The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 66: Surrender

Chapter 66: Surrender

“The Western Rong people came to find me?”

After some contemplation, the official slowly nodded. The interpreter, beaming with joy, waved to Wang Qiu, “You can stay and teach us!”

Wang Qiu discussed with the others and eventually agreed.

The group was officially received, helped with obtaining travel permits, and temporarily settled in.

The interpreter introduced himself as Maimaiti, while the official was named Halike, the city’s administrator.

Halike hosted a banquet for Wang Qiu and her companions. Seated on a carpet, Wang Qiu gazed curiously at the Central Asian flatbread and fruits on the table, along with roasted lamb and thick soup noodles topped with several layers of dishessome unfamiliar to her.

Considering Wang Qiu’s background, Halike also provided rice-based meals, similarly stir-fried with various ingredients.

A maid handed Wang Qiu chopsticks as Central Asian music filled the hall. Several veiled dancers emerged, their light steps and swirling gauzy skirts creating a joyous atmosphere.

Wang Qiu picked up a strand of the steaming soup noodles. It was surprisingly tender, with a slightly tangy broth she had never tasted before. The broth complemented rather than overpowered the noodles, enhancing their natural wheat sweetness while blending with other ingredients like large chunks of savory meat, making the noodles more chewy and flavorful.

The students from the Female Medical Academy, having worked with traditional dishes for years, showed keen interest in these foreign foods.

Halike nodded contentedlykeeping them here was ideal. He had Maimaiti convey, “If you teach us wizardry, we can offer pearls and gems in exchange.”

Wang Qiu set down her chopsticks and replied, “Thank you for your hospitality, but we don’t need treasures. Spreading the medical knowledge of the Great Jin to save more lives is reward enough.”

Halike grew even more pleased, a happy smile curling his lips as he gulped down a large jug of wine.

By evening, Ji Mo lit a bonfire. Everyone, regardless of status, gathered hand-in-hand to dance and sing around the leaping flames.

The reserved Jin people were initially hesitant. Niu Pengnan sat stiffly on the sand, but the Ji Mo folks wouldn’t let him bethey placed a small floral hat on his head and pulled him into the circle. As everyone teased him playfully, Niu Pengnan awkwardly moved his rigid limbs, drawing suppressed laughter from the Women’s Army.

Then several strong men carried over an iron grill frame and brought freshly slaughtered lamb. Skillfully, they skewered large meat chunks onto iron rods and placed them over the grill.

Soon, smoke swirled, sizzling fat dripped, and the aroma wafted through the air, making mouths water.

Maimaiti brought bowls of mare’s milk wine, offering one to each member of the Women’s Army. He pointed at the grilling lamb and then at the wine, giving a thumbs-up. “Delicious.”

Wang Qiu was overwhelmed by their warmth. She quickly stood, accepted the bowl with both hands, and thanked Maimaiti.

Though the Great Jin also had grilled foods, theirs were typically finely prepared. This was Wang Qiu’s first time seeing such massive meat chunks skewered on iron rodstoo large to eat in one bite, requiring several nibbles.

The lamb skewers from Ji Mo had the perfect balance of lean and fatty meat, where the fat wasn’t greasy and complemented the dryness of the lean parts. Wang Qiu and her companions had only ever admired such delicacies from afarthis was their first time actually tasting them. Maimaiti kept urging people to grill more, and after eating, they washed it down with a bowl of mare’s milk wine to refresh their palates, feeling as if they were floating on clouds, utterly lost in the moment.

Maimaiti asked, “Will you stay with us from now on?”

Wang Qiu immediately sobered up, set down the iron skewer, and said solemnly, “I’m sorry, we have military duties and cannot stay long.”

Maimaiti looked slightly disappointed and brought Wang Qiu more skewers along with plump, round purple grapes. Wang Qiu remained unmoved, but when Maimaiti lowered his head in dejection, she secretly licked the corner of her lips.

It was delicious. Before leaving, she would learn how to make it, buy a few local sheep, and present them to the Emperor upon her return.

The Western Rong had been unable to break into the Jin Kingdom, and the Khan was growing impatient. After replacing several generals with little success, he became so furious that he decided to lead the troops himself, only to be desperately stopped by the Khatun and her followers.

There was even worse news: Yanjie had died in the Western Rong, and the Northern Barbarians had gathered to invade the Western Rong as well. Having submitted to the Great Jin, the Northern Barbarians found it too cold to flee north and unsuitable for living. These remaining forces had nowhere to go, so they seized the pretext of avenging Yanjie to compete with the Western Rong for territory.

The Northern Barbarians were brutal, unlike the Jin army, which showed some mercy. Any Western Rong soldiers who encountered them and were outmatched would be slaughtered without exception. When the Northern Barbarians were outmatched, they would flee flexibly, making it impossible to capture them. After several such encounters, the Western Rong soldiers grew weary and fearful, retreating at the mere sight of the Northern Barbarians.

The Khan was so enraged that he stomped his feet and ordered, “No retreating! Anyone who retreats will be executed!”

The command was passed down, but the general resisting the Northern Barbarians fled with the Western Rong soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Jin army’s camp received several Western Rong visitors claiming to have urgent business and requesting to see Zhang Keqian. The Jin soldiers were puzzled but immediately relayed the message.

Zhang Keqian was washing clothes by the river. With the Western Rong soldiers not launching any attacks, the main task now was to search for the missing Women’s Army, so they were camped by the river, conducting a slow search. With some free time, Zhang Keqian had changed out of his smelly clothes and was cleaning them.

“Supervisor, there are a few Western Rong people outside asking to see you!” a soldier hurried over to report.

Zhang Keqian, barefoot in the river, was wringing out his clothes with his sleeves rolled up. Hearing this, he turned around, dumbfounded, and opened his mouth slightly. He waded out of the river, placed the clothes in a wooden bucket, and asked, “What did you say? Who wants to see me?”

Zhang Keqian pulled down his sleeves and trouser legs, bent to put on his shoes, washed his hands by the river, and smoothed his hair.

The soldier replied, “Western Rong people.”

Zhang Keqian paused in surprise, his hands halting as he adjusted his lapels. “Western Rong people are here to see me?”

Filled with doubt, Zhang Keqian went to meet the visitors.

When he entered the tent and saw He Chongguang there as well, he was somewhat surprised. He Chongguang quickly stepped forward, pulled him aside, and whispered, “These two are Western Rong generalsone named Bu Jia, the other Bashtu. They’ve come to surrender.”

Zhang Keqian turned to look at them in astonishment. The two Western Rong men pressed their fists to their chests, showing their sincerity. Zhang Keqian was taken aback for a moment, then turned back. “What does that have to do with me?”

He Chongguang said, “They say the Western Rong wish to serve under your command.”

Zhang Keqian was greatly startled and quickly waved his hands in refusal. “No, no! I’m a civil officialI’m even rusty at horseback riding, let alone leading troops into battle. What use would they have following me?”

He Chongguang said, “You can learn what you don’t know. Many civil officials in the court are well-versed in military strategy, and commanding troops is nothing difficult for them. But this opportunity for the Western Rong to voluntarily submit comes only onceif we miss it, it won’t happen again. If the Western Rong Khan later issues orders to attack, wouldn’t we still have to expend effort dealing with them?”

Zhang Keqian hastily declined, “I only know how to study books rigidly. I truly can’t do this. It’s better for them to serve under you, General.”

He Chongguang had already accumulated enough merits, and his grandson at home was utterly incompetenteven immense wealth and honor couldn’t be passed down. Any further achievements would only risk arousing the emperor’s suspicion.

He curved his heavily wrinkled eyes, “It’s fine. Look at Liu Xuthat old bones can still swing a blade a couple of times. You’re so youngcan’t you surpass him?”

Upon hearing Liu Xu’s name, Zhang Keqian immediately stopped hesitating. Clenching his fists, he said firmly, “I will learn. I beg the general to instruct me.”

“Easy, easy…” He Chongguang stroked his beard with a smile, nodding in approval.

After preparing himself, Zhang Keqian went to meet the Western Rong generals. Bu Jia said, “The Northern Barbarian remnants have invaded our Western Rong territory. We are willing to submit to you, and we ask for your help in repelling those Northern Barbarians.”

Translated, their condition for submission was help in clearing out the Northern Barbarian remnants. Essentially, this was still the lingering problem of the Northern Barbarians. When the Great Jin had campaigned against the Northern Barbarians previously, many of their nobles had been allowed to escape, and now those people were causing trouble everywhere.

Zhang Keqian hesitated slightly. He raised his face to look at He Chongguang, who nodded. Zhang Keqian felt his pressure multiply, but then he thought of Liu Xu’s arrogance at court. Anger clouded his judgment, and he resolutely agreed.

“Good! I’ll immediately write to the court requesting His Majesty’s approval!”

Now there was someone else to share the responsibility.

After watching Zhang Keqian for a moment, He Chongguang’s smile gradually deepened. He didn’t seek meritonly to avoid blameand then he softly let out a sigh of relief.

Bu Jia and Bashtu departed, maintaining the appearance of stalemate with the Jin army on the surface, while secretly sending both food and weapons. They returned to constantly complain to their Khan about their poverty, claiming their weapons were worn out and requesting another shipment.

Zhang Keqian, suppressing his anxiety, began studying military strategy. He read books in the morning, practiced martial arts with the soldiers in the afternoon, and even memorized texts while eating meals. Soldiers who didn’t know the truth behind his efforts felt ashamed when they saw Zhang Keqian’s diligence.

If even the army supervisor worked this hard, what excuse did they have to be lazy and slack off!

The soldiers practiced with even greater seriousness. When they encountered Zhang Keqian, they would pull him aside to ask about the meaning of the passages he had been reciting.

Besides memorizing the material himself, Zhang Keqian had to explain it to the soldiers. When he encountered parts he couldn’t explain, he would note them down and ask He Chongguang during his free time.

To his surprise, Zhang Keqian discovered that not only was he learning himself, but he was also teaching the illiterate soldiers. Everyone progressed rapidly, and the military camp developed a strong learning atmosphere that was no worse than among scholars.

Thinking of Gao Yun’s Female Medical Academy, he suddenly had an idea: why not teach the soldiers to read and write as well? This could enhance the army’s combat effectiveness, make it easier to cultivate excellent generals, and solve the problem of having no capable personnel when deploying troops.

Zhang Keqian quickly recorded his idea, gradually refining the specific measures, preparing to propose it to the emperor after returning to court.

Xu Ying received Zhang Keqian’s request to lead troops. When she opened the letter, she was utterly astonished. She quickly picked up the outer envelope again to confirm it was genuinely from Zhang Keqian and not an imposter before continuing to read.

Perfectly fine as he was, why would he suddenly want to command troops? Was he being deceived by those two Western Rong generals and falling into a new trap set by the Western Rong?

“Zhang Keqian says he wishes to lead troops,” Xu Ying remarked evenly as she refolded the letter exactly as it was.

Xu Lang showed no surprise whatsoever. Instead, he nodded with considerable approval. “This is indeed a viable path. With military achievements to his name, when Your Majesty confers high office upon him, there will be no objections at court.”

Xu Ying was slightly taken aback, squinting uncertainly as she scratched her head. “But he’s a scholarly typethis doesn’t seem quite appropriate, does it?”

“Why would Your Majesty think that?” Xu Lang glanced at her in surprise. “Many civil officials use military merits to gain promotions. Is Your Majesty concerned that Zhang Keqian lacks a solid foundation in the army and won’t command respect? But according to the victory report, when Zhang Keqian led troops in pursuit of He Chongguang, he aided Western Rong civilians, enabling the Jin army to advance deep into Western Rong territory. His contributions should be sufficient.”

Xu Ying quietly lowered her gaze, hesitating. “I’m worried he lacks experience…”

Xu Lang responded, “Your Majesty, Zhang Keqian has He Chongguang to guide him, and he enjoys popular support among the Western Rong people. You should grant him this opportunity.”

The Jin army campaigning against Northern Barbarian remnants on Western Rong soil? How bizarre!

Xu Ying didn’t dare to imagine it.

She summoned Liu Xu and Zhang Yu, among others, informed them of Zhang Keqian’s desire to lead troops, and sought their opinions.

Zhang Yu secretly envied Zhang Keqian. Advancing from the Hall of Gathered Talents to become the emperor’s trusted confidant was truly differentthe emperor was personally paving his way.

“Your Majesty, I believe it can be done,” Zhang Yu said, his heart sour but maintaining a supportive stance.

Liu Xu’s expression remained largely unreadable, without any objection, which startled Xu Ying. She leaned forward, urgently pressing, “Chancellor Liu, are you certain you truly have no objections?”

Since Xu Ying had brought this up and kept questioning him about it, did she want him to agree or disagree? The emperor’s heart is inscrutable!

Liu Xu felt perplexed. After pondering for a long while, considering what answer Xu Ying desired, he slowly spoke under her gaze: “I believe… we could dispatch Xu Ping to replace Zhang Keqian as military supervisor, convert Zhang Keqian’s previous merits, and appoint him to a military position.”

Hopeless. Liu Xu was pushing his own successor into a military officer role. If he were to awaken memories of his past life, wouldn’t he be furious?

Xu Ying slumped back into her seat, resigned. “Very well, then. Grant Zhang Keqian a military position based on his achievements.”

Liu Xu wore an expression that said, “As expected.” This was a tactic every emperor had worn outfirst feigning refusal, having subordinates repeatedly urge them, and finally relenting with apparent reluctance.

“Your Majesty is wise.”

Xu Ying consoled herself. With Aguhun dead and the Western Rong in turmoil, the border wouldn’t face major issues. With He Chongguang overseeing matters in the army, there shouldn’t be any significant chaos.

Allowing Zhang Keqian to join the military wasn’t entirely unacceptable. Altering his path from that of a virtuous minister could help avoid many potential pitfalls.

With a sweep of her imperial brush, Xu Ying set Zhang Keqian on a completely different life path.

Author’s Note:

The watermelon mentioned in the synopsis will be reported after the war concludes and delivered to Youzhou. Zhang Keqian is the fruit magnate, while Wang Qiu and Niu Pengnan could be considered the gourmet squad (?).

My heartfelt thanks to the little angels who supported me with霸王票 or nutrient solutions from 2023-05-23 23:42:14 to 2023-05-24 21:35:28~

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