Patrol Captain

Chen Yuan hosted a private banquet for the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Chen Yuan was smiling.

Jiang Yi was also smiling.

The atmosphere is very harmonious.

About half an hour later, Chen Yuan said he had official business to attend to, and Jiang Yi took his leave, then flew away from the Ninth Mountain.

Once they left the territory of the Ninth Mountain, the smile on the lips of the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices slowly disappeared. He rubbed his stiff eyebrows and let out a long sigh.

After their conversation, Lord Chen had completely changed his attitude and seemed much more approachable. However, he was not so naive as to believe that Lord Chen, whom even His Majesty feared, was truly like that.

Although he didn't know why Chen Yuan hadn't agreed to take action in the first place, but instead ordered a surprise attack on the Beiliang pass, he figured it wasn't just a simple show of loyalty to the Emperor; there might be some deeper meaning behind it.

However, none of that matters anymore. What matters is that Lord Chen is willing to make this statement at this critical juncture. Although he has messed up his mission to leave the capital, at least he has the confidence to deliver on his promise.

Both logically and emotionally, Marquis Chen was right; he vented his anger and saved face for His Majesty.

He should be grateful for this favor!
As for other things, such as the deeper meaning implied in Lord Chen's words, Jiang Yi stopped thinking about them. Thinking too much was useless. The emperor was far away, and he was all alone here. He didn't even have anyone to talk to, so thinking so much was pointless.

Next, all that's left is to wait for Lord Chen's notification. By the time the other party allows him to return to the capital and report back, he will be old.

Having finished his thought, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices felt a sense of relief, and with a burst of speed, he returned to his resting place to stay peacefully.

Two days later, in the morning.

Above the Zhonglang Hall of the Ninth Mountain, the clouds shifted and changed, and with a whoosh, a milky white beam of light tore through the clouds and descended.

A group of generals appeared in the open space in front of the Zhonglang Hall, like heavenly soldiers descending.

There were about a dozen people, all clad in blue armor, exuding a bloody and menacing aura, as if they had just returned from a battlefield.

Gongsun Yang, leading the way, said, "I am an old man, and I am about to unleash my power." He then led his men into the main hall, sword in hand and boots at the head.

Inside the Zhonglang Hall, Chen Yuan, dressed in ordinary clothes, stood in the center of the hall, exuding an imposing aura without anger, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

Gongsun Yang stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, paused, and the clanging sound of his armor striking the ground echoed through the air.
"General."

"I have fulfilled my mission! This humble general has returned with my men to report back to you!"

"After the Lazikou Pass was breached, my subordinates led troops to seize and escort the captured military equipment. It took some time on the way. I have already ordered my men to inventory the military equipment captured inside the barbican!"

He took out a small booklet from his pocket, presented it with both hands, and as Chen Yuan caught it in his hands from a distance, Gongsun Yang continued:

"A rough count revealed nearly 100,000 armor-piercing crossbow bolts of various types, approximately a thousand mechanical weapons, over ten thousand swords, armor, and horses, and more."

At this point, Gongsun Yang's voice grew louder and louder, with a hint of excitement, "Perhaps it was because of the Ghost Cry Mountain where 100,000 Northern Liang cavalry camped, and Lazikou Pass served as a supply station for the rear, so there was a lot of stockpiled supplies inside. The pass also had a large number of iron smelting furnaces and many artisans accompanying the army."

"After our army broke through the pass, we captured over a hundred enemy armor-making craftsmen and seized about twenty iron smelting furnaces, along with countless quantities of refined iron. These men, soldiers, and military supplies have been successively escorted to Tianxiong Pass, awaiting the general's order for their disposal!"

As Chen Yuan listened to Gongsun Yang's report, he flipped through the catalog and scanned it with his eyes. Wow, there were quite a lot of supplies seized from Lazikou Pass. Even he was a little surprised.

No wonder they all like to fight over territory.

He closed the roster, flicked his sleeve, and slipped it inside. Then, raising his eyes, he said in a clear voice, "Issue my order—grain and fodder are stored in the warehouses, military supplies are distributed to the various battalions, and artisans are assigned to their respective departments!" "All soldiers who participated in this battle will receive double the rewards based on their military merits and will have priority in selection."

Chen Yuan issued orders to make arrangements for the captured supplies and prisoners, and to reward the soldiers who participated in the battle in order to boost morale.

"Yes," Gongsun Yang replied.

After these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall quieted down slightly. Chen Yuan's gaze swept over the generals who participated in the battle behind Gongsun Yang. Now, the three generals Lu, Liu, and Yun have been promoted to the position of General of the Three Mountains, and they are all in the position of Commander-in-Chief.

Besides the three veteran generals of the Flying Cavalry, there were also several unfamiliar faces among these people.

Among these unfamiliar faces is Gongsun Wuji, along with several friends who joined the army together.

Gongsun Yang was ordered to lead troops in a surprise attack on the Lazikou Pass of Beiliang. As several newly recruited captains who were entrusted with important responsibilities, Gongsun Yang specially brought them along to train them.

Of course, Gongsun Yang was not confused. He simply sent these few people with a small squad of his own troops as the rearguard, emphasizing participation. The main force consisted of his old subordinates from the Ninth Mountain, all of whom were very experienced in combat.

Chen Yuan discovered Gongsun Wuji and the others, but did not say much. After issuing the order, he sent them back to the mountain, leaving only Mr. Gongsun behind.

"General!"

Gongsun Yang stepped forward. He and Chen Yuan had always discussed things together. Having been by Chen Yuan's side for a long time, he could understand what Chen Yuan meant with just a glance.

"Mr. Gongsun, what are the losses in this battle?" Chen Yuan asked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly and his voice becoming somewhat deep.

After all, wars kill people, and his decision could affect the lives of many.

Gongsun Yang's expression was still acceptable. He cupped his hands and said, "This was a surprise attack. In addition, our troops defeated 100,000 Liangzhou cavalry last time. Many of the defenders of Lazikou Pass were defeated soldiers who fled from that battle. When we suddenly attacked and created the effect of a thousand troops, these defeated soldiers, who had already been attacked by a large army, had long intended to retreat. They stopped fighting after a short time and slowly collapsed. In addition, there was no general guarding the enemy's camp, so the casualties of our soldiers were not high."

What Gongsun Yang said was all true.

Chen Yuan nodded in agreement. "That would be best."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and tapped his fingers. “There is one thing. After you go down, summon the other generals for a small meeting to see how much of a shortage of military equipment they still have. Also, make a list of the casualties and compensation for this battle, and report a little more, report higher. While that Lord Jiang is still here, I will ask our Emperor for money and resources.”

"After all, the reward he sent turned out to be a blunder. I'm going to help him save face, so I can't just go to his aid for nothing. If I have to pay for this on credit, hehe, don't blame me if he turns on me without mercy later."

Chen Yuan said this with a half-smile.

Gongsun Yang immediately understood.

"Yes, General!"

"After I finish discussing matters with the other officers, I will compile a list and, as you wish, give it to Lord Jiang."

"Ok!"

"Go." Chen Yuan's gaze was deep and unfathomable, his thoughts unreadable.

And at this time.

Within Chengdu, at the Yun Mansion.

There is an important matter today, and I have asked the Yun family members residing at the Ninth Mountain to take some time out of their busy schedules. (End of Chapter)