Chapter 687: Fighting Chao Li (Part 1) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Shen Tang's curiosity is killing the cat.
"Whose help did you get, and whom did you hit?"
Chu Yao was in a good mood and chatted and laughed as usual.
"Naturally, we'll use Zheng Qiao's strength to fight Wei Yuanyuan. Since he refuses to send troops, we can only try to find a way to replace him with a new general on the eve of battle!"
"Changing commanders at the last minute?"
Chu Yao glanced towards Liguan and gave a cold smile, a look that was both lament and sarcasm: "Moving the chimney and removing the firewood brings no reward, while being scorched and exhausted is treated like an honored guest. People like Wei Yuanyuan are most easily criticized as incompetent. He stubbornly holds his ground because he sees the danger, but to outsiders, holding your ground requires no talent, only thick skin and ignoring the enemy's insults. How can a general who only knows how to cower and not come out be as capable as one who can turn the tide?"
Shen Tang felt that there was more to the reason than that.
“Wu Hui must have done something else. If he disliked Wei Shou’s incompetence, he wouldn’t have sent him in the first place. Since he sent him to guard Chaoli Pass, he must have been mentally prepared. I think Zheng Qiao’s patience won’t last only a few days…”
Chu Yao countered, "What if Wei Yuanyuan betrays us?"
Shen Tang nearly cried out in surprise, "When did he betray us?"
Wu Hui is amazing; he not only abducted someone's wife but also turned the man against his own side!
Chu Yao chuckled and said, “It’s just ‘if,’ not really true. Zheng Qiao is a very cautious man. The Dragon Slaying Bureau’s allied forces have made it clear that they want a decisive battle, so how could he not take it seriously? The more he takes it seriously, the less he can afford to take any risks. I just had Rui Ji forge Wei Yuanyuan’s letter of treason, and this letter just happened to be intercepted by the supervisor who was at odds with Wei Yuanyuan and sent to Zheng Qiao.”
Shen Tang: "A letter of treason? You forged it?"
Chu Yao shook his head honestly, his words carrying a hint of disdain: "Of course not. Wei Yuanyuan's handwriting is so terrible that only someone who spends every day with him could imitate even nine-tenths of its essence. I haven't seen him for over twenty years."
The implication is that even if Chu Yao had the ability to forge it, he wouldn't be able to obtain Wei Yuanyuan's original manuscript in a short time.
Shen Tang discovered a loophole: "If it were a forged letter of treason, the signature seal would definitely use the Martial Tiger Tally..."
This is a personal item that's very close to your body.
A normal tiger tally is just a functional accessory, without the function of stamping. But the Martial Tiger Tally is different. Strictly speaking, it should be called a "Martial Military Tally"! When separated, it consists of two irregularly shaped monograms, one set in two halves. One side is engraved in intaglio, and the other in relief.
The two, when combined, fit together perfectly, forming a complete military tally.
The seals affixed by the Wenxin Huaya/Wudan Hufu all carry the unique aura of their owners, which cannot be faked.
A strange look flashed across Chu Yao's face: "He used to use the Martial Tiger Tally to tease the children. The children didn't know any better and would stamp it randomly. Rui Ji carefully put these away."
Ruiji also frequently reminded her husband not to do that.
But Wei Shou wouldn't listen.
[What's wrong with the kids just playing around?]
[He/She's just a child, what do they know?]
[Arui's child can play whatever he wants.]
In summary--
Shen Tang nodded thoughtfully: "I understand. This story teaches me not to sign my name randomly on blank sheets of paper..."
See, Wei Shou got tricked!
Or they'll just end up shooting themselves in the foot!
"Wu Hui, experience truly matters!"
Chu Yao didn't want to admit that he was an old fox. Although he had set up the scheme, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly without the convenience provided by Rui Ji. He humbly said, "If it weren't for the good relationship between Wei Yuanyuan and Rui Ji, he would have had almost no weaknesses."
Shen Tang looked like she had learned something.
He also said, "Being obsessed with love is a stumbling block to a successful career!"
Chu Yao looked at his lord with gentle eyes, feeling very gratified.
"Is Wei Yuanyuan dead?"
"No, Zheng Qiao doesn't want to 'alert the enemy'."
If we immediately confront and punish Wei Shou, forcing him to submit to the law, wouldn't he, with his own hands and feet and soldiers, simply flee? If we push Wei Shou too far, he could easily join the Dragon-Slaying Bureau's allied forces after leaving Chaoli Pass and turn against us. It would be better to find a pretext to replace Wei Shou, then have someone keep a close watch on him, or even use him to send false intelligence to the allied forces.
Therefore, Wei Shou was safe.
Otherwise, Ruiji wouldn't have agreed.
Chu Yao was in high spirits, but his old friend, whom he had framed, was not. His wife, Rui Ji, had been taken away by Chu Yao, and even though he knew Chu Yao would take good care of her, he couldn't help but feel worried and jealous. To make matters worse, the foolish supervisor sent by Zheng Qiao caused trouble again. He somehow managed to persuade Zheng Qiao to agree to a last-minute replacement of the commander after discussing a night raid.
When Wei Shou received the news, his face turned ashen.
He strode over to question the mentally challenged military supervisor.
What does this mean?
The supervising officer was a handsome man with a high-pitched voice and a flirtatious manner. However, he was not a eunuch, but a proper scholar. Faced with the aggressive Wei Shou, he felt a slight panic, but quickly regained his composure and said, "The king is dissatisfied with the general's refusal to leave the city. To deal with these rebellious traitors outside, we must strike hard!"
Wei Shou squinted: "Why leave the pass when there are natural barriers?"
The military supervisor said, "If we're just going to hold out to the death, why do we need a general?"
Wei Shou felt like strangling the supervising officer.
Gritting his teeth, he said, "It must be you, you treacherous minister, spouting nonsense again! If Chaoli Pass cannot be defended, you will be a sinner!"
The military supervisor was not intimidated by his words and said sarcastically, "General, you might as well say this to yourself."
The two naturally parted on bad terms again.
The next day, the new garrison commander arrived at Chaoli Pass.
This man strode with the imposing presence of a dragon and the powerful stride of a tiger, his breath deep and resonant. His fierce face exuded an air of authority. His sharp, eagle-like eyes swept over Wei Shou, as if flashing with lightning. Wei Shou glared back defiantly, the air thick with the tension of battle.
Wei Shou disliked dealing with Zheng Qiao's troops, rejecting all sorts of invitations, and his unconventional behavior offended many. Furthermore, the competitive relationship between the martial artists who formed their own factions only worsened the situation.
Wei Shou naturally recognized the person who had arrived.
One of the two Sixteenth-Rank Grand Masters under Zheng Qiao's command.
Jiang Ao, courtesy name Qianshen.
However, his background as a sixteenth-rank Grand Master wasn't exactly clean, making him seem somewhat unworthy of the title compared to another. Jiang Ao was aware of the doubts surrounding him, so he desperately needed a major victory to prove himself, hence this whole affair!
"Wei Yuanyuan, I will take over Chaoli Pass."
"Hmph, come on then, I don't care!"
Wei Shou was quite familiar with Jiang Ao's temperament.
Jiang Ao, true to his name, was arrogant and conceited, a complete waste of the "humility and prudence" bestowed upon him by his elders. With that, Wei Shou turned and left, having no intention of staying for Jiang Ao's banquet. Jiang Ao's gaze was filled with malice—his mission, besides taking over Chaoli Pass, also included keeping an eye on Wei Shou and bringing him back to the palace for questioning.
Of course, before his departure, King Zheng Qiao also instructed him: "Although the evidence is irrefutable, Wei Yuanyuan's betrayal is truly strange. Why now of all times? It's hard to say it's not a scheme by some lowly scoundrels. When you go, remember not to disturb Wei Yuanyuan, and send people to investigate secretly."
Although the Sixteenth Grade Grand Supreme Cultivation was somewhat exaggerated, taking nearly sixty years to reach this stage, Jiang Ao's talent was undeniable. He was no fool either, and naturally understood Zheng Qiao's high regard for Wei Shou. Feeling resentful, he spoke up to put Wei Shou down: "Why should the King be so cautious about a mere Wei Yuanyuan?"
Zheng Qiao said unhappily, "Just do as I say."
This somewhat embarrassed Jiang Ao.
Jiang Ao would naturally vent his anger on Wei Shou.
At the banquet, glasses clinked and toasts were exchanged.
In the midst of the revelry, the military supervisor recounted the theft of Wei Shou's wife, Rui Ji, as a joke: "I've heard that Rui Ji was a stunning beauty in her youth, and now that she's past her prime, she still retains her charm. Now that she's fallen into the clutches of those worthless bastards, tsk tsk tsk, I wonder how tragic her fate will be."
Jiang Ao's entourage laughed heartily.
Jiang Ao himself sneered contemptuously. He had lived a long life, experienced many battles, and knew even more old gossip. He was particularly clear about the past and background of Rui Ji, who served Wei Shou. He said, "Just a good-for-nothing who can't even keep a woman in check."
Wei Shou's men were also present at the banquet.
Naturally, these details were also shared with Wei Shou.
This is undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire.
His eyes flashed with murderous intent, his killing intent intense.
But Wei Shou still retained his rationality and forcibly suppressed his anger, saying viciously, "That idiot Jiang Ao, his brain is stuffed with shit and piss! Since he's so confident, let him go looking for death. I'll be waiting to collect his corpse and grind his bones to dust!"
The officials, however, were filled with worry.
"That's a sixteenth-grade superior craftsmanship..."
Wei Shou slammed his fist on the table, smashing it to pieces, and immediately exposed most of Jiang Ao's past: "What a load of rubbish, a sixteenth-rank Grand Master! Do you think I don't know what kind of background he has? Back then, he was greedy for money and risked his life for the Northern Desert. If he hadn't run away quickly, he would have been killed by Chu Wuhui long ago! What skills does this old bastard have? He's just cheap and lives a long life."
"Chu Wuhui was useless back then. Why didn't he just shove that old bastard's gun from his mouth to his ass? He was just left there to disgust people!"
The subordinate official then heard another unfamiliar name.
"General, who is this Chu Wuhui? Is he that powerful?"
Wei Shou angrily exclaimed, "He's not human! He's a dog!"
Subordinate: "???"
The Dragon Slayer Alliance held small meetings daily and large meetings every three days, spending 10% of their time discussing and refining their strategies, and 90% worrying about how to force the perpetually domineering Wei Shou to come out and fight. Little did they know that Chaoli Pass was quietly developing its strength, secretly preparing a major attack for the Alliance!
When Shen Tang received the message, she was still sealed on her camp bed by her beloved silk quilt, the bed warm and cozy, and she hadn't fully opened her eyes yet. When she realized what the messenger had said, her almond-shaped eyes widened instantly, and she sprang up with a swift movement!
"What did you say?"
"One hundred thousand enemy soldiers are pressing in!"
Shen Tang dressed instinctively.
The sheer garment over her outfit was put on as she ran.
"Holy crap, how could this be so unexpected?"
She flipped over and jumped onto the back of the motorcycle.
"We've reorganized the troops, and finally we don't have to pick our toes anymore!" The various camps stirred with excitement. Shen Tang wiped her face with a damp cloth and bumped into Chu Yao, who had leisurely arrived. The latter seemed unsurprised by the scene.
The two then had the conversation that began at the start of this chapter.
The deployment of troops from Chaoli Pass was quite unexpected.
Fortunately, the allied forces had long awaited this day, and their military preparations were in place to guard against unexpected situations, so they were not afraid that the troops from Chaoli Pass would suddenly attack their camps. The troops had ample time to assemble, and various martial auras shimmered above the various camps.
Shen Tang is not included.
A single set of armor can easily weigh dozens of kilograms.
While it doesn't impede the martial artist's movements, its weight continuously drains the user's martial energy. Besides this, the warhorse formed from martial energy is also a major drain. It wears dozens of kilograms of horse armor and must support its rider.
The heavier it is, the greater the consumption and the faster the consumption rate.
Even someone as powerful as Shen Tang, who possessed considerable martial prowess, felt a pang of sympathy. This also explained why Gong Xi Chou always wore only half of his martial armor. Why would he expend so much precious martial energy on a weak opponent? Besides, Shen Tang was his lord.
Normally, Shen Tang is in the central army rather than at the front lines.
Before long, war drums thundered and banners fluttered in the wind.
Although the Dragon Slaying Bureau's allied forces were hastily deployed, they had already made various arrangements, appearing organized amidst the chaos, and had formed their battle formation before the main force of Chaoli Pass pressed in. The two armies faced each other from a distance, and Jiang Ao raised his hand to signal his army to halt, looking at the opposite side.
"These rotten fish and shrimp..." Compared to the well-organized army of Chaoli Pass behind him, the Dragon Slaying Bureau's allied forces were a colorful patchwork, exuding the air of a makeshift team. Jiang Ao scoffed, "I really don't know what Wei Yuanyuan is afraid of them for?"
He did not deliberately lower his voice.
Wei Shou naturally heard it clearly as well.
He looked at Jiang Ao as if he were an idiot.
What are we afraid of?
Haha, even King Zheng Qiao didn't have such a big mouth.
If they were truly so easily defeated and worthless, would Zheng Qiao have tolerated them thrashing around under his nose for so long? Was the fact that the Dragon Slayer Bureau wasn't wiped out because Zheng Qiao was kind enough to keep them around? Clearly, he didn't have the ability to eliminate them all at once…
Jiang Ao is quite something...
Wei Shou's gaze involuntarily fell on the person opposite him.
Although all he could see was a dense sea of heads, he was certain that a pair of eyes were intently watching him from the other side. Chu Yao was right across from him. He wondered if that old geezer Jiang Ao, knowing this, would be stirred up some fond memories of the past?
hehe……
On the other side, the Dragon Slayer Alliance.
Shen Tang was happily munching on a large flatbread in her left hand and a milk sac in her right, her cheeks puffing out in turn. Her mouth, a stark contrast to the grim and serious expression of the army, was constantly chattering: "Why are you all staring at me?"
Wu Xian smiled awkwardly and said, "Brother Chen has a good appetite."
I don't know if Shen Tang is just carefree or something else.
You can eat anywhere.
Seeing where his gaze fell, Shen Tang handed him a flatbread he hadn't eaten yet: "I was in such a hurry to go into battle that I haven't eaten anything yet. I imagine Brother Wu is the same. Would you like to eat something to fill your stomach? I don't think this battle will end anytime soon."
Wu Xian: "..."
He hated himself for being so talkative.
He said with difficulty, "No, thank you. I'm not hungry."
"Man is made of iron, food is made of steel; you'll get hungry if you skip a meal. The purpose of living is to eat..." Seeing that Wu Xianzheng wasn't eating, she took a large bite and said, "But you don't need to go off to fight, so it's okay if you're hungry for a while..."
She's not up to the task; we might need her to step in.
"I'm hungry too, is there any more?"
A young head popped up in front of her; it was Shao Chong.
Over there, Gu Ren had already covered his face.
You two should be mindful of the occasion and show some respect for your opponents!
_(:з」∠)_
Mushroom ordered a new desk today, an L-shaped wooden table measuring 210*100*60 cm. My dad oversaw the design when we were renovating the study in our new house, but he didn't think things through, and the layout was quite messy. With the increasing number of keyboards and reference materials, the study needed a rearrangement. The new desk should make the study look neater.
(End of this chapter)
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