Chapter 71: Prelude to War

  Because Wang Xu's troops were mostly infantry, the marching speed was relatively slow. They proceeded calmly for five days before arriving at the border of Chen State...

  At this time, just as the red sun was in the sky, Wang Xu suddenly saw a small city outline faintly appearing in the front right direction. After roughly observing it for a moment, he immediately pointed with the horse whip in his hand and said: "Second brother, have you investigated what place that small city in front is?"

  Wang Fei held a gun in his left hand and grasped a whip in his right, advancing slowly. Upon hearing Wang Xu's inquiry, he couldn't help but glance at him before smiling and responding: "I've already scouted ahead; the small city up front is called Chen Ting. Once we pass through here, it'll take less than two days to reach Xi Hua heading south, or Chang Ping heading east."

  "Hmm! Alright, let's speed up our pace then! I reckon we'll catch up with General Huangfu's army soon."

  No sooner had he finished speaking than a loud clattering of hooves was heard from the front, and turning around, they saw a cavalry scout rushing towards them at high speed.

  "Reporting to the General, Gao Junhou just detected signs of a large army cooking and burying pots, judging from the warm earth stoves, it is estimated that there are only half a day's worth! According to Gao Junhou's observation, it should be Huangfu General's doing."

  "Hmm! I understand. You immediately go and inform General Gao, telling him not to be careless, as there may also be Yellow Turbans lurking around!"

  "Promise!"

  The scouts rode away quickly, Wang Xu looked up at the sky and calculated in his heart for a moment before immediately ordering: "All generals and soldiers will march as fast as possible, we must reunite with the main army before dusk!"

  Several orderlies who were not far behind immediately galloped their horses and swiftly transmitted the command. The thundering hooves and shouting resounded throughout the entire army in an instant!

  "Drive!"

  Seeing this, Wang Xu also gently clamped his horse's belly and made the warhorse trot...

  At sunset, Huangfu Song's army finally appeared slowly in Wang Xu's line of sight.

  As soon as Wang Xu saw the bustling army setting up camp in the distance, he immediately turned back and smiled: "These days everyone has been rushing on the road, tired from eating dry rations every day, their mouths are almost numb. Tonight I will definitely ask General Huangfu to add a few meat dishes for everyone, you all must also rest well and recharge your spirits, so that tomorrow we can fight bravely and achieve great things!"

  Upon hearing this, the soldiers in the front row suddenly let out a cheer! They all shouted loudly.

  "Oh... what a brilliant general!"

  "Haha! Finally have meat to eat, it's been three days since I last got a rabbit!"

  "General, is there wine?"

  Seeing the crowd cheering, Wang Xu burst out laughing. "The great enemy is in front of you, and you still dare to drink? Be careful, when you wake up tomorrow, your heads may have been moved! After this battle is over, I'll drink with you all, as much as you want!"

  In the midst of the clear and bright laughter of his soldiers, Wang Xu said no more, bursting into loud laughter as he spurred his horse forward with a sudden movement, whipping it vigorously as he led the charge towards the distant camp.

  Wang Fei and Xue Shu were also in high spirits at this moment, they exchanged a smile, and then rushed out together. The afterglow of the setting sun set off the three people's majestic appearance on horseback, making it even more dazzling!

  "Wait for me! Boss, and me too!"

  Of course, behind them three, there will always be a menacing Zhou Zhi lurking...

  Huangfu Song had already learned of Wang Xu's arrival from Gao Shun, who had arrived a step earlier, and was now standing in person outside the gate of the large camp to welcome him.

  From a distance, he saw the majestic appearance of Wang Xu's horse, and Huang Fu was overjoyed, unable to help but exclaim: "This Wang Xu is so young, yet wise and brave. Now that he has narrowly escaped death and been tempered, I observe that in his every move, there is already a hint of the grandeur of a great general! In the future, he will surely be a pillar of the state!"

  Upon hearing this, all the other generals also nodded in agreement!

  One of the tall and majestic middle-aged men with a few short mustaches under his forehead couldn't help but sigh: "Yes! If my son could be as capable as him, I'd be willing to shorten my lifespan by ten years!"

  But as soon as he finished speaking, Huangfu Song burst out laughing. "Fu Xie, your son Fu Gan may have some talent in literature, but let's forget about him going to battle! He's already ten years old and can't even hold a sword steadily, what a bookworm!"

  Being teased by Huangfu Song, Fu Jia didn't get angry, but just shook his head and sighed. "Alas! My son doesn't know why he has no interest in military tactics and battle arrays at all! No matter how I urge him, he refuses to learn!"

  Cao Cao, who had been silent until then, couldn't help but laugh and say: "Wang Xu is indeed no ordinary person. If everyone in the world were as talented as him, what would be the use of us? Moreover, I think Wang Xu also has many shortcomings, so you all don't have to belittle yourselves unnecessarily."

  However, Cao Cao did not continue to speak and stopped there, with everyone's curious eyes on him, but instead cast his appreciative gaze towards Wang Xu who was galloping over...

  "General Wang Xu, leading two thousand soldiers under his command, has arrived as ordered!"

  "Haha...... Alright! How's your injury?" As soon as he saw Wang Xu, Huangfu Song's mood became much better. After dismounting his horse, he immediately showed concern and asked.

  "I've fully recovered! Although I still can't engage in intense battles for now, general marching activities shouldn't be a problem."

  Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song nodded and said: "Mmm! That's good, but you mustn't be too reckless in the future. You're young and talented, if you really die at my hands, I don't know how I'll explain it to your parents!"

  "Ah! Wang Xu carefully remembers General's teachings, thank you General for your concern!"

  He smiled at Huangfu Song and Wang Xu didn't say anything more. Then he turned around to salute the other generals.

  "It's been over a month since we last met, and seeing all of your demeanors now, they're even more impressive than before!"

  "Haha... no way, it's actually your youthful appearance that makes me and others jealous!"

  "Haha! General, your words are too kind. I'm just a young and inexperienced kid, and I still need the guidance of all you generals in the future!"

  “……”

  After the courtesy, everyone returned to the central military tent. After chatting about the current war situation for a while, Huangfu saw that it was getting late and ordered a military banquet to be set up, inviting all the generals in the army to gather together to discuss national affairs!

  It's just a pity that Huangfu Song is very strict in governing the army, and he usually eats the same food as the soldiers. Although this military banquet is a bit better, it's not necessarily much better. The most important thing is that they still can't drink to add to the excitement!

  However, the people present were all born in the military and were mostly down-to-earth, some of whom just ate well and didn't have any opinions about food. As for a few who would be very arrogant in the future, such as Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, they also had not yet developed the mentality of being high-ranking and powerful, so a simple dinner party ended with everyone having a great time.

  However, there were two exceptions. One was Xu Shu, who, despite his own martial arts skills and Wang Xu's reasons, managed to stay in the army. But at this moment, who would go talk to a colleague's wife?

  And then there was Zhou Zhi, who didn't count as anything. He wasn't a soldier or an officer. Although everyone had noticed that this kid was very clever and knew how to curry favor with the generals, they only saw him as someone who could occasionally be used for some trivial tasks. Because of Wang Xu's sake, he managed to get a small seat at the back of the big tent, but all he could do was eat alone, then squat down by himself drawing circles, waiting for the banquet to end!

  Of course, Wang Xu did not forget about his brothers under him and got them a sumptuous dinner.