right away. Once you're here, make yourself at home and don't be shy."
Soon someone arranged a tent. Lu Jinlan went into the tent and glanced inside. "You wait here. I'm going to use the restroom."
Xiao Heng was taken aback: "Then I'll find someone to take you there..."
"Need not."
Lu Jinlan pressed down on his shoulder and chuckled softly, "How could I, a grown man, possibly get lost? This is your Qu Kingdom's territory, are you afraid I'll run away?"
Xiao Heng smiled and shook his head. "Then go ahead."
Lu Jinlan left and hadn't returned after a quarter of an hour.
Xiao Heng felt a little uneasy and was about to go out to look for him when Xiao Chengying suddenly lifted the curtain and came in.
Her wounds hadn't fully healed, but she was already wearing armor, with only the gauze covering her wounds showing at her shoulders and neck.
Xiao Chengying's face was serious, but his eyes were quite loving. "Fourteenth brother, you've finally decided to come back?"
Xiao Heng smiled, "Royal sister, I didn't come back alone. I brought someone with me to see you."
"Where is he?" Xiao Chengying narrowed his eyes, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
"Don't tell me you brought Lu Jinlan back."
Xiao Heng remained silent, but Xiao Chengying's expression changed. "Men! Find Lu Jinlan immediately!"
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