I am a soldier in the border army

Chapter 665 The traitor Han Shao of Yan, shall be punished by all under heaven!
Gongye Jin has returned.

Compared to the crushing defeat ten years ago, he lost this battle even more miserably.

Not only did they lose another 100,000 elite Imperial Guards, but they also lost hundreds of thousands of county soldiers in the eastern route.

As a result, the entire Yuzhou and Sili regions are now almost defenseless, and have become fish on the chopping block for the Zhenliao Army, at their mercy.

Faced with such an outcome, Gongye Jin was naturally filled with shame.

He genuinely wanted to end his life on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, he ultimately failed to die.

What Gongye Jin didn't expect was that just as he returned to the capital full of shame, preparing to face immense humiliation and questioning, and even ready to be imprisoned again, Ji Yin actually held a banquet for him at Weiyang Palace.

Above the Golden Palace, dragons are carved around the pillars, and the dome hangs high.

During the banquet, court drums and music resounded, and dancers from the music bureau danced gracefully in the main hall. With the flow of magic, each step seemed to create a lotus flower, like a goddess emerging from an ancient divine palace.

The courtiers on both sides, dressed in purple and crimson, clinked glasses and chatted merrily.

He occasionally let out a hearty laugh, which wasn't abrupt at all, while he was speaking.

Gongye Jin, who was among the military officials, stared blankly at the bustling scene before him. In a daze, he almost thought that he had not lost a battle, but had wiped out hundreds of thousands of treacherous wolves in Zhenliao in one battle, and was now returning with the head of the Han traitor.

He complained, especially when courtiers smiled and offered him a toast.

"General Gongye and His Majesty have put on quite a show, which has really put us in a difficult position!"

acting?

Gongye Jin feigned composure, but his mind was filled with questions.

This... what does this have to do with anything?!

Just as he was about to ask a question, the courtier who had spoken had already drunk his wine cup in one gulp.

"Oh well, let's not talk about this anymore."

As he spoke, he lowered his voice, half helpless and half pleading.

"I only hope that General Gongye will be lenient and show more consideration for our men on the battlefield."

"Let's put aside the question of family background for now."

"They are all descendants of our families. If too many of them die or are injured, how can we old folks bear it?"

Gongye Jin, who couldn't understand what the other person was saying at all, felt extremely uncomfortable under the other person's eager gaze.

However, since the other party mentioned Ji Yin, he couldn't ask too many questions.

It was even less likely that he would go to Ji Yin to verify this.

So he could only grit his teeth and nod silently, then use the pauses between drinks to hide his stiff expression.

He hadn't expected that his action would cause all the other court officials, who had been clearly observing, to move.

One by one, they all raised their wine cups and made a gesture of respect towards Gongye Jin.

Those who were closer to the source openly offered flattering and sycophantic words.

"Brother Gongye, you are truly a renowned general of our time!"

"Given time, we will surely be able to annihilate the Yan traitors, assist Your Majesty in pacifying the world, and bring another prosperous era to our Great Yong!"

"Yeah yeah!"

"If one day, my worthy brother Gongye achieves unparalleled feats, I hope that you will not forget the bond we formed today as fellow ministers!"

There's no way around it, we have to promote them!

It is said that the Yan bandits of Youzhou had a notorious reputation for slaughtering people.

Compared to this one, it's probably far less chilling.

After all, the Yan bandits were ruthless and bloody, but they only targeted external enemies.

Rumor has it that the Yan bandit was extremely kind and benevolent to his subordinates.

But this one is different.

To achieve their goal, they simply threw away 100,000 elite imperial guards and hundreds of thousands of soldiers from various prefectures without a word!
With such ruthless heart that he wouldn't even blink an eye when betraying his own people, who wouldn't be afraid?
If this bastard really holds a grudge against me...

Once the families hand over their disciples and the wealth they have painstakingly accumulated over the years to him, they will be left with nothing but tears if they harbor even the slightest wicked thoughts.

Yes.

They compromised.

Ji Yin is absolutely right.

Thanks to the familial ties left by the late Emperor Taikang, even if the Yan rebels invaded the capital, they wouldn't risk being branded as regicide by killing Ji Yin.

But they are different.

After all, the Yan rebels made it very clear in their proclamation that they would "punish the treacherous and stingy, and purge the court of corrupt officials."

If he doesn't kill them, how can he explain himself to the world?
Therefore, compared to Ji Yin, they had no way out.

Right now, the only option is to give it our all and fight that Yan traitor to the death alongside Ji Yin.

Win, everyone is happy.

If we lose, it's all over.

However, Gongye Jin has been completely kept in the dark about all of this until now.

As a result, he went from being terrified to gradually becoming numb throughout the entire palace banquet. By the end of the banquet, still unable to emerge from the shadow of the crushing defeat, he was somewhat drunk.

However, just as his eyes were glazed over and he almost forgot where he was, a sharp voice, which was not exactly mocking, rang in his ears.

"General Gongye, that's a good mindset."

"He certainly has the composure and demeanor of a great general who remains calm in the face of both honor and disgrace."

Upon hearing this, Gongye Jin felt a sharp pain in his heart, and the shame and anger that had been temporarily masked by the palace's fine wine and liquor surged back into his mind.

However, once he regained his senses, he ultimately didn't dare to get angry.

After all, who else but the emperor's close attendants could speak to him like this in this grand hall?
Seeing that Gongye Jin deflated instantly like a punctured balloon after his words, Linghu An sighed inwardly.

Since he took over the Lantai Pavilion, he has been able to find out much more information.

To be honest, in his opinion, Gongye Jin's abilities were actually quite good.

It's just a pity that he was born at the wrong time.

Let's not even talk about the crushing defeat at the Ji River against Huang Tiandao ten years ago.

Internally, he was hampered by Shangguan Ding and his gang, and even secretly colluded with Huang Tiandao.

Outside, Huang Tiandao was at the height of his power and strength. With his 100,000 Imperial Guards, how could he not be defeated?

This time, there's even less need to elaborate.

He had personally witnessed the strength of the Zhenliao Army's fierce and valiant soldiers when he traveled to and from Youzhou in the past.

Even if Gongye Jin replaced all of the hundreds of thousands of troops under his command with elite Imperial Guards, what difference would it make?

We have to lose, even if it's inevitable!

Upon realizing this, Linghu An couldn't help but look at Gongye Jin with a hint of pity.

"His Majesty summons me."

"Let's go, don't keep His Majesty waiting."

Upon hearing this, Gongye Jin, who had just been looking dejected with his eyes downcast, mustered his spirits.

He hurriedly used his magic to dispel the effects of the alcohol, while bowing apologetically to Linghu An.

"Jin, I have lost my composure. Please apologize first! I hope Linghu Zhongchang will not take offense!"

Watching Gongye Jin's retreating figure as he walked briskly through the palace, Linghu An's eyes narrowed slightly, a series of thoughts flashing through his mind.

But in the end, he extinguished them all one by one.

As a hidden agent, even if sacrifice is necessary, it must be based on achieving maximum value.

The mere Gongye Jin is not worth mentioning.

……

"My head will be temporarily stored on your neck, do you have any objections?"

This was the first thing Ji Yin said to Gongye Jin.

Given a choice, Gongye Jin would naturally not choose to die.

So aside from prostrating himself, he did not express any opinion.

Seeing his submissive manner, Ji Yin smiled.

I increasingly felt that I was right.

To tame a subject, like taming a dog.

At least for now, Gongye Jin has become a loyal dog under his command.

"If I gave you another million soldiers and let you fight the Yan bandits again, could you possibly win?"

Upon hearing this, Gongye Jin's expression clearly showed his bewilderment.

He never expected that after his series of crushing defeats, Ji Yin would still give him the opportunity to command troops.

If we cannot embrace such divine grace, how can we be human?
Gongye Jin was deeply shaken, and his eyes turned red.

But he quickly realized a problem: where in the capital city of today are there still a million soldiers?

Don't even mention forcibly recruiting someone into the army.

This hasty battle with the Zhenliao Army has proven that simply relying on numbers is meaningless.

The seemingly massive force of hundreds of thousands of county soldiers collapsed at the first contact, and even dragged down the imperial guards responsible for holding the line.

Seeing Gongye Jin's constantly changing expression and his repeated hesitation to speak, Ji Yin sneered.

"I promised you a million soldiers, so why would I lie to you?"

Upon hearing this, Gongye Jin felt relieved and quickly replied.

"Your Majesty is wise." After saying this, he finally mustered up his courage and asked.

"May I ask Your Majesty, where does this mighty army come from?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yin gave him a somewhat amused look.

"At today's palace banquet, did you really only drink?"

Gongye Jin was taken aback, lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment, then finally showed a look of realization.

But then he became even more confused.

"Those court officials, backed by their families, are all more concerned with their own interests than with national affairs. How could they possibly be so... generous?"

When Gongye Jin said this, he was clearly hesitant, as if he was afraid of angering Ji Yin.

Ji Yin, on the other hand, burst into laughter.

"I have my own methods."

"You have no need to worry, nor do you need to worry about them secretly sabotaging your war."

"On the contrary, they will definitely give their all in this battle and fight that Yan traitor to the death at all costs!"

Some things in this world are just that wonderful.

Back when his father was alive, in order to preserve the Ji family's legacy and empire, he did not hesitate to endure humiliation, living a life of meekness and suffering.

But Ji Yin was different.

This country, this world, is not worth mentioning to him.

He didn't seem to value it at all.

However, at this point, it was those people who were anxious.

'Aristocratic families, ah—'

Ji Yin laughed uncontrollably.

There was a sense of satisfaction, but also a feeling of injustice for his deceased father, the emperor.

But there was more ridicule.

It mocks the absurdity of the world and the fickleness of human nature.

In short, he won this round again.

Perhaps in a few years, I will actually earn the reputation of a 'sage ruler'...

A strange smile appeared on Ji Yin's lips.

……

When an agreement is reached.

The speed at which the central nervous system reacts is enough to astound everyone.

At the end of July, news of the disastrous defeat at the Ji River reached the capital.

The people of the capital had not yet had time to be shocked by this terrible news, nor had the families of the fallen Imperial Guards had time to grieve for the deaths of their fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and sons.

The various government offices in the capital and even the entire world were abuzz with activity, like boiling water surging forth.

Batch after batch of disciples and members of the noble families of the capital donned armor and entered the army, while military supplies and materials poured in like a tidal wave.

Outside the capital, countless clans and collateral branches scattered across the land, upon receiving messages from the main branch in the capital, quickly organized armies to support the emperor and began converging on the capital.

In this way, the Imperial Guard of the Capital, which had suffered countless losses and declines, rapidly expanded and grew stronger.

By mid-August, the number had already reached a terrifying figure of over one million.

Putting aside their actual combat strength, in terms of sheer numbers, they were already comparable to the Imperial Guard at its peak.

And this is without even taking into account the armies from various regions that came to the emperor's aid.

"Tsk tsk tsk, is this what they had to rely on when they challenged the late emperor?"

"In that light, they certainly do have the qualifications."

Ji Yin spoke with a smile, his words piercing to the heart.

Linghu An, standing to the side, said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, this morning, the court officials came again to ask when the troops can be dispatched."

Ji Yin smiled jokingly.

"Look, they're getting anxious."

In fact, how could they not be anxious?

Gongye Jin's defeat in that battle was far too clean and decisive.

The hundreds of thousands of troops drawn from various prefectures have already emptied the entire Yuzhou and Sili regions.

Next, the Zhenliao Army will inevitably advance straight into Luoyang, the eastern capital.

Luoyang, the eastern capital, was one of the twenty-eight capitals of the Great Yong Dynasty.

Once this fertile land, one of the most prosperous in the world, falls, all the wealth and resources accumulated there over two thousand years will fall into the hands of the Yan bandits.

Based on this, the strength of the Zhenliao Army will inevitably undergo a process of significant expansion and growth.

Therefore, they had to stop the Zhenliao Army before it captured Luoyang, the eastern capital.

The key point is not in Luoyang itself, the eastern capital, but in the formidable pass east of Luoyang—Hulao Pass!

"Fine, we've suppressed them for so long."

"Let them pass."

As Ji Yin spoke, a hint of eagerness and anticipation finally appeared in his eyes, which had remained calm even when he killed Shangguan Ding.

"Oh, right, go and tell them for me."

"Whoever can take the head of the Yan traitor for me, I will gladly bestow upon him the title of king!"

The son sells his father's land without a second thought.

Is the world important to Ji Yin?

It's still considered important.

After all, it was something I had gone through a lot of trouble to snatch.

But while it's important, it's not that important.

However, it is true that he wants Han Shao dead.

And it's very important! Extremely important! Extremely important!
"The hatred of having one's wife stolen is irreconcilable!"

"I want him dead!"

……

"Tsk, speaking of which, I underestimated Ji Lao Jiu."

"This move of attacking two birds with one stone from across the mountain was indeed quite brilliant."

The Mo family treasure ships of the Zhenliao Navy sailed upstream along the Ji River.

The journey was smooth.

Han Shao, now known as the Yan traitor, calmly sat on the treasure ship, enjoying tea and the scenery.

Upon hearing Han Shao praise Ji Yin, Gongsun Xinyi couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"You are generous."

She had just received news that the capital city had also issued a proclamation denouncing Han Shao as a traitor.

The entire text not only portrays the Yan traitors but also enumerates Han Shao's numerous major crimes.

At first glance, it is an outrage against both gods and men, and an injustice against humanity.

Gongsun Xinyi, who was married to him, was furious after seeing this and bluntly said that Ji Jiu was a scoundrel.

After all, she couldn't bear to scold her husband, so how could she tolerate being insulted by others?

Han Shao smiled when he saw her indignant.

"I told you to stay home and rest, but you insisted on coming here."

"Now look what happened, I've just suffered this injustice for nothing, what was the point of all this?"

As he spoke, he casually made a joke.

"Aren't you afraid that once you leave, Wan Niang will completely sideline you at home?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Xinyi glared at him fiercely.

"What? You're quite pleased with yourself for watching us fight like this?"

Han Shao repeatedly cried out that he was wronged.

At this moment, Gongsun Xinyi suddenly changed the subject, revealing her gentleness without any attempt to conceal it.

"I am, after all, a soldier by birth. I've been stuck at home for so many years, it's really stifling."

"Don't blame me."

"Furthermore, this should be the last battle of your life in the true sense, and I really don't want to miss it."

What does "the last battle" mean?
Why does that sound so ominous?
Seeing her slightly aggrieved expression, Han Shao couldn't help but chuckle.

He then pulled her close with one hand and gently stroked her high, protruding waist with the other.

"I have already won this battle."

When it comes to it, women are really ruthless.

He was only prepared to kill Ji Jiu.

But Gongsun Xinyi's actions clearly showed that she still intended to kill him.

……

(End of this chapter)