The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 325 Taking credit
Zhang Can divided his two thousand cavalrymen into two halves: he personally led one thousand, and entrusted the other one thousand to Ma Fan.

Many of the two thousand elite troops came from other places. Because the Datong Western Army was unified in command and united in purpose, Zhang Can was spared a lot of trouble and could focus his main energy on dealing with the enemy.

The two armies were not far apart and proceeded side by side as agreed.

After more than a month of continuous fighting, although morale was high, the troops were exhausted.

"What's the next step?"

Ma Fan led his troops to meet with Zhang Can, and the two armies drank water from the Heihe River.

Although it was tough, we achieved a lot of success.

They eliminated at least a thousand Hu cavalry, while suffering only a hundred casualties themselves. The ratio of casualties to enemy casualties was more than ten to one, which seemed astonishing. However, Ma Fan was actually a little heartbroken, since his side consisted entirely of elite troops.

Unfortunately, killing a thousand enemies resulted in eight hundred casualties on their own. Even though they had the advantage of concentrating their forces and were superior to the Hu in every aspect, they still could not avoid casualties.

"We can't fight anymore."

Zhang Can shook his head. "I need to go back and rest for three to five days."

"what?"

Ma Fan looked surprised, completely unexpected that Zhang Can had already given up, and showed an incredulous look in his eyes.

There were quite a few cavalry officers.

For example, Zhao Sheng and Qi Shannian from Liu Tong's side, and Liu Ying from Tang Ping's side, but Ma Fan, who came from a family of cavalrymen in the border army, relied on his solid foundation, and it was no surprise that Ma Fan, whom he trained, rose to prominence.

He dared not underestimate his former deputy.

Aside from lacking the experience and skill to match the fire, Ma Fan has made rapid progress in other areas, and the general also intends to give him an important position.

The general will focus on cultivating whoever has talent in a particular area.

Zhang Can unabashedly believed that he was the number one cavalry commander in the Datong Western Army, and no one could compete with him in this regard. Just like his experience in the use of artillery, no one dared to say that they knew more than Tang Ping.

Therefore, the second choice for cavalry commander would undoubtedly be Ma Fan.

Regardless of the type of general, the general will build up a hierarchy, including the general himself. Besides the general, there is a second person who commands the entire army. The situation is gradually becoming clear: Zhao Yong has been cultivated by the general.

Tang Ping no longer argues with Zhao Yong much, and it seems he has accepted the situation.

Ma Fan cautioned, "The general's order is to fight. If we stop fighting now, I'm afraid the general will be unhappy."

Most of the friendly forces were watching the Datong Western Army make a fool of itself.

The elite troops of Yongxing Army and Tiancheng Army remained stationary, while only the elite troops of Datong West Army were mobilized. Many people did not think the general had done a good job and only ridiculed the general for being too kind-hearted.

“If we continue fighting, the casualties could easily get out of control,” Zhang Can said seriously. “The risk is too great. The general will understand. Besides, we’re going back to rest for a few days so we can be better prepared for the next battle.”

Ma Fan nodded, changing his attitude.

Zhang Can is right.

The next day, the entire army turned around and arrived at Qingshan at nightfall, where they unexpectedly encountered friendly forces.

They were the elite of the Yongxing Army.

Several thousand Yongxing Army cavalry charged into the Daqing Mountains to search for traces of the Hu people. Two battles have already taken place, resulting in the annihilation of many Hu people, but also in some casualties on their own.

"Incredible."

The Yongxing Army had set up camp in the mountains, which was a good thing as they didn't have to sleep outdoors. Zhang Can led his men into the camp and saw the wounded soldiers waiting to be transported back to the rear. He gradually became suspicious.

Zhang Can agreed to escort some of the lightly wounded soldiers back to the main camp at Xiaohuanghe.

Various deeds.

Zhang Can found it strange, but couldn't figure out why.

"Anyway, it's a good thing."

With the addition of Yongxing Army's elite troops, eliminating or driving out this wave of Hu people would be much easier, and the herdsmen would no longer face risks, Ma Fan thought to himself.

Zhang Can said no more.

The next day, the wounded soldiers continued northward. Because of the presence of wounded soldiers, the donkey cart moved slowly, and it took three days to reach Xiaohuanghe.

Zhang Can ordered Ma Fan to escort the wounded soldiers of Yongxing Army to the central army headquarters, while he himself led the majority of his troops back to the Datong Western Army camp.

at this time.

Zhang Can learned of the news.

Ou Yanhu is dead.

"real or fake?"

Zhang Can was speechless, feeling a mix of emotions. He was happy, but also extremely shocked.

"real."

"He fell ill in Saiyinshanda and was only in a coma for two days. I heard that there was internal strife. I don't know the specific details, but the news I got was that it collapsed on its own and split into several parts."

Zhao Yong personally came to oversee the situation and informed Zhang Can of the information he knew.

Zhang Can stared wide-eyed for a long time.

With his mind in a daze, Zhang Can muttered, "Why not press our advantage and send the army to Sainshand?"

Zhao Yong laughed and said, "Sainshan is too far away, and supplies are difficult to obtain. Moreover, the situation is unclear. It is safer to hold the Xiaohuang River. We can make a decision after we have a clear understanding of the situation."

Two thousand miles is indeed a long distance.

Zhang Can said regretfully, "If we miss this opportunity, who knows where those Hu people will go? Even if we successfully reach Sainshand, it will all be for nothing."

Zhao Yong also felt regret.

"There's nothing I can do. Things don't always go as planned. It's already a good outcome, but unfortunately, the people I sent couldn't find you."

"Ugh!"

Zhang Can pounded his fist in frustration.

He finally understood why the Yongxing Army had become proactive.

Now is the time to seize military merits, but I am leading my troops back to camp. Although I have already made merits, who would complain about having too many merits? Such an opportunity is truly rare.

Zhao Yong said earnestly, "When the general goes to see the commander-in-chief, be prepared. After you see the general, I estimate that he will immediately arrange for you to lead your men to set off. Try to seize as many battle merits as you can."

Zhang Can nodded repeatedly, then suggested, "Should we send out all the cavalry?"

"No."

Zhao Yong flatly rejected the idea, saying, "The risk is too great. We should be prepared for any eventuality. If the situation changes, the general must have a strong force at his disposal."

That's a mature move, though.

Zhang Can understood.

The general has less than a thousand elite soldiers and nearly ten thousand militiamen, so the army can still maintain a certain level of combat effectiveness.

If all the elite troops are sent out, the army will be rendered ineffective and will easily collapse if it encounters an enemy ambush in the wild.

Militiamen are ultimately just militiamen; they mostly just wave flags and shout slogans.

You can't send too many elite troops, you can only send more generals.

When Wang Xin returned, his face was grim. Without saying much, he ordered Zhang Can and others to attack immediately, and he also dispatched many generals to join the attack. Everyone knew that this was because the general wanted more people to gain military merit.

He traveled thousands of miles to become an official, all for the sake of wealth.

They traveled thousands of miles to serve in the army. Although they were loyal to their general, they could only care about themselves. Among their comrades, there must be some who cared about their own future. Many cared about their military achievements and hoped to get promoted based on them.

Tiancheng Army also made a move.

Hu Liyong's face darkened further.

"The chief executive officer must have received the news in advance, but he didn't pass it on to me."

Thinking back to the Yongxing Army's actions a few days ago, Hu Liyong was still puzzled, but after returning from the central command tent today, he suddenly understood everything.

"Ugh."

"The Yongxing Army sent out all its elite troops to seize the credit, while the Western Army, by sheer chance, has already amassed a considerable amount of merit, while we have gained nothing."

"General, please give the order to attack immediately."

An aide cautioned, "Otherwise, if we don't achieve anything, the people below will inevitably be dissatisfied."

Hu Li bravely stomped his foot.

soon.

The majority of Tiancheng Army was also mobilized.

The situation changed too quickly. In just a few days, Zhou's elite troops on the Xiaohuang River side were all dispatched, heading south instead of north, and more and more news came back.

Ou Yanhu did indeed die of illness.

The ten tribes of Klu were the first to rebel, followed by a Taiji named Mari who launched a surprise attack on Shuangquanhai from afar.

Anyway, it's completely chaotic and falling apart.

The worst off was Sukh.

He led over ten thousand Hu cavalry south to harass the Zhou army, originally employing guerrilla tactics and fighting on the wind. However, he was completely overwhelmed by the Zhou army.

Later, some news was also vaguely received, but it did not come from one of the more than 10,000 Hu cavalry. Communication between different units was not easy, and losing contact was the norm. Once they learned that the rear was unstable, who could stay put?

Many people leave without saying goodbye.

Sukhe no longer knew how many men he had left. He only had a little over a thousand cavalrymen by his side. Many Hu cavalrymen fled under the cover of night, and morale plummeted day by day.

Beat a dog when it's down.

This is the current situation.

The farce of chasing the remnants of the Hu people lasted for two months. When winter came, with the harsh cold of the desert, without supplies or tribes, the Hu people who were still hiding could not survive even if they were not found.

One by one, the troops returned to their posts.

The Zhou army in the Xiaohuang River area had already begun to retreat, and the last army left the Xiaohuang River area.

suddenly.

The Osaka district became quiet.

One victory report after another was sent to the imperial court, and the subsequent rewards and promotions attracted the attention of the entire Datong military garrison.

Snakes have snake ways, rats have rat ways.

Everyone is trying to find a solution.

Wang Xin was also inquiring.

Zhang Jifu accomplished the task of pacifying the Hu people in three years, but he also said that he would not stay in Datong.

It would be a real pity to give up such a sizable business that I have built in Datong so easily.

But should I rebel?

Wang Xin shook his head.

I have done a lot of hard work, but it is not what is called loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. The court's loyalty to the emperor and patriotism are not the same as my own patriotism.

In short.

I will not rebel during times of peace.

I can accept giving up the Datong Foundation, but I have made a lot of contributions, so I should be rewarded. I believe Zhang Jifu is not the kind of person who would abandon his benefactor after using someone else's services. From now on, I can only rely on Jia Zheng and the others.

Some submitted memorials, some cultivated relationships, some spoke on behalf of others, and some created momentum.

Tang Ping also returned to Datong to see his father-in-law.

Wang Xin didn't care.

As their general, I bear the weight of their future. Fighting desperately is their responsibility, but ensuring that their achievements are realized is my responsibility. Otherwise, why should I be their leader?

There's no need to worry about appearances or formalities when it comes to Tang Ping's relationship with me. If he can take care of things himself and not have to worry about it, it would actually be a good thing for me.

Regardless of whether he can stay in Datong, he needs to make sure his subordinates' futures are settled.

These things are no simpler than fighting a war, and sometimes they are even more exhausting.

Although the person did not return to the capital, Xiao Shitou, Shiping, and the others ran back and forth between the two places, carrying letters between the general and the capital.

Before it snowed.

A caravan left Weiyuan Pass and ventured deep into the desert. This was their last trade outside the pass. After the heavy snow fell, they would have to stop for at least two or three months. Therefore, the closer it got to the end of the year, the busier the season became.

This month's business is equivalent to three to five months of normal business. Merchants and their employees are busy non-stop, and no one will slack off for the sake of money.

There was also a particularly exquisite carriage in the caravan, with curtains hanging over it, obscuring the interior.

Xue Yan rode his horse to the carriage.

"I told you to stay in the city, but you insisted on coming along. Aren't you cold?"

Although her tone was reproachful, Xue Yan was actually worried about her daughter; her last sentence was her true intention.

"not cold."

A crisp sound came from inside the carriage.

"If you feel cold, don't hold it in. Be sure to tell your father," Xue Yan instructed anxiously.

"I see."

Xue Yan sighed.

The marriage with Mei Hanlin's family was called off. Xue Yan wasn't unhappy, but he was worried that his daughter was unhappy. He wondered if it was just his imagination, but his daughter seemed unhappy lately. Could it be because of the marriage?
Having a daughter who's grown up, being jilted at the altar is ultimately not a good thing.

Although on the surface it was the Xue family who broke off the engagement.

Whoever initiates the annulment of the engagement will suffer a bad reputation.

Mei Hanlin disliked his son's marriage to the second wife of the Xue family, but he was also unwilling to bear the stigma of breaking off the engagement, so he kept delaying it.

Xue Yan loved his daughter dearly and didn't want her to suffer any injustice, so he took the initiative to propose breaking off the engagement, which Mei Hanlin readily agreed to.

Now that things have come to this, although Xue Yan values ​​Mei Hanlin's prestige in the gentry, his daughter's happiness is more important. Xue Yan has no regrets and feels more sorry for his daughter than ever before. This time, when his daughter insisted on leaving seclusion, Xue Yan did not refuse.

“I know you regard Wang Xin as an older brother and like to play with him. General Wang Xin also dotes on you. But you are getting old and can no longer act like you used to.”

There was no sound from inside the carriage.

Xue Yan knew his daughter didn't like hearing him say these things, and said with a wry smile, "Besides, you'd better not bother him this time; he's too busy to take care of himself."

"What's up with him?"

at last.

There was a sound coming from inside the carriage.

Xue Yan's eyes held a complex expression.

I don't know how to describe it. It's not exactly a bad thing, but it doesn't seem like a good thing either.

Given Wang Xin's personality, he would certainly be willing to accept it.

But for some people, this is probably something extremely difficult to accept.

"You underestimate your elder brother. He doesn't have worries. Only fools trouble themselves. He's always been easygoing, unlike you who have too many schemes in your hearts," Xue Baoqin said disdainfully from inside the carriage.

"The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain. No one can escape it, not even Wang Xin."

Xue Yan sneered.

Xue Baoqin pouted, too lazy to argue with her father.

As the business grew bigger and bigger in recent years, my father also neglected the essentials and focused on trivial matters, running around the counter all day long and not having a moment to relax and smile for a long time.

Just like my older brother said.

Life is short, and in the end, we should live for ourselves.

It's a good thing that my father is making money, but the purpose of making money is to have a better life. Otherwise, what's the use of making countless amounts of money if you don't cherish your time?
When the big board rises.

Guihua City has changed again, and it's now a size larger than it was originally.

There was no grandeur or magnificence, only bustling activity everywhere, as if the entire population of Dabansheng had come.

A boundless market.

The herders, with smiles on their faces, brought their cattle and sheep to sell, along with other goods such as cow horns, tendons, and hides. Meanwhile, vendors from one shop to another were also selling countless items.

There's trading happening everywhere here.

at last.

I met Wang Xin.

Xue Baoqin lifted the veil from her face.

The cold wind howled, causing Xue Baoqin's silk gauze and gold brocade cloak to billow like sails. She pursed her lips, her toes treading the ground, her dark eyes fixed on Wang Xin not far away, the ribbons on her double buns fluttering in the wind.

"Big brother."

"haven't seen you for a long time."

"Baoqin has become beautiful; the ugly duckling has turned into a swan."

Wang Xin laughed heartily.

Life is full of hardships and sorrows, making it impossible to smile.

Meeting a little sprite like Xue Baoqin always makes one forget all their troubles. Wang Xin truly liked this little girl.

Xue Yan also smiled.

Wang Xin is a mature man who genuinely treats his youngest daughter as a beloved junior. Moreover, his son also works under him. The two families are so closely connected that they are somewhat like the four great families of the past.

He represented the Xue family, while the other represented the Wang family.

The future is expected.

Xue Baoqin already knew this, and her little face puffed up with anger as she said, "Big brother likes to tease people just like Sister Lin. I wasn't ugly before either."

(End of this chapter)