Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 383 - 382. Night Raid

382. Night Raid

In the blink of an eye, it was already the New Year according to the customs of Great Chu. Though they couldn’t return home to reunite with their families as they were stationed on the border, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army were in high spirits, preparing to slaughter chickens and sheep to reward themselves with a lavish meal. The Mo Family Army camp was filled with a jollier atmosphere than usual.

In stark contrast to the cheerful spirit in the Mo Family Army’s camp was the cold and bitter atmosphere in the nearby Beirong military camp. Ever since the envoy sent by the King of Beirong fell ill and died due to an unfamiliar environment deliberately created by Yelv Ye, there had been no word from the Beirong royal court, mainly because Beirong was too far from Great Chu. However, Yelv Ye had already sensed the detrimental situation brewing there. Moreover, with the grasslands now covered in snow, Beirong’s military supplies couldn’t be transported to Great Chu. The Mo Family Army seemed to have exploited this weakness in their previous engagements, specifically targeting Beirong’s food supplies. Although Beirong’s army wouldn’t run out of provisions immediately, their supplies were being stretched thin. Hearing the Mo Family Army’s loud celebrations, which could be heard even in the Beirong camp miles away, and comparing their own situation, the Beirong soldiers couldn’t help but feel even more dejected and uneasy.

Inside the main tent of Beirong, Yelv Ye gazed at the commanding officers below him, frowning. In a low voice, he asked, "Now that the deadlock between the two armies continues and our morale is low, do any of you generals have a good suggestion?"

Helian Zhen stood up and said, "Your Highness, we don’t necessarily need to be anxious."

Yelv Ye raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that, General Helian?"

Helian Zhen smiled. "Because the Mo Family Army is more anxious than we are. Currently, the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling is urgently attacking Ruichang and Weicheng City, and Prince Ding is rushing to their rescue. Mo Jingli’s large army from Great Chu will also arrive soon. When that happens, the Mo Family Army will be completely trapped. If Your Highness rushes now, you will likely fall into their trap."

Yelv Ye asked in a deep voice, "So, Grand General Helian, are you suggesting that we just keep dragging this out?"

Helian Zhen nodded. "Indeed. As long as we wait for Mo Jingli’s troops to take their positions, we can then launch a coordinated attack from all three sides. Do you think we couldn’t handle the Mo Family Army then?"

Yelv Ye sneered. "Does General Helian think we have that much time?" How could Yelv Ye not understand what Helian Zhen was suggesting? But while others could afford to wait, he, Yelv Ye, could not. If the war dragged on, even if he ultimately emerged victorious, the Beirong royal court would likely have fallen completely under Yelv Hong’s control. By then, all his efforts would have merely benefited someone else.

This... As one of Yelv Ye’s most trusted men, Helian Zhen was naturally aware of the news from the Beirong royal court. The current situation was truly a dilemma. A direct confrontation would surely mean defeat against the Mo Family Army. However, if they allowed the stalemate to continue, Crown Prince Yelv Hong might seize the advantage. Then, all their hard-fought battles—his and the Seventh Prince’s—would be for naught, and they might even lose their lives.

After Yelv Ye dismissed the other commanders, leaving only Helian Zhen and his son, Helian Zhen asked in a low voice, "What are Your Highness’s intentions?"

Yelv Ye gave a bitter smile. The Central Plains, vast and bountiful, with abundant resources, has always been coveted by us Beirong. Now that I occupy a piece of this land, I am naturally reluctant to give it up. But is this piece of land worth abandoning the entirety of Beirong? If I could successfully conquer all of Great Chu, then giving up the barren lands of Beirong would certainly be worth it. However, the current situation in the Central Plains doesn’t seem to allow for such aspirations.

More importantly, my officers and soldiers are all native Beirong. Even if I were to break with the Beirong royal court, it’s unlikely they would willingly follow me, abandoning their homeland to remain in the Central Plains indefinitely.

On the other hand, if I were to retreat and return to Beirong now, it would mean these years of campaigning have been entirely in vain; all military achievements nullified. With my father, the King, already clearly displeased with me, returning in disgrace would undoubtedly be detrimental.

Yelv Ye shook his head with a bitter smile. "What intentions can I, this Prince, possibly have at this stage? It feels like I’m riding a tiger and can’t get off. Mo Xiuyao... Mo Xiuyao is truly this Prince’s nemesis!" If it weren’t for Mo Xiuyao, I would have already seized half of Great Chu’s land. Even if the King, my father, was dissatisfied, my strength would have been sufficient to establish myself independently. But now, ever since Mo Xiuyao entered the war, the Beirong army has suffered continuous defeats. Morale is at rock bottom, unrest is spreading through the camp, and many soldiers are starting to long for the Beirong grasslands.

Indeed, Mo Xiuyao was more than just Yelv Ye’s nemesis. In the mere decade since Mo Xiuyao’s re-emergence, the once-mighty Great Chu had been pushed to rule only its southern territories. Xiling had been forced to relocate its capital after its own Imperial City was occupied. The Northern Territory, painstakingly established by Ren Qining, collapsed within ten years, its founder dead and its state destroyed. The Beirong royal court had remained untouched by Mo Xiuyao’s direct influence primarily due to its extreme remoteness from the Central Plains; Mo Xiuyao currently lacked the capacity or inclination to extend his reach that far. Yet, even in the ongoing struggle between Yelv Ye and Yelv Hong, Mo Xiuyao’s shadow loomed large.

Helian Zhen sighed. "The current situation is indeed unfavorable for us. Your Highness must make plans soon." Frankly, it all came down to a single word—a gamble. The first option was to gamble that the allied forces of the three kingdoms could completely annihilate Prince Ding’s Mansion, allowing the Beirong army to occupy half of Great Chu’s land. Then, even if Yelv Ye broke with the Beirong royal court, he could still assert his independence with the army he commanded. The second option was to gamble on Beirong finding an opportunity to withdraw its forces, enabling Yelv Ye to return to the royal court with the majority of Beirong’s military power under his control and fight a life-or-death struggle against Yelv Hong. It was truly a difficult choice. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

From the side, Helian Peng said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Father, even if we were to withdraw now, it is unlikely that the Mo Family Army would allow us to do so easily." Both men turned to look at Helian Peng, who continued, "Have Your Highness and Father forgotten that there is a deep-seated enmity between us Beirong and Prince Ding’s Mansion... an enmity as deep as the ocean."

At his words, both men were stunned. The war more than a decade ago had not only damaged the Mo Family Army; Beirong had also suffered grievous losses. Yet, the Mo Family Army’s hatred for Beirong would not diminish simply because Beirong had also suffered. Mo Xiuyao was known for his swift and decisive actions: he had captured the Imperial City of Xiling in three months and the Capital of Great Chu in little more than a month. His current slow and deliberate pace against Beirong was entirely out of character. As this realization dawned, Helian Zhen’s heart sank, and his face paled. "Mo Xiuyao intends to ensnare and annihilate our entire Beirong army!" he exclaimed.

The remark startled Yelv Ye as well. He said in a deep voice, "Mo Xiuyao’s appetite is far too large!"

Helian Zhen said, "When Mo Xiuyao was just a teenager, he had already mastered the Art of War, employing strategies that were audaciously imaginative and profoundly unfathomable. After lying low and biding his time for all these years, he has likely become even more formidable. Your Highness should pay close attention to our army’s flanks. If Mo Xiuyao truly intends to annihilate our forces, he will undoubtedly dispatch troops to circle around our flanks to our rear, cutting off our retreat."

Yelv Ye knew his own military acumen was inferior to Helian Zhen’s. He nodded. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Uncle. But now, advancing is difficult, and retreating is impossible. What do you both think we should do?"

Helian Peng said, "I believe that since retreat is not an option, we must courageously press forward. Besides, given Beirong’s climate, even if our army managed to withdraw beyond the pass, it would take two to three months for the ice and snow on the grasslands to melt before we could even attempt to return to the Beirong royal court. That being the case, why not gamble on an advance? Prince Ding’s Mansion and Beirong are already mortal enemies. If we break our alliance with Xiling midway, they too will not let us off easily. Although Xiling no longer borders Beirong, it remains a significant power. Moreover, Beirong relies on purchasing many essential goods from Xiling. Offending two major powers simultaneously would put Beirong in a truly precarious situation."

Sighing, Yelv Ye said, "So be it. General Helian, Uncle, what are your suggestions?"

After pondering for a moment, Helian Zhen proposed, "Tomorrow is the New Year of Great Chu. The entire Mo Family Army will undoubtedly be celebrating. That’s when their defenses are likely to be at their weakest. We can take advantage of this to launch a surprise attack."

Yelv Ye hesitated. Will this work? Mo Xiuyao is one of the most renowned commanders of our time; would he really make such a mistake?

Helian Zhen said, "We must strike first to gain the advantage. Constant forbearance will only lead to the Mo Family Army steadily pushing us back, completely destroying our troops’ morale."

After a moment’s deliberation, Yelv Ye sighed. "We’ll proceed as Uncle advises."

That night, the Mo Family Army camp was ablaze with lights, filled with ceaseless laughter and joyous chatter. Even the usual wartime prohibition on alcohol was temporarily lifted, and the strong aroma of liquor permeated the entire camp.

Groups of soldiers, dozens at a time, gathered around blazing bonfires, joyfully drinking wine and eating roasted meat. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, accompanied by their commanders, also appeared in the camp, drinking with the soldiers. Despite the harsh winter cold, the entire camp was warmed by numerous roaring fires. The soldiers, drinking potent liquor, seemed oblivious to the chill. Even Mo Xiaobao, sitting beside Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, had a bright, happy smile on his delicate face.

In the dead of night, a Beirong troop stealthily approached the Mo Family Army camp. Even from a mile or two away, they could hear the cheers and clamor from the Mo Family Army camp, and see the glow of fires that seemed to illuminate half the sky. This only made the Beirong soldiers, dispatched for the night raid, feel the biting cold more acutely, and a strong sense of envy towards the Mo Family Army welled up within them.

"They’re having it good, drinking and feasting while we’re out here starving and freezing," a Beirong soldier grumbled, shivering.

Someone beside him nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The Mo Family Army is clearly much wealthier than us. It’s a rare treat for us to eat meat these days, but I hear they eat it every day." With the supply routes from Beirong to Great Chu cut off, provisions couldn’t get through. Since the Mo Family Army began its standoff with Beirong, many of the few remaining civilians in Beirong-controlled areas had fled to the Mo Family Army’s side, leaving nothing for the Beirong forces to pillage. Consequently, their rations had severely dwindled. Although they had many warhorses, these were too vital to Beirong to be slaughtered for food except as a last resort. Thus, these Beirong soldiers, accustomed to hearty meals of meat and strong drink, were forced to learn to subsist on the coarse grains typical of the Central Plains people.

"Once we take the Mo Family Army camp, all that food and drink will be ours," another Beirong soldier said with anticipation.

"That’s right! When we seize their provisions, we’ll have a proper celebration too!" The others voiced their agreement, eagerly looking forward to capturing the Mo Family Army’s stores.

The Beirong army, poised for a surprise attack, waited for two to four hours a few miles from the Mo Family Army camp. Only then did the lights in the Mo Family Army camp gradually dim, and the earlier clamor subsided. The Mo Family Army soldiers must have finished their celebrations and are preparing to rest. They had waited half the night, precisely for this moment—to strike when the Mo Family Army was most vulnerable, flush with drink and weary.

Seeing the time was ripe, Helian Peng, who was leading the vanguard, quietly issued an order to his subordinates. The Beirong soldiers, who had been lying in wait in the snow, immediately sprang into action, advancing swiftly towards the Mo Family Army camp.

As they neared the Mo Family Army camp, now shrouded in darkness and silence, Helian Peng couldn’t help but halt. A nearby officer, puzzled, whispered, "General?"

Helian Peng said in a low voice, "Something’s not right." Even if the Mo Family Army were utterly incompetent, they should have detected our approach by now, being this close. This looks too much like a trap. Hearing Helian Peng, the others grew tense, vigilantly scanning their surroundings. "General, are you saying..."

An ominous feeling intensified in Helian Peng’s heart. He made a swift decision: "Retreat!"

However, while approaching might have been easy, retreating was not. Suddenly, torches blazed to life all around them in the darkness, and a clear laugh rang out from nearby. "General Helian, since you’ve come all this way, why the rush to leave?"

Mo Family Army soldiers, in neat formations and with soaring morale, suddenly charged out from the shadows, surrounding the Beirong troops. A young general, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, clad in a black battle robe, rode forth on his horse. With a broad smile, he looked at Helian Peng and said, "General Helian, have you come to offer this general New Year’s greetings on this festive night?"

"Yun Ting!" After numerous clashes in recent days, Helian Peng had become familiar with the Mo Family Army’s commanders. He certainly recognized Yun Ting, a young general highly regarded by Princess Consort Ding.

Yun Ting grinned smugly. "Indeed, it is I. How have you been these past few days, General Helian?"

Helian Peng lowered his gaze, frowning slightly. Suddenly, a jolt went through him. He snapped his head up. "You’re the only one in the camp?!" A sneak attack by the Beirong army is a major affair, yet only Yun Ting has appeared from the Mo Family Army. If it’s not because the people of Prince Ding’s Mansion are too arrogant and look down on us Beirong, then it must mean... there’s no one else in this Mo Family Army camp. Yun Ting is the sole commander here at this moment!

Yun Ting didn’t deny it, smiling with a hint of surprise. "General Helian, you certainly have sharp eyes." His words implicitly confirmed that he was, indeed, the only one commanding the Mo Family Army camp at that time.

However, Yun Ting’s admission didn’t bring Helian Peng any relief; instead, his unease intensified. With only Yun Ting here, I might be able to take down the Mo Family Army camp. But what’s the use of capturing an empty camp? More importantly... where have Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li gone with the other commanders?

In stark contrast to Helian Peng’s grim mood, Yun Ting appeared supremely confident. He seemed utterly unconcerned that his mere tens of thousands of men were surrounded by Helian Peng’s far larger force. Smiling, he asked, "General Helian, are you perhaps wondering about the whereabouts of our Prince and Princess Consort?"

Helian Peng said in a grave voice, "Commander Yun, I would appreciate it if you told me."

"Haven’t you already guessed, General Helian? The Prince and Princess Consort have gone to raid your Beirong main camp!" Yun Ting laughed heartily. "General Helian, did you think only your Beirong are capable of launching sneak attacks? When it comes to the Art of War, we people of the Central Plains are the true originators!"

Helian Peng’s face instantly turned ashen. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, leading almost all the Mo Family Army commanders to raid the Beirong main camp—they are clearly determined to succeed! He whirled around and roared, "Retreat! Return to the main camp immediately!"

Yun Ting sneered. "My Mo Family Army camp is not a place you can come and go as you please!" With a wave of his hand, his soldiers moved to block the Beirong army’s path. The Mo Family Army camp was situated in a strategically advantageous location. There was only one direct route back for the Beirong forces, but that path was now cut off by the ambushing Mo Family Army. Other routes were not only treacherous and difficult but also involved detours of many extra miles. If Helian Peng wanted to return to reinforce the Beirong main camp, he would have to break through Yun Ting’s forces.

However, Yun Ting was not someone Helian Peng could easily bypass. Having joined the army at a young age, he had served under commanders like Murong Shen, Zhang Qilan, and Lv Jinxian, rising from an ordinary soldier to a young general capable of independently leading an army. Over more than a decade, he had participated in no fewer than a hundred battles, large and small. How could he allow Helian Peng to succeed so easily?

Perched high on his steed, Yun Ting smiled at Helian Peng. "General Helian, don’t be in such a hurry. Why not exchange a few moves with me first?"

"You’re courting death!" Helian Peng was supremely confident in his martial prowess. Even among the martial artists of the Central Plains, he had few rivals, let alone a young general like Yun Ting. With a thrust of his long saber, he lunged towards Yun Ting. As the two chief generals engaged, their soldiers below also roared into action, clashing fiercely in a chaotic melee.

Yun Ting met Helian Peng’s charge with a wide grin but didn’t engage him directly. As Helian Peng attacked, Yun Ting immediately wheeled his horse and galloped off to the side. Helian Peng, dismounting and leaping, caught up to him in a few bounds. "Where do you think you’re going?!"

Yun Ting glanced back with a smile. "This general knows you are highly skilled, General Helian, so I’ve specially invited a few experts to exchange pointers with you." As he spoke, several black-clad figures emerged from the deep shadows. Helian Peng’s eyes flicked to the dark insignia on their chests, and he said in a low, grim voice, "Qilin."

"Precisely." The leader of the black-clad figures chuckled softly and looked up. It was Xu Qingfeng, the Third Young Master of the Xu Family.

Having disengaged from Helian Peng, Yun Ting immediately grinned at Xu Qingfeng. "Commander Xu, I’ll leave General Helian to you!" With that, he pulled on his reins and charged back into the fray.

Helian Peng’s expression was exceedingly grim. In recent times, his Yazi unit and the Mo Family Army’s Qilin had clashed dozens of times, both openly and covertly. Yet, the Qilin rarely suffered defeat, while his own Yazi, in whom he had placed such high hopes, had been nearly decimated after months of fighting. Helian Peng now truly understood the disparity between the Qilin and the Yazi, and his hatred for Princess Consort Ding, the one who had trained the Qilin, intensified.

These men surrounding me now may not be my match in single combat, but their coordinated attacks are enough to keep me occupied. Besides, they don’t need to kill me. If they can just stall me here for a few hours and prevent me from returning to reinforce the main camp, it will all be over.

"Third Young Master Xu?" Helian Peng stared at Xu Qingfeng. "I never expected that the esteemed scholarly Xu Family would produce a military commander like you."

Xu Qingfeng remained unfazed by the taunt, smiling leisurely. "Whether one pursues literature or martial arts should be a personal choice; my Xu Family has never imposed such things. Even though I chose to cast aside the brush for the blade, I have not brought shame upon the heroic ancestors of the Xu Family."

Though Xu Qingfeng favored martial arts, he had been raised in the Xu Family, steeped in literary and scholarly traditions from a young age. While his academic achievements might not compare to his brothers, he was still far more learned than the average person. Moreover, he had never regretted his choice, nor had he ever believed it to be wrong. Helian Peng’s insipid remark was too insignificant to even register as an irritant.

Helian Peng knew further words were useless in this situation; it was better to break free from the Qilin’s encirclement quickly and lead his troops back to the rescue. His expression hardened. "In that case," he said in a deep voice, "this general shall experience the Qilin’s famed techniques!"

Xu Qingfeng and the others wasted no more words, drawing their weapons and attacking in concert. The Qilin’s strength lay in their teamwork and coordinated assaults. Though individually outmatched, their combined offensive quickly put Helian Peng on the defensive, constrained at every turn.

Meanwhile, Yun Ting led his soldiers on a rampage through the chaotic enemy ranks, cutting down Beirong soldiers who had no time to react. The sounds of fierce fighting and slaughter instantly filled the mountain wilderness.

「Meanwhile」

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had already appeared not far from the Beirong main camp. Gazing at the still brightly lit enemy encampment, a cruel smile touched Mo Xiuyao’s lips. Clearly, Yelv Ye and the others in the Beirong camp are still waiting for news from Helian Peng. Little do they know that the ones they planned to ambush have already crept up right before them.

Ye Li, mounted beside Mo Xiuyao, gazed at the distant camp with a faint smile. "Helian Peng must be engaged with Yun Ting by now. As long as he’s tied up with Yun Ting, it will be impossible for him to withdraw quickly, giving us enough time to deal with Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Indeed." I wonder if Helian Zhen has any idea that I, this Prince, am right outside his main camp at this very moment?

Nearby, Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "Helian Zhen must surely believe the Prince was caught off guard by Helian Peng’s surprise attack." The elaborate display of festive celebration in the Mo Family Army camp was merely a ruse designed for the Beirong. A man like Mo Xiuyao would never allow his entire army to celebrate so extravagantly before achieving total victory. Unfortunately for Helian Zhen, he fundamentally misunderstands Mo Xiuyao’s character.

"Are the preparations complete?" Mo Xiuyao asked quietly.

Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Everything is ready. Sun Yaowu is leading troops to encircle from the left, Chen Yun from the right. Zhou Min has already positioned her forces in Wind Return Valley. We will launch a frontal assault. In two hours, Yun Ting will allow Helian Peng to break free and rejoin Yelv Ye and the others. We’ll ensure that not a single Beirong soldier escapes."

Mo Xiuyao nodded in approval. "Excellent. This Prince wants to see if Helian Zhen still possesses any means to reverse this fate." Though his tone was light, it carried a bone-chilling murderous intent.

"My Prince, shall we begin now?" Feng Zhiyao asked, eager to start.

"Begin," Mo Xiuyao nodded.

Feng Zhiyao grinned, drew an arrow from his quiver, nocked it, and drew his bow. A flaming arrow streaked through the night sky towards the Beirong main camp.