Chapter 181: Chapter 181
Despite the entire Imperial Medical Bureau standing by on high alert, Chancellor Xie's illness still took considerable time to recover. On the day he finally returned, the first thing that greeted him were countless sharp glares from his colleagues and friends.
"Ahem..." He coughed lightly without thinking. "Brother Zi'an, I must apologize for making you shoulder so much work during my absence. Perhaps I could take on some of the official duties these next few days..."
Before he could finish speaking, an entire stack of documents was thrust before him. Facing him was the faintly smiling countenance of his colleague, the unspoken challenge in his eyes practically screaming "Dare you refuse?"
Not to mention the light cough coming from their superior above them...
Resigned, after a brief moment of weakness, Chancellor Xie picked up the documents and began carefully reviewing them.
Given Zi'an's habitual tendency to delegate responsibilities, these remaining documents must have been matters that various departments—especially the subordinates—were unable to handle. Though the sheer quantity...
Ah, talent! Where was the talent!
At this moment, the same thought occurred to all three present: The Great Qi Dynasty truly lacked sufficient capable individuals!
This year's rainfall in the northern regions wasn't particularly abundant. Fortunately, thanks to the various measures An Ning had implemented earlier, the harvest so far remained acceptable. Combined with the meat products from the livestock farms, supplying the newly integrated army wasn't an issue.
In contrast, the neighboring Great Zhou Dynasty faced successive droughts across its territories, resulting in clearly insufficient military supplies.
Yet even with these disadvantages, nothing could stop the Great Zhou cavalry's determination to march south.
By mid-August, scouts sent to the border regions reported that Great Zhou's armies were gathering once more. This time, both in terms of troop numbers and equipment, they appeared even more formidable than before.
To put it bluntly, they were determined to conquer Qi territory this time.
"Our Great Qi Dynasty has only been established for barely a year—what have we done to deserve such special attention?"
Through the specially crafted telescope from the Ministry of Works, Xiao Qi observed the massive approaching forces, particularly the vanguard—Great Zhou's most feared tens of thousands of iron cavalry. Standing atop the tall city walls, a bitter smile escaped his lips as his sharp eyes, gazing into the distance, gradually ignited with blazing fighting spirit.
Beside him, Xie Heng's fox-like eyes narrowed slightly: "A newly established dynasty should logically require a transitional period for adjustment, including dealing with neighboring states that have pledged allegiance. It seems they intend to strike first this time."
To this extent, they were even willing to overlook their current environmental disadvantages. However... A faint smile escaped Xie Heng's lips: "As the saying goes, 'Kick a man when he's down'—should we really be surprised?"
What a pity. Glancing at the group of new generals beside him, their eyes burning with fighting spirit, Xie Heng tightened the noticeably thicker fox-fur cloak around his shoulders, his brow relaxing slightly.
Heh. Under current circumstances, what could possibly win people's loyalty more than ample food, warm clothing, and generous salaries? Especially in the harsh conditions of the north.
Besides, newcomers weren't without their advantages.
As in the current Great Qi military camp:
"Brothers! The moment to prove ourselves has arrived! You've all witnessed Great Qi's current conditions. Tell me—where else besides here can soldiers like us eat and drink to our hearts' content!
Brothers! Our new dynasty has just been established, with numerous noble titles and official positions still vacant! At this critical juncture of survival, as long as we withstand this challenge and distinguish ourselves on the battlefield, what worry should we have about securing futures for ourselves and our families!"
The former Emperor Wu of Yan, now General Ye, downed his wine cup and raised his arms high, shouting passionately.
His words were met with equally fervent cheers.
Similar scenes played out in other major camps.
If submitting to others was inevitable, wouldn't it make more sense to pledge allegiance to Great Zhou—with its superior military might and national power—to avoid being crushed by their iron cavalry later?
But the question remained: What after submission?
Great Zhou lacked neither generals nor iron cavalry, let alone military talents. With countless marquises and generals already, outsiders like them would never enjoy the same trust as local officials. What value would they truly have there?
As men born into this world, given the opportunity, who wouldn't wish to achieve glory? What did it matter if it cost their lives?
"Brothers! The moment of truth has come! Out there awaits Great Zhou's iron cavalry—do you dare draw your blades and fight them with everything you've got?"
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Soon, the sound of horns echoed through the camps.
With all sides prepared and morale high, this time differed from the previous engagement where they only handled logistics from the sidelines. For this war, An Ning's side had also made thorough preparations.
In the most centrally located tent—also the most comfortably furnished—within the camp.
At high noon, when drowsiness came easiest, An Ning reclined lazily by the couch, holding an unprocessed official document while attendants periodically served warm tea.
"M-My lord... Chancellor... Can this humble girl truly do it?"
Not far away, a young woman around twenty years old, dressed in plain white robes, nervously twisted the plain handkerchief in her hands, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the handsome man before her—clad in dark casual robes with a jade belt.
Taking a sip of tea, An Ning didn't immediately look at the visitor, instead casually flipping through the document: "Why fear? Weren't the previous experiments quite successful?"
"In reality, there are no 'what ifs,' Miss Bai." Closing the document, An Ning finally lifted her gaze to the young woman: "If even you, as the creator, lack confidence in its effectiveness, how can others believe in it?"
"Moreover!" Observing the lingering anxiety in the girl's expression, An Ning chuckled lightly: "Isn't the effectiveness about to be verified very soon?"
Staring dazedly at the incomparably handsome man before her—though he offered little encouragement and his tone remained somewhat indifferent—somehow...
At this moment, within the military tent, the previously hesitant young woman suddenly found tremendous courage.
Her gaze fixed firmly in the direction of the distant battlefield.
Indeed. Whether success or failure, wouldn't it soon be revealed?
Recalling everything from the past three years, the young woman gradually clenched her fists.
She must—absolutely must—win!
The Chancellor was right. Regardless of status, one's fate lies in one's own hands. No matter what, Bai Zhi would carve out her own path today...