Chapter 497

First Volume, Chapter 497: Scholars Mislead the Nation

The prefect's face flushed red as he quibbled: "My judgment… my judgment is most correct; at least it stabilized public morale, isn't it?"

A fiery-ranking officer was about to explode, but Chen Ping stopped him.

No need, and not worth it—right now, we must focus on assaulting the mountain; don't stir up more trouble.

The prefect immediately suggested: "Since the rebels have retreated back to Qingyu Mountain, what are we waiting for? Attack now!"

Chen Ping sighed; he had no way with this meddling bureaucrat, so he endured and explained patiently.

"The rebels have retreated to Qingyu Mountain—attacking now means we've lost the initiative. Moreover, this incident proves there's a master on Qingyu Mountain. The rebels struck Pingcang County with clear intent: first kill the County Magistrate to throw the city into chaos, then smash the garrison camp, and only afterward plunder the granaries and supplies. Throughout the entire operation, not a single civilian was disturbed."

"Rebels… hah—how can such disciplined elite soldiers be called rebels?"

"In truth, failing to annihilate the enemy last night was already our missed opportunity."

Hearing this, the prefect snapped: "I don't understand! The Xiongying Brigade—the finest force in northern Di—and the Night Owls set a trap together—how could the enemy escape? And they escaped with over two hundred men? It's unbelievable!"

This remark finally ignited the fury of every officer present.

The fiery officer, Ma Ning, roared at the prefect: "You know nothing!"

"The general already said the enemy has a master aiding them—have your ears been stuffed with donkey hair? That man's target was clear: to rescue the Tianji Camp Guards. He's already fought the Xiongying Brigade before, leading a band of ordinary Beixi Light Cavalry to annihilate them entirely. That's precisely why we're here—to avenge that humiliation."

"Compared to the master on Qingyu Mountain, you're nothing but a stupid coward!"

Instead of retreating under Ma Ning's blistering scolding, the prefect grew even more enraged.

He pointed at Ma Ning and barked: "Insolent! I am the Supervisor of the Army—every official and soldier in Mingyun Township answers to me! How dare you, a lowly officer, defy your superior? Soldiers! Drag this man out and execute him—to uphold military law!"

All present were Chen Ping's confidants; no one obeyed the prefect's order.

The prefect grew even angrier, turned, and stormed out of the ying zhang, shouting to the outside troops: "Soldiers! I order you to seize Ma Ning!"

The officers ignored him, but the assorted garrison troops dispatched to the area obeyed the prefect instantly—many rushed in. The Xiongying Brigade cavalry also moved to confront them.

At that moment, Chen Ping took a deep breath, suppressing his boundless fury, and kicked Ma Ning's knee—down he went with a thud.

Chen Ping quickly bowed: "Your Excellency, please calm down. This fool Ma Ning has fought Beixi County countless times—he's endured brutal battles. Hearing the name 'Beixi County' sends him into uncontrollable rage. Right now, bandit suppression is paramount, and we need every man. Please, Your Excellency, have mercy—spare his life."

At Chen Ping's subtle glance, the officers and Night Owls' leaders all bowed to the prefect.

The prefect's face lit up; he lifted his head proudly and declared: "Since all of you vouch for this man, I won't act unilaterally. I'll record this offense for now—if he dares defy authority again, I'll show no mercy!"

Ma Ning, kicked twice by Chen Ping, scowled and reluctantly kowtowed in thanks.

The prefect beamed even brighter: "Still, death may be spared, but punishment cannot be avoided. General Chen, your failure to discipline your men is equally culpable. From this moment, command of the bandit suppression campaign rests with me—you all answer to my orders."

Chen Ping, though helpless, could only acquiesce.

The prefect immediately ordered: "We now have three thousand troops for bandit suppression in Mingyun Township. Tomorrow at dawn, another thousand garrison troops will arrive. To prevent the rebels from setting ambushes in the mountains, we attack immediately—strike while they're unsteady!"

Everyone present knew the prefect had simply resurrected the strategy Chen Ping had previously rejected—if the enemy was crushed, the credit would be his.

The prefect understood their thoughts perfectly but ignored them; as a civil official, he cultivated thick skin—if he hesitated or blushed at every step, how could he achieve greatness? The Tianji Camp Guards are of immense importance to Di—whether the front-line battle succeeds or fails, they can be used as leverage to pressure Beixi County, and through it, Shedynasty.

The prefect had already prepared to deliver this precious gift personally to the sovereign.

Then, in the Grand Hall of Wang Du, he would have his seat—far more comfortable than being some damn County Magistrate.

Under the prefect's orders, the three thousand troops marched in force toward Qingyu Mountain.

Meanwhile, at the mountain foot, Qin Feng had already prepared his soldiers for battle.

The light cavalry colonel beside him frowned: "Young Master Qin, dawn is nearly here—men and horses are exhausted. Are you certain the enemy will attack?"

Qin Feng, arms behind his back, gazed across the open field beyond Qingyu Mountain, his eyes brimming with confidence: "I can't say for certain—but ninety percent chance. If they come, we strike hard and break their morale. If they don't, we treat it as training."

Ning Hu also doubted the enemy's arrival.

After all, launching an attack before dawn was extremely unlikely.

"If I were the enemy commander, I'd plan carefully—I'd never attack an unknown camp while my own troops were most exhausted and drowsy."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's eyes lit up in disbelief as he stared at Ning Hu.

"Oh? Little Tiger—you've improved!"

Blushing furiously, Ning Hu snapped: "Duh… of course I have. I've been sick long enough to become a good doctor."

The soldiers nearby stifled laughter—only Qin Feng dared call Ning Hu "Little Tiger," and Ning Hu never took offense.

Qin Feng felt the cool breeze on his face. To dispel his soldiers' doubts and focus them on battle, he patiently explained:

"The Xiongying Brigade that ambushed us last night are the elite among elites, the cream of the crop—backed by the Night Owls. They're not just fierce—they're brilliant strategists. Their commander's talent is no lesser than Chen Si's."

Hearing Qin Feng's assessment of the Xiongying Brigade, though the soldiers seethed inwardly, they had to admit: the Xiongying Brigade was indeed formidable. Their strengths were nearly equal—the victor would be whoever seized the initiative.

Qin Feng could lead the Beixi Light Cavalry to annihilate the Xiongying Brigade's commander—just as the Xiongying Brigade could have ambushed and nearly encircled Qin Feng.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Qin Feng's lips curled slightly upward, his gaze brimming with absolute confidence—as if he already knew the enemy's every move.