Vol 10 Chapter 8 (2/2)

to personally receive news containing the failure of one’s own subordinates in Court. I have to admit that everyone within and without of Imperial Court has likely been waiting for this to happen and for me to become the laughing stock. Of course, Ben Chu has also become the laughing stock as well.

Indeed, if this were normal times, Ben Chu would be laughing and pointing at me along with the rest. Unfortunately, she is probably worst off than me even though the officials and ministers did not laugh at her as much as they did with me.

But all these are minor issues. Losing such a large number of troops and even 2 generals was a terrible loss. I did say that they should try and expend Ben Chu’s troops but I never expected that things would end up like this.

“Here, Imperial Chancellor.” He said as he came up to me and interrupted my thoughts.

“Ah, un.” I returned to reality and looked at envelope and received it, not forgetting to smile as I did so.

I then swept my gaze across the Court, making everyone shut up before looking at the Son of Heaven. He was his usual self and completely ignored what was happening as he ordered a eunuch to peel an orange for him. Well, that works for me of course.

“Ahem,” I cleared my throat and opened the envelope before taking out the piece of silk and quickly looked it over. I already knew what the letter was about so all I looked for was an exact address.

“Un… Alright.” After about a minute, I nodded and kept the envelope and letter in my sleeve as I saluted the courier, “Thanks for your hard work.”

He shook his head and smiled before realising that it was a little awkward and saluted me before turning to leave. He seemed to be curious about its contents and was hoping I would read from it but I did not feel there was a need to do so as it was all garbage anyway.

“Umm…” Just then, several officials and ministers got up and asked with concerned expressions, “Where is the defeated army now?”

“”Yes, yes.”” Several others chimed in as well.

When she heard ‘defeated army’, Ben Chu’s head sank even lower. I really wonder if those officials did that on purpose.

Never mind.

“The defeated army has just pa.s.sed through Lingying county and will reach Xuchang in half a day.” I repeated what the Lingying Prefect had reported and added, “But everyone need not worry. The defeated army is in good shape throughout the journey and once Court has ended, I will send out troops to receive them.”

“But how did a 30,000 strong force lose against a measly Xinye?” Someone asked. His voice was low but he said these words firmly. I looked over and it was the bunch of royal relatives as I expected.

“You lot really know how to talk huh?” Ben Chu could not hold back any longer and spoke up before I did.

I knew that what Ben Chu had to say next would not be pleasant and forcefully took over from her, “Isn’t it a little unbecoming to be engaging in such gossip now that things aren’t looking good on the frontlines?”

“Hmph,” A royal relative snorted as he turned up his nose, “Isn’t it even more unbecoming of you to lead soldiers of the Great Han who eat the food of the Great Han and lose in a battle where you had a numerical advantage?”

“Winning and losing is part of life. One cannot expect to win every single battle after all. And besides there were many reasons for this defeat. Firstly, there were deployment mistakes made during the skirmishes that occurred. Secondly, the enemy employed devious strategies that my subordinates unfortunately fell for. It is well and good to bask in the glory of victories but one must also not forget to remain dignified in defeat. Besides, our troops made an orderly retreat and the dead have been buried. What is unbecoming of this?”

“Un…” The royal relative was completely shut down by my words.

“We lost huh?” The Son of Heaven on the throne finally spoke up and looked at us after our exchange. And when he did so, all of us, Ben Chu, I and the other 1,000+ officials and ministers, bowed.

“Yes, our army has been defeated and is retreating from Fan city. They will be in Xuchang shortly.” I continued after Court settled down.

“I see.” The Son of Heaven said and nodded. I suspected if he really understood but did not say anything and merely bowed and nodded.

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