Volume One, Chapter 48: Keeping a Reserve

What did the letter say?

It was only after reaching a secluded spot that Wu Kexiong opened the letter: Fan Zhong, the commander guarding Tiger Hill Camp, was a veteran who had fought alongside General Xiao for many years—absolutely trustworthy. There was a secret passage within the camp that led directly to the heart of Old Dragon Ridge... Take great care, and may the entire army return victorious.

“Ha! Excellent!”

A glimmer of joy flashed in Wu Kexiong’s eyes as he chuckled softly, handing the secret letter to Zhang Muyang.

This was undoubtedly a lifeline in a desperate situation!

Zhang Muyang quickly scanned the contents and felt his heart settle considerably. He smiled and said, “Let’s go. We’re heading to Tiger Hill Camp.”

“Set off!”

Without hesitation, Wu Kexiong swung onto his horse and led five hundred armored cavalry, following Deputy General Zhou Chong and the border defense soldiers under his command, including camp commander Fan Hu. They rode all the way to the East City Gate.

Compared to the North and West Gates, the terrain near the East Gate was flat and ideal for large-scale cavalry charges. Yet the high and thick city walls, coupled with a deep and wide moat—even though it was winter and dry—formed a formidable natural barrier that the Northern Yan cavalry could not easily cross.

Not to mention, Tiger Hill Camp lay another ten miles beyond the East Gate.

Hence, the main assaults of the Northern Yan army traditionally focused on the North and West Gates.

“Deputy General Wu, Tiger Hill Camp is entrusted to your care,” Zhou Chong said with a solemn tone, though a cold glint flickered deep in his eyes.

“It’s my duty,” Wu Kexiong replied indifferently.

“Open—the—city—gate!”

At the hoarse command of the city’s officers, the heavy gates creaked open slowly.

Wu Kexiong gave Zhou Chong no further glance, exchanging a look with commanders Chen Xiucheng and Liu Yunzhao. With a squeeze of his horse’s flanks, he led the charge out the gate. The five hundred cavalry formed a black iron torrent, galloping forward and stirring up a blizzard of flying snow.

“Hmph!”

On the city tower, Zhou Chong stood with hands behind his back, watching the retreating cavalry. A cruel, savage smile curved his lips.

The plan was already settled.

Once the Northern Yan Wolf King Helian Bobo’s massive army approached, Zhou Chong would open the gates from within, allowing the “friendly forces” to enter! At that moment, even if tens of thousands of border defense troops surged forth, they would be trampled by the Northern Yan cavalry.

Standing beside Zhou Chong was a young man with handsome features and a cold, refined aura. He smiled and said, “Deputy General Zhou, rest assured. The Northern Jing King has decreed that once the border troops are eliminated, you will be the commander of Zhenbei Pass.”

Zhou Chong’s expression grew excited as he quickly bowed: “Thank you, Lord Wei! Please convey to the Jing King that Zhou Chong will not fail his trust and is willing to die for His Grace!”

Lord Wei?

He was Wei Wuji, the eldest son of Wei Song, renowned as the greatest young warrior of the northern frontier!

That alone revealed the Jing King’s determination: no matter the cost, the tens of thousands of border troops must be slaughtered to welcome the Wolf King. Then Zhou Chong could command his own forces, and as for the Northern Yan cavalry? No matter how they clashed with the court, he would reap the spoils.

As for the court?

With military pay overdue, crushing taxes, officials oppressing the people, rebellion was inevitable.

To the Northern Jing King, he was simply going with the tide. However… thinking of Xiao Lie, who had fought by his side for years, his hand holding the wine cup faltered, and a deeply complex emotion flashed across his eyes.

Such a pity—a war god of the great Liang era, yet so blind to the times.

Clatter, clatter, clatter!

The rapid sound of galloping hooves.

The five hundred cavalry soon arrived at Tiger Hill Camp.

This was… a lonely earth fort forgotten amidst the vast snowy plains—low earthen walls, rudimentary defenses, no natural fortifications, surrounded by endless flat wilderness.

Once surrounded by the enemy, this place was a death trap!

And hoping Zhou Chong would send reinforcements?

Zhang Muyang had just slain Zhou Chong’s own younger brother, Zhou Tong. There was almost no chance of aid!

Inside the camp, fewer than a hundred border soldiers were stationed. They had already heard the commotion and stood alert atop the walls, bows and crossbows drawn, eyes wary as they watched the approaching cavalry.

Wu Kexiong raised the military order token and official documents.

On the ramparts, a middle-aged commander clad in worn armor with a resolute expression examined them carefully before loudly ordering, “Open the camp gates!”

The heavy wooden gate was pushed open.

The commander hurried down from the walls, knelt on one knee before Wu Kexiong’s horse, and saluted: “Captain Fan Zhong of Tiger Hill Camp, reporting to Deputy General!”

“Captain Fan, rise. No need for formalities.” Wu Kexiong dismounted and personally helped Fan Zhong to his feet.

They proceeded to the command tent within the camp.

Inside, the furnishings were extremely simple, but still far better than those at Sifang County’s camp.

Everyone else withdrew.

Wu Kexiong kept only Chen Xiucheng and Zhang Muyang, then handed the secret letter to Fan Zhong.

Fan Zhong read it carefully; his eyes narrowed as he cupped his fist: “Deputy General Wu, rest assured! The one hundred and three brothers of Tiger Hill Camp are all veterans who have followed General Xiao through countless battles! From this moment on, we obey your orders and pledge to live or die with Tiger Hill!”

“Good! Brothers all!” Wu Kexiong nodded heavily and said in a low voice, “The situation is urgent. Captain Fan, lead us immediately to inspect the secret passage.”

“As you command! Please follow me.”

Know the enemy, but more importantly, know your own retreat.

Wu Kexiong, Chen Xiucheng, Zhang Muyang, along with Wang Yi, Zhang Xiaobei, Su Ying, and Gousheng—trusted close guards—all followed.

Fan Zhong led them to a remote corner of the camp, to a nondescript barracks that attracted no attention.

Pushing open the wooden door revealed not a living space but a set of deep, orderly stone steps descending downward!

They lit torches and entered in single file.

The passage was dry and cool, with a faint warmth from underground heat, starkly contrasting the harsh cold outside.

After traversing the winding tunnel for over ten miles, they finally reached an exit.

It opened into a concealed cave on Old Dragon Ridge, its entrance long buried beneath snow. Climbing out, they found themselves on a slope overlooking the entire Tiger Hill Camp and the vast plains beyond.

Fan Zhong pointed to the terrain and whispered, “Deputy General Wu, Captain Zhang, this looks natural but is actually a hidden defensive fortification. Every boulder, every grove serves as cover. Nearby caves store ample grain and pure spring water, enough to sustain a long siege.”

“Excellent!”

“Splendid.”

This was like a reassuring balm to Wu Kexiong, Zhang Muyang, and the others.

Wu Kexiong asked, “Zhang Muyang, how do you propose we fight this battle?”

Zhang Muyang’s gaze swept over the solitary camp below, then to the distant Zhenbei Pass—they formed a pincer stance.

“Hold Tiger Hill at all costs! Delay the enemy as long as possible to relieve pressure on Zhenbei Pass. Every moment we hold buys the defenders inside more preparation time. If all else fails, or if Zhenbei Pass falls, we retreat into Old Dragon Ridge to harass or aid as needed.”

“Exactly my thought!” Wu Kexiong approved.

“I have a suggestion,” Wang Yi stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Old Dragon Ridge’s terrain is treacherous and easy to defend but hard to attack; the Northern Yan cavalry is ineffective here. When we withdraw, we can scatter oil and set traps inside and outside Tiger Hill Camp. When the enemy rushes in, we burn their camps to inflict heavy losses and halt pursuit. Once in the mountains, we split forces—one holds defensible positions, drawing enemy forces; the other uses the terrain to harass flanks and supplies, making them restless.”

Ha ha!

Wu Kexiong glanced at Wang Yi—only a squad leader—and laughed, “Zhang Muyang, what do you think? One of your squad leaders shows such insight and courage!”

“Of course. Just… his rank is a bit low,” Zhang replied.

“Wang Yi, you’re promoted to deputy captain to assist Captain Zhang in defense and retreat plans!”

Wu Kexiong immediately recognized Wang Yi’s exceptional talent. As deputy general, promoting someone was no problem.

Wang Yi knelt on one knee: “Thank you, Deputy General! I will not betray your trust!”

“Rise.”

Wu Kexiong patted Zhang Muyang’s shoulder, lowering his voice: “Muyang, the critical moment ahead depends on you tonight. Be careful.”

“Understood!” Zhang Muyang nodded firmly.

Back at Tiger Hill Camp, Zhang Muyang immediately gathered his team, summoning Wang Yi, Su Ying, Wang Dadong, Zhang Xiaobei, and Gousheng.

“At midnight, you’ll come with me to infiltrate near the Northern Yan camp and scout their situation. How about it?”

Wang Dadong barely hesitated, shouting, “I’m in!”

This man was unlike Wang Yi. Wang Yi didn’t care about rank, but Wang Dadong was eager to rise through the ranks and become a camp commander or squad leader.

“Good! That’s the spirit!” Zhang Muyang said gravely. “Check your gear and meet here after dark.”

“Yes, sir.”

They dispersed.

Su Ying stared at Zhang Muyang, making him uneasy. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s still some time before nightfall. Want to try again? I feel… I’m close to breaking through.”

“Well…”

Who could refuse such an offer?

Zhang Muyang took a deep breath, glanced around, and whispered, “…Alright. To my tent.”