A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1128: The Convergence of Two Armies

Hai Chi, a complete waste of space, possesses no aura whatsoever, no matter where he goes.

It is utterly inconceivable for individuals within the Western Xia Capital to dispatch insignificant tidings such as 'The Crown Prince spends his days idly, lounging about, and seeking out beautiful women for his pleasure' to the front lines.

After all, they still wish to extend their tenures under the Emperor's reign for another two years, rather than hastening their own demise.

Similarly.

The front lines would not dare to disseminate mortifying rumors like 'The Crown Prince indulges in sleeping with women within the camp, engages in group gambling, and pits crickets against each other' back to the Capital City.

Firstly, it is undeniably embarrassing.

Secondly, the messengers simply do not possess the luxury of abundant free time.

Consequently.

The populace within the Capital City remains under the impression that the Crown Prince is indeed present.

The troops on the front lines firmly believe the Crown Prince is stationed at the vanguard.

Neither faction is aware of the existence of an additional Crown Prince.

Naturally, the duration for which this charade can be maintained is contingent upon fate and a considerable degree of luck.

However, for Hai Tang, who has been cornered and stands precariously on the precipice of death.

Preserving this deception for even one more day represents a significant gain.

...

Eighty thousand elite soldiers from Western Xia have made their grand arrival.

The Great Chu Dynasty has responded by mustering an equivalent force.

Grand General of the Western Expedition, Yang He, leading one hundred thousand troops from the Capital City in a magnificent procession, embarked on a half-month-long arduous journey.

They finally reached their destination on the eve of Western Xia's approach to the vicinity of Yinshan City, the designated locale for the impending clash between the two armies.

At this juncture.

Xia Tingfeng and Zhao Qichen's contingent of ten thousand men had been engaged in a protracted standoff for days against Hai Geli's formidable force of several thousand elite soldiers.

Upon the meeting of the two armies, their respective camps were integrated.

One hundred thousand troops were thus augmented to a total of one hundred and ten thousand.

Yang He, accompanied by his son and all other generals and deputy commanders, dismounted their steeds and proceeded directly towards the Crown Prince's encampment.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries and formalities, the camp began to stir with vibrant activity.

Everyone present was acquainted with one another; the context of their meetings in the Capital differed markedly from their current encounter within the war camp.

In the serene environment of the Capital, social interactions were characterized by ease and casual banter.

Within the confines of the military camp.

Here, the atmosphere was charged with the imminence of war, exuding a palpable tension and a shared sense of animosity towards the enemy.

Attempts at lighthearted conversation, however, invariably gravitated towards more somber reflections.

After only a few exchanges.

A pervasive sense of melancholy inexplicably descended upon all present.

The unforgiving nature of weaponry meant that casualties were an unavoidable certainty.

Even the most exceptionally skilled warrior could not entirely guarantee immunity from unforeseen circumstances on the battlefield.

It was conceivable that an individual.

Might be engaged in jovial conversation at this very moment, only to be separated by the stark finality of life and death by the following day.

Their familiarity with such somber realities stemmed from their extensive experience in warfare.

Consequently...

As they conversed, heads bowed, the collective mood grew increasingly heavy.

Yang He, taking the lead, voiced his objection to this inexplicable atmosphere.

"What subjects are you all dwelling upon?"

"Are you not inadvertently bolstering the enemy's morale while simultaneously diminishing your own?"

"Recall our campaign in Guangnan, where the enemy's naval forces were so overwhelmingly powerful that our soldiers could scarcely swim, yet we emerged victorious!"

"Now, engaged in land warfare, who among us could possibly be outmatched?!"

"Facing such overwhelming odds, with so many against so few, to suffer defeat would be..." Utterly humiliating!

Xia Tingfeng, grasping the subtle humor, couldn't help but twitch the corners of his lips.

He then turned his stern gaze upon Tiger, Rat, and Monster, administering a reprimand accompanied by a series of thwacks.

"Is it you rascals, spouting such foolishness?!"

Tiger appeared genuinely perplexed.

"Brother, I did not utter a single word!"

Rat grumbled under his breath.

"Nor did I say much either!"

Monster, meanwhile, gazed about, his attention captivated by the intricate patterns adorning the tent's interior. "Oh, how beautiful these designs are!"

Xia Tingfeng, somewhat embarrassed, rubbed his nose and let out a cough to mask his awkwardness.

"Enough of this idle chatter that serves only to unsettle the troops!"

"Yes!" The trio responded in unison.

...

The Northwest army was now fully assembled, every soldier actively engaged in preparations for the impending conflict.

Meanwhile, the Southwest army...

As Yang He directed his soldiers in the meticulous tasks of cleaning weaponry, sharpening blades, and donning armor.

A dispatch, bearing the seal of Commander of the Southwest, Shi Yang, arrived.

The messenger promptly delivered the correspondence directly to General Yang He's command tent.

At that precise moment, Yang He was occupied with conducting an inventory of the military provisions.

Upon recognizing the signature on the missive.

Aware that Shi Yang's intentions were unlikely to be benevolent, Yang He, disinclined to read it himself, opted for a more pragmatic approach.

He casually tossed the letter over to Xia Tingfeng.

Xia Tingfeng received the letter, unfurled its contents, and proceeded to read it in the company of Yang He and the other officers.

Before they had even reached the conclusion of the message.

Their countenances began to shift, displaying a range of emotions.

"Hmm..."

"This fellow..."

"How profoundly does he underestimate us?"

"Truly, he holds us in such low regard!"

Within the letter, Shi Yang repeatedly stressed.

That should a shortage of manpower arise, they should not hesitate to inform him, as his soldiers were so utterly idle they were growing restless.

He dismissively referred to minor bandit groups as posing no challenge whatsoever.

Furthermore, they harbored a desire to confront the Western Xia adversaries.

After all.

With him personally overseeing the security of the Southwest region.

Those troublesome bandits were incapable of causing any significant disruption, entering and exiting the territory with the calculated precision of a feline apprehending its prey.

Consequently, while both the Southwest and Northwest faced considerable hardship.

The Southwest experienced a significantly lesser degree of suffering, with the local populace remaining largely unaffected.

(A testament to the indispensable value of a dependable Commander)

Upon learning of the imminent outbreak of hostilities, Shi Yang swiftly submitted a petition to the Emperor, expressing his fervent desire to participate in the conflict.

Given their proximity to the theater of war.

A battle was brewing right under his nose, yet he was barred from participating – wasn't that just plain bullying?

However, the Emperor remained stubbornly resolute.

He had merely commanded Shi Yang to guard the Southwest fiercely, holding him accountable should any issues arise.

"What issues could possibly arise!"

Shi Yang muttered in deep disappointment, a chill settling over him that kept him awake for three restless nights.

Now, with both armies fortifying their positions, the mere imagination of the scene sent adrenaline coursing through him.

Shi Yang, unable to sit still any longer, hastily penned a letter.

Shamelessly, he inquired if assistance was needed, urging them to speak up if it was!

A general in the field did not strictly adhere to the Emperor's orders, after all.

If the situation grew dire, he could certainly join the fray!

Shi Yang mused secretly.

Unfortunately...

Several days later, a reply arrived.

It contained but a single sentence: "Thanks to Commander Shi's kind offer, we are not short of men here!"

The meaning was clear.

We can manage just fine, your help is not required!

Frustrated, Shi Yang found himself losing sleep yet again for another three days.

Earlier, he had simply failed to comprehend.

Why the women in his own household were never content, constantly bickering over the most trivial matters.

Causing such chaos within his own backyard.

Now, he finally understood.

This is what was called rivalry, this was what dwelled as jealousy.

He now found himself intensely jealous of those soldiers on the front lines.

He desperately wished he could charge towards the Western Xia scoundrels and cleave off dozens, even hundreds, of their heads!

Oh, how utterly satisfying that would be!

Shi Yang's jealousy grew with each passing moment, his interest in food and drink waned, and nothing else seemed to matter.

He ceased visiting the military camp altogether, opting instead to stay home and sleep the day away.

Ah, but I digress, let us return to the main narrative!

...

Following a brief respite of two days.

The camp of the Great Chu Dynasty was now fully prepared for war.

Swords and spears alike gleamed with a cold, menacing light, and armor had been polished to a mirror-like silver sheen.

Soldiers diligently honed their skills and practiced their techniques.

Marshals, generals, and their various deputies.

Every single day was spent poring over maps, debating military tactics, daring not to show any sign of complacency.

Xia Tingfeng meticulously analyzed the situation based on all available intelligence.

"King Hai Xiangjin of Western Xia is renowned for his extreme cunning and ruthless nature, possessing a masterful ability to manipulate power!"

"The very fact that he abandoned his own daughter, who was married into Great Chu, to personally lead troops against us, clearly indicates his hardened ruthlessness!"

"Furthermore, his years spent lurking beside the former King of Western Xia, meticulously plotting his rise, demonstrates an exceptional strategic patience!"