Chapter 172 - 138: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole
Chapter 172: Chapter 138: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole
Lu Yuan and Xiao Hua traveled onward, taking in the scenery of the Northern Barbarians’ territory. The people in the cities were managing, but life on the plains was truly harsh. Many families were huddled together in their tents.
Their cattle and sheep were crowded around them, ready for the coming winter.
Despite it only being late autumn, snow had already begun to fall upon the Wasteland.
Along the way, they encountered a supply caravan heading for the border pass. An oxcart was stuck in a hollow filled with snow, and Warriors were struggling to push it free.
The vast column of troops and supplies stretched for several miles.
By the time they arrived at Ancient River Pass, the snow was deep enough to cover their feet completely.
「Several days later.」
Lu Yuan gazed at the wall ahead and felt a wave of helplessness. ’No wonder,’ he thought, ’our tens of thousands of men have to leave the fortress to engage the enemy.’ The entire wall was built from packed earth, standing no more than three or four meters high and only a meter thick. There were even gaps in some sections.
It was worse than even a common fort.
Xiao Hua was just as astonished.
CREAK!
With a piercing screech, the gate opened, and Xiao He emerged from within.
His face was ashen, and he cut a tall figure.
Upon seeing Xiao Hua and Lu Yuan, he dropped to one knee. "Your Highness, the Crown Princess. My Prince."
"You may rise," Xiao Hua said, her voice cool and clear.
Lu Yuan, however, spoke in a grave tone. "Why is this fortress in such a state of disrepair?"
"My Prince, Ancient River Pass has seen constant conflict recently. The fortress itself was badly damaged over a decade ago. Due to certain complications, we’ve never had the chance to make repairs.
"What you see now was put up by the Warriors themselves two years ago in their spare time. It does little more than block the cold wind," Xiao He said with a bitter look.
Lu Yuan’s gaze swept across the interior of the pass. It was a sea of tents stretching as far as the eye could see. There were no civilians, nor were there any permanent structures.
"Let’s get inside before we talk more," Lu Yuan said.
Xiao He quickly led the way, stopping before the largest of the tents.
It had been prepared specifically for Xiao Hua.
As they entered, a blast of warm air greeted them.
A brazier was already burning, and a map was spread out right in the center of the tent.
Lu Yuan and Xiao Hua sat down.
Xiao He summoned six of his generals, all of whom held the rank of Ten Thousand Men Commander.
Each was as strong as a bear and a tiger.
They entered, offered a salute, and then sat cross-legged on the floor of the tent.
Once everyone was assembled, Lu Yuan asked coolly, "How far are the Shengman from our position?"
Xiao He pointed to a region on the map.
"Right now, they’re less than a hundred li away. But I suspect they’re waiting for deep winter to launch their attack. They obviously know we can’t hold out for long," Xiao He said with a sigh of resignation.
Lu Yuan now understood. ’No wonder the Prime Minister said to settle this before winter truly sets in.’
’He was clearly telling me to take the offensive.’
’If we only defend, we’ll be worn down until we’re annihilated.’
"And what of the Mantuo Tribe?"
"It’s not good. The Mantuo Tribe can muster one hundred thousand cavalry. While they aren’t Elite Cavalry, they are not to be underestimated. The Mantuo Leader is extremely strong and has several Divine Origin Realm masters under his command. They’ve caused a huge stir this time.
"Our biggest fear is an attack from the rear, which is why we’ve been so hesitant. In truth, the Mantuo Tribe alone isn’t so terrifying.
"The main issue is that the neighboring tribes are in collusion with them. If we make a move on the Mantuo Tribe, it will put the other tribes in the Northern Barbarians’ territory on high alert. If they all turn against the Imperial Court, it could provoke a much larger backlash," Xiao He said in a low voice.
Lu Yuan listened to the explanation, stroking his chin in thought. ’I was planning on taking out the Mantuo Tribe first before dealing with the Shengman, but this is far more complicated than I imagined.’
’In that case, I have no choice but to use the bluntest approach: attack the Shengman first.’
But then, his eyes lit up, a sharp glint appearing within them.
’But if the Mantuo Tribe were to attack us first... wouldn’t that give us the perfect pretext?’
’The other tribes would have no grounds to object then, would they?’
He then looked at Xiao He. "How many insubordinate tribes are there near Ancient River Pass?"
"The Mantuo Tribe is the largest. The other two are the Manhun Tribe and the Manhe Tribe. Together, the three tribes can muster two hundred thousand troops. They were originally tasked with defending Ancient River Pass, but now they defy our orders and follow the Mantuo Tribe’s lead.
"They are bent on secession and represent the largest rogue faction north of the Imperial City," Xiao He added quickly.
Lu Yuan nodded. He then produced an Array Map and handed it to Xiao He. "Take this. Have your Warriors begin drilling with it immediately. The forty thousand cavalry stationed near the Mantuo Tribe must master this Array as well."
"Yes, my Prince!" Xiao He responded at once.
He rose, preparing to leave and issue the orders.
Lu Yuan waved a hand, gesturing for him not to be so hasty.
He then added, "Lean closer."
Xiao He immediately leaned in, and Lu Yuan began to lay out his plan.
After hearing the full plan, the color drained from Xiao He’s face. "My Prince, if we do this and fail to crush the Mantuo Tribe within the allotted time, we will be attacked from both the front and the rear! It’s far too dangerous."
His gaze then shifted to Xiao Hua, who was sitting nearby.
Her expression was impassive. She simply stated, "Before we came to Ancient River Pass, my mother instructed me to listen to Prince Qin. Do as he commands. Our situation cannot possibly get any worse than it is now. Whatever happens, I will take full responsibility."
A warmth spread through Lu Yuan’s heart upon hearing her words.
He then turned back to Xiao He. "In my view, the Mantuo Tribe is our greatest enemy right now. If we don’t deal with them first, how can we possibly face the Shengman with any confidence? If we march out to battle and the Mantuo Tribe seizes the chance to strike from behind, the blow would be utterly devastating."