Chapter 259: Withdrawal of Troops [Part Two]
Shen Tang was somewhat bewildered.
"Huh... loyal and righteous at the same time???"
She considered the meaning of the words in context.
A strange thought popped into her head: Was Lin Feng planning to use her to gain experience? No way? No way? No way? Shen Tang looked at the naive Lin Feng and sighed, "It's good that you have this rebellious and unwilling-to-give-up spirit, but it's best to find someone with a lower level of challenge at the beginning... After all, your husband is skilled in both literature and martial arts..."
Lin Feng's development is somewhat unbalanced.
Unexpectedly—
Lin Feng's face was full of question marks.
I completely don't understand what this has to do with "resistance" or "not admitting defeat"? She never said she wanted to challenge her husband...
The two were not on the same wavelength.
However, Lin Feng understood one thing—her husband's attitude towards this matter wasn't as taboo as she had imagined. So, Lin Feng mustered her courage and wanted to hear Shen Tang's opinion: "If this happened to you, what would you do?"
Shen Tang: "..."
She was just grinding her own experience points, what could she possibly be thinking? Then, Lin Feng's next sentence made her realize that she had misunderstood.
Lin Feng earnestly asked Shen Tang for advice: "My lord is someone I follow and serve, but General Gongxi also saved my life when I was on the verge of death. However, he was the one who blocked my lord. How can I repay his life-saving grace?"
Shen Tang looked at Lin Feng, whose face was still very young, but whose tone of voice was as steady as an adult's, and pondered for a while.
"I can't answer that question either."
Lin Feng was surprised: "Even my lord can't?"
Shen Tang smiled and admitted, "I'm not an omniscient or omnipotent person, just an ordinary mortal. Why must I be 'capable'? Besides, in these kinds of dilemmas, both sides usually have their own reasons, and it's possible that no matter which choice you make, it's wrong... In this situation, just follow your heart..."
Lin Feng was still puzzled: "Do whatever you want?"
Shen Tang patted her shoulder and said, "What I mean is—life is short, only thirty or forty years, so do what you believe is right! For you, that's the right thing to do!"
Lin Feng silently pondered the meaning of those words.
Seeing her troubled expression, as if she were about to lose all her hair, Shen Tang laughed heartily and said, "Little Lin Feng, you're such a treasure. We're so far away from Gong Xi Chou, we might not even cross paths in the future, let alone become enemies... You're already worrying about the dilemma of 'loyalty and righteousness' so early, sigh, far too early!"
But Lin Feng did not laugh.
Instead, she said with a serious expression, "It will happen."
Shen Tang raised an eyebrow: "Wu Hui told you?"
Lin Feng clenched his fist on his knees, and said firmly, word by word, "My teacher never taught me these things, but this is how I think. Your existence, my lord, destined you to be different from others! As long as you don't fall, and keep climbing upwards, you are destined to meet General Gongxi. If you don't meet him, it must be because General Gongxi has already died at the hands of others!"
Ever since Lin Feng heard about the complicated connections between Mr. Kang, Mr. Gu, Mr. Qi, and her teacher, she has had a question.
The mainland is so vast, why are these people either acquaintances, old friends, or have heard of each other and have known each other for a long time? They are clearly just a few people from all over the country! If they were ordinary people, they probably wouldn't even know each other even if they lived in neighboring villages... Then she understood.
Because the gentlemen are all standing on high ground, and are climbing to even higher ground, the higher they stand, the fewer people there are, naturally increasing the chances of them getting to know each other. Those ordinary people and women trapped in their inner quarters are restricted to staying in low-lying areas, like "frogs at the bottom of a well."
For some reason—
Lin Feng found the "well" very offensive.
She recalled what her husband had said not long ago: "There is no bone in this world that can be harder than my sword. If there is—I will cut it down!" Lin Feng was also thinking that if there was a "well" in this world that trapped her, then he would dismantle and level that "well"!
Shen Tang showed a moment of astonishment.
He quickly changed his expression to one of praise: "Incredible! Incredible! Wu Hui has truly taken on a fine student. You have so much confidence in your husband, how could I possibly let you down? I promise you, if we ever run into Gong Xi Chou, I will capture him alive and give you a chance to plead for him, so you can repay his 'life-saving grace,' achieving both 'loyalty and righteousness'! How about it?"
Lin Feng blinked.
She seemed not to have expected this solution.
But it is indeed a good method.
As for whether Gong Xi Chou would sneeze because of Shen Tang's nagging, that was not within Shen Tang's concern.
After a day and a half of rest, the allied forces resumed their advance on Xiaocheng. Given the deep psychological impact of Gong Xichou, their attitude towards Shen Tang became increasingly enthusiastic, as they still hoped Shen Tang would step forward and restrain Gong Xichou.
Along the way, they also encountered several small rebel groups.
They usually launch a surprise attack and then escape.
This caused everyone to be on edge, and the Allied forces suffered greatly from the harassment. They were on high alert, and their progress was extremely slow, with them moving in fits and starts.
But soon—
They realized it wasn't necessary.
Several scouts on horseback galloped towards them.
"Report—"
Alliance Leader Wu Xian asked, "What news?"
The scout's reply stunned everyone.
The rebel troops stationed in Xiaocheng are withdrawing.
Alliance Leader Wu Xian's face stiffened. He asked incredulously, "What did you say? Withdrawal? Who withdrew their troops? The rebels withdrew?"
The scout answered confidently, "Yes."
Alliance Leader Wu Xian and the others exchanged bewildered glances.
Someone muttered, "What are those people up to?"
Having gained the upper hand, why did the army withdraw from Xiaocheng? Why did the rebels go through all that trouble to capture Xiaocheng? Were they just bored out of their minds? Everyone's thoughts were remarkably consistent—the rebel army of the Pig King was up to something!
We must not be careless and fall into their trap!
At this moment, Qin Li thought of a possibility.
Others have also thought of this.
He muttered to himself, "Could it be that they've already achieved their goal?"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into an eerie silence.
They speculated that the King of Zhi sent a large force to attack Xiaocheng because of the national seal that had suddenly appeared there. Some of them were also there for that thing—but since Zheng Qiao had not yet completely fallen from power, no one dared to bring it up in public.
Now someone has stepped forward to expose this truth...
They were even more worried.
The rebel army of the Pig King with the Imperial Seal and the rebel army of the Pig King without the Imperial Seal are two completely different concepts. Even if their allied forces were combined, they might not be enough to wipe them out in one fell swoop. So someone said with a glimmer of hope, "This matter—maybe not?"
The Imperial Seal is not something that can be easily obtained.
Of all those present, Wu Xian, the leader of the alliance, had the worst expression.
He participated in this absurd allied military campaign for the sake of the Imperial Seal. If the rebel forces of the Pig King were to seize it first, his trip would be in vain, and he would have exposed the culmination of his years of efforts. And if Zheng Qiao had his eye on it—
It's truly a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead.
He glanced furtively at Qin Li, who remained silent.
Qin Li looked at Wu Xian, the leader of the alliance, with a reassuring gaze.
Alliance Leader Wu Xian consoled himself...
Now is not the time to scare yourself. It's just a guess, not a confirmed fact. Besides, if the Pig King's rebels really get the Imperial Seal, the person most troubled will be Zheng Qiao. At a time when they need manpower, Zheng Qiao won't do anything to him... Thinking this way, his wildly beating heart calmed down a lot.
Alliance Leader Wu Xian remained calm and composed, his voice deep and steady as he said, "Whether it is or not, we'll find out by chasing after them."
Everyone echoed in agreement.
Wu Xian, the leader of the alliance, then asked Shen Tang, who had been drinking tea.
"What do you think, Brother Shen?"
Shen Tang said, "I will do whatever the Alliance Leader says."
The conclusion reached after discussion was—
Chase!
He took a bite of the rebel's plump, white buttocks!
Gu Chi: "..."
The first "chasing" is fine, but the second sentence—Shen Tang doesn't need to add so many adjectives before her! Gu Chi desperately hopes to find a breakthrough opportunity to completely master the way of the literati, otherwise staying by Shen Lang's side is truly torture!
Despite his complaints, Gu Chi secretly gathered the thoughts of the other members of the Alliance Army to understand their stances and factions.
Which ones can be utilized, and which ones should be avoided?
Gu Chi already had a plan in mind!
With the order given, the allied forces accelerated their advance, relentlessly pursuing their pursuers. The rebel army led by the King of Pigs was also moving quickly, and their scouts spotted the pursuers close behind. When the news reached them, even Gongxi Chou, who was not focused on important matters, was stunned.
"You still dare to chase?"
He raised an eyebrow.
It could be said that these people in the Allied forces were young and fearless.
The subordinate official looked grave: "We can catch up in at most an hour. Young General, what should we do?"
Gong Xiqiu lay lazily on his side on a supply wagon loaded with grain and fodder, his fingers deftly weaving a wild grass he had plucked from who-knows-where, humming an unknown tune, and a lifelike grasshopper was born in his hand. He said, "If you catch up, then fight."
The subordinate official worriedly said, "The Allied forces are gaining momentum."
Gong Xichou, with an expression that said "this is no big deal," waved his hand impatiently and said arrogantly, "The momentum is strong? Ha, let's extinguish that fiery momentum! You go to the side, you're blocking my light. Let me know when there's news from my godfather."
His position as a general is useful in battle.
Normally—
He did all the work of a clerk and registrar.
Alas, Gongxi Chou hates these military affairs the most.
Upon hearing the news, the old general frowned and was about to order Gongxi Chou to cover the rear and meet the enemy when his advisor raised his hand to stop him.
The scholar, who was always gloomy, said, "General, there is no need to waste precious time on these people."
The old general was also worried that delays would incur the wrath of the King of Pigs, so after hearing what his advisors had said, he readily agreed. The advisors then said, "Let the army march with divine intervention!"
The old general cupped his hands in greeting to him.
He said, "Thank you for your trouble, envoy."
Gong Xichou was about to turn over to get a more even tan when he sensed something and suddenly sat up.
He looked up at the sky. One moment the sky was clear and blue, the next, the wind was howling, clouds were swirling, and lightning was flashing! The wind and thunder roared, and the surrounding energy of heaven and earth began to stir restlessly. This strange phenomenon even affected the martial spirit and martial energy within his dantian!
The official asked, "Who is using the power of words?"
Still such a big commotion!
Could it be that the Allied forces have caught up?
Gong Xichou closed his eyes and sensed it for a moment.
He said, "It should be harmless."
This incantation was not only harmless, but even beneficial to tens of thousands of troops. Ordinary people felt their blood and qi boiling, their bodies brimming with inexhaustible energy, while martial artists felt their dantian and martial spirit become active and frenzied, with martial energy continuously flowing from their dantian to their limbs and bones, like soaking in a warm spring on a cold day, their entire body feeling comfortable and relaxed! They couldn't help but let out a comfortable sigh.
They were very familiar with this feeling.
It was clearly the incantation of a military formation during a rapid march.
but--
Gong Xiqiu sniffed and identified the owner of the literary aura.
His mysterious half-brother!
Gong Xichou's expression immediately changed.
Such incantations used in large-scale military formations are not uncommon, but their range, duration, and effects vary depending on individual skill. Judging solely from these states of mind, this person appears to be handling them with ease, showing no signs of being overwhelmed!
The army is advancing at full speed!
The allied forces chased for two whole days, but still couldn't catch up! Furthermore, the quality of the allied troops varied greatly, and not everyone could keep up with such an intense march. Before long, the formation became increasingly loose, and some even fell behind.
Seeing the Allied forces trailing behind looking like a scrambled egg drop soup, Shen Tang sighed, "With such a loose formation, if there were an enemy ambushing us now, we would be devoured piece by piece, completely surrounded like dumplings, and filled with human flesh."
No wonder Gongxi Chou was so arrogant.
Upon hearing this, Kang Shi tensed up.
Seeing him out of the corner of her eye, like an owl with its feathers standing on end, Shen Tang said, "I was just saying that, it's not true—"
Kang Shi seemed to want to speak but hesitated, then hesitated again but wanted to speak.
He tied up Shen Tang, which meant that Shen Tang would sometimes be particularly unlucky, so he was especially wary of "jinxes".
Shen Tang: "???"
Only Gu Chi heard their thoughts clearly.
well--
It's really tough for him.
At this moment, Shen Tang turned her "firepower" towards Gu Chi: "Mr. Gu, it seems the rebels are fleeing faster than rabbits; this battle is probably unlikely to continue. Once the situation stabilizes a bit, I'll send someone to escort you back?" It's unclear whether Wu Yuan was already in tears...
Gu Chi: "..."
Is he able to go back?
Unless Young Master Shen doesn't drink.
Whether Wu Yuan cries or not, what does it matter to him?
Gu Chi's expression was unfriendly, and Shen Tang was met with a cold shoulder.
The Allied forces pursued them relentlessly, but were eventually forced to give up.
If they continue chasing, they will be taken out of Sibao County and into the territory controlled by the Prince of Zhi, at which point there will be no return.
Alliance Leader Wu Xian was furious at the result, but there was nothing he could do—he had essentially accepted that the King of Pigs had obtained the Imperial Seal.
Qin Li noticed his mood and tried to comfort him, but Alliance Leader Wu Xian waved his hand and said, "It's alright, I'm fine."
Now is not the time to be discouraged.
The rebels stationed in Xiaocheng withdrew, but other areas in Sibao County still fell—even a small mosquito is still meat, and reclaiming these places would be a merit. So, they rallied their spirits! The remaining rebels didn't have Gong Xichou in command, nor did they have many elite troops blocking their way, so the allied army naturally advanced triumphantly, somewhat dispelling the gloom brought by the defeat.
The celebratory banquet was held table after table.
only--
Looking at the devastation and remnants of Sibao County, which had been occupied by the rebels, Shen Tang felt heavy-hearted rather than cheerful.
The rebels suddenly rose up, and lacking food and money, they targeted the wealthy families in the city, but ordinary people could not escape their clutches either.
_(:3」∠)_
Time to start stockpiling drafts again.
The editor notified me today that I need to prepare a 10,000-word update on the 14th of this month.
Where did I get this draft? *crying emoji*
The double monthly pass period is almost over, so please use your monthly passes if you have any...
There's a monthly pass post in the book review section; the event ends on the 7th, so don't waste it!
(End of this chapter)
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