Chapter 198

Seventy li outside Hukou Pass is the Northern Han army's main camp.

Translation: "Seventy li outside Hukou Pass lies the main camp of the Northern Han army."

The Northern Han army's main camp lies seventy li outside Hukou Pass.

Inside the commander's tent, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Translation: "Inside the commander's tent, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive."

Chief Commander Liu Jiye—the adopted son of Northern Han's Grand Ancestor Liu Min, later renamed Liu Yanlang—stared grimly at the map, while several officers under him stood with heads bowed, not daring to speak.

We need to keep the parentheses content. Translation: "Chief Commander Liu Jiye (adopted son of Northern Han's Grand Ancestor Liu Min, later renamed Liu Yanlang) stared grimly at the map, while several officers under him stood with heads bowed, not daring to speak."

Note: Chief Commander = Chief Commander; Liu Jiye = Liu Jiye; adopted son of Northern Han's Grand Ancestor Liu Min; later renamed Liu Yanlang; stared grimly at the map; several officers under him stood with heads bowed, not daring to speak.

News arrived that the Black Pine Ridge supply convoy had been annihilated, not only causing difficulties in frontline provisions but also dealing a severe blow to army morale.

Translation: "News arrived that the Black Pine Ridge supply convoy had been annihilated, not only causing difficulties in frontline grain and forage supplies, but also dealing a severe blow to army morale."

The imperial watchtower at the canyon mouth was like a poisonous thorn, lodged in the heart of every Northern Han soldier.

Translation: "The victory monument at the canyon mouth was like a poisoned thorn, lodged in the heart of every Northern Han soldier."

"Report!"

Translation: "\"Report! \""

A scout rushed into the tent and knelt on one knee.

Translation: "A scout rushed into the tent, dropping to one knee."

"General, the garrison at Hukou Pass suddenly opened the gate today, sending out several small units that engaged our outposts with fierce attacks!"

Translation: "\"General, the Hukou Pass garrison suddenly opened the gate today, sending out several small units that made contact with our outposts; the offensive was fierce! \""

Liu Jiye furrowed his brow.

Translation: "Liu Jiye furrowed his brow."

"Where does Wang Rao get the gall to launch an offensive?"

Translation: "\"Where does Wang Rao get the gall to launch an attack? \""

"Reporting, General, looking at the banners, they are not all Wang Rao's troops; there are… there are banners of the Jing'an Army!"

Translation: "\"Sir, looking at the banners, not all of them are Wang Rao's troops; there… there are Jing'an Army banners! \""

"Chen Wen?"

Translation: "\"Chen Wen? \""

A cold glint flashed in Liu Jiye's eyes.

Translation: "Liu Jiye's eyes flashed with a cold light."

"What is he doing coming to Hukou Pass instead of defending Black Pine Ridge?"

Translation: "\"What is he doing running to Hukou Pass instead of guarding Black Pine Ridge? \""

He hurried out of the tent and gazed toward the faint outline of the gate city in the distance.

Translation: "He quickly stepped outside the tent and gazed at the distant outline of the gate city."

"Pass the order: have the vanguard stay on guard and be wary of enemy raids on the camp!"

Translation: "\"Pass the order: have the vanguard on guard, be wary of enemy raids on the camp! \""

"Send more scouts to keep a close watch on Chen Wen's movements; I need to know exactly what he intends to do!"

Translation: "\"Send out more scouts to keep watch on Chen Wen's movements! I need to know what he's up to! \""

……

Translation: "……" (just ellipsis). We'll output exactly "……".

Meanwhile, the main force of the Jing'an Army had silently left Black Pine Ridge and was swiftly moving along a hidden mountain path to flank the rear of the Northern Han army.

Translation: "At the same time, the Jing'an Army's main force had silently left Black Pine Ridge and was swiftly moving along a hidden mountain path to the rear flank of the Northern Han army."

The troops advanced in silence, aside from the necessary clatter of armor and footsteps, with no other noise.

Translation: "The Jun Ying marched in silence, aside from the necessary clatter of armor and footsteps, there was no other noise."

Under the boost of the Extensive Bestowal 8x marching efficiency, this force of several thousand moved through the mountains at an astonishing speed.

Translation: "With the march efficiency boost of 'Broadly Bestowed 8-fold', the speed of this several-thousand-strong unit moving through the mountains was astonishingly fast."

Chen Wen rode in the middle of the column, his gaze calm and steady.

Translation: "Chen Wen rode in the middle of the column, his gaze calm and steady."

The intelligence brought by Qian Gui not only contained the rumors but also detailed deployments and supply routes of the Northern Han army.

Translation: "The intelligence sent by Qian Gui not only contained the rumors, but also detailed troop deployments and supply routes of the Northern Han army."

One piece of intelligence concerning an important Northern Han forward outpost, Eagle Beak Cliff, caught his attention.

Translation: "One piece of intelligence concerning an important Northern Han outpost, 'Eagle Beak Cliff', caught his attention."

There were stored a considerable number of arrows and some siege equipment; the garrison numbered about a thousand, commanded by a trusted aide of Liu Jiye, known for his bravery.

Translation: "It stored a considerable number of arrows and some siege equipment, defended by about a thousand troops whose commander, a trusted aide of Liu Jiye, was renowned for his bravery."

More importantly, its relatively prominent position meant that if captured, it would not only yield large quantities of supplies but also directly threaten the flank of the Northern Han main force, forcing Liu Jiye to divert troops.

Translation: "More importantly, its position is prominent; if taken, it would not only seize large quantities of supplies but also directly threaten the flank of the Northern Han main force, forcing Liu Jiye to split his troops."

This was a perfect target.

Translation: "This was a perfect target."

It would strike the enemy and, with an indisputable victory, demonstrate the Jing'an Army's strength and loyalty to all.

Translation: "It could strike the enemy and, with an indisputable victory, display the Jing'an Army's strength and loyalty to all."

"My lord, just ten li ahead lies Eagle Beak Cliff."

Translation: "\"Sir, Eagle Beak Cliff lies just ten li ahead. \""

Shi Dun rode back from the front and reported in a low voice.

Translation: "Shi Dun rode back from the front and reported in a low voice."

Chen Wen looked up at the sky.

Translation: "Chen Wen lifted his head to check the sky."

The sun set in the west, and dusk gradually deepened.

Translation: "The sun set in the west, and dusk gradually deepened."

"Issue the order: let the troops rest for half an hour, eat, and inspect their equipment."

Translation: "\"Issue the order: the troops will rest for half a period, eat, and inspect equipment. \""

"At the initial moment of the midnight hour, launch the attack."

Translation: "\"At the start of the zi hour, launch the attack. \""

"The crossbow unit will advance covertly to engage the enemy, applying the Extensive Bestowal 8x to cover the enemy's fort walls and watchtowers."

Translation: "\"The crossbow battalion will advance covertly to engage the enemy; with 'Broadly Bestowed 8-fold', they will cover the enemy rampart sentry posts. \""

"You will lead our elite forces, still using the Focused Bestowal 16x; after the crossbow volley, launch a strong assault to breach the camp, seeking a swift and decisive victory."

Translation: "\"You will lead the main force's elite, still using 'Concentrated Bestowed 16-fold'; after the crossbow volley, storm the stronghold for a swift, decisive victory. \""

"Yes sir!"

Translation: "\"Yes! \""

A spark of excitement flashed in Shi Dun's eyes as he licked his slightly chapped lips.

Translation: "Shi Dun's eyes flashed with excitement as he licked his slightly chapped lips."

……

Translation: "……"

Midnight.

Translation: "The zi hour."

Eagle Beak Cliff encampment.

Translation: "Eagle Beak Cliff encampment."

Most of the Northern Han soldiers were already asleep; only the patrol figures moving along the walls were visible in the torchlight, appearing somewhat fatigued.

Translation: "Most of the Northern Han soldiers were asleep; only the silhouettes of sentinels patrolling the ramparts were visible in the torchlight, looking somewhat weary."

The days of standoff and the shadow of Black Pine Ridge had also spread a sense of unease among the garrison here.

Translation: "Days of standoff and the shadow of Black Pine Ridge had also spread a sense of unease among the garrison here."

Suddenly!

Translation: "Suddenly!"

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!"

Translation: "\"Whoosh—! \""

The sharp sound of tearing air ripped through the night's silence without warning!

Translation: "A sharp tearing sound ripped through the night's silence without warning!"

This was not scattered cold arrows, but a dense barrage of crossbow bolts that made the scalp tingle!

Translation: "This was not sporadic cold arrows, but a dense volley of crossbow bolts that made the scalp tingle!"

Hundreds of crossbow bolts fell like a deadly rain, precisely covering every crenellation and watchtower on the wall!

Translation: "Hundreds of crossbow bolts fell like a deadly rain, precisely covering every crenellation and watchtower on the rampart!"

Under the boost of the Extensive Bestowal 8x, the range, penetration, and accuracy of these crossbow bolts reached their utmost.

Translation: "Under the effect of 'Broadly Bestowed 8-fold', the range, penetration, and accuracy of these crossbow bolts reached their utmost."

"Enemy attack—"

Translation: "\"Enemy attack—\""

The shrill alarm only managed to sound halfway before being drowned out by the muffled thuds of bolts striking flesh and the dying cries of the wounded.

Translation: "The shrill alarm only managed to sound halfway before being drowned out by the thuds of bolts hitting flesh and the dying cries."

The sentries on the wall fell like cut wheat, collapsing in an instant!

Translation: "The sentries on the rampart fell like cut wheat, collapsing in an instant!"

"What's going on?!"

Translation: "\"What's happening?! \""

"Where are the arrows coming from?!"

Translation: "\"Where are the arrows coming from?! \""

The Northern Han troops inside the camp were startled, scrambling to grab their weapons and attempt to regroup.

Translation: "The Northern Han troops inside the camp were startled, scrambling to grab their weapons and try to regroup."

The commander had just donned his armor and rushed out of the tent.

Translation: "The garrison commander had just donned his armor and rushed out of the tent."

"Boom!"

Translation: "\"Boom—! \""

With a tremendous crash, the camp's heavy wooden door sheathed in iron burst open like paper under a violent force from outside, sending wood chips flying!

Translation: "With a tremendous crash, the camp's thick wooden door sheathed in iron burst open like paper before a violent force from outside, splinters flying!"

In the firelight, a mass of dark figures surged forth like demons bursting from hell, exuding a suffocating, bloody killing intent!

Translation: "In the firelight, a group of dark figures surged forth like demons bursting from hell, exuding a suffocating bloody killing intent!"

The leader was none other than Shi Dun!

Under the terrifying effect of "concentrated bestowal 16×", his muscles bulged all over, his eyes blood‑red, he brandished an elongated and weighted spear; truly, touching meant death, contact meant death.

The hundred brave soldiers behind him were like tigers among sheep, hacking with swords and axes, unstoppable in every direction!

The Northern Han garrison could not muster any effective resistance.

Their counterattack appeared pale and powerless before absolute strength, speed, and savage assault.

Someone tried to form a battle line, but before the formation could take shape, Shi Dun smashed through it with a single spear thrust.

Someone tried to shoot an arrow, but before the bowstring could be drawn full, the arm holding the bow was already cut off.

The battle was practically a one‑sided massacre.

In less than half an hour, resistance inside the Eagle Beak Cliff camp had basically subsided.

Flames shot into the sky, illuminating the ground littered with debris and corpses.

"Take inventory of captured goods, tally the beheaded, treat the wounded."

Chen Wen stepped into the still‑burning camp and issued concise orders.

"Place all the heads of Northern Han officers, together with the captured Northern Han military flags and seals, into separate boxes."

"Send express riders at eight‑hundred‑li urgency, delivering them separately to General Wang Rao of the Hukou Xiang command and … to the Chan Prefecture Governor's Office, to be presented before the lord."

His voice was calm, yet carried an indisputable force.

"Let the people of Chan Prefecture and Bian Liang see clearly."

"I, Chen Wen, I, the Pacified Army, fight for what reason, and for what reason… do we shed blood."

……

Two days later.

Chan Prefecture, the Military Governor's Residence.

Before Chai Rong's sickbed, Wang Pu held the just‑received victory report, stained with blood and the scent of fire, and those several heavy wooden boxes, his voice tinged with a barely perceptible excitement as he read aloud to the feeble‑breathing Chai Rong.

"……Commander of the Pacified Army and Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture, Chen Wen, in the night raid on the Northern Han main camp at Eagle Beak Cliff, broke the stronghold, beheaded 970, in battle slew seventeen Northern Han officers from the rank of Yingyang Lieutenant General down, captured countless, burned most of their siege equipment, seized several military flags and seals……"

"The Northern Han Liu Jiye's flank has suffered damage and has already withdrawn twenty li……"

As Wang Pu read aloud, Han Tong, Zhang Yongde and the others standing beside him all showed expressions of shock and complex feeling.

Especially when those few boxes were opened, revealing the gruesome heads inside and the blood‑stained military flags and seals, the visual impact was far more persuasive than any words.

Lying on the sickbed, Chai Rong's cloudy eyes seemed to glimmer with a faint light, and he twitched his fingers with difficulty.

Wang Pu understood, and stepped forward.

Chai Rong, using all his strength, uttered a few words, weak but clear.

"Good…… reward……"

Immediately thereafter, he wearily closed his eyes.

The news spread like wings, swiftly reaching every corner of Chan Prefecture.

The vicious rumors that had previously circulated furtively in the markets and streets now appeared pale and powerless, utterly laughable, before this weighty, blood‑stained military achievement.

"\"Holding troops to self‑aggrandize? If one truly wished to self‑aggrandize, would they rush forward so desperately? \""

"\"Embezzling military funds? They've sent the captured flags and seals to the lord's presence! Go ahead, try stealing one and see! \""

"\"Enfeoffing lords and granting kingdoms? Pah! I think some people just have guilty consciences, eyeing everyone as a potential rebel! \""

The direction of public opinion almost reversed overnight.

……

Zhao Kuangyin's residence.

He listened as his subordinates reported the great victory at Eagle Beak Cliff and the sudden shift in the city's public opinion; his face turned dark as iron, and the wine cup in his hand creaked under his grip.

He violently smashed the wine cup to the ground, shards and liquid spraying outward.

"Trash! All trash!"

He growled low, unsure whether he was cursing the Northern Han army for being useless or himself for backfiring.

He had thought spreading rumors could check Chen Wen's momentum, but he never expected the opponent to crush all slander and suspicion with such overbearing, direct force!

A deeper sense of helplessness and jealousy, like a venomous snake, gnawed at his innards.

Chen Wen's prestige, far from being damaged by this battle, shone like the midday sun!

And himself…

He glanced out the window, a flash of resolute madness crossing his eyes.

He could wait no longer.

He must quickly contact the Iron Crow Army and activate that final "script".

Otherwise, he feared he would forever live only in Chen Wen's shadow!