Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 262

Chapter 262 Conclusion (2)

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The yellow sand stretched for thousands of miles, and the black clouds pressed low. The wind and sand swept up, and the two armies clashed in a deafening battle, shaking the heavens.

After the Great Wei’s troops camped outside Jiuchuan City for five days, the Wutuo people inside the city finally couldn’t hold back.

The military kitchen reduced its production day by day, and the female marquis from Great Wei never directly confronted them. Even the scouts sent out to engage with the small soldiers of Great Wei, once the Great Wei soldiers approached not far from the city gates, they dared not continue the pursuit. Gradually, the Wutuo people considered the news brought back by Maka and Huyate as nothing more than an excuse for their incompetence.

A woman, relying on the slight fame of her general husband, was not to be feared. Even their own subordinates from Great Wei couldn’t be controlled. Just after five days, half of the people became deserters. The Wutuo leaders were convinced that the Great Wei soldiers were timid. That night, they ordered the elite forces to lightly equip themselves, engage the remaining Great Wei army, and pursue them.

The Wutuo soldiers went outside the city and headed towards the Gobi Desert. Suddenly, they heard the deafening sound of killing in front of them. The Great Wei cavalry, ambushing on both sides, released a volley of arrows. Arrows whistled like a storm, catching them off guard. At that critical moment, cavalry wielding long blades charged towards them. The leader was a young woman in a red armor, with a proud expression, wielding a pale-colored long sword. She seemed to want to cut through the sky and came like the wind, invincible.

The two armies clashed, and the sound of drums and gongs echoed in the air.

The Fuyue army, once under the command of Flying Phoenix General, was invincible, and no one could stop them. Since the true Flying Phoenix General left, they had never been as proud as today. That seemingly slender and delicate woman seemed to contain immense power within her body. In her hands, the Fuyue army was like a perfect blade, with every formation and ambush executed flawlessly. He Yan laid on horseback, the long sword an extension of her arm, charging into the enemy camp without a trace of fear. Blood splattered as the long sword swung, and enemy heads were severed beneath the hooves of her horse. Her lips curled in a confident smile, illuminating the gloomy night in the Gobi Desert.

The Wutuo people were defeated, abandoning their armor and dragging their weapons.

As the last trace of blood on the long blade was wiped away, the intense battle came to an end.

The Wutuo people died or were captured, and although the city gates were not breached, the first battle was considered a success.

The excited deputy general found the woman who was walking back and exclaimed, disregarding his own exhausted body, “Lord, this battle was too beautifully won! Lord, your strategies were ingenious!”

He Yan smiled, “It’s not my credit.”

Her armor was stained with blood, her face smeared with dirt, perhaps not only from the Wutuo people, but her posture was upright. There was no sign of fatigue, but her eyes were bright, giving the surrounding Fuyue soldiers a reassuring feeling as soon as they saw her.

It seemed that as long as she was present, in this contest against the Wutuo people, they would surely be the winners.

In the military, strength and fists spoke louder than words. If there were any doubts about He Yan leading the troops before, and they didn’t understand why she wanted to reduce the military stoves every day, after this battle, she truly gained the soldiers’ trust. The effectiveness of ambushes and military formations was evident to everyone. Leading the charge on the battlefield, she was at the forefront, a sword in hand, fearlessly entering the enemy’s formation. The might of her long sword was undoubtedly real.

Perhaps, the true Flying Phoenix General was like this too.

He Yan said, “Let the army doctor treat the injured brothers, and the lightly injured or uninjured brothers clean up the battlefield.” After a pause, she continued, “It’s dawn, and we need to attack the city again.”

“Attack the city? It’s only been one night; the brothers are probably…”

He Yan smiled, “It’s not a real attack on the city, just to harass them.”

This battle, although won beautifully, was not an easy victory. The elite troops sent out by the Wutuo people posed a considerable challenge for the Fuyue army, but they managed to seize the initiative. However, this was just the first step.

Someone ran up from behind, panting heavily, calling out to her, “He… Lord He!”

He Yan turned around and saw Jiang Jiao. She asked, “What happened?”

“Brother Shan…” Jiang Jiao’s expression was grim, “You should go and see.”

Hong Shan had been pierced through the chest by a Wutuo person’s sword. After removing his armor, his clothes were stained red with blood. Wang Ba and others surrounded him, and when the military doctor saw He Yan approaching, he shook his head.

He Yan walked over. This man, who always patted her shoulder with a smile, calling her “Ah He,” would never wake up again.

Among this group of people, Hong Shan’s skills were not the best, but he had always tried his best to keep up with everyone. He Yan remembered that the first person she met when she joined the military was Hong Shan. He treated her like a younger brother at home, always taking care of her. He had once said, “Being a front-line soldier is not bad at all. At least, we have our lives,” but now, he died on the battlefield.

He didn’t have any keepsakes on him, nothing to take away.

Wang Ba, who always had something to say, remained silent at this moment, his eyes slightly red.

They were brothers who had experienced many things together, and their bond was deeper than with others. However, the cruelty of war lay in the fact that no one could predict who would be the next to leave.

And she didn’t have the time or energy to grieve here.

“Bury him,” she said softly, stood up, and walked forward.

Wang Ba couldn’t help but be angry. “Hey, is that all?”

“Clean up and tidy up,” the woman’s voice was firm and clear, without any unnecessary sadness, “At dawn, we will attack the city.”

…

The city gate was wide open, and thousands of soldiers and horses marched along the path, war drums thundering.

A young general clad in silver armor was like a nimble silver dragon in the night, his blade carrying a fierce and cold edge.

As the commanding general of the battle, Gui De Zhonglang General was accustomed to direct and fierce tactics. His Yan family army also followed suit. The two armies clashed, seemingly leaving no room for retreat.

Although Jijun was plagued by the epidemic, it was now under the control of Lin Shuanghe. After a few small probing battles, the Yan family army won several consecutive victories. Today, the city gate finally broke, marking the real face-to-face confrontation.

Perhaps because the Wutuo people feared General Fengyun more than General Yan He, most of the Wutuo forces were deployed to reinforce Yunzi. The remaining forces at Jijun were outnumbered by the Yan Family’s army. For now, Great Wei temporarily held the upper hand.

Winning a battle was the most effective way to boost morale. At this moment, the Yan army was in high spirits. Soldiers around them shouted, “Kill the Wutuo people and make them leave Great Wei!”

“Drive them out of Great Wei!”

Someone laughed and shouted, “This battle is victorious. Perhaps we will be the first to return to Shuojing with our troops!”

This statement was well-received. Everyone knew that General Yan loved to compete with General Fengyun. If they won this battle and returned to Shuojing first, it would mean that their general was more formidable than General Fengyun.

Yan He listened and felt pleased.

At this moment, he saw a familiar figure among the soldiers fighting the Wutuo people in the front. He suddenly remembered that this was the man who told him about his young children a few days ago. Yan He recalled that this man’s eldest daughter was only three years old. At this moment, he was desperately fighting the Wutuo people, unaware of the cold arrows flying towards him from behind.

Yan He frowned, knowing he couldn’t be distracted on the battlefield. However, perhaps it was the man’s longing for a reunion with his family that left a deep impression on Yan He that day. Or maybe it was the thought of Xia Chengxiu’s unborn child waiting for him to return home. In any case, he rushed over and pushed the man away.

The arrows grazed both of them, and Yan He breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, a panicked voice sounded beside him, “General!”

…

Yunzi was by the sea, the opposite direction from Jijun and Jiuchuan.

The night was as dark as ink, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks could be heard at the coastline. The wind brought the damp smell of the sea. Looking from the shore, the sea and sky seemed to merge, as if sailing out to sea would lead to the nine heavens.

If there were no war, the scenery here would be extremely beautiful. However, once there was war, the openness and vastness turned into desolation and chill.

Inside a tent illuminated by torches, a young man clad in black armor was contemplating the map on a sand table.

Someone walked in from outside and said, “Young master, the order you gave to have people carry rice baskets past the city gate has been arranged.” 

Xiao Jue nodded. “Good.” 

In the eyes of the Wutuo people, Flying Phoenix General was no longer present among the two famous generals of Great Wei, leaving only General Fengyun, who was difficult to deal with. Therefore, the Wutuo troops in Yunzi were the most numerous. However, after Xiao Jue led the Nanfu troops to Yunzi, the Wutuo people did not engage him in direct confrontation from beginning to end. 

Perhaps in the past few years, the Wutuo people had suffered some losses at the hands of Xiao Jue. Or perhaps they attributed the victory in the battles of Rundu and Jiyang to Xiao Jue’s credit, refusing to take any action this time. Therefore, the city gate remained tightly closed, vowing not to venture out. 

Fei Nu looked at the young man sitting at the table and said, “Young master, these Wutuo people have been reluctant to make a move, intending to wear down the will of the Nanfu troops. Although the Nanfu troops and the Nine Banners Camp soldiers will not be intimidated, if this continues for too long, the food and supplies may not be sufficient.”

This was the real issue that needed consideration.

“They are playing this trick,” Xiao Jue said, “However,” he smirked, his gaze icy, “The Wutuo people arrived at Yunzi before the Nanfu soldiers. Even if there is food in the city, with their large numbers, the food supply in the city probably won’t last long. They want to exhaust us?” The young man’s smile at the corner of his lips was mocking, “They will exhaust themselves.”

The Wutuo people wanted to wait until the Nanfu soldiers were short of food and morale was low before launching an attack. But over time, not only would the Nanfu soldiers be worn down, but the Wutuo forces would also face the same difficulties.

“So, did the Young Master intentionally let them carry rice through the city gate to show the Wutuo people?”

“Let them find out that Great Wei has sufficient rice, and I doubt they can hold out for much longer.”

Fei Nu lowered his head, “The Young Master is wise.”

Xiao Jue put down the short stick pointing at the map and walked out of the tent.

There was no moon outside, and patrolling soldiers were carrying torches, while others sat together nibbling on dry rations. When they saw Xiao Jue, they respectfully greeted him.

The soldiers from the Nanfu and the Nine Banners Camp were led by Xiao Jue, especially the Nine Banners Camp. Unlike the Liangzhou Garrison and the Fuyue army, the soldiers in the Nine Banners Camp were not excessively close to their superiors. Not that the camaraderie was lacking, but it was mainly because this Right Army Commander had a cold personality and placed great importance on military discipline.

The women only saw the “Jade-Faced Commander’s” handsome appearance, but the soldiers in the camp knew about the ruthless heart beneath his good looks.

Therefore, among the Nanfu soldiers, not even a single joke was heard.

As Xiao Jue walked past the front of the tent, a soldier poked the side of Chiwu and asked in a low voice, “Chiwu, what’s that on the commander’s waist? Is it a sachet? Why is he hanging such an ugly thing?”

Chiwu: “….”

Xiao Jue, despite being one of the most handsome men in Great Wei, usually looked especially heroic and elegant even in armor. However, this time he went into battle, and the accessory on his waist turned into a sachet, intricately embroidered with who knows what. It was indeed very eye-catching, making it hard to ignore. The soldiers didn’t dare to ask, but one bold person finally couldn’t resist and asked Xiao Jue’s close aide, Chiwu.

“That’s right, Chiwu, what is that?” Another person asked, “I see the commander wear it every day. It seems precious. What’s the story behind it?”

Chiwu waved his hand, “That’s something embroidered by Madam for the Young Master. What do you guys know?”

“Madam?”

The surrounding soldiers looked at each other. The first one to speak with an embarrassed smile said, “Madam’s needlework… is indeed special.”

“It’s quite special,” someone nodded, “The commander wears this especially unique sachet every day. Chiwu, I heard people say that the commander dotes on Madam, is that true?”

“It’s impossible, right? When have you seen the commander pampering anyone? Can you imagine?”

“I can’t.”

Chiwu was annoyed by the questions, stood up, and pointed at them, “Guard the night properly. Don’t daydream every day. Do you have your own wife? Stop caring about others. If the Young Master hears about this, you’ll be punished with military sticks!”

Once he stood up, someone noticed his boots and exclaimed, “Oh, Chiwu, your boots are also special. Why is there a flower embroidered on them?”

“What flower? Where is the flower? Wow, there really is a flower!”

“This must be embroidered by a young lady. Chiwu, when did you get a sweetheart? You didn’t tell us anything. You’re not loyal enough to your brothers!”

“What sweetheart,” Chiwu blushed, scolding, “Don’t talk nonsense!” and walked away.

Xiao Jue reached the shore.

The shore was illuminated by torches, revealing the sparkling waves on the water surface. Without moonlight, the night seemed a bit chilly.

He reached out, took off the sachet from his waist, and on the sachet, a crooked “moon” looked at him as if it could see through the shoddy needlework to the radiant smile of Madam He in charge of the needlework.

The young man stared at the sachet in his hand, his lips curved slightly. 

Jiuchuan and Yunzi were too far apart, and it took a long time for news to reach here. He didn’t know how things were on her end, but… he believed she could handle it. 

He looked up at the sky, the sea stretching endlessly, only the gentle sound of waves breaking, like murmurs of lovers in a dream, scattered into the night on the battlefield. 

… 

Shuojing. 

The wind rose at night, blowing open the windows that weren’t closed properly, making the papers on the table rustle. The person lying on the bed opened their eyes, lit a lamp, got up, and walked to the window, gazing at the night sky. 

The capital was calm, without any signs of panic that a battle might break out. It was hard to imagine what the soldiers were doing on the battlefield thousands of miles away at this moment. 

A maid’s drowsy voice came from behind, “Madam, why are you up?” 

Xia Chengxiu smiled. “Nothing, I just couldn’t sleep.”

The maid walked to her side, closed the window, and assisted her back inside, saying, “Madam, be careful. Now that you are with child, the spring wind is chilly. Don’t catch a cold. If the General asks, this servant girl will be in trouble.”

Everyone in the entire Yan Mansion knew that although General Yan had an arrogant and domineering temperament, he didn’t like to punish subordinates. However, when it came to Xia Chengxiu, he would be extremely meticulous. When Xia Chengxiu first entered the mansion, the beautiful daughter of the steward showed hostility towards her, provoking her secretly. After General Yan found out, the entire family was driven out of the mansion, without any consideration for past relationships.

Before this expedition, General Yan specifically instructed everyone in the mansion that if anything happened to Xia Chengxiu and the child in her womb, the entire mansion would suffer.

General Yan was true to his word, so the servants were always nervous around Xia Chengxiu, fearing any mishap.

As if thinking of General Yan’s meticulous and caring appearance, Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but smile and said, “How exaggerated. I have people taking care of me in the mansion, and the physician checks on me every day. I’m not that delicate.”

The maid smiled and said, “The General is also worried about Madam.”

Xia Chengxiu lowered her head, looked at her small abdomen, reached out to touch it, feeling nothing, yet somehow, it was like an instant connection through this bloodline, being able to sense the joy of the little one inside at this moment.

Seeing her movement, the maid asked with a smile, “If the General could be present at the birth of the young master or young miss, that would be great. The General cares so much for Madam. I think when the young master or young miss is born, he will be the best Father in the city of Shuojing.”

“If that’s the case,” Xia Chengxiu smiled, “he must have thought about how to educate the child long before.”

The child has not yet been born, and the name has already been chosen. Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but laugh and cry. Before leaving, he sincerely apologized to “Muxia”, saying that due to the urgent situation of the war, he couldn’t accompany her for the time being. When he returned, he would definitely make up for it doubly, and asked her not to be angry with Daddy.

Who knows whether the one in her belly is “Muxia” or “Liangjiang”?

However… Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but look forward to what General Yan would be like as a Father. Before she married him, she saw him challenging others aggressively, but she never thought that later he would become her husband, obediently following her at home. If he became a Father, whether it was “Muxia” or “Liangjiang,” he would surely dote on them sincerely and teach them carefully. Watching them grow day by day and become outstanding individuals.

Just like him.

“Madam… do you miss the General?” The maid looked at her expression and asked.

Xia Chengxiu smiled, her delicate features appearing even more gentle under the lamplight. 

After an unknown amount of time, she nodded and earnestly replied, “Yes, I miss him.”

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