Border crisis, Jiye issues certificates
Several years passed in the blink of an eye, and war broke out again on the northern border of the Great Jing. The Turkic tribes seized the opportunity to rise up, their iron cavalry breaking through the border defenses, committing all sorts of atrocities of burning, killing, and looting. The border guards fought valiantly, but due to the ferocity and speed of the enemy cavalry, they gradually found themselves trapped, attacked from both sides. Seven urgent military reports were sent within three days, arriving at the imperial court in the capital like snowflakes, shocking the entire court and filling the hearts of the people with unease.
In the Golden Palace, the new emperor's face was solemn. The ink on the military report before his throne was still wet, each word filled with the cries of the people on the border. "Do any of you ministers have a good plan?" The young emperor's voice was filled with barely concealed anxiety as his gaze swept over the ministers below.
At this moment, Shen Nianqing, with his white hair and beard, slowly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the Turkic barbarians are coming with overwhelming force. Only a general with both wisdom and courage can break this deadlock. My grandson, Shen Jiye, has been stationed on the border for seven years. He is familiar with the terrain and the Turkic fighting style, and he has learned military strategy since childhood. He has repeatedly made meritorious contributions and enjoys high prestige in the army. I am willing to guarantee with the lives of my entire family that I recommend him as the commander-in-chief to lead the troops to repel the enemy!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than an old minister stepped forward to retort: "Prime Minister Shen is mistaken! Shen Jiye is only in his early twenties. Although he has made some minor contributions, how can he be entrusted with such a great responsibility? The safety of the border rests on our shoulders, and we cannot entrust it lightly to a young man!"
Shen Nianqing's gaze was firm as he responded loudly, "Your Excellency is mistaken! In ancient times, Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of twelve, and Huo Qubing sealed the wolf's lair at a young age. Heroes are not judged by their origins; youth is inherently brilliant. Ji Ye has served on the border for several years, sharing weal and woe with the soldiers. He once ambushed and repelled the Khitan vanguard in a desperate situation. I have witnessed his courage and strategy firsthand. Now that the country is in crisis, it is precisely the time to use capable people. We should prioritize the nation's well-being, not be bound by age!"
The debate raged in the court. After a long silence, the new emperor recalled the numerous reports of victory from the border that mentioned Shen Jiye's bravery and wisdom. Finally, he made his decision: "Prime Minister Shen is absolutely right! In the face of national crisis, we must choose the virtuous and capable. Issue my decree to appoint Shen Jiye as General Who Guards the North, leading 30,000 elite cavalry to immediately reinforce the border, and to ensure the defeat of the Turks and the recovery of lost territory!"
The imperial decree was swiftly delivered to the border camp. Shen Jiye, who was inspecting the city's defenses, immediately knelt to receive the order upon hearing it. As he rose, his eyes burned with the intensity of battle, and he turned to summon his generals for a meeting. The tent was brightly lit, and the border terrain was clearly marked on the sand table. Shen Jiye traced the narrow valley between the Turkic camp and their own defensive line with his finger, and said in a deep voice, "Although the Turkic cavalry are fierce, they are arrogant and underestimate the enemy. We can avoid their sharp edge and use the strategy of 'luring them deep into our territory, then ambushing and annihilating them.'"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the generals: "Immediately order men to feign being routed soldiers, fleeing towards the valley with a small amount of provisions, deliberately leaking the false news that 'the garrison is out of supplies and morale is low.' The remaining soldiers will be divided into three groups, lying in ambush on the high ground on both sides of the valley. Once the main Turkic force enters the valley, use beacon fires as a signal to cut off their retreat, unleash a volley of arrows, and we will surely win this battle!"
The generals received their orders and departed, each fulfilling their duties. The next morning at dawn, the feigned routed soldiers indeed lured the Turkic commander-in-chief into pursuit with his main army. Finding no ambush in the valley, the commander became even more arrogant and ordered the entire army to accelerate their advance. Once tens of thousands of cavalry had entered the valley, Shen Jiye stood atop a high ground, waved his command flag, and shouted, "Light the fire! Fire the arrows!"
In an instant, boulders and logs cascaded down from both sides of the valley, and arrows rained down like a storm. The Turkic army was caught off guard and their formation was thrown into chaos. Shen Jiye took the lead, wielding a long spear and charging into the enemy ranks. As his silver spear flashed, enemy soldiers fell from their horses one after another. Seeing this, the soldiers' morale soared, and they followed closely behind, fighting bravely. The shouts of battle echoed through the valley for three days and three nights without ceasing.
Amidst the clash of blood and fire, Shen Jiye always charged ahead, his battle robe stained with blood, yet his gaze remained piercing. When the smoke and dust cleared, the valley was littered with corpses, and the remnants of the Turkic forces fled north in disarray. On the reclaimed territory, the banner of the Great Jing army once again flew high.
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