Chapter 883: The Missing Enemy Army

Chen Wuji and Xu Zengyi were like two old men entering their twilight years, lying in the shade with tea, idly wasting this hot, slow midsummer afternoon.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps shattered the tranquility filled with the scent of sunshine.

Reporting, my lord, we have found the trail of one division of the Court Army!

A scout hurried over and, before Chen Wuji, clasped his fists and bowed.

Where? Chen Wuji sprang up, damn it, finally something to do.

They are trapped in the mountains within Shenxian Ling.

Chen Wuji was slightly surprised: "How did they get trapped inside?"

I don't know the exact cause, Deputy General," the scout replied. "I led men deep into the mountains, found the enemy's tracks, captured a few soldiers, and extracted this information from them; they also don't know what happened ahead."

Their column is too long—front doesn't watch rear, the rear doesn't know where the front has gone, only a vague report. Right now the enemy's supplies are exhausted, and morale is restless and uneasy.

Chen Wuji instantly perked up: "I didn't expect this calf to really dare charge into the mountains—Chen Li, muster the troops; for this battle, the central army advances!"

Xu Zengyi quickly rose to block Chen Wuji: "My lord, we agreed beforehand—you cannot lead the charge in this battle. A mere detachment sent to deal with an enemy trapped in the mountains would suffice; why trouble yourself to personally take the field? Since they are trapped, our army must have blocked the southern end of the mountain; otherwise they could not be trapped."

My lord, if you simply dispatch a force to attack from front and rear, this enemy division will surely be defeated!

Chen Wuji smiled faintly: "Sir, I had guessed that as well; since this battle will be easy, I intend to stretch my limbs. I've been staying in the town for nearly half a month, my bones are practically stiff—let me go out and move about."

After I leave, I'll leave the routine matters to you, sir; I won't be gone too long.

This time, he was speaking from the heart.

This enemy detachment, according to earlier intelligence, numbers nearly a hundred thousand troops. Nearly a hundred thousand marching across the Gu Zhandao of Shenxian Ling—how long would their column be?

He only needs to chase their rear and strike in, driving them out from the mountain's southern end to end this battle. An enemy unfamiliar with Shenxian Ling's terrain and out of supplies, even if it numbers close to a hundred thousand, cannot possibly have much combat strength.

Chen Wuji always imagined enemy strength as high as possible, but for this force, no matter how he tries, there's simply no room to inflate the threat.

Xu Zengyi looked at Chen Wuji with a helpless expression, sighed after a moment, "... I don't know how to advise you either; if you insist, my lord, please bring along Messrs. Kong and Lu, and also bring Kong Fang—this man may be somewhat obstinate, but he is indeed talented."

What would I bring him for? To let him annoy me on the road?" Chen Wuji asked.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses; Kong Fang is skilled at unconventional swordplay and might be of use to my lord." Xu Zengyi said, "Although the Court Army shows great stupidity and incompetence, we cannot lower our guard against them—what if this is their tactic?"

Chen Wuji chuckled, "Sir, you're overthinking it; I've never heard of such a tactic—there's no need to burden yourself with impossible pressure."

My lord, just in case!" Xu Zengyi said earnestly.

Chen Wuji waved his hand, "Fine, bring them, bring them."

Having hastily agreed to Xu Zengyi's request, Chen Wuji headed straight for the tavern, "Leave the town affairs to you, sir; I will now muster the troops and set out."

Seeing this, Xu Zengyi could only shake his head helplessly.

As Chen Wuji rushed upstairs, with the Personal Guard helping him don his armor, Yu Yan Chu suddenly flashed in, "My lord, are you going to war?"

Yes, Your Highness the Princess, do you have any orders?" Chen Wuji asked with a smile.

He now rather likes those four words "Your Highness the Princess," especially when lying in bed at night.

It feels especially special.

Although Chen Wuji has already attained the rank of a regional lord, deep down he remains an ordinary commoner; having lived two lives, he has yet to truly touch the pinnacle of power.

But because of Yu Yan Chu, he has entered the pinnacle of power.

That feeling, when slightly indulged, becomes especially stimulating.

Yu Yan Chu, hands behind his back, chuckled as he sidled up to Chen Wuji: "My lord, why not bring me along?"

I'm going to war, not a spring outing—what would I bring you for?" Chen Wuji said, turning his face away. "Going to the battlefield means dying; why would you be curious about that? If you're really bored, go make apricot jam with the town's women."

I've practiced martial arts since childhood; although I can't beat that Qin woman, I'm not far behind—why can she command troops in battle while I cannot? My lord, you're playing favorites!" Yu Yan Chu shouted indignantly.

Chen Wuji gave him a sideways glance: "Even this, you two want to compare?"

Yes!" Yu Yan Chu declared confidently.

I can't lose to that brainless, long-legged woman; I also want to prove my own abilities, lest that dead woman keep whispering in my ear that my lord either keeps no ornaments at his side, or else will have affairs in bed, or else will get things done!"

……

Chen Wuji suddenly felt his scalp go numb.

And it turns out there's also the matter of Qin Zhanhong here.

These two are really idle.

If Yu Yan Chu weren't stimulating, she'd be strutting all day like that proud peacock—would a little stimulation really be too much?

You are the Princess, born noble—why fuss over these things? Be good, rest, and enjoy your exalted ease." Chen Wuji coaxed her like a child, speaking softly.

Yu Yan Chu pursed her lips and gave a soft hum: "My lord, don't try to placate me with those words—I am the Princess, and that woman is also the Qin Family Miss; our statuses are hardly different. Whatever she can do, I can do too; I'll first go to the battlefield with you to see, and then I will personally train a troop."

Don't make a fuss!" Chen Wuji said sternly. "Zhanhong originally came from the Imperial City Department; what he's doing now is precisely her forte—don't try to force a comparison."

I can learn these too!" Yu Yan Chu persisted. "Nobody is born knowing this; my lord, don't treat me like those women who never touch spring water—I've endured the hardships of martial training, and I believe this won't defeat me."

Chen Wuji's mind was about to explode; he stepped back and urged, "You will surely regret it."

So I'll take a look first; if I feel I can't, I won't force myself." Yu Yan Chu said.

Having said that, she leaned close to Chen Wuji, lowered her voice with a hint of playful coquettishness, and whispered, "Besides, if I accompany you, my lord, when you're bored late at night, I can also keep you company to dispel loneliness..."

……