Chapter 1192: Dividing Forces into Two Paths

Yishang fell silent; he himself did not know how he should choose—whether to value his own life, or to take a gamble for the future of Huaxia.

If he were to return to Huaxia in such a dejected state now just to save his own life, wouldn't the efforts Huaxia had made over these past few years be in vain?

Moreover, their trip to the Golden Autumn Gathering was not simply to profit from that gathering, but to gain a voice and control in the west.

The Jiangshui Tribe had already perished, and as for the equally powerful Wulenge Tribe, they hadn't seen anyone from there yet; he didn't know what their situation was, or perhaps they would return to the site of the Golden Autumn Gathering this year.

Without the Jiangshui Tribe, they were the strongest; if Huaxia didn't go, then all previous investments would vanish. Even if Huaxia were to defeat the Wulenge Tribe next year and regain control, it was estimated that those tribes wouldn't trust Huaxia too much, because Huaxia being there this year and not the next was too unreliable.

Thinking of this, Yishang made his decision: "The Golden Autumn Gathering must be attended. No matter when we arrive, whether it's too late or there isn't a single person there, we must go. This is for the grand plan of Huaxia; we absolutely cannot give up.

We set off as soon as the Snow melts. Don't talk about me dying—even if half of us die, we must go!"

Ju grabbed Yishang's blanket nervously: "But General, your body is in no condition to walk at all!

With the current weather, we could certainly set off tomorrow, but you might not be able to rest well by tomorrow. The Golden Autumn Gathering is indeed important, but you are equally important to Huaxia. If something happens to you, that would also be a great loss for Huaxia."

*Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough, cough... *

Yishang coughed several more times in succession, his face turning purple; he felt as if his lungs were about to be coughed out, it hurt so much.

"If I die, I die. Compared to our Huaxia's plan, my life counts for nothing. It just so happens that the weather is cold; if I die, you can bury me on the road, bury me deep so I won't be dug up and eaten by wild beasts.

When you return home, dig up my corpse and bring it back to Huaxia. I want to be buried in Huaxia, do you understand?"

Tears fell directly from Ju's eyes: "General, no, General, you cannot die here!"

The Military Doctor felt distressed as well, and having thought of a solution, he hurriedly said to Yishang: "General, I do have a way, see if you agree to it."

Yishang lifted his eyelids: "Come, tell me, but we absolutely cannot give up on the Golden Autumn Gathering."

The doctor placed the porridge bowl on the ground and then spoke slowly: "General, your illness certainly cannot be delayed any longer, and we cannot give up on the Golden Autumn Gathering either.

We still have plenty of manpower here, so I think we should split into two groups: a portion of the Soldiers will take you back to the Western Development Group to receive treatment, and the remaining people will continue on to the Golden Autumn Gathering. That way, nothing will be delayed."

Yishang frowned; he still wanted to go to the Golden Autumn Gathering himself, but the doctor didn't give him a chance and hurriedly added: "General, look, you said yourself that it doesn't matter if you die on the road, but even if you die, the gathering must still be attended.

If you continue like this and your illness doesn't improve, General—to put it bluntly—you might really die on the road. And in your current physical condition, you can't walk; you'd either have to ride an ox or have the Soldiers carry you. Either way, it's just adding a burden to everyone.

On the road, not only will you be unable to provide help to the team, you will also slow down everyone's pace. So, if you ask me, you shouldn't go. Let's hurry back to the Western Development Group; at least there's a chance for you to survive.

Regardless of whether we successfully complete the mission at the Golden Autumn Gathering, at least we can save you, General. For Huaxia, that would also mean fewer losses."

Ju's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly chimed in: "Yes, General, he is right. You can hurry back to the Western Development Group for treatment. You have never been to the Golden Autumn Gathering, so you don't actually understand it.

There are people in the team who have been to the gathering before, as well as Ma and the others; I feel they should be able to complete the mission smoothly."

Yishang felt a bit dejected: "So I am just holding everyone back now... *cough, cough, cough, cough, cough, cough... *"

Yishang gently stroked his chest and said: "Fine, then let's do that. Ju, you are now the supreme commander of this team. You and Ma and the others should discuss things more; they are more familiar with this place. You must reach the Golden Autumn Gathering as quickly as possible, complete the mission smoothly, and then return. I will wait for you at the Western Development Group."

Ju said with a serious expression: "General, I will definitely complete the mission! I will go arrange the men now, and tomorrow morning, we will send you back!"

Yishang stopped Ju and said: "No, no, just arrange a few people for me, no need for too many. Six or seven people are enough, and leave one ox.

The road back to the Western Development Group is not far, but your trip to the Golden Autumn Gathering is long, and you might encounter other problems, so the manpower must be sufficient and the supplies must be ample."

Ju grabbed Yishang's hand and said: "No, no, General, you have seen it yourself on this road—there are so many wolves, tigers, and bears.

Especially the bears; they fear nothing at this time. With only a few people, it is still too dangerous. You must have more people arranged for you, General—at least twenty people and three oxen!

The road to the Western Development Group is also very long. More people make it safer, while fewer people make it more dangerous. And the Military Doctor, let him go back with you so he can take care of you on the way."

"No, no, Ju, listen to me. I cannot waste the team's resources too much now; I must ensure you reach the gathering. I am the General, you must listen to me.

And the doctor, he is a Military Doctor. You might still have battles when you get there; only with him can your safety be guaranteed. As for me, you have seen it—the Military Doctor staying by my side is of no help at all."

Ju glanced at the Military Doctor; indeed, he seemed to be of little use, only able to settle people's minds, unless there were external injuries or something that could make him useful.

But he certainly couldn't let Yishang have any problems, so even though Yishang had given the order, he had to argue against it. He retreated a step and said: "General, then you don't have to take the Military Doctor, but the manpower must be sufficient.

You are equally important to Huaxia. Besides, if you only take a few people, in case you encounter wild beasts, you might all be finished. But if there are more people, the wild beasts will know to stay away. If you don't lose a single person, wouldn't that be great?

General, you really must listen to me on this!"