Under One Person: Starting from the Inheritance of Gods

Chapter 456 A Game of Chess Where You Retreat and I Advance with Mutual Understanding
Outside Hulu Pass, Yuan Zuozong saw the signal and suddenly drew his sword: "All troops, attack! Target: Northern Mang's supply route!"

Dong Zhuo stood in front of the Northern Mang army, gazing at the majestic Huaiyang Pass city wall in the distance, the curved sword in his hand gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

Behind him stood an army of 150,000, their armor like a forest, their banners obscuring the sky, yet they could not dispel the gloom in his heart.

"General, all units are ready," Tuoba Xiong reported, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.

Dong Zhuo did not respond immediately; his gaze swept over the city wall of Huaiyang Pass.

There, the flags of the Northern Liang army fluttered in the wind. Although the garrison was present, their spirits were low and they were unusually quiet.

"Pass down the order: the vanguard will advance slowly, and the scouts will expand their reconnaissance area, paying particular attention to the valleys on both sides," Dong Zhuo commanded in a deep voice, his fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of his sword.

Tuoba Xiong said, "General, our army outnumbers the enemy three to one, why should we be so cautious?"

Dong Zhuo sneered: "If Chu Lushan were so easy to deal with, Northern Mang would have already crushed Northern Liang ten years ago."

Just then, the gates of Huaiyang Pass suddenly burst open, and a troop of Northern Liang cavalry charged out, led by the towering Qi Dangguo. He held a long spear, pointing it directly at the Northern Mang army formation.

"Dong Zhuo! Do you dare to fight me!" Qi Dangguo's roar was like thunder, echoing in front of the Northern Mang army.

The Northern Mang army was immediately thrown into turmoil.

Several young generals couldn't contain themselves and volunteered to fight. Dong Zhuo, however, narrowed his eyes and carefully observed the cavalry behind Qi Dangguo. There were only about three thousand men, but they were all listless, pale, and looked like they were barely holding on.

Even his warhorse looked listless, and was so thin that its bones were visible.

Dong Zhuo muttered, "Could it be that I'm just overthinking things?"

A general standing nearby said urgently, "General, the enemy is provoking us. If we don't respond, it might damage morale!"

Dong Zhuo cleared his mind: "Order the enemy to fire arrows to drive them away, and do not pursue them!"

As the arrows rained down, Qi Dangguo led his troops in a nimble retreat. Just before entering the city gate, he glanced back at the Northern Barbarian army formation, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

However, at that moment, a commotion suddenly broke out in the rear of the Northern Mang army.

A messenger came running: "Report! The supervising officer has ordered the entire army to attack the city immediately. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

Dong Zhuo's expression changed drastically. He turned his head and saw two supervising officers holding imperial edicts standing on the high platform in the center of the army, looking down at him with cold eyes.

The generals in the army all turned to look at the supervising officer, their eyes revealing their doubts about Dong Zhuo.

"General..."

Tuoba Xiong said in a low voice, "The imperial decree cannot be disobeyed."

Dong Zhuo's hand, gripping his sword, bulged with veins. He knew he had no way out; he either disobeyed the imperial edict and was captured on the spot, or risked attacking the city. He took a deep breath, suddenly drew his scimitar, and pointed it directly at Huaiyang Pass: "All troops, listen to my command! Attack the city!"

As the war drums thundered, the Northern Mang army surged towards Huaiyang Pass like a tidal wave. Dong Zhuo, however, remained at the rear, watching all this with a gloomy gaze.

He summoned his trusted confidant and whispered, "Order the rear guard to maintain their formation and be ready to support the retreat at any time."

The confidant was stunned: "General, this..."

"Go!"

Dong Zhuo shouted, "Furthermore, send men to guard the grain supplies and send scouts to investigate the direction of Hulu Pass. That is our army's supply route, and you must ensure its safety."

Meanwhile, inside Huaiyang Pass, Chu Lushan stood in the shadows of the city tower, watching the Northern Mang army surge in like a tide, a ferocious smile appearing on his fat face.

He turned to Qi Dangguo beside him and said, "Fatty Dong has indeed been pushed to the limit. He's even skipped the probing attack and is now launching a full-scale assault."

Qi Dangguo gripped his spear tightly: "According to the Crown Prince's plan, we should retreat."

Chu Lushan nodded: "The tunnel is ready. You take the Great Snow Dragon Riders and go first. I'll cover the rear."

"No!" Qi Dangguo refused resolutely. "The Crown Prince has ordered that you must leave first!"

Chu Lushan grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "Don't worry, I, Chu Lushan, am very tough. Besides..."

He pointed down to the city walls, "Someone has to give Fatty Dong a surprise."

Outside the city, the Northern Mang vanguard had approached the city walls and encountered fierce resistance from Chu Lushan and his men. After a fierce battle, the Northern Liang forces, seemingly exhausted by manpower, were overwhelmed by the swarming Northern Mang army.

Soon, ladders were erected on the city wall, and Northern Mang soldiers swarmed up.

Tuoba Xiong was the first to leap onto the city wall. He saw Chu Lushan leading the defending troops in a retreating battle. His confidence soared, and he shouted, "Pursue the enemy while they are winning! Don't let a single one escape!"

More Northern Mang soldiers poured into the city. The city gates were opened from the inside, and the Northern Mang cavalry charged in and began searching for the Northern Liang soldiers.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo also entered the city. Upon seeing this scene, his expression changed drastically: "Oh no, we've fallen into a trap! Get out of here quickly!"

But once the offensive of 150,000 troops is launched, how can it be stopped so easily? Moreover, the supervising officer is watching coldly from the high platform and does not allow any retreat.

"General!"

A scout galloped in to report, "We have spotted several tens of thousands of Northern Liang light cavalry in the direction of Hulu Pass, who are flanking our rear!"

Dong Zhuo was struck dumb. He finally understood the enemy's entire plan: Huaiyang Pass was bait, the purpose of which was to lure the entire Northern Mang army into the city, and then...

"Quickly! Order the entire army to retreat! There's an ambush in the city!" Dong Zhuo roared hoarsely.

Just then, a deafening explosion suddenly rang out from inside Huaiyang Pass, followed by a second and a third.

The entire city seemed to be torn apart from the inside by an invisible giant hand; the city walls collapsed, and smoke and dust billowed into the sky.

The shockwaves from the explosion came from all directions, causing the warhorses of the Northern Barbarian army to neigh in terror and their formation to crumble. Dong Zhuo watched helplessly as his troops were engulfed in flames, his eyes bloodshot with rage.

"Chu Lushan!" Dong Zhuo gritted his teeth, but he had to face reality. His 150,000-strong army was in ruins: the vanguard was engulfed in flames, the central army was in chaos, and the rear...

"Report! Yuan Zuozong has led 30,000 light cavalry to cut off our army's retreat!" Another scout brought even worse news.

Dong Zhuo knew he was utterly defeated. He drew his scimitar and shouted to his guards, "Gather the troops we can still mobilize and break through with me!"

The fire at Huaiyang Pass burned for three days and three nights. When the last flame was extinguished, the once magnificent pass was reduced to ruins. Of the 150,000 troops of the Northern Barbarians, fewer than 30,000 escaped; the rest were either killed or captured.

These 30,000 people who escaped were then blocked by Yuan Zuozong, and subsequently overtaken by the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the 50,000 light cavalry originally from Huaiyang Pass.

Dong Zhuo looked at the corpses and broken bodies scattered on the ground with a desolate expression. The Northern Liang cavalry surrounded them like a tide. Finally, he chose to draw his sword and commit suicide.

On a high ground thirty miles away, Fan Xian, dressed in white, gazed at the thick smoke rising in the direction of Huaiyang Pass. Yuan Zuozong and Chu Lushan stood behind him, the three of them silent.

After a long silence, Fan Xian said softly, "Warfare is based on deception. In all battles, one engages with the orthodox and wins with the unorthodox. Therefore, those who are skilled in using unorthodox tactics are as boundless as heaven and earth and as inexhaustible as rivers and seas."

Chu Lushan grinned: "Your Highness is incredibly resourceful. Northern Mang has suffered a major setback this time."

Fan Xian nodded: "After this battle, the Northern Barbarians will be unable to invade the south for several years. The 150,000 troops are enough as a congratulatory gift for me, the newly crowned King of Northern Liang." "This time, the number of soldiers and officers killed or wounded was less than 5,000, but 150,000 enemy soldiers were annihilated. It can be said that the student has surpassed the teacher." Yuan Zuozong looked at Fan Xian, feeling greatly gratified.

------

Liangzhou City.

Chen Zhibao looked at the message his subordinate had just sent, and his expression shifted. His calm demeanor finally wavered: "Dong Zhuo was defeated, and 150,000 of his troops perished at Huaiyang Pass, while our Northern Liang suffered casualties... less than 5,000?"

Dian Xiongchu exclaimed in surprise, "How is that possible?"

Chen Zhibao's eyes were deep: "It seems we've all underestimated our young master!"

Ye Xizhen worriedly said, "Now that the Crown Prince has proven his ability, he will win the hearts and minds of the army and the people. We will really have no place to stand in Beiliang."

Dian Xiongchu retorted evasively, "General, you have rendered countless meritorious services before the King. The Crown Prince's victory this time was merely by chance, how could it be..."

"enough!"

Chen Zhibao raised his hand to stop Dian Xiongchu's remarks, and simply said, "There is no need to discuss this matter further. I have my own plans."

Two days later, when Fan Xian returned in the morning dew, the entire city was still asleep.

The city gate guards saw the man in white and hurriedly saluted.

"Your Highness, General Chen has been waiting at the Prince's residence for quite some time," Yuan Zuozong said in a low voice, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

Fan Xian's lips curled slightly: "He is indeed impatient."

Chu Lushan rubbed his thick palms together and chuckled, "After winning such a great victory, if he could still sit still, he wouldn't be Chen Zhibao."

The three walked through the quiet streets. Occasionally, early risers would see Fan Xian and be surprised at first, then overjoyed, and would kneel down to pay their respects.

Fan Xian helped them up one by one, offering gentle greetings, which moved the people to tears.

The reputation of the once spoiled young master has been completely reversed.

“The people’s hearts are worth having,” Yuan Zuozong sighed softly.

Fan Xian smiled but remained silent.

Upon arriving at the Prince's Mansion, they saw the gates wide open, with two rows of armored guards standing solemnly on either side, their swords and halberds like a forest. Chen Zhibao, dressed in a plain robe, stood before the steps, his face as calm as a still well.

"Your Highness has returned in triumph; I, Chen Zhibao, have failed to greet you properly." Chen Zhibao bowed, his voice neither humble nor arrogant.

Fan Xian stepped forward, his smile warm: "General Chen, you are too kind. I am young and inexperienced, and I was fortunate to win this time. I hope the general will not hesitate to give me some pointers."

Their eyes met in mid-air, as if invisible sparks were flying. Dian Xiongchu, standing to the side, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his muscles taut as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Please." Chen Zhibao stepped aside to make way.

Inside the council hall, all the civil and military officials of Beiliang had gathered. Upon seeing Fan Xian enter, their expressions varied: some were delighted, some were doubtful, and some watched coldly.

Fan Xian's gaze swept across the crowd, taking in everyone's reactions.

"Everyone."

Fan Xian stood in the hall, his voice clear and resonant: "In the Battle of Huaiyang Pass, our army annihilated 150,000 enemy troops. This great victory was not achieved by me alone, but by the bravery of all the soldiers and the unity of the entire Northern Liang."

Hearing this, everyone had different expressions.

Chen Zhibao stood to the side, his gaze deep, lost in thought.

Fan Xian looked around at everyone and continued, "Although the Northern Barbarians have been defeated, their ambitions remain, and the Li Yang court is also eyeing them covetously. We need to prepare as soon as possible."

Yuan Zuozong stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "What the Crown Prince says is absolutely right. Although the Northern Barbarians have suffered heavy losses, their foundation remains intact. Given time, they will surely make a comeback. We should take this opportunity to strengthen our border defenses and expand our military."

Chu Lushan grinned, a sly glint in his eyes: "Young Master, in my opinion, we should take the initiative and strike while the Northern Barbarians are still weakened, and deliver a fatal blow to them!"

Fan Xian smiled slightly and shook his head, saying, "No. The Northern Liang forces are limited. If we rashly venture deep into the heart of Northern Mang, we may get bogged down. The most urgent task right now is to stabilize the internal situation and strengthen the military."

Then, Fan Xian looked at Chen Zhibao, his purpose was self-evident: military power. The so-called reorganization of the army was actually to completely dismantle Chen Zhibao's power and reorganize it.

Chen Zhibao spoke calmly, "Your Highness's foresight is admirable. May I ask what specific plans Your Highness has next?"

Fan Xian looked at Chen Zhibao with a frank gaze: "General Chen is a pillar of Beiliang. I, the young master, am willing to listen to your insightful opinions."

Chen Zhibao said calmly, "Your Highness is too modest. In my opinion, the most urgent task is to appease the army and reward the troops. At the same time, we should strengthen border defenses to prevent retaliation from the Northern Barbarians."

Fan Xian nodded: "General Chen is absolutely right. I have already ordered people to prepare rewards, and all the officers and soldiers of the three armies will receive rewards. As for the border defense, I ask General Chen to take good care of it."

Chen Zhibao nodded slightly and said no more.

After the meeting, Fan Xian stood alone in the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, gazing at the distant sky, looking thoughtful.

Yuan Zuozong quietly approached and whispered, "Your Highness, Chen Zhibao's attitude today is rather subtle."

Fan Xian chuckled lightly: "Perhaps!"

Yuan Zuozong frowned: "Your Highness, you must be careful. Chen Zhibao has extremely high prestige in the Northern Liang army. If he truly harbors disloyal intentions..."

Fan Xian waved his hand to interrupt: "It's alright. Chen Zhibao is a smart man. He knows what he should and shouldn't do. At least for now, he won't act rashly."

Yuan Zuozong nodded, but was still somewhat worried: "But Ye Xizhen, Dian Xiongchu and the others will probably not let this go easily."

Fan Xian's gaze turned cold: "They're just clowns, not worth worrying about. If they dare to make any moves, I won't hesitate to make an example of them. However, they probably won't have that chance."

Yuan Zuozong, not understanding his meaning, said: "I hope the Crown Prince will enlighten me!"

Fan Xian looked at the stars in the sky and said, "Chen Zhibao should be planning to leave Beiliang. Just as I said, he is a smart man, but also a self-righteous smart man."

“He is a very complicated person, deep and patient. Now that I have easily annihilated the Northern Mang army, he can rest assured and it is time for him to leave.”

Yuan Zuozong seemed to be thinking about something and suddenly fell silent. Finally, he couldn't help but sigh, "Yes, he is indeed a very difficult person to understand. Perhaps it is really as you said, Your Highness."

Chen Zhibao, whose name means "knowing how to repay kindness," was deeply indebted to Xu Xiao, so how could he not repay the kindness? It's just that his way of repaying the kindness was hard for people to accept.

In the original work, his choice to betray was actually a way of actively turning himself into a bad person and a target.

He has drawn all the potential instability within Northern Liang that could have arisen because of him onto himself.

By taking the blame for being a traitor himself, Xu Fengnian's authority in the Northern Liang army can be quickly established. This is a way of repaying a debt of gratitude by sacrificing his own reputation.

(End of this chapter)