Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 817 - 1: National War (Part 1)

The outbreak of war was completely unexpected!

The previous winter in Rouran had been harsh, killing a large number of cattle and sheep. Many people in the tribes starved to death. As soon as the weather warmed slightly, the Rouran Khan, Fu Mingdun, gathered all the tribal cavalry for a large-scale attack on the border.

Two patrol camps from the border army encountered large groups of cavalry and were completely annihilated.

General Fan responded quickly, immediately closing the gates and sending urgent reports to the Capital City.

In Jiang Shaohua’s hand was the memorial personally written by General Fan.

The Empress’s face was as if covered in a layer of frost, her eyes flashing with an icy murderous intent. Her gaze swept across the familiar faces in the military tent, first pointing at the name of the Left General: "Marquis Wei Yuan, take a look at this memorial."

The Left General stood up, received the memorial, quickly read it through, and then said in a deep voice, "Emperor, for the past few years, the border has only seen minor skirmishes, not major battles. This time, Rouran has launched a massive offensive and will not stop until they’ve plundered enough."

"General Fan can barely hold the city; if it comes to a real fight, he is not a match for Rouran. Even if I were to go to the border army, I could only manage to defend the city and avoid their sharp edge."

However, this also means that the initiative is in the hands of the Rouran cavalry. The Rouran people can bypass the strong city, pillaging and burning along the way. Over a dozen frontier cities will suffer."

The court dispatching troops, no matter how fast, will still take a considerable amount of time. During this time, it will depend on General Fan.

Jiang Shaohua let out a deep breath, saying, "Zuo Feng!"

"I am here!" The Left General cupped his hand in salute.

"I command you to lead eighty thousand elite troops from the Heroic Guard Camp to the border army. Destroy Rouran and kill Fu Mingdun. I will bestow upon you the title of Duke."

A fierce gleam flashed in the Left General’s eyes: "I accept the order! Even if it costs me my life, I will annihilate the Rouran cavalry."

Jiang Shaohua looked steadily at the Left General: "How to fight the battle is your business. I do not want your life; what I want is for the Rouran cavalry to be wiped out."

"My Personal Guard Camp will also go with you; they will all follow your orders."

"Liu Hengchang, Qin Zhan, Meng Dashan."

The three Personal Guard Commanders cupped their hands together: "We are here."

Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over: "Remember, on this trip, all of you listen to the orders of the Left General. Whoever disobeys military orders, the General can deal with them according to military law."

"If anyone relies on being my trusted aide to cause trouble for the Left General, I will not pardon lightly!"

Liu Hengchang and the other two felt a chill in their hearts, not daring to meet the bright and sharp gaze of the Empress, and all lowered their heads to accept the order.

Jiang Shaohua looked at the remaining three Great Generals: "The Imperial Army stays in the Capital City, they cannot move. The Divine Martial Camp and Brave Camp each leave ten thousand men behind, everyone else goes out with the Left General."

"This national war, if won, will bring merit, and I will treat you well. If anyone dares to play tricks and disrupt the situation, I will personally use a spear to take their head."

General Bao was fine, but General Sima and General Song felt a chill. To be honest, as military generals, they regarded their men as their lifeblood. When leading troops to battle, the merit should be theirs. Who would want to give their own soldiers to someone else?

But at this moment, the Empress’s stance was clear; she intended to fully support the Left General. They had no room to refuse and could only bow their heads in agreement.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Minister Feng: "Minister Feng, I give you only ten days. The Ministry of Revenue must prepare the military expenses and provisions."

Minister Feng readily cupped his hands in response: "I will go to the Ministry of Revenue immediately."

Without waiting for the Empress’s instructions, Chancellor Chen said, "I will go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

At such times, all usable forces must be utilized.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, and finally, her gaze fell once again on the Left General’s face: "The Heroic Guard Camp has eighty thousand, the Nanyang Guard Camp has thirty thousand. The Divine Martial Camp and Brave Camp each send more than forty thousand. Together, it’s nearly two hundred thousand."

"I will issue another decree for General Fan to heed your orders and commands."

"Along with the border army, there would be nearly three hundred thousand troops."

"Zuo Feng! I trust you, I hope you don’t let me down!"

Feeling his blood surge, the Left General’s gaze became even more composed and sharp, saying in a deep voice: "I won’t say any sweet words. Everything will be proven on the battlefield! I will summon the military generals to the tent to discuss the strategy and tactics of the campaign."

...

With two hundred thousand troops, not to mention the fighting, just the marching arrangements alone are a huge project that makes one’s scalp tingle. The daily march, how to set up camp, daily meals, and sanitation all need to be meticulously planned.

The Left General, leading a group of military generals, held repeated meetings and discussions in the military tent, staying up several nights to barely come up with a plan.

The Left General personally entered the palace to present the thick memorial to the Emperor.

Jiang Shaohua, busy these past days coordinating and gathering supplies, had not been sleeping well either. She leafed through the memorial and said to the Left General, "All of these matters are for you to make decisions on. I will only handle one thing, ensuring the military has sufficient supplies and funds."

A wise ruler for the generals, nothing more needs to be said, even if it costs one’s life!

The Left General said no more, bowing in salute.

Before the army set off, Jiang Shaohua specially summoned Liu Hengchang into the palace.

"Liu Hengchang, I know you have great ambitions and a passionate resolve. However, you have only emerged in the past few years, your seniority is still shallow, and your influence is not enough."

Jiang Shaohua softly said, "In this national war, I have staked everything, we can only win, not lose. I chose the Left General for two reasons: first, because of his twenty years in the border army, and his familiarity with the Rouran cavalry. Second, commanding two hundred thousand troops, organizing and deploying in battle is not easy, and at this time, the only one capable is the Left General."

"In the army, there can only be one commander, and that has to be Zuo Feng."

"I want you to put aside any prejudices, abandon all distractions, and follow the Left General’s commands."

Liu Hengchang solemnly replied, "Emperor, rest assured, I have no discontent with the Left General."

Jiang Shaohua said coolly, "You may not be discontent, but there are those in the Personal Guard Camp who are dissatisfied for you."

The personal guards are expertly trained in battle formations, which can be attributed to Liu Hengchang’s achievements. In their eyes, their Commander is far superior to the Left General. Being of the true imperial lineage, why should they follow the Left General’s orders?

Liu Hengchang, realizing the Emperor was already aware, forced a bitter smile: "I have talked to them. While they remain silent, there is still some dissatisfaction in their hearts."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Liu Hengchang, "In any case, I have said everything needed today. In marching or in battle, the Personal Guard Camp must adhere to the orders. Any disturbance of morale or disruption of the battle situation will be dealt with under military law. Do not think that because they are my personal guards, they can act arrogantly and recklessly."

Liu Hengchang responded with a stern expression.

A few days later, the army finally set out. The Left General unfurled his own flag and called for the Red Flood Dragon Banner to be raised as well.

Two hundred thousand troops, a mighty force, headed straight for the border.