Chapter 1 The Unpredictability of War

As the saying goes, warfare has no constant strategy, just as water has no fixed shape.

In truth, General Zheng's original plan was indeed for Ming'an City. He was used to small-scale business and couldn't shake off his petty style. For General Zheng, warfare wasn't really about defending the country or anything grand like that. He didn't have such lofty principles, let alone much loyalty to the Yan Kingdom.

Of course, he had a fondness for the Yan Kingdom, that was for sure, but to say he would devote himself heart and soul until his dying breath was going too far.

So, General Zheng's purpose in fighting was still to plunder. Military merits were for expanding territory, and wealth, grain, and population were for strengthening his own power to continue expanding his army. Expanding his army was for better plundering, and plundering was for better expanding his army.

It's like asking a shepherd boy what his dream is, and he replies: herding sheep, having kids, herding more sheep, having more kids.

Ming'an City was a transit point for the barbarians' plundered goods. Anyone could guess with their toes how much benefit there would be in taking it. In the hands of the barbarians, it was the people's fat and blood stained with the tears of the Jin people. But when he seized it, it would be called spoils of war.

However, not long after the army set off, Liang Cheng noticed something was wrong. The pursuing troops behind, even though they clearly had a chance to bite him, didn't bite, and just continued to pretend to be groping and tracking.

In addition, Xue San and others, who had been scouting around the periphery of the main force, sent back news that the barbarian troops on the east and west sides seemed to be moving.

Liang Cheng immediately concluded that Ming'an City couldn't be taken.

The original plan had to be changed. To rush forward stubbornly would truly result in a bloody head.

After all, in this period and in this region, the Shengle Army was the weaker party. When you are strong, you can lay out your plans according to your own ideas. But when you are weak, you have to dance to the other side's rhythm.

The other side had a big appetite, thinking of swallowing him in one gulp. What else could he do but wash himself clean and offer himself up?

Jin Shu and the other two advance armies with small numbers were actually the shadows of the main force. Their task was to create the trajectory and illusion of the main force's advance, guiding the barbarians to complete the strategic encirclement they desired.

Meanwhile, the main force of the Shengle Army had jumped out long before the encirclement was formed.

Having jumped out, they had to do something. Looking at the map, and then looking around, a place attracted Zheng Fan's attention.

Xue Hai Pass! (Snowy Sea Pass)

Taking advantage of the opportunity that the barbarian army originally stationed at Xue Hai Pass had been transferred to encircle him,

An extremely empty Xue Hai Pass appeared before Zheng Fan and the Shengle Army.

Zheng Fan splashed cold water on his face, feeling greasy and uncomfortable. He really wanted to take a hot bath to feel comfortable.

Cavalry expeditions emphasize striking like thunderbolts. That's how Tian Wujing opened up Jin back then. The elite of the Zhenbei Army and Jingnan Army cautiously borrowed a road from the Qian Kingdom to enter Nanmen Pass, and after entering Jin territory, they launched a ten-day campaign of a thousand miles, laying the foundation for victory in one fell swoop.

Zheng Fan always believed that Liang Cheng wasn't inferior to Marquis Jingnan in terms of leading troops, and the facts were indeed so. This kind of successful "golden cicada shedding its shell" transfer, couldn't be pulled off without a true master of warfare.

At least, in Zheng Fan's view, if he were leading the army this time, he would probably have entered an environment of being besieged on all sides by now, and then his subordinates would be telling him to leave, and he would be shouting that he wanted to die together, and then his subordinates would continue to persuade him to leave… this kind of cliché scene.

But now,

He could face the distant Xue Hai Pass,

Unbuckle his belt,

And relieve himself with a happy heart.

When he finished and came back, Liang Cheng was already waiting for him.

The soldiers hadn't really rested well either. Everyone was exhausted, but they were only one last push away from their goal. Surely it wouldn't be a problem to remount and charge one more time.

Xue San was back. He had suffered a lot these days. He had lost weight, and his third leg seemed to have shortened a lot as well.

"My lord, there are no problems."

No problems meant that they didn't even need to consider seizing the gate; they could just "hurrah" and charge in.

The Sword Saint walked to Zheng Fan's side at this time. To attack Xue Hai Pass, he, the Jin Kingdom Sword Saint, would surely take the lead.

Because Xue Hai Pass meant so much to the land of the Three Jins and to the people of Jin.

Regardless of whether you want to dominate the world later, that's a matter for later. When Marquis Jin was granted the land of Jin by the Emperor of Great Xia, he was carrying out the great task of expelling the barbarians and glorifying the Xia civilization;

Xue Hai Pass was the symbol of the Jin people driving the barbarians out. It was a door. Inside the door was a paradise, and outside the door was a bitter and cold snowfield.

To put it in sentimental terms, this pass was a monument built by generations of Jin people who had fallen one after another.

Therefore, it was only natural and in line with the Sword Saint's persona that he volunteered to be a member of the vanguard.

"Really no problems?" Zheng Fan asked, purely out of nervousness, wanting to confirm it again, after all, Xue Hai Pass was right in front of him.

"My lord, there really aren't any problems. You can even give a pre-battle speech at this time," Xue San said, patting his short chest.

The implication was,

Leader,

This matter isn't a big deal,

You can start preparing your speech to reap the rewards in front of the reporter's cameras.

Liang Cheng also said, "It's feasible, my lord."

Since even Liang Cheng was sure that there were no problems with this battle, Zheng Fan was relieved.

As for speeches, they were a form of torture for people in later generations who were used to long-winded and pointless reports, but in this era, they were extremely effective.

Most importantly, it could help Zheng Fan increase his prestige in the army while consolidating his presence.

Under the influence of the devilish managers, General Zheng had become a kind of spiritual totem in the hearts of the Shengle Army. They had already done ninety-nine steps for you, so don't complain about being tired and just take that last step.

Zheng Fan turned over and mounted his horse, actively riding towards the middle of the army.

When they saw General Zheng's figure, excitement appeared on the faces of the soldiers.

But because the military order was to rest, no one dared to stand up or move rashly.

The Sword Saint looked at Xue San with some curiosity and asked,

"What is he doing?"

"Giving a pre-battle speech to boost morale."

The Sword Saint said "Oh," indicating that he understood.

However, the Sword Saint still turned back to look north. Xue Hai Pass was right there. Would there be any mistakes or accidents if they gave a pre-battle speech now? Wouldn't they be afraid of complications?

But the Sword Saint was indeed not the Sword Saint he used to be. In the past, he participated in politics and military affairs, and after participating in everything and messing it all up, he calmed down and recognized a reality, which was that apart from the sword in his hand, he really wasn't good at anything else.

Zheng Fan shouted,

"Soldiers of Shengle, ahead of you, that pass, I think you should all know what it's called!"

Half of the barbarian soldiers in this expedition had been sent out as vanguards and hadn't returned to the ranks yet. Therefore, most of the soldiers here were former Jin soldiers who had surrendered.

"It is Xue Hai Pass, a majestic pass used by the Jin people to resist the barbarians, the pride of the Three Jins, and the nightmare of the barbarians for hundreds of years!

I, Zheng Fan, am not a Jin person, but I have been to the snowfield, and I have fought with the barbarians. Those uncivilized barbarian bastards are shameless and don't understand etiquette. They are actually just a bunch of beasts in human form!"

Regional discrimination is wrong.

But in this era, when facing such a group of soldiers, it was useless to talk about the need to distinguish between the Xia and the Yi. It was like playing the lute to a cow. Only by wielding the most primitive weapon of regional discrimination could this group of soldiers of Jin origin empathize.

"But right now, they have taken Xue Hai Pass, they are sleeping with your Jin women, they are plundering your Jin grain, they are abducting your Jin children!

This general is a Yan person, but even I am getting angry!

Ultimately, eight hundred years ago, we were all one family!

The Yan people resist the barbarians, and the Jin people drive out the barbarians. When we, as members of the same family, fight, it's like brothers fighting over land and dividing property behind closed doors. What business is it of the barbarians? They want to reach in and grab a piece. Damn it, are they worthy?"

The Sword Saint, hearing this, subconsciously exclaimed,

"That makes sense."

Xue San "Hehe" smiled. This was called the anti-barbarian united front.

A'ming, however, said, "This speech style seems familiar."

Xue San nodded and said, "My lord is imitating the little mustache's speech in Charlie Chaplin's movie."

"Oh, I see."

……

"Most of you here are of Jin origin. I want to say that this battle isn't about us Yan people fighting the barbarians. It's about us Yan people helping you Jin people fight the barbarians!

Xue Hai Pass was lost by you Jin people!

The barbarians were let in by you Jin people!

In the Battle of Wangjiang, tens of thousands of us Yan people died in battle, our corpses strewn across the river!

But we Yan people don't give up. If we lose, we'll just make a comeback and continue the fight!

What about you Jin people? Is this really your home? Are the ancestral temples and shrines on this land really dedicated to your ancestors?

When you die a hundred years from now, how will you tell your ancestors in the afterlife that you failed to protect your homeland and allowed it to become a barbarian pasture?

Pick up your swords, mount your warhorses,

Ahead,

Xue Hai Pass,

Take it down,

Prove that the Jin people still have hot blood, the Jin people are still brave, and the Jin men still have balls between their legs!"

The time was about right,

The faces of those Jin soldiers were beginning to twist with anger.

Even the Sword Saint's breathing had become much heavier.

General Zheng let out a long sigh. It seemed that his ability to give pep talks had improved quite a bit.

Zheng Fan drew his sword,

And shouted loudly,

"Shengle Army!"

"Here!"

"Here!"

"Here!"

"Follow me to the death!"

"To the death!"

"To the death!"

"To the death!"

The charge,

Began.

In an instant, ten thousand horses galloped out, filled with killing intent.

If the Barbarian King were here at this time, after listening to Zheng Fan's pre-battle mobilization, he would probably quickly regard Zheng Fan as a confidant, because everyone knew the mysteries of "speeches" and "pep talks," and knew how to mobilize the emotions of soldiers and make them regard death as if they were returning home.

After a mutual appreciation,

They would probably quickly draw their knives and stab each other to death,

Because they both knew in their hearts,

Just how terrifying such an opponent was.

Throughout history, there have been countless talented people who were good at using tactics, but what true masters excelled at was manipulating people's hearts.

In short, the morale of the Shengle Army was completely ignited by Zheng Fan. Even if there was a mountain of knives and a sea of fire in front of them, these people would dare to rush forward with their eyes open.

The Sword Saint was also riding his horse, and the Sword Saint was also holding his sword,

At this moment,

The Sword Saint suddenly really wanted to experience that night of fighting under the city gate of Fengxin City again.

However,

This was destined to disappoint the Sword Saint,

Because the army,

Directly charged into Xue Hai Pass!

Yes, that's right, directly charged into Xue Hai Pass.

Earlier, Xue San had scouted back and said with great certainty that there were no problems.

Liang Cheng had also guaranteed that there was no suspense in taking this city.

In fact, that was indeed the case.

Xue Hai Pass's western side connected to the branches of the Tian Duan Mountains that extended eastward, and its eastern side was the ocean.

What the Jin people often referred to as Xue Hai Pass was indeed this majestic pass, but in reality, what true military strategists valued was the cluster of beacon towers that stretched for dozens of miles on both the east and west sides, centered on Xue Hai Pass.

It was this that had locked the barbarians' desire to move south for hundreds of years.

What the Shengle Army was attacking at this time was Xue Hai Pass itself.

Roughly speaking, it presented a "回" (return) shaped layout.

To its north was a very long "一" (one), a bit like the Great Wall, connecting a system of beacon towers and military strongholds.

Xue Hai Pass was of course not just a "一", but rather, it was attached to the southern side of this "一" with three sides, forming a square city.

In order to enhance its defensiveness, when the ancestors of Jin built it, the northern side of the square city had a separate outward expansion, a bit like a "凸" (convex).

And for symmetry, the southern side also had an outward expansion, presenting the same posture.

But ultimately, the solidity of Xue Hai Pass referred to its defensiveness against attacks from the northern snowfield, relying on the entire chain of beacon tower defenses.

At the same time, it must be clear that when the Jin ancestors built this majestic pass, they had already driven the barbarians out of the Three Jins and onto the snowfield, so it only needed to withstand attacks from the north. As for the south… how could there possibly be attacks from the south?

The Shengle Army under Zheng Fan's command was launching its attack from the south to the north. There were walls, and there were fortifications, but they were all perfunctory and not as three-dimensional and solid as the northern side of Xue Hai Pass.

At the same time, the most ridiculous thing, and what made Xue San feel that this battle had no challenges at all, was that,

The barbarians,

Had actually made several holes in the southern side of Xue Hai Pass themselves.

In other words, they didn't need any battering rams, or to build any trebuchets, or even scaling ladders. They could just lead their troops and forcibly charge in from the breaches.

There were two reasons why such an absurd scene occurred.

One was because of hatred. The barbarians truly hated this pass. For hundreds of years, they had been locked up by this pass, unable to take a single step south.

It was like Zhao Laoer in that period of history that Zheng Fan was familiar with. After finally spending a lot of effort to capture Taiyuan, because he had suffered so much under the city of Taiyuan, he simply destroyed this majestic city.

The barbarians were the same. They felt angry just looking at Xue Hai Pass, and they couldn't feel at peace unless they destroyed it.

The second reason was that it was too much trouble to go in and out of just one opening, so they simply opened several more doors, because there were too many slaves, wealth, and grain to be transported to the snowfield.

It was these two bizarre reasons that had created the current awkward situation at Xue Hai Pass.

In fact, if the Barbarian King hadn't later heard about this news and found out that these subsequent tribes dared to do this, and hurriedly sent envoys to scold and stop them, Xue Hai Pass might have been torn down by the barbarians.

But even so, these few holes were already enough for the Shengle Army to charge directly in.

The barbarian army that was originally stationed at Xue Hai Pass had been transferred out to participate in the "encirclement." At this time, there were fewer than two thousand barbarian warriors inside the pass, and they were scattered everywhere, because a large tribe was transporting a large number of slaves out of the pass and into the snowfield, and they needed enough barbarian warriors to help maintain order and prevent the slaves from escaping.

Therefore, there were only a few hundred barbarian warriors on the walls to keep watch.

No matter how wise a king is, he cannot guarantee that there will be no pig teammates under him.

This city was even easier to capture than Mianzhou City when General Zheng first started out, and at that time General Zheng only had three hundred barbarian soldiers under his command. Now, there were a full ten thousand elite cavalry!

The barbarians didn't have time to stop them, and the Shengle Army charged into the city, killing every barbarian they saw. But unfortunately, there weren't enough barbarians to go around. The soldiers, who had just been fired up by General Zheng's speech, realized after charging in that there weren't enough barbarians to vent their anger on.

Even the Sword Saint, relying on his sword's ability to fly out, only managed to snatch three heads. To be honest, the taste was far worse than that night in Fengxin City.

"Ah ah ah ah ah!!!"

The Shengle Army soldiers began to search for barbarians to kill throughout the entire area, like groups of unsatisfied strong men. If Liang Cheng hadn't led a troop to forcibly warn and stop them, the soldiers, who had been blinded by the killing, would have even hacked down the slaves that the barbarians had captured and were holding under guard, knowing that these slaves were all Jin people.

This was the drawback of soldiers getting carried away, but fortunately, it was controlled in time, and a tragedy of fratricide was avoided.

General Zheng, on the other hand, was an idle person, and had taken A'ming up onto the city wall early on.

A'ming held a wine bag in his hand, drinking it mouthful by mouthful.

Zheng Fan held sunflower seeds in his hand, cracking them one by one.

Both of these people were good at pretending to be calm and indifferent in tense and exciting environments.

"A'ming, there are two paths in front of me now."

"My lord, please speak."

"One is to run away after we're done fighting."

Zheng Fan pointed at the ground under his feet,

"Because if we don't run, at least tens of thousands of barbarians will come over immediately. As long as they block us here, we won't be able to escape."

Because north of Xue Hai Pass was the snowfield, the barbarians' lair.

"Then the other path is not to run?"

"Yes, not to run, to defend this place."

Zheng Fan turned his head to look behind him. There were many slaves who had just been rescued and were crying, and many soldiers who were still searching for hidden barbarians to kill.

"As long as we can defend this place, then all the barbarian armies that invaded south this time won't be able to escape back to the snowfield."

"My lord, in fact, we have no choice," A'ming said.

"Why?"

"Because although Marquis Jingnan didn't give us any specific tasks, and only used us as a surprise force, if he later finds out that we captured Xue Hai Pass and then ran away after we were done fighting,

Marquis Jingnan will kill you."