Love Lock

Chapter 43 The Tragic Story of Cao Xiong

Beiguan.

Yesterday the sun was shining brightly, but today the wind is just as biting and snowflakes are falling.

The Zhao Family Army, a formidable cavalry force that strikes fear into the hearts of its enemies, stands like an insurmountable Great Wall of Steel, safeguarding the peace of the northwest of the Great Jing Dynasty. And deep within this army, a name resounds like thunder in the hearts of every soldier—Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun's fame lies not only in his extraordinary martial arts skills and outstanding military strategy, but also in his sincere heart for the country and its people.

Under Zhao Zun's leadership, the Zhao family army repeatedly achieved great feats, keeping the Turks, Ala, and Meng Kingdom in the north out of the country, allowing the people of the Central Plains to live and work in peace. However, fate is unpredictable. An imperial edict forced Zhao Zun to relinquish his military power and retire to the northern pass.

The man who succeeded Zhao Zun was Cao Xiong, the younger brother of Cao Ge, the Minister of War.

Born into a prestigious family, he had never actually been on the battlefield. At first, he was thrilled by this sudden honor. He imagined himself, like Zhao Zun, achieving great military exploits and becoming a hero admired by thousands.

However, reality gave him a loud slap in the face.

"Marshal, today's training is complete. Please give your instructions." Ma Cheng, the garrison commander of Yong'an City, stood in front of Cao Xiong, breathing on his hands to warm them. His expression was respectful but slightly indifferent.

Cao Xiong nodded slightly. "Very good, you've worked hard. But why do I feel that your morale seems a bit low?"

Ma Cheng gave a bitter smile: "Marshal, you may not know this, but when Marshal Zhao was in power, we all shared a belief: to follow him and protect this land. Now that Marshal Zhao is gone, we..."

It's Zhao Zun again!

Cao Xiong's face fell, clearly displeased.

He had long heard of Zhao Zun's status in the Zhao family army, and he knew that such a status could not be shaken overnight.

But he also needs to establish his own authority.

A few days ago, he began a series of reforms. He not only increased the intensity of training but also adjusted the military laws and regulations established by Zhao Zun. But all of this seems to have had little effect. The soldiers of Zhao's army still remember Zhao Zun fondly, but maintain a distance from him.

They called him Marshal, but in their hearts they despised and resented him, and some soldiers even talked back to him to his face.

Hmph! He refused to believe he couldn't control these people. He refused to believe he couldn't defeat Zhao Zun.

Hmph! He's going to take to the field himself today. He doesn't believe that his bravery isn't enough to earn the respect of these soldiers.

Cao Xiong, clad in silver armor and a fiery red battle robe draped over his shoulders, rode a magnificent black horse. With his chest puffed out, he strode confidently to the command platform, accompanied by Ma Cheng.

His gaze was piercing as he surveyed the entire army, and he declared in a booming voice, "Fellow soldiers, I, Cao Xiong, hereby swear that we will surpass Zhao Zun and let our banner fly high in the heavens!"

However, the response he received was not the loud cheers he had imagined, but rather the open and subtle doubts and disdain from his soldiers.

"Tch! What an arrogant brat! He's barely grown up yet, and he thinks he can surpass Zhao Shuai?"

"They're still training outside in this cold weather," an old soldier muttered irritably in a low voice. Though his voice was soft, it was enough to resonate among the crowd.

Cao Xiong felt a chill run down his spine, but he didn't show any anger. Instead, a confident smile appeared on his fleshy face.

He knew very well that to earn the respect of these rough men on the frontier, he had to let his strength speak for itself.

Cao Xiong took a deep breath and said in a loud voice, "Brothers, from today onwards, I will train with you, fight alongside you, and together write a new chapter of glory for the Beiguan Garrison!"

This time, before he had even finished speaking, a noisy discussion arose from the crowd, and some people even openly talked back.

"Marshal Cao, you're making a huge boast. When Marshal Zhao was here, when did we ever suffer a defeat? What makes you think you can lead us to new victories?"

These words instantly created a tense and subtle atmosphere on the training ground. Hua Tianyou, who had come to the battlefield to earn military merit, even let out a nonchalant whistle in the crowd.

"Hey~"

Cao Xiong glanced at Hua Tianyou, his brows furrowing slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and stared directly at the soldier who had talked back.

“You’re right, Marshal Zhao Zun is a legend, but legends aren’t meant to be admired, but to be surpassed. I, Cao Xiong, am determined to be the one who surpasses Zhao Zun!” With that, Cao Xiong flashed to the open space below the command platform, swung his spear, and the tip drew a brilliant arc in the air, striking the bullseye with a single shot, drawing gasps of amazement.

Then, he picked up his bow and arrow, nocked an arrow, and the arrow shot out with a whoosh. This time, it hit the bullseye again, and another gasp of amazement rose from below.

"See that? What's so great about Zhao Zun? I have the same strength too. Strength is the only true measure of success!" Cao Xiong boasted. His voice was firm and powerful, clearly showing his satisfaction with his performance.

At this moment, Li Erniu, who was the first person Zhao Zun sent to help Han Lei when she treated the wounded soldiers, suddenly stepped forward.

Li Erniu shouted loudly, "Marshal Cao, we admire your martial arts skills, but in our hearts, Marshal Zhao is unmatched. Can you show us that you truly have the ability to lead us to victory?"

Upon hearing this, the training ground fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on Cao Xiong.

it is good!it is good!it is good!
A bunch of stubborn fools!

If you don't appreciate my politeness, then let's get straight to the point!

I'll show you whether I, Cao Xiong, truly have the ability!
Cao Xiong was furious and had lost his patience. He glared at Li Erniu and gritted his teeth, saying, "You bunch of bastards are disrupting morale and causing low morale. Now get back to training! Go! Run around the camp again..."

"Report..."

Before Cao Xiong could finish venting his anger, a scout's urgent shouts suddenly came from afar. Everyone tensed up and immediately turned to look. Then, they all stepped back, making way for the scout.

The scout rode at breakneck speed, making his way unimpeded, and soon arrived before Cao Xiong. The scout dismounted and reported to Cao Xiong.

"Report... Marshal, Turkic troops have been spotted outside the city and are rapidly advancing towards Yong'an City."

"What?" Cao Xiong was shocked, but he quickly recovered and asked, "How many troops have come?"

"The exact number is still unclear, but judging from the sound of horses' hooves, there are at least tens of thousands of people."

Generally, when scouts discover enemy activity, they will press their ears to the ground to listen for the sound of horses' hooves, first determining the approximate number of enemy troops before conducting further reconnaissance.

"What? Tens of thousands of people?"

What does it mean to have tens of thousands of people?
Cao Xiong, who had never truly experienced war, had been arrogant and smug just moments before. Now, however, his eyes were wide open, his voice trembled, and the sight of tens of thousands of men had terrified him to the core; even his pupils seemed to be shaking.

The soldiers below immediately became noisy, discussing amongst themselves and gripping their weapons tightly.

"Have the Turks gone mad?"

"Didn't the Turks already retreat? Why are they coming back?"

"This is the third battle this year."

"Impossible! The Turks...why would they choose to launch an expedition during such a snowy and windy time?"

"This doesn't make sense! If we go on an expedition now, where will the Turks get so much food and supplies?"

"How are they going to march in this awful weather?"

……

Ma Cheng frowned and walked to Cao Xiong's side, asking, "Marshal, what do we do now?"

"How to do?"

Cao Xiong mechanically turned his head to look at Ma Cheng. After a long pause, his shocked pupils suddenly contracted, as if he had just realized what was happening. He then abruptly waved his hand and shouted at the top of his lungs—

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack! Prepare for battle! Prepare for battle!"

Your Majesty, Empress, Princess, and Your Highnesses, please reward this humble servant with votes, comments, and favorites. Let's interact and wish everyone a smooth and successful 2025.

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(End of this chapter)