Chapter 259

"Ah, it's indeed a bit troublesome." Xiao Qidi sighed helplessly, "All the counties, important cities, and even border passes of the Wasteland Nation have been taken over by the Daxuan army; I have also arranged officials to take over governance, but the Wasteland king uses the over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City as hostages, preventing General Mu Cheng from launching a strong assault. I know that whether we storm the city or continue the siege, we will surely capture the Royal City, but those civilians would be doomed. I don't want to do that, and General Mu Cheng doesn't either."

Let's break:

"Ah, it's indeed a bit troublesome." Xiao Qidi sighed helplessly, "All the counties, important cities, and even border passes of the Wasteland Nation have been taken over by the Daxuan army; I have also arranged officials to take over governance, but the Wasteland king uses the over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City as hostages, preventing General Mu Cheng from launching a strong assault. I know that whether we storm the city or continue the siege, we will surely capture the Royal City, but those civilians would be doomed. I don't want to do that, and General Mu Cheng doesn't either."

Translation:

"Ah, it's indeed a bit troublesome." Xiao Qidi sighed helplessly, "All the counties, important cities, and even border passes of the Wasteland Nation have been taken over by the Daxuan Army; I've also arranged for officials to take over administration, but the Wasteland Nation king uses the over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City as hostages, preventing General Mu Cheng from launching a strong assault. I know that whether we storm the city or continue the siege, we will surely capture the Royal City, but those civilians would be doomed. I don't want to do that, and General Mu Cheng doesn't either."

We need to keep numbers exactly: over one hundred thousand -> "over one hundred thousand" or "over 100,000"? The instruction: reproduce all numbers exactly as written. The Chinese means "over one hundred thousand". We should translate as "over one hundred thousand". Could also be "over 100,000". The exact number is not given; it's a phrase. We'll translate as "over one hundred thousand". That's faithful.

Also "over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City" -> "over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City". Good.

Now ensure we keep the quotes? The source includes Chinese quotation marks 「」. We should not keep them; we translate the content. Usually we drop the Chinese quotes and just translate the spoken words. We'll not include the Chinese quotation marks in output.

Thus line 1 translation:

【1】 "Ah, it's indeed a bit troublesome." Xiao Qidi sighed helplessly, "All the counties, important cities, and even border passes of the Wasteland Nation have been taken over by the Daxuan Army; I've also arranged for officials to take over administration, but the Wasteland Nation king uses the over one hundred thousand civilians inside the Royal City as hostages, preventing General Mu Cheng from launching a strong assault. I know that whether we storm the city or continue the siege, we will surely capture the Royal City, but those civilians would be doomed. I don't want to do that, and General Mu Cheng doesn't either."

Check length: single line.

So that's how it is...

【2】 So that's how it is...

Ning Jinli gently took Xiao Qidi's hand.

【3】 Ning Jinli gently took Xiao Qidi's hand.

She also clearly understood that if they didn't care about the lives of the Wasteland Nation's civilians, the Wasteland Nation Royal City would have already been breached.

【4】 She also clearly understood that if they didn't care about the lives of the Wasteland Nation's civilians, the Wasteland Nation Royal City would have already been breached.

This Wasteland Nation king is truly insane; at this point, he actually uses his own people as hostages.

【5】 This Wasteland Nation king is truly insane; at this point, he actually uses his own people as hostages.

Xiao Qidi held Ning Jinli's soft hands and spoke softly:

【6】 Xiao Qidi held Ning Jinli's soft hands and spoke softly:

"Nowadays, the original Yu Guo has become Daxuan's Look West Province, its people have all become Daxuan subjects; after Duan Wu took office as Look West Governor, he applied the development experience and technology of Lin Xian Cheng, worked diligently, enabling many areas of Look West Province to mine large quantities of high-quality iron ore, and the He Wan County incorporated into Longyuan Commandery also now has several large coal mines."

We need to keep numbers: several -> "large quantities". Good.

【7】 "Nowadays, the original Yu Guo has become Daxuan's Look West Province, its people have all become Daxuan subjects; after Duan Wu took office as Look West Governor, he applied the development experience and technology of Lin Xian Cheng, worked diligently, enabling many areas of Look West Province to mine large quantities of high-quality iron ore, and the He Wan County incorporated into Longyuan Commandery also now has several large coal mines."

"Iron and coal mines, including the oil fields around Lin Xian Cheng, have seen output improve day by day; related new technologies have been rolled out, and soon the entire Daxuan populace will be able to use refined iron or even steel."

【8】 "Iron and coal mines, including the oil fields around Lin Xian Cheng, have seen output improve day by day; related new technologies have been rolled out, and soon the entire Daxuan populace will be able to use refined iron or even steel."

"Moreover, many industrial technologies based on this are also advancing rapidly, such as weaving, papermaking, gunpowder, as well as power generation and road construction, etc."

【9】 "Moreover, many industrial technologies based on this are also advancing rapidly, such as weaving, papermaking, gunpowder, as well as power generation and road construction, etc."

"I hope all Huaxia people can quickly keep up with the pace of development, so they no longer suffer from natural and man-made disasters; but now, seeing that over one hundred thousand civilians are being held hostage by the Wasteland Nation king, I am at a loss."

【10】 "I hope all Huaxia people can quickly keep up with the pace of development, so they no longer suffer from natural and man-made disasters; but now, seeing that over one hundred thousand civilians are being held hostage by the Wasteland Nation king, I am at a loss."

"Jinli, please help me."

【11】 "Jinli, please help me."

Ning Jinli listened attentively to Xiao Qidi's words.

【12】 Ning Jinli listened attentively to Xiao Qidi's words.

I suppose he has considered every possible method usable in this era, but since he must both protect so many civilians and eliminate the Wasteland Nation king, those methods cannot be used.

【13】 "I suppose he has considered every possible method usable in this era, but since he must both protect so many civilians and eliminate the Wasteland Nation king, those methods cannot be used."

"How long can the civilians inside the Wasteland Nation Royal City hold out?" Ning Jinli asked.

【14】 "How long can the civilians inside the Wasteland Nation Royal City hold out?" Ning Jinli asked.

Xiao Qidi said: "According to General Mu Cheng's estimate, in less than half a month, the civilians will face famine. The Wasteland Nation king, his surrounding nobles and court officials, as well as the tens of thousands of elite troops guarding the Royal City, cannot possibly care about these civilians' lives or deaths. I can even imagine that, over time, the civilians will become rations for the Royal City guard troops."

【15】 Xiao Qidi said: "According to General Mu Cheng's estimate, in less than half a month, the civilians will face famine. The Wasteland Nation king, his surrounding nobles and court officials, as well as the tens of thousands of elite troops guarding the Royal City, cannot possibly care about these civilians' lives or deaths. I can even imagine that, over time, the civilians will become rations for the Royal City guard troops."

Ning Jinli then proceeded to learn more details about other situations in the Wasteland Nation Royal City.

【16】 Ning Jinli then proceeded to learn more details about other situations in the Wasteland Nation Royal City.

Only then did she learn that the Wasteland Nation king had counted on the Daxuan Army wanting to protect civilians, which is why he used this tactic.

【17】 Only then did she learn that the Wasteland Nation king had counted on the Daxuan Army wanting to protect civilians, which is why he used this tactic.

As a result, General Mu Cheng was forced to retreat his troops by three li; for whenever they approached the Royal City, the Wasteland Nation's Royal City guards would kill a batch of civilians inside the city and throw their bodies down from the city walls as a warning.

【18】 As a result, General Mu Cheng was forced to retreat his troops by three li; for whenever they approached the Royal City, the Wasteland Nation's Royal City guards would kill a batch of civilians inside the city and throw their bodies down from the city walls as a warning.

This prevented the Daxuan Army from launching a strong assault or a sneak attack to capture the city.

【19】 This prevented the Daxuan Army from launching a strong assault or a sneak attack to capture the city.

The entire Royal City was completely sealed off, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving, and completely eliminating the possibility for the Daxuan Army to infiltrate.

【20】 The entire Royal City was completely sealed off, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving, and completely eliminating the possibility for the Daxuan Army to infiltrate.

If the Daxuan Army, unwilling to see the city's civilians suffer from cold and hunger, used catapults to throw food supplies in, they would be seized by the guards immediately; yet the Daxuan Army had no choice but to do so, otherwise the city's civilians would suffer just the same.

【21】 If the Daxuan Army, unwilling to see the city's civilians suffer from cold and hunger, used catapults to throw food supplies in, they would be seized by the guards immediately; yet the Daxuan Army had no choice but to do so, otherwise the city's civilians would suffer just the same.

In short, the Wasteland Nation king had prepared to sacrifice the over one hundred thousand civilians in the city and to survive himself.

【22】 In short, the Wasteland Nation king had prepared to sacrifice the over one hundred thousand civilians in the city and to survive himself.

Such a special situation has put Xiao Qidi in a dilemma.

【23】 Such a special situation has put Xiao Qidi in a dilemma.

Regarding the Wasteland Nation Royal City, they cannot touch it, yet they must periodically throw in food supplies to try to prevent the civilians from being plundered by the guards.

【24】 Regarding the Wasteland Nation Royal City, they cannot touch it, yet they must periodically throw in food supplies to try to prevent the civilians from being plundered by the guards.

Attack? No good. Not attack? Also no good.

【25】 Attack? No good. Not attack? Also no good.

As long as the Daxuan Army cannot bring itself to ignore the lives of those over one hundred thousand civilians, the Wasteland Nation king can drag this out day after day indefinitely.

【26】 As long as the Daxuan Army cannot bring itself to ignore the lives of those over one hundred thousand civilians, the Wasteland Nation king can drag this out day after day indefinitely.

This feeling makes Xiao Qidi extremely uncomfortable.

【27】 This feeling makes Xiao Qidi extremely uncomfortable.

"How much do you know about the interior of the Wasteland Nation Royal City?" Ning Jinli asked.

【28】 "How much do you know about the interior of the Wasteland Nation Royal City?" Ning Jinli asked.

Xiao Qidi's eyes narrowed slightly, "From birth I have been a hostage prince in the Wasteland Nation; all those years of experience have made me very familiar with the environment inside the Wasteland Nation Royal Palace, but I'm not very clear about most places outside the palace."

【29】 Xiao Qidi's eyes narrowed slightly, "From birth I have been a hostage prince in the Wasteland Nation; all those years of experience have made me very familiar with the environment inside the Wasteland Nation Royal Palace, but I'm not very clear about most places outside the palace."

Ning Jinli then asked: "And what about adding General Mu Cheng?"

【30】 Ning Jinli then asked: "And what about adding General Mu Cheng?"

Xiao Qidi said: "Adding him would mean knowing the entire Royal City, inside and out, like the back of my hand."

【31】 Xiao Qidi said: "Adding him would mean knowing the entire Royal City, inside and out, like the back of my hand."

"All right," Ning Jinli snapped her fingers, "Let's go straight for a decapitation operation, take out the Wasteland Nation king and the nobles; without their rulers, those officials and guards won't put up a last-ditch resistance."

【32】 "All right," Ning Jinli snapped her fingers, "Let's go straight for a decapitation operation, take out the Wasteland Nation king and the nobles; without their rulers, those officials and guards won't put up a last-ditch resistance."

Xiao Qidi said: "I think the same, but I have no way to enter the Royal City without being detected; I feel you must have a method."

【33】 Xiao Qidi said: "I think the same, but I have no way to enter the Royal City without being detected; I feel you must have a method."

Ning Jinli gave a mysterious smile, cupped his handsome face, and said: "It's time to tell you what a parachute jump is."

【34】 Ning Jinli gave a mysterious smile, cupped his handsome face, and said: "It's time to tell you what a parachute jump is."

That night the two discussed the operation plan; early the next morning.

【35】 That night the two discussed the operation plan; early the next morning.

Xiao Qidi set off at top speed toward the Wasteland Nation Royal City, while Ning Jinli returned to modern times and contacted Shangguan Ying to prepare the operation.

【36】 Xiao Qidi set off at top speed toward the Wasteland Nation Royal City, while Ning Jinli returned to modern times and contacted Shangguan Ying to prepare the operation.

Since the entire Wasteland Nation has been taken over by Daxuan.

【37】 Since the entire Wasteland Nation has been taken over by Daxuan.

Xiao Qidi encountered no obstacles along the way.

【38】 Xiao Qidi encountered no obstacles along the way.

Traveling at full speed, he reached the outskirts of the Wasteland Nation Royal City in less than three days, where the Daxuan Army was stationed.

【39】 Traveling at full speed, he reached the outskirts of the Wasteland Nation Royal City in less than three days, where the Daxuan Army was stationed.

Approximately 100,000 Daxuan troops were encamped around the Royal City, with a distance of thirty li between them and the city.

【40】 Approximately 100,000 Daxuan troops were encamped around the Royal City, with a distance of thirty li between them and the city.

The main commander's camp directly faced the Royal City gate, far apart yet in view of each other.

【41】 The main commander's camp directly faced the Royal City gate, far apart yet in view of each other.

When Xiao Qidi arrived at the main commander's camp, Mu Cheng had just returned from outside, his face full of the expression of having eaten a fly.

【42】 When Xiao Qidi arrived at the main commander's camp, Mu Cheng had just returned from outside, his face full of the expression of having eaten a fly.

"Damn it! This is utterly outrageous!"

【43】 "Damn it! This is utterly outrageous!"

Mu Cheng, covered head to toe in thick snow, flung open the tent flap while cursing, "Those beasts are getting more and more outrageous! I really want to grind their bones to ashes and scatter them!"

【44】 Mu Cheng, covered head to toe in thick snow, flung open the tent flap while cursing, "Those beasts are getting more and more outrageous! I really want to grind their bones to ashes and scatter them!"

The guards beside the tent hadn't even had time to warn him when he stormed in angrily and immediately saw Xiao Qidi standing inside.

【45】 The guards beside the tent hadn't even had time to warn him when he stormed in angrily and immediately saw Xiao Qidi standing inside.

"Your Majesty, how did you come here?" Mu Cheng stared in shock.

【46】 "Your Majesty, how did you come here?" Mu Cheng stared in shock.

Xiao Qidi said: "General Mu, why are you so furious?"

【47】 Xiao Qidi said: "General Mu, why are you so furious?"

Mu Cheng hastily bowed, embarrassed: "I have been rude; I hope Your Majesty will forgive me… I… am angered by the Wasteland Nation Royal City's guard troops."

【48】 Mu Cheng hastily bowed, embarrassed: "I have been rude; I hope Your Majesty will forgive me… I… am angered by the Wasteland Nation Royal City's guard troops."

Xiao Qidi invited him to sit down together and explain the situation in detail.

【49】 Xiao Qidi invited him to sit down together and explain the situation in detail.

Mu Cheng, unwilling to see the civilians in the Wasteland Nation Royal City starve and freeze, would periodically use catapults to throw food supplies in; although it mainly benefited the Royal City guards, it still offered some protection to the city's civilians, a practice Xiao Qidi was aware of.

【50】 Mu Cheng, unwilling to see the civilians in the Wasteland Nation Royal City starve and freeze, would periodically use catapults to throw food supplies in; although it mainly benefited the Royal City guards, it still offered some protection to the city's civilians, a practice Xiao Qidi was aware of.

What Xiao Qidi didn't know was that the Wasteland Nation Royal City guards had become increasingly greedy because of this.

【51】 What Xiao Qidi didn't know was that the Wasteland Nation Royal City guards had become increasingly greedy because of this.

Just now, Mu Cheng led a team to deliver a batch of food supplies, but the guards on the city walls shouted, demanding that from now on the main rations be doubled, meat and vegetables increased by thirty percent, and even that alcohol be provided to them.

【52】 Just now, Mu Cheng led a team to deliver a batch of food supplies, but the guards on the city walls shouted, demanding that from now on the main rations be doubled, meat and vegetables increased by thirty percent, and even that alcohol be provided to them.

This is practically treating the Daxuan Army as a fool.

【53】 This is practically treating the Daxuan Army as a fool.

Moreover, if they don't get what they want, they will seize some civilians and kill them in front of Mu Cheng to show him.

【54】 Moreover, if they don't get what they want, they will seize some civilians and kill them in front of Mu Cheng to show him.

Anyway, the city's civilians number over one hundred thousand; killing a few dozen or a hundred now and then has essentially no impact.

【55】 Anyway, the city's civilians number over one hundred thousand; killing a few dozen or a hundred now and then has essentially no impact.

That's why Mu Cheng ended up looking like this, furious.

【56】 That's why Mu Cheng ended up looking like this, furious.

"General, don't be angry," Xiao Qidi comforted, "I now have a countermeasure."

【57】 "General, don't be angry," Xiao Qidi comforted, "I now have a countermeasure."

Mu Cheng overjoyed, "Your Majesty, what is the plan?"

【58】 Mu Cheng overjoyed, "Your Majesty, what is the plan?"

Xiao Qidi said: "The plan is what Jinli told me; once she arrives, we can launch the operation. Before that, you have three things to do. First, have people clear a flat open space of at least fifty zhang square inside the camp. Second, draw up as detailed a map of the Royal City as possible. Third, from the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army, select forty strong combat troops who are not afraid of heights."

【59】 Xiao Qidi said: "The plan is what Jinli told me; once she arrives, we can launch the operation. Before that, you have three things to do. First, have people clear a flat open space of at least fifty zhang square inside the camp. Second, draw up as detailed a map of the Royal City as possible. Third, from the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army, select forty strong combat troops who are not afraid of heights."

These requirements sound easy enough to fulfill, but Mu Cheng couldn't figure out what connection there was among the three things.

But since it is His Majesty's request and it can solve the biggest problem at hand, Mu Cheng will naturally comply.

However, his expression suddenly became somewhat troubled.

Xiao Qidi asked him what was wrong.

He cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, should I also personally participate in the operation?"

Xiao Qidi said, "You are the most familiar with the interior of the Wasteland Nation's Royal City besides the palace, so you certainly need to participate."

Mu Cheng then said, "Then... regarding the condition of not fearing heights, specifically how high is it?"

Xiao Qidi looked at his reaction, realized it, and smilingly asked, "General Mu, are you afraid of heights?"

"I dare not conceal it from Your Majesty..." Mu Cheng's expression grew more embarrassed, "I consider myself not timid, especially in battle, I have always been fearless, but... once I stand at a height, I uncontrollably feel nervous and my legs go weak. Ordinary city wall heights I can still manage, but Your Majesty specifically raised the condition of not fearing heights; I feel this must be much higher than the city walls..."

Xiao Qidi patted his shoulder, "It's a bit higher than the city walls; you should be fine, right?"

Mu Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, "Then it's not a big problem; I will now attend to the matter entrusted by Your Majesty."

"Go." Xiao Qidi flashed a smile in his eyes and nodded.

By that afternoon.

Ning Jinli accurately located Xiao Qidi through her perception of him, directly opened a spacetime portal, and met up with him.

"I have already prepared things on my side," Ning Jinli said, "Yingjie arranged a military transport helicopter for me, and I assigned four special operations team members to handle piloting and training; how is your side?"

Xiao Qidi led her to a nearby open space and asked, "Do you think this place is sufficient?"

Ning Jinli checked it and said, "Hmm, the area is big enough, the ground is fairly flat, it will do."

Xiao Qidi added, "General Mu has already drawn up a map and selected forty Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Soldiers; everything is ready."

"Alright! I'll bring the helicopter and the special operations team members over now; please clear some space."

After saying that, Ning Jinli entered the Time-Space Gate.

Xiao Qidi immediately stepped back outside the open area.

Soon after, a huge military transport helicopter appeared out of thin air in the open space, and Ning Jinli and the four team members disembarked one after another.

Xiao Qidi raised his head, unable to take his eyes off it, "This helicopter is actually bigger than the previous one!"

Ning Jinli laughed and said, "Of course, the helicopter sent to Black Water Bay for reconnaissance is an armed helicopter, while this one is specially for transport, capable of carrying up to fifty fully armed soldiers, so of course it has to be big."

Xiao Qidi asked, "When will the parachute training begin?"

"Time is pressing, let's start right away," Ning Jinli said, "First we'll see if three days of emergency training is enough; if not, we'll have to train a few more days."

Without delay, Xiao Qidi summoned Mu Cheng, and together they arrived at the scene, along with forty carefully selected Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Soldiers.

The Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Army has always been the first group to accept new equipment provided by Ning Jinli; no matter what she brings, they can adapt and accept it faster than ordinary soldiers.

But upon seeing a massive object they had never seen before looming before them, they were still filled with shock and curiosity.

As for Mu Cheng, he was even more dumbfounded.

"Everyone, over the next few days, I and Xiao Qidi will undergo training together with you," Ning Jinli said facing them directly, "I hope you all work hard and obey the commands of these four instructors beside me."

Mu Cheng remained bewildered, but thinking that even the Fairy and His Majesty were accompanying the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Soldiers in training, he saw no need to ask further; just following orders would suffice.

Xiao Qidi stepped forward and stood beside Mu Cheng, saying, "Yes! We will obey the instructors' commands."

Ning Jinli turned, stood before the formation, bowed to the four special operations team members, and said, "Thank you for your effort; let's begin."

The special operations team members had no hesitation; they ordered everyone to unload the equipment from the transport helicopter and immediately began training.

First, they taught everyone to put on the parachute-specific gear from head to toe.

Including Mu Cheng, everyone had already worn modern military combat gear, so changing equipment was not difficult for them.

Next, the special operations team members explained and demonstrated the function and usage of the parachute pack.

Mu Cheng listened attentively, but as he listened, he began to feel something was off.

"Instructor..." Mu Cheng cupped his fists and said, "You say this object is used for high-altitude drops? If it were just a normal height, a ladder would suffice; why use such a strange tool?"

A special operations team member replied, "Because this is not an ordinary height; now, follow our upcoming demonstration and practice opening the parachute on the ground."

Mu Cheng's mind was full of questions, he inexplicably felt a bit panicked, but faced with something completely beyond his comprehension and not knowing where to start asking, he closed his mouth, thinking he would just earnestly follow instructions and learn.

That entire afternoon until nightfall.

The special operations team members repeatedly taught ground parachute opening until everyone basically understood the main use of the parachute pack.

Besides Ning Jinli and Xiao Qidi, everyone else remained quite confused.

They had learned the instructors' operations, but they really couldn't understand why, with a weird big backpack on their backs, they would run while pulling open a strap, releasing a huge, strange piece of fabric—what on earth was this?

The special operations team members said, everyone had picked it up fairly quickly; they would gather here early tomorrow morning to proceed to the next stage of training.

Thus, everyone carried huge doubts and returned to their tents to rest.

The next day, early in the morning.

Ning Jinli, Xiao Qidi, Mu Cheng, and the forty Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor Soldiers, all fully equipped, arrived at the training ground.

"Everyone, today's main training is to let you see the actual application of the parachute," a special operations team member pointed to the already opened cabin, "All personnel, board the aircraft!"

Everyone followed him into the spacious cabin.

Mu Cheng and the others were full of curiosity, looking around; yesterday when they moved the equipment out of here they hadn't examined it closely, but now they could finally observe it properly.

"One seat per person, sit properly," the instructor ordered again; after everyone sat down, he demonstrated while saying, "Come, follow my steps and secure your bodies."

After everyone had done so, another instructor in the cabin checked each person individually, then sat down as well, having made full preparations, and notified the two crew members in the cockpit that they could take off.

Accompanied by a low, dull mechanical roar, the helicopter's large belly cargo door slowly closed.

Mu Cheng also didn't know what was happening to himself; suddenly a hard-to-describe... intense feeling of unease welled up in his heart...