Deposed Empress General Chapter 70

This day, Jiang Bilan returned from Jiang estate to the palace, and Murong Yan didn't even come to receive her. He had summoned Daxi Qin into the royal study, and was establishing a war strategy with Zuo Canglang. This time, he definitely would not permit another failure. Di Lianzhong's defeats weren't serious, as after all, the soldiers all thought that Zuo Canglang could be victorious.

As long as she entered the army, the morale would be restored. But if she lost, then it would demonstrate true failure on the part of the Yan army.

Murong Yan said, "Currently, we don't know how many troops Western Jing has reinforced Gu Zhu with, and we also don't know if Wu Zhong is a participant. A straightforward assault is not beneficial to us. Do you two have any ideas?"

Zuo Canglang was about to speak, when Wang Yunzhao suddenly came in from outside. He took a glance at Murong Yan, and was speechless. Murong Yan said, "Speak."

Wang Yunzhao finally came forwards and bowed, saying, "Your majesty, her ladyship the queen returns to the palace today. The royal sedan is already at the palace gate, should your majesty......"

Murong Yan said, "Her returning to the palace, does she still need this king to go and receive her?" Wang Yunzhao was stunned, as in the past, whenever Jiang Bilan returned to her estate, Murong Yan would also head along with her. Today, being this way, he was being truly too cold. Zuo Canglang was also stunned, as after all, towards Jiang Bilan, Murong Yan had always been acquiescent.

Now with these words, it seemed really cold.

Her gaze dimmed, but Murong Yan immediately discovered it. He turned to speak, "Right now, the matters of the border war are really pressing, and as the ruler, no matter what, I should still have my priorities straight. On the side of the queen, just carefully serve her, and this king will head over around noon."

Wang Yunzhao bowed, and slowly retreated. Murong Yan lifted his chin, "Continue."

Zuo Canglang finally said at this, "Western Jing and Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong have all allied themselves, but their alliance won't be strong. This subject dares to say, as long as we give up Yi city, they would definitely fight among themselves. Western Jing has always been aggressive, and Gu Zhu and Wu Zhong, upon learning that they are unable to gain any benefits off of their alliance, will immediately withdraw. They might even turn into enemies."

Daxi Qin didn't talk the whole time, and only glanced over at Zuo Canglang. Murong Yan said, "General Zuo is saying, we should have our men withdraw from Mayi city?"

Zuo Canglang shook her head, saying, "Not Mayi city." This time, even Daxi Qin was stunned. "General is saying, to withdraw from Suye city?"

Suye city was four times the size of Mayi city, and its value, when compared to a small border city, was entirely different. Easily leaving Suye city, this was really too outrageous!

Daxi Qin glanced at Murong Yan, as even if Daxi Cheng was still in power, as his royal uncle, he still wouldn't suggest a scheme such as this. But Murong Yan was rather not angry, and only said, "Continue talking."

Zuo Canglang said, "Mayi city has few people, and it was originally already Western Jing's city. If we use just this city as bait, perhaps it wouldn't be sufficient to impact their alliance. Suye city is different, as only this type of city, could cause the three factions to fight. Once their alliance is ruined, Western Jing would fight without success, and will definitely feel that Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong are worthless allies. At this time, we can attack them each in detail, and it will be much easier."

Murong Yan practically didn't waver at all, but stood up, saying, "The queen is probably already at Qi Feng Hall. This king will head over to see her. Suye City's refugee settlement, you all can come up with the details then."

Saying thus, he rose, and left. Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin knelt to send him off. Afterwards, the two of them left the palace, and Daxi Qin said, "Since General directly mentioned this type of outrageous scheme in front of the ruler, would you not fear the ruler's suspicion?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Marquis Jinyu has no need for worry. Although towards our majesty, outsiders may criticize him. But he truly is an enlightened ruler."

Daxi Qin said, "In the past, I didn't actually believe it, but today, it looks like, his majesty truly has some courage." Zuo Canglang hadn't responded yet, when he continued, saying, "and towards general, he has suspicionless trust."

Zuo Canglang said, "Does Marquis Jinyu plan on just talking with me outside the palace gates like this?"

Daxi Qin was stunned, and then laughed, saying, "I know a good tavern, so if general has the time, how about gracing me with your company?"

Zuo Canglang seriously said, "Right now, I am penniless, and have no money on me, ah."

Daxi Qin laughed.

Qi Feng Hall. Jiang Bilan slowly stepped into the cold and refined hall with the support of the palace servant. Murong Yan hadn't come. This was the first time that she had left the palace alone, and returned alone.

Since Zuo Canglang had left prison, he had already withheld even his public demonstration of compassion and doting. Any palace servant could see his cooling treatment of Qi Feng Hall. A palace servant at the side said, "Her ladyship didn't eat much on the road, so this servant will go and immediately bring food."

Jiang Bilan lightly sighed, saying, "This queen doesn't have the appetite. Let's do that later."

Cai Ling hadn't yet answered, when Murong Yan's voice suddenly entered from outside, saying, "What, this king came over, and the queen doesn't even intend of serving me?"

Jiang Bilan was stunned, and turning her head, she saw him part the curtain and enter. Immediately, her eyes grew lively. She wanted to go forward, but ultimately she only bowed lightly, "Your majesty."

Murong Yan mutter an "mmm" and lightly held her two hands. He helped her up. Jiang Bilan had some tears in her eyes, saying, "This subject wife had thought that your majesty is angry at this subject wife, and wasn't going to come over again."

Murong Yan said, "The queen has always been understanding and calm, so where could this king begin to get angry from?"

Jiang Bilan's red lips pursed. Murong Yan pulled her over, and had her rest against his chest, saying, "These days, your mood has been depressed, so I originally hoped that you would see your relatives when you returned home, and that you would grow a bit more happy. But it looks like it wasn't actually useful at all."

Jiang Bilan shook her head, saying, "Actually, just by seeing your majesty, my heart will be satisfied."

Murong Yan nodded, and then let her go, saying, "Let's eat then, this king is also hungry."

Jiang Bilan ordered the palace servants to bring the meal, as she said, "I heard that your majesty was discussing matters with Marquis Jinyu and the others, but you actually didn't eat lunch?"

Murong Yan "mmm'd" but didn't plan on talking more on the matter, but just ate with her.

Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin drank outside for half the day, and she didn't return to the South Palace Hall, but rather returned to Wen estate. Old Madam Wen came out first, and seeing her, she quickly grabbed her hand, saying, "How come you have only returned after all these days? The past few days, Old Sir Wen had been visiting Head of the Halls, Xia's place daily, afraid that something happened to you!"

Zuo Canglang was not fazed, saying, "What could happen to me? Where is the old man?"

Old Madam Wen said, "He's in the backyard. Recently, I don't know what's the matter, as he has grown a lot more silent, and his entire person hasn't spoken much."

Zuo Canglang nodded, and didn't went to visit Wen Xingye, but had the servants bring hot water, bathing and changing on her own. In the late night, her stomach felt bad, so she didn't go out to eat dinner. She was such a person, that she wouldn't look for a doctor over every small matter. If it wasn't some big problem, she would just grin and bear it.

Thus she also didn't leave home, but directly went and laid down on the bed, falling asleep on her own. Even though it had gotten late, suddenly, someone touched the edge of the bed, and Zuo Canglang was surprised, and sat up. Beside her, Murong Yan softly said, "What gall you have. Did this king permit you to leave the palace? And you actually just left without returning!"

Zuo Canglang exhaled, saying, "Your majesty."

Murong Yan sat down on the edge of her bed, saying, "What did you discuss with Daxi Qin today, that it actually used a whole day."

Zuo Canglang said, "It was only the matter of the situation of the Yu lands, as well as some old contacts that can still be contacted now. This subject originally thought to report it to your majesty tomorrow, when I entered the palace."

Murong Yan reached his hand out, stroking her cheek, saying, "Seeing as how you are going to head to the northwest in just a few days, are you really unable to just stay a few more days in the palace?"

His voice was very low, with a type of allure that would cause one to blush as well as a quickening of their heartbeat. She could only lightly answer, "Serving your majesty after returning here, is the same."

Murong Yan pulled her into his chest. Within the darkness, only the sound of their breathing could be heard. He said, "When you see Di Lianzhong, leave him a bit of respect. In the future, you still have to respect him. Don't embarrass him. Your personality, is the most unforgiving towards people."

Zuo Canglang said, "Whom your majesty wants to make Military Chief, I don't understand, and I don't care. But this subject still hopes, that this person would truly have the skill, to be in the position of Military Chief."

Murong Yan tapped her forehead lightly, saying, "Ah Zuo, life is difficult in the army. This king doesn't hope that you are away for a long time. There needs to be someone, who could be able to make the trips for you in the army." He held her hand, placing against his chest, saying, "Even if the palace is not as free, but at the very least, this king can still know where you are at a moment's notice, what you are doing, and if you are safe."

Zuo Canglang was silent. Perhaps, these really were his thoughts?

After all, this wasn't the first time he had expressed, that he didn't hope for her to stay in the army.

In the silence of the night, the two of them no longer had other things to talk about. After they had hugged for a while, even though she wasn't willing to part, but she still pushed him away, saying, "It's late now. Your majesty should return to the palace."

Murong Yan said, "There's never been a day, that you spoke to keep this king longer."

Zuo Canglang was silent, saying, "What identity does this subject have, and what right, does this subject have to keep your majesty longer?"

Murong Yan was silent. A long time later, he rose, saying, "Tomorrow, this king will head to Western Hua Gate, and personally send you off."

Zuo Canglang "mmm'd" and saw him head towards the window. The moonlight was dim, and she no longer had the desire to sleep. She pushed the door, and left, when she suddenly saw in the trees, within the shadows, Wen Xingye was leaning on his cane, standing there.

She was stunned for a moment---- a moment ago, when Murong Yan left, did he see it?

Wen Xingye heard the door's sound, and turned his head, exchanging gazes with her. But he didn't speak, and when they had looked at each other, he slowly went back into his room. Zuo Canglang wanted to call him, but ultimately didn't know how to open her mouth.

Inside the room, Old Madam Wen had not slept yet, and seeing Wen Xingye enter, said, "Old Sir, it's the middle of the night, so what have you gone to do?"

Wen Xingye didn't speak, but slowly walked to the edge of the bed, where he suddenly fell to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Old Madam Wen was shocked, and quickly summoned servants. Wen Xingye only quieted her, saying, "Be a bit quieter."

Old Madam Wen's tears immediately fell, "Old sir, what's the matter with you, ah!"

Wen Xingye shook his head, saying, "Ah Zuo is heading off to war tomorrow, so just find a servant to quietly find a doctor. Don't disturb her."

Old Madam Wen rubbed her tears as she nodded. She subsequently ordered a servant to quietly leave the estate to hire a doctor.

The next day, Zuo Canglang rose really early. Ke Qing packed her things for her, preparing to leave together with her. Zuo Canglang frowned, saying, "You're not going."

Ke Qing said, "General! Your promised to let me take care of you, so how could your words not carry weight?!"

Zuo Canglang said, "I am heading off to fight in a war. It's not a game. You're not allowed to go."

Ke Qing's eyes immediately reddened, "The words you promised me weren't carried out! You....... said you would let me serve at your side......" her mouth turned, and her tears immediately falling.

Zuo Canglang was stunned....... in this lifetime, how had there been a girl that had behaved like this in front of her? She could only say, "Okay okay, if you want to come, then just follow along. In the future, you're not allowed to complain that it's difficult."

At this, Ke Qing was overjoyed, and carrying the large and small bundles, she followed her out of the estate. Wen Xingye didn't come out to send them off, and only Old Madam Wen brought Yirong and Yixuan to stand by the estate gate. Zuo Canglang rode off in her red garb, and when she left the estate, she tapped Yixuan's head with the whip, and also pat Yirong's face, saying, "Your teacher is going to head off with me to the border city. You two are at home, but you will need to listen to your grandfather's words. You cannot fall behind on your homework. After your teacher returns, he will test you."

Yixuan respectfully said, "This child will definitely remember teacher and mother's lesson, and will also watch over little brother." Yirong was a still bit unwilling to part with her, and he sniffled his nose, saying, "Mmm. Mother needs to return quickly. You said you would bring me to Qian Bi forest to play."

Zuo Canglang nodded, and lifting her gaze, she asked Old Madam Wen, "Where's the old man?"

Old Madam Wen forced her smile, "In the morning he caught a chill, and was afraid he would infect you with it, and so he didn't come to send you off."

Zuo Canglang only felt that Wen Xingye was angry at her, and didn't say anything else, but only nodded. Bringing Ke Qing, she turned her horse to leave.

Western Hua Gate, Murong Yan and the various court officials all came to send her off. When they were leaving, he personally poured wine for her. Zuo Canglang received the cup with her two hands, and drank it in one draw. Afterwards, she tossed the cup away, and wearing her cloak, she mounted her horse. The army shouted out, "Guaranteed Victory, guaranteed victory!"

She, at the head of the column, rode her horse until she grew distant.

Mayi City. Of course Di Lianzhong already knew that Zuo Canglang was heading here. He was encamped with Jiang Qi, and though the two of them didn't mention it, but they were still secretly excited. Upon hearing that Zuo Canglang was bringing troops to Mayi city, the soldiers who had all been demoralized, all immediately recovered their morale.

Di Lianzhong couldn't understand it. It was just a twenty something year old girl. What draw did she have, to have these soldiers all respect her so?

Jiang Qi quietly said, "Military chief, can we only await her dumbly like this now? Once she arrives......." the rest of his words were unstated, but actually everyone knew. Once Zuo Canglang arrived, perhaps the military authority could only be returned to her.

Di Lianzhong said, "Right now, we cannot make a rash move. The two previous defeats, his majesty had not blamed us, because he still needed us to balance out Wenqi's old subordinates. But once we encroach upon his bottom line, don't even think about making military merit, as perhaps even our lives would be in danger."

Jiang Qi said, "But right now, it really makes one feel dissatisfied."

Di Lianzhong said, "In war, you cannot react on impulse. Being able to endure embarrassment and survive, is the way of the general."

Right then, the army passed news along. Jiang Qi quickly opened it, and saw that it was a rushed message Jiang Sanyi had sent over, having him return to Jinyang city under the excuse of being sick. Di Lianzhong also spared it a glance, and Jiang Qi was confused, saying, "Father is having me claim to be sick to return, why?"

Di Lianzhong said, "Minister Jiang hopes that you would establish military merit, but is even more hopeful for your safe return. Currently, as it seems now, naturally it is because he knows that with Zuo Canglang's arrival, it would be harmful to you."

Jiang Qi was befuddled, saying, "Why? Isn't she our reinforcement? Additionally, general, aren't you the military chief right now, and his majesty hasn't removed your command, so no matter how audacious Zuo Canglang is, she is only a Biao Qi General. Could she dare to kill me?"

Di Lianzhong said, "With me around, of course, I can protect you. Although this man Di hasn't been in the army for many years, but this little ability is still present."

Jiang Qi tore up the letter, saying, "Father is a bit too cautious. Since I have entered Military Chief Di's command, how could I be someone that fears death?"

Two days later, Zuo Canglang's army arrived at Mayi city. Zhuge Jin opened the city gate, letter her inside, the three armies united.

Di Lianzhong stood before his tent, and watched her walk closer. He currently held the position as military chief, and was above Zuo Canglang. Thus, although he had lost a battle, Zuo Canglang still dismounted, bowing to him, "Zuo Canglang greets Military Chief."

Di Lianzhong looked down on her from above. At that time, she was very thin. It was already the fifth month, and she was dressed in thick clothes, as though she was afraid of the cold.

Zuo Canglang's relationship with Murong Yan, he had learned of from Jiang Sanyi. Originally, she was just someone who utilized her ruler's favor, a seductive woman, only. But upon meeting her today, she didn't have that type of imagined beauty. She was ultimately a military person, and had the poise of iron, motion like the wind.

He said, "Rise then."

Zuo Canglang finally rose, and Di Lianzhong said, "Since his majesty ordered you here, I think you must be confident in your abilities. What schemes do you have, could you discuss them."

Zuo Canglang pulled in her cloak, the border city's wind carrying dust in it. It was the first time she felt that her body wasn't warm enough. At the side, Daxi Qin didn't know how he should speak, as he was a demoted official, in his words, he had to be extremely cautious. Zuo Canglang rather directly said, "Since the past, the army does not have two commanders. Since his majesty ordered me to attack Xiao Quan mountain, this general dares, to request that Military Chief pass over the command seal. This general will reorganize the army, and make other arrangements."

With these words, she spoke very softly. Di Lianzhong practically didn't believe his own ears. At his side, Jiang Qi angrily said, "Zuo Canglang! You're acting rudely!"

Zuo Canglang glanced at him, saying, "Young gentleman Jiang speaking like this to me, how is it not equivalently rude?"

Jiang Qi didn't dare to continue talking. Zuo Canglang's rank was truly much higher than his.

Di Lianzhong turned his anger into a laugh. This woman truly was....... too arrogant! He said, "Since General Zuo has spoken this way, and you have the royal order in place, of course it is permissible." Saying thus, he retrieved the command seal, and placed it in her hand, then continued, "Since the command seal is placed in general's hands, whether this battle is successful or not will depend entirely on general. I'm asking general to take this heavy responsibility."

Zuo Canglang received the command seal, saying, "Many thanks to Military Chief's remind. This general will remember it."

Jiang Qi still wanted to talk, but Di Lianzhong waved, stopping him, and turned to leave. After he had taken a hundred steps, Jiang Qi softly asked, "Military chief, are you really just easily giving her the command seal like this! Although his majesty ordered her to come, but who leads the troops, he hadn't clarified!"

Di Lianzhong said, "We've already lost two battles. Currently, the enemy's blades are extremely sharp, and the three nations are allied. Their military power far exceeds ours. Do you believe this battle is easy to fight? Now that the command seal is in her hands, its seriousness I have already clarified. If there is another defeat, it is only her own fault, and has nothing to do with us."

At this, Jiang Qi finally understood. Although he was dissatisfied, but he couldn't but admit, this was still a good solution.

After Zuo Canglang arrived at Mayi city, she indeed rearranged the soldiers. Afterwards, she brought her soldiers to attack Xiao Quan mountain. But this time, Xiao Quan mountain, was like a steep bucket. It was difficult to succeed. The commander in chief was Ren Xuan. Meeting an old acquaintance, Ren Xuan stood at the head of the city, loudly saying, "General Zuo, we meet again. You have long coveted Yu. It seems as though your nation's ruler is also someone that is covetous. Why doesn't general surrender to us, and return with me together to Western Jing, how about it?"

Zuo Canglang cupped her hands, "Turns out it is General Ren. Last time General Ren already went to the capital of Yan, Jinyang, once before. This time, it can be said that you are rather familiar with it."

The two of them poked fun at each other, but Ren Xuan turned to his vice general by his side, Ji Guang, saying, "I heard that upon her arrival, she immediately seized Di Lianzhong's command seal. Send some spies to inquire about the garrison condition of Mayi city currently."

Ji Guang was still a bit uncertain, saying, "General, that's impossible, right. She is only a second ranked military official. Could she directly seize Di Lianzhong, this military chief's command seal?!"

Ren Xuan said, "It's possible. Her relationship with King Yan is not normal, so you can't just look at her rank. Go quickly."

Ji Guang affirmed the order, and immediately sent spies to Mayi city to inquire.

Zuo Canglang attacked Xiao Quan mountain. Of course she would be unable to take it. She wasn't in a hurry, but rather encamped stably. For two days, she lost about four thousand men. The third day, Ren Xuan suddenly left from Xiao Quan Mountain's western gate, ambushing Mayi city in the night. He knew Zuo Canglang was crafty in her command, and this time, he was also extremely careful, always careful of his eastern flank.

But seeing that she didn't seem to have discovered it, he finally calmed down to attack the city head on. Di Lianzhong and Jiang Qi were living in the city, and experiencing the enemy assault, the two of them were all frightened. Right now, their remaining troops were only several thousand in number, so how could they manage to hold the city?!

And right at this time, Wang Nan suddenly arrived, reporting, "Greetings to military chief! General Zuo ordered this soldier to come and pass the order, ordering military chief to hold the city by all means. And when the city cannot be held onto for any longer, to retreat to Suye city."

Di Lianzhong was greatly enraged, "What does she mean? Making war, and not discussing the strategy with me at all! Right now, we only have several thousand men, so how can we hold the city?! If Mayi city is lost, who will take responsibility?"

Wang Nan seemed as though he had long expected his anger, and said, "Time is of the essence, so I would request that military chief behave based on the military orders. All the results, will naturally be born by General Zuo."

Di Lianzhong scoffed, but he had no other way, but rather held onto the city, and then bringing his army to retreat to Suye city. It was not yet light, and Mayi city was lost.

Jiang Qi was worried, "Military chief, do you think she will push the crime of the loss of the city to us? And seize the glory of capturing Xiao Quan mountain?"

Di Lianzhong said, "If she still doesn't bring troops back to save it, perhaps even Suye city will be in danger, so what use will taking Xiao Quan mountain be?"

But nobody answered him, and after Ren Xuan was victorious at Mayi city, he indeed ignored Xiao Quan mountain, and brought his whole army to ambush Suye city. Two days later, Suye city was lost, and Zuo Canglang also took Xiao Quan mountain. But compared to Suye city, a mere Xiao Quan mountain, was just the loss of the bigger picture for a small gain.

Within court, the officials all began criticizing, but Murong Yan never expressed anything. After Zuo Canglang went to Xiao Quan mountain, she had given the responsibility of settling all the refugees to Daxi Qin. Very quickly, all of Yu nation's old people all knew---- Yu nation's royal clan's Daxi clan had returned!!

Ever since the destruction of Yu country, their old territory had always been partitioned by Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong, Tu He and Western Jing. The various sides, for the sake of seizing territory and cities, had never ceased warring. The people all suffered greatly, and really longed for their old rulers.

Now that they heard of Daxi Qin's return, the people who still had the desire of reviving the national all sent provisions over. Those who enlisted to join there army were also countless.

In just a few days, like the rise of a new sun, the peoples' hearts of Yu had spread to the streets.

Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong, and Tu He all discovered it. But at this time, the more they suppressed it, the more fervent the resistance grew. More and more popular rebellions rose up. And Gu Zhu and the other small countries, how many troops did they really have? And they still needed to attack Great Yan with Western Jing!

Western Jing entered Suye city, but they didn't dare to act carelessly. Back then, how Yu country had been destroyed, they had not forgotten.

But even if, in a short period of time, they didn't move recklessly, Gu Zhu and Wu Zhong couldn't continue waiting. Over how the three sides would split Suye city and Mayi city, arguments arose. With the rise of internal rebellion, the armies could no longer plan for other matters. Western Jing passed over White Wolf lake. After paying such a heavy price to attack Yan, of course they weren't willing to share Suye city with Gu Zhu and Wu Zhong.

But how could Gu Zhu and Wu Zhong allow them to monopolize Suye?

They all began disrespecting them, and internal disputes began. Zuo Canglang followed Daxi Qin's military arrangements, and attack Yu country's old lands. Daxi Qin understood these lands like the palm of his hand, and first trapped three cities, and then easily trapped Gu Zhu as well as Wu Zhong's supply lines. In a short period of time, Gu Zhu and Wu Zhong didn't even have a way to withdraw.

Everyone felt that they had missed something, and at this, Zuo Canglang finally returned to Xiao Quan mountain, and attacked from Xiao Quan mountain, attacking Mayi city. At this time, in her army, there were quite a few people from Yu country, so her army hadn't grown weaker, but rather larger. Along with Mayi city's civilians being all people of Yan, Western Jing, Wu Zhong, and Gu Zhu hurried to attack the city, but they couldn't pillage the city in time.

At this time, the people grew fervent, and Zuo Canglang quickly took Mayi city back, and then ordered Di Lianzhong to bring the former garrisons of Suye and Mayi city, forty thousand together, to attack together with her, to attack with the combined arms against Suye city.

When attacked from the north and the west, Ren Xuan's sweat fell. This person was truly too audacious, not caring about what type of military situation it was, once she decided on throwing something away, she would do it, not even blinking her eyes at the price.

It was exactly because Murong Yan trusted her, that watching her continue to lose cities, he still remained silent.

This ruler and his marshal's mutual trust, would make any strong foe tremble in fear.

Ji Guang was also worried, "General, if we continue like this, we definitely cannot hold on! And the path of retreat has already been cut off, so at that time, we can only retreat around White Wolf lake to Hui Ye garden. That path has many sand pits, so perhaps it is difficult to march through! General needs to quickly find a path of retreat, ah!"

Ren Xuan thought it over, saying, "Send someone out. I want to meet with Yan Military Chief, Di Lianzhong."

Di Lianzhong never would have thought that Ren Xuan would actually meet him at this time. Ren Xuan actually smiled, saying, "In Great Yan's army, although you are ranked as military chief, but wanting to make your own decisions, is very hard, right?"

Di Lianzhong said, "What do you want to say? I don't have time to gossip with you!"

Ren Xuan said, "In this battle, even if you win, it is still Zuo Canglang's merit. It has nothing to do with military chief, you. You are still a defeated general."

Di Lianzhong's eyes were filled with fury, and he angrily harrumphed, planning on leaving. Ren Xuan suddenly said, "But I have a way, to let you achieve military merit, as well as have Zuo Canglang's reputation hit the ground, no longer able to be proud."

Di Lianzhong turned around, and Ren Xuan said, "I have been captured by her once, and also hope to wash away that embarrassment. We have a common enemy."

Di Lianzhong slowly stood up, as that person was truly too scary. With her around, he, as a military chief, was entirely useless. He was silent, and then asked, "What do you want to do?"

The later half of the night, Zuo Canglang was originally ordering people to attack the north gate, when suddenly the north gate open. A group of Yan soldiers shouted, "Suye is already taken. We are Military Chief Di's men! We are all brothers, please don't fire!"

All the soldiers all exhaled, and someone loudly shouted, so the soldiers began entering the city. Zuo Canglang frowned, loudly asking, "Where is Military Chief Di? Have him come out to meet me."

Within the crowd, Di Lianzhong who was arrayed in his army, and accompanied by Jiang Qi waved at her. Zuo Canglang finally exhaled, and rode into the city. But right when she got into the city, she looked around, and without changing expression, suddenly softly told Daxi Qin, "We've fallen into a trap, but don't act rashly. Think of a way to stop the rear troops from entering the city. Reduce our losses."

Daxi Qin was stunned, asking, "How do you know?"

Zuo Canglang said, "The troops I gave to Di Lianzhong, I know most of them. But the soldiers around us are all foreign faces. Go quickly."

Daxi Qin lightly said, "What about you?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Ren Xuan wants to capture me alive too much, as he believes we have fallen into a trap, so he won't make a move that quickly. Go then."

Daxi Qin wanted to say something, but she already dismounted, and slowly walked towards the center of the crowd that was illuminated with torches. The wind lifted her green cloak, and the red hot torches flickered with their light. She wore a red robe with a silvery suit of army, walking very slowly, but very determinedly. Daxi Qin informed the troops behind them of the trap, and the entire Yan army prepared itself.

When the time was right, Wang Nan suddenly ordered a withdrawal. The soldiers all raised their shields, and before the enemy could recover, they quickly retreated. Ren Xuan didn't expect them to move so quickly, as his attention had always been on Zuo Canglang. Now that the entire army was prepared, the entire Yan army withdrew from the city.

But at this time, Zuo Canglang had already walked into the center of the enemy army. Ren Xuan and Ji Guang appeared in front of her. Daxi Qin withdrew under the guard of the shield troops. With another wave of his hand, under the cover of the endless night, and in the light of the red hot torches, he reached his two hands into his sleeves, bowing deeply.

In that moment, even though he was someone who had been demoted into a subject by Great Yan, and had his nation destroyed, he was still moved.

Actually, most of the Yan troops didn't understand what just happened. They probably would not know their whole lives. With her passage this time, how many lives she saved. Only she, she obviously knew, what was awaiting her in front of her. She also knew, she had attacked Western Jing several times, sacked a city twice, that once she fell into the hands of the Western Jing, what they would do to her.

But if she turned to run away, the forty thousand Yan troops behind her would be in chaos. Ren Xuan would definitely also fire his arrows out, probably even pouring burning oil on them. Forty thousand soldiers would thus be left with few. Thus she just walked slowly like this, not changing her expression towards the unknown before her.

Knowing where the path is, although I am not ten-thousand strong, but I still head there.

TN: About to get to some sad sad times.