Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 374 Heavy Blow
Winter has arrived, and the cold wind is biting.

The yellow flag with black characters bearing the character "陆" fluttered in the wind.

General Zhang, standing atop the city wall, looked at the Lu-character flag with an extremely grim expression.

The Pingyang and Taiyuan armies are nothing to worry about; they are second- or third-rate troops among the northern armies and not worth fearing. The Puyang army, though not well-known, is actually a truly elite force, not much inferior to the Beiping army.

General Lu is a low-key and unassuming man, but he is truly capable of leading and training troops. Among the military generals of the North, he is easily among the top three.

He had known General Lu for some years; while their friendship wasn't particularly deep, he was certainly more familiar with him than with Pei Qinghe, a mere young girl. At the critical juncture when the Pei family army and the Bohai Navy were locked in a stalemate, General Lu surprisingly chose Pei Qinghe, leading his troops to side with the Pei family army.

This was a devastating blow to the very soul!

Is the Bohai Navy really that unpopular?

How could General Zhang's popularity be so low?

"I've known General Zhang for over a decade," General Lu said to his nephews and younger relatives as he watched the battle from the rear. "In terms of friendship, he naturally surpasses the young General Pei."

"General Zhang's actions over the years have revealed his ambition one after another. If the north falls into the hands of such a person, it will be a calamity for the people. They will be no match for the Xiongnu barbarians!"

"On the other hand, General Pei has eliminated mountain bandits, fought against the Xiongnu, and treated the people well. Even prominent families have a way to survive under her rule. The Pei family army is known for its strict discipline in the north."

"Since I have to choose, I will definitely choose General Pei!"

The younger generation of the Lu family nodded in agreement. Putting aside everything else, the fact that General Pei was wholeheartedly devoted to fighting the Xiongnu barbarians was enough to earn their respect.

"Take these next few days to observe the Pei family army closely and learn a lot," General Lu instructed the younger generation. "General Pei won't let us be the main force in the siege. However, since we're already here, we'll definitely be going to fight. Let's make the most of General Pei's reputation!"

The younger generation of the Lu family responded enthusiastically.

Five days later, General Lu once again volunteered for battle. Pei Qinghe agreed.

Since the guest troops were going into battle, General Lu would naturally be in command, while Pei Qinghe would only observe from the rear.

After watching for half a day, Pei Qinghe secretly admired it and asked the people around her with a smile, "What are your thoughts after watching for half a day?"

Pei Yun praised, "General Lu's command is excellent, and the Puyang army is a highly capable and elite force. Congratulations, General, for adding another great asset to our forces!"

This is what Pei Qinghe said before: revenge must be taken, and the hearts of the people and the army must also be won. Without the bitter and bloody battles against the Xiongnu barbarians in the past few years, how could elite troops like the Puyang Army have been willing to bow their heads and surrender?
Pei Qinghe smiled slightly, clearly in a good mood.

Pei Xuan chuckled softly, “General, I’ve been observing for a while now. The Puyang army has many different types of soldiers, but they are well-organized. If they coordinate properly on the battlefield, they will indeed be very effective.”

"After this battle, we can practice together."

Pei Qinghe smiled and praised Pei Xuan, "You're indeed very observant." Then she turned and glanced at Pei Yan, "What did you notice?"

Pei Yan may seem rough and uncouth, but she can also be surprisingly perceptive: "The Puyang army's offensive is not swift. This battle is a show for us."

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "You've finally started to use your brain. General Lu and General Zhang have no personal grudges, and they even had some past friendships. General Lu led his troops to surrender because he values ​​the potential and future of the Pei family army. In his heart, he doesn't want to fight General Zhang to the death."

"Today's battle was indeed a show for us. After today, don't let them fight anymore; let them do patrols and guard duties."

She wasn't entirely trusting of the Puyang army since they were newcomers. She'd just have to wait and see!
……

Two weeks later, a sudden blizzard blanketed the land overnight.

In this weather, fighting is definitely out of the question. Pei Qinghe ordered the army to cease fire for the day. The kitchen was instructed to prepare plenty of hot water and food.

Bian Shulan, who was in charge of the kitchen, came to find Pei Qinghe: "General, the grain reserves in the camp are running low. At this rate, it will only last for three days."

A large amount of grain is stored in An County. The military camp here usually has enough food for about ten days. According to past practice, the commander would personally deliver the grain at this time. But today, with heavy snow blocking the ground and freezing cold, it seems the grain won't be delivered.

Bian Shulan was reminding Pei Qinghe that they should be more frugal with their food. If the snow continued, transporting supplies would be extremely difficult. The army camp couldn't afford to run out of food; it would cause a major upheaval.

Having led troops for many years, Pei Qinghe knew the importance of things. After thinking for a moment, he said, "The meals will be the same today. Let everyone eat their fill first. I'll send someone back to An County to scout out the route."

Warhorses are extremely precious and are rarely used in snowy weather. Firstly, there's the fear of the valuable warhorses getting cold, and secondly, the ladders are slippery, and a fall could be disastrous.

Pei Yan volunteered to make the trip. Pei Qinghe thought she was too careless and didn't trust her, so she asked Yang Huai to go with her.

Since Yang Huai married into Pei Yan's family, they have lived, eaten, and gone everywhere together, even fighting side by side in battle. Pei Yan has gradually gotten used to Yang Huai following her everywhere she goes.

Pei Yan and Yang Huai's group returned in less than half a day.

Accompanying them was a wagon train carrying provisions.

Pei Qinghe personally went out to greet him, and upon seeing Shi Yan's flushed face, she was immediately alarmed: "What's wrong with you?"

Yesterday the weather was bad; the snow had just started to fall when Shi Yan led the grain delivery team out. They traveled all night and arrived at the military camp this afternoon.

Shi Yan didn't try to be brave and said in a low voice, "I feel a little dizzy."

Pei Qinghe frowned, grasped Shi Yan's slightly cold hand, and entered the military tent. A charcoal brazier burned inside, dispelling the damp chill and making it warm and cozy.

The best doctor in the military camp, Dr. Lu, was invited over.

This military doctor, Lu, is none other than Lu Dongqing, the grandson of Imperial Physician Lu.

Bao Hao is a senior physician, skilled in treating external injuries. Lu Dongqing is an outstanding descendant carefully cultivated by the prestigious Lu family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. He possesses exceptional medical skills and holds many closely guarded family prescriptions. Due to family rules, Lu Dongqing cannot freely accept disciples to teach his medical skills, but he occasionally "guides" the military doctors in preparing medicines.

"Dr. Lu," Pei Qinghe asked softly, "how is Shi Yan's health?"

Lu Dongqing pondered for a moment: "He caught a cold and developed a high fever. I'll prescribe some medicine; after drinking it for two days, he should be fine."

Pei Qinghe nodded slightly: "Thank you for your help, Doctor Lu."

There are always wounded soldiers in the military camp, and there is always a shortage of medicine. The Pei family army buys large quantities of medicine year after year, but it is still not enough. Lu Dongqing prepares the medicine according to the prescription, and when it comes to decocting the medicine, Pei Qinghe takes over.

The only thing that could make a general put down his bow and sword and sit in front of the medicine furnace was Shi Yan.

Lu Dongqing tactfully withdrew.

Pei Qinghe decocted the medicine, brought it to the bedside, and slowly fed it to Shi Yan.

“You used to always be there for me, now I’ll be there for you.” Pei Qinghe whispered softly, “Sleep peacefully!”

(End of this chapter)