Chapter 83

The semi-finals and finals are conducted through actual combat, a traditional method in military competitions. The two armies use wooden weapons or blunt weapons that are not sharpened.

The five semi-final matches take place in the large martial arts field. The first match is between Yue Fei's Divine Valor Rear Army and Zhang Jun's Divine Valor Right Army.

The main commanders are Zhang Xian and Yang Xizhong, each leading five hundred men. This match was originally supposed to use wooden weapons, but this was vetoed by Emperor Gaozong.

"How can we use wooden swords in times of war!"

It seems that although Emperor Gaozong himself does not participate in the competition, he is not at all merciful. Blunt weapon matches can result in fatalities, and injuries are commonplace.

Chen Qing ensures his soldiers are well-protected during training, with vital areas covered by leather armor. Even so, over twenty soldiers suffered broken bones during the training.

Now, it is a formal competition with no special protection. Everything depends on the bravery of the participants, and fatalities and injuries are within the allowed range.

Chen Qing and a group of generals sit on the left side of the stands, watching the two armies compete. His match against Li Heng's army is the last one in the afternoon, so he has some time to observe Yue Fei's troops.

The competition is not long, divided into two halves, each lasting fifteen minutes. Both sides' weapons are coated with white lime. If a soldier is hit, they are considered dead. The side with more "deaths" loses.

Of course, if the main commander is hit by white lime, his army loses, even if they have the upper hand. If the main commander is "killed," the army is bound to lose.

Chen Qing is somewhat skeptical that this rule might lead to many one-on-one duels.

The rules are announced by the Ministry of War's Langzhong Gao Yong, and the competition begins.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The intense drumbeats sound, and the two armies quickly form their ranks on the three-football-field-sized competition ground.

Chen Qing observes Yue Fei's army with interest. The main commander is a young general about his age, likely Zhang Xian. He is tall, riding a horse, and holding a golden spear. Zhang Xian uses a real spear, and Wang Gui behind him wields a real heavy saber, weighing about forty to fifty pounds.

Generals must use real weapons, but they cannot fight against the soldiers.

Zhang Xian's army consists of three hundred spear soldiers and two hundred shield soldiers, organized into groups of ten, with six spear soldiers and four shield soldiers in each group.

The opposing army, led by Yang Xizhong, is entirely composed of shield soldiers.

If we talk about killing intent, Zhang Xian's army is extremely fierce, radiating a strong aura that can be felt from a distance. This is a characteristic of Yue Fei's army.

However, Yang Xizhong's army is the opposite. They stand quietly on the field like a deep abyss, showing no killing intent, yet they are inscrutable.

In comparison, Chen Qing is more impressed by Yang Xizhong, which surprises him.

Hu Yan leans over and whispers, "The Emperor is here!"

Chen Qing then notices an additional green silk umbrella on the main stand, indicating that Emperor Gaozong has arrived. However, he is very low-key, and the other generals did not notice his arrival.

Hu Yan adds with a meaningful smile, "If Yang Xizhong loses, the ultimate winner will still be him."

Chen Qing understands Hu Yan's meaning. The Emperor has little patience and will likely only watch one match. Among these two armies, Yang Xizhong's deep and calm army is more to the Emperor's taste.

This new soldier competition is also a way for the Emperor to select his personal guards.

Historically, Yang Xizhong was the Emperor Gaozong's trusted guard. If history does not change, Yang Xizhong is likely to be chosen, as Yue Fei's army is too fierce, which does not align with the Emperor's preference for calm and control.

On the battlefield, the two armies are already engaged in fierce combat. Zhang Xian leads his five hundred men like a raging storm, charging at Yang Xizhong's army with overwhelming momentum. However, Yang Xizhong's army is like a rock, focusing on defense. No matter how fiercely the other side attacks, his army forms a shield wall and remains steadfast.

It is clear that Zhang Xian wants to impress the Emperor, but the Emperor's heart is as deep as the sea, and he does not understand this.

Chen Qing looks back at the main stand. The green silk umbrella is gone, and the Emperor has left.

Chen Qing sighs lightly. The outcome of the match is already decided.

...

The final result is that Yue Fei's army wins. After all, offense is the best defense, and Yang Xizhong's overly defensive strategy is bound to be disadvantageous. His soldiers have over ninety more "deaths" than Zhang Xian's army.

However, Chen Qing is no longer very concerned about the final outcome. He is discussing the final battle plan with his generals. His opponent is Xin Yongzong, a famous general under Li Heng, who leads a shield army. He is likely to follow Yang Xizhong's strategy.

"Xin Yongzong's shield army has many formations. In the morning's training, we observed eight different formations, both offensive and defensive, with high morale. Their strength is not inferior to ours, and their coordination is even better," Zhao Xiaoyi explains, as his task is to monitor and understand the opponent.

"Any weaknesses?" Chen Qing asks.

"Their weakness is obvious: lack of stamina. In such high-intensity combat, they cannot last more than half an hour," Zhao Xiaoyi replies.

Hu Yan and Liu Qiong look pleased. Hu Yan smiles, "Seizing this weakness, we can focus on the second half of the match."

Chen Qing shakes his head slowly, "We cannot rely on their lack of stamina. If they notice we are watching, they will deliberately show weaknesses."

Chen Qing then asks Zhao Xiaoyi, "Did you investigate these generals, including Xin Yongzong?"

Zhao Xiaoyi nods hesitantly, "I did, but I don't think it's reliable."

"Why not reliable?"

Zhao Xiaoyi laughs bitterly, "There is a rumor that Xin Yongzong prefers men."

Everyone is stunned, then bursts into laughter. Chen Qing smiles but says nothing. If this is true, it could be useful.

At this moment, Zheng Ping rushes into the tent, "Damn, just as Hu Yan said, Cao De has withdrawn from the competition!"

Everyone looks at each other in surprise. Hu Yan exclaims, "I was just joking!"

Chen Qing asks seriously, "Is the information accurate?"

"Of course, the Ministry of War has announced it. I also confirmed it. Cao De's men are exhausted, with dozens dead and the survivors unable to stand, so they had to withdraw."

This is exactly what Chen Qing hoped for. Liu Guangshi prepared for half a year, only to be ruined by Wang Bo's despicable tactics. Liu Guangshi would not let this go. Even if he cannot confront Qin Hui, what about Cao De? As the direct grandson of the Cao family, Wang Bo has also destroyed his important opportunity. It remains to be seen whether Qin Hui will offend Liu Guangshi and the Cao family for his wife's nephew.

After a moment of thought, Chen Qing says to Hu Yan, "After today's competition, find a chance to talk to Cao De."

Hu Yan is delighted, "Old Cao is in a terrible mood today. I should go have a drink with him."

...

The fourth live combat match of the day begins, with the Shaanxi Army facing the Divine Valor Left Deputy Army.

On the field, Chen Qing personally leads five hundred elite soldiers. He wears iron scale armor, a phoenix-wing helmet, and wields a halberd, riding a red-blooded horse with a stern gaze.

Behind him, five hundred soldiers form five rows, holding spears and shields, ready to fight, exuding a fierce aura.

Chen Qing's army is identical to Yue Fei's, consisting of three hundred spear soldiers and two hundred shield soldiers. In addition to the main commander Chen Qing, there are deputy commanders Hu Yan and Liu Qiong, and the rear commander Zheng Ping.

Xin Yongzong's army consists of four hundred shield soldiers and one hundred spear soldiers. Both sides are highly spirited and well-organized.

Coincidentally, they are similar to the first match of the morning, with one side fiercely aggressive and the other calm and deep.

However, in terms of strength, everyone believes Xin Yongzong's army is superior. They have a base of eight thousand new soldiers, while the Shaanxi Army is a combination of Shaanxi generals and Ximen Boxian soldiers, with strong generals but weak soldiers. Even though they have trained well in the past few months, the foundation of the Ximen Boxian soldiers is still weak.

Moreover, Xin Yongzong has been a general for over ten years, with extensive battle experience and a well-known reputation in the army and the court.

In comparison, the Shaanxi Army's main commander, Chen Qing, is much less experienced and unknown in the Song army and the court. People only know that he is a trusted aide of Zhang Jun, killed Wanyan Lou Shi, and is skilled in martial arts, but little else.

The unknown commander and the weak army make the Shaanxi Army the least favored among the ten armies.

This makes the other armies envious of the Divine Valor Left Deputy Army, who have drawn the weakest Shaanxi Army by luck.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" The war drums on the field suddenly sound, and the competition begins.

Chen Qing waves his halberd and shouts loudly, "Charge!"