Chapter 15 Northern Expedition (2)

  And the Blood Killers and others were shrinking their eyes, White Ear Army, and the opponent was actually the White Ear Army. Among the many legions of the Empire, the most powerful attacking force is the Dragon Knight Legion stationed in Tian Du Sheng Jing, which is basically composed of nomadic tribes from the Blood-colored Plateau. The defensive power is strongest among the legions that have been stationed on the Northeast Long Wall for a long time, and the killing power is greatest among the legions that have been stationed on the Northwest Second Road for a long time. However, even these three most elite legions of the Empire, except for the Dragon Knight Legion, often fell short when facing the iron-clad heavy cavalry of the Northeast Mandan Dynasty in equal numbers. The White Ear Army was an exception, and among the thirteen land-based legions of the Empire, the White Ear Army was the only one that dared to confront the iron-clad heavy cavalry head-on, and it was also the only infantry legion that faced nomadic cavalry without fear.

  The White Ear Army is a direct affiliate of the Song family's Yizhou Road. Due to the basin terrain of Yizhou Road, there are many mountains and hills within its borders, so apart from the 5,000 cavalry directly under the army commander, the rest are all infantrymen. This is also the only pure infantry corps in the empire. Because they have been shuttling back and forth in the hilly terrain for a long time, the White Ear Army's marching speed and mountain warfare capabilities are unmatched in the world. However, what really made them famous throughout the world is their outstanding combat effectiveness. Yizhou Road does not produce horses, and the White Ear Army is all infantrymen. Logically speaking, when competing with cavalry, they should be at a disadvantage. But the White Ear Army is different. In order to compete with foreign tribes outside the pass, the Song family has been continuously improving and enhancing the combat effectiveness and defensive capabilities of the White Ear Army from generation to generation.

  The armor of the Bai Er Army was all made by the Zu Qiu family, known as the world's number one military equipment. The light infantry armor was not only lightweight but also extremely strong in defense. The heavy infantry armor was also exceptionally agile, with a defensive power and weight that surpassed other armies. Their long-range attack weapon was the Lian Nu, designed by Zhuge Liang, which could fire five arrows at once, with great power and high accuracy. In battles against light cavalry, they had extremely high killing power. Each soldier carried five long spears on their back, about one meter long, with deep blood grooves that could turn a living person into a dry corpse in two minutes if hit. This small, lightweight medium-range weapon was a nightmare for heavy cavalry. Behind the heavy infantry phalanx were also some axe throwers. Their three-jin war axes could not only shatter enemy shields but also penetrate the armor behind them. Their combat method was also unique. In a standard ten-man team, there was a shield bearer in front, two soldiers with long spears on either side, two knife-wielding soldiers protecting them, and five reserve soldiers holding Lian Nu or other weapons at the back. This formation had extremely high killing power during charges and strategic defense. When countless teams gathered together, their power was astonishing. Therefore, this army had never been defeated when facing foreign tribes from outside the Great Wall, unless they chose to retreat. That's why Huang Tian and others were so shocked when they heard that they were the Bai Er Army.

  Dugu Yueming didn't care about the surprised glances from others, he calmly said: "The ones heading south are only the sons of the Song family's troops, but they are not the divine state sons of our White Ear Army."

  Haotian and others changed their expressions at the same time, they thought of a thousand or ten thousand answers, but never thought that Dugu Yueming would answer like this. They always thought that the Song family had ruled Yizhou Road for over a hundred years, and as the private army of the Song family, the Bai'er Army should be loyal only to the Song family, but unexpectedly, there was such a loyal and devoted person in it.

  Haotian dismounted his war horse, bowed deeply to Dugu Yu and said: "General, you have shown great righteousness. I represent the millions of people in the Yellow River Valley to thank you for your noble integrity."

  "I dare not." Dugu Yueming hastily supported Hua Tian and said repeatedly, "Someone led the army to stay behind, just to prevent the innocent people of He Suo from dying under the butcher knife of a foreign tribe. As a soldier, one should defend his home and country. This is just someone's duty, General, no need to be polite."

  "No matter what, General, you have been kind to me and the people of Hezhou." Hu Tian said stubbornly, while Dugu Yueming declined again.

  "Someone once heard that more than ten years ago, in the southern part of Yizhou Road, there was a group of hot-blooded men who were substitutes for heaven and earth. Although they were called bandits, they never harmed the surrounding villagers. The Song family repeatedly besieged them but repeatedly failed, and finally this group of men surrendered to the Song family and became the most powerful part of the White Ear Army. It is said that their leader at that time was Dugu Yuming, I wonder if it is the general?"

  Du Guo Ha Ha smiled: "I didn't expect that someone's humble name would still be remembered after more than a decade, it seems that someone is truly not very honored!"

  Luo Zan said with a smile: "General, you are too modest. The White Ears Army is known for its invincibility in infantry battles, and General, you are the most outstanding among them, the most famous general on the Yi Province Road. Although I am an old man from a remote village, your great name has long been like thunder in my ears."

  Haotian also smiled: "Unexpectedly, General is actually a famous war general of the Empire. Someone was indeed rude just now."

  A faint smile: "Some people are just empty names, they can't be taken seriously."

  "General Dugu, how long have you been holding out here and how many troops do you still have under your command?" Seeing the two chatting amicably, the originally somewhat tense atmosphere also livened up, Xuanji immediately rode forward to ask.

  Dugu Yueming's tone suddenly turned somewhat bitter upon hearing this: "When the Northern Expeditionary Army suffered a crushing defeat, the army commander led his brothers southward. As a soldier, one cannot ignore the lives and deaths of the people. However, although I repeatedly advised against it, the army commander had already made up his mind, and under duress, I could only pretend to be ill and stay behind. After consulting with my subordinates, we refused the army commander's order for us to head south and rendezvous, and instead joined forces with General Bian Zhongxing of the Xuanyu Army to resist the enemy's advance, covering the retreat of the Hezhou civilians fleeing south. However, the Hu barbarian army was too powerful, and my original 10,000 soldiers are now down to less than 7,000, while General Bian's 5,000 soldiers have been reduced to just over 2,000."

  "General Bian? Could it be General Bian Zhongying, the one known as the unmatched defender of the Xuanwu Corps?" Luo Xiao asked curiously.

  "Exactly!" said Dugu Yueming with a nod.

  "General Dugu, during your stay here, haven't the Hu barbarians besieged you?" Xuanji asked immediately.

  "We took over a small city on the banks of the Great River in Jizhou to protect the civilians, but the Autumn Wolf tribe that has been besieging us in Jizhou has not stopped. However, General Bian is extremely skilled at defense and the transportation here is very inconvenient, so we were able to survive. But from three days ago, the enemy's cavalry suddenly disappeared without a trace. I searched everywhere, only to find that they had all returned to Jizhou City. Just as I was wondering what was going on, you arrived."

  "Haha, does General have any intention of attacking Jizhou with us?" Haotian said with a smile.

  Dugu Yueming smiled cunningly: "The foreign tribes outside the pass have killed countless of my people, and any hot-blooded man would want to exterminate their tribe. But why should I listen to your orders and go attack Jizhou?"

  Haotian was taken aback for a moment, but immediately said: "Not listening to my order, but we are jointly attacking Jizhou."

  Dugu Yueming smiled slightly: "Although someone is not talented, he was also a leader of the White Ear Army in the past. However, it seems that there was no mention of General Hao's name in the empire before."

  Hao Tian smiled and said, "To be honest, I was originally just a thousand riders stationed in the river suite. It just so happened that I coincidentally captured Dingzhou. And with the help of General Blood Kill and Military Advisor Xuanji, I was able to occupy the three southern states and launch a northern expedition. Before that, the National Master had let me temporarily take over as the guardian of Dingzhou City. The general hadn't heard of my name before, which is normal."

  "Since the general is only defending Dingzhou City, and someone else is also a commander-in-chief, their official positions are not superior or inferior. Then, on the march, whose command will take precedence over someone's army?"

  Haotian smiled and said: "If it's an allied army, then naturally we'll coordinate with each other, rather than depriving anyone of their command. General, please rest assured."

  Dugu Yueming let out a sigh of relief: "That's good. General Hao, please don't take offense, these brothers have followed me for over ten years, they're as close as limbs, and having gone through the defeat in the northern expedition together, their feelings towards each other are naturally extremely deep. If I've offended you, please forgive me."

  Haotian shook his head: "As a soldier, I can understand the general's behavior. Now that the country is in trouble, we should unite against external enemies. The general is for the country and the people, how could someone dare to find fault?"

  "Hao General is being polite." Dugu Yu Ming shook his head and said: "Since the general has prepared for the northern expedition, that person will naturally not fall behind. Please let me send someone to inform Bian Xiong. Although he cannot be promoted due to his civilian background, he is absolutely a top-notch figure in the Xuanyu Army. To a large extent, we are able to stand firm in this small city because of his excellent defensive tactics."

  "Since that's the case, I'll invite General Bian to come and have a chat." Hao Tian was overjoyed, then took advantage of this opportunity to introduce his various generals to Du Guo Yu Ming.

  "Is Tianyi also going to join the battle?" When mentioning Tianyi, Dugu Yueming's eyes widened in surprise, and his gaze seemed somewhat frenzied.

  "Foreign invasion, every child of our great nation has the responsibility to protect the land and the people. I may be just a woman, but my heart for serving the country is not inferior to that of men." Tian Yi smiled and said: "General, isn't it because I am not a man that you look down on me?"

  "Where, where." Dugu Yu Ming smiled awkwardly and hastily said: "Someone didn't mean that. Someone just felt that in this military camp, they are all a group of rough men, while Tianyi young lady is so delicate, someone was afraid that they would accidentally frighten you."

  Hao Tian's heart moved slightly, could it be that Du Gu Yu Ming had taken a liking to Tian Yi? Hmm, it wasn't impossible either. After all, he had been in the military for many years and probably hadn't even seen many female animals, let alone someone as noble and gentle as Tian Yi. It was normal for him to have feelings for her. Thinking of this, he took a step forward, grasped Tian Yi's hand and said: "General Du Gu doesn't need to worry, Tian Yi grew up with a certain person and is not unfamiliar with military campaigns. Don't forget, she is currently the commander of the Wind Dance Army."

  Dugu Yueming's face changed color, staring at the big hand covering Tianyi's hand, and after a long while, he said: "You two grew up together?"

  Hao Tian nodded and emphasized: "And it refers to marriage by pointing to the abdomen."

  "So it was." Du Guoyu forced a smile: "Then that someone will congratulate you two first."

  At this moment, everyone saw that Dugu Yu had a clear intention to defy the will of heaven. The eyebrows of Tian Yi were slightly raised, looking at Dugu Yu's forced smile with a mixture of emotions, and then took a step forward saying: "I have been an orphan since childhood, except for my lord, I now have no other relatives. If General is willing, I am willing to call you brother, what do you think?"

  Dugu Yuming's face turned ugly for a moment, but soon became excited. Ignoring the surprised gaze of the people around him, Dugu Yuming trembled and said: "Someone has been searching for it in vain. But as a sworn brother, someone is empty-handed, without any gift to meet each other, this really makes one feel ashamed."

  Tian Yi smiled: "Since we are siblings, what's the need for a meeting gift? Letting outsiders hear it would be laughable. Big brother, don't mention this again in the future, or else Tian Yi won't acknowledge you as her older brother. Hurry up and come over to pay your respects."

  Feng Jing and Er Gong were displeased in their hearts, for the two of them were destined to be sworn brothers. Now that fate had acknowledged this poor and shabby man as their elder brother, they reluctantly followed fate's lead and addressed him as "Big Brother". On the other hand, Dugu Yu Ming was overjoyed, his mouth stretched wide with a smile. Having been on many military campaigns, he had discerned at first glance that these two were no ordinary men. Especially Feng Jing, whose innate talent surpassed even his own. Thinking that such exceptional individuals had become his brothers, his delight was only natural.

  "Son of a turtle, look at how happy you are." Feng Jing cursed in her heart, but immediately thought of something and respectfully said to Dugu Yu Ming: "Big brother, since you're my sister's sworn brother, then this elder, you should pay your respects."

  "Senior?" Dugu Yueming looked at Xue Sha with a puzzled expression.

  "Someone who kills with blood is the sworn father of heaven's will. Since you are the elder brother of heaven's will, then you should also call out to heaven's will as 'sworn father'." Blood Kill said with a pleased expression.

  "What?" Du Guo Yu Ming's smile suddenly froze on his face, looking at the two gloating sworn brothers and Tian Yi with an expectant expression. Helpless, Du Guo Yu Ming could only call out to his sworn father in a low and humble tone. However, in his heart, he felt extremely wronged, thinking that he had been unruly all his life, but today he actually had to bow down to this man, truly ruining his lifelong reputation in an instant.

  A faint, heart-trembling smile floated onto Luo Duan's face. Du Guoyu Ming's reputation was well-known to him, and even within the empire, he stood out from the crowd. If Haotian could get this man's help, then even facing the iron cavalry outside the pass, they would be able to confront them head-on. Most importantly, this refined middle-aged man, although seemingly elegant, had a huge killing intent hidden in his heart, just like a bloodthirsty executioner. If Luo Duan wasn't mistaken, this person was not only an unstoppable old soldier, but also a bloodthirsty executioner. The Divine State had declined for nearly a hundred years, and it was precisely the time when they needed these iron-blooded military souls.

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