Chapter 243

That night Da Wang went home for a visit, needing to tell Bai Yang and Qiao Yi that his street-vending business would have to be put on hold.

First he went to Feng Huang Ji to find Qiao Yi, who, upon hearing that Da Wang was going to the battlefield, felt boundless pity and gave him all the Bigu Pills from his own stock.

Da Wang tearily returned more than half of them, saying, "You gave them, but Meng Meng won't let me just hand them over for nothing, so I'll keep a bit for self-defense—you're not exactly rich either." Da Wang looked remarkably sensible.

The more Da Wang acted this way, the more Qiao Yi worried, saying, "No, no, no—thanks to you, I've been quite well-off lately. Here's what we'll do: you leave the day after tomorrow, right? Come by tomorrow night and I'll get you two trauma-healing, life-saving pills—several grades above Jinchuan Dan, the kind that can save you as long as you still have breath."

Just as Da Wang was about to decline, thinking cold weapons wouldn't take his life and he had the heart of a city lord, he reconsidered: there was still Wei Shen and the others—what if something happened? What then?

"Thank you, Qiao Brother! When you're looking, please also consider my purse a little!"

Qiao Yi: ……

This guy's fake-poverty act is top-notch.

When he reached Bai Yang's place, Da Wang didn't need to play the victim—being a person raised in spring winds of the new society, well-versed in labor laws, he felt profound sympathy for sending a nine-year-old child to the battlefield.

Bai Ge sighed heavily at Da Wang, "Finally, this day has come!"

Then he patted Da Wang's small shoulder, "You've had it rough too—no good father to fall back on, such frail shoulders having to bear…… Sorry, I see you're not actually that frail after all, hahaha~"

"How am I not frail? I've gotten much thinner!" Da Wang protested.

"You've grown taller, but a scrawny kid couldn't swing your heavy blade. Just touching this shoulder—it's solid… well, I admit your double chin has vanished, though you keep denying it."

Da Wang: "Then is Your Majesty leaving?"

"Whether you go or not, the baby fat remains—it's just seemed to shrink a bit lately."

Da Wang slammed the table and stood up; Bai Yang laughed and pulled him back, "Fine, you have no double chin, no baby fat—very handsome and suave! Come back, let's see what else you need. Tomorrow's still a free day—I'll bring you some things. Are the dry rations packed? You've got the compressed biscuits, the anti-hunger bars, the beef jerky, salt packets, canteen, and anti-inflammatory medicine—what else do you need, Yunnan Baiyao?"

Da Wang also fiddled with his fingers nearby, "I think it's plenty. The rear logistics will use wagons—just bring some food and horse feed, no need to waste too many people here. If we run into settlements along the road, we'll take what we can eat. I plan to issue a seasoning pack mainly for the return journey, relying on dry rations for the lightning strike on the royal city."

Bai Yang: ……A seasoning pack?

Da Wang has learned badly. Making dumplings, he brings out garlic cloves……

He walked around the shop, "Going deep into the grasslands, you might suffer from water and soil incompatibility—it's not like staying home to guard the city. So tomorrow I'll bring you some berberine hydrochloride; if you have intestinal reactions from bad water and soil, just take one pill—you haven't had this medicine before, so one will do."

Da Wang has a warehouse—anyway, he won't starve on the grasslands.

Bai Yang planned to go to the supermarket tomorrow to stock up for him, "I'll go to the supermarket tomorrow and get you some fresh food, prepare some cooked meals—you can sneak a bite when hungry, don't foolishly follow the main force for months chewing dry rations."

Da Wang bluntly said, "That wouldn't be right—everyone going out should share weal and woe."

"Compressed biscuits are high in oil and sugar, anti-hunger bars too—whoever eats them gets fat! Children shouldn't eat these; early puberty obesity can make them fat for years." Bai Yang opened his mouth to scare Da Wang—those things aren't meant for long-term child consumption.

This threat worked extremely well on Da Wang—he immediately defected.

"Then… then… then bring me some fruit, and I'll bring extra milk skin myself."

Now that's more like it!

They agreed to meet again tomorrow, and Da Wang then went back to sleep. He couldn't stay up late—there would be plenty of that later.

The next noon, Da Wang lavishly hosted a banquet for the ten thousand cavalry about to march, serving a grand meal. Heavy, hard-to-digest food would upset the stomachs, so he used premium ingredients to make a high-quality stew, mainly sea fish and mutton.

The sea fish were freshly hauled up by the treasure ships, specially selected large ones, and the mutton came from the ranch.

Even the cavalry, well-treated as they were, couldn't usually eat such quality—Da Wang truly spent a fortune on this feast.

After resting half an hour post-meal, everyone went to the East Great Camp to line up, and Da Wang also went to attend the mobilization rally for the northern campaign against the Xianbei.

"As everyone knew from just now at the meal, I'll say it again here regarding our operation. Tomorrow, I will personally lead ten thousand cavalry on the northern campaign against the Eastern Xianbei."

Da Wang looked at the expressions below—he guessed the several commanders had already explained everything in detail yesterday.

But it still needed to be said: "As of today, I speak plainly—the Liaodong and Liaoxi Xianbei have already formed a force of one hundred thousand cavalry marching west, straight for Duye, and have already passed Shangguan Pass. Last month, my Father Emperor personally campaigned at Duye—this is no secret. The Xianbei alliance is now heading northwest with some aim—I need not elaborate. Our northern campaign, whether to disrupt Xianbei deployment or avenge Youzhou's age-old grudge, can only succeed! Most of you come from Youzhou—fighting the Xianbei needs no further explanation from me. Once the Xianbei alliance gains advantage in the northwest chaos and penetrates the Central Plains, the Jin Dynasty will be utterly destroyed. The Xiongnu and Western Regions are also watching covetously nearby—they may already have acted in the far north. Then our newly won good days will end again. We've endured the harshest training, have the finest warhorses, the sturdiest armor—so I am full of confidence: this battle will surely be won!"

"Victory! Victory! Victory!"

"I have provided you with the best equipment, the best supplies—I lead you out, and I am confident I will bring every one of you back. As for military discipline, no need to elaborate—you've studied it regularly. I only need to emphasize two points here: one, obey commands and act; two, do not kill the defenseless common folk."

Not slaughtering civilians is Da Wang's bottom line—he will not do what he once hated.

Then Da Wang personally led the distribution of military rations: Zhuti's packed comprehensive dry rations, two per person, to be carried personally and placed in the saddlebags beneath the horse saddle, plus one waterskin.

Besides normal grain, the logistics corps also carried this kind—just as Da Wang said, containing compressed biscuits, meat jerky, anti-hunger bars, a small packet of salt, and the small packet of milk skin Da Wang insisted on adding, all packed neatly and neatly.

Da Wang had already stockpiled over two hundred thousand of these in the warehouse—last time during the heavy snow, those sent out received two days' worth; today they're getting five days' worth. Meaning: once they leave the logistics corps, the cavalry can eat for ten days.

Da Wang handed out a few, then withdrew—he had plenty else to do.

Here things weren't done yet—after distributing the rations, each person also received one Jinchuan Dan, Qiao Yi's life-saving pill.

When Zhuti distributed them, he first instructed, "This is a trauma-treating, life-saving pill—each person gets one, to be kept in the hidden pocket of your armor, so that if you're gravely injured, others can find and save you. Don't use it for minor wounds—only for serious ones. Shelf life: ten years. Not recovered after return? No need to return it. If used for serious injury and you return, you must register it—next deployment will reissue it. This pill could buy a residence in Youzhou—Your Highness has gone to great trouble for your safety. Of course, I'm not saying you should hoard it if something happens—I mean, if it's just a tiny cut that heals in a day, don't take it—Your Highness isn't as rich as you imagine."

After hearing this, the soldiers chuckled, and once Da Wang left, the atmosphere lightened considerably.

Everyone was not only unafraid and unafraid of the upcoming northern campaign, but even a bit eager to try.

Just who had painstakingly trained his body for a year, feeling his skills were quite good and feeling a little smug—just then his old enemy showed up at the door—who could resist not going out to try?!

Da Wang was right—fighting the Xianbei needs no mobilization.

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All preparations complete, and Vinni, who never leaves Da Wang's side, has given him worry.

This guy's nose is very useful—having had one experience, if this time he's still thrown away at home, he might chase after halfway… Vinni is just an ordinary bear, not Bai Ze.

Archery would take his life.

Da Wang hesitated a moment, then suddenly realized! Vinni, like Xiao Yan, can also be brought into the homestead! Since this guy grew up, he can no longer be held in the arms—he has never taken Vinni to the homestead……

It's the people of Sui Fu Dian…… never mind, let them think what they want—Zhao Bao is quite good at brain-filling.

He brought Vinni into the homestead and first handed him to Bai Yang, so that when he has free time he can still go check on and comfort him—if Bai Yang is busy or after he walks away, he could also let Zhuti take him back……

Da Wang again instructed Zhuti, telling her to watch the bear more, not to keep it locked up in the warehouse all day.

The bear's destination was thus decided; as for Bai Ze and Zhe Tian, these two were not something he could control, and they also had the strength to protect themselves.

Asking Bai Ze, sure enough, this guy wanted to come along.

"I want to watch you personally. I am not just a pet, so I cannot leave you too far; if you die out there, what then?"

Da Wang lamented: "You don't look like a pet at all; if you were a pet, you would obey orders and stay behind to guard Youzhou. You clearly know that Youzhou cannot fall while I am alive."

Bai Ze pretended not to hear, lay down calmly, and even closed his eyes. Da Wang beside him poked him hard: "This time it's a fight, and a lopsided one at that—no carriage for you to sit in!"

Bai Ze did not open his eyes: "Then you don't need to worry; I have legs."

Da Wang glanced at the other's long legs, … envious.

That will do.

Da Wang then rushed to the seaside to meet the sperm whale and his 'dragon'; each was given a beast pill, and he instructed them to play nearby without frightening the fishermen, though he did not know if they understood.

After returning from the seaside, only one matter remained.

Da Wang personally wrote a letter informing the Marquis of Dongdu that he would launch a northern campaign against the Xianbei.

The night before the departure, Da Wang granted several hours of leave to the local soldiers of Youzhou; within the city they could return to say farewell, and outside the city they could go out to find someone to send a message home.

Da Wang had already distributed this month's silver salary in advance; for the villages and counties outside, he asked acquaintances to send it home. Thus, nearly all the townspeople knew that Da Wang would launch a northern campaign against the Xianbei.

The lights in Youwang Mansion burned all night; by dawn the next day, ten thousand cavalry had already gathered at the Eastern Great Camp.

The military flags fluttered, the golden 'You' character on them blown by the wind like a ball of flame dancing and burning in the air.

A ray of light from the east struck the metal armor, and the reflected cold gleam made one dare not look directly.

The vast square was densely packed with rows upon rows of fully armed, neat cavalry. Da Wang's review was not in vain; upon full assembly, the army looked more imposing than any previous time.

At the very front were the fully armed Eagle Riders; their eerie metal eagle masks made them look even more cold and severe. Their weapons varied, but all shared the gleam of sharp, bright blades.

From head to toe, Da Wang had equipped them with only their eyes exposed. Da Wang glanced over and, surprisingly, did not immediately spot Wei Shen hidden among them—until his horse gave him away.

Well, cousin, you look quite handsome today too.

Behind the Eagle Riders, the ten thousand troops wore uniform black armor; some held long spears and shields, others held sabers and carried bows on their backs; their faces were stern, their presence awe-inspiring.

Da Wang's face remained calm, while his heart played music.

With our cavalry, their bearing far surpasses that of the steppe riders; crushing the Xianbei is no dream.

When the time came, the horn sounded through the clouds, and the overture of the expedition began at this moment.

Da Wang stood on the high platform of the Eastern Great Camp wearing armor tailored for him, with Zhe Tian perched on his shoulder, eyes sharp: "Soldiers, today we begin our expedition for the Great Jin, for Youzhou, and for our parents and kin behind us. I will remove all difficulties and bring everyone back in triumph; this battle is certain to be won!"

"Victory! Victory! Victory!" the soldiers shouted in unison, and at that moment the entire square seemed enveloped by a mysterious force; Da Wang's heart rate spiked directly.

For home and country, for Youzhou, for the dignity and honor of the Jin people, this battle must be won.

Da Wang also believed this!

Because he felt the mighty aura of this army—this is the elite force he has accumulated since setting foot in Youzhou, fully armed and ready!

At this moment, he felt an unparalleled pride.

Da Wang climbed onto today's similarly fully armed Xiao Zao, waved the sword in his hand;

"Depart!"

The army began to split from the middle, making a passage; Da Wang led the way on horseback at the very front, beside him was Lan Zi rising lazily and stepping over with elegant gait to Bai Ze. This guy, when standing, had a shoulder height slightly higher than Xiao Zao; Da Wang could not look too much, for two more glances would break his composure. What use is it to look so majestic and ethereal if you cannot ride?

He was used to seeing it, unaware of the shock this giant furry creature following his warhorse gave to others; anyway, Wei Shen behind him was already drooling.

Behind Da Wang and Bai Ze came Wei Shen, Ling Yin, then the Eagle Riders, then the several deputy generals accompanying the expedition; previously they were Commandants and Colonels, leading the troops behind them.

Today, all three gates of Donghua Men were wide open; Da Wang led the way through, and then he saw the vast crowd of commoners outside.

It was no different from the scene during the review; the commoners spontaneously stood outside the road, making way for the army to pass, their numbers stretching endlessly into the distance.

The people of Youzhou spontaneously came out to see off the northern expedition cavalry.

Da Wang crossed the moat bridge, and the scene fell silent, save for the sound of hooves behind him.

As he approached, someone unknown took the lead; the commoners in front knelt, and those behind and to the side followed, calling out: "May Your Highness return victorious soon!"

This time there was no official organization drilling them; their shouts were uneven, the words varied, some even shouted "May Your Highness take care." Yet Da Wang felt inexplicably moved—compared to the orderly kneeling when he was enfeoffed in Youzhou, this moved him a hundredfold.

These people did not know how long they had waited in the morning chill of Youzhou; Da Wang raised his hand to let them rise, then he himself spurred his horse forward and accelerated.

Thereafter, all the way to the North City Gate, the roadside had commoners kneeling to see them off.

Amid the rolling thunder of hooves, Da Wang could not hear their voices clearly, but his heart felt utterly comforted.