Chapter 107: with translation of chapter title
Su Ye heard this, his heart stirred.
He knows Li Jing's loyalty and feelings toward him, and also understands Li Jing's worries.
After all, Li Jing has only been promoted by Su Ye for a short while; even at most it's not long.
The relationship definitely isn't as good as that of Zhu Que and Yuwen Chengdu, who have been trained since childhood by the Cloud Prince's Mansion.
If we were to give the majority of Cangzhou's current forces entirely to him.
If Li Jing ever harbors any rebellious thoughts, it would be an absolute disaster for Cangzhou!
Su Ye let out a soft sigh and said, "Healer, I have seen your loyalty and valor."
"However, the situation is now complex; we must make the wisest choice."
"You stay behind to continue the campaign in Qi Zhou; I will be reassured, and only then can I return to Cangzhou with peace of mind."
Li Jing heard this, a flash of determination crossed his eyes.
"Please, my lord, rest assured! I will surely not disappoint your expectations and trust!"
"As long as I, the humble commander, still have a breath, I will never let the enemy set foot outside the Qilian Mountains!"
Li Jing rose and knelt before his lord, swearing an oath.
Su Ye quickly helped Li Jing up, his eyes full of emotion and trust.
"With the Healer here holding the fort, I naturally feel at ease."
"But the Healer also needs to be extra careful."
He patted Li Jing's shoulder and said.
"Please, sir, also take care."
"In the days ahead, please continue to assist the Healer with strategies and plans, to overcome difficulties together."
Afterward, Su Ye turned to Yao Guangxiao and said.
Although Su Ye decided to return to Cangzhou, he still kept Yao Guangxiao behind.
This is not only to put Li Jing's mind at ease.
After all, to let a newcomer who has only recently submitted take charge of all of Su Ye's assets.
Even he himself is anxious, fearing that at any moment his great achievements might threaten the sovereign.
And then suddenly the lord had him killed.
Having Yao Guangxiao there also gives Li Jing a reassuring pill.
Sometimes people are just that strange.
If you don't send people to watch them, they actually feel uneasy.
But if you do send people, then their hearts will settle.
"Please, my lord, rest assured! Dao Yan will surely do his utmost to assist General Li!"
Yao Guangxiao twirled his prayer beads, bowed, and spoke.
Holding the prayer beads, each turn of a bead makes his thoughts seem to flow along.
Within this Jade Splendor Heroic Pass, his inner heart is not at peace, despite his outward composure and calm.
He was contemplating the upcoming battle situation.
In the continuous mountains of Qi Zhou, countless passes exist; each is a difficult problem requiring clever strategy and firm determination to overcome.
He must repeatedly rehearse in his mind, ensuring every detail is thoroughly considered.
The prayer beads turned slowly in Yao Guangxiao's hand; each turn gave his inner self a moment of tranquility.
The setting sun was like blood, dyeing half the horizon red.
In the vast mountains, a troop stood still.
Their armor glinted with a cold light in the afterglow of the setting sun, and their flags snapped in the wind.
Su Ye's battle armor was engraved with exquisite dragon patterns, and at his waist he wore an extremely sharp long sword.
This return to Cangling City is not only to handle urgent affairs, but also to stabilize troop morale.
Also needing special attention are the war between the Central Region Yellow Turbans and the Great Qian, as well as the three princesses sent by the Great Qian for a marriage alliance.
Also, with the addition of Tie Mu Zhen and others, the grasslands gradually descended into chaos.
Also, Su Ye needs to go add fuel to the fire!
With countless thoughts in their eyes, the light cavalry who followed Su Ye back this time quickly readied themselves.
Their movements were swift and orderly, each person filled with fighting spirit.
Their armor shone with dazzling light in the sunlight, their gazes firm and sharp, as if already prepared to face any challenge at any moment.
Su Ye mounted his warhorse and waved to signal departure.
With a burst of rapid hoofbeats, the light cavalry sped off like arrows released from a bow.
The formation was neat and uniform, hooves flying, dust rising.
When the light cavalry reached Cangling City, the gate was already open.
Li Shanchang and others again led their troops to appear at the city gate.
Outside Cangling City, a wide official road leads straight to the gate.
On the city walls, blue stone is laid; the years have etched mottled marks upon its surface, bearing witness to the city's vicissitudes.
On the city tower, banners flutter, waving in the wind, displaying the capital's dignity and vigor.
As the hoofbeats drew nearer from afar, the inside and outside of the gate gradually grew noisy.
Amidst everyone's eager anticipation, a unit of light cavalry gradually appeared at the horizon's end.
They wore uniform armor, waist-mounted sharp blades, and carried long bows; each was a meticulously selected elite warrior.
At the forefront of the formation, Su Ye, clad in splendid battle armor, rode a tall steed, head held high, chest out, exuding a majestic bearing.
His appearance immediately caused an uproar inside and outside the city gate.
"Your Highness has returned!" shouted the sharp-eyed commoners who recognized the leading Su Ye, and they immediately cheered.
"Your Highness is mighty!" the commoners shouted in unison, their voices shaking the wilderness.
Finally, under the gaze of the multitude, the light cavalry unit reached the city gate.
Li Shanzhang led the officials forward to meet him, all bowing in unison and loudly greeting: "Welcome back, my lord!"
"Sir, please rise quickly; you have all worked hard."
Su Ye, seeing this, hastily dismounted and went forward to help Li Shanzhang and the others up.
"My lord's safe return is indeed a blessing for Cangzhou!"
Li Shanzhang stood up and smiled at Su Ye as he spoke.
Afterward, Li Shanzhang led Su Ye and the officers and soldiers into the city.
Amid the jubilant crowd, there were three women whose bearing differed greatly from everyone else, yet each was distinctive.
Second Imperial Princess Si Luo Ying, dressed in military attire, bore a heroic and vigorous appearance.
At this moment, she mingled among the commoners, yet could not conceal the heroic and dignified aura innate to her.
Fourth Imperial Princess Si Luo Shi wore a simple, elegant long gown; her features were gentle, and her eyes revealed intelligence and wisdom.
At this moment she stood quietly in the crowd, gazing far into the distance with her poetic eyes, awaiting Su Ye's return.
Sixth Imperial Princess Si Luo Qing wore the tight-fitting garb of a jianghu heroine; her gaze was cold and resolute, and she bore an unyielding spirit.
Although the three imperial princesses differed greatly in character, at this moment their hearts were filled with anticipation and curiosity toward Su Ye, their future husband.
"Second sister, what kind of person do you think this Heir of the Yun Prince will be?"
Si Luo Shi could not help but ask.
Her voice was clear and melodious, but in this noisy crowd, only the two sisters beside her could hear it clearly.
"He must be extraordinary, able to seize and firmly hold Cangzhou in such a short time while taking advantage of our Great Qian's unpreparedness."
"Moreover, seeing Great Yong in internal turmoil, he did not hesitate to send troops to Qi Zhou."
"I suppose this Heir of the Yun Prince's military strategy must be outstanding."
Si Luo Ying smiled faintly, her smile revealing confidence and heroism.
"I once heard my master mention that this Heir of the Yun Prince had wandered the martial world for several years."
"He had made quite a name for himself in the martial world."
Si Luo Qing beside them also added softly.
Just as the three imperial princesses were speaking softly, the sound of horse hooves came from the distant street.
The three imperial princesses also couldn't help but tiptoe to look into the distance.
All that could be seen was a cavalry escort accompanying a slowly approaching troop.
Upon a pure white divine steed sat a young man in battle armor, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, his bearing majestic—indeed, the Su Ye they had long awaited.
Su Ye proceeded slowly amid the crowd's throng, his face always bearing a gentle smile.
When his gaze inadvertently swept over the three imperial princesses, he momentarily startled, as if drawn by their unique bearing.
But soon he withdrew his gaze and continued forward.
Although Su Ye only gave a hurried glance, ripples stirred in the hearts of the three imperial princesses.
They knew that this Heir of the Yun Prince, Your Highness, might become an indispensable presence in their future lives.
As my lord's troop gradually faded into the distance, the three imperial princesses also slowly came back to their senses.
They exchanged a glance, each understanding the other's thoughts.
They knew that from today onward, their lives would undergo earth-shaking changes because of my lord's arrival.
"During my lord's absence, we have remained diligent in our duties, daring not to slack in the slightest."
"All is well in the city: the commoners live and work in peace, the shops prosper, and the warehouses are full."
Beside him, Li Shanzhang reported on the city's situation as they walked.
"Sir, you govern well; as your lord, I am deeply pleased."
Su Ye nodded in approval.
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the city's drill field.
All that could be seen was banners fluttering on the drill field, drums and gongs sounding loudly, and ranks of elite soldiers standing in formation awaiting inspection.
"My lord, these are the elite troops newly trained in the city during this period."
"They train day and night, ready to go through fire and water at my lord's command."
Li Shanzhang pointed to the officers and soldiers on the drill field and said to Su Ye:
"Well done, sir, you have worked hard!"
Looking at the spirited new troops before him, Su Ye felt somewhat moved.
Indeed, a Saint Rank political talent, shortly before he had trained a new troop that Su Ye then took to Qi Zhou.
Turning around, he immediately raised another army.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
