A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1143: Paying Homage and Gratitude
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
In their past lives, they might have found sustenance at the brothel, enjoying free food, drinks, and company, or perhaps they had even plundered the County South King’s Estate for grain!
In essence.
Within that remote, humble county town.
Their infamy stemmed from 'engaging in all manner of wickedness'.
Then, their elder brother journeyed to the Capital City, securing a position in the government.
They followed suit, accompanying him.
Naturally, lacking official posts themselves, they continued their lives of idleness.
The sole distinction from their past was this:.
They no longer needed to resort to their former dissolute activities to secure their meals.
Their elder brother felt a deep sense of nostalgia for those times.
They lived a life free from material want, with ample food and clothing.
Yet, at their core, they remained unchanged from their previous existence, utterly the same.
Simply beggars clad in sumptuous attire.
Observing their elder brother garner the Emperor’s favor.
Witnessing the Tiger, through his martial prowess, claim the title of Martial Champion and attain an official position.
Envy was not absent from their hearts.
But… what could they, themselves, accomplish?
They were neither learned scholars nor skilled warriors, possessing no achievements or other discernible talents! What sort of official capacity could they possibly aspire to?!
They were adept at numerous menial skills, yet found no respect from others.
Their standing was peculiar, occupying an awkward space between servitude and authority.
They could neither return to their former street performances nor continue indefinitely as dependents relying on the charity of others.
But did any other avenue exist for them?
Each day was spent contemplating a viable path forward!
Alas, countless years dissolved into the past, with nothing found.
Time was squandered fruitlessly, not due to a lack of diligent searching, but because no suitable path ever materialized.
Just as despair began to set in.
It was General Yang who illuminated a path of hope for him.
A Military Advisor!
This was a role he had never even dared to dream of!
He had never conceived that he might one day hold a place within the Imperial Court, utilizing his modest abilities to serve its needs.
He had never imagined that the unconventional notions within his mind could prove useful on such a vast and critical battlefield!
He had never envisioned that he could one day walk this land as a man of legitimacy, sustained by his own capabilities.
Yet, here he stood, having truly achieved it all.
Yang He, akin to a benevolent parent who had orchestrated a rebirth, was worthy of profound veneration!
Yang He, deeply moved by the sincerity, quickly assisted him to his feet.
"Young talents brimming with potential deserve opportunities to serve the court; such elaborate displays of reverence are truly unnecessary!"
The Rat rose, offering his heartfelt gratitude once more.
Yang Chenyi, standing nearby, beamed with evident joy.
They frequently shared drinks and were considered close companions.
Witnessing his friend achieve his long-held aspiration, he expressed his happiness and inquired.
"Father!"
"Since you find the name 'Rat' to be rather unappealing, why not bestow upon him a more fitting moniker?"
"Brother Rat lacks a surname; why not grant him one as well?"
Yang He immediately declined the suggestion without hesitation.
"Ah! Names are not bestowed lightly! And surnames are even less so!"
"Do not speak so carelessly!"
The Rat, too, clasped his hands respectfully towards Yang Chenyi.
"Thank you, Brother Yang, for your magnanimous offer; I understand your sentiment!"
"The Great General's benevolence towards this humble Rat is deeply appreciated!"
"I would not presume to trouble the General with matters concerning names!"
Perceiving the sincerity in his words, Yang Chenyi did not press the matter further.
Yang He also refrained from further discussion, offering only a gentle reminder.
"Matters of lineage and naming are tied to one's ancestry and should never be treated with levity!"
The unspoken implication was clear: if you are able to trace your ancestral roots, that would be ideal! What is given by others lacks the same inherent significance.
The Rat bowed once more in acknowledgment.
Yang He offered a smile, patting his shoulder in a gesture of encouragement.
The conversation then returned to the primary objective at hand.
Following the confirmation of the fire attack strategy, the army of the Great Chu Dynasty swiftly mobilized.
Hundreds of barrels of oil were discreetly transported from Yanguan City with utmost urgency.
Under the cover of a dark, blustery night, the oil was dispersed across the mountainside.
They specifically targeted areas abundant with dry vegetation and withered branches.
The Rat meticulously calculated the prevailing wind direction based on the topographical features.
He strategically distributed more oil in the upwind zones to ensure the fire would propagate with maximum speed once ignited.
Yang He's admiration for the Rat continued to grow with each passing moment.
He even sought the Rat's counsel on other strategic decisions.
He harbored no resentment or envy towards the Rat despite the latter's abundance of innovative ideas.
This unwavering capacity for inclusivity significantly elevated General Yang’s standing within the military encampment.
...
Just as the Great Chu Dynasty finalized its preparations.
The Western Xia forces were simultaneously fortifying their defenses and cataloging the spoils from their recent brutal conquest.
The rough-and-tumble soldiers erupted in boisterous laughter as they sorted through their ill-gotten gains.
"Hahaha..."
"So few people were present; I hadn't even begun to satiate my desire for bloodshed before they vanished!"
"Precisely, who knows when another opportunity like this will present itself!"
"My dagger hasn’t even had its fill of blood yet!"
"You should be more content!"
"If our king emerges victorious, all will be well; but if he falters... ptooey! How could such a dismal outcome possibly occur?!"
"Then we shall simply await the outcome, until we have secured this victory!"
"Let the brothers indulge themselves fully!"
The group continued their jovial banter and jesting.
At this pivotal moment, Hai Xiangjin was engaged in a strategic discussion, poring over maps and terrain with a select group of trusted lieutenants and his nephew.
After an extensive study of the battleground, they meticulously devised and finalized the most impeccable troop deployment and strategy.
Observing the flawless formation on the sand table, Hai Xiangjin let out a booming, arrogant laugh.
"Hahaha..."
"This time, regardless of the direction from which the Great Chu Dynasty launches their assault, we are guaranteed to annihilate them completely!"
"Your Majesty's wisdom is unparalleled!"
The generals and his nephew prostrated themselves on the ground.
A surge of vitality coursed through Hai Xiangjin, making him feel as though he had shed two decades, reverting to his youthful prime.
Meanwhile, within the Crown Prince's tent,
To maintain her disguise and prevent suspicion, she was compelled to continuously consume potent spirits, ensuring her voice retained its necessary gruffness.
Regrettably...
In a state between intoxication and wakefulness, she was consumed by profound anxiety.
She possessed prior combat experience.
She understood the perilous nature of this terrain, where a single misstep could invite an ambush.
Yet, despite her mounting worry, there was naught she could do.
She remained unaware of the content of Hai Situ's previous conversation with Prince Jin.
Now, she found herself barred from even entering Prince Jin's expansive tent.
The troop formation map remained out of reach, and she was unable to dispatch any messages.
Surrounded by a multitude of empty wine bottles,
Hai Tang felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Her thoughts turned to the Monster.
Wasn't that individual renowned for his ability to infiltrate any location?
What, precisely, was transpiring now?!
Why had there been no sign of him whatsoever?!
...
One particular night arrived.
It was a dark and blustery evening, with the surrounding hills emitting eerie wails carried by the wind.
The sudden, chilling gusts caused the barren, leafless trees to sway and rustle ominously.
Within the confines of the small valley,
Beyond the rhythmic sounds of patrolling soldiers, a symphony of unsettling wind noises permeated the air.
The Western Xia region, apart from its vast prairies, was predominantly arid desert.
The inhabitants were exceedingly accustomed to such wind sounds and felt no alarm.
Nevertheless, for reasons unknown, Hai Xiangjin experienced a prickling sense of unease.
It felt as though an unfamiliar scent lingered in the atmosphere.
He sensed that
Something unforeseen was on the verge of occurring.
But what could it possibly be?!
Unable to decipher the situation, Hai Xiangjin could only command an increase in patrol vigilance.
In the depths of the night,
Apart from the vigilant soldiers on patrol, all others were immersed in deep slumber.
Abruptly, a small contingent emerged from a concealed rear path.
The atmosphere grew heavy, saturated with a fierce, deadly intent.
Hai Xiangjin immediately sprang from his bed, bellowing the order,
"Men, prepare to confront the enemy!"