Wuxia: The Super Slave Master

Page 370

Rest? It's only been a few minutes... He'd only been lying on the ground thinking for a while, and these guys were already saying "the first phase of the exercise is over"? Ma Chao naturally understood that these guys were just slacking off today, only doing a simple practice session. "General, today the first cavalry squadron volunteered to take on the first round of reconnaissance and patrol missions," the adjutant said, bowing down.

"You guys planned this all along, didn't you? Taking turns, right... and you even volunteered?" Ma Chao lay on the ground, not even opening his eyes. "First squad, set off immediately and scout outwards for ten kilometers. The rest of you, rest."

"Yes!" Ya Jiang was overjoyed and left happily.

However, before the first squad could even leave, and only a few minutes after the trainees had sprawled out and lay down haphazardly, several patrol groups at the front came galloping to report.

"Reporting to the general, a large number of Xiongnu troops have been spotted in the northwest and are rapidly approaching us!"

"Same message! They're less than ten kilometers away!"

Upon receiving the report, Ma Chao was momentarily stunned. "A large number of Xiongnu troops" and "rapidly approaching me!" When did the Xiongnu become so high-profile? Weren't they impossible to find before...? Ma Chao even considered sending someone to verify the authenticity of the matter, but indeed, more than five patrol teams had already delivered this message.

"All assemble and prepare for battle!" Ma Chao shouted sternly. Well… they couldn't find them before, but now they've delivered themselves to their doorstep. Let's fight! "Patrolmen, scout out the enemy's troop numbers, and also watch out for any other enemy forces coming to attack from other directions," Ma Chao instructed the messenger beside him. However, clearly, there were too many patrol units, and the situation was urgent; only a few patrolmen would likely hear this order. Fortunately, basic patrolman duty dictates that they should know to scout out enemy troop numbers and prevent other enemy attacks, so even if they didn't receive the order, they could still maintain order…

"The messenger informed our nearby cavalry to come closer and join forces for a decisive battle! Also, inform Shuofang that a large number of enemy troops are actively approaching our Luojun training corps."

The long-awaited decisive battle arrived so unexpectedly, catching the Luo army soldiers somewhat off guard and even causing a slight tension. Ma Chao was no less relaxed, but as his army assembled—150,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry, a total of 200,000 men—and arrayed themselves on the grassland, Ma Chao's confidence grew stronger as he surveyed this colossal force.

Chapter 154 Battle on the Grassland

The first to clash with Ma Chao were the 100,000-strong Xiongnu cavalry led by Eru, and the two sides engaged in fierce combat. Unlike Eru, Ma Chao did not charge to the front lines. Having served as a lieutenant general and leading troops of 100,000 men for some time, Ma Chao had become accustomed to commanding from the rear. Patrol reports indicated that another 100,000 troops were flanking him in two groups, presumably attempting to attack his forces from the side.

The first time I saw such a grassland, it wasn't an endless expanse, but rather clusters of dark, heavy people and horses everywhere, stretching all the way to the horizon, as if there were still a bunch of riders and horse teams on the horizon.

Initially, the fighting was a coordinated effort between infantry and cavalry. Cavalrymen faced the Xiongnu army head-on, while infantrymen were mixed in, attacking Xiongnu riders from below or targeting their horses. However, as the battle intensified, the Xiongnu launched a large-scale attack into the Luo army's positions, and the Luo army's cavalry charged into the Xiongnu ranks. The two sides became intertwined, and the infantry, mixed in with the cavalry, was inevitably at a disadvantage compared to the cavalry. As a result, the infantrymen retreated one after another.

The Xiongnu cavalry, approaching from the flank, began to engage in battle. Ma Chao noticed that Luo Jun's ranks were beginning to contract, clearly indicating that the enemy's forces far exceeded his own 150,000 cavalry. Although Luo Jun possessed exceptional fighting skills, he was now at a disadvantage.

When Xu Da heard the news of the Xiongnu army's proactive attack in Shuofang, he was even somewhat excited. Finally, finally, no matter how great the losses, it was better than the army being bogged down in the north and unable to move south. Of course, the biggest risk of a retreating army in battle was being divided, encircled, and attacked; they should immediately regroup their forces.

"150,000 cavalry and 100,000 infantry within the city, open the gates and set off immediately!" Xu Da immediately stood up without hesitation. "The decisive battle has begun!" He was almost jumping for joy. "Xiahou Yuan, you lead the cavalry ahead immediately, the sooner the better!"

"Understood!" Xiahou Yuan seemed to be infected by Xu Da's enthusiasm, his voice trembling with excitement.

Zhongting was initially quite satisfied with the battle's progress. According to reconnaissance, Ma Chao's forces numbered 50,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry, with the closest force numbering 100,000 cavalry, totaling only 200,000. In cavalry combat, infantry was at a significant disadvantage, so the fighting strength of these 150,000 cavalry could be considered. The Xiongnu cavalry, totaling 300,000, with Elu as the vanguard, launched a frontal assault. The remaining troops were divided into two flanking maneuvers to disrupt Ma Chao's formation. Ultimately, Ma Chao's forces were routed before reinforcements from Shuofang arrived. The main army could then retreat at a leisurely pace, severely weakening the enemy and rendering them unable to fight the Xiongnu cavalry head-on, thus successfully breaking the crisis in the north.

As Zhongting had predicted, the Luo army, under attack from three sides, began to struggle even with its usually valiant cavalry. At this point, the Xiongnu army outnumbered the Luo army by a factor of two, and Zhongting's three-pronged attack, rather than a piecemeal approach, expanded the Xiongnu's deployment area. Large numbers of Xiongnu soldiers surged forward, and a single Luo soldier often had to contend with two or three Xiongnu cavalrymen.

"Our army must not scatter! It's easy to be divided! Now consolidate the battle line and wait for reinforcements!" Ma Chao saw the situation was dire, but he was still quite confident in the reinforcements from Shuofang. The Luo army hadn't all arrived yet, and it wasn't worth risking his own troops against the entire Xiongnu. Now, he just needed to consolidate the battle line and hold out until Xu Da arrived, then Xu Da could launch a combined attack from both inside and outside.

As expected, the Luo army began to assemble. The superior individual skill of the Luo soldiers became apparent; the Luo cavalry automatically formed small groups of about twenty men, cooperating to create a defensive line. These groups, back to back, eventually formed a complete circle. The Luo army quickly constructed dozens of such defensive circles. Each circle shifted and changed position, effectively preventing the Xiongnu from encircling and dividing them. The Xiongnu cavalry, who had just been advancing smoothly, suddenly found their advance difficult. Often, when they charged at a single Luo soldier, the Luo soldiers fearlessly met them head-on. The previous two-on-one or even three-on-one advantage was gone; many Xiongnu soldiers were left helplessly waiting behind, unable to intervene, because the Luo army had greatly concentrated, significantly reducing the "enemy-facing area."

0 requests for flowers 0 ······

Ma Chao finally mounted his horse, spear in hand, and charged straight to the front under the protection of his guards. He wielded his spear, killing several men in quick succession, and his iconic white robes and armor invigorated the fallen soldiers.

This wasn't the first time such large-scale bloodshed had occurred on the grasslands; in recent years, war had raged almost daily. The Qiangqu War of Unification, Zhongping's coup, and many other horrific bloodshed events had taken place during this period. Zhongting watched the flashing blades and the blood flowing across the grasslands, feeling almost numb. So much blood had been shed; the armies of both sides were engaged in a fierce, dark mass of horses, neighing and screaming, across the grasslands.

... ..... ...

He only saw that, for such a long time, the Xiongnu had not advanced an inch, and the Luo army showed no signs of collapse. — Both sides had suffered heavy losses, but the Luo army could afford to wait, while he himself might not.

"How far is Xu Da's army from here?" Zhong Ting asked coldly, watching the battle unfold before him.

"It's less than five kilometers; we should be there in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The Luojun cavalry are rushing here at full speed," the general said. At the same time, a large number of messengers were confirming each message to ensure that Zhongting could keep abreast of the battlefield situation.

Zhong Ting fell silent. The battle had only lasted a little over an hour, and he dared not think about what would happen next. How could they defeat Ma Chao's retreating army? These guys, who had initially seemed so vulnerable, were now like solid rocks, impossible to break through. If they couldn't defeat Ma Chao, and Xu Da's troops were rapidly approaching, the Xiongnu cavalry would clearly be attacked from the rear.

"If I had another 100,000 troops, how could the Luo army be so arrogant!" Zhong Ting said bitterly. "Withdraw!" Given the current situation, a retreat must be organized. Otherwise, if Ma Chao cannot be defeated, Zhong Ting himself may be captured. "Pay attention to the orderly retreat of the rear guard! Form squares! The highest-ranking officer in each unit will command the squares. The advance should not cease; confuse the enemy."

Chapter 155 Wuwei County

Initially, when Lieutenant General Ershi rose west of Dunhuang, he realized his army was too large and the country along the route would not be able to provide enough food. Therefore, he divided his forces into several armies, taking routes from the north and south. Colonel Wang Shensheng, former Grand Master of Ceremonies Hu Chongguo, and over a thousand others separately arrived at Yucheng. The defenders of Yucheng refused to supply their troops with food. Wang Shensheng, being two hundred li away from the main army, underestimated them and reprimanded Yucheng. Yucheng refused to provide food, and learning that Shensheng's army was dwindling daily, he launched a morning attack with three thousand men, slaughtering Shensheng and his men. The army was routed, and only a few escaped to Lieutenant General Ershi.

—From the Records of the Grand Historian, Biography of Dayuan

The battles in the Hexi Corridor broke out almost simultaneously. After several rounds of reconnaissance, everyone was smart enough to know that the other side was hostile. The Luo army might have split its main force, sending a surprise attack on the Hexi Corridor. The Xiongnu might have been equipped with a large number of well-trained steppe wolves.

This was a rare rainy day in the Western Regions, and the air was instantly filled with a chill, even feeling like autumn rain, with the temperature dropping sharply. In the light rain, the garrison of Wuwei County saw the dark mass of the Luo army, already at the city walls. No one bothered to open their rain gear; the Luo soldiers looked somewhat disheveled, their beards unshaven, their faces and bodies covered in dust. The rain soaked their faces and armor. They breathed in the cool air deeply; normally, it would have been a mixture of heat and scorching sand.

The army stretched out in a dark mass, reaching into the distance where they could no longer see, obscured by the sand dunes. The garrison of Wuwei had never seen such a large army gathered before. The soldiers, all clad in uniform dark armor, gleamed in the rain, sending a chill down the spines of the defenders.

The newly arrived governor of the four prefectures of Hexi, Yesuo, silently ascended the low city wall. Huyan followed behind. After Yesuo's arrival, he did not make any major adjustments to the garrison in Hexi. The entire garrison of the four prefectures of Hexi numbered less than ten thousand, with two thousand in Wuwei.

Yesso glanced down and immediately recognized Yan Qing, the Imperial Guard General who had once negotiated alone with Zhong Ping. Beside him stood Luo Chen, the renowned young commander. Handsome, slightly tanned, with thick eyebrows and a calm expression. A very attractive commander, seemingly honest. A cunning and treacherous character might achieve small victories, but strangely, perhaps due to fate, these people rarely have the last laugh, failing to claim the crown they so desperately desire and are willing to cross any line for. This calm and young commander was pleasant to be around, as if the treacherous power struggles didn't exist within his circle.

Huyan had once asked him how to resist the Luo army. He replied: Resist step by step, guiding the Steppe Wolf Legion to turn the tide. Huyan asked again: What if the Steppe Wolf Legion is defeated? He replied again: Then there is no hope for Hexi, only death. Huyan seemed to be struck a blow, remaining silent for a long time. In fact, Yesuo also wanted to turn the tide, but what power did he have now? He had been removed from the core decision-making level, and the 300,000 Xiongnu cavalry on the northern front no longer followed his conservative tactics. The Steppe Wolf Legion he had nurtured was now under the command of others, and he could only sit idly by. Leading this ragtag force of less than 10,000 men to resist step by step was the only thing he could do, and could only do so. What else could he do? Even a skilled cook cannot cook without rice; this small force could not produce anything remarkable.

In addition, there was a young general, Chang Yuchun, who was obviously the first to arrive in Shuofang and served as the vanguard of the Luojun army.

He only flashed across the city wall for a moment, and it's unknown whether the people below will recognize him... Perhaps some soldiers will recognize him, perhaps Yan Qing will recognize him...

Yesuo glanced at Huyan, who was completely terrified, his eyes glazed over as he stared blankly at the dark mass of fallen soldiers below. "Let's go!" Yesuo reminded him, then turned and walked down the city wall without looking back.

“Go and contact General Zhao Cheng. Tell him that the enemy has reached Wuwei County with about 100,000 men. Ask him about their situation too; after all, they are our hope…” Yesso said lazily to the messenger, his tone tinged with disappointment, even pessimism. After all, how could Yesso allow his fate to be in someone else's hands? And he had indeed said, “They are our hope…”

Soon the attack began in silence. The Luo army didn't bring heavy siege equipment; they simply seemed to have chopped some large logs, tied to carts, or carried by hand by a few soldiers. But was that not enough for such a dilapidated city?

Wuwei had four city gates, each crowded with a dense mass of Xiongnu soldiers. A relentless barrage of arrows rained down on the city walls. Almost every Xiongnu soldier who dared to peek out was shot dead; they could only cower beside the battlements. Those lucky enough had wooden shields, while the unlucky ones were destined to be wounded.

Meanwhile, the heavy wooden thuds against the gate echoed rhythmically, each thud followed by the heart-wrenching creaking of the city gate. No one dared to peek out from the gate to stop them; no stones or arrows fell, for there was no time to strike—anyone who dared to peek would be shot dead.

Frankly, this was a terrifying psychological tactic. Every time the wooden batter rammed the door, the soldiers on the city walls felt their hearts leap. They knew the outcome all too well: once the door was breached, a large contingent of the fallen cavalry would pour in, and the riders' gleaming sabers instilled immense fear.

Finally, some, unable to hold on any longer, began to use their shields to block the retreat and crouched low as they ran down the city gate. The officers on the walls couldn't stop them, and besides, they dared not rise. With someone starting, desertion erupted like an avalanche; soldiers scrambled down the walls, fleeing back into the city. —Although the chances of survival seemed slim, at least they could live a little longer… Seeing this, the soldiers guarding the city gates also began to flee in droves.

Huyan tried to climb onto the city wall to assess the situation, but before he could even take a step, an arrow whizzed past his ear. Terrified, Huyan turned and ran back down. Meanwhile, Nayesuo sat calmly in his makeshift command tent, neither giving orders nor paying attention to the deserters lining the streets. Even the guards on either side of the command tent had slipped away.

"General Yesuo, please think of something!" Huyan cried out in despair. "How about you think of a way to disguise yourself and escape in the chaos..." Just then, Huyan saw Yesuo 3.3 smile and shake his head, followed by a loud "boom" as the city gate collapsed. "Charge!" The earth-shaking battle cries and the sound of horses' hooves terrified Huyan.

"General Yesuo! Please say a good word to them... You are a great man, if you say a good word, they won't kill us!" Huyan cried and knelt down beside Yesuo, almost hugging Yesuo's leg. Yesuo's face was pale, and he seemed to give a bitter smile.

A large number of desert cavalrymen poured into the city, hacking down anyone carrying a weapon.

Luo Chen shouted sternly, "Pass down the order: those who surrender will not be killed!" He then glanced at Yan Qing and asked, "Is there really an enemy's top strategist, Yesuo? You must be mistaken."

"No, I saw it with my own eyes, it's absolutely true," Yan Qing said with certainty.

"When you encounter an enemy commander, you must not be rude, and you must not harm anyone. You must report to me immediately!" Luo Chen ordered.

Chapter 156 Heavyweight Prisoner

Huyan trembled in the command tent, trying to stand up, but his legs felt weak. He wanted to see what was happening outside, but he was afraid he would be killed as soon as he went outside. "Surrender and you will not be killed!" The rapid sound of horses' hooves and shouts rose and fell, but there were also occasional horrifying screams.

"Those inside, surrender and you won't be killed!" someone suddenly shouted from outside. Then came the sound of horses dismounting. Hu Yan felt his heart leap into his throat; he wanted to say something, but couldn't utter a single word. Beside him, Yesuo remained calm, showing no intention of moving.

"Is anyone there?" an impatient voice called from outside. Then came the sound of leather boots on the cobblestones. The tent flap was flung open with a whoosh, and a fully armed soldier from the Luo Army walked in.

"Damn it! Why aren't they answering? They're like dead!" The soldier was furious when he saw two men inside, motionless and silent. Then about ten more desert soldiers entered, though they appeared to be of higher rank. Huyan finally came to his senses, looked at Yesuo, and then at the two desert soldiers before him. "We surrender!" Huyan shouted, "Don't kill us!"

"Who are you people?" A middle-aged soldier of higher rank glanced at Huyan, then at Yesuo. Clearly, Yesuo was the leader.

“I am the military and political commander of the four commanderies in Hexi of the Xiongnu Empire,” Yesuo said coldly, then pointed to Huyan: “This is the deputy commander.”

"The four prefectures of Hexi... the military and political leaders..." the middle-aged soldier repeated. "Men! Detain them!" Two more soldiers immediately entered, and Yesuo and Huyan followed them out. Only then did Huyan see the situation on the street. The street had been cleared, and four or five riders were patrolling not far away. There was blood on the ground, but no bodies, so it had probably been cleaned up.

On the city wall, Luo Chen listened to Yan Qing and Chang Yuchun report on the situation.

"The Xiongnu army numbered two thousand, with more than five hundred killed or wounded, and the rest captured." Chang Yuchun read from the statistical report in his hand. After finishing, he looked up, his eyes shining, and said, "Our troops can take advantage of the victory and launch an attack. In less than half a month, we can advance westward all the way to Yumen Pass."

Luo Chen didn't answer, but simply rested his hands on his forehead. "How's the situation with Lü Bu? Has he encountered any wolves? Tell them to come and join us as soon as possible! Keep in touch!"

"Understood," Yan Qing replied, bowing his head. "Not yet, General Lü Bu reported that he is on his way quickly."

“Then let’s wait for them here. The soldiers should also take a break. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the defenders here are easy to defeat. What we’re really facing is a powerful pack of wolves! A wolf legion!” Luo Chen was clearly very cautious.

"Not launching an attack?" Chang Yuchun seemed somewhat annoyed. "I'm afraid that if news of the fall of Wuwei gets out, they'll be actively preparing for war, and the effect of a surprise attack will be greatly diminished..."

“It would be safer to combine our forces.” Luo Chen didn’t offer any further explanation. His gaze fell on a sergeant who had just climbed the city wall. The middle-aged sergeant bowed and said, “Reporting to Prime Minister Luo, General Chang and General Yan, we have captured two prisoners who claim to be the military and political officials of the four prefectures of Hexi.”

"Yesuo?" Yan Qing immediately turned around. "How did he become the military and political commander of the four prefectures of Hexi? Or have you still not found Yesuo? Did he escape...?" The sergeant obviously didn't know how to answer, so he just scratched his head and repeated, "He claims to be the military and political commander of Hexi... I don't know anything else."

“Bring me… no, please come up. Don’t be rude,” Luo Chen said.

“No rudeness... We have obeyed our lord’s orders and served these two men tea…” The sergeant said to his men, “Bring them up… no, please!”

Two soldiers brought Yeso and Huyan forward. Yan Qing recognized them at a glance, and Yeso recognized Yan Qing as well. "This is indeed Yeso, the chief strategist of the Xiongnu," Yan Qing whispered in Luo Chen's ear.

"General Yan Qing told me you are Mr. Yesso." Luo Chen stood up. "I've heard so much about you. Someone, please have Mr. Yesso sit down."

"And this gentleman is..." Luo Chen's gaze fell on Hu Yan. Hu Yan hurriedly stammered, "I am Hu Yan, the deputy military and political commander of the four prefectures of Hexi, and I assist General Yesuo. Our tribe has never had any grudges with Lord Luo Chen's army and people before... I was just transferred here by that Zhong Ping to be the deputy military and political commander. Actually, I am just a hereditary tribal chief, and I just want to live my own life..." For some reason, Hu Yan opened up as soon as he saw Luo Chen, saying a lot of things to show that his relationship with Zhong Ping was very weak, and that he was forced to become the deputy military and political commander by the central government.

"Your tribe only needs to surrender," Luo Chen said lazily. "You can remain your tribal chief, and I will not touch you. Just submit to my Han Dynasty."

"Thank you... thank you, Grand Chancellor! Long live the Grand Chancellor!" Upon hearing that he had been let off so easily, Hu Yan was overwhelmed with happiness and kowtowed repeatedly, his words tumbling out incoherently, filled with endless gratitude.

"The matter of your tribe's surrender will be handled by Chang Yuchun. You, 847, can go and rest now." Luo Chen didn't bother to listen to his gratitude and simply waved him away. The man, Hu Yan, bowed and scraped, leaving with endless gratitude.

“Mr. Yesso…” Luo Chen said with great curiosity, “You are the chief strategist, and with the battle raging on the front lines, why did you suddenly come to Hexi… You don’t even have any troops at your disposal, it’s a real waste of your talent…” As he spoke, Luo Chen leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. This chair was specially commissioned by Luo Chen and had been said to have become quite popular among the nobility.

"Heh..." Yesuo chuckled coldly. "Prime Minister Luo, I am no longer the top strategist. I have no great talent either, so there is no need for such high praise from you."

“Oh… he was transferred from the central government to serve as the military and political leader of the four prefectures of Hexi…” Luo Chen sat up. “What a waste of talent.” He turned to Yan Qing and said, “We didn’t even know about such a major transfer. We thought Yesuo was the chief strategist, leading the Xiongnu’s war strategy… Our intelligence work is not good. I have said long ago that this is our weakness.”

"Yes," Yan Qing replied awkwardly. "My lord, Zhang Juzheng is still in Chengdu and hasn't taken office yet. As for me... I'm with you on this desert expedition, so I haven't had time to organize intelligence work..."

Chapter 157 National Intelligence Agency

Meanwhile, Luo Chen questioned Yan Qing about the intelligence system, to which Yan Qing replied that the intelligence work currently lacked a key person in charge. Yan Qing then said, "My lord, you should send Mr. Zhang Juzheng to Chang'an as soon as possible to organize the intelligence work... otherwise, this weakness cannot be reversed..."

"Zhang Juzheng... Chengdu, so who should be appointed as the governor of Yizhou?" Luo Chen suddenly asked Yesuo. "Mr. Yesuo, an outsider's perspective is clearer. In your opinion, who among my ministers would be most suitable to serve as the governor of Yizhou?"

Yesuo was taken aback. He had thought Luo Chen was brought up for interrogation, but instead, Luo Chen directly asked him for advice. He was a prisoner, after all… “Um… Don’t you have a general named Huang Zhong in the south…” It seemed impolite not to answer, so Yesuo reluctantly replied. “Huang Zhong is a general who guards the border. What I need is someone who can coordinate the overall situation of Yizhou,” Luo Chen said with a smile.

"I truly do not know," Nayeso had no choice but to admit he didn't know.

"How's the situation in the southeast?" Luo Chen turned to ask Yan Qing. "It's bad. Cao Cao's army has already marched south, and Zhuge Liang, the Regent, has expressed strong protest on behalf of the government," Yan Qing said, frowning. "It will take some time for the news to reach here, but I estimate that Cao Cao has likely already taken most of Jingzhou. The latest situation in Jingzhou should be delivered by the messenger tomorrow."

"How is Mr. Fazheng doing?" Luo Chen asked again.

"There is currently no news of Mr. Fazheng's public activities; the only report is that he has explained the situation to Liu Bei and has officially assumed office."

Luo Chen remained silent. He had originally instructed that after conquering Wuwei, he should hold a meeting with Yan Qing, Lü Bu, and Chang Yuchun to discuss the situation in Jingzhou, and that all the intelligence, large and small, would be reported together. However, Luo Chen had asked ahead of time today, and Lü Bu's side was in great danger, with the potential for attack. Clearly, the situation in Jingzhou was not good.

"Is Mr. Xu Shu in Shuofang now?" Luo Chen asked, looking up.

"Yes, he's with General Xu Da," Yan Qing reported in a low voice, glancing at Yesuo as he spoke. He knew Luo Chen would definitely issue an important order, but it seemed he had no intention of avoiding Yesuo at all. This Yesuo was a core member of the enemy forces, a Xiongnu prisoner... However, Yesuo was also completely bewildered. He had originally been summoned to interrogate him, so why was he discussing personnel arrangements in the south in front of him, and even seeking his opinion...?

"Transfer Mr. Xu Shu to Chengdu to serve as the Prefect of Yizhou, and transfer Zhang Juzheng back to Chang'an to serve as the Director of the National Intelligence Agency..." Luo Chen issued a series of orders. "Order Zhang Juzheng to immediately organize manpower to establish a national intelligence and espionage network based on the existing foundation. Zhang Juzheng's position as Minister of Works will remain in effect. If he needs money or manpower, he can contact Prime Minister Zhuge Liang; if he needs military support, he can contact Ma Dai and Lin Chong. Inform these people and ask them to fully cooperate with Mr. Zhang Juzheng's work."

"Understood!" Yan Qing replied verbally, glancing at Yesso again. "Um, take Mr. Yesso away first... and come back up later..." he tentatively said to the soldier. "Yes, sir." The soldier immediately prepared to carry out the order.

"No need..." Luo Chen smiled and waved his hand. "I trust Mr. Yesuo's gentlemanly character. I'm sorry, Mr. Yesuo, I need to arrange some things first. Please wait here for a moment." He then turned to Yan Qing and gave him instructions, who quickly picked up his pen to write: "When Mr. Xu Shu arrives in Chengdu, on the one hand, he will continue to implement Zhang Juzheng's reform plan to ensure the stability of Yizhou. On the other hand, he will advise on the southeastern war situation. One thing must be guaranteed: even if things change drastically in Jingzhou, even if Cao Cao's army next door amasses a million troops, Yizhou must remain steadfast and stable, and absolutely no unrest should occur!"

"Understood! I'll go and tell them in a bit," Yan Qing replied.

“Then Mr. Yesso, you’re just having a run of bad luck…” Luo Chen smiled, unsure whether he meant being captured or being transferred from his position as chief strategist. “What are your plans for the future?” Luo Chen asked.

"I will simply follow Prime Minister Luo's decision," Yesso said calmly.

"How about serving as my advisor?" Luo Chen asked with a smile. "Yesuo is a Xiongnu, and he doesn't serve two masters," Yesuo replied calmly. "Good, good..." Luo Chen chuckled, "I expected you to answer like that. So, you can choose for yourself what you want."

Yesuo was taken aback, seemingly doubting the truth of the words, but Luo Chen didn't seem to be joking. "Of course you can't go back to the Xiongnu army... that would be ungentlemanly," Luo Chen laughed, "besides, you overheard our army's secrets."

“Then…” Yesso said tentatively, “I will go deep into the grasslands and find a place to live in seclusion.”

Luo Chen smiled. "Deep in the grasslands..." He leaned closer to Yesuo. "Grassland wolves... I've heard they often roam deep in the grasslands, and we've already encountered them two or three times." Yesuo's eyes dimmed, which Luo Chen noticed.

"Do you still remember your mother?" Luo Chen suddenly asked.

“My mother…” Yesso seemed to suddenly realize this, and he immediately turned to Yan Qing: “Where is my mother? For so many years, I have wanted to find you and ask you this question. I never expected to meet you in this way. I was a little confused just now and actually forgot about it.”

"The wild geese fly south, hoping to carry their calls from the border; they fly north, hoping to hear the sounds of the Han. The geese fly high, so far away they are hard to find; my heart breaks with longing. I furrow my brows and face the moon, playing my elegant zither; the five notes are cold and deep, my thoughts growing ever more profound." Luo Chen recited softly. As Na Ye Suo listened, he began to sing along, tears streaming down his face.

"The frost and ice are biting, my body is bitterly cold, I am hungry but cannot eat meat and cheese. At night I hear the mournful sound of the Long River, at dawn I see the Great Wall and the road is long and winding. I recall the hardships of my journey, the sixth beat of the melody is sad and I want to stop playing."

……

"How did the Grand Chancellor know this piece?" Yesuo asked, tears welling in his eyes. "The 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute' was composed by your mother, Cai Wenji," Luo Chen replied.

“Cai Wenji…” This was the first time Yesuo had heard this name. He hadn’t expected it to be so old. This was the first time he had heard his mother’s Han Chinese name, and it was from Luo Chen.

“Cai Yan, courtesy name Wenji, was the daughter of Cai Yong, a great scholar of our dynasty. Of course, Cai Yong was also my teacher,” Luo Chen said calmly.

“Then you must know where my mother is now!” Yesso (Wang Nuohao) said eagerly.

"I'll let you live in seclusion on a small island by the Yellow River, far from here, but I can send someone to take you there," Luo Chen said. "If you're willing, you can live there in seclusion until the war ends... but don't participate in the war again, that's my only requirement." Luo Chen's eyes were calm yet firm. "I wonder if you're willing?"

Away from the war, reunited with his mother… perhaps that’s exactly what Yesso wanted. After all, the brutal political struggles had exhausted him, and mobilizing a million troops for an offensive did not excite him.