Chapter 84

"In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there."

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"‘The great Huns have always boasted of their swift movements, but now they have been left behind by some Han and Yuezhi people! What a fine achievement indeed!’ In the tent, Zhong Xing said coldly. The people beside him, such as Xubu Mo, all lowered their heads, not daring to speak, their faces burning with shame.

‘Your Majesty, the elite of the tribe have all been taken to the Western Regions by King Kunye and King Xiutu! Now, only the old, weak, and sick remain in the tribe, which is why these Han people managed to escape!’ After a while, someone finally spoke up in a low voice.

‘We have been waiting here for half a year! Now, we have finally waited for them! Xubu Mo!’ Zhong Xing suddenly raised his voice, shouting sternly! Hadn't these six months been a torment for him? Watching the Han envoy break through their defenses, cross the Great Snow Mountain, and cross the Yellow River, wreaking havoc on the Huns' territory. In the Western Regions, they unraveled the plot of the King of Loulan and helped the Yuezhi defeat the Huns' largest vassal state, the Wusun! If such a terrifying opponent were to return to Chang'an, what would become of the Huns' territory in the Hexi region?

‘I am here, my lord!’ Xubu Mo walked to the center of the tent and bowed. Although he did not fully understand the Han envoy's mission, he knew they could not let them return to Chang'an so easily.

‘They have only a few routes to cross the river and return to Chang'an! Immediately send scouts to watch these routes closely! Report back immediately if there is any news! We will engage them in the Hexi region!’ Zhong Xing pointed at the map, indicating the possible locations of the Han envoy.

‘I will do as you command! I will keep a close eye on the Han people’s movements!’ Xubu Mo memorized these locations. They had traversed these areas multiple times over the past six months and were very familiar with them. If the Han envoy came from these places, they would not escape their search.

‘The rest of you prepare for battle! Based on their marching speed, they will definitely appear on the western bank of the river within ten days! If we let them escape again, you won’t need to return to the royal court to see the Great Chanyu! Your clans will become slaves to other tribes!’ Zhong Xing said with a sinister tone, ‘If you kill them, I will petition the Great Chanyu to reward you! Then you will have gold, slaves, and whatever you desire!’

‘Yes, I will go and prepare the troops for battle!’ The leaders responded cautiously, fearing to anger this Han man who was deeply trusted by the Great Chanyu!

The Huns were preparing for the arrival of the Han envoy, while at the same time, Li You and his companions were speculating when they would encounter Zhong Xing and the elite of the Hun royal court!

It would be best to meet them within ten days! Li You glanced at Pan Feng, who had been summoned for the third time during this mission. In other words, the envoy had been away from Chang'an for over a year! Now, Pan Feng could only stay for fifteen days. If they did not find Zhong Xing within ten days, they would have to fight the Huns without Pan Feng, which would be very disadvantageous for them!

‘After crossing the river, we will be close to the Han! Even if they win, we can still send a few people back! Therefore, I believe Zhong Xing will intercept us in the Hexi region!’ At this point, the map Li You had drawn along the way finally came in handy. Chen Qingzhi pointed out three locations on the most precise map of this era, ‘They will likely intercept us at these three places!’

‘Which terrain would be most advantageous for us?’ After some discussion, Chen Qingzhi and Li You chose an open area without forest cover as the designated battlefield, where they would not have to worry about the Huns' ambush!

Nine days later, a joint force of 200 Han and Yuezhi soldiers crossed the Wushaoling Pass and appeared on the western bank of the Yellow River. Zhong Xing, leading 700 elite soldiers of the Hun royal court, blocked their path eastward, and a major battle was imminent!

Zhong Xing waved his hand, signaling not to attack for the moment. He rode forward and called out in the high-pitched voice of a eunuch, ‘Please, Envoy Zhang, come forward to speak!’

‘What does Mr. Zhong Xing have to say?’ On the eve of the battle, Li You remained calm and stepped forward, curious to hear what this first traitor in Chinese history would say!

‘Envoy Zhang!’ Zhong Xing bowed, ‘Since the mission began, you have defeated our great Huns multiple times, and I deeply admire you! However, the more I admire you, the more I feel it is not worth it for you!’

Li You did not respond, a smile playing on his lips as he waited for him to continue. Most people would ask why it was not worth it, but Zhong Xing did not get such a question from Li You, feeling very uncomfortable. Nevertheless, he continued, ‘A talent like you could serve as a Grand General or Grand Commander! But that Liu Zhi, a mere child, does not recognize your talent and sent you on this mission to the Western Regions!’

‘Without the ability to discern talent, the court will surely be in chaos! When you return to the Han, you may not be given a significant role to fulfill your ambitions!’ Zhong Xing turned to look at his 700 men, ‘Moreover, this time, you will find it impossible to escape! A wise man adapts to the times. Why not surrender to our great Huns? I will petition the Great Chanyu to grant you a princely title and command several thousand troops!’

Zhong Xing took a deep breath, ‘Then you can lead these troops to break through the defenses, and the Han will have no general capable of matching you! The entire Han will fall into our hands, and you can establish a new dynasty! Your name will be recorded in history, to be celebrated by future generations!’ He fixed his gaze on Li You’s eyes.

‘I have never heard of a traitor being recorded in history!’ Li You slowly shook his head, unmoved, ‘On the contrary, if Mr. Zhong Xing is willing to surrender and inform us of the internal situation of the Huns, I will petition the Emperor to forgive your crimes!’

Neither of them would follow the other’s advice, and a battle was now inevitable! Zhong Xing gave Li You one last look and slowly retreated to his ranks. The 700 Hun cavalry drew their curved swords, ready to charge.

On the other side of the battlefield, Chen Qingzhi also directed his soldiers to form an attack formation. With a command, over 200 warriors charged at the Huns! Leading the charge was Pan Feng, wielding a large axe, with Li You, holding an eight-sided Han sword, closely following. The battle had begun.

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