By the time Zuo Canglang followed Wen Qi back to Daji City, it was already August. Because of the consecutive days of travel, the wound on Wen Qi’s back had not only failed to heal but had begun to swell and redden. Wen Qi paid it no mind, continuing to hold daily briefings and handle military affairs as usual.
Daji City had been reduced to ruins by Murong Yan’s great fire, and in the summer heat, the corpses of the Yu soldiers quickly began to rot and stench. A lingering, inescapable odor permeated the city, and swarms of flies and mosquitoes gathered in thick clouds.
Every day, Zuo Canglang worked alongside the soldiers to pile the corpses together and burn them. Other soldiers assisted the commoners in rebuilding their homes. Even the river in the city carried the scent of decay; clean water had to be fetched from far away.
Zuo Canglang usually had nothing specific to do. Wen Qi had not specified her role in the army, and no one had even officially introduced her to the other generals.
However, Zuo Canglang could not stay idle. Like an ordinary soldier, she covered her nose and mouth with a cloth and handled the rotting corpses in Daji City. Body after body was piled up and set ablaze. Sweat and bone ash clung to the young woman’s skin; she remained entirely unfazed by scenes that would make an ordinary person vomit uncontrollably.
With over a hundred thousand corpses, even the phrase "mountains of corpses and seas of blood" felt inadequate. Wen Qi stood before a temporary tent, watching the girl busy herself among the remains. Several generals stood behind him; since he did not speak, no one dared to open their mouth.
As time passed, his deputy, Yuan Xi, could no longer contain himself. "General Wen, are we really going to stay here and build houses?" Wen Qi had a good temperament, so Yuan Xi spoke without much restraint. "It’s not that I’m complaining, but we’ve been soldiers for years, and for years we’ve been cowards. It was only the last battle that let us hold our heads high. But after finally winning such a great victory, the Imperial Court won't let us advance. This is truly..."
He still looked dissatisfied, but upon turning back and seeing Wen Qi’s expression, he sheepishly shut his mouth.
Wen Qi returned his gaze to the busy Zuo Canglang and asked, "What do you think of her?"
Yuan Xi scratched the back of his head. "Well, General, we’ve been in the army so many years, we’ve hardly seen any women. I can't really say if she's pretty or not. But if you like her..."
Wen Qi finally sighed. "Yuan Xi, I am asking what you think of her as a person."
Yuan Xi said, "Uh, hard to say. She doesn't talk much, but she’s efficient in her work. Even a scene like this doesn't rattle her at all."
Wen Qi suddenly raised his voice. "Ah-Zuo, come here."
Zuo Canglang turned her head and only then realized Wen Qi had arrived. She walked over quickly and performed a salute. "General Wen."
Wen Qi nodded and said, "In such heat, there is no need for you to do this."
Zuo Canglang removed her gloves, which were soaked with the foul-smelling grease of decay. Her expression was calm. "The weather is hot. If the corpses are not dealt with early, it will be even worse if a plague breaks out."
Wen Qi nodded and said, "His Majesty has ordered us to retreat to Suye and continue our garrison duties. We will begin the march tonight. All of you, go and prepare."
The various generals accepted their orders one after another. Zuo Canglang glanced at them, looking as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Wen Qi asked, "Is there a problem?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Forgive my bluntness, General, but at this time, you should indeed march, but not for garrison duty." Wen Qi arched an eyebrow, and Zuo Canglang continued, "The Yu army has suffered a crushing defeat and will not move against us again in the short term. You should lead the army to Pingdu Pass, west of Mayi City, to prevent an invasion from Western Jing."
Everyone was stunned. Yuan Xi said, "Western Jing signed a treaty with us and is currently Great Yan’s suzerain state. How can you be so sure they would move against us?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Because Northern Yu will send envoys to Western Jing to boast of their own military strength. They will claim that although we annihilated fifteen thousand of their elite, our own strength has been depleted to almost nothing. Then, they will invite the Emperor of Western Jing to send troops to carve up Yan territory. The Emperor of Western Jing has long desired to bring Great Yan into his fold; he will certainly raise an army to test the waters. And once Western Jing moves, tribes like the Guzhu, Shanrong, and Tuhe will surely conclude that Great Yan’s time has passed and follow suit."
Everyone’s expression changed. Yuan Xi asked, "But when Western Jing invaded with a massive army years ago, they were blocked outside Pingdu Pass by General Wen. And Northern Yu has been scared witless by us; would they really dare come again?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Northern Yu will not come themselves, but they will certainly take this action. Having suffered such a heavy blow in this battle, they are surrounded by tigers and wolves. Whether for self-preservation or to prevent Great Yan from seeking revenge, this is the only move they can make. Only if Great Yan falls into chaos will the other beasts lose interest in the heavily wounded Yu. The time it takes for the tigers and wolves to carve up Great Yan is exactly what will give Yu a chance to breathe."
As these words were spoken, almost everyone broke into a cold sweat. Wen Qi asked, "In your opinion, what should be done?"
Zuo Canglang said, "General, you should lead a small number of soldiers and march now to the fortifications of Pingdu Pass, west of Suye. When the generals of Western Jing see you in person, they will know Great Yan is prepared and will not dare to act rashly. Meanwhile, we should send an envoy to Guzhu to persuade the King of Guzhu to move against Yu. At the same time, we will launch a feint against Xiaoquan Mountain. Northern Yu’s remaining forces are currently stationed along the Yan-Yu border to prevent our counterattack. Once Guzhu starts a war with them, if Yu does not redeploy troops to defend against Guzhu, Guzhu will succeed. If they do redeploy, we will have our opportunity."
The sun was very strong that day. Her hair was filled with dust and sweat, her cheeks were flushed like evening clouds, but her lips were very dry. She raised her sleeve to wipe her sweat and continued, "Regardless of which side succeeds, the other nations will see who the weakling is. Once the other tribes catch wind of this, Northern Yu will surely perish."
After she finished speaking, no one spoke for a long time. Zuo Canglang looked at everyone, feeling a bit awkward, and asked, "Did I say something wrong?"
Wen Qi asked, "Are you saying we need to pretend to mass troops at Pingdu Pass to deter Western Jing, and then work with Guzhu to move against Northern Yu?"
Zuo Canglang frowned slightly and said, "No. Great Yan’s treasury is empty; we cannot afford another war. We only feign an attack on Xiaoquan Mountain to pin down Northern Yu. Once Guzhu succeeds, other nations will scramble for a piece of the pie, and Yu will inevitably fall into civil war. We only need to capture the Yu royals, Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin, and then abandon cities like Xiaoquan Mountain to the Shanrong or Tuhe. This way, Guzhu, being the first to raise arms, will suffer heavy losses. Meanwhile, the Shanrong and Tuhe will gain the most with little loss, which will inevitably create friction between the three parties. Whether they fight each other or remain wary of one another, it will ensure Great Yan remains untroubled."
Vice General Xu Lang asked, "Why must we capture Daxi Cheng and the others?"
Zuo Canglang said, "A land without a master will only be more chaotic. Furthermore, the Daxi clan has deep roots and high prestige in Northern Yu. If we hold them in our hands, we will be assured of victory if we ever seek to conquer the old lands of Northern Yu in the future."
Wen Qi’s gaze lingered on her face. At that moment, she looked like a messy street cat, yet her eyes sparkled with a dazzling brilliance. Wen Qi said, "Tonight, I will take twenty thousand men to Mayi City. Yuan Xi, take your orders."
Yuan Xi knelt on the ground. Wen Qi said, "All military affairs here will be handled by you with full authority. Zuo Canglang is appointed to the position of Military Advisor. If there is a disagreement during wartime, send an express report to me."
Yuan Xi and Zuo Canglang both knelt to accept the order. "Yes!"
Wen Qi glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Everyone is dismissed. Yuan Xi, stay behind." Once the other generals had dispersed, Wen Qi turned to look at Yuan Xi. After a long silence, he said, "The west and north of Suye are within the same city, yet the camps are far apart. Military intelligence is like fire; even an express report might not arrive in time."
Yuan Xi asked, "General, you mean..."
Wen Qi said, "In terms of bravery, no one in Great Yan surpasses you. But in terms of strategy and tactics, she far exceeds you. If your opinions differ, you must give her views much consideration."
Yuan Xi said, "General, you know me. If you ask me to charge the enemy, I, Yuan Xi, fear no one. But these twists and turns... I really... Why must you leave the seal of command with me?"
Wen Qi said, "Yuan Xi, she is the Second Prince’s person. In the end, she and we cannot walk the same path. Therefore, while you must use her, you must also guard against her. All military affairs must be handled by you personally. You must not be lazy or negligent!"
Yuan Xi scratched his hair, looking quite troubled. "Yes."
Wen Qi said, "Yuan Xi, what I am placing in your hands is not just a military tally or a seal, nor is it a hollow title of commander. It is the morale of the entire Northwest Camp, the loyalty of a general, and the grace and trust His Majesty has shown for all these years!"
Yuan Xi’s expression slowly turned solemn. Wen Qi stared into his eyes and said, "I do not care who ascends the throne in the future, but the army under my command—down to every single soldier—must be the army in His Majesty’s hand."
Yuan Xi began to sweat. "No... no, General, you’re making this sound so serious, I... I’m starting to feel a bit nervous!"
Wen Qi handed over the military tally and said, "Promise me, as a Military Advisor, she only has the right to deliberate and advise, and absolutely no other power!"
Yuan Xi’s hands were shaking as he took the tally.
That night, Wen Qi led twenty thousand men on a night march, heading to the west of Suye which bordered Western Jing, and set up camp by the White Wolf River. Zuo Canglang and Yuan Xi led the army back to the north of Suye, adjacent to Northern Yu’s Xiaoquan Mountain.
Yuan Xi kept looking at Zuo Canglang throughout the journey. Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Zuo Canglang couldn't help but touch her face and ask, "Did I not wash my face clean?"
Yuan Xi gave a dry cough and immediately looked away.
During the march, Wen Qi requested orders from Murong Yuan to send an envoy to persuade Guzhu. This was an easy merit to claim; Great Yan had just won a massive victory, annihilating fifteen thousand of Northern Yu’s elite. Now that they were inviting Guzhu to join in attacking Northern Yu, the King of Guzhu would certainly consider it. In his message, Wen Qi still made subtle mention of the Second Prince, Murong Yan.
However, while Murong Yuan agreed to the plan, he sent the Crown Prince’s retainer, Gao Cheqi, to handle it instead.
A few days later, Guzhu agreed to send troops, and the credit for the successful diplomacy went entirely to the Crown Prince.
Wen Qi sighed inwardly but was powerless to change it. By mid-August, Western Jing indeed massed troops again, but when the leading general saw that Wen Qi himself was guarding the White Wolf River west of Suye, he immediately hesitated.
In the previous war between Western Jing and Great Yan, Wen Qi had relied on only thirty thousand remnants to exhaust the supplies of Western Jing’s army of over a hundred thousand, forcing them to agree to a peace treaty. If they fought again now, how much certainty of victory did he have?
While Western Jing hesitated, Yuan Xi and Zuo Canglang led their troops to attack Northern Yu’s Xiaoquan Mountain. While Northern Yu was resisting, Guzhu raised its army and attacked Northern Yu’s Yanling from the east.
Northern Yu was instantly thrown into a frantic state, and Guzhu succeeded easily. Overnight, the Western Jing army bypassed Suye and directly attacked Northern Yu’s Mayi City. Once Western Jing moved, other tribes followed suit, and the entire state of Yu fell into total war within just three days.
Yuan Xi took the lead and captured Xiaoquan Mountain. Zuo Canglang said, "Abandon the defense of the city and pursue Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin!"
Yuan Xi looked at the streets and layout of Xiaoquan Mountain. "This city was won with our lives; are we really just going to give it up?"
Zuo Canglang said, "If we throw it to the Shanrong, Western Jing will certainly clash with them over it. If we keep it in our hands, it is only a source of trouble."
Yuan Xi thought about it and said, "Fine. Then we retreat now?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I will take a small squad to pursue Daxi Cheng and the others."
Yuan Xi was about to agree when he remembered Wen Qi’s instructions. He immediately changed his tune. "How can a Military Advisor personally lead troops? If something happens to you, how would I explain it to General Wen? You map out the routes, and I’ll go!"
Zuo Canglang said, "There are three possible routes. Moreover, one of these paths might encounter the Jing army; it is extremely dangerous! Small paths are not suitable for many people; it is better if I go personally."
Yuan Xi hurriedly said, "I’ll take troops on that route myself. As for the other two, I’ll send Zhuge Jin and Xu Lang to lead troops to chase and intercept them."
Zuo Canglang paused for a moment, bit her lip, and said, "Fine." She then mapped out the other two routes.
Thinking he had handled things brilliantly, Yuan Xi took Zhuge Jin and Xu Lang with three detachments and headed off down the small paths to intercept Daxi Cheng and Daxi Qin. Zuo Canglang personally saw the three detachments out of Xiaoquan Mountain. She turned back to look at the remaining sixty thousand-plus soldiers, the corners of her mouth curving into a slight smile.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 参军 | Military Advisor | *Canjun*; a military rank/position involving strategy and consultation. |
| 袁戏 | Yuan Xi | Vice General under Wen Qi. |
| 西靖 | Western Jing | A powerful neighboring state/suzerain of Yan. |
| 孤竹 | Guzhu | A neighboring tribe/state. |
| 山戎 | Shanrong | A neighboring tribe/state. |
| 屠何 | Tuhe | A neighboring tribe/state. |
| 马邑城 | Mayi City | A city in the border region. |
| 平度关 | Pingdu Pass | A strategic mountain pass. |
| 达奚铖 | Daxi Cheng | A member of the Northern Yu royal family. |
| 达奚琴 | Daxi Qin | A member of the Northern Yu royal family. |
| 小泉山 | Xiaoquan Mountain | A strategic location/city in Northern Yu. |
| 许琅 | Xu Lang | A subordinate general (Biejianjun). |
| 诸葛锦 | Zhuge Jin | A subordinate general. |
| 白狼河 | White Wolf River | A river near Suye. |
| 高车奇 | Gao Cheqi | A retainer of the Crown Prince. |
| 延陵 | Yanling | A location in Northern Yu. |
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
The Abandoned Empress General | Chapter 19 | The New Military Advisor | Novela.app | Novela.app
