My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 94 Why Worry About Death When Doing Great Things? (First Update, Please Subscribe!)

The Gaoche people had just defeated the Brahman Khan, and the Rouran were in a weakened state.

They will use their victory to coerce and entice other grassland tribes to submit to them. It's obvious to anyone that this will be quite effective.

And Anagui has been away from the grasslands for so long, who knows how many tribes his title of 'Khan' can actually attract for him?
Even with the addition of investiture from the Central Plains, no one can say for sure how effective it will be.

This is a difficult matter.

Gao Yu was the one the court specifically requested to escort Anagui north; others could refuse, but he was the only one who couldn't.

Unless he rebels immediately.

Anagui had clearly known all along that the situation was extremely serious, but upon hearing this again, a hint of worry still flashed in his eyes. He looked at Gao Yu and asked, "Does Gao Lang have any insightful suggestions?"

Gao Yu remained calm and said, "Your Majesty is a man of great talent and resourcefulness. Even in Luoyang, you can strategize and anticipate the enemy's moves from afar. This campaign against the rebels must be a well-deserved decision."

Anagui almost laughed in anger upon hearing this. "What makes you say such a thing, Shimin? Are you angry that I specifically requested you to accompany me to the Prince of Jiangyang?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Yu frowned and said unhappily, "My courtesy name is not Shimin."

Anagui's expression turned slightly embarrassed, but it vanished in an instant. He sighed and said sincerely, "Alright, Gao Lang, I have no choice. I cherish your bravery immensely. This journey north is extremely dangerous, and I really need your help."

Since things had come to this point, Gao Yu couldn't say anything more.

He nodded. “What I told Your Majesty earlier was not a lie. Since I am going north with Your Majesty to suppress the rebels, I will do my utmost. Your Majesty can rest assured about that.”

"it is good!"

Anagui was naturally excited. He rubbed his hands together and said excitedly, "With Gao Lang's help, what can't I accomplish!"

At this moment, Gao Yu spoke again.

"However, I have a request."

"Please tell me, Gao Lang!"

"I need to discuss this matter with my brother before I can ask the King for his permission."

"It doesn't matter."

After saying this, Anagui seemed to realize that he had valued Gao Yu too much and neglected the Turkic Ashina brothers who had come to seek refuge with him, so he turned his head and said with a smile.

"Your efforts are also needed for this campaign to conquer the Gaoche in the north!"

Ashina Tumen and Ashina Shidianmi, the two brothers, exchanged a glance and knelt down to pledge their loyalty, saying, "The Ashina tribe is willing to become the sharpest weapon in the Khan's hand, and to sweep away all enemies for the Khan!"

Anagui was very satisfied with the two men's reactions and made a solemn promise.

"Good! When we defeat the Gaoche, I will grant the Ashina tribe a fertile pasture near the royal court, and the Ashina tribe will forever be under the protection of the royal court!"

It seems that making grand promises to subordinates is an essential skill for rulers.

Anagui immediately ordered the slaughter of cattle and sheep to entertain Gao Yu, forcing Gao Yu to stay there for one night.

Gao Yu entered the felt tent that Anagui had prepared for him, intending to rest.

Only then did they discover that the inside of the felt tent was a hidden world. Several oil lamps were placed on the tables around the tent, and the light provided by them dispelled much of the darkness inside. Although it was not very bright, it was enough to see things without any problems.

Inside the tent was a beautifully carved low couch, a rare sight on the grasslands. It was probably a high-end imported item from the Central Plains, likely prepared by Anagui to win him over.

"This Worm King is actually a very good person."

Before Gao Yu could rest, someone entered the tent. He looked up and saw two beautiful women with fair skin who looked quite young. They were extremely respectful to him and did not dare to raise their heads without his permission.

"The Khan ordered the two of us to come and serve the young master so he can rest."

So you're going to use your feminine wiles, huh?
Gao Yu had drunk quite a bit of wine, and being at the age of youthful vigor, full of pure yang energy, how could he possibly resist?

"Lang Jun?"

The two beautiful Hu women could tell that Gao Yu was in high spirits, so they mustered up their courage and took the initiative to help him change his clothes, but Gao Yu stopped them.

Under the dim light, Gao Yu carefully examined it for a moment.

They were truly graceful and enchanting, especially one with alluring red lips and the other with a slender waist that could be encircled by one hand. They were indeed like cherry lips and willow waists.

One try, and it's soft, tender, and bouncy.

Indeed, it's top-quality; the Worm King certainly has good taste.

Gao Yu smiled.

"No rush, come on, let me teach you something fun first."

Having said that, he pointed to Fan Su's mouth and said, "Hey, you come here first, lie down, and move forward..."

The night was a mess.

The next day.

Gao Yu refused Anagui's repeated attempts to persuade him to stay. After resigning, he rode back to Huai Shuo alone. Thinking of the disappointed look on Anagui's face when he left, he couldn't help but sneer. What kind of person did this Rouran king take him for? He had always been virtuous and clean, and he only sought pleasure as a pastime.

A true man should strive for success on horseback; how can he linger in the land of gentle pleasures?
Hey! You know what, wow! Those cherry lips...

Back to Huai Shuo.

Gao Yu first went to inspect the training ground.

Today is Gao Yu's designated rest day, during which all soldiers can rest to recover their strength and relieve fatigue.

Gao Yu set strict training standards, but he also knew that a balance was needed. Soldiers were human too, and they needed time to breathe.

On days of rest, Gao Yu would have the ranch send over slaughtered cattle and sheep as a treat for all his soldiers. There was no limit to the supply, and even married families could come and eat as much as they wanted.

This is one of the reasons why training troops is extremely expensive.

This is also why his soldiers respected him so much.

It wasn't just because he was brave.

It was a high-intensity military force, but it also provided them with far superior standards and treatment compared to other armies in Huai Shuo. Even Gao Huan's Archer Army did not receive the same treatment as Gao Yu's Black Armor Army, and by a significant margin.

"How wonderful! This Gao Lang is indeed generous! We are all newcomers seeking refuge, yet we are treated with such kindness!"

"No wonder everyone in Huai Shuo wants to join Gao Lang's army and serve him."

"In the past, we were also victims of calamity..."

Peng Le's eyes widened, and his fierce expression was extremely intimidating.

"Shut up! Even eating meat can't shut you up? How dare you address Gao Lang as such? From now on, you shall all be addressed as 'Military Lord'!"

"And you are not allowed to mention the past again. Anyone who dares to do so again will be punished for not showing any brotherhood!"

"Now that you know that the military commander's troops are treated very well, then you should study martial arts more in the future and get rid of that bandit-like air about you. If you fail the test, the military commander will not need to take action; I will expel you myself!"

Seeing their leader act this way, his men dared not say another word.

Peng Le also enjoyed the fine wine and meat, and his worries were somewhat relieved.

Gao Yu did not treat them differently because they were newcomers. On the contrary, he treated them with great courtesy and impartiality. Putting yourself in their shoes, who would refuse to serve such a military leader?
How could subordinates raised in this way not be willing to die for them?

After leaving the training ground.

Gao Yu arrived at Gao Huan's residence.

Upon seeing Lou Zhaojun, Gao Yu quickly bowed.

"Greetings, brother; greetings, sister-in-law."

Lou Zhaojun smiled and said, "Why is Erlang so polite?"

Although Gao Huan knew that Gao Yu must have something to discuss with him since he came specifically to see him, he did not signal Lou Zhaojun to leave first.

Gao Huan had no secrets from Lou Zhaojun, and they always discussed and decided on important matters together.

There is no other reason.

The biggest contributor to the brothers' current strength and status is Lou Zhaojun. It was her dowry that provided Gao Huan with start-up capital, and later she continuously exploited the Lou family to help the brothers raise their army.

When Gao Huan and Gao Yu went to Luoyang, Lou Zhaojun was also helping Gao Huan stabilize his base by paying for official positions for his brothers, such as Hou Jing, who had a deep friendship with Gao Huan.

Hou Jing and others treated Lou Zhaojun with the utmost respect and dared not show the slightest disrespect.

They would not look down on her in the slightest because of her status as a woman. It is not an exaggeration to say that Gao Huan's faction is where it is today, but the truth.

Lou Zhaojun was the rightful mistress of the Gao family.

"Erlang, I heard that you left the city yesterday with the Rouran King's personal guards. Did any of the tribes that came to surrender bring any information about the royal court?"

"I came to discuss this matter with my brother."

Gao Yu then recounted everything he had learned from the Ashina brothers.

"The Gaoche people have already entered the Genhe Valley and occupied the royal court. Many of the grassland tribes have surrendered at the mere sight of them. The Gaoche's Yifuhou Loufule (Emperor) is also using great benefits to win over and divide the Rouran tribe. The Rouran king is worried about this."

Gao Huan frowned slightly. "The Gao people do have some tricks up their sleeves."

Most chieftains of grassland tribes lack long-term vision, as the grassland environment dictates that a natural disaster or man-made calamity could lead to their demise or a decline in their power, resulting in their replacement by another tribe. After such a great victory, it is certain that the meritorious officials will be rewarded with cattle, sheep, slaves, pastures, and their followers, fulfilling the war benefits promised to their subordinates before the battle.

However, the Gaoche people did not rush to indulge in pleasure, but instead turned around and won over the defeated Rouran tribe.

Instead of asking them to work for you, just persuade them not to respond to Anagui's call.

"If that's the case..."

Upon hearing this, Lou Zhaojun frowned and shared her opinion: "The Rouran king has little chance of winning. The Gaoche people only need to prevent some tribes from surrendering, then the other tribes that are willing to surrender will have concerns and choose to wait and see."

"In the end, how many grassland tribes can the Rouran King still rally to fight for him? The fewer people he rallies, the fewer people will come to join him, and those who do may even disperse."

"If that's the case, even if Erlang is brave and can take on ten thousand men, he probably won't have much of a chance against the 100,000 archers of the Gaoche."

Lou Zhaojun's concerns were not unfounded, mainly because Anagui had not yet rallied enough followers.

In terms of sheer numbers, the odds of winning are slim.

Not to mention that they already knew that the Gaoche people had the assistance of the Hephthalites, a formidable enemy that even the powerful Sassanid Persians in the west could not rest easy.

Gao Huan didn't speak, but looked at Gao Yu and asked, "Second Brother, in your opinion, what should we do?"

After a moment's thought, Gao Yu said, "What you said makes sense, but you overlooked one point. While numbers are important in war, war is not just about numbers."

Before Lou Zhaojun could speak, Gao Yu continued.

"I also feel that this trip north may seem arduous, but it won't be that arduous."

Lou Zhaojun frowned in thought, still puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

As the art of war says: "The value of an army lies in its quality, not its quantity."

"Among the tribes of the grasslands, it is difficult to unite their hearts. When two armies are facing each other, the most taboo thing is that their hearts are not united. The Gaoche seem to have recruited many tribes that have surrendered, but do you think these tribes will truly surrender?"

"After all, the Rouran have dominated the grasslands for many years and their influence still lingers. If the situation changes, I'm afraid these tribes will turn against them."

“Those who come to seek refuge with Anagui…the king of the Rouran, knowing they are weak, will surely be loyal.”

"The Gaoche people may seem to have a large force, but their ten fingers cannot be clenched tightly, and they even have to be wary of and hinder each other. They probably cannot stop a fist with five fingers clenched together."

"The Rats may seem small in number, but they are able to work together. With everyone united, they can overcome any difficulty."

"Judging from the current situation, although the Gaoche people have the advantage, the Rouran king is not without a chance of winning, just a smaller one. But man proposes, God disposes!"

"How can you know success or failure until you face it?"

Gao Huan nodded in agreement after hearing Gao Yu's analysis.

Lou Zhaojun was quick-witted and immediately understood what Gao Yu meant. However, she was, after all, a woman, and even though she understood the reasoning, she couldn't help but worry, "Wouldn't this be too dangerous?"

How could it not be dangerous to try to win against a stronger opponent when you're weak?
Gao Huan spoke up, "It is indeed dangerous, but if the King of Rouran wants to achieve great things, how can he not risk his life? If he is afraid of danger when he wants to do great things, he will never succeed."

Say it.

He looked at Gao Yu with great satisfaction.

At least on this matter, Gao Yu and he shared the same opinion; the two brothers had the same idea.

What Gao Yu could think of was actually quite simple.

He was simply thinking of some classic historical examples of how a smaller force could defeat a larger one.

The so-called "alliance" recorded in historical books often ended up being nothing more than a backdrop for the side with fewer troops.

When Liu Bang was in Pengcheng, he was full of vigor and even boasted that the allied forces of the feudal lords numbered 600,000.

He was still killed by Xiang Yu's tens of thousands of light cavalry, leaving him to abandon his wife and children. If it weren't for Xiahou Ying's fast donkey cart, there probably wouldn't have been the later Emperor Gaozu of Han, who famously played the zither and sang "The Great Wind" while drunk.

Quantity may intimidate the cowardly, but it cannot intimidate the true warrior.

He was a true warrior in his second year of high school!
At this point, he finally revealed the real reason why he had taken the initiative to come to us.

"I have come here to tell you, my brother, that of the two of us, I should go north with the garrison commander and the others, while you should stay in Huai Shuo."

Upon hearing this, Gao Huan immediately understood Gao Yu's meaning, his eyes reddened, and tears welled up in his eyes.

“Firstly, this journey north is extremely dangerous. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. Brother has a wife and children and cannot risk his life. If something happens to him, how will his sister-in-law and Ah Hui live in the future? I have no family and no home, so I am not bothered.”

Hear this.

Lou Zhaojun suddenly looked up at Gao Yu and blurted out.

"Erlang..."

Gao Yu shook his head and stopped, continuing to explain his reasons.

"Secondly, my brother and I are currently poor and cannot gamble away all our wealth. My brother can stay in Huai Shuo to continue the business. If... I really suffer a setback on the front lines, I can still come back and make a comeback."

Risk hedging.

If there's really nothing left but this life.

So be it.

However, with the Lou family's unlimited financial support, the Gao family has managed to accumulate some wealth. At this point, they can no longer act like gamblers and blindly go all in.

"Thirdly, I cannot refuse the imperial court's selection of generals this time, but it is different for the prince."

"Finally, I am confident that my strength far surpasses that of my elder brother. I am already skilled in the art of escaping alone, and even hundreds of men cannot stop me. Even if things go wrong, my chances of escaping unscathed are certainly much greater than those of my elder brother."

Gao Huan remained silent for a long time without saying a word.

In the end, he smiled with considerable relief, "Since Erlang can think this way, I have no worries."

this time.

Gao Yu was indeed thinking further ahead than him, because he never considered not going.

Lou Zhaojun was so moved that her eyes turned red.

This younger brother wasn't spoiled for nothing.

She always puts her brother and sister-in-law first.

“After some time, the prince can feign illness. The Rouran king values ​​me highly. I can communicate with him privately and then have him select other warriors from Huai Shuo to accompany me north. This should not be difficult.”

Everything has been discussed and agreed upon.

Gao Huan didn't say anything more, "Then we'll do as Erlang says."

"Ah."

Gao Yu nodded and said, "I will go out of the city to see the Rouran King tomorrow."

After Gao Yu left.

That left only Gao Huan and Lou Zhaojun.

Lou Zhaojun sighed softly, "My lord is so considerate of us, husband and wife..."

It's not that I owe them anything.

Lou Zhaojun was indeed exceptionally good to Gao Yu.

They provided money, people, and even helped maintain the army; they took care of everything.

"There's no need for family members to act like this."

Gao Huan shook his head and said resolutely, "Erlang is exceptionally brave. Even if he can't defeat Gao Che, he can still protect himself."

Lou Zhaojun knew that her husband was not comforting her, but rather comforting himself.

Amidst a vast army.

Even the bravest person cannot protect themselves. Back then, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon of Western Chu, was able to evade thousands of troops and was invincible against ten thousand men. But what would happen if he were surrounded?

The next day.

Gao Yu then went out of the city again to meet Anagui.

Anagui didn't know much about Gao Huan, only that he had heard of him and that Gao Huan was somewhat famous, but he wasn't known for his martial prowess. Even if he went with Gao Huan, he wouldn't be of much help. What Anagui needed was someone who could fight bravely on the battlefield.

In his view, as long as Gao Yu, who possessed unparalleled bravery, didn't run away, everything would be fine.

He immediately agreed and would take the initiative to explain the situation to Yang Jun.

Gao Yu glanced at it and saw that in just one day, it seemed that other tribes had come to join them, since there were many more felt tents now.

It seems that the Khan's banner has a much stronger appeal than he had anticipated.

This gave me even more confidence for this trip north.

There are many talented people; who would want fewer?

(End of this chapter)