Chapter 523 - Chapter 523: First Attack
Chapter 523: First Attack
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Silong promptly responded, “If that’s your decision, I’ll comply, Deputy
General Lin. If you lead, I’ll certainly follow closely behind!”
His demeanor suggested he was enjoying the spectacle, silently conveying,
“Actions speak louder than words!”
The four chiliarchs quickly intervened, advising Deputy General Lin, “Don’t act hastily. Considering your age, charging into the front line isn’t suitable for you.”
Qin Silong playfully chimed in, “Exactly. If anything goes wrong, I won’t be able to take responsibility!”
He aimed to provoke Deputy General Lin, who responded by patting his chest assertively, “No worries. I’ll show you what it means to be strong despite my age!”
Despite his apparent resolve, Deputy General Lin had no intention of genuinely charging into battle. This was merely a theatrical performance.
He passionately declared, “There’s no need for both generals to fight. I’ll lead the way! If the first attack fails, Qin will lead in the second round!”
Deputy General Lin had already devised his plan. He intended to lead the charge alongside Captain Yang, with a hundred elite soldiers at the forefront. Meanwhile, hidden sharpshooters would be strategically placed on the mountain. At a signal from Deputy General Lin, the sharpshooters would eliminate him, making it appear as though he had been shot from the enemy camp. His demise would provide an opportunity to execute a tactical retreat.
Once Qin Silong initiated the attack, Deputy General Lin planned to replicate the same strategy and eliminate him in a similar manner. This way, he aimed to accomplish his mission with precision.
Qin Silong feigned objection, stating that he had spoken in the heat of the moment and couldn’t let an elderly person charge into the front lines. The four chiliarchs joined in the persuasion, but Deputy General Lin remained adamant, insisting on taking the lead.
Qin Silong adopted a serious tone, stating, “If Deputy General Lin is determined to lead, I request you to write a voluntary letter. In case of any mishaps, I won’t bear the responsibility.”
The acknowledgment among those present was clear: as a figure associated with the higher-ups, if Deputy General Lin were to meet an unfortunate fate, the responsibility would be challenging for others to shoulder.
Confident that nothing untoward would occur, Deputy General Lin complied and indeed wrote the voluntary letter.
The next morning, everything was set. Deputy General Lin, donning a neat uniform, led a thousand regular troops and a thousand temporary soldiers in preparation for the impending attack.
Despite his temporary promotion to chiliarch, the majority of his troops were fresh recruits, with only the original one hundred remaining from his previous command. Gazing at the unruly assembly, Deputy General Lin couldn’t help but feel a headache. If he had foreseen this predicament, he might have preferred retaining his centurion rank. In his view, they were not qualified to engage in strategic discussions with figures like Qin Silong and the others.
Several others, also promoted to temporary chiliarchs, shared in his predicament, receiving similar treatment.
However, Deputy General Lin held a unique position among the temporary chiliarchs. He had been recommended by Chiliarch Yang to Deputy General Lin, earning praises for his bravery, combat skills, resourcefulness, and a perceived aura of victory. Believing he had the potential to secure victory as the vanguard, Deputy General Lin feigned delight and even gifted him a quality saber. Despite his excitement, he recognized that gaining recognition from the general could potentially lead to his promotion.
As the war drums resonated, they advanced toward the entrance with a hundred elite soldiers bearing iron shields. Deputy General Lin followed suit with a dozen personal guards on horseback, banners fluttering around him.
However, their advance met staunch resistance from the enemy even before reaching the entrance..