Chapter 715: The Return of the Family of Generals
Chapter 715: The Return of the Family of Generals
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Back and forth, initiatives were launched in endless waves. It was like the Empire of Yutang that had just quieted down for a few days was wound up tight again, ready to spin rapidly, like a pot of soup that was reaching boiling point.
"A man should serve his country!"
"A hero stands at the frontline!"
"Today is the day one builds his career!"
"This is our last chance!"
Every military recruitment location Yutang had set up was filled with swarms of people right from the get-go.
This was the popular sentiment among Yutang's millions of people. To Yutang's citizens who were usually bullied and took a passive stance in wars, it seemed that each one of them was injected with adrenaline, now that they had the chance to fight back.
"The day to seek revenge is finally here!"
The entire Empire of Yutang was brimming with killing intent upon Wu Ying's arrangements. Women and ladies radiated justice and courage and even the elder men and women who normally strolled placidly through the market exuded an aura of flinty toughness.
The fighting spirit spread throughout Yutang in an incredibly short time.
It was also at the first instance when the dictum for war was announced that Sun Zihu had led fifty thousand Yutang cavalry, whipping their horses and galloping wildly to strike right into the Empire of Ziyou, like a giant saber.
At the same time, Wang Yunzhu led four hundred thousand men of the army of the western line's main combat power and rode in from the west. Everywhere they passed, the war flags fluttered, covering the entire sky; the military form was majestic, their dominating disposition blinding all that was along their way.
Thus began the expansion war initiated by Yutang!
Wu Ying sat in the Board of War, commanding the distribution of food provisions, army rations, armaments and other resources needed in this war to the frontline.
Yutang had started the war with its all – the war to unify the world had begun!
Observing closely for the first time, the three military bosses Fang Qingtian, Qiu Jianhan, and Leng Daoyin realized with some bafflement that Wu Ying could truly complete everything alone. He had no family members, no wife or children; he only needed to be responsible for Emperor of Yutang. Occupied with the warfare, he could even forego the need to sleep.
The three elder military pillars were happy to take in the situation. After all, the combination of the trio's intelligence might still lack in efficiency and precision compared to that of Wu Ying alone.
They wore the reputation of rogues proudly, but deep down, they were generous beings. Despite becoming high-ranking advisers who drank tea instead in the Board of War, they were elated.
The reality before them eased and comforted them about Wu Ying's ability. Of course, they were still jealous of him, to a greater or lesser degree.
…
Shangguan Lingxiu arrived at the Residence of Yun dressed in her military uniform.
"What are you doing?" asked Yun Yang.
"Yutang has recruited soldiers nationwide this time to fall upon the Empire of Ziyou. The Shangguan Family and Ziyou are enemies; how can we not partake in this war? I've come to bid farewell to young master."
Yun Yang pursed his lips and said, "Your presence won't be needed in this trivial war. Isn't it a drop in your status if you were to go personally?"
Shangguan Lingxiu's eyebrows raised as she was about to retort but a certain someone had already waved his hands. "Call the six children of Shangguan over."
The six children came over promptly to listen to Yun Yang's orders, "The six of you are to follow the army to conquest and announce to the world that the Shangguan Family of Generals is once again active – to settle the past grudge with Ziyou once and for all!"
Shangguan Lingxiu was alarmed. "How can this be? They're still so young! They'll have their time on the battlefield in the future, but now is not their time!"
"Other than this war, there won't be many battles in the future that require their presence!" Yun Yang spoke decisively, "Keep your wavering heart back to where it came. They've learned a lot by now. They're young, but it doesn't mean that their combat power is weak. Their military prowess has long passed that of common generals. Other than a focused cultivation process, practical fights are necessary to the descendants of the family of generals; this war won't come again if you miss it!"
He turned to look into Shangguan Lingxiu's eyes. "In the past, many of Shangguan's descendants died in the battlefield - not because of their lack of military prowess or cultivation base, but because of their lack of experience in the battlefield. Instead of saying that they lost due to the enemies' conspiracies, it's more like they weren't thoroughly prepared."
"With a war like this, in which victory is almost certain, all the more they should be thrown in for immersion. This is the best way for them to mature and grow quickly."
"These six fellows' young age isn't exactly a disadvantage. Just entering the military will see our military leaders taking care of them. It is expected. In addition to their capabilities and equipment, it's honestly a challenge for anything bad to happen to them."
Yun Yang's voice was monotonous but his words were heavy. "The return of the Shangguan Family of Generals should begin from this war!"
"Sister Lingxiu, you should think about it carefully. If you still want to embark on this battle, representing the entire family, it would mean that the Shangguan Family of Generals is already at its last leg, without an heir. Isn't it so?"
"From now on, you should keep away from the public as much as possible and let your family's children out, to face things, to solve issues. This should be how it is!"
Shangguan Lingxiu bit her lips and lowered her head.
Perhaps it was harder for common people to understand what Yun Yang said, but to Shangguan Lingxiu, she immediately recognized logic when she heard his words. Not only was his words reasonable, but it was also the simple truth.
"Nonetheless, they're still so young… What if…"
"This very moment is already a what-if. Isn't the current best-case scenario already rare in itself? If we still can't let go of the children and still want to wait for a certain time – even if you were the one to enter the battle this time and they were to wait until they are grown up and have reached Shangguan Wudi's level, there's still a degree of uncertainty. I dare say that the situation they wouldn't be like how it is right now." Yun Yang cut her off in the middle of her stammered concerns.
"There's no doubt in your concern for them, as righteous as it is, but your worry… Even if they were to grow another hundred years old, they'd still be young to you!"
Shangguan Lingxiu remained quiet.
After a long period of silence, she bit her lips harshly before saying, "Alright! I'll listen to you this time."
Despite her verbal agreement, Shangguan Lingxiu was still anxious. The six children were anticipating this conquest; their excitement was written all over their faces.
Looking at the excitement and anticipation on the six innocent faces, Yun Yang's gaze was cold, bereft of emotion.
Once they arrived at the battlefield and saw death in the eye, the eagerness and enthusiasm would vanish in a flash. The battlefield was always the best location for a person to mature swiftly.
Yun Yang believed that these six children would undergo a massive change, akin to a rebirth, after experiencing this war. There was no other way, simply because they were the descendants of a family of generals.
Their future would be a constant struggle, poised at the brink of life and death.
This was their destiny! It could not be changed!