Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 285 Hidden worries
Pei Yun's concerns were by no means unfounded.

This is also an unavoidable hidden worry during the expansion of the military.

As the Pei family army expanded, its territory grew larger and its manpower increased. Human nature is the most complex thing in the world; everyone has different ambitions and pursuits, and each has their own selfish motives. It's perfectly normal for factions and cliques to form within an army.

Within the Pei family's ranks, Feng Chang and Gu Lian were among the first to arrive, followed by a group of sons-in-law like Zhao Hai and Tao Feng, and then another group led by Sun Cheng. Even within the Pei family, which outwardly appeared united, subtle distinctions existed. Pei Yun, Pei Yan, and other direct descendants formed one faction, while the Pei family's wives were led by Mao Hongling, and the growing boys were led by Pei Feng.

Besides the Pei family army, there is the Guangning army, which surrendered and attached itself but still has its own independent banner; there is the Fanyang army, which has fought against each other; there is the Pingyang army, which actively sought marriage alliances with the Pei family army; and now, there is the Liaoxi army, which has lax discipline and mediocre combat capabilities.

Only Pei Qinghe could command the respect and admiration of people with differing opinions.

“I have already thought about all of this.” Pei Qinghe’s gaze was somewhat complicated, as if she saw herself in her past life, shot in the back and killed on horseback: “Such expansion will certainly have risks, but we cannot forget to eat because of a choking. If the Pei family army wants to occupy more territory and protect more people, it will face more and greater problems. I will do my best to avoid risks, and if there is ever a day when my subordinates betray me, I will show no mercy.”

Pei Yun gazed deeply at Pei Qinghe, her eyes firm and clear: "General, I will always follow you, and never waver."

Half-asleep on the bed, Pei Yan mumbled, "Me too," before turning over and falling fast asleep.

Pei Qinghe chuckled to herself.

Pei Yun was amused and chuckled softly, "Pei Yan is so much better, carefree, she just eats and goes to sleep."

Pei Qinghe relaxed her brows and smiled: "She is the truly blessed one. It's getting late, let's go to sleep, we have to get up early tomorrow."

The candles in the military tent were blown out, leaving it dark, with only a sliver of moonlight filtering through the cracks, casting a small patch of shimmering white light.

Pei Qinghe lay on her side, gazing silently.

The confidant who betrayed her in her past life was a refugee who joined Pei Family Village in his early years, about the same age as Feng Chang. He followed her in her campaigns. However, even such a trusted subordinate could not resist the temptation of high office, generous salary, and overflowing coffers, and stabbed her in the back with a fatal arrow.

This traitor, in this life, also came to Pei Family Village to seek refuge. When she saw that familiar face back then, she felt no overwhelming anger or hatred. She remained remarkably calm, first accepting him, then quickly finding a fault and having him hanged from a tree.

Such a person died without attracting anyone's attention. She felt no joy at having avenged herself. Her true enemies were the ambitious Zhang father and son.

Lacking in strength, she remained patient and discreet. Now that she has gained power, she no longer needs to bow to anyone. After this battle, the entire Youzhou will be her territory, enough to rival General Zhang.

Lost in thought, Pei Qinghe finally drifted off to sleep after an unknown amount of time.

On the same night, Li Chi tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

The trusted guard outside the tent, listening to the commotion coming from inside, felt uneasy. He quietly entered the tent and whispered reassurance, "The Xiongnu barbarians suffered a crushing defeat, losing six or seven thousand men. They only have about ten thousand left who can fight. We have so many men in the city, and the invincible General Pei. We can definitely hold Liaoxi City. General, don't worry, go to sleep!"

Li Chi sat up abruptly, his face weary and his eyes dull and lifeless. He sighed deeply, "My worry isn't about defending the city. It's about how we'll establish ourselves after this battle, how we'll gain General Pei's trust."

Li Chi was meticulous, and his trusted bodyguards were also quick-witted and intelligent. They immediately understood why their master was worried: "Young Master personally escorted General Li on his way, which is a testament to his loyalty. Young Master has no way out, so don't worry too much. Rest well and conserve your energy. We can talk about the rest after the war."

"General Pei has a broad mind and great courage; he would not do the evil deed of abandoning his benefactor after he has served his purpose."

Li Chi hummed in agreement, lay back down, and quickly fell asleep. At dawn, Li Chi got up and appeared before Pei Qinghe, looking refreshed and showing no sign of anxiety: "General, Pu Nu will be coming again today, let's go to the city gate early."

Building trust takes time and effort. Li Chi tried his best to show his sincerity, and Pei Qinghe naturally did not hesitate to extend goodwill and trust: "Alright, General Li, come with me."

Li Chi gladly accepted the order and followed Pei Qinghe to the city gate.

As soon as it was light, the Xiongnu barbarians arrived.

Pei Qinghe didn't personally lead the troops today; she simply issued orders and mobilized the various armies. The troops belonged to different factions, and initially their coordination was poor. They almost allowed the Xiongnu barbarians to storm the city gates.

Pei Qinghe's gaze was icy as she dispatched Pei Yan. Pei Yan stepped forward, wielding a thick-backed longsword, and with a few swift strokes, several screams of agony followed. The soldiers' spirits lifted, and they roared as they brandished their swords to kill the enemy.

In the afternoon, the Xiongnu barbarians retreated again.

Pei Yan was still not satisfied with the fight: "These Xiongnu barbarians, how did they turn into cowards and weaklings? They retreated before nightfall."

Pei Qinghe glared at her: "You're injured again, go and apply medicine and bandage yourself."

Minor injuries are common in battle. Today, she was hit in the waist and abdomen, but it didn't damage her vital organs. She bled a little, but Pei Yan didn't care at all. Only after being glared at by Pei Qinghe did she obediently go to treat her wound.

For several days in a row, the Xiongnu barbarians attacked the city with great force, but retreated after only half a day.

The standoff is short-lived; a major battle between the two sides is inevitable sooner or later.

Pu Nu wanted to break into the city, massacre its inhabitants, plunder, burn, and kill them, and wanted to kill Pei Qinghe to avenge his trusted subordinate.

Pei Qinghe wanted to defend Liaoxi City, protect all the people, and kill as many Xiongnu barbarians as possible. It would be even better if he could kill Pu Nu on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, Pu Nu was much more cautious than Wu Yan, always staying in the rear during each siege. Even when Pei Qinghe sent men to provoke and challenge them, Pu Nu tolerated it.

“This Pu Nu is a true formidable opponent,” Pei Qinghe said to Yang Hu and the others. “Everyone, stay alert and don’t let your guard down.”

The crowd responded in unison.

The outspoken Pei Yan blurted out, "It's a pity we don't have many cavalry left. We can only passively defend the city and can't actively leave."

Without cavalry, defending the city is more than enough, but launching a proactive attack is extremely difficult.

Pei Qinghe said calmly, "Being able to defend Liaoxi City is already a great achievement."

She appeared calm and composed, but secretly she made a firm vow in her heart.

No matter how much time, effort, or cost it takes, she is determined to rebuild the cavalry. One day in the future, she will lead the cavalry into the grasslands and completely subdue the Xiongnu.

(End of this chapter)