After the main force secretly dispatched by the Wei Kingdom entered the Shangdang Region, they changed into Zhao uniforms as previously agreed. Due to poor communication conditions, the timing for launching the full-scale attack had been predetermined. The mission of the Wei Kingdom troops was to capture the Qin Army's Supply Depot at Wild King City and subsequently cut off the Qin Army's retreat.
The reason for not waiting until spring was primarily based on intelligence reports indicating that the Qin State was working overtime to repair the Heavenly Road. Once this road reached Shangdang, the strategic significance of Wild King City would be lost. Why is this so? Because the Heavenly Road was not being constructed directly towards Wild King City but was intended to open a new route.
The Wei Kingdom troops launched a night assault according to the agreed attack time but were unable to breach the city as planned. What made matters worse was that Commander Jin Bi, out of curiosity, got captured by the Qin Army. The remaining generals were hesitant and ultimately decided to replace him with another Qin Army general who was currently under house arrest in their camp.
Before this plan could be implemented, it was abruptly vetoed by an unexpected individual. The group found themselves at a loss and were currently sulking inside the Main Tent. Who were they to meddle in military affairs without any rank or title?
Due to his brother Wei Wujie's overwhelming presence, he had never had the opportunity to lead troops and had always been sidelined from military matters. Hearing about the impending Shangdang Campaign, he seized an excuse to go hunting in the mountains and secretly brought a few trusted aides along. As for secret cooperation, Wei Wujie could easily learn about troop movements with just a bit of inquiry.
He had heard that capturing a small place like Wild King City could take an entire night, and he couldn't help but criticize Jin Bi along the way. Upon arriving at the battlefield, he found only remnants of battle; smoke and fire were everywhere, but there was no fighting. What were they doing during broad daylight if not engaging in battle?
Wei Wujie reported to the Wei Army Commander at their camp, intending to question them but sensed something was off in the atmosphere. After pressing for answers, he learned that some fool had been captured and taken into Wild King City!? How could such a significant general be so careless? Everyone else was fine, yet he got himself into trouble!
"What do you all plan to do?"
The generals exchanged glances before looking at Wei Wujie, who sat in command. "Your Majesty! We are currently engaged in battle where swords and guns do not discriminate. If you have nothing urgent, it would be best for you to leave here. If anything goes wrong, we won't be able to explain it to His Majesty!"
Wei Wujie, eager for a chance to command troops, refused to be dismissed so easily. "We'll discuss that later; let's talk about serious matters first. You lost Commander Jin Bi; what punishment do you think you deserve!?"
Upon hearing this, the generals felt deep resentment. How could they allow someone like him to interfere in military affairs? If it weren't for him being the brother of King Wei, they would have already dragged him out and executed him.
Generals who had long been accustomed to leading troops were already irritable, and seeing Wei Wujie's sarcastic demeanor only fueled their anger. One stepped forward and reminded him: "Your Majesty! If you wish to command us, that's fine, but there is one condition! Produce His Majesty's decree, and we will follow your orders!"
Wei Wujie arrived at the front lines secretly, having snuck away from King Wei. He hadn’t even uttered a single word, let alone presented a royal edict! Fortunately, his status allowed him to issue unofficial commands, so he informed several generals that King Wei was concerned about the situation at the front and had sent him to oversee the battle.
What is an army? The nation's sharp blade! Even the lowest-ranking Soldiers understand that this is the heart and soul of a Lord of the Nation! Everything else can be negotiated, but matters concerning the army are non-negotiable. In other words, no one can command the army without the proper documentation and a Tiger Tally.
And an unofficial command? Who would believe that!? If anyone truly followed Wei Wujie’s orders to mobilize the army, it would lead to execution and annihilation of their clan!
The generals had heard some rumors about Wei Wujie, particularly that he was someone King Wei greatly feared. This king's brother was not without ability; he was indeed skilled in leading troops into battle. However, King Wei did not trust his brother at all and had never entrusted even a single soldier to Wei Wujie's command.
Given that the Sovereign of Wei held such views, it was no surprise that the generals serving in the Military were even less inclined to accept him. Seeing that he was determined to command the army, they made it clear that an unofficial command would not suffice; only official documents along with a Tiger Tally would do!
Wei Wujie's followers were all from martial arts backgrounds, and they were furious at seeing these generals refuse to listen to their master. They began to draw their weapons, eager to teach these men a lesson and prevent anyone from overshadowing Xingling Jun's reputation.
The generals looked down on these intruders even more and were eager for a confrontation. They each drew their swords and loudly commanded the Soldiers outside to rush in and apprehend them.
At this moment, during wartime, weapons were always at hand. The Soldiers outside heard commotion coming from the Main Tent and rushed in with their weapons drawn. They nocked arrows and aimed at those who were not wearing Military Uniforms, ready to turn them into a porcupine with just one command.
If King Wei's brother were truly shot dead on the spot, it would be quite a scandal. One seasoned general did not wish for such an outcome and quickly raised his hand to signal everyone to lower their bows.
"Your Majesty! There are laws of the nation and rules of the family. The Military naturally has its own regulations, so we ask for your understanding. Our brothers have elders above them and children below; if they follow you out of camp, it would be a grave crime! We also wish to resolve this matter quickly but can only do so according to Military rules. How should we say this? Long live understanding!"
Though they were angry, they dared not kill anyone. Another general spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty’s methods of leading troops are well-known among our brothers. It’s not that we don’t want to follow your orders; it’s that we cannot! If you had brought an official edict from the king, wouldn’t it be much simpler? It would save us from any unpleasantness; we ask for your understanding."
Wei Wujie's intention to lead troops had long been a hot topic within the Military. The generals privately acknowledged his exceptional abilities but knew he would never have the chance to command an army. The reason was simple: his younger brother feared he might overshadow him with his accomplishments.
However, to speak a rebellious truth that cannot be placed on the table, all the soldiers actually hope that Xingling Jun will become the ruler. After all, serving under a capable monarch allows one to achieve great accomplishments. When fighting in battles and risking their lives, isn't it all for the sake of leaving a mark in history? The nation is weak and vulnerable; how can one not feel heartbroken over such a situation?
But this is the reality, and one can only think about it secretly. As long as King Wei remains in power for a day, the entire army will remain loyal to him for that day. Regardless of what kind of person King Wei is or whether he has any abilities, he is still the ruler of Wei Kingdom!
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