Vol 8 Chapter 20 (1/2)
VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 20: DON’T TELL ME THESE ARE VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES
Yun Chang POV
After receiving the notification from Cao Mao, we, the generals of the first division, made our way to an extensive stretch of wilderness outside Xiangyang city and began preparations for the military exercise.
I was standing on 1 side of the wilderness which were, according to the instructions, our side’s base camp, with the other side being Cai Mao’s. In this military exercise, troops on both sides were not to use actual weapons and were only permitted to use long and short wooden rods, and those who suffered a blow to their chest were considered ‘dead’. Bows and crossbows were prohibited.
By the way, this place really is great. If it were left to me, I would have chosen this place to hold an exercise as well. The terrain is flat, making it easy to change formations, and there is even a platform set up nearby, providing a good view of the entire field.
“Lord Guan Yu, I saw Cai Mao bringing 3 contingents just now totalling about 5,000 men.” Yi De who was by my side informed me. I of course knew why she was telling me this.
“General Guan, we only brought 1,000 men. If those 5,000 men surround us, it will be difficult for us to prevail.”
“Those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! They clearly said that both sides shouldn’t go overboard yet they still brought so many?! They’re clearly trying to make life difficult for mother.”
You’re the one who’s trying to make life difficult for me with that form of address.
I stroked my long hair that ran down my back and gave Guan Ping a side stare.
“I know, mother.”
But she clearly doesn’t know that what I’m unhappy about is how she addresses me, and she even thinks that I’m asking her to keep her guard up. And she actually returned my stare and nodded with a look of understanding.
Hai… Never mind. Now isn’t the time for this.
“Sun Qian, divide the troops into 2 equal contingents. I’ll be leading 1, and divide the other contingent into another 2 halves which will be led by Yi De and Liao Hua respectively.”
“… Understood.” Sun Qian replied and nodded before somewhat clumsily swinging her reins as she rode towards the troops.
“Un… Go and help her, Liao Hua.”
“Yes.” Liao Hua softly acknowledged the order as she followed after Sun Qian.
It’s not that I don’t believe Sun Qian, but she’s always been a little slow with things and this matter can’t be delayed at all.
“When did Cai Mao say it would begin?”
“At noon.” Guan Ping said as she raised her head and looked at the sky, squinting as she looked at the sun, “It’s almost there. We still have an hour to go.”
Un, good.
“Guan Ping, tell everyone to set up camp. Tell Liao Hua and Yi De later to have their troops stay outside of the encampment tonight and tomorrow night. Remember to be as stealthy as possible. I think the other side will launch a night raid on us.”
“Eh? How did you guess that so soon?”
“Their intent is too obvious.” I said as I held my waist with both hands and squinted as I looked into the distance. Cai Mao had set up her flags long ago, as though she wanted to tell us that they were there and wanted to make it look like we were in a standoff situation.
In reality, she probably has strike teams ready to ambush us anytime.
Even if she hasn’t we must disperse our troops. If we just stay together, we will be wiped out easily.
“Umm…”
Un? I turned back and saw Hua Tuo hobbling over to me on a crutch.
“What should I be doing?”
…
“Lord Hua Tuo can stay and rest in camp. We’ll be leaving any injured to you.”
“Ah! Leave it to me.” Hua Tuo seemed invigorated when she heard my words and hobbled towards the encampment.
If we really end up in a b.l.o.o.d.y war, Hua Tuo should be able to contribute greatly in combat.
“General Guan, the troops have been divided.” Liao Hua said as she walked over quietly, even her plate armour wasn’t clinking as she walked over.
“Your orders were for us not to return back to camp first?”
I nodded, “Yes, I’m afraid of an ambush or a night raid from the start.”
“I understand. I would like to request to be a roaming unit for the entire battle.”
Un?
“Why?” I couldn’t see why Liao Hua would want to do that, and grabbed and stroked my hair as I asked her.
“I’m afraid there might be foul play and Cai Mao may have archers stationed around.”
… Un, makes sense.
“I understand, you have permission. But be careful, we don’t have too much supplies and we don’t have reserves either.”
Liao Hua nodded and went to do a final count before leaving.
“Mother, can we really win? It’s 1,000 against 5,000 after all.”
“We can, don’t worry.” I smiled as I answered Guan Ping. We don’t have a reason not to win after all, especially when we’re the righteous side.
Big brother, may your sword stay sharp and may your victories be swift.
Lu Meng POV
As I sat on the s.h.i.+p bound for Jiangxia, I stared fixedly at the appointment decree in my hands which were beginning to tremble. From my point of view, everything that is happening seems like a dream.
“Lord Major, what is the matter?,
“Lord Lu Meng, have the higher-ups allocated us money?”