Chapter 1529

Although it was late at night, the lights in Zhang Ziqian's tent were still on; he and his adopted son Yan Hu Cheng had been talking for a long time, yet they still seemed unable to reach agreement on some matters. Yan Hu Cheng said: "Father, I have received news that Yang Dao Yuan has already reached an agreement with the Shajia; our side will march into Redwood River, and the Shajia will attack Nan Yue."

Translation: Although it was late at night, the lights in Zhang Ziqian's tent were still on; he and his adopted son Yan Hucheng had been talking for a long time, yet they still seemed unable to reach agreement on some matters. Yan Hucheng said: "Father, I have received news that Yang Daoyuan has reached an agreement with the Shajia; our side will march into Redwood River, and the Shajia will attack Southern Yue."

the Shajia have reached an agreement

Zhang Ziqian said: "Unsubstantiated matters should not be spoken of recklessly; if the Marshal did not trust him, he would not have sent him to serve as commander-in-chief for this campaign."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "Unsubstantiated matters must not be spoken of recklessly; if the Grand Marshal did not trust him, he would not have appointed him as commander-in-chief of this campaign."

commander-in-chief

Yan Hu Cheng countered: "Father, if the Marshal trusts him, why send you to supervise the army? You just returned from Tianxiang State, and the Marshal always looks after you; he would not burden you like this unless there were an urgent matter."

Translation: Yan Hucheng retorted: "Father, if the Grand Marshal trusts him, why send you to supervise the army? You just returned from the Heavenly Fragrance State; the Grand Marshal always looks after you, and would not make you work so hard unless there were an urgent matter."

Zhang Ziqian sighed and remained silent.

Translation: Zhang Ziqian sighed and said nothing.

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Father, when it comes to rumors, it's better to believe they might be true than to dismiss them; if this information is accurate, we ought to strike first."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Father, for some news it's better to believe it exists than to doubt it; if this is true, we must strike first."

Zhang Ziqian said: "Have you considered that perhaps someone is trying to drive a wedge between us, causing internal strife before we even attack Redwood River?"

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "Have you considered that perhaps someone wants to drive a wedge between us, causing internal strife before we attack Redwood River?"

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Our deployment this time is very concealed; few should be able to discern our movements."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Our deployment this time is very concealed; few should be able to discern our movements."

Zhang Ziqian chuckled, slowly rose, walked to the front where a terrain map hung, paused, stroked his beard, and looking at the map said: "According to my view, we must hasten our march; the longer we delay, the greater the chance our plan will be exposed. Unfortunately, man's plans are no match for heaven's—there has been a problem with the grain and forage supply, and we have already been delayed two days; by the day after tomorrow, our march will have been postponed a full three days."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian laughed heartily, slowly rose, walked to the front where a terrain map hung, stopped there, stroked his beard, gazed at the map, and said: "In my view, we must hasten the march; the longer we delay, the greater the chance our plan will be exposed. Unfortunately, man proposes, heaven disposes; the grain and forage supply has run into trouble, so we have already been delayed two days, and the advance set for the day after tomorrow will now be a full three days."

by the day after tomorrow, our march will have been delayed a full three days.

Yan Hu Cheng said: "You worry that others will see through our feint-to-the-east, strike-to-the-west plan."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "You worry that others will see through our feint-east-strike-west plan."

Zhang Ziqian nodded and said: "That Hu Xiaotian is no ordinary man; I fear he might notice this."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian nodded and said: "That Hu Xiaotian is no simpleton; I fear he might notice this."

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Just how formidable is he? I'd love to see for myself." His words were full of anticipation; as Hu Xiaotian's fame grew, his eagerness intensified.

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Just how formidable is he? I'd love to see for myself." His words were full of anticipation; as Hu Xiaotian's fame grew, his own anticipation grew stronger.

Zhang Ziqian replied bluntly: "You are not his match."

Note: there is a stray quote at end; we keep as is? We'll translate: Zhang Ziqian replied without mercy: "You are no match for him."

Yan Hu Cheng blushed with embarrassment, yet felt a hint of resentment.

Translation: Yan Hucheng blushed all over his face, yet in his heart he felt somewhat unwilling to accept it.

Zhang Ziqian said: "Hu Cheng, Yang Dao Yuan is a man born with a rebellious streak—I can see that—but our current goals align; before we take Redwood River, he should not act against us. Remember this: once we capture Fire Tree City, we must immediately eliminate him."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "Yan Hucheng, Yang Daoyuan is a man born with rebellious bones. I can see that too, but our current goals align; before we take Redwood River, he should not act against us. Remember this: once we capture Fire Tree City, we will immediately eliminate him."

Yan Hu Cheng nodded heavily, still full of concern: "But I fear we might miss the opportunity."

Translation: Yan Hucheng nodded heavily, still full of concern, and said: "But I fear we will miss the opportunity."

Zhang Ziqian sighed: "We have no evidence now; even the Marshal is hesitant on this matter. If we act, we may struggle to justify it to him, for Yang Dao Yuan's influence in Western Chuan is second only to the Marshal's; should such a thing happen, someone will inevitably have to take responsibility."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian sighed: "We have no evidence now; even the Grand Marshal is hesitant on this matter. If we act, the Grand Marshal's side will be hard to explain to, for Yang Daoyuan's influence in Xichuan is second only to the Grand Marshal's; should this happen, someone will inevitably have to take responsibility."

Yan Hu Cheng finally understood what his adoptive father was worried about.

Translation: Yan Hucheng finally understood what his adoptive father was worried about.

Zhang Ziqian said: "From the troop deployments, I have already sensed that Yang Dao Yuan has some issues, though for now he likely would not dare to act against us."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "From the troop deployment, I already saw that Yang Daoyuan has some issues, but for now he likely dare not act against us."

Yan Hu Cheng turned his gaze to the map ahead and said: "Father, I don't understand why the Marshal insists on attacking Redwood River."

Translation: Yan Hucheng turned his gaze to the map ahead and said: "Father, I don't understand why the Grand Marshal insists on attacking Redwood River."

Zhang Ziqian said: "If Redwood River were under the control of the Red Yi tribe, there would be little problem. Though this barbarian tribe is brave and skilled in individual combat, they are inept at troop formations; thus, Redwood River in their hands would never stir up trouble. Now, however, Tianxiang State has handed over this chaotic region—which they themselves cannot control—to Hu Xiaotian, who has seized Redwood River without losing a single soldier. Moreover, Princess Ying Yue has become the chief of the Beggars' Sect, the largest jianghu gang, which has made Redwood River the center of its expansive development; once they establish a firm foothold, they will seal off the southwest, blocking our southern exit from Western Chuan."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "If Redwood River were under the control of the Red Barbarian Tribe, there would be no problem. Though this barbarian tribe is brave and skilled in combat, their strength lies in individual duels; when it comes to troop deployment and formations, they are utterly incapable. Thus, Redwood River in their hands is destined to stir up no trouble. Now, the Heavenly Fragrance State has handed over this chaotic region it cannot control to Hu Xiaotian, who has subdued Redwood River without losing a single soldier. Moreover, Yingyue Princess has become chief of the Beggar Sect; this largest jianghu gang has already made Redwood River the center of its expansive development. Once they establish firm roots, they will seal off the southwest, blocking our southern passage out of Xichuan."

Zhang Ziqian pointed at the location on Tianlang Mountain and said: "Yan Kui may be fierce, but he lacks broad vision and wisdom; do you really think the Marshal couldn't crush him? He simply doesn't want to expend too many troops on Yan Kui, who only waylays passing merchants—minor skirmishes that amount to nothing. However, once Hu Xiaotian's forces control Redwood River, the situation will be entirely different." He pointed northward: "Our northern reaches are all mountains; beyond them lies the Vast Sea, and the northeastern exit is at Yunyang, now under Su Yuchi's command. Su Yuchi handles troops like a god; originally he was placed there to check Hu Xiaotian, but in doing so he also blocks our route."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian pointed at the location of Heavenly Wolf Mountain on the map and said: "Yan Kui is fierce, yet he lacks broad vision and wisdom. Do you really think the Grand Marshal couldn't destroy him? He simply doesn't want to expend too many troops on Yan Kui. Yan Kui only robs passing merchants, petty raids that amount to nothing; but once Hu Xiaotian's forces control Redwood River, the situation will be completely different." His finger pointed north: "Our northern reaches are all mountainous; beyond the mountains lies the Vast Sea. The northeastern exit is at Yunyang, now under Su Yuchi's command. Su Yuchi handles troops like a god; originally placing him in Yunyang was meant to check Hu Xiaotian, yet in checking Hu Xiaotian he also blocks our this route."

Yan Hu Cheng nodded.

Translation: Yan Hucheng nodded.

Zhang Ziqian continued: "As for the east, needless to say, after Princess Yongyang took power, she clearly strengthened the eastern defenses; moreover, this year Dakang enjoyed a bountiful harvest, and Princess Yongyang heavily employed Yang Lingqi's reforms—a man of statecraft talent—under whose guidance the recent decrees of Dakang have won popular support, sweeping away past decadence."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian continued: "As for the east, needless to say, after Yongyang Princess took power she clearly strengthened the eastern defenses; moreover, this year Dakang enjoyed a bumper harvest, and Yongyang Princess heavily employed Yang Lingqi to enact reforms. This man is a talent for governing the state and benefiting the people; under his assistance, the recent decrees issued by Dakang have won considerable popular support, sweeping away past decadence."

Yan Hu Cheng couldn't help but lament: "The Marshal's actions are indeed indecisive; if he were decisive in marching east, he would not give Dakang a chance to linger."

Translation: Yan Hucheng couldn't help but sigh: "The Grand Marshal's actions are indeed somewhat indecisive; if he were decisive in launching an eastern expedition, he would not give Dakang a chance to linger on."

Zhang Ziqian glared at him and rebuked: "You wretch, how dare you gossip behind the Marshal's back about his merits and faults!"

Translation: Zhang Ziqian glared at him and rebuked: "You wretched scoundrel, how dare you gossip behind the Grand Marshal's back about his rights and wrongs!"

Yan Hu Cheng bowed respectfully and said: "I am merely stating facts, and I dare speak thus only before my adoptive father. Many of the Marshal's practices elude me; although he once endorsed the advice you gave him years ago, he has continually hesitated. The world shifts in an instant, and fleeting opportunities vanish quickly—Hu Xiaotian seized his chance, establishing a foothold in Yongjiang and rising to prominence. The Marshal commands a hundred thousand elite troops and controls the fertile lands of Western Chuan, yet he seems content with the status quo; it is precisely his hesitation that has led to stagnation, leaving Western Chuan without any development these years." Overcome with emotion, he poured out his pent-up feelings.

Translation: Yan Hucheng bowed respectfully and said: "I am merely discussing matters objectively, and I would only dare speak thus before my adoptive father. Yet many of the Grand Marshal's practices elude me; although your father once gave him advice that he agreed with, he has continually hesitated. The world situation changes in an instant, and a fleeting opportunity vanishes quickly. Hu Xiaotian precisely because he seized the chance can establish himself on the Yong River and step by step rise among the strong. The Grand Marshal commands a hundred thousand elite troops and controls the wealthy lands of Xichuan, yet he seems content with the status quo; it is precisely his hesitation that has caused stagnation, leaving Xichuan with no development these years!" He, stirred up, poured out all his pent-up frustration.

This time Zhang Ziqian did not rebuke him; he sighed deeply. In fact, he was deeply disappointed in Li Tianheng's conduct over these years. He had earlier urged Li Tianheng to take advantage of Dakang's declining fortunes to advance slowly eastward, consolidating gains to expand his territory, but Li Tianheng worried about the burden of increasing famine victims and remained indecisive. Seeing Li Tianheng still reluctant to move east, Zhang Ziqian again advised him to gather forces and swiftly seize Redwood River to control the southern gateway, yet Li Tianheng feared that attacking Redwood River would provoke a joint resistance from Tianxiang State and Nan Yue, and the opportunity would slip away.

Translation: This time Zhang Ziqian did not rebuke him, but let out a long sigh. In fact, he was extremely disappointed with Li Tianheng's conduct over these years. He had earliest advised Li Tianheng to take advantage of Dakang's declining fortunes to advance slowly eastward, consolidating gains, seeking to expand and acquire more territory; but Li Tianheng, worried that increasing numbers of famine victims would burden Dakang, remained indecisive. Seeing Li Tianheng still unwilling to move east, Zhang Ziqian again urged him to gather forces and swiftly seize Redwood River, thereby controlling the southern gateway; yet Li Tianheng again feared that attacking Redwood River would provoke a joint resistance from the Heavenly Fragrance State and Southern Yue State, and the opportunity would slip away.

Previously, Li Tianheng had sent Li Honghan to Tianxiang State to compete for the prince-consort position; it was then that he sensed danger, fearing Redwood River would fall into others' hands, while Princess Ying Yue ultimately chose Hu Xiaotian, shattering Li Tianheng's hope of peacefully acquiring Redwood River. Speaking from the heart, Zhang Ziqian had never harbored any extravagant hopes regarding such consort-selection and dowry practices; he had also advised Li Tianheng that rather than expend energy on these matters, it would be more practical to simply send troops to take Redwood River, but Li Tianheng rejected him, deeming the cost too high—since any cost must be weighed against the outcome. No one understands Li Tianheng's indecisive nature better than Zhang Ziqian; he knows Li Tianheng is no enlightened ruler, yet Li Tianheng's kindness toward him creates a bond of loyalty, and he can only devote all his strength to uphold and assist him.

Translation: Previously Li Tianheng had sent Li Honghan to the Heavenly Fragrance State to compete for the position of prince consort; at that moment he first sensed danger, fearing Redwood River would fall into others' hands. Yet Yingyue Princess ultimately chose Hu Xiaotian, shattering Li Tianheng's dream of peacefully obtaining Redwood River. Speaking from the heart, Zhang Ziqian has never harbored any extravagant hopes for such son-in-law selection and dowry-giving; he also advised Li Tianheng that rather than expend energy on these matters, it would be more practical to simply send troops to seize Redwood River—but Li Tianheng rejected him, claiming the cost was too high, maintaining that compensation must be measured by the results obtained. No one understands Li Tianheng's indecisive nature better than Zhang Ziqian; he knows Li Tianheng is no enlightened ruler, yet Li Tianheng has shown him kindness of recognition, and a scholar dies for one who knows him; thus Zhang Ziqian can only exert all his strength to uphold and assist him.

Now it has become clear that the decision to move on Redwood River has already missed the optimal moment; Hu Xiaotian's takeover of Redwood River is widely known, and Princess Ying Yue's ascension to leadership of the Beggars' Sect has spread throughout the land. Attacking Redwood River would mean confronting these two major powers, yet if we do not fight, the southern gateway of Western Chuan will be sealed off, leaving Western Chuan facing isolation—this battle must be fought! As a leader, indecisiveness is a fatal flaw; although Li Tianheng respects our opinions, he mostly focuses on domestic affairs, and when it comes to foreign expansion, his hesitation is truly exasperating. Had we heeded Zhang Ziqian's counsel earlier, we would not now find ourselves in this passive situation.

Translation: Now it has become clear that the opportunity for Redwood River has already been missed; Hu Xiaotian's takeover of Redwood River is widely known, and the fact that Yingyue Princess has become chief of the Beggar Sect has spread throughout the world. If we attack Redwood River, it will mean opposing these two great powers; yet if we do not attack, the southern gateway of Xichuan will be sealed off, leaving Xichuan facing the danger of isolation—this battle must be fought! As a leader, indecisiveness is a fatal flaw; although Li Tianheng respects his own opinions, most of his focus is on internal affairs, and when it comes to foreign expansion, his hesitation truly leaves one helpless—if we had heeded Zhang Ziqian's advice earlier, we would not have fallen into this passive situation.

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Will the forces at Tianlang Mountain see through our true intentions?"

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Will the forces at Heavenly Wolf Mountain see through our true intentions?"

Zhang Ziqian said: "Yan Kui is no reckless braggart; the longer we delay, the greater the chance our plan will be exposed, though often this is beyond human control." This time, severe logistical shortages have seriously hampered our march.

Translation: Zhang Ziqian said: "Yan Kui is no reckless braggart; the longer we delay, the greater the chance our plan will be exposed, but often this is not within human power to decide." This time, severe logistical shortages have seriously slowed our march.

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Father, there is something I am unsure whether I should say or not."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Father, there's something I don't know whether I should say or not."

Zhang Ziqian nodded and said: "Go ahead!"

Translation: Zhang Ziqian nodded and said: "Go ahead!"

Yan Hu Cheng said: "This time, after your return from Tianxiang State, Li Honghan has clearly shown you disrespect, even blaming this defeat entirely on you; why do you not defend yourself?"

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "This time, after you returned from the Heavenly Fragrance State, Li Honghan has clearly shown you disrespect, even blaming this defeat entirely on you; why do you not defend yourself?"

Zhang Ziqian laughed: "The Young Marshal is, after all, youthful and vigorous, proud and arrogant; it's natural he'd be upset after this setback and seek an outlet to vent. At my age, I hardly bother to quarrel with him. Besides, the Marshal never trusted his words; otherwise he wouldn't have immediately entrusted me with such an important duty."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian laughed: "The Young Marshal, being young and vigorous, proud and arrogant, will surely be in a bad mood after this setback; finding an outlet to vent is normal. At my age, could I really quarrel with him? Besides, the Grand Marshal never trusted his words; otherwise he would not have immediately entrusted me with an important duty."

Yan Hu Cheng flared: "But in many people's eyes, this is meant for you to redeem yourself through service."

Translation: Yan Hucheng exclaimed angrily: "But in many people's eyes, this is meant for you to atone for your sins through merit!"

Zhang Ziqian laughed heartily: "Hu Cheng, you're overthinking it; don't listen to outside rumors."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian burst out laughing: "Yan Hucheng, you're overthinking it; don't listen to outside rumors."

Yan Hu Cheng said: "Surely you have heard that Li Honghan has been spouting off everywhere, claiming you are at fault, that this defeat in Tianxiang State is entirely your doing, that you and Hu Xiaotian are sworn brothers despite the age gap, and that you are old and senile."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Could it be that you haven't heard Li Honghan spouting nonsense everywhere, claiming you're in the wrong, saying this defeat in the Heavenly Fragrance State is entirely your fault, saying you and Hu Xiaotian are forgotten-year friends, saying you're old and addled?"

Zhang Ziqian patted Yan Hu Cheng's broad shoulder and said: "Hu Cheng, what the Young Marshal says is his own affair; I serve the Marshal."

Translation: Zhang Ziqian patted Yan Hucheng's broad shoulder and said: "Yan Hucheng, what the Young Marshal says is his own affair; I serve the Grand Marshal."

Yan Hu Cheng said: "But Western Chuan will eventually fall into his hands."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "But Xichuan will sooner or later fall into his hands."

Zhang Ziqian's expression darkened, then he sighed: "I do not even know if I will live to see that day." Over the past two years his disappointment in Li Tianheng has grown; having wasted such favorable conditions, he fears the chance to dominate may have vanished forever. Capturing Redwood River this time is crucial; if we fail to take it, Western Chuan will later face the predicament of being blockaded.

Translation: Zhang Ziqian's expression darkened, then he sighed again: "I old man don't even know if I'll live to see that day." These past two years he has grown ever more disappointed with Li Tianheng, wasting such fine conditions and missing the chance to develop; he fears the moment to achieve hegemony has come and gone, and whether we can take Redwood River this time is of utmost importance—if we fail to capture Redwood River, then Xichuan will thereafter face the predicament of being blockaded.

Yan Hu Cheng said: "I, Hu Cheng, can no longer see any hope."

Translation: Yan Hucheng said: "Yan Hucheng can no longer see any hope."

Zhang Ziqian's white eyebrows twitched; he gripped Yan Hu Cheng's shoulders firmly with both hands and said: "Hu Cheng! Do you have something in mind?"

Translation: Zhang Ziqian's white eyebrows twitched; he gripped Yan Hucheng's shoulders tightly with both hands and said: "Yan Hucheng! Do you have some idea?"

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