bookbashuk Chapter 381 Nian Duan's Self-Reproach, Xiang Yan's Scheme
Chapter 381 Nian Duan's Self-Reproach, Xiang Yan's Scheme
At Ying Zheng's urging, Wang Jian agreed to lead troops to attack Chu.
However, Wang Jian was not entirely certain about this, so as soon as Ying Zheng left, he wrote a letter to Ying Zheng, hoping that Ying Zheng would not implicate his family after his defeat.
Ying Zheng replied that the army had not yet set out, so why did the general speak of defeat?
If Ying Zheng hadn't personally gone to Pinyang and told Xu Lin that 400,000 troops would have been enough, Wang Jian would not have been willing to take the risk.
In a war of annihilation, the Chu state could probably mobilize at least 700,000 to 800,000 soldiers, if not a million. How easy would it be to defeat 800,000 with only 400,000?
Even with the help of the mechanical beasts from the Gongshu family, it would still be difficult.
Unless they can sow discord between Xiang Yan and King Fu Chu of Chu, or persuade one of Qu Jingzhao's families to defect.
The war to destroy Chu was of great importance, so Wang Jian pondered it all night.
The next day, Wang Jian wrote another letter to Ying Zheng, expressing his intention to emulate the Battle of Changping, with Li Xin as the main general in the open, while he, as the actual general, would operate in the shadows.
During the Battle of Changping, the general in charge of the campaign against Zhao was Wang He, while Bai Qi remained in the shadows.
Ying Zheng readily agreed.
In his view, one should trust those one employs. Since he had chosen Wang Jian as the commander-in-chief, he would not easily refuse Wang Jian's request.
In order to deceive the Chu army, Ying Zheng appointed Yang Duanhe to garrison Xinzheng, while Meng Tian served as the nominal deputy general to assist the nominal commander-in-chief, Li Xin.
Although Li Xin's reputation was rising, it was still not as great as that of Wang Ben and Meng Wu.
Therefore, appointing Meng Tian as deputy general shows that Qin was serious about attacking Chu.
Xu Lin did not go to the State of Chu at the beginning this time, because he knew very well that destroying Chu would be a very long process, and it would take at least a year and a half to destroy it.
Unlike Wei and Yan.
So after Li Xin and Meng Tian led their troops on the expedition, he went to Nian Duan's residence.
Besides writing books, Nian Duan has been teaching Duanmu Rong medicine lately, so he hasn't been too busy.
Beside the pool, Nian Duan, with her long hair tied up high, sat upright, while the young girl Duanmu Rong chattered incessantly, the two like mother and son.
Soon, Nian Duan discovered Xu Lin.
"When did you arrive, sir?"
"Rong'er, go and pay your respects to the master quickly."
Nian Duan opened his mouth.
She dressed as simply as before.
This is not because Nian Duan is poor, but because Nian Duan dislikes fine clothes.
In this respect, Duanmu Rong is better than Nian Duan; Duanmu Rong is willing to wear silk skirts.
The young girl, Duanmu Rong, put down her medical book and bowed to Xu Lin.
Xu Lin waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be so formal.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Lin and Nian Duan went to the study together.
Duanmu Rong insisted that Xu Lin stay for dinner, saying she wanted to demonstrate her culinary skills. Unable to refuse her hospitality, Xu Lin had no choice but to agree.
The current Duanmu Rong is somewhat like Honglian in Xinzheng, exuding youthful energy.
Perhaps because her master did not die as in the original story, but instead treated her better and better, Duanmu Rong's personality also changed.
"How is Rong'er's cooking?"
Xu Lin asked curiously.
"It can fill your stomach."
Nian Duan replied.
If someone who isn't picky about food makes such a comment, it's clear that Duanmu Rong's cooking skills are, to put it mildly, questionable.
But as the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and this deserves encouragement.
"Is there really no cure for Han Fei's illness?"
Xu Lin asked seriously.
He placed his hand on Nian Duan's leg.
Even though Duanmu Rong was busy in the kitchen through her skirt, Xu Lin's actions still made Nian Duan feel extremely uncomfortable.
"People are like leaves, they will eventually wither and fall."
Nian Duan's eyebrows drooped.
Although she had never met Han Fei, she had heard Xu Lin talk about Han Fei's "Five Vermin" and thought that Han Fei was indeed talented.
He may be slightly worse than Xu Lin, but he is still far superior to most people.
"Is Madam unhappy lately?"
Xu Lin grasped Nian Duan's right hand.
Nian Duan was in a very low mood, and I felt sorry for her.
"No."
"I'm quite happy to see Rong'er maturing day by day."
Nian Duan shook his head in denial.
Xu Lin expressed disbelief.
Because Nian Duan's tone, emotions, and expression all conveyed unhappiness.
After a moment's hesitation, Xu Lin closed the doors and windows.
Nian Duan looks unwell; it's obvious she doesn't get enough exercise!
Since Duanmu Rong can't cook well in a short time anyway, she might as well take this opportunity to help Nian Duan.
Nian Duan naturally disagreed.
The last time she fought Xu Lin was last year.
Even if it were nighttime, when the two of them were alone, let alone during the day when Duanmu Rong was outside, Nian Duan would not agree to it outright.
Nian Duan felt that what she and Xu Lin had done before was more like a pipe dream.
"Are you hungry, sir?"
A short while later, Duanmu Rong's voice came from outside the door.
"I'm... I'm quite hungry. If you don't mind the trouble, you can make a few more dishes."
Xu Lin is working on two fronts at high speed.
He wanted to say he wasn't hungry, but if he wasn't hungry, how could he have time to help Nian Duan?
"it is good!"
The simple-minded Duanmu Rong readily agreed.
"Master, where did you put the salt?"
A moment later, Duanmu Rong suddenly asked.
Seeing that the study's doors and windows were tightly closed, she frowned slightly.
But I didn't think too much about it; maybe my master was afraid of the cold.
She felt quite cold even when she wasn't cooking in the kitchen.
Nian Duan always wore the same clothes, regardless of the season, which Duanmu Rong found very hard to understand.
Anyway, she wears thin clothes in the summer and thick clothes in the winter.
"It should be...it should be next to the water tank."
Nian Duan tried her best to control her tone.
……
More than half an hour later.
Duanmu Rong brought the food to the courtyard.
She recently planted an osmanthus tree in the courtyard, and she plans to eat under it.
Duanmu Rong and Nian Duan both love the smell of osmanthus.
Xu Lin first left the study.
To avoid being discovered by Duanmu Rong, Nian Duan didn't come out of the study for quite a while.
Even so, Duanmu Rong still managed to guess a thing or two.
Duanmu Rong is just young, not stupid.
After taking his seat, Xu Lin began to eat heartily.
Nian Duan, who was in a good mood and had a good appetite, not only ate two large bowls of food, but also praised Duanmu Rong's cooking skills for the first time ever.
In fact, Duanmu Rong's cooking skills are not bad, but Nian Duan has old ideas and believes that a doting mother spoils her daughter, so she has always been taught to be resilient.
Xu Lin said no.
Appropriate setbacks are acceptable, but constant suppression is not advisable.
If it tastes good, it tastes good; if it doesn't taste good, it doesn't taste good. Appropriate encouragement and appropriate setbacks are acceptable.
Nian Duan couldn't argue with Xu Lin, so she had no choice but to accept his criticism.
This made Duanmu Rong very happy.
Nian Duan is only a little better than before at Jinghu; there are still many problems that need to be addressed.
Duanmu Rong said that Xu Lin should come more often in the future, otherwise his master would easily go astray.
Her master has gone astray, which will implicate her.
"Okay, I'll come often."
Xu Lin answered loudly.
Then he gently patted Duanmu Rong's forehead a few times.
Seeing that Xu Lin and Duanmu Rong were very close, like father and daughter, Nian Duan hesitated to speak.
She didn't know if many of her ideas were right or wrong, but she was definitely wrong to take things further with Xu Lin first.
She was almost ten years older than Xu Lin.
But what's done is done.
Nian Duan thought she could stop there and treat what happened before as a dream, but it's not that simple.
Even she could only reluctantly agree, would Xu Lin agree?
Moreover, the balance of yin and yang is an instinct, isn't it?
"One wrong step leads to another."
Nian Duan closed her legs, a hint of self-reproach flashing in her beautiful eyes, and thought to herself.
She had already prepared to sever ties with Xu Lin, but Xu Lin didn't give her the chance at all!
Of course, if she insisted, Xu Lin might not necessarily refuse, but insisting is easier said than done.
Some things are like eating when you're hungry or drinking when you're thirsty—how can you control them?
It's not difficult to restrain oneself for a few days or half a month, but how can one restrain oneself for months, years, or even a lifetime?
next month.
Li Xin and Meng Tian began to wage war against Chu.
After Shang Yang's reforms, the Qin people, being warlike, swept through the country and conquered several cities of Chu.
Li Xin marched westward from Pingyu, while Meng Tian marched northward from Qin, and the two eventually joined forces at Chengfu.
The Qin army won a series of victories and its advance was aimed directly at Shouchun, the capital of the Chu state.
The King of Chu was so anxious that he could neither eat nor sleep, and he urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.
“Just now, someone from Chengfu sent a message saying that Pingyu, Qin, Yan and other places have been captured by the Qin bandits.”
"The Qin traitors are ambitious, what can we do?"
King Fu Chu paced back and forth in the palace. He did not want to be the ruler of a fallen kingdom.
"Your subject is willing to lead the army to resist the Qin traitors!"
Xiang Yan spoke.
There are two reasons why he only volunteered to fight today.
First, he has been corresponding with Lord Changping recently, and he prefers Lord Changping to King Fuchu of Chu.
Secondly, if the State of Chu doesn't suffer a few defeats first, it will still think it is the hegemon of the world.
"it is good!"
King Chu was overjoyed.
Then he took out the tiger tally from his sleeve and handed it to Xiang Yan.
"The general is well-versed in the art of war. As the saying goes, 'Trust those you employ, and do not employ those you distrust.'"
"The survival of our Great Chu depends entirely on you, General!"
King Chu, carrying Chu, said solemnly.
After he finished speaking, he also gave the Chu King's sword to Xiang Yan.
After witnessing this scene, the courtiers had various opinions.
Some people think the King of Chu has great courage, while others think he is taking a risk.
"Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission!"
Xiang Yan immediately accepted the order.
Then, holding the King of Chu's sword in one hand and the tiger tally in the other, he left the King of Chu's palace.
After Xiang Yan walked away, the person in charge of the Qu family immediately stepped forward.
"Your Majesty."
"Xiang Yan is indeed well-versed in military strategy, but what if he harbors suspicions?"
"Your Majesty needs to send someone to the front lines to supervise the army and create a check on Xiang Yan. Otherwise, if Xiang Yan becomes too powerful, the consequences will be unimaginable."
The head of the Qu family suggested.
He had no enmity with Xiang Yan, but he was worried about the state of Chu.
As the saying goes, "He who possesses a sharp weapon will naturally harbor murderous intent."
Xiang Yan not only held the tiger tally but also the sword of the King of Chu. If he did not oppose the tyrannical Qin after arriving at the front, but instead attacked Shouchun, he could have deposed and installed a new emperor.
"Your Majesty."
"I second that proposal!"
“One must be wary of those who wield significant military power; after all, Xiang Yan is a powerful figure…”
The head of the Jing family followed closely behind.
But before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by King Fuchu of Chu.
"My mind is made up!"
"There's no need to persuade them anymore!"
King Fu Chu spoke without a smile.
Then they left the main hall.
He is the King of Chu; how can he change his orders from morning to evening?
If Xiang Yan had listened to the advice of the leaders of the Qu and Jing families, would he have gone all out on the front lines?
It should be understood that the State of Chu is now facing the danger of national extinction.
The State of Zhao is a good example.
What was the final outcome of King Zhao's distrust of Lian Po and Li Mu?
It's not that Guo Kai was the person in charge of the Qu and Jing families, but as the saying goes, a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders.
He simply refused to give Xiang Yan the Chu King's sword; if Xiang Yan wanted to rebel, he could.
Therefore, it's better to trust Xiang Yan and bet that he won't rebel.
……
the other side.
Xu Lin and the Moon Goddess left Xianyang and headed to the State of Chu.
Xu Lin didn't want to attract attention, so the carriage wasn't particularly luxurious.
The two horses pulling the cart were extremely intelligent and did not need to be whipped.
The Moon Goddess, dressed in a blue brocade robe, knelt in the center of the carriage, dignified and elegant, just like Guanyin Bodhisattva.
After noticing that Xu Lin was looking at her, the Moon Goddess slowly opened her beautiful eyes.
"Does the gentleman not cultivate every day?"
The Moon Goddess asked.
"need."
"The young lady is as beautiful as a celestial being, yet I only admire her from afar. Isn't this also a form of cultivation?"
Xu Lin raised his eyebrows slightly.
This time, upon entering Chu, we must take our relationship with the Moon Goddess to the next level.
Because he doesn't have much time left.
After destroying Chu, only Qi and the Xiongnu remained to be dealt with, and oh yes, the Baiyue.
But whether it was the State of Qi or the Baiyue, things were very simple.
"Sir, you must have said that to many women, right?"
The Moon Goddess's voice was indifferent.
"No."
"Only the young lady."
Xu Lin shook his head.
This is not a lie. He only said similar things to Jing Ni and the others, but never said the exact same things.
"No wonder so many girls secretly admire you."
The moon goddess parted her thin lips slightly.
She didn't believe Xu Lin's words.
Xu Lin is eloquent and persuasive; if she believes what Xu Lin says, she will be completely fooled by him.
……
Linzi, Qi State.
After receiving the letter from King Fu Chu of Chu, King Qi rubbed his forehead and fell into deep thought.
Now, of the six states in Shandong, only Chu and Qi remain. If Chu is destroyed, Qi will definitely be no match for Qin.
Therefore, the King of Qi was willing to lend a helping hand to the State of Chu.
Thinking of this, King Qi summoned his ministers to the palace.
After everyone had arrived, he had a eunuch deliver the letter to Chancellor Hou Sheng and others.
“A little over an hour ago, the King of Chu personally wrote me a letter.”
"They say that the tyrannical Qin Dynasty is wicked and wants to destroy the State of Chu, and they want my Great Qi to help them."
"The words in the letter were almost a plea."
"How about we discuss it?"
King Qi spoke.
There were many who supported helping Chu, and many who opposed it.
Because helping Chu would offend the Qin state.
Hou Sheng has been receiving money from the Qin state for years, so he said that the Great Qi can sit back and watch the tigers fight, like the mantis stalking the cicada unaware of the oriole behind.
The State of Chu was vast and unlike Wei and Yan, so how could it be so easily destroyed?
King Qi felt that Hou Sheng's words made sense, so he decided to observe the battle for a while longer.
……
The State of Chu.
After Xiang Yan arrived at the front line, he decided to pick on the weakest link, so he chose Li Xin.
Li Xin had not suffered a defeat in recent years, so he was somewhat complacent about his opponent.
Instead of feigning defeat, Xiang Yan opted for a direct and forceful attack.
After recapturing Yan, Xiang Yan personally led several thousand elite troops in a three-day and three-night pursuit.
Li Xin never expected that Xiang Yan's soldiers could go three days and three nights without rest and suffer a great defeat outside Chengfu. If Meng Tian hadn't been nearby, it's likely that only one in ten of the tens of thousands of soldiers he led out would have survived.
Wang Jian, who had been hiding in the shadows, did not send troops to help after learning of this.
Wang Jian will not take action unless it is absolutely necessary.
Li Xin and Meng Tian led an army of 400,000 men into battle. Even if tens of thousands of men were lost in this battle, it wouldn't be a major problem.
"I underestimated the Chu army."
Li Xin blamed himself.
"Now is not the time to blame yourself."
Meng Tian said seriously.
Then he instructed the physician to quickly treat Li Xin's wounds.
Victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare; looking at history, almost no one can win all the time.
Seeing that Chengfu was impregnable, Xiang Yan abandoned his plan to launch a full-scale attack.
The victory was a great one, with nearly 10,000 Qin soldiers beheaded and the territory of Yan recaptured.
When King Fuchu of Chu learned of this, he was overjoyed and immediately ordered his eunuchs to send him more than a dozen beautiful women.
General Xiang is fighting valiantly on the front lines, and he cannot fall behind!
When Xiang Yan learned that the King of Chu had begun indulging in pleasure again, his thick eyebrows furrowed.
A short while later, he personally wrote a letter to Lord Changping.
King Fu Chu was not up to the task.
Now that the State of Chu is facing a critical moment of survival, Xiang Yan hopes that Lord Changping can step forward.
Lord Changping served the Qin dynasty for many years and had a deep understanding of the tyrannical Qin regime.
Know thyself, ever-victorious.
……
That night.
After entering Chu territory, Xu Lin ate and drank his fill, then lay down in the carriage and fell fast asleep.
The Moon Goddess is still cultivating.
After Xu Lin fell asleep, his hands were very restless, sometimes stroking the Moon Goddess's calves, sometimes gently caressing her toes.
The Moon Goddess did not stop them, because she discovered that without interference, cultivation would be twice as effective. (End of Chapter)