Chapter 55
Chapter 55. A New Alliance
The alliance between me and Cao Cao was successfully formed.
However, the combined forces were still woefully inadequate.
Cao Cao’s army, bolstered by support from the Inspector of Yang Province, numbered four thousand, while ours was three thousand.
Sima Yi said we needed at least ten thousand.
If not, we would have to rely on our fierce generals, which she considered the worst option.
Cao Cao’s strategist agreed with Sima Yi’s assessment.
Thus, a new military council was convened at that moment.
Cao Cao raised the first topic.
“Thank you for joining us, Governor of Shangdang.”
“No, the time to fulfill the great cause has finally come. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this day.”
Enter Zhang Yang.
She glanced at me and smiled.
Yes, she was the one I called for.
I hadn’t wanted to see her again after our last encounter ended poorly, but personal feelings couldn’t be allowed to interfere in matters like this.
There was no other choice.
Fortunately, after sending the letter, she promptly arrived with her main force.
An impressive level of decisiveness.
Strategically, Zhang Yang’s army, mainly composed of Bing Province troops, was experienced and formidable, providing a significant advantage to our alliance.
With Zhang Yang’s eight thousand soldiers, we now commanded a total force of fifteen thousand.
“Good.”
Sima Yi, standing beside me, smirked as she pulled a bamboo scroll from her sleeve.
“We can finally hold a proper military council.”
At this, the woman next to Cao Cao also unfurled a scroll.
“Let us begin, then.”
Her smile was gentle, almost maternal in its warmth.
She was known as Chen Gong.
From what I’d heard, she was one of the most outstanding talents in Cao Cao’s army.
Aside from the two of them, there were myself, Cao Cao, Zhang Yang, Sugo, Zhao Yun, Unsam, Cao Hong, and Xiahou Dun.
We all sat down together.
“First, we need to address the supply route issue. With the Governor of Shangdang joining us, we need to reorganize our roles once more.”
“Yes, here is the military formation we have in mind.”
Sima Yi pointed to the scroll.
“The greatest obstacle to breaking through Chang’an is Hangu Pass. Surrounded by rugged mountains, it won’t be easy to breach. Therefore, we’ll disperse our forces to create confusion. Our army will take the vanguard.”
“As the strategist says, our forces will cover the left and right flanks.”
“Exactly. Cao Cao’s cavalry, led by General Zhao Yun, will be stationed in the mountains, and large planks should be prepared.”
“Planks?”
“Engaging in a frontal assault is the worst strategy. We will conduct night raids.”
“However, night raids could also put us at a disadvantage.”
“That’s why we’ve prepared for a fire attack.”
“A fire attack.”
Sima Yi had already gathered all the necessary materials for the fire attack.
Thanks to her, I’d been running around like crazy.
“That way, we can at least buy ourselves some time.”
Chen Gong asked.
“Yes. Governor Zhang Yang, with your forces primarily composed of Bing Province troops, I’d like you to take on the role of supply officer. Supply lines are crucial to our mobility.”
“So be it.”
“The most important person here is you.”
“Huh?”
Just as I was about to yawn, Sima Yi pointed at me.
“General Zhao Yun will lure the enemy forward, then scatter. Cao Cao’s forces will encircle them as much as possible. However, due to the rugged terrain, this won’t be easy. We’ll have to break through head-on.”
In other words…
“You’re saying I should just take out the head of their army.”
“Yes. That could mean Lü Bu, or it could be someone else. If we fail, it’s over.”
Cao Cao then spoke up.
“There is Lü Bu, but also the general named Xu Rong.”
“Xu Rong, the fierce general who defeated Cao Cao’s army?”
“Yes, his cavalry is more adept than Lü Bu’s forces. He’s also calm and calculated. He’ll quickly catch on to our tricks.”
“So, you’re saying I just need to take that bastard Xu Rong’s head?”
I couldn’t hold back any longer and interrupted.
“Leave it to me. Whether it’s hundreds or thousands of enemies, I’ll take Xu Rong’s head.”
“Hmmm.”
Cao Cao lowered her head, her expression doubtful.
The shock of her previous defeat must still weigh on her.
Then, her red eyes gleamed.
“Yes, I spoke weakly. But now, I have you.”
She continued.
“Then let’s follow the young lady’s plan. We must carefully assess our routes and command structure. For now, let’s scout the surroundings of Hangu Pass more thoroughly.”
***
I sighed deeply as I left the tent.
The reason was simple.
“Mister, hurry up and follow me.”
“Damn it, do I really have to do this?”
“It makes no sense for a commander not to know military strategy.”
Sima Yi clutched a book to her chest and pulled insistently on my sleeve.
“It’s not that you’re wrong, but…”
Disliking study is practically a natural instinct.
To be honest, I was just barely holding back my urge to run away.
As I reluctantly followed Sima Yi, *smack!* someone placed a hand on my shoulder.
I immediately turned my head. Then, poke.
A slender finger pressed against my cheek.
“How have you been?”
“Your pranks are getting bolder.”
“Consider it my way of expressing affection.”
Zhang Yang smiled broadly, clearly pleased about something.
Where had the quiet woman I once knew gone?
Now, she was just noisy.
“…You two seem closer than I thought.”
Sima Yi, who had let go of my sleeve, watched us with a surprised expression.
“Well, we are close, but—”
“Yes, Unryong and I have risked our lives together. Of course, we share a special bond.”
She wasn’t wrong… but somehow, it felt like she was saying something completely different from what I meant.
“I see.”
Sima Yi glanced at me with a bored expression, then shook her head and walked away.
“Well, you two enjoy your chat. Mister, come to my place right after. If you try to dodge again, I’ll tell General Zhao Yun.”
Sima Yi spun on her heel and disappeared with quick, purposeful steps.
Hah, what a cute little rabbit.
“She seems quite helpful.”
Zhang Yang observed.
I nodded.
“She’s smart. Much smarter than someone like me. Without her, I might still be lost. She’s helped me find my resolve again, along with my brothers and Yun.”
“Unryong, you always speak like that.”
“What do you mean?”
“You never speak ill of anyone. Especially if it’s one of your people.”
“I don’t think I’m like that.”
Feeling a tickle inside, I awkwardly scratched my cheek, and Zhang Yang chuckled behind her hand.
“I’m truly glad. I was really surprised when she said she was going with you.”
“Come to think of it, you…”
As I recalled the time Sima Yi and I had left together, something else came to mind.
“Why did you disappear without saying goodbye?”
“Hmm, well.”
Zhang Yang touched her chin, her gaze dropping slightly. Maybe it was just my imagination.
Slowly, she opened her mouth.
“Didn’t you tell me once? That the best things should be saved.”
“Did I?”
“Then, shall we walk for a bit?”
Zhang Yang suggested, moving closer to my side.
Of course, not close enough for our skin to touch.
Zhang Yang wasn’t bold enough for that.
As we walked, *cough.*
Zhang Yang cleared her throat.
Upon closer inspection, her eyes darted nervously, and her ears were flushed red.
Still as shy as ever.
“Unryong.”
“Yeah?”
“You once said something to me.”
Zhang Yang looked up at me, her hazel eyes reflecting my face.
“You said you’d bring me victory.”
Oh, that.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I said I’d bring victory to the Loyalist Army.”
“Then, what will you do this time?”
“What did I say back then?”
“You said that if the chance came, you’d give it your best shot, but not to expect too much.”
Pathetic.
I must’ve still been lost back then.
I had already decided in my heart what was right, yet I hesitated to move forward.
This time, I extended my hand first.
“Governor, let me make you a promise.”
“Yes.”
“This time, I’ll bring you victory. I’ll take Dong Zhuo’s head, save the people of Chang’an, and one day, I’ll restore the true principles of Jianghu that have fallen to this land.”
“Yes, I hear you loud and clear. Your resolve.”
More than half a year after the Anti-Dong Zhuo Coalition’s failure, a new alliance was born.
I would not make the same mistakes twice.
“But there’s one thing I don’t understand.”
“What is it?”
“What are the principles of Jianghu?”
To Zhang Yang’s question, I replied.
“At the very least, it’s a world where all people have enough to eat.”
“…That’s an answer that’s very much like you.”
“Yeah, something like that. Don’t laugh, or I’ll be very unhappy.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
And so, we looked at each other and laughed.
