Chapter 51: Setting Out on the Expedition

When Chen An returned to Youshan Pass, a well-equipped cavalry troop had already appeared outside the pass gate.

Qiao Dafang stepped out to meet them, and Chen An and his men hurried forward to welcome him.

"Although I had some mental preparation before coming here, seeing this for myself still gives me quite a shock, Chen An." Qiao Dafang scanned the encampment with a hint of surprise and said, "It has only been a short while, yet the entire Youshan Pass has grown to such a scale. You truly are remarkable."

"I could hardly let down Commander Qiao's expectations of me."

Hearing Chen An's explanation, Qiao Dafang laughed and said, "You rascal, you're getting better and better with your words. One of the reasons I came this time is to inspect your city defenses. Come, lead me around for a look."

The group walked along the undulating mountain ridges on both sides of Youshan Pass, looking down from a commanding height.

Chen An explained step by step: "Because the terrain around Youshan Pass resembles a trumpet mouth, which is unfavorable for outward expansion, we have done our utmost to keep the outside relaxed while tightening the interior."

"The first layer is the chevaux-de-frise camp wall, which we built by stacking wooden stakes layer by layer."

"The second layer is the barbican brick wall. We hired laborers to chisel fragmented boulders from the mountain and then cast them using massive iron boxes. Although it still falls short compared to those major cities, it is quite adequate for a small pass like Youshan Pass."

"The third layer is the inner city of the military camp. Youshan Pass is surrounded by mountains on three sides. If a large force attacks, they can only breach the city gate by brute force, so I gathered the barracks right below the pass. Armor, weaponry, grain, and other military supplies are also stockpiled here. If a formidable enemy strikes, we can ensure that we adjust our personnel in the shortest possible time."

Chen An, Zhang Xiaojing, and the others had put a lot of effort and thought into this deployment.

According to their tactical simulations, if that day ever truly came when the eighteen tribes of the grassland pressed their armies upon the border, the barbican and the main city would serve as the two most forward defense lines.

If they could hold, they would hold; if they could not, they could also ascend the mountain directly along the two paths provided by the terrain.

"Good, truly excellent. Advancement and retreat are orderly, and offense and defense are handled with ease."

Qiao Dafang's expression turned joyful. "All right, let's end the inspection here."

Noticing Qiao Dafang's hesitant expression, Chen An understood the situation well. He gave a look to Zhang Xiaojing, signaling him to dismiss those around them.

"I came today for two reasons: first, to inspect Youshan Pass; and second, since I know you are about to lead troops into the grassland, this can be considered a special farewell for you."

Chen An was startled upon hearing this. "How did you know?"

"Did you even need to ask? I read the letter you sent me via courier, and I am quite confident I understand a thing or two about a rascal like you," Qiao Dafang said. "You are not the type of general content with merely defending a city; you would certainly seize any opportunity to seek out a chance for battle."

"Then your coming to see me off doesn't mean you're here to take me back to Huyang Pass, does it?"

"You youngster, you aren't old, yet I never expected you to have so many schemes in your head," Qiao Dafang laughed. "Rest assured, not only am I not here to bring you back to Huyang Pass this time, but on the contrary, I am here to encourage you to advance into the grassland."

"I certainly didn't expect that. What do you mean?"

***

"Remember Cheng Qian?"

"Of course I remember, that old eunuch."

"Then do you still remember Wei Ji?"

"This..."

Chen An was momentarily at a loss for words.

"All right, stop beating around the bush. Let me tell you, Wei Ji has already filed a formal complaint with the imperial court, and the court has ordered Cheng Qian to handle the matter. You young man have gotten yourself into big trouble."

Upon hearing this, Chen An did not panic at all. "When it's going to rain, it's going to rain; when a mother is going to remarry, she's going to remarry—there's no stopping it. Let it be."

"Look at you, acting completely brazen and carefree," Qiao Dafang comforted him. "Still, you don't need to take it too much to heart; things haven't reached an irreversible stage yet. I have already reported that you are leading a troop into the grassland. This is a matter of state and military importance, and even Cheng Qian would not dare delay such a major affair."

Qiao Dafang shifted the topic. "However, you can consider yourself lucky. Do you know? Grand Marshal Fan actually read the letter you sent to the Marshal's Mansion. Not only did he read it, but he even made annotations on it, granting you permission to cross the border with troops."

"Is that so?" Chen An still did not show any obvious surprise. "Then this can be considered acting in a justified and legitimate capacity."

"Who is to say otherwise? You are lucky enough, youngster. You must know that Grand Marshal Fan simply doesn't have the time to review matters concerning a mere skirmish of a few hundred men," Qiao Dafang said with envy. "I've been in service for so many years, and this is the first time I've encountered such a situation."

"What do you call this? This is called being favored by fortune and having everything go smoothly."

"You're at it again. Pay attention and don't let your tail curl up to the sky. This is going to war, not going on a sightseeing tour. If you catch them off guard and win, all is well; but if you lose, you're going to suffer."

As he spoke, Qiao Dafang pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Chen An. "Here, open it and take a look."

After Chen An opened it, three sheets of paper came into view.

"The first is a military supply silver note for three thousand taels from the Huitong Bank. With this note, you don't have to wait in line and can claim it immediately. Consider it your mobilization funds."

"The second is a travel permit and credential for military supplies. Did you really think your hot pot restaurant business was some kind of secret? But with this pass, your future cargo transportation will be much freer."

"The third is a material requisition form: thirty sets of armor, three thousand crossbow arrows, and various other supplies. Count them yourself and send men to the military supply warehouse to collect them."

"I must be going."

Having briefly given his instructions, Qiao Dafang lightly flicked his sleeves. "All right, no need to see me off. Right now, you should be thinking about how to fight this battle well."

...

Three days later, late autumn arrived, and mountain winds howled.

At the third quarter of the *chou* hour, they lit fires to cook meals; at the third quarter of the *yin* hour, they packed their gear and stood ready.

A troop of six hundred fully armed elite cavalry clad in light armor stood quietly beneath Youshan Pass.

Starting today, they would venture deep into the great desert.

Warhorses held their heads high, and the soldiers, eager to perform meritorious deeds and establish their careers, wore solemn expressions.

The Tiger Battalion, a newly formed unit, desperately needed a major battle at this moment to prove itself.

Looking at the "Tiger" banner fluttering in the wind,

Chen An held his breath and stared blankly at the pitch-black earth.

"Reporting to Commander Chen, all soldiers are fully prepared. Please give your instructions!"

"The Tiger Battalion is mighty!" Chen An turned his horse around.

"Roar, roar!" Instead of kneeling in salute, all the soldiers present raised their right fists and pounded fiercely against their chest armor.

The roaring sound was deafening.

"Good! March out!"

Spurring their horses into a gallop, yellow dust rolled across the ground, and the early autumn wind roared.

With the onslaught of the final light rain, the last trace of warmth on the grassland was squeezed dry.

Two hours, over a hundred miles.

This cavalry force of several hundred men galloped rapidly across the boundless grassland where, under the vast sky and wilderness, not a single human figure could be seen.

The scenery became increasingly desolate, and along the way, one could hardly catch a glimpse of ordinary commoners.

"There should be a mountain cove ahead. Perhaps we should stop there for a moment,"

said Siyu loudly, clad in full military attire.