Chapter 1632: Enemy Sneak Attack
Finally, on a dark and windy night, the army launched a general offensive. Zhao Yun took the lead, leading the elite troops, sweeping through the enemy's position like a storm. Although the enemy had long been prepared, they still appeared at a loss under Zhao Yun's fierce attack.
"Kill!" Zhao Yun's roar echoed in the night sky, his long spear like lightning; wherever he passed, the enemy fell from their horses one after another. The soldiers followed closely, everyone's eyes flashing with decisive light, as if to release all their anger and strength in this battle.
The enemy's position gradually collapsed, and the soldiers fled in all directions, attempting to escape this place of death. But Zhao Yun and his troops did not give them this chance; they followed like shadows, pursuing relentlessly, and beheaded the enemy one by one.
The battle lasted for a whole night; when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the battlefield, the battle was nearing its end. The enemy was almost wiped out, leaving only a few remnants struggling in despair.
"Victory!" The soldiers cheered and leaped for joy, hugging each other, celebrating this hard-won victory. Zhao Yun stood on high ground, looking at this land stained with blood, his heart filled with emotion.
He knew this victory was not easily obtained. It was exchanged with the blood and lives of all the soldiers. They experienced countless hardships and tests to get to where they were today. And he himself was just one of them, an ordinary general, shouldering the responsibility of protecting the country and the people.
"General, the main commander invites you to discuss matters." A messenger hurried over, interrupting Zhao Yun's thoughts.
Zhao Yun nodded and followed the messenger to the main commander's tent. The main commander had been waiting for a long time; seeing him enter, he immediately greeted him.
"Zilong, you have made a great contribution in this battle!" The main commander patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder, full of praise, "You are not only brave and good at fighting but also have extraordinary wisdom. With you here, our army is like a tiger with wings!"
Zhao Yun bowed modestly: "Thank you for the praise. This battle could be won all thanks to the soldiers using their lives; I dare not claim the merit alone."
The main commander laughed loudly: "Zilong is modest. However, having said that, what are our plans next?"
Zhao Yun pondered for a moment and spoke slowly: "Although the enemy is defeated, they have not been completely wiped out. We still need to act cautiously to prevent an enemy counterattack. At the same time, we should take the opportunity to expand our results, recover lost territory, and comfort the people."
Hearing this, the main commander nodded in agreement: "Zilong's words are very true. I have already ordered the army to rest for three days, and then divide into three routes to recover lost territory respectively. You lead a route of men and are responsible for capturing the northern stronghold."
Zhao Yun bowed and received the order: "I will certainly not disgrace the mission!"
Three days later, the army was ready to set out. Zhao Yun led the elite troops and embarked on the journey north. They advanced like a broken bamboo and soon recovered the northern stronghold. The people welcomed them along the way, grateful and tearful.
Zhao Yun stood on the city tower, looking at this prosperous land, his heart filled with pride and relief. He knew this was what he and the soldiers had exchanged with their lives and blood. And their mission was still far from over.
As time passed, under Zhao Yun's leadership, the army constantly recovered lost territory and expanded the results. Under their strikes, the enemy gradually lost the ability to resist. And the people also lived and worked in peace and contentment under their protection.
Finally, on a spring day a year later, the army returned in triumph. Zhao Yun rode on a warhorse, holding a long spear, walking at the front of the team. His face was filled with the smile of victory, but his heart was filled with anticipation and longing for the future.
"Zilong, you are back!" The main commander personally came out of the city to welcome him, holding Zhao Yun's hand, and said excitedly, "You have made great military achievements in this battle, I must request a reward for you!"
Zhao Yun smiled slightly and shook his head: "The main commander's words are too heavy. I just did my part. The real merit should belong to all the soldiers and everyone who supports us."
Hearing this, the main commander was filled with emotion: "Zilong, oh Zilong, you are not only brave and good at fighting but also have a modest heart. With you here, why should our army not flourish!"
Zhao Yun smiled modestly and said no more. He knew the road ahead was still long, and he had many things to do. But he also believed that under the joint efforts of all the soldiers, they would certainly be able to overcome all difficulties and protect the peace of this land and the people.
With the return of the army, the country ushered in long-lost peace and tranquility. Zhao Yun did not become arrogant because of his great military achievements; instead, he became more modest and low-key, attributing the honor to every soldier who fought side by side. He knew well that the true hero was not an individual but those soldiers who were unknown and selfless; it was they who built the country's Great Wall with their flesh and blood.
During the days of peace, Zhao Zilong did not remain idle. He knew deeply that although the war had ended, the work of national reconstruction and defense had only just begun. Thus, he volunteered to lead a portion of the army deep into the borderlands to strengthen border defenses and ensure the nation would no longer be harassed by foreign enemies.
Life on the border was arduous and monotonous, but Zhao Yun never had a single word of complaint. He ate and lived with the soldiers every day, personally participating in patrols and building defensive works, interpreting what a true general was with practical actions. Under his leadership, the border's defensive strength was greatly strengthened, and the people's lives gradually returned to the tranquility of the past.
However, the peaceful days did not last long. A year later, a new force rose in the north; they were ambitious and intended to annex the entire country. Facing this threat, the imperial court summoned Zhao Yun again, hoping he could stand up again to defend the country.
Zhao Yun did not hesitate in the slightest, immediately ready to set out, leading the elite troops north to meet the enemy. He knew this was a more arduous battle, but he also believed that as long as all the soldiers were united as one, there were no difficulties that could not be overcome.
The new enemy force was powerful and their tactics were cunning. They did not directly clash with Zhao Yun's main army but adopted guerrilla tactics, constantly harassing the border, destroying farmland, and seizing supplies. This made Zhao Yun's army fall into a passive situation, making it difficult to find the enemy's main force for a decisive battle.
Facing this predicament, Zhao Yun did not become impatient. He knew well that the enemy was testing their bottom line, attempting to find their weaknesses. Thus, he ordered the troops to strengthen defenses while sending scouts deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and find the enemy's main force.
After a period of reconnaissance, Zhao Yun finally discovered the enemy's main force. They were hiding in a deep mountain, using the advantage of the terrain to hide. Zhao Yun immediately formulated a detailed operational plan, deciding to launch a surprise attack on the enemy.
End of Chapter
