Vol 9 Chapter 101 (2/2)

Just in case, I also gave Zhou Cang command over 5,000 troops and told her to have some distance between mine and her troops. Additionally, the troops were also instructed not to march in dense formations and have some distance between each platoon to minimise the probability of being detected.

Though we learnt that the enemy had chosen to go by the valley route, we still cannot lower our guard. While the situation is still unclear, it is best that we act prudently and take it slow if need be. If we were to get found out, it would be impossible to seize the advantage and we would just waste troops for no reason.

“Hu…” This is the first time that I am conducting a covert mission, and with such a large number of troops too. Honestly, my style of doing things is to do them openly and fairly. But now, I have to adapt to the situation and slow down my breathing as much as I can.

“Guan Ping, let the thousand-man generals relay the order to disperse our troops further. Our troops are still too densely packed together. There must be at least 5 paces between each person.” I said in as soft yet audible a voice as I could. There was still a long distance to go before we got to Fan city but I had to take as many precautions as I could. The enemy is on the other side of the valley and might have scouts running along the mountain range.

“Yes, mother!” Guan Ping yelled back. Though she had made sure to control her voice, it was still rather loud and made the now timid and fearful me sweat.

I hurriedly turned and pulled her close, “Softer, Guan Ping!”

“Yes, mother…” She said in a softer voice. It was not softer by much but it was at least better than before.

And how many times must I tell you not to call me mother? I thought as I turned back to see Guan Ping relay the order to the respective officers. However, now was not the time to be talking about such matters so I could only sigh as I continued advancing.

It was a good thing that the forest was really dense over here. It’s already past mid-autumn but there has not been much wind so there are a lot of leaves still stubbornly stuck on the branches. Our troops’ uniforms have been covered with dirt and ash while Guan Ping, Zhou Cang and I have draped on brown cloths as well for camouflage. Since a while ago, there has been a light breeze blowing through, making the leaves sway, helping to hide our movement.

The only problem is that we are too slow. I turned back to look while making sure that I did not make too much noise and felt that it would be a long while before we got to Fan city.

“Mother, when will we get to Fan city?” Guan Ping asked as she returned to my side after relaying the order. She too bent her body forward like me, revealing a much better figure than me, her mother, albeit in name only.

Naturally, I would never mention this to her.

“If we keep moving like this, stopping here and there, and adding breaks, then we will only reach Fan city late in the night.”

“At night huh…” Guan Ping said as she grimaced. I know full well too that even a late night arrival estimate is an optimistic projection.

“Oh well~” Guan Ping said as she smiled after a moment.

I did not understand this especially when I saw how excited she looked and decided to ask, “You, did you really want to join me on the battlefield that much?”

“Of–”

“Softer…”

“Of course…”

Guan Ping was about to exclaim in reply but I hurriedly stopped her. It seemed like she was really excited and it took a lot of effort for her to suppress the impulse to yell.

“Hai,” I sighed as I looked at how excited and energetic Guan Ping was and felt helpless, “You could have chosen to stay out of battle.”

“No, I’ve already made my resolve!” Guan Ping said as she placed her hands at her waist and made a stabbing motion, “I know what battle means from the time when I was a militia so I hope mother doesn’t worry too much.”

“So what is it that you are fighting for?” I asked as I turned back to look at Guan Ping. Her smile receded and she frowned as though she did not understand what I said so I explained further, “Everyone has a reason to join the battlefield, something they want to achieve. What is your reason?”

“To help mother!” She replied with no hesitation.

Hai, I was afraid of an answer like that. Fighting for someone else is not a reason you can count on to take you through the hards.h.i.+ps and terrors one faces on the battlefield.

“You don’t actually need to–”

“And besides…”

Un? I was about to say something but I found that Guan Ping still had more to say. And her expression had become austere and was much more serious than before.

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