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"Gate General."
Although the title is a minor one, it comes with a salary and is officially conferred by the Han Dynasty. Lu Chen has finally received a formal promotion, a true elevation in status for the first time.
This title of Lu Chen is still new, but it requires a careful approach; otherwise, he may incur the jealousy of the old ministers around Sun Zizhao, which could easily lead to conflict. Such a situation would be detrimental to Sun Zizhao's foundation.
Both Lu Chen and Sun Zizhao are aware of the seriousness of this matter, so they are particularly cautious.
After a lengthy discussion, the two have opened up to each other, their thoughts aligned and spirits lifted, continuing their conversation until deep into the night.
The next morning, while Lu Chen was still resting, someone came to report on military matters.
Lu Chen hurriedly got dressed and learned from the messenger that there were invaders. The news of Sun Zizhao's uprising had already spread, and the Great Zhou Court had taken notice.
According to intelligence, the Defender of the Realm is currently mobilizing troops to resist the Qi Kingdom, focusing his efforts elsewhere, which allows Sun Zizhao and his allies a temporary respite.
On the side of the Qi Kingdom, there is much to do. Who is stronger between Qi Kingdom's Grand General Chen Shilong and the Defender of the Realm Huangfu Xin?
In the eastern region, the Defender of the Realm has dispatched one of his subordinates, a Baron, who is currently operating in this area. This individual is known as Equal Baron Luo Yi, one of the Loyalty and Righteousness Sixteen Men, commanding eighty thousand troops but claiming to have one hundred fifty thousand. He is expected to arrive soon.
Not long after this news arrived, Sun Zizhao also came, visiting Lu Chen's residence to discuss important matters.
"Han Dynasty."
"Brother Chen."
After exchanging greetings, Lu Chen led Sun Zizhao into the living room where they both took a seat.
Seeing that Sun Zizhao looked troubled, he said, "Brother Chen, you must have received the news; the Defender of the Realm has already taken notice of us."
Lu Chen nodded and said, "Yes, I already know that the commander is Equal Baron Luo Yi. Many years ago, I killed a Baron Rosen, but this Luo Yi is someone I am hearing about for the first time."
Sun Zizhao smacked his lips, fell silent for a moment, and then said, "This person ranks among the top three of the Sixteen Young Men. His martial arts skills are exceptional, and he commands many capable subordinates. He has inherited Huangfu Xin's military strategies. Sending him here clearly indicates an intention to wipe us out in one go. Brother Chen, do you have any good strategies to counter him?"
"Han Dynasty, do not panic. When soldiers come, we will block them; when water comes, we will cover it with earth. This person is skilled in warfare, and according to current intelligence, their target seems to be Qinghe Province. I will personally go there and guarantee that I will bring back Luo Yi's head," Lu Chen replied calmly.
"Alright, Brother Chen, I trust your judgment in handling matters. I initially wanted to visit Qinghe Province myself, but since you are going personally, I will refrain from going," Sun Zizhao said. He had also wanted to visit Qinghe since it was their first battle, but if Lu Chen was going, then it was unnecessary.
"The front lines are fraught with danger; it is best for Han Dynasty not to go. Stay behind at Fishing Sun to preserve our strength. I will arrange for the Dragon Slayer Legion to guard the safety of Han Dynasty day and night," Lu Chen stated.
Sun Zizhao nodded and then summoned a servant to give some instructions. The servant quickly ran out.
Before long, the servant returned with a tray and presented it before Sun Zizhao.
Sun Zizhao said, "Brother Chen, as you embark on your first battle, I have nothing special to give you. This Yanlin Armor is a family heirloom of the Sun Family; it was once worn by Han Wei Emperor. I gift it to you, and then I will host a banquet in Yuyang City to celebrate your triumphant return."
Lu Chen took the tray with mixed emotions. This Yanlin Armor had been passed down from Sun Zizhao's ancestors and had once been worn by Han Wei Emperor; now it was being gifted to him.
"I thank Han Dynasty. If I do not defeat the enemy, I swear I will not return," Lu Chen gritted his teeth and said. He felt immense gratitude for Sun Zizhao's recognition of him; he was deeply moved and vowed not to return without defeating the enemy.
"Brother Chen is too humble. Later, I will arrange another banquet to honor you," Sun Zizhao replied.
Lu Chen declined, saying, "No need for that, Han Dynasty. The military situation at the front is urgent; time is of the essence. I will pack up and leave immediately for the front lines."
Seeing Lu Chen's urgency and after several unsuccessful attempts to persuade him otherwise, Sun Zizhao gave up.
Afterward, Lu Chen took two people to attend to his needs and mounted his horse to leave. Old Mu and Lian Dashuang had already gone into military training; Yue Shaoting needed to take care of his father and could not spare himself in the short term, so Lu Chen had to go alone.
Sun Zizhao claimed to uphold the bond of friendship, accompanying Lu Chen on horseback for over thirty miles, only returning to Fishing Sun after Lu Chen's repeated urging.
Afterward, Lu Chen rode with two attendants along the ancient path, where the gentle breeze blew, making their way toward Qinghe Province.
In a short while, Lu Chen and his two attendants arrived at Qinghe City, entering through the Qinghe East Gate and presenting the Edict.
At this time, Qinghe City was under martial law, with everyone passing through being rigorously checked for identification to prevent spies from infiltrating the city.
Additionally, the city walls had been raised significantly higher than before, nearly a yard taller, making it impossible for ordinary people to jump over, except for masters of Qigong Martial Arts.
Moreover, there were many more soldiers stationed above the city gates, and the patrols within the city were numerous, indicating that preparations for war were underway.
Lu Chen waited at the city gate with his two attendants. Dressed as a Scholar in a blue robe and wearing a silk cap, he appeared to be in his twenties and resembled a delicate scholar.
The Edict had been prepared in advance by Sun Zizhao; once handed over to the Commander of Qinghe City, the recipient would understand its significance.
The two attendants carried burdens that included Lu Chen's Yanlin Armor, although he had not yet donned it.
Before long, the attendant responsible for reporting returned and cordially invited Lu Chen into the city, leading him to the General's residence.
At that moment, a distinguished-looking general was seated in the living room waiting for them.
Beside him stood another person who was likely the general's deputy.
"Commander Lei Kai of Qinghe greets you, Gate General." The Commander of Qinghe City was named Lei Kai. Upon Lu Chen's arrival, he and his companion performed the customary greeting.
"Lu Chen has been ordered to pay his respects," Lu Chen replied. He noticed that both men opposite him looked shocked and somewhat uneasy.
He must be thinking that at such a young age, becoming the Gate General, can someone of this age really handle significant matters? Surely, he can't be just a good-for-nothing.
Lu Chen smiled mysteriously, not explaining anything to them. After exchanging formal greetings, they took their seats in the general's residence's parlor.
"This is my deputy, Lu Qing," Lei Kai introduced Lu Chen to the person beside him, who was about the same age as him and indeed his deputy named Lu Qing.
Lu Chen nodded. He knew that these two did not trust him much and were questioning his capabilities. In their imagination, a Gate General should at least be in their thirties and physically strong; how could he possibly be a scholar?
However, in the Edict personally written by Sun Zizhao, there was already an explanation regarding the matters of the Flamethrower and Dragonbone Chariot. Upon seeing the Edict, they had no choice but to secretly admire this Gate General.
"General Lei, what is the current situation?"
After taking his seat, Lu Chen did not engage in small talk but directly asked about the defense situation.
Lei Kai looked at the sand table in front of him and said, "Equal Baron Luo Yi is leading an army of eighty thousand to attack. To create momentum, he has divided his forces into three routes attacking from three different directions. It seems he intends to swallow us whole."
Lu Chen nodded; indeed, the situation was somewhat dire. The enemy outnumbered them significantly, approximately eighty thousand to thirty thousand.
"I just received news that Luo Yi's troop deployment is quite formidable. He has ten thousand cavalry, claiming to have thirty thousand, along with twenty-five thousand infantry as the main force, preparing to strike directly at our West Gate. Additionally, Luo Yi has split the remaining forces into two groups to encircle us from both flanks."
Lei Kai had learned about Luo Yi's troop tactics through some channels.
Lu Chen nodded thoughtfully and asked, "What about our side? How is the defense situation?"
Hearing this, Lei Kai's expression became somewhat heavy as he replied, "Our side is much weaker in terms of troops. It's all old garrison forces from before, plus reinforcements from other provinces; we have no more than thirty thousand in total. The Flamethrower and Dragonbone Chariot have also been deployed for defense."
Lu Chen nodded again and said, "This is a battle with a significant disparity in strength; it may be extremely difficult. Even if we win, we will likely suffer considerable losses."
Lu Chen said, "It seems that the Defender of the Realm still does not underestimate us. We are yet to understand the strength of Luo Yi, but just this military force is already powerful enough to sweep through the entire state."
Before the battle had even begun, Lu Chen mentioned victory, which made Lei Kai and Lu Qing exchange glances. Both felt that Lu Chen was a bit too eager for success and that his words were somewhat exaggerated; he seemed to be an unreliable person.
Lei Kai blinked and prepared to test Lu Chen, saying, "Indeed, this war is extraordinary and concerns our survival. May I ask what strategies Gate General has to repel the enemy?"
Lu Chen understood their thoughts; these two did not fully trust him yet. It seemed necessary to demonstrate his abilities to impress them, he thought.
Lu Chen focused on a spot on the sand table and asked, "What place is this? It looks like a river."
"Yes, that is the Yuan River. The water flow is quite substantial," Lei Kai replied, trying to answer some of Lu Chen's questions to help him think of strategies against the enemy.
Lu Chen looked at the sand table and pointed to three directions from Qinghe City. The army of Equal Baron Luo Yi was approaching from these directions.
"Gate General, it is getting late. Why don't we hold a banquet to welcome the general and discuss strategies tomorrow?" Lei Kai suggested to Lu Chen.
Lu Chen waved his hand and said, "Lei Kai, with Luo Yi invading, the situation is urgent. How can we delay? I already have a good strategy to repel the enemy; I hope you will reconsider."
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