Chapter 97: The Little General (2)
On the eve of their first offensive campaign to reclaim territory, all the military officers of the army gathered in one place. In front of the tactical map, Officer Kwak Cheol explained the situation.
“There are two routes our army can take to advance on Chang’an. The first is crossing the Qinling Mountains, passing through Taibai County, and attacking the West Gate. The second is passing through Hu County and attacking the South Gate from the center of the Guanzhong Plains.”
Sitting at the head of the table, Jang-yang nodded and replied, “Hmm. Let’s look at the troop strength first.”
“The defending force in Chang’an is estimated to be around twenty thousand. Our forces are at a similar level, but since the newly recruited soldiers cannot be deployed yet, we must exclude them. That leaves us with an available force of around fourteen thousand.”
In a siege, it was standard for the attacker to field three times the defender’s numbers. Preparing for a siege with fewer numbers than the defenders was an unusual situation.
“Continue.”
“On the surface, we are at an overwhelming disadvantage, but considering the quality and morale of our troops, that is not necessarily the case.”
“I agree. Since their main force was wiped out in the previous battle, the troops remaining in the fortress must be of relatively low quality. Furthermore, their morale must have hit rock bottom.”
“Yes. Therefore, they will not dare face us in the field. I expect we will easily reach the Guanzhong Plains without major resistance.”
“That is where the real challenge begins. The walls of Chang’an are thick and high. A frontal assault, even if successful, will result in heavy casualties. How are the preparations for the Whirlwind Catapults?”
Whirlwind Catapults. These portable, newly designed catapults utilized dozens of ropes attached to a lever that multiple men pulled simultaneously, allowing for a very rapid rate of fire.
They could be mounted on wagons, making them easy to transport and rotate. However, because they were small, their destructive power was somewhat limited.
Officer Jin Lip, who was in charge of the catapults, replied, “All fifty of our Whirlwind Catapults have been mounted on wagons.”
“Good work. These are meant to suppress the archers on the walls. We must approach this in a way that minimizes our soldiers’ casualties. If anyone has a good idea, please speak.”
The military council room fell into silence. After a brief moment, So-mu was the first to speak. He pointed to the tactical map and proposed a strategy.
When So-mu finished speaking, a look of surprise crossed Jang-yang’s face.
“If your plan succeeds, it would be ideal. But is it really possible?”
“Trust our elite squad. We will surely succeed.”
Jang-yang thought about it for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
“Once again, I am placing the heaviest burden on your shoulders. I ask this of you for the sake of our soldiers and the suffering people.”
“Leave it to us.”
Lieutenant Yang Yeon-jeong stood up, pointed at the map, and said, “If we can capture Chang’an and reclaim Shaanxi, we can form a perfect defensive line running all the way to Hanzhong, using the mountain passes as strongholds.”
“There is a reason why they say he who rules Guanzhong rules the land. It is a region blessed with immense geographical advantages.”
“However, the moment we capture Chang’an, the Hui Dynasty will concentrate its forces at Hangu Pass to defend Luoyang. If that happens, we will have no way to reclaim that impregnable pass.”
Hangu Pass was the gateway between the Central Plains and Guanzhong, making it a critical strategic chokepoint. Historically, it had been the site of countless battles.
“I know. It would be best to reclaim Hangu Pass while their defenses are loose. That is why I have requested General Yue Fei’s assistance.”
“General Yue Fei is moving?”
“He readily agreed when I asked. He will march through Henan Province and attack Hangu Pass. Aside from securing the pass, he will block any enemy reinforcements heading toward Chang’an.”
“But the Yue Family Army only has about a thousand men. How can they take Hangu Pass with only that…?”
“General Huang Yu’s forces have joined them.”
Everyone in the room gasped in surprise.
“The General Huang Yu who executed the Emperor and the corrupt ministers?”
“Indeed. Branded as rebels by the court, they had nowhere else to turn. He also shared a bond with General Yue Fei. With additional followers joining from Hunan and Hubei, the Yue Family Army has now grown to five thousand men.”
“That is wonderful news.”
“What is the status of the volunteer militias?”
“We have requested them not to participate in the front-line battles, but rather to clear out the remaining enemy forces occupying the villages.”
“Good. Since the militias are not yet strong enough, focusing on support roles is wise.”
While the Yue Family Army had Yue Fei—an expert of the Flower Realm—and many battle-hardened officers, the Shaanxi militia consisted mostly of second and third-rate martial artists, making it difficult for them to serve on the front lines.
Jang-yang turned his gaze toward Il-gwang.
“Centurion Il-gwang, how are the preparations for the Guard Battalion?”
Il-gwang, who had been quietly watching, sat up straight and spoke nervously as he was addressed.
“As you commanded, half of our thousand constables are ready to depart. Commander Hwang Gae-chil will lead them to ensure the relief squad is perfectly escorted.”
“Good work. And Officer Wi Jin-cheol, you will remain here with five thousand new recruits to guard Hanzhong. I am leaving this to you because you are the one I trust most.”
Wi Jin-cheol was secretly disappointed that he could not join the campaign, but he replied vigorously, heartened by Jang-yang’s trust.
“Yes, General!”
Jang-yang then turned his warm gaze toward the Divine Doctor, Mo Cheong. Even past the age of seventy, he still came to the military camp every day to tend to the sick, which made Jang-yang feel both grateful and apologetic.
“I am always grateful and sorry to Officer Mo Cheong.”
“I do this because I wish to. Command me as you see fit.”
“We will spare no support for the medical unit. Once this campaign is over, please expand the number of medical staff significantly. The conditions of the residents in northern Shaanxi are likely far worse than we think… What could be more important than feeding the hungry and providing medical care to the people…?”
“Understood, General. I will ensure that not a single citizen goes untreated due to a lack of doctors or money.”
Nodding with a satisfied face, Jang-yang addressed the officers in a heavy voice.
“Then all that remains is to set out. The people of Shaanxi are waiting for us, so prepare quickly. We will depart in two days under the cover of night.”
Everyone in the room bowed and replied, “Yes, General!”
***
Two days later, in the barracks of the Wolf Fang Squad.
All the members were putting on their elite armor and preparing to depart.
So-mu asked as he buckled his sword to his waist, “Our daughter is departing tomorrow morning, right?”
“Yes, I am leaving tomorrow!”
“You’ll have to carry heavy sacks of rice when you get there. Will you be alright?”
“Of course! I am the peerless General So-so, after all! Hehe.”
To suddenly call herself a peerless general—he felt a strange premonition.
No matter. As long as Yeon Seo-hwa was with her, he had nothing to worry about.
“Make sure to follow your master closely, and help as many people in need as you can.”
Not knowing when they would see each other again, So-so hugged his waist tightly and rubbed her cheek against him.
“I will. Have a safe trip, Father!”
The other members patted her head or bid her farewell as they left.
“Do your best, Relief Worker So-so!”
“Try not to miss your uncles too much.”
“Hehe. Have a safe trip, Uncles!”
Once the members of the Wolf Fang Squad departed, the barracks felt empty. Since it was dark and there was nothing else to do, So-so lay flat on the floor.
Being alone in the barracks for once, she felt bored. She rolled up her pants past her knees, wiggled her toes, and began to eat her emergency snacks.
“Grandfather won’t be here either, I guess.”
Except for the recruits, everyone had set out, so there was no one to play with. Rolling around on the floor, So-so soon fell into a deep sleep.
***
The next morning.
Birds chirped outside the barracks. Sprawled out on the floor, So-so snored in harmony with them.
At some point, the sleeping child’s eyes snapped open.
“Huh?”
Jumping up, So-so opened the wooden window and checked the position of the sun.
“Oh no!”
She had overslept. So-so hurriedly threw on her uniform, grabbed her packed bag, and rushed outside.
Bam!
The barracks outside were completely quiet. Without a second thought, she ran toward the Guard Battalion manor.
Whoosh!
She ran like a gust of wind, but…
“Oh… Where is everyone!”
Tears welled in her eyes. The relief squad had already departed. Stamping her feet, So-so sat on a nearby wooden bench and wept.
As she hung her head and sobbed, a familiar voice drifted over.
“My disciple is quite a sleepyhead.”
Looking up, she saw her master dressed in elegant clothes.
Yeon Seo-hwa only intended to accompany them to get some fresh air. She had no intention of carrying sacks of rice with the relief workers, so there was no need for her to wear work clothes like So-so.
So-so immediately hugged Yeon Seo-hwa’s waist, overjoyed.
“Hehe! Master, were you waiting for me?”
“Yes. Shall we go?”
Hand in hand, the two ran side by side, utilizing their lightfoot techniques.
“Do you know where they went?”
“Well, there are wagon tracks on the road. They couldn’t have gone far.”
Numerous wheel ruts were visible on the wide road. The heavily loaded wagons could not travel fast.
In less than fifteen minutes, they caught up with the column.
“Wow…”
So-so gaped in awe. Hundreds of wagons were lined up in a seemingly endless row, stretching over half a mile. It was an enormous amount of relief supplies.
About three thousand residents were pulling the wagons. Although the load would decrease as they traveled toward Chang’an, they looked exhausted, as they had only just begun.
“Master, let’s go help them!”
“Hmm…?”
“We have to pull the wagons! Hehehe.”
A look of dismay crossed Yeon Seo-hwa’s face. Pulling a wagon? That was something she had never imagined doing.
Her role was to secretly watch over the safety of the entire column. Above all, to protect the rear, which was most vulnerable to ambush, she could not leave her post.
“M-My leg… I think I twisted it slightly, so I’ll have to walk slowly. Why don’t you go ahead, So-so? I’ll follow slowly behind.”
“Oh… Master, you shouldn’t be hurt. Should I carry you on my back?”
So-so offered her tiny back, making Yeon Seo-hwa chuckle.
“I’ll be fine in a bit.”
“Okay! I’ll see you later then!”
While Yeon Seo-hwa remained at the very rear, So-so headed to the front of the column.
The ones leading the wagons at the front were the strongest constables of the Guard Battalion. Their mastery of demonic arts had reached a high level, and a faint demonic energy emanated from their eyes.
At the front wagon, she saw a familiar face.
“Uncle Gae-chil!”
It was Hwang Gae-chil, the commander of the Guard Battalion. The two had bonded when they played on the same team during the cuju tournament.
“Oh, So-so? You’re here.”
“I’ll pull this one! Hehe.”
Normally, it took eight ordinary people to pull a wagon laden with sacks of rice. Even the constables of the Guard Battalion were pulling in groups of three or four. Yet, she was offering to pull a wagon piled higher than herself all alone.
But the child who confidently stepped forward was the daughter of the Wolf Fang Squad commander and the famous ‘little general’ of Hanzhong. Even though the constables knew of her strength, they could not help but admire her every time they saw it.
“Wow… This is incredible.”
“How is this even possible?”
How could they know that the Sword Saint—the greatest expert in the Murim—had forcibly reconstructed her skeletal structure and was personally guiding her internal energy cultivation? Furthermore, Yeon Seo-hwa, the last Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, had shared her own energy with her. With over sixty years of internal energy, So-so’s cultivation was at a level rarely seen in the Murim.
Leading a wagon all by herself at the front of the column, So-so even hummed a tune. Moving along with so many people felt like going on a fun trip.
The march continued without incident for two days. Their goal was to distribute relief supplies starting from the poorest villages along the way to Chang’an. There were many villages to visit.
The first village scheduled for distribution was Yangqian Town, a poor settlement that So-so was familiar with, as it was the village where the Shaanxi militia had been formed.
“Five wagons for this place!” Hwang Gae-chil shouted.
Hearing this, So-so darted forward. She wanted to quickly greet the villagers she knew.
“I’ll be right back!”
A wagon hurtled toward the village at an incredible speed, as if it had wings.
A crowd of villagers had already gathered. The first thing they saw was a child displaying unbelievable, monstrous strength. The village chief and several residents recognized So-so and gasped in shock.
“G-General?!”
“Hello, Uncles!”
“We wondered where you had gone, and here you are leading the relief squad! You are truly remarkable…”
So-so blushed sheepishly and said, “Hehe. Please enjoy the food!”
“T-Thank you, General…”
“I have to go to the other villages now. Hehe. Goodbye!”
Standing in the shade of a tree about a hundred feet away, Yeon Seo-hwa, who had followed just in case, watched this scene in utter bewilderment.
‘What on earth… is going on here…?’