After Exile, I Married the Amnesiac General [Rebirth] Chapter 96

After Yang Yuanyi finished speaking, seeing that Pei Zhen remained silent for a long time, he couldn’t help but ask, “Jianzhi, what are you thinking?”

Pei Zhen lowered his gaze and pointed to the details in the report. “After regrouping last night, the rebels’ tactics were completely different from before. The commander must have been changed.”

Yang Yuanyi nodded in agreement. “That’s right, this isn’t Cai Shu’s style. And aside from the main rebel force, the unit coming from Ningcheng also fought in a very strange and unpredictable way, somewhat…”

Suddenly, he looked up at Pei Zhen.

Pei Zhen did not notice his change in expression and continued, “For Cai Shu to be replaced, it means there is another commander among the rebels. Also, when they attacked Ningcheng last night, the main force was simultaneously attacking the prefectural city. From this, regardless of whether Cai Shu’s defeat was feigned, the one directing from behind never expected him to truly win. He was likely only used to tie down Liang Xingrong in the prefectural city, buying time for the Ningcheng side.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Yuanyi’s expression also turned serious, and he continued, “You mean… we guessed correctly earlier, the one from the Crown Prince’s residence… has already joined the rebels?”

Pei Zhen’s brows were drawn tight as he said, “Aside from that, I can’t think of anyone else who could replace Cai Shu.”

After speaking, his frown deepened.

If Li Xuan was indeed among the rebels, then the Liangzhou prefectural city would likely be very difficult to hold.

Although he had never met this legendary Crown Prince, back when he was young in the Bingzhou army, he had often heard his grandfather and uncle speak of him. And every time they mentioned him, his grandfather would praise the Crown Prince highly, saying he excelled in both civil and military arts, was proficient in everything, broad-minded, benevolent, and wise, bearing the legacy of the founding emperor…

But often, as he spoke, his grandfather would fall into gloom and silence.

After hearing it so many times, even without deliberately trying to learn more, Pei Zhen knew that this Crown Prince was no ordinary figure. Moreover, after he later went to Luoyang, he had also heard how, before being confined, this Crown Prince had carried himself with extraordinary bearing, and how he wielded troops like a god, pacifying many tribes in the southwest and earning the deep respect of the local people.

Naturally, these things were only spoken of in private, and those who said them would always add in the end, “It’s a pity he later rebelled.” In short, no matter how much regret there was, it could not be spoken of openly.

Pei Zhen was not interested in the Crown Prince’s demeanor or why he had rebelled. But having grown up in the army, he was very interested in how the man had used troops to pacify the southwest.

Unfortunately, by that time, the Crown Prince had already been branded with the crime of rebellion and had been confined in the Crown Prince’s residence for many years. Accounts of his campaigns in the southwest had also been gradually erased, leaving very few records to be found.

Later, thanks to Yang Yuanyi, he managed to obtain a few relatively detailed notebooks from palace servants and veteran soldiers, and studied them carefully.

However, those notebooks were later accidentally discovered by his father. The timid and honest Pei Cong was so frightened that he quickly hid them, forbade him from reading them further, and would not allow him to inquire about the Crown Prince again. Because of this, the already distant relationship between father and son worsened even more for a time.

But Pei Zhen had already studied those notebooks many times, so much so that he could recite them by heart. Precisely because of this understanding, he knew clearly that Crown Prince Li Xuan was not easy to deal with.

Since the other party had planned things to this extent, seizing Ningcheng and then swiftly attacking the prefectural city, he must be intending to take the prefectural city in one decisive move before the Bingzhou army arrived, leaving them no opportunity.

However, the Emperor had previously suffered a shock due to the rebel forces besieging Chang’an. In addition, perhaps because of his age, he slept lightly and dreamt often, finding it difficult to rest. It was said that recently he had begun taking a type of calming pill, finally allowing him to sleep better. With the rebel forces around Chang’an already repelled and the crisis resolved, he had ordered that he not be disturbed while resting.

Thus, at this moment, the Emperor was still asleep and had not yet received the military reports.

Without the Emperor’s command, the Bingzhou army could not set out on its own and could only wait until the morning court session, when the Emperor would see the reports and issue orders.

Pei Zhen lowered his gaze in thought, knowing that if things continued like this, once the prefectural city was taken, and with Li Xuan commanding within the army, the southwestern rebels would be very difficult to eliminate in a short time.

And this possibility was extremely high.

It was not that he was belittling his own side, but rather that he was accustomed to considering every possible outcome.

If the war in Liangzhou dragged into a stalemate, his earlier plan, to fight a swift battle and return immediately to Bingzhou with his troops, would come to nothing.

And indeed, things unfolded just as he had anticipated, 

During the morning court, urgent reports from the front arrived in the palace like falling snow: Ningcheng had been taken, Anxing County’s reinforcements had been defeated, and the Liangzhou prefectural city was in danger!

Upon seeing the reports early in the morning, the Emperor was so enraged he nearly smashed his teacup and immediately summoned Pei Zhen to the palace.

Pei Zhen hurried into the palace, and by the third quarter of the Chen hour, he strode out again.

Liang Wang and Liang Wang Shizi personally escorted him. When they reached the palace gates, Pei Zhen stopped and turned to bow, asking them not to see him off any further.

But Liang Wang grasped his arm and patted it, like an ordinary elder, his tone warm and kind. “Jianzhi, as you go to Liangzhou, you carry a heavy responsibility. In addition to fighting bravely, you must also take good care of yourself. As for your father, rest assured, so long as I am in Chang’an, nothing will happen to him.”

Pei Zhen’s expression did not change as he bowed and said, “Many thanks for Wangye’s kindness.”

After leaving the palace, Liang Wang Shizi personally escorted him to the military camp outside the city, watching as the army set out.

…

At Yan Wang’s residence, upon learning that Pei Zhen, who had originally been scheduled to stay one day in Chang’an and depart the next morning, had instead left at noon today with the army, Yan Wangfei was stunned for a long time.

Especially since after leaving the palace, Pei Zhen had not even had time to return home, going straight to the camp to assemble the troops. That unpleasant family dinner the previous night had ended up being the only meal he shared with his parents after returning.

When she came back to her senses, Yan Wangfei couldn’t help but scold Yan Wang at length.

Yan Wang, still trying to save face, retorted stubbornly, “Can you blame me? Did you hear what he said last night? ‘I heard you caused trouble again in Chang’an’, listen to that! Is that something a son says to his father? Am I his father, or is he mine?”

Yan Wangfei looked at him quietly. Suddenly, her eyes reddened, and she began to cry.

At once, Yan Wang panicked and hurried to comfort her. “Alright, alright, it’s my fault. I didn’t expect him to leave so soon. I was even planning to smooth things over with him at breakfast this morning…”

Pei Zhao, standing nearby, reminded him seriously, “Father, what you just said means the same thing, it still sounds like big brother is your father.”

“Go, go, don’t make things worse!” Yan Wang snapped at him irritably.

Only in the afternoon did Yan Wang finally manage to calm Yan Wangfei. But just then, a servant came to report that several soldiers from Yongzhou had arrived outside, asking to see the shizi.

Upon hearing this, Yan Wangfei immediately said anxiously, “They must be Zhen’er’s former followers from Yongzhou, quick, invite them in.”

Outside the residence, Chen Qing stood with more than a dozen soldiers from Yongfeng Town, dusty and travel-worn after hurrying all the way to Chang’an. Standing at the gates of the Pei residence, he couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Although he had been told of Pei Er’s true identity by General Chen before setting out, the entire journey here still felt unreal. Even now, standing at the gates of the Pei residence, he still couldn’t quite believe it, 

Heavens, Pei Er was actually the heir to Yan Wang? General Chen really hadn’t lied to him? He had actually called the heir “brother” before? And the man had even carved him a walking stick with his own hands, the heir to Yan Wang personally carving him a stick! When he got back, he’d have to dig that stick out and enshrine it.

Just as he was lost in these thoughts, a middle-aged man suddenly came striding out of the residence. He had a short beard and wore a blue robe embroidered with patterns, far more dignified than poor soldiers like them.

Chen Qing couldn’t quite explain it, he just felt that the man’s robe looked extremely valuable. Even the clothes worn by landlords he had seen in Yongfeng Town weren’t this fine.

He immediately didn’t dare look further. With a thump, he dropped to his knees and called out, “Greetings, Wangye…”

Seeing him kneel, the other frontier soldiers hesitated, about to follow suit, when the middle-aged man quickly stepped aside in alarm, waving his hands repeatedly. “No, no, you mustn’t, I am only the steward of the residence.”

“Ah…?” The steward?

Chen Qing was momentarily embarrassed and quickly scrambled to his feet.

The other frontier soldiers also stiffened, not daring to laugh, nor to speak or even look around.

When they met Yan Wang and Yan Wangfei, and learned that Pei Zhen had already led his troops away from Chang’an, and had been gone for half a day, the group was instantly dumbfounded and couldn’t help exchanging glances.

Yan Wangfei hurriedly asked, “You came from Yongzhou, do you have some urgent matter to report to Zhen’er?”

After a pause, as if thinking of something, her eyes suddenly brightened, and she asked again, “Could it be that Zhen’er’s wife in Yongzhou asked you to deliver a letter?”

After thinking it over, this was the only possibility she could come up with.

“Ah… well, this…” Chen Qing, upon hearing this, didn’t know how to answer for a moment.

Before they set out, General Chen had specifically instructed them: if Pei Shizi was still in Chang’an, they should tell him about Miss Shen’s incident. But if he had already gone to war, then to avoid affecting the campaign, they were not to mention it for the time being.

Seeing his hesitation, Yan Wangfei asked again, “Is it that the letter can only be delivered to Zhen’er, and cannot be shown to us?”

“Th-this…” Chen Qing and the few frontier soldiers were so anxious that they were sweating profusely.

At the sight of this, Yan Wangfei understood, it must be that her daughter-in-law, far away in Yongzhou, had sent a letter to Pei Zhen, but it wasn’t convenient to show it to them, which was why these soldiers were in such a difficult position.

Ah, in truth, it wouldn’t matter even if they said it, she and her husband certainly wouldn’t open and read a young couple’s private letter. It was just that…

“It’s just that you’ve come at an unfortunate time, Pei Zhen has already set out on campaign,” Yan Wang said, stroking his beard with a frown.

Yan Wangfei also felt deep regret, just half a day late, and her son had missed his wife’s letter.

Chen Qing and the others, seeing that the Wangye and Wangfei did not continue questioning, felt a sigh of relief. However…

“In that case,” Yan Wang suddenly said, “you should first eat and rest at the residence. I will have fresh horses prepared, along with some dry rations, and send you on your way. That way, after you’ve eaten, you can continue your journey and deliver the letter to my son as soon as possible.”

This way, his son would receive news from his wife sooner and would surely be happy, he might even thank him, this old father.

Yan Wang couldn’t help stroking his beard in satisfaction and turned to Yan Wangfei, seeking credit. Yan Wangfei was also quite pleased and gave him a rewarding look.

At the side, Pei Zhao, seeing this scene, inexplicably felt as though his father had suddenly grown a wagging tail behind him.

Only Chen Qing and the others, after hearing this, couldn’t help crying out inwardly, their expressions turning a bit bitter.

Send them on their way, for real? Once Pei Shizi learns that Miss Shen is gone, would he still give them a good look?

Since he wasn’t in Chang’an anyway, couldn’t they just… not deliver it for now?

Especially Chen Qing, who couldn’t help sighing inwardly: General Chen is really biased! Zhang Hu’s life is a life, mine is a life too!

But helpless, they still had to continue their journey toward Liangzhou.

***

Within Liangzhou territory, Pei Zhen urged his army forward at great speed and finally, after nightfall on the second day, arrived at the north bank of the Han River. However, before they could cross, they heard that the prefectural city of Liangzhou had already been taken by the rebels.

It was said that when the city fell, the prefectural governor Liang Xingrong hastily disguised himself as a woman to evade capture by the rebels, and successfully fled to Anxing County.

Pei Zhen frowned sharply. He had thought Liang Xingrong could at least hold out for three days, but unexpectedly, he hadn’t even lasted two.

It was too dark to cross the river at night. Moreover, their Bingzhou army had come from the northern lands, marching in haste all the way, crossing mountains and ridges, both men and horses were already exhausted.

After hearing the news, Pei Zhen instead gave the order for the army to camp and rest on the north bank, waiting until dawn to cross.

Yang Yuanyi received the news and rushed over on horseback, urgently asking, “Jianzhi, the prefectural city has fallen, why aren’t we crossing quickly to take it back, and instead stopping here? If His Majesty finds out…” he’ll reprimand you again.

Since there were soldiers nearby, he swallowed the latter half of his sentence.

Pei Zhen glanced at him but said nothing, carrying his riding whip as he walked straight into the tent.

Yang Yuanyi quickly dismounted and followed him inside.

Once inside the tent, with no one else present, Pei Zhen removed his helmet and armor and said expressionlessly, “Was it I who lost the prefectural city?”

Yang Yuanyi: “Uh.”

Pei Zhen: “Since it wasn’t, the one who should be anxious is Liang Xingrong, who lost it.”

Yang Yuanyi sighed. “That may be true…”

As he spoke, he also removed his helmet and sat down to the side. Suddenly his expression paused, as if realizing something, and he inhaled sharply. “Could it be that you intend to…?”

“Right now it’s not about what I intend.” Pei Zhen said expressionlessly, taking out a map and unfolding it. “The prefectural city is already lost. As for the remaining Anxing County, it will be swiftly taken by the rebels before we even cross the river. In that case, even if we force a crossing overnight, it will be useless. Moreover, the troops are exhausted, forcing a crossing could easily lead to trouble. Better to cross at dawn and garrison Hanzhong.”

“But if we do that, it will turn into a stalemate with the rebels,” Yang Yuanyi said gravely.

Pei Zhen tugged at his collar and frowned. “At this point, what else can we do?”

Yang Yuanyi glanced at him carefully, thinking: Don’t tell me you had planned this all along?

As it happened, he had guessed more than half correctly.

After learning that Li Xuan was commanding the rebels and that Liangzhou’s prefectural city might not hold, Pei Zhen already knew he wouldn’t be able to follow his original plan, quickly finishing the campaign and immediately turning back to Bingzhou.

This time, he had brought seventy thousand troops from Bingzhou, claiming it to be a hundred thousand. The reason for this was that he couldn’t truly bring out the full strength of Bingzhou’s forces, yet he also needed to conceal this from the emperor.

Earlier, in Luoyang, he had defeated the refugee rebels, losing some troops but also absorbing some surrendered forces, barely bringing the total to eighty or ninety thousand, enough to give a plausible account when the emperor in Chang’an saw it.

According to his original plan, the likes of Cai Shu should have been easily defeated. Once they were quickly crushed, he could immediately return to Bingzhou with his troops. As long as he moved fast enough, even if the emperor intended to “discard the bow once the bird is dead,” by then he would already be back in Bingzhou, and there would be nothing the emperor could do.

After all, the emperor also feared pushing too far and provoking a sudden rebellion from the Bingzhou army, though Pei Zhen himself had never entertained such thoughts.

In fact, the emperor had dispatched him to suppress the rebellion precisely to weaken him, and at the same time, while he was away from Bingzhou, to plant trusted aides within the Bingzhou army.

In this way, Pei Zhen, transferred to the southwest, would be steadily worn down by the rebels, while the forces remaining in Bingzhou would gradually come under the emperor’s control.

If things had gone according to Pei Zhen’s original plan, as long as he could return quickly, this possibility would not exist. But now…

Pei Zhen frowned. He had never intended to raise “bandits” to strengthen himself, growing more powerful the longer the fight dragged on. But now that the rebels could not be resolved in the short term, and he could not immediately return to Bingzhou, this had instead become his only way out.

After all, the Liangzhou army had already been beaten into disarray. If the southwestern rebels grew even stronger, then the more he strengthened himself, the more the emperor would have to rely on him and would not be able to easily move against him. Otherwise, before the southwestern rebels were even eliminated, he himself would be dealt with by the emperor first.

Pei Zhen pressed his brow. Although he had already thought of a solution, he still felt a wave of exhaustion.

He only wanted to remain in Bingzhou fighting the Hu people, he had no desire to play these schemes and intrigues. Unfortunately, the emperor’s suspicion was simply too heavy.

Beside him, Yang Yuanyi guessed his intentions and, seeing his poor expression, couldn’t help but sigh for him.

As Pei Zhen’s longtime friend, he knew very well that Pei Zhen had never intended to use military power for personal gain. What he truly wanted was simply to defend Bingzhou, reclaim the lands once belonging to Great Zhou from the Hu people, and bring back the remains of the old Yan Wang, his uncle, his cousin, and the countless soldiers of the Bingzhou army who had perished in the north, to give them proper burial.

But if Pei Zhen didn’t hold firmly to the Bingzhou army, then with the emperor’s capabilities, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bingzhou were lost one day. After all, not long ago, the emperor had transferred troops from Wuding Pass and nearly lost half of Yongzhou, hadn’t he?

So it wasn’t that Pei Zhen wanted to control the army, it was that the emperor’s abilities were not reassuring. Moreover, in that position, if one did not protect oneself, it was equivalent to placing one’s neck under another’s blade.

Thinking of all this, Yang Yuanyi patted Pei Zhen’s shoulder and said, “I understand. Don’t worry, no matter what you choose to do, I’ll support you to the end.”

After saying that, he paused, then added, “But even so, once we cross the river, we still need to win a few battles first, to give His Majesty an explanation on the surface.”

Pei Zhen nodded in agreement. “Just as well, I also want to meet that Crown Prince.”

After saying this, he paused, then suddenly added, “But there’s another matter…”

“Hm?” Yang Yuanyi thought it must be something important and looked at him seriously.

Pei Zhen hesitated. “Since I won’t be able to return anytime soon, I need to find another excuse to inform ‘Shen Xiu.’ I just don’t know what excuse I can use.”

Yang Yuanyi: “……”

“And she is a weak woman living alone, it won’t be easy for her. I should send her more money as well,” Pei Zhen added.

That reason was easy enough, he could just say it was money earned from trading furs.

Yang Yuanyi: “……”

“I’ve noticed that ever since you got married, you occasionally become rather improper,” he couldn’t help saying.

Pei Zhen turned his head and looked at him with displeasure. “When have I ever been improper?”

Yang Yuanyi: “……” How was what you just said proper?

***

Liangzhou Prefectural City.

Under the night sky, soldiers who had just captured the city were clearing the walls, carrying away corpses, and setting up defenses anew.

Inside the city, the rebel army that had just entered was maintaining order, while soldiers holding torches ran back and forth from time to time.

Within the governor’s residence, lit by lanterns and torches, everything was as bright as day.

Li Chanxiu sat in the main seat of the hall, one hand supporting his temple, listening to reports from those below.

Having barely rested for two consecutive days, his handsome face showed clear signs of fatigue. His cheeks were smeared with dust and blood; under the lamplight, his skin appeared excessively pale, and the bluish veins on the back of his hand were faintly visible.

Originally, he had not intended to sit in the main seat, but Yan Xiaoming, the commander of the main force that attacked the prefectural city and a trusted subordinate of his father, held him in high regard and insisted that he take the position.

Because of this, Cai Shu, who had entered the city with them, had an extremely unpleasant expression and was quite displeased. However, having just suffered a defeat not long ago, and with Yan Xiaoming and Li Chanxiu capturing the city immediately afterward, he could not say anything.

Li Chanxiu was clearly exhausted. As he listened to reports on both major and minor matters, some of which were not even particularly important, his energy gradually waned, and he finally closed his eyes.

At first, seeing this, Yan Xiaoming secretly thought: Although the Little Highness is much younger, he was raised by the master after all, his bearing while seated is exactly the same.

But in the next moment, seeing Li Chanxiu suddenly nod like a pecking chick, he realized that he had actually fallen asleep.

Yan Xiaoming couldn’t help but smile, and quickly covered for him. Turning to the others, he said sternly, “Since there’s nothing important, everyone go attend to your duties. There’s no need to report every single matter.”

Hearing this, everyone quickly dispersed. Only Cai Shu felt unwilling, but meeting Yan Xiaoming’s dark gaze, he ultimately said nothing and strode away.

Because of that instruction, Li Chanxiu also snapped awake instantly. Realizing he had accidentally fallen asleep, he felt somewhat embarrassed.

As a trusted subordinate of Li Xuan, Yan Xiaoming knew about his poor health and advised him to go rest first.

“The Bingzhou army will arrive tomorrow, and master will personally come to the prefectural city as well. Your Highness should rest now and recover your energy, so that tomorrow you can face what comes together with the master.”

Li Chanxiu had originally not wanted to sleep. After all, that Liangzhou governor who had just been defeated by them and forced to disguise himself as a woman to escape had also returned to sleep after defeating Cai Shu, only to lose the prefectural city.

But after hearing Yan Xiaoming’s words, he felt they made sense. Pei Zhen would arrive tomorrow, and he needed to recover his strength to deal with him properly.

Most importantly, his father would also be coming…

Although they had been separated for less than two months, perhaps because of that dream, to him it felt as though they had been apart for half a lifetime. Now that he would finally see his father again, how could he not look forward to it?

Moreover, he was not like the Liangzhou governor. Even if he went to rest, Yan Xiaoming would still be in charge of matters in the city.

Yan Xiaoming was one of his father’s fierce generals and had followed him in pacifying the southwest in earlier years. If not for being implicated by Cai Shu and dying in Liangzhou in that dream, he might well have stood alongside Pei Zhen and Lu Zhi as one of the pillars of the nation.

In addition, he still had Yi Xun, Xuanping, Commander Zhou, and the others…

With these thoughts, after a simple wash, Li Chanxiu finally went to sleep with peace of mind.

***

At the Pingcheng government office, Li Xuan stood with his hands behind his back by the window. The cold moonlight draped over his shoulders. Even late into the night, he had yet to sleep.

Until a black-clad guard outside suddenly came to report: “Master, General Yan and the Little Highness have successfully taken the prefectural city. General Yan has sent troops to continue attacking Anxing County and requests that you go to the prefectural city tomorrow to take command.”

Li Xuan’s solemn expression, maintained throughout the night, finally relaxed slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. He nodded lightly. “I understand. You may withdraw.”

The black-clad guard quickly retreated.

After he left, Li Xuan raised the wrist wrapped with prayer beads and gently flicked a small, charming cicada carved from white jade on the window lattice before him. His expression softened, carrying a trace of tenderness.

Suddenly, a long-haired white cat, clearly quite old, leapt onto the window and snatched the jade cicada in its mouth.

Li Xuan was not annoyed. Pinching the back of the cat’s neck, he easily lifted it up and retrieved the jade cicada from its mouth, saying, “Do you miss Chan Nu’er too?”

After speaking, he sighed softly and looked out the window. “Soon.”

He would soon be able to see his little Chan Nu’er.

***

Early the next morning, just after Pei Zhen led his army across the Han River, he heard the news that Anxing County had been taken.

Pei Zhen remained expressionless and said to the others, “Continue to hold position.”

Not long after, the Liangzhou prefectural governor, Liang Xingrong, arrived in a bedraggled state with his remaining troops.

…

Inside Liangzhou’s prefectural city.

Li Chanxiu got up in the morning and had breakfast beside the prefectural governor’s residence while listening to military reports.

After a night’s rest, his energy had indeed recovered somewhat. When he learned that Pei Zhen’s army had already crossed the Han River and was stationed in Hanzhong on the southern bank, his hand holding the chopsticks paused.

Although he very much wanted to immediately go and meet this future pillar of the state, his teacher, senior, and friend from his dream, Pei Zhen did not recognize him, and it was impossible that the other party would hear he had arrived and come out specifically to meet him.

After a brief consideration, he said to the reporting soldier, “Go tell General Yan: Pei Zhen’s army has just arrived and has marched a long distance, they must be exhausted. Send troops to harass them repeatedly so their soldiers cannot rest in peace. Also, bring more large drums to outside their camp and take turns beating them.”

The soldier immediately went to relay the order.

***

In Pei Zhen’s camp, Prefect Liang looked disheveled, grabbing food from his bowl with his hands and wolfing it down, making Yang Yuanyi beside him frown.

Pei Zhen sat at the head, his expression unchanged the entire time.

Only after finishing eating, when Prefect Liang belched and finally recovered, did he suddenly begin to “complain”: “I have to say, General Pei, I sent repeated calls for help. Why did you arrive so late? If you had come just two days earlier, the prefectural city wouldn’t have fallen.”

The corner of Yang Yuanyi’s mouth twitched. “His Majesty ordered us to pass through Chang’an and stay there for a day. Lord Liang, we already set out half a day earlier than scheduled.”

In other words, who knew you would collapse so quickly.

Prefect Liang wiped his face and sighed. “Fine, let’s not talk about that now. At least you’ve arrived. But why aren’t you sending troops to retake the prefectural city? What are you lingering here for?”

Yang Yuanyi glanced at Pei Zhen and helped explain, “Our army has marched a long distance and is exhausted, ”

Before he could finish, a series of drumbeats suddenly sounded from outside, making one’s chest pound.

“What’s going on?” Yang Yuanyi lifted the tent flap and strode out.

Soon, a soldier came to report: “Reporting to the young general, the rebels are outside challenging us. They’re saying our Bingzhou army are cowardly turtles who don’t dare to fight.”

Yang Yuanyi was immediately annoyed. “How many of them came? Why not just drive them off?”

“We tried, but as soon as we went out, they ran away. When we returned to camp, they came back to shout again, and even brought large drums to beat.”

Yang Yuanyi: “…Who came up with such a shameless tactic?”

Just as he finished speaking, Pei Zhen also stepped out of the tent, frowning as he looked into the distance.