The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Chapter 258 Time waits for no one

Under the command and deployment of Meng Tian, ​​the northern frontier army stationed in Jiuyuan quickly withdrew its troops and stockpiled large amounts of food and fodder.

Before long, they successfully took control of the entire Jiuyuan County. Not only that, they also occupied half of Shangjun and the Hetao Plain.

Meng Yi knew very well that the 80,000 troops stationed in Yunzhong County were the biggest variable, and unexpected movements could occur at any time.

At this moment, Han Xin approached Meng Yi and asked, "General, the necessary men and horses are ready. Shall we set out now?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Yi nodded and responded, "Time waits for no one! The situation is critical and there is no time to lose. We must set off for Yunzhong immediately!"

After saying this, Meng Yi nimbly jumped onto a warhorse, raised his whip high in his right hand, swung it fiercely, and shouted loudly: "All soldiers, listen to my order, march!"

Following Meng Yi's command, Han Xin and a team of well-equipped cavalry followed him closely. For a moment, the sound of horse hooves was deafening and resounded through the sky.

The group ran wildly all the way, raising a cloud of dust, and rushed towards Yanmen Pass in a mighty manner.

At this time, there was joy in the Yunzhong army camp.

Deputy General Shejian stood in the tent, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He addressed the rear general, Bai Lin, saying, "General Bai, now that the new Emperor, His Royal Highness Hu Hai, has ascended the throne, and the Marquis has been promoted to Grand Marshal, I believe Fusu and Meng Tian of Jiuyuan will be captured soon. After all, the imperial court is the legitimate ruler of the Qin Empire. Then it will be up to us to fight for the court. I imagine we can even earn the title of marquis! Haha."

Bai Lin frowned, a trace of worry crossing his face. He said in a deep voice, "General Shejian, this matter is not that simple. Prince Fusu is renowned for his virtue, and General Meng Tian is a man of great military achievements. I'm afraid this move by the court will be unpopular."

Shejian shook his head disapprovingly, a hint of disdain in his voice: "General Bai is too cautious. The Great Qin has more than just the 200,000 troops in Jiuyuan! When the imperial army arrives... Haha, now that the emperor's will is unbearable, we just have to obey orders."

Bai Lin's eyes flashed with helplessness. He knew Shejian's character well and knew that saying more would be useless. He slowly walked to the door of the tent, staring into the distance, thinking to himself.

Seeing this, Shejian also followed. He patted Bai Lin on the shoulder and said with a smile, "General Bai, there is no need to worry. We are all serving the Qin Dynasty. As long as we obey the orders of the court, we will surely achieve great success."

Bai Lin turned his head and looked at Shejian. He said firmly, "General Shejian, I'm not worried about my own future. I'm concerned about the consequences this war will have on the Qin Empire. Prince Fusu and General Meng Tian are both loyal and capable generals of the Qin Empire. If we engage them in battle, it will inevitably lead to public discontent and resistance."

Shejian's smile faded, and he frowned, pondering Bai Lin's words. After a moment, he sighed and said, "General Bai, you have a point. But as subjects, how can we disobey the imperial order?"

Bai Lin took a deep breath and said firmly, "General Shejian, it's not that I don't trust the court, but I'm worried this move will cause unnecessary disputes. Prince Fusu and General Meng Tian are both loyal and capable generals of the Qin Dynasty. Their presence is crucial to the Qin Dynasty. The Xiongnu in the north are eyeing us covetously. If General Meng Tian is defeated, the Great Wall defenses will collapse without a fight, and countless brothers will be buried in a foreign land. All our years of hard work will be in vain!"

After hearing Bai Lin's words, Shejian frowned slightly. His voice was low and powerful: "General Bai, although what you said makes sense, this is the emperor's will. If we disobey, it will be a grave crime that will implicate our entire clan."

Bai Lin sighed, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and worry.

He slowly shook his head and said, "General Shejian, I understand the pros and cons of this. But as generals, we must consider this carefully and not destroy the Great Wall."

Shejian was silent for a moment, his eyes gleaming with thought.

After a while, he said, "General Bai, you are right. But as soldiers, our first duty is to obey orders."

Bai Lin nodded, his expression serious and resolute. He knew Shejian was right, but his heart was still filled with conflict and uneasiness.

At this moment, a soldier came running hurriedly, his steps seemed a little hurried.

He knelt on one knee and reported, breathing heavily, "Generals, the imperial envoy has arrived outside the camp."

The two men looked at each other, quickly straightened their clothes and armor, and walked forward to greet them.

The envoy walked into the tent with his head held high, holding a golden edict in his hand, looking extremely solemn.

After the messenger entered the tent, he glanced around sharply, then unfolded the edict and read it aloud.

The sound echoed in the tent and reached everyone's ears clearly.

"Promote Bai Lin to replace the commander-in-chief of the Yunzhong army, and She Jian to the position of commander of the guard. Order the Yunzhong army to prepare for battle and be ready to attack Jiuyuan at any time to eliminate the rebels. I decree this."

When Shejian heard that he was promoted to the rank of Captain of the Guard, he was overjoyed and knelt down to accept the order and express his gratitude.

But Bai Lin stood aside for a long time without moving, and there was a hint of worry in his eyes.

The envoy saw this and showed displeasure on his face. He frowned and asked sternly, "General Bai, are you going to disobey the imperial edict?"

Bai Lin quickly knelt, his voice tinged with earnestness. "I dare not," he said. "I only implore the envoy to report to Your Majesty, urging you to reconsider your actions. Prince Fusu and General Meng Tian are the pillars of our nation, their contributions and loyalty unquestionable. With the Xiongnu in the north eyeing us, attacking Jiuyuan at this time is unwise."

The messenger snorted coldly, his eyes becoming even more stern. "This is His Majesty's order. You are not allowed to interfere! Prepare quickly, or you will be charged with treason!"

After saying this, the messenger turned around and left, leaving the tent in silence.

Shejian stood up and looked at Bai Lin with hesitation. He knew that what Bai Lin said made sense, but he didn't dare to disobey the imperial decree.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and fell into silence, secretly thinking about how to make a decision.

Meng Yi and his party did not go directly to the Yunzhong military camp, but came to Yanmen Pass.

Yanmen Pass was still garrisoned by Pang Bo, who had become the commander-in-chief of Yanmen County's 20,000-strong army.

At this moment in Yanmen Pass, flags were flying on the city walls and soldiers were on high alert.

Pang Bo, wearing armor, stood on the city wall and saw Meng Yi and his group from afar.

A look of surprise appeared on his face, and he quickly walked down the city wall to meet Meng Yi.

"Young General, we haven't seen each other for a long time!" Pang Bo said loudly, his voice revealing excitement.

Meng Yi smiled and bowed in response, "Brother Pang, you are becoming more and more majestic!"

After Pang Bo welcomed Meng Yi into the tent, his expression turned serious.

He took Meng Yi's hand, sat down at the table in the middle of the tent, and said in a low voice, "Young General, are you here because of the Jiuyuan incident?"

Meng Yi nodded, and his expression became solemn.

"Brother Pang is well-informed. Hu Hai usurped the throne with the help of Zhao Gao and others, and the Xianyang court wants to eliminate Prince Fusu and my elder brother as soon as possible. Currently, the Yunzhong army has become the biggest variable. The Xiongnu troops in the north are stationed on the border, watching covetously. The Jiuyuan army is too busy to move rashly. This will inevitably lead to internal strife in the Qin Dynasty, and foreign enemies will also take advantage of the situation."

Pang Bo frowned as he listened to Meng Yi's words. He slammed his fist on the table, making a loud "bang".

"How could that tyrant be so foolish!" His voice was filled with anger and helplessness.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I wish you all a happy new year.