Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 1103 - 726:

Chen Yuan hosted a private banquet for the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and it could be said that "both guest and host were delighted."

Chen Yuan was smiling.

Jiang Yi was also smiling.

The atmosphere was very harmonious.

After roughly an hour, Chen Yuan mentioned he had some official duties, and Jiang Yi took his leave, thus departing the Ninth Mountain.

Once he left the boundaries of the Ninth Mountain, the smile at the corner of the Minister of the Ministry of Rites’ mouth gradually disappeared. He rubbed his stiff eyebrows and let out a long sigh of relief.

In the conversation earlier, Marquis Chen altered his previous attitude, appearing approachable, but he naturally wouldn’t naively believe that Marquis Chen, whom even His Majesty feared, was truly like this.

Although he was unclear why Chen Yuan initially refused to take action, and instead ordered a sudden attack on the Beiliang border, he figured it wasn’t simply to demonstrate loyalty to His Majesty. There might be some deeper meaning within.

However, none of that mattered now. What mattered was that Marquis Chen at this pivotal moment expressed his stance, although his mission from leaving the capital seemed botched, he nevertheless had the confidence to deliver the report.

In matters of emotion and reason, Chen Hou was indeed right, voicing his frustrations and giving His Majesty face.

He indeed owed him that favor!

As for other things, such as the deeper meaning within Marquis Chen’s words, Jiang Yi no longer pondered. Overthinking was futile; with the emperor far away, staying here alone left him without anyone to talk to, rendering excessive thinking useless.

Next, he would just wait for Marquis Chen’s notification, wait until he is permitted to return to the capital to report, and he himself was getting old.

Having thought this, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites felt suddenly at ease, swiftly heading back to his resting place, settling down in peace.

Thus, time progressed to two days later, during the morning hours.

Above the Ninth Mountain Colonel Hall, the clouds shifted, and with a whistling sound, a column of milky white light tore through the clouds, descending directly.

A group of military leaders appeared on the open ground in front of the Colonel Hall, akin to heavenly soldiers descending.

There were about a dozen people, all wearing Green Armor, exuding a bloody and murderous aura, as if they had just returned from the battlefield.

Gongsun Yang, leading at the forefront, with an aged demeanor, his sword and sandals led a group into the main hall.

Inside the Colonel Hall, Chen Yuan, dressed in regular attire, stood in the center, exuding authority without anger, his eyes were bright and piercing.

Gongsun Yang approached, cupped his hands, paused his steps, and the clash of skirt armor emitted a sonorous sound,

"General."

"Fortunately, the mission is not disgraced! I have returned with the men to report to you!"

"Lazi Pass has been breached, I led men to clear out and escort, which took some time on the road, and the military supplies confiscated within Weng City have already been cataloged!"

He pulled a small booklet from his breast, offering it with both hands. As Chen Yuan telekinetically pulled it into his hand, Gongsun Yang continued,

"A rough count reveals about a hundred thousand armor-piercing crossbow arrows, approximately a thousand mechanical weapons, over ten thousand swords and armor, and horses each, and..."

At this point, Gongsun Yang’s voice grew increasingly resonant, with a hint of excitement, "Perhaps it was due to the previous Ghost Cry Mountain, where a hundred thousand Beiliang Iron Cavalry camped, and Lazi Pass served as a rear supply station, storing substantial supplies, the border contains numerous iron smelting furnaces, as well as many accompanying military artisans."

"After our forces breached the pass, we captured over a hundred armor-making artisans, discovered over twenty ironsmelting furnaces, and countless fine iron; these personnel and military supplies are already being transported to Tianxiong Pass, just waiting for the general’s orders for deployment!"

While listening to Gongsun Yang’s report, Chen Yuan skimmed through the inventory list. Hmm, the confiscated supplies from Lazi Pass were quite abundant, even he was somewhat surprised.

No wonder everyone likes to seize territory.

He closed the inventory list, shook his sleeve to store it within, then raised his eyes and said clearly, "Convey this general’s order—store the provisions, distribute the military supplies to each camp, craftsmen are to be incorporated into each division!"

"For all soldiers who participated in this battle, their military merit rewards will be doubled, and they can choose first..."

Chen Yuan issued orders to arrange the seized supplies and captives, and to reward the participating soldiers to boost morale.

"Yes." Gongsun Yang responded.

After these words, the atmosphere within the hall became slightly quiet. Chen Yuan’s gaze swept over the participating military leaders behind Gongsun Yang. Currently, Lu, Liu, and Yun, the three Piaoqi Generals, had been promoted to Three Mountains Colonel, while those in battle held the position of Leading Military Officer.

Apart from the veteran subordinates of the three Piaoqi, there were several new faces among these people.

Among these new faces was Gongsun Wuji, along with a few friends who enlisted together.

Gongsun Yang was ordered to lead troops and make a surprise attack on Beiliang’s Lazi Pass. Among the newly recruited and entrusted Leading Military Officers, Gongsun Yang specifically brought them along for training purposes.

Of course, Gongsun Yang was not foolish; he merely let these individuals lead a small squad as rear support, focusing on participation. The main force comprised veteran subordinates from the Ninth Mountain, all of whom were seasoned in combat.

Chen Yuan noticed Gongsun Wuji and the others, but he did not say much after issuing the orders, letting them leave the mountain, leaving only Mr. Gongsun behind.

"General!"

Gongsun Yang stepped forward. He and Chen Yuan had always had a mutual understanding; after being by Chen Yuan’s side for so long, a mere glance from Chen Yuan could impart his meaning.

"Mr. Gongsun, what were the casualties this time?" Chen Yuan inquired, raising an eyebrow, his voice slightly deep.

After all, war results in deaths, and his decisions could affect many lives.

Gongsun Yang’s expression was steady, cupping his hands, "This was a surprise attack, coupled with our previous defeat of Liangzhou’s hundred thousand Iron Cavalry, many of Lazi Pass’s defenders were soldiers who fled from that battle. We suddenly struck, creating a thousand-army effect in numbers, and these defeated soldiers believed a large army had arrived. They were already inclined to retreat and did not engage in much protracted fighting, slowly declining. Moreover, as there were no major generals defending their camp, the losses among our soldiers were not high."

What Gongsun Yang stated was the truth.

And Chen Yuan nodded upon hearing this, "That’s as good as it gets."

With that, he raised his hand, pointing with his finger, "There’s one thing, after you go down, summon the other Lang Generals for a small meeting to see what gaps in their military preparations remain. Additionally, prepare a roster for this battle’s casualties and compensations, report it a bit higher; while Lord Jiang is still present, I need to demand resources and funds from our Emperor."

"After all, the rewards he sent were a blunder, if I help him save face, I can’t be expected to make an effort for nothing; if even this becomes a debt, haha, in the future, don’t blame anyone if relationships turn cold."

Chen Yuan spoke with a half-smile.

Gongsun Yang immediately understood.

"Yes, General!"

"After I hold discussions with the other Lang Generals, I will prepare a roster according to your instructions and present it to Lord Jiang."

"Hmm!"

"Go now." Chen Yuan’s eyes were deep, unreadable in thought.

And just at this time.

In Jingguan City, at the Yun Mansion.

Today, there was an important matter, causing the Yun Family’s descendants residing at the Ninth Mountain to spare the time to come out.