The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 81 Faction
Looking out over the plains, the people were as numerous as ants.

Xiao Yi was one of them.

He stopped his horse in front of Murong Yanchao's corpse. The biting south wind kept blowing, but it couldn't dispel the stench of blood in his nostrils.

With a single movement, the blood frost that had congealed on his armor fell off in a flurry. The blood came from Murong Yanchao, enemy soldiers, and many of his comrades.

Hua Nong, clutching a charcoal pencil and holding a roll of hemp paper, hurried over.

"Casualties...how many people?"

Xiao Yi estimated that the main battle had lasted for a quarter of an hour, and the 20th Battalion had only been fighting alone for less than two minutes before the vanguard arrived, so they should not have suffered too many casualties.

In this battle, he admitted that there were many problems with his command and that there was still much room for improvement.

Hua Nong squinted, the action was so long that Xiao Yi was getting impatient and wished he could get him a pair of glasses.

"Three were killed in action, four were seriously wounded, and seven were slightly wounded... I mean, not including Commander Chen's men."

Xiao Yi looked back and saw that the men of the 20th Battalion had not continued the pursuit with Liu Tingrang and the others to capture any heads.

Zhang Mantun's warhorse has died, and he's searching for a taller horse; Lao Pan is tending to the wounded, with Lü You and Wei Liang helping him; Fan Si is squatting on the ground inspecting damaged crossbows; Guo Xin is arguing with Chen Guanghui, while Tang Jin watches from the sidelines with his arms crossed; Xi Hou is looking around from horseback; Hu Deng is gathering the captured Southern army weapons together...

Jin Sanshui was not far from him, covered in blood, vomiting while hugging a tree.

"Hey!"

Xiao Yi dismounted and walked over.

"Commander." Jin Sanshui turned around, wiping his mouth, and said, "I'm not really scared, I'm just shivering from the cold. I've been sticking close to you the whole time, and I killed two of them."

"It's good that you're alive, three bowls of mutton soup."

"Okay, but the mutton soup has a strong gamey smell, and I'm... ugh..."

The outcome of the battle was no longer in doubt. Xiao Yi glanced south and saw that the banners of the Southern Army generals had all disappeared on the hillside. He had no intention of caring about the aftermath; that was for the important figures to worry about.

After treating the wounded and taking inventory of the battlefield, as night fell, Guo Chongwei issued a military order, commanding them to return to camp for rest.

The black horse seemed tired, and its pace slowed considerably.

The soldiers excitedly calculated their rewards and talked about their spending plans. Xiao Yi remained silent most of the time, reviewing how he could have done better, his mind preoccupied with Wang Jun's order.

The campfire was bright, and suddenly shouts rang out.

"General Xiao, who slew Yan Kunlun slave, has returned to camp!"

"Let me take a look too."

The army values ​​martial prowess above all else, and many soldiers gathered around to look at Xiao Yi, chattering amongst themselves.

"He doesn't look particularly imposing, though he's a bit too handsome."

"He's so young, yet he's incredibly talented."

"Jun is incredibly skilled! I saw it with my own eyes. He shot down Yan Kunlun's warhorse with one arrow. His accuracy, his horsemanship, his spear technique—he could have killed him in a few thrusts!"

Xiao Yi clasped his hands in a fist and said, "It was just luck; it was all thanks to the brothers' bravery in fighting the enemy."

Then a soldier asked how he could be transferred to the 20th Battalion, and everyone felt proud.

When they arrived at their lodgings, they were still calculating their achievements when Chen Guanghui arrived, followed by Zhang Biao, who had just left the night before.

"Commander," Xiao Yi said without mincing words, "I am grateful for your timely return to provide support today."

"Brothers who've shared the same pot and the same ladle, why be so polite?"

Chen Guanghui waved his hand, sat down by the fire pit, and sighed, "Your skills are truly remarkable. You established your authority in one battle, no doubt about it. All the brothers are convinced. In the army, bravery reigns supreme. Judging from this situation, I'll probably be transferred to make room for you. Let's make a deal: if the men I recruit are willing to follow you, they can stay; if they want to come with me out of old friendship, don't force them to stay, okay?"

"it is good."

Although Xiao Yi had a disagreement with Chen Guanghui, he knew that Chen was a fairly upright person, so he agreed.

With one worry gone, Chen Guanghui breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I'll leave you that new flag later. Oh, and this kid too."

He turned and glanced at Zhang Biao.

Zhang Biao glanced cautiously at Guo Xin and whispered, "I must first apologize to Commander Xiao and Commander Guo..."

"roll!"

Guo Xin immediately launched into a tirade.

Xiao Yi also said, "I keep my word. Once you leave, don't come back. Since the commander wants to take a higher position, take him with you."

Chen Guanghui smiled, said nothing more, and got up to take his leave.

Presumably, for him, not having fallen out with Guo Sanlang was enough; they were comrades, so parting amicably was the best course of action.

Guo Xinyou was indignant and said, "It makes me angry just looking at them. They've done a great service, and now they're coming to claim their share of the rewards."

Tang Jin asked, "I've also made quite a few contributions, so am I entitled to an extra reward from the 20th Battalion?"

“You’re not from the 20th Battalion.” “I can be transferred here. Look, there’s going to be a vacancy soon. Commander Xiao will be promoted to commander, leaving a vacancy for deputy commander.”

Zhang Mantun was furious and cursed, "You ugly dog, you dream big! Get out of here!"

As they were talking, Liu Tingrang arrived, his body still stained with blood, a smile on his face.

"Commander Xiao, it's time to go to the main tent to report your achievements. Please."

Xiao Yi picked up Murong Yanchao's helmet and followed Liu Tingrang to the central command tent, with Guo Xin following behind naturally.

The central army camp was brightly lit by campfires.

The guards lifted the heavy felt curtain, and the sounds of arguing came from inside the tent.

"It is only right to lure Murong Yanchao into an attack, and I have nothing to say about that. What we are discussing now is the matter of 'listening to plunder within ten days'!"

"What do you mean? The young men have abandoned their families and homes to raise an army in Yedu. What are they after? Let me tell you, it's not for the greater good, but for the spoils they can plunder after the city falls! Kaifeng is a high-walled city with deep moats. The emperor is determined to fight to the death. If plundering is not allowed, who will be willing to put in the effort to attack the city? If we fail, it doesn't matter if we die or are disgraced, but it would be a pity to ruin the general's lifelong ambition."

"Is the commander's grand ambition to allow his troops to plunder and lose the hearts of the people?!"

“Chongwei, be careful with your words… Brother Xiufeng, Liu Zibei has won a great victory, and the situation is settled. Why should we allow our troops to plunder? Today’s victory is due to the vanguard army’s strict discipline and outstanding achievements. Their demeanor is completely different from that of bandits and brigands. This is the foundation of our commander. If we plunder, even if we capture Kaifeng, we will lose the hearts of the people. This is a case of losing the big for the small, and the consequences will be endless!”

"There is no room for joking in the army. We promised last night that we would be at your disposal after the city is captured. How can we go back on our word? Our morale is soaring, and it is this promise that sustains us. If we reverse our decision, the army's morale will collapse instantly. How can we then fight for Kaifeng? How can we then pacify the world?!"

Xiao Yi walked to the tent flap and just then saw Wang Jun finish speaking. Guo Chongwei was furious and wanted to step forward to make a move, but was stopped by Wang Yin.

Wang Yin himself was also furious and emotional, and turned to Guo Wei to deliver a passionate speech.

"General, I will speak frankly. The people support you, which proves that he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. Once you take control of Kaifeng, the city will be your subjects. As the ruler, you must not act like a bandit who allows his troops to plunder. The whole world is watching your every move and every action. If you raise the butcher's knife, you will lose the hearts of the people and destroy yourself!"

Wang Jun's face turned ashen, and he shouted, "You keep claiming to be the chief strategist, but have you considered that the imperial treasury is empty? How can we reward tens of thousands of fierce soldiers? Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Without the support of these valiant soldiers, the commander-in-chief might not even be able to leave Liu Zibei, let alone conquer the world. Clinging to empty fame now is the only way to bring disaster upon yourself!"

"Why should the commander fear his soldiers? The one who truly fears defeat is you..."

"Wang Yin! What are your intentions in seeking fame and fortune?!" Wang Jun pointed a finger and shouted, "You feign righteousness while implicating the Commander-in-Chief in an unjust situation. What is your purpose?!"

"Oh!"

Guo Wei slammed his fist on the command table and roared, "Enough! I'm not dead yet, you don't need to mourn me!"

The tent was silent, and the people inside were breathing heavily.

Xiao Yi looked around and noticed that the positions in the tent were clearly divided.

Wang Jun, He Fujin, Li Rong and others stood on one side; Wang Yin, Guo Chongwei, Song Yanwo and others stood on the other side, and Hou Renbao was also there, standing behind Song Yanwo, trying to shrink his fat body.

Upon entering, Xiao Yi immediately sided with Wang Yin without hesitation, clearly stating his position.

He wanted to support Wang Yin and Guo Chongwei, but Wang Jun's words made him realize a problem—

With Liu Zibei's great victory, the morale of the Southern Army was on the verge of collapse. It would not be difficult to intimidate Kaifeng and force the entire court to surrender the city. At this time, advocating plunder was probably no longer necessary from a military point of view.

Wang Jun asked Wang Yin what his intention was in winning over the hearts of the people, and then what Wang Jun's intention was in winning over the hearts of the army.

You can't ask that question.

Guo Wei must be fully aware of everything and has his own considerations.

With the rebellion about to succeed, and involving the huge distribution of interests, everyone's thoughts were in a tangled mess, and it was no longer something that could be resolved by discussing right and wrong.

What Guo Wei needs is a sharp knife that can cut through the Gordian knot.

Xiao Yi held up Murong Yanchao's helmet high and said loudly, "This humble servant has killed the treacherous Murong Yanchao and presents this merit to the Commander-in-Chief!"

All eyes turned to them, some with admiration, others with displeasure.

"Good!" Guo Wei said, "You have rendered the greatest service by beheading the enemy's commander on the battlefield, boosting the morale of the army and enhancing the fighting spirit. Tell me, what reward do you want?"

A single, generous and sincere sentence, filled with appreciation and affection for the younger generation, dispelled the unpleasant atmosphere in the tent.

Xiao Yi, however, caught a glimpse of Guo Wei's calm yet gentle eyes, which seemed to casually sweep over Wang Jun and Wang Yin.

He then realized that Guo Wei's situation was far more complicated than he had anticipated.

In the past two days, he had actually begun to distance himself from Guo Wei. A series of events made him realize that although Guo Wei seemed to be very affectionate, he was ultimately a military leader.

If he takes the kindness of saving the Guo family too seriously, he will be in big trouble sooner or later.

In retrospect, Guo Wei's current preference seems more like asking his children to perform for relatives and liven up the atmosphere, in order to change the subject and ease the conflict between factions.

But of course, he has more than just that function.

He is the swift knife that cuts through the mess.

"This humble servant does not wish for any reward."

Xiao Yi put down his helmet, suppressing his disappointment, anger, worry, and other emotions, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke with a firm tone.

"This humble servant is willing to die for the General and take Kaifeng without bloodshed. I only ask that the General not allow his troops to plunder."

(End of this chapter)