The map lay spread across the table. Governor-General Guo of Dongchuan Command pointed to the depressed valley of the Tong River in the middle: “The Nanzhao army excels in mountain warfare, while our forces are superior in cavalry battles. We only need to lure the Nanzhao forces into the flat terrain of the Tong River valley, and victory will be ours.”
Master Shu sighed, “The Nanzhao army is entrenched in the Qiqu Mountains, using the terrain to obstruct our advance. This attack on Zitong is merely a feint. Their goal is to tie down the Dongchuan forces, preventing reinforcements from reaching Yizhou. Once Yizhou falls, they’ll withdraw. It’s truly frustrating that we can’t eliminate this Nanzhao force.”
“Their objective is to pin down our army—they have no intention of engaging us in direct combat. It’s infuriating to watch these southern barbarians succeed in their scheming!” The Governor-General echoed Master Shu’s sentiments.
But what could be done? The Qiqu Mountains were tall and densely forested. Tang forces were ill-suited for mountain warfare. Even if they caught up with the main Nanzhao force, they would only watch helplessly as the enemy moved through the mountains like the wind, disappearing like monkeys into the wilderness.
“This humble officer has a strategy that might lure the Nanzhao army into the valley.”
The sudden volunteer in the military tent caught the attention of both the Governor-General and Master Shu. Looking up, they saw it was Yang Jingyuan who had spoken.
While the other commanders remained silent, this mere personal guard had stepped forward. Governor-General Guo had only recruited Yang Jingyuan as a guard out of respect for Master Shu, knowing only of his martial prowess but little else. His eyes unconsciously darted toward Master Shu.
If successful, this could be an excellent opportunity for merit. If it failed—well, the courage would still be commendable. Master Shu’s beady eyes darted about: “You want to go? Have you ever fought in battle? I wouldn’t even risk five hundred soldiers…”
“This officer will go alone,” Yang Jingyuan cut off Master Shu’s words with a cold expression. If it weren’t for this bean-eyed Shu throwing tantrums, he would have already galloped back to Yizhou.
When news of Yizhou’s military situation and Ji Yingying’s letter reached Dongchuan, he had wanted to return. Master Shu had stopped him, saying the emperor would soon order Dongchuan forces to send reinforcements. When the imperial decree finally arrived, it was instead to intercept Nanzhao’s attack on Zitong, infuriating Yang Jingyuan. When he tried to leave again, Master Shu had set up a memorial altar in his room, rolling on the ground and wailing about failing his benefactor. Deserting in the face of the enemy would be punishable by death under military law. Through such dramatics, Master Shu had managed to keep Yang Jingyuan from leaving.
He glared at Master Shu, thinking that if the old schemer tried to stop him again, he would forget about any debt of gratitude and give him a beating before packing his bags and leaving.
“Oh my, going alone! Well, at least we won’t waste any soldiers. If you die, it’s your own doing, but if you succeed, it’ll be a great achievement!” Master Shu’s eyes gleamed craftily, having hoped Yang Jingyuan would volunteer.
Die? Yang Jingyuan wanted to roll his eyes. If he failed, he would use the opportunity to slip away and return to Yizhou. Who had the patience to waste time here with these Nanzhao forces deliberately harassing Zitong? He responded flatly, “Life and death are ordained by fate. I await the Governor-General’s orders.”
Hearing Master Shu’s words, Governor-General Guo became interested. “Yang Jingyuan, what’s your plan? Let’s hear it.”
Yang Jingyuan answered casually, “To catch thieves, first catch their leader. I trained in martial arts on Mount Qingcheng since childhood. While I might not stand out among tens of thousands of soldiers, I have some confidence in assassinating the Nanzhao commander in the mountains. Even if the Nanzhao army doesn’t take the bait and enter the valley, I’ll remain in the forest. After killing the commander, I’ll target the lieutenants—one by one until they enter the valley. Without leadership, the Nanzhao army will surely fall into chaos…”
Kill the commander, then the lieutenants…
The tent fell silent. Governor-General Guo and his commanders stared at Yang Jingyuan as if he were some strange creature, thinking that if this was how he approached warfare, why bother with proper battles at all?
Master Shu beamed with delight: “Well, since the Nanzhao forces act so contemptibly, refusing to face our great Tang in proper battle, Yang Jingyuan’s excellent martial skills will be perfect for mountain warfare. I was wrong earlier—we should select ten soldiers skilled in climbing and traversing cliff faces to assist… Governor-General, remember when little Shu was young and foolish, throwing firecrackers into the chicken coop at night?”
Governor-General Guo certainly remembered. In their youth at the Prince Consort’s mansion, they had been mischievous, throwing firecrackers into the chicken coop at night, causing the entire flock to flutter about in panic. He appeared thoughtful, but his eyes remained fixed on Yang Jingyuan.
Yang Jingyuan immediately understood Master Shu’s meaning: “Make the Nanzhao forces think the main army is raiding their camp. With their commander assassinated, they’ll withdraw in panic.”
Suddenly, he realized something, and his heart sank. This Nanzhao force attacking Zitong was meant to pin down the Dongchuan army, covering the withdrawal of their southern troops. Master Shu’s certainty that the Nanzhao would retreat through the Tong River valley when frightened could only mean one thing: Yizhou had already fallen.
Yang Jingyuan’s gaze grew so cold that Master Shu avoided it uncomfortably: “Let’s resolve this quickly. Our army will pursue and attack… without violating the imperial decree.”
With Yizhou fallen, it was too late. Yang Jingyuan thought of the White Egret Hall. The night he left, he had walked by the lake holding Ji Yingying’s hand. The setting sun’s rays had scattered across the water like spilled gold. In the distance, on the corridor of Mingyue Residence, maids sat arranging things, their laughter making Mingyue Residence feel incredibly warm. Such a beautiful White Egret Hall, now invaded by fierce Nanzhao soldiers… In mid-autumn, the mountain wind had grown cold, sending chills through him. He dared not think further.
Pursue and attack. Was Master Shu saying this for his benefit? This was an opportunity to return to Yizhou without violating military law.
Only after dealing with this Nanzhao force could he return.
“Time waits for no one. Please give the order, Governor!” Yang Jingyuan had no more time for careful consideration; he needed this chance.
Wanting to promote this young man—if he succeeded, he would rise far beyond just a Squad Commander. Governor-General Guo glanced at Master Shu and issued the order: “Yang Jingyuan, I promote you to Squad Commander. Lead ten men to lure the Nanzhao forces out of the forest.”
“I accept the order.” Yang Jingyuan took the commander’s tally and left the main tent. How they planned the ambush was no longer his concern.
The afternoon sun shone over the military camp, where the ten selected soldiers lay basking in its warmth.
Master Shu left the main tent and, after some hesitation, came to find Yang Jingyuan.
Seeing their posture, Master Shu wanted to tear at his beard in anger: “Didn’t you say time waits for no one? Why are you still lying here?”
Yang Jingyuan didn’t even open his eyes, speaking softly: “Waiting for the tired birds to return to their nests.”
“You’re not so foolish after all.” Master Shu smiled and sat beside him. The Qiqu Mountains weren’t far from the Tang army camp. Assassination was best carried out under cover of darkness. When birds returned to their nests, their noisy calls would cover Yang Jingyuan’s group’s movements. By the time the mountain forest grew quiet, Yang Jingyuan would have already infiltrated near the Nanzhao commander’s headquarters at the great temple in the Qiqu Mountains.
Yang Jingyuan opened his eyes, his handsome face tinged with frost: “After this succeeds, help me secure a position as a deputy commander.”
Master Shu could barely contain his anger, speaking in a low voice: “I’m just an advisor!”
“Debts of money must be repaid, debts of life must be honored. You won’t rest easy until you’ve repaid your debt to my old master. Your beady eyes darted about, secretly smiling when I volunteered. Since you’re so eager to help me build merit and establish a career, I’m giving you the chance.” Before Master Shu could respond, Yang Jingyuan stood up and shouted: “Form ranks and move out!”
Master Shu brushed the grass off his clothes as he watched Yang Jingyuan’s group change into their night combat gear and head toward the mountains. He sighed softly: “Right or wrong, success or failure, your future rests on this one venture.”