As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 344 People from Beilie Arrive
The forces besieging Beilie are overwhelming for Qian Yuan, and with Yue Yang's current conditions, it will be difficult to inflict significant damage on Beilie.

In such situations, it's important to learn to be flexible and adaptable.

Before going to war, it is necessary to understand the purpose of the war and the conditions for achieving victory.

Victory doesn't necessarily mean killing a certain number of enemies or annihilating the entire enemy force.

The most important thing now is not the size of the forces on both sides, but time!

If Qian Yuan can hold out until reinforcements arrive, Qian Yuan will win.

If Bei Lie breaches the city before reinforcements arrive, Bei Lie will win.

Therefore, the goal of a night raid is not to inflict heavy casualties, but to exhaust and wear down the enemy as much as possible.

Harass, but don't attack.

The great man had long ago taught Mingchen how to conduct guerrilla warfare against the enemy when outnumbered.

We can prevent our opponents from resting peacefully and put them under our control.

If Tian Hong is cautious, he might rest for a while longer, thus gaining the most crucial time.

If Tian Hong launches a forced attack on the city on the second day, it will weaken the Northern Lie army to some extent.

In any case, it's all good.

Yesterday's night raid failed, and Tian Hong probably never expected that Qian Yuan would dare to pull another trick like this.

It is very difficult for people to overcome habitual thinking.

The Northern Army's reality was that its troops were exhausted. Before reaching Yueyang City, they had experienced a night raid and needed rest.

They were the attacking side, and time and geographical advantages were not on their side.

If Tian Hong could think outside the box and defy the odds by setting up another ambush, his eight hundred men would have no chance to escape and would be completely annihilated.

Mingchen accepted it.

"it is good!"

Xiao Xinyue trusted Mingchen completely and without reservation, and she decided to launch another night raid.

“Your Majesty, your attack last night was meaningful.”

Mingchen patted Xiao Xinyue's head and said with a smile, "In that case, Tian Hong will definitely not expect that we would dare to send troops to harass them again."

Xiao Xinyue shook her head at him: "If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. You don't need to comfort me."

The mistake was used by someone else to accomplish something.

It's not that a mistake isn't a mistake.

Essentially, Xiao Xinyue was defeated, losing so many troops.

She admitted it.

Mingchen smiled and simply said, "Okay~"

No one is infallible.

It's not a bad thing for Xiao Xinyue to experience some things; she still needs to grow.

Since Xiao Xinyue ascended the throne, her reign has been relatively smooth. Mingchen has always been by her side to help her, and her own talents are indeed outstanding.

The enemy forces collapsed without much trouble, and returned to the old capital, ready to reclaim their homeland.

She herself gradually became a little arrogant.

He's starting to resemble the leader of the Zhu You Gang before their rebellion, and he's having some sudden flashes of inspiration. He'll take risks and act recklessly.

Some of it is indeed unconventional wisdom, and some of it is indeed risky.

Learning from mistakes and growing... that's not a bad thing.

Yueyang City is far from being in a situation where there is nowhere to go.

A monarch who unifies the world cannot bear such weight without experiencing trials and tribulations.

Remember that there's nothing wrong with failing.

It's still winter, and the night wind is a bit biting.

Mingchen looked up at the crescent moon on the horizon and asked Xiao Xinyue, "It's late, Your Majesty, aren't you tired today?"

After a long night of hard work, I'm exhausted today dealing with all sorts of miscellaneous tasks.

His Majesty must be tired.

"Well……"

Xiao Xinyue actually wanted to wait and see how the troops Mingchen sent out fared.

However, Mingchen's question made her think of something else.

"Mingchen, with a major battle imminent and Yueyang City facing a life-or-death situation, I really have no mood for..."

Bearing the hopes of the people and soldiers, with so many loyal soldiers' lives hanging on her shoulders yesterday, and tens of thousands of enemy troops still watching her from outside...

Xiao Xinyue is truly not in the mood for marital bliss right now.

Mingchen: ...

Seeing Xiao Xinyue's flushed face and hesitant expression, Mingchen instantly guessed what she was thinking.

Heaven help him, he really just wanted Xiao Xinyue to rest.

Is he really just a lecherous maniac in Xiao Xinyue's mind, only thinking about dipping beans?
Mingchen is a little injured.

"I'm telling you to rest, really just to rest!"

Duke Anguo committed the heinous crime of deceiving the emperor.

He gave His Majesty a hard tap on the forehead and said in an annoyed tone.

Who on earth has such a dirty mind?!

"Forehead……"

Xiao Xinyue covered her forehead.

Meeting Mingchen's gaze, her face unconsciously flushed red.

She was overthinking it.

She felt a little embarrassed.

She pursed her lips, her ears turning bright red. She glared at the man fiercely: "You wicked person, who knows what you're thinking?"

However, even though that's what they say.

She couldn't help but lean gently into Mingchen's arms, relying on him without reservation.

She leaned against Mingchen, quietly gazing at the sky: "Mingchen, it's so good that you're back..."

"I originally wanted to use this Yueyang defense battle to prove that I could stand alone and support everything, but it seems I still failed..."

Upon hearing this, Mingchen paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, are you starting to guard against Chen?"

Xiao Xinyue rolled her eyes repeatedly: "No~"

Mingchen clearly knew what she meant, yet he deliberately misinterpreted it.

Mingchen chuckled and argued with him, "Your Majesty, according to you, Lord Feng, Lord Yun... they are still in Yueyang City! Don't you also need their help? You are not capable of handling things on your own."

"The way of a ruler is the way of employing people; there is no reason to try to withstand everything on one's own."

"Chen is also one of the Qian Yuan, and also His Majesty's power. Why must Chen be separated?"

Xiao Xinyue knew that this man had the ability to make the dead sound alive, and she couldn't possibly argue with him.

"You're being sophistical!"

You are different!

Mingchen was certainly different from the other ministers.

Xiao Xinyue asked softly, "Will you always be by my side like this?"

Mingchen paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "Of course!"

He took Xiao Xinyue's hand and placed a tiny, almost invisible hair in her palm.

"what is this?"

Mingchen made up a story for her on the spot: "This is a hair of fate. When you miss me, just call it and I will appear in front of you."

Xiao Xinyue suddenly raised her head: "Really?"

Mingchen gave her a wicked smile and said frankly, "I was just trying to coax you."

Xiao Xinyue: ...

This person... is really infuriating!
She really wanted to spank Mingchen.

However, she still clenched her palms, tucking the tiny hairs into the gaps between her hands.

……

As night fell, a crescent moon hung high in the sky. There were no stars, and a cold wind blew, making the night somewhat gloomy.

In contrast to the tranquility of the Qian Yuan Imperial Palace, the military camp not far outside the city was filled with a grim atmosphere.

Inside the Beilie military camp, the patrolling soldiers were diligently on duty.

Last night, under the leadership of General Tian Hongda, they achieved a victory. The ancient capital of Yueyang was right before their eyes, victory was within reach, but these soldiers remained calm and composed.

Tian Hong was strict in disciplining his troops, and under such circumstances, no one whispered or gossiped, and no one discussed yesterday's night raid or the upcoming war.

Everyone lived like machines. Those who needed to rest rested properly, and those who needed to patrol or take turns diligently performed their duties.

Inside the commander's tent, Tian Hong, who hadn't had a proper rest for several nights, sat at the table, quietly reviewing the intelligence and going over his future plans again and again.

Now is the most critical time, and there is no room for the slightest negligence.

It's a good thing that Xiao Xinyue's night raid was thwarted.

Mingchen has arrived.

Tian Hong had naturally studied Ming Chen quite a bit. In fact, Ming Chen's ability to command and fight was only average. His most outstanding achievement was leading eight hundred men to fight his way across the grasslands. Apart from that, he did not have any achievements in large-scale battles. He mostly cooperated with Ling Yu, who was in charge of the front-line battlefield, while he was responsible for support.

Even so, he cannot be underestimated. This man is eloquent and persuasive, capable of manipulating people's hearts. He has a whole host of schemes and tricks up his sleeve, is adept at winning through unconventional means, and also possesses some unorthodox skills. If he manages to seize even the slightest opportunity, the consequences will be unbearable.

The defenses of the three checkpoints were so formidable that even the slightest oversight could be exploited to the fullest extent of the law, resulting in the loss of two checkpoints.

A slight mistake could lead to a great loss.

Be cautious, be very cautious.

only……

Human strength has its limits, and one cannot keep pushing an old man to the limit indefinitely.

The oil lamp flickered.

The old general felt the letter in his hand gradually drifting away, his gaze becoming increasingly unfocused, and his head and eyelids feeling heavy.

His will is already very strong.

But after all this hard work and exhaustion, they need to rest.

He knows this himself. Perhaps it's time to get some sleep.

He should rest for a while; the siege will begin tomorrow, and he needs to get himself into top condition.

The old general lowered his head, slumped over the table, and his consciousness slowly sank into the abyss.

In a daze, the light and shadows before my eyes shifted.

"kill!"

The shouts of battle were deafening, the Northern Fierce Tiger Banner fluttered in the wind, and he stood on the city wall of the ancient capital, watching the fortified city fall, watching one Qian Yuan soldier after another beheaded, watching the city gates shatter, and watching the people live in fear.

He unconsciously clenched his fist and a smile appeared on his face.

He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, aiming at the young duke and emperor who were riding birds into the blue sky.

But... just then, the strange young man sitting on the bird's back turned around, looked down at him, narrowed his eyes, and smiled eerily.

Tian Hong shuddered and unconsciously looked down at himself. He didn't know when, but a large hole had been ripped into his chest, and blood was gushing out.

The dead Qian Yuan soldiers suddenly changed into Bei Lie's clothes.

As the wind blew by, the large characters on the walls of Yueyang City disappeared with the wind, replaced by "Qingcang City".

"Do not!!!"

Tian Hong's eyes were bloodshot. He suddenly raised his head, his face deathly pale, and he roared as he gasped for breath.

Dream!
It's a dream!

Fortunately it was a dream!

Looking at the familiar tent, he swallowed hard, touched his rapidly beating heart, and tried to calm his chaotic emotions.

Judging from the burning of the lamp oil, it must be late at night now, and he has been asleep for two hours.

He paused, just about to gather his thoughts.

But just then...

"Oh no! Oh no!"

"It's on fire!"

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

"Quickly, report to the general!"

……

Flaming arrows flew in, setting the army camp ablaze. The firelight illuminated the eerie, cold night, and bursts of noise shattered the tranquility of the tents.

Tian Hong's eyes suddenly narrowed, and he became fully awake, abruptly standing up.

Night attack?

Qian Yuan is launching another night raid?!

Damn!

The last attack was something he anticipated and was prepared for, but this time he wasn't!

Who in their right mind would launch a second attack immediately after a failed night raid, when morale is low?

Given Qian Yuan's current situation, how could they possibly launch another night raid?
Who is the attacker and who is the defender?
Addicted to sneak attacks?
Does it have to be successful just once?
What benefits does this bring to Qian Yuan?
With these troops, wouldn't it be better to just focus on defending the city diligently?

Tian Hong had a certain estimate of the number of elite troops in Yueyang City.

Xiao Xinyue's last night raid had already wiped out some of them. Given Yueyang City's resources, launching another night raid would be tantamount to betting all their elite troops on the card table.

Once it collapses, Yueyang City can simply surrender.

The risk is too great!
Despite the enemy's sneak attack, Tian Hong remained calm, his mind racing with thoughts.

The guards hurried into the tent and reported to Tian Hong, "General, enemy attack!"

"Please advise!"

"How many enemies are there?"

"An ominous sign!"

Tian Hong frowned and grabbed a large knife: "Let's go!"

Tian Hong was extremely strict in managing his troops. Even when the night raid disrupted the rhythm of the entire army, the soldiers did not panic.

Hearing the patrolmen's shouts, the sleeping soldiers quickly woke up, woke their comrades, and entered combat readiness as fast as possible, forming groups of three or five and waiting for their superiors' instructions.

All the soldiers were awakened and, relying on their strong discipline, immediately organized themselves into formation.

However, this night raid was a bit strange.

It seemed that there were only the sounds of rockets flying in and gunfire booming, but no enemy came to storm the camp.

The enemy is too slow. At the normal pace, they should have already stormed in and massacred the unprepared soldiers.

However, even as the sleeping Northern Fierce warriors gathered and formed ranks, not a single Qian Yuan soldier rushed in.

"How's it going?"

"Where are the enemies?"

Tian Hong, dressed in military uniform, hurriedly arrived at the front of the camp and asked the general leading the vanguard.

"I have already sent Zhang Bo to meet the enemy."

Upon seeing the supreme commander arrive, the general quickly bowed and reported, "However... the enemy doesn't seem to intend to charge; they appear to be retreating."

"Return?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Hong frowned.

"General, what should we do?"

"Could this be a ploy by the enemy?"

The general kept asking Tian Hong questions.

"Humph!"

Tian Hong shook his head and snorted coldly, "No need to chase them. Let the soldiers rest."

Seeing the situation, he understood the enemy's intentions.

He spent his life in the military, experiencing countless battles and various situations.

Based on the current situation and conditions, he immediately understood the enemy's intentions.

"Once Zhang Bo returns, order him to lead his troops to defend Yue Leng Mountain in the east. If any enemy troops come, annihilate them."

"Mingchen!"

Tian Hong looked towards the distant Yueyang City, spat repeatedly, and cursed under his breath, "They only use such despicable tricks!"

This night raid had a distinct Mingchen flavor.

Evil, disgusting, and unpredictable.

The first night raid failed, and troops were sent to launch another surprise attack on the second day.

Without engaging in actual combat, without seeking any kills or gains, they managed to wake up their own side and prepare for battle, only for the enemy to fire a single shot and then run away.

What is the purpose?

The purpose was to harass and prevent the Northern Warriors from getting proper rest.

In a sense, Mingchen has achieved his goal.

After all, Xiao Xinyue genuinely intended to launch a night raid yesterday, so it's only natural that her soldiers would be on high alert for a second night raid.

very good!

Mingchen, I've seen it all!

Having suffered a minor loss, Tian Hong glanced in the direction of Yueyang City and snorted coldly.

The assembled soldiers withdrew and rested in an orderly manner at his command, and he flicked his sleeves and returned to his tent.

This interruption made it impossible for me to rest.

The lights in the tents flickered, but suddenly a cold wind blew in, causing the flames to tremble and eventually go out.

The military tent suddenly fell silent, and the cold wind was biting.

Tian Hong looked up and frowned as he looked at the dark surroundings.

The lights went out, which seems normal.

However, after decades of experience in the military, he had a strong intuition.

Everything seemed a little strange; someone had arrived.

"Who?"

His brow furrowed, and he questioned aloud.

"Buzz buzz~"

It was the dead of winter, yet a strange buzzing of mosquitoes could be heard coming from inside the tent.

Suddenly, several figures appeared indistinctly in the darkness and came to Tian Hong's side.

"Who are you?!"

"How dare you trespass on the Northern Fierce Army's formation?"

Tian Hong gripped the hilt of his broadsword tightly, his eyes sharp as knives.

someone!

After decades of military battles and ups and downs, a bloody and menacing aura swept over them, startling several figures that were barely visible.

Ordinary people can only sense Tian Hong's powerful aura and imposing presence, which makes people involuntarily want to listen to him.

However, those with keen senses can feel the dense, malevolent aura of military strategy, which is like a bone-deep infection, once touched, it is difficult to escape.

Suddenly, a rough, hoarse voice rang out, praising, "Truly worthy of being the pillar of our Northern Fierce Army, General, what a magnificent spirit!"

Indeed, an extraordinary person had arrived.

"General Tian, ​​my name is Song Hu. My six brothers and I have come here on the orders of the Northern Emperor to lend you a hand!"

Mingchen always resorts to underhanded tricks and evil spirits to gain an unfair advantage.

Even in my northern region, there are extraordinary people.

"Huhuhu~"

A gentle breeze blows.

The oil lamp, which should have been extinguished, was suddenly lit again, and the room was suddenly bright again.

Just like Tian Hong's state of mind.

Illuminated by the firelight, six figures of different shapes appeared outside the tent, exuding an eerie aura. The one at the front, in particular, bowed respectfully to Tian Hong, and a piece of paper floated down onto Tian Hong's table.

The person who came was a friend, not an enemy.

(End of this chapter)