Chapter 1552: Million Strong Army

Lian Zhuping held no great martial power, nor possessed deep roots in Qi.Over these years, the Lian clan naturally cultivated their own connections, though due to the peculiar nature of their family’s enterprise, their primary ties lay within the military.Yet, the might of the Chongxuan clan within the army... could utterly suppress a house like the Lian, a hundred times over, a thousand times.The resources each side could command lay on vastly different planes; there was no need to even display a disparity in wit or strategy.For Chongxuan Sheng, the Lian clan's game was never one of difficulty. The questions he needed ponder were solely centered on what role the Lian clan could fulfill, and when it would be most opportune to conclude the play.The opportunity to strike Xia was a rare one, encountered perhaps once in a century. Whatever plans he held prior, all must yield to this war, embodying the principle of "following Heaven's will and the currents of the age." Thus, upon greeting Jiang Wang outside the Qi King’s palace, he directly journeyed to Nanyao City.The entire process of seizing power within the Lian clan was devoid of any so-called breathtaking scenes.It began with suddenness, and concluded with decisiveness. Lian Zhuping immolated himself within the ancestral shrine. Lian Que, outside the shrine, proclaimed the end of the fate token system.It was like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves. There was neither grief nor joy to speak of. Merely old aspirations fulfilled, and the youthful passion of a tavern long past.And as Lian Que officially assumed leadership of the Lian clan... the Emperor of Qi’s decree had already descended!Naming Cao Jie as the Grand Marshal for the campaign against Xia, and Ruan Qiu, Director of the Directorate of Celestial Observation, and the former Prime Minister Yan Ping as his Military Advisors, charged with overseeing the forces.Thus, forces from the smaller Eastern Domain states such as Zhao, Yi, Chang, and Rong were mobilized, numbering thirty myriad, organized into three armies, with Xie Huaian, Grand Master for Discussion, responsible for central coordination and deployment, and launched against Xia.Throughout the nation, thirty myriad of county militia were conscripted, led by Chen Fu, Grand Master for Discussion. Three of the Nine Corps were dispatched: the Spring Deaths, the Autumn Killers, and the Chasing Wind, to serve as the main force against Xia.This expedition mustered two True Monarchs and five True Persons. A million mighty soldiers assailing Xia! Fully revealing the Qi Emperor’s resolve to vanquish Xia!Yet, Jiang Mengxiong, the God of War of Great Qi, whose name resounded most loudly, whose presence filled the court and populace with the most confidence, was not placed in command of the armies, nor was he appointed to oversee the forces accompanying the expedition—though this outcome was also to be expected.After all, given Jiang Mengxiong’s prestige within the military, when dispatched, he commanded as a Marshal; when within the realm, he stabilized the nation. To oversee the forces could hardly mean merely overseeing the forces... The military rank of Military Advisor overseeing forces was, in fact, a temporary creation.It signified unity of command, and the distinction between master and subordinate. Although Ruan Qiu and Yan Ping were both practitioners of the Grand Dao, and their identities each more extraordinary than the last, in this campaign against Xia, they too were bound to obey the Grand Marshal Cao Jie’s military orders.Though the God of War himself could not join the expedition, several of his disciples, apart from Ji Zhaonan who still fought beyond the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons and could not spare himself, his eldest disciple Chen Zeqing, and his final disciple Wang Yi’s, were all slated to participate in this war.And while the Fierce Butcher, Chongxuan Chuliang, did not secure the position of Grand Marshal against Xia, he was undoubtedly a crucial figure in the campaign, personally leading the Autumn Killers Corps into battle.Only Xiu Yuan... the Captured Lightning Corps was not among the main forces for this campaign against Xia. Xiu Yuan petitioned to contend for the position of Marshal, but in the end, did not even make it onto the battlefield.The Emperor’s heart is truly unfathomable! And the Chasing Wind Corps, which quietly entered the ranks of the main force against Xia, is a powerful army led by the contemporary Marquis of City Destruction, Li Zhengyan.Generally speaking, among the Nine Corps of Great Qi, apart from the Heaven’s Canopy Corps which is indisputably the strongest, the remaining formidable forces have always each excelled in their own way, making it difficult to determine superiority.But it is also said—among the four seasons, the Spring Deaths are first; among the four symbols, the Chasing Wind is first!In sum, regardless of the considerations and strategies behind it.The army dispatched by Qi to the south this time can be considered the main force of Qi, fully capable of representing the true military might of the Great Qi Empire.It is not to say it is an all-out war, but it is the maximum strength that can be mobilized while ensuring stability across various regions.“How the Emperor considers things, we need not dwell upon. The Grand Marshal is appointed, the campaign date is set, and all other matters are now inconsequential. What we need to consider now is, in this war, all that pertains to us.”Within the tavern where Jiang Wang and Lian Que once shared drinks—Chongxuan Sheng sat cross-legged on a bamboo mat, discussing the Emperor's decree.The three of them were currently seated around a fire pit, above which hung a large earthenware jar, heating a full jar of wine.An entire roasted beef leg and lamb leg, already cooked, were placed in a food box, piled on the low table in front of the bamboo mat. Amidst the fragrant, tender, large cuts of meat, lay only a single carving knife.Lian Que held a bamboo ladle, unhurriedly serving hot wine to his two friends. Shi Si, armored and sworded, stood alone by the door.In the winter month, they brewed wine, and snow was falling outside the window.Chongxuan Sheng continued, “Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, Chongxuan Zun and I will certainly enter the Autumn Killers Corps. In this war, my uncle will not show me favoritism. The final outcome is foreseeable—Chongxuan Zun and I will each lead a division, relying on our own abilities on the battlefield. In a life-or-death struggle between the two of us, I am indeed inferior. But in terms of leading an army alone, I will not lose to him.”He looked at Lian Que, “At that time, I should have ten thousand men under my command. Their armor and weapons need to be fully supplied before leaving the country. I want the best.”“Anything within the regulations, I will certainly cooperate to the best of my ability,” Lian Que replied straightforwardly. If they truly resorted to all possible means, the Lian family could play a part in many areas.For instance, subtly altering the equipment of the soldiers under Chongxuan Zun's command... But Chongxuan Sheng would not be so foolish, so lacking in propriety, nor could Lian Que agree to such things.While adhering to the rules, the scope of what the Lian family could do was relatively limited. But Chongxuan Sheng was not in a hurry either.He had made many preparations similar to those involving the Lian family. Accumulating small advantages to forge a large advantage was precisely what he had been doing throughout his competition with Chongxuan Zun.Facing Chongxuan Zun, to have even a slight advantage, what more could one ask for?“The battlefield changes in an instant; saying too much now is actually of little use. We can only make preliminary preparations. As for the rest, we'll discuss it once we reach the State of Xia.” Chongxuan Sheng raised his wine bowl, “After this bowl, we return to Linzi!”The three raised their bowls and clinked them together, draining them in one gulp.A few years ago, they were unknown youths, but today, each had their own aspirations. It was fortunate that the sentiments of old remained.Chongxuan Sheng was about to rise.However, Jiang Wang took out a broken spear from his storage box and handed it to Lian Que, “Brother Lian, could you take a look? Can this spear be repaired?”Lian Que took it and examined it for a moment, then said, “The most remarkable part of this spear is its shaft; the spearhead, in contrast, isn’t particularly outstanding. Some effort was wasted during its crafting... But now the shaft is broken, its spirituality destroyed.”He looked at it again, a hint of regret in his voice, “Completely destroyed.”“Is there no way at all?” Jiang Wang asked.Seeing his earnest demeanor, Lian Que stared at the broken spear, thought intently for a while, and then said, “I can try... but it's almost impossible to succeed.”“Regardless... it's worth a try,” Jiang Wang said with a touch of melancholy.Lian Que then accepted the broken spear.He then said, “Be extra careful on the battlefield. If you need my assistance with anything later, have someone notify me at any time.”Chongxuan Sheng would, of course, not feign politeness. He had painstakingly entered this game precisely to gain the support of the entire Lian clan.At this moment, he only said, “Once the war begins, it will be difficult to interfere with it by individual will. Next, we may all have to work hard for a long time... You have just taken charge of the Lian clan, do you have any needs?”Lian Que thought for a moment, then looked at Jiang Wang, “Do you still remember this place?”“Of course.”“Do you remember what we said here?”“Of course.” Lian Que took out a dark, square metal token, “Do you still remember this thing?”Jiang Wang smiled, “Your fate token, naturally.”Chongxuan Sheng, who was beside them, naturally also remembered this little item. When Jiang Wang returned it to Lian Que back then, he had even felt a bit regretful for Jiang Wang’s sake.Lian Que said, “If there’s an opportunity, take it to Chi Tan and look for something for me.”“Chi Tan?” Jiang Wang was naturally unaware of this place.Chongxuan Sheng, however, appeared thoughtful, “Two hundred li west of the Xia capital, there is a deep pool called Chi. Legend has it that the Human Emperor forged the Dragon King's sons into the Nine Bridges, and the Chiwen wept in sorrow and fled eastward, his tears of blood forming a cold pool.”Seeing Jiang Wang look over with some surprise, he snapped, “Content from the Chronicle of Great Xia. Do you really think you’re the only one who reads? Before going to war, I always do this much preparation!”Jiang Wang then asked Lian Que, “What am I to look for?”Lian Que said, “I don’t know either, but where my Lian clan's former country once stood is now the State of Xia. I only know that there might be something left behind by a Lian clan ancestor at Chi Tan, but I don’t know what it is. I am now the Lian clan leader. Although this fate token is unbound, it is still closely related to me. If you have a chance, take it and have a look. It doesn’t matter if you don’t. After so many years, perhaps nothing is left...”This branch of the Lian clan in Qi was a branch that migrated when their former country was destroyed and dispersed.But the Lian clan’s former country was vanquished even before the State of Xia occupied that area. Now, with the changes in mountains and rivers and the passage of years, it is indeed difficult for anything from the past to still exist.Perhaps something is hidden in Chi Tan; this matter, speaking of it, is a secret of the Lian clan, but with the long passage of time, there may not be much hope left either...Jiang Wang accepted the fate token and said seriously, “If there is a chance, I will go and see.”Lian Que simply raised his wine bowl, “May both of you achieve immediate success.”Jiang Wang and Chongxuan Sheng then drank another bowl together before leaving.…………The hegemon of the Eastern Domain raised its battle banner overnight. The entire world was shaken. Wherever the Qi army pointed its blade, there was no one in the world who could withstand them.Between Qi and Xia, the myriad nations trembled.On the seventh day of the eleventh month of Yuan Feng fifty-six of the Qi Calendar, the day after the court assembly on attacking Xia, the Emperor bestowed swords, armor, and seals. Cao Jie was officially appointed as the Grand Marshal for the campaign against Xia, presiding over all matters related to this war.Anyone involved in this war must obey his command.Thus, the Grand Marshal’s flag was raised on the High Command Platform, issuing orders to the three armies. At this time, only nineteen days had passed since the State of Jing formally declared war on the State of Mu.The all-out war between the two great hegemonic states, Jing and Mu, was in full swing...In the western suburbs of Linzi, on the High Command Platform, two large flags stood erect.One, the Purple Star Amidst Heaven’s Supreme Emperor Banner, billowed in the wind, grand and majestic. The other, the Grand Marshal’s banner, with a character "Cao" embroidered in the center, stood as firm as mountains and rivers.Cao Jie was fully armored. On his so-called “little daughter-in-law's bitter face,” there was only the solemnity of commanding three armies at this moment.Among the countless famous generals in the world, how many could command an army of such scale and lead a war to destroy a great nation?This was the most glorious moment of his life. It was also the greatest responsibility he had ever borne in his life.Ruan Qiu, Director of the Directorate of Celestial Observation, in a Daoist robe adorned with star charts, and the former Prime Minister Yan Ping, dressed in utterly plain attire, stood behind him.They were the overseers of the forces, also serving to highlight the authority of the three armies’ Grand Marshal.The Director of the Directorate of Celestial Observation was profoundly mysterious. Although his position was crucial, he was always only accountable to the Emperor.He plumbed the changes in celestial phenomena, measured the ebb and flow of national destiny, often resided in the Star-Gazing Tower, and had little interaction with the civil officials. Many saw him for the first time today, only to behold a face like that of a youth, with an exceptionally detached temperament, truly like an immortal being.As for Yan Ping, who had resided in seclusion in Bei Commandery for many years after stepping down from office, it is said that this time the Emperor personally visited him to persuade him to emerge from retirement.At this moment, he too was closing his eyes to nourish his spirit, concealing himself like a deep sea, absolutely not stealing the show.Following Ruan Qiu and Yan Ping stood, respectively, Xie Huaian and Chen Fu, both Grand Masters for Discussion, Chongxuan Chuliang, Marquis of Dingyuan and commander of the Autumn Killers Corps, and Li Zhengyan, Marquis of City Destruction and commander of the Chasing Wind Corps, some with eyes closed, others with stern countenances, lined up in a row.The figures standing on the High Command Platform today were all at the pinnacle of the Great Qi Empire’s high echelons, gathered together, each possessing their own bearing.Without a word, the elegance of Great Qi was fully displayed!And below the platform... the three armies were arrayed, banners densely packed, men and horses silent, swords and spears gleaming, the soldiers’ killing intent dispersing the clouds for ten thousand li!It was impossible for all million soldiers of the expedition against Xia to gather here; a large portion had already advanced to the front lines. At this time, those gathered in the western suburbs of Linzi were the elites of the Spring Deaths, Autumn Killers, and Chasing Wind Corps, each numbering ten thousand.Thirty thousand men spread out formed a sea of people, stretching as far as the eye could see. The elites of the Nine Corps of Great Qi possessed a sharpness that could cleave mountains and cut through clouds.The low and mid-level officers of the Great Qi Empire, representatives leading troops from the Eastern Domain states... all gathered below the platform. Disciples of noble families, military talents, a dazzling array of stars!There was the renowned Jiang Qingyang, and the peerlessly gifted Chongxuan Zun... In addition, figures such as Li Fengyao, Yan Fu, Wen Lianmu, Bao Bozhao... a multitude of talents!Today’s Great Qi Empire is indeed brimming with talent.And Cao Jie, on that high command platform, took a step forward!He, who was originally unremarkable, mild-mannered, and wearing a苦面 (bitter expression), with this step, seemed to traverse through the killing intent of ancient and modern times, stepping out from the battlefields where countless heroic martyrs had existed in the past.His spirit devoured ten thousand li like a tiger!Looking at him, it was as if you saw the countless heroic souls of this great empire reining in their horses behind him, the forest of weapons erupting with towering killing intent, the tattered battle banners flying in the frosty wind, and the endless blood shed in past years all condensed into the red plume on his helmet.And his gaze slowly swept across the training ground, as if he noticed everyone. He seemed to be encouraging everyone, and at the same time, granting everyone his authority.In this quiet and solemn atmosphere, he slowly opened his mouth, “I am not a person who likes to say pretty words, nor do I have time to talk nonsense with you. There is only one thing I want to tell you—”His voice became magnificent, like a war drum, like horse hooves, like booming thunder—“I, Cao Jie, will surely lead you to victory!”Boom! The world seemed to tremble.The great power of humankind seemed capable of shaking the mortal realm. Standing on the training ground, amidst the roaring cheers like mountains and seas, Jiang Wang was also unconsciously infected by the atmosphere, and hot blood surged within him.“Ten Thousand Victories!” He shouted along with the surrounding soldiers!………………Volume Two, “From Now On, No Heart for the Beautiful Night,” has been released in physical form (three volumes bound together).Purchased on Dangdang.com, the first eight hundred copies come with a signed world map. (The world map is a guaranteed drop item)Purchased at the Huawen Tianxia official store on Tmall, the first two hundred copies come with a signed world map and Q-version Jiang Wang and Jiang An'an keychains. (The world map and keychains are guaranteed drop items)I don't know why the editor made it a bit complicated... Anyway, that's how it is.The world map was specially drawn by a very skilled artist, based on the more than four thousand characters of map settings I wrote, and revised many times before this version was completed.I hope that when readers see a certain place on the map, they can immediately recall the stories that happened there and think of those wonderful people.In this way, my time has not been wasted. Our story has indeed happened.[Recommendation, Mimireading app is really good to use, download it here and everyone can try it quickly.]