A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1137: If Not Now, When

"Indeed, if we don’t act to rescue them now, then when?"

"Must we wait until they’ve returned to the Capital City?"

"Alas, I truly cannot fathom the King's intentions!"

As the crowd engaged in spirited debate, Hai Xiangjin's eyes blazed with intensity.

One wonders what his thoughts are?

He certainly has his reasons.

“The Chu Dynasty deliberately brought his daughter all the way from the Capital City, right under his nose, and to Yanguan City, no less!”

“Who would dare believe that this isn't a trap?!”

He could almost be certain of it.

Not only is there a trap, but it’s a colossal one!

It is entirely possible that the moment he steps into it, he may never escape.

Hai Xiangjin let out a cold sneer.

"Youngster of the Zhao Family, you've underestimated this old man far too much!"

"At this juncture, nothing at all can impede my progress, not even a daughter!!"

Initially, considering the Chu Dynasty's inherently proud disposition, it was improbable they would swiftly harm Fengfeng.

She still held a reasonable chance to remain in the Capital City while other arrangements were made.

Unexpectedly... that treacherous and cunning Zhao Family brat.

He actually orchestrated a disaster relief facade, brazenly abducting his daughter as leverage!

A ruthless individual is indeed a true hero!

To achieve grand ambitions, one must disregard trivialities!

Since my aim is to subjugate the world, I cannot afford to shy away from bloodshed and sacrifice.

Now that matters have escalated to this point, then...

Fengfeng, I am truly sorry! The path ahead, you must tread entirely on your own!

You must take excellent care of yourself and proceed with the utmost caution!

Do not place the blame on your father for his failure to protect you!

If you must assign blame, then direct it towards that damned Emperor of the Great Chu!

However, Fengfeng, rest assured!

Should anything unfortunate befall you, your father will undoubtedly tear apart all those responsible for hurting you, bringing them vengeance!

...

Over in the territory of the Great Chu.

News regarding Hai Feng has circulated for several days, yet the Western Xia army camp remains utterly still.

Yang Chenyi voiced his hesitation.

"Could it be that Hai Xiangjin has simply given up?"

Xia Tingfeng's expression was etched with conflict. After a considerable pause, he shook his head.

"Unlikely!"

(In truth, this was merely a guess; how could he possibly ascertain Hai Xiangjin's decision? He wasn't Hai Xiangjin, after all?!)

Deputy General Cui muttered an curse.

"Those despicable Western Xia curs, heartless wretches who disregard human decency, showing no concern even for their own daughter. They are far worse than beasts!"

Deputy General Qin expressed his disdain.

"I concur wholeheartedly with Deputy General Cui's assessment!"

Yang He, with unwavering confidence and keen insight, interjected.

"Enough discussion. Based on my judgment, those callous beings have indeed abandoned their objective!"

A hush fell over the group, and inwardly, they offered their silent approval.

“The Great General is truly the Great General!”

“His acumen in discerning the minds of others is far more decisive!”

“Truly impressive! Most impressive!”

While everyone was engrossed in strategizing about the military situation amongst themselves.

Tiger, Rat, and Monster hurried in from the outdoors.

(Thanks to Xia Tingfeng's influence, the trio, despite their humble military standing, were permitted free entry and exit from the camp with a mere notification.)

"General Yang, esteemed sirs, we bring urgent news!" Monster panted as he spoke.

"What is it?"

All eyes turned towards them with anxious anticipation!

"An individual within the Western Xia camp intentionally relayed a message to our forces, stating that the King of Western Xia plans to launch an assault in the dead of night! They advised us to fortify our border defenses in advance!"

Rat conveyed the message, his breathing still rapid from exertion.

The others were left utterly bewildered.

"The Western Xia camp?"

"Someone deliberately sent us a message?"

"An attack in the middle of the night?!"

"Advance notice to arrange defenses?"

"What sort of situation is this?" They exchanged glances, their faces a mask of confusion.

"Did you perhaps plant spies within the Western Xia army?" Yang He inquired first, assuming he would have been privy to such intelligence.

Indeed, all of them responded by shaking their heads.

"No!"

"I did not either!"

"I am also unaware of any such operation!"

They murmured amongst themselves:

With those uncivilized brutes knowing nothing but raw meat and blood, who would willingly associate with them?!!

Surveying the group, Yang He's bewilderment deepened.

"If none of us planted a spy, then who was it that sent us this message?"

"Explain the circumstances in detail!" He urged Rat and the others.

At this precise moment, Monster stepped forward, a proud expression gracing his features.

"While casually gathering intelligence, I happened upon a young soldier who imparted this information to me!"

"There was no tangible proof or token; he simply whispered a sentence into my ear before swiftly departing, appearing quite fearful of being discovered!"

Everyone: "..."

Without evidence or a token, could these words possibly be trusted?

Yang He turned his gaze towards Xia Tingfeng.

"Commander Xia, what are your thoughts on this matter?!"

Commander Xia offered his response:

"This individual is a long-standing comrade, one with whom I've grown up; he would never utter a falsehood!"

General Yang solemnly nodded.

"Considering this, it would be wise to reinforce our defenses!"

After all, it would merely entail dispatching a few additional patrol units.

Naturally, we must maintain utmost vigilance, just in case the threat is real?!

Yang He gestured for the arrangements to be made, and the others raised no objections.

Furthermore, it was already growing late.

After a brief exchange of words, everyone retreated to their respective tents to rest.

...

In the dead of night.

As expected, the sounds of battle erupted from outside.

A messenger swiftly delivered urgent orders into the General's tent.

Hearing the commotion, all the commanders sprang from their beds with the agility of startled carp.

"Blast it all, a fight has truly broken out!"

"That person wasn't mistaken! Quickly, gather the men and charge!"

"How dare they attempt a surprise attack? I will utterly annihilate them!"

They scrambled in a clamorous rush, hastily donning their armor, and led their soldiers into the fray.

A ferocious battle ensued throughout the night, continuing until the first light of dawn.

The situation was dire.

Western Xia, unable to breach the city after a prolonged siege, suffered grievous losses.

The Chu Dynasty fared no better; although they managed to cling to the remaining sections of Yinshan City's walls, the victory was dearly bought, with countless brothers fallen.

Yang He's gaze swept over the countless corpses littering the battlefield, his chest tightening with anguish.

Nearing fifty, he knelt amidst the layers of fallen soldiers, tears streaming down his face as he let out a mournful cry to the heavens!

The other commanders were also overcome with profound sorrow.

"General Yang, please control your grief!"

"General Yang! Please, stand up!"

"General Yang..."

After moments of earnest persuasion, they assisted Yang He to his feet.

Wiping away his tears, he was filled with profound regret.

"If only I had heeded the messenger's warning earlier and adequately prepared our defenses, we would not have suffered such..."

"Investigate immediately! Who exactly was that messenger? And why did they assist us?"

No one dared to answer, and all eyes turned towards Monster, who stood nearby.

Monster's expression was a mask of intense inner conflict.

"General..."

"I can barely recall his appearance!"

"His face was obscured, wrapped too tightly! I..."

Yang He paused, his brow furrowed in thought.

"If that is the case, then let it be... we shall investigate at a more opportune time!"

With that, he turned away, his steps heavy with weariness, and returned to his tent.

A man past fifty carries a different aura than a young lad, casting a far more weathered shadow.

That night.

Yang He pondered deeply within his tent for a long while.

'This might well have been my final battle serving the Emperor!'

'I have dedicated my life to warfare, earning renown among the military leaders as a legend, a Victorious General!'

'While I may not possess extraordinary innate talent, nor am I as formidable as the legends suggest!'

'Yet with my extensive experience in both offensive and defensive strategies, even the most brilliant and cunning of enemy commanders could not gain a significant advantage when facing me head-on!'

'Why, this time... does it appear as though I have failed?'