Chapter 92: Smoke of War (6)
"I don't blame you. In fact, I was planning to tell you."
As soon as these words were spoken, Wu Yao listened attentively.
"As you just said, don't forget the purpose of our trip. Before that, shouldn't you tell me your opinion on this expedition?"
"this--"
"It's okay to say it."
"Yes, I think that the Wu army actually conquered many defense lines of Xu State in just three months and approached the royal city. There are many doubts. Although the Wu army has a certain advantage in numbers, judging from the attack route, the many defense lines they broke through were all solid fortresses that Xu State was proud of. Judging from past records, it is impossible to break through at such a speed. What's more, in terms of military strength, the Xu army is not much inferior to the Wu army, but it is still one-sided. It can be seen that the Wu army has extraordinary overwhelming power. Before I see it with my own eyes, I dare not make any comments."
"No, you're right."
Listening to Wu Yao's insights and analysis, Zhao Ziheng was really satisfied. Watching Wu Yao's growth with his own eyes, Zhao Ziheng couldn't help but sigh in his heart. He was really grateful to Wang Ye for being able to make such a passionate and impulsive person grow so fast. He would surely become a great man in time. As a king of a country, Zhao Ziheng felt very gratified. However, Zhao Ziheng's joy for the growth of others would not show on his face.
"This is something that I am very concerned about, so I personally led the army. After all, Xu State and our Great Zhao have had diplomatic relations for a hundred years. Therefore, I am very curious. With the military strength of Xu State, how could it be defeated by the Wu army in just three months? I think there must be a hidden story. Do you know who is leading the Wu army this time?"
"General Su Cheng?"
"Yes , I believe you have heard of him. After all, he is a famous general among the young generation today. In terms of fame, he is second only to Shan Zhen of Zhou State. I heard that he is also invincible on the battlefield. I am afraid that there is no one in Xu State who can be compared with him."
Even without meeting the person, Wu Yao could already hear Zhao Ziheng's approval from his tone, and he knew from then on that this person was extremely powerful.
"However, even though he was the leader of the army, he was able to break through the layers of defense of the Xu Kingdom in such a short time. This is puzzling. I acknowledge his strength, but it does not mean that I also acknowledge that he has this ability. All of this is a bit unbelievable, so I sent Wang Ye to investigate."
"Could it be that the Emperor speculates that there is another reason?"
"This is not surprising. This prince and Wang Ye are worried that things are not as simple as we imagined."
"What does the Emperor mean?"
"Both the prince and Wang Ye feel that we have overlooked something, but we have no idea what to do. We can only take it one step at a time."
Although Zhao Ziheng's words were light, Wu Yao could still feel the heaviness in his words. He was afraid that it was just as he thought in his heart. This expedition to assist the State of Xu was not as simple as he imagined, otherwise Zhao Ziheng would not have led the army in person. Wu Yao suddenly felt a little uneasy. If this accident caused Zhao Ziheng to get hurt... Before he could think about it deeply, Wu Yao felt a chill down his spine and instantly dismissed the idea. He was chilled by his sudden thought.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Seeing Wu Yao's face turn blue, Zhao Ziheng immediately opened his mouth to ask. After all, Zhao Ziheng was not a god, so of course he couldn't see what Wu Yao was thinking. Instead, he was worried about whether there was something wrong with his body.
"No, nothing."
Wu Yao immediately put his previous thoughts out of his mind. Having such thoughts in such an extraordinary situation made him feel inexplicably frightened. He knew clearly the seriousness of the consequences if something unexpected happened to Zhao Ziheng. It was not as simple as just shaking the State of Zhao. If he did not put aside this idea, Wu Yao would not be able to calm down.
"Eh? Is that so? You're not working too hard, are you?"
Wu Yao just finished answering Zhao Ziheng's words with some panic, and continued to think about the follow-up. Zhao Ziheng observed his expression and although he clearly noticed Wu Yao's abnormality, he just didn't say it. Seeing Wu Yao's expression, he knew that it was not something he could say, so Zhao Ziheng didn't ask any more questions.
"No, I don't feel unwell. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
"Wu Yao, feeling unwell is not a bad thing. People always get tired, even experienced warriors. Don't forget that we are heading to the battlefield, and fighting is inevitable. If you know this, go back and have a good rest. You are a general of our Great Zhao."
"I will..."
"Or do you want to fall before going into battle?"
Without giving Wu Yao a chance to refute or refuse, Zhao Ziheng added another sentence.
"Yes... I understand. I will take my leave."
"Um!"
Wu Yao was not a stubborn person, so he had to resign. Zhao Ziheng nodded slightly, and Wu Yao turned and left. Watching Wu Yao leave, Zhao Ziheng had something in mind...
How could Wu Yao not understand Zhao Ziheng's intentions when he walked out of the tent? As early as when he followed Zhao Ziyin, he had already determined to sacrifice his life for his country. When he was with Zhao Ziyin, he was often taught the mission of being loyal to the monarch. Now he was a general directly under Zhao Ziheng, and he deeply realized his duty and the responsibility to protect Zhao Ziheng as the monarch at all times. Wu Yao always kept Zhao Ziyin's teachings in mind and reminded himself of his responsibilities. The only change he made now was to turn his ambition of sacrificing his life for his country into being ready to sacrifice for Zhao Ziheng at any time. After being with Zhao Ziheng for so long, he deeply realized that Zhao Ziheng no longer had the State of Zhao, but the State of Zhao could not lose Zhao Ziheng. Only with Zhao Ziheng could there be the State of Zhao. Wu Yao could not imagine Zhao Ziheng without the State of Zhao. For this reason, he always maintained the highest vigilance and accompanied Zhao Ziheng to plead for him.
Swords and knives are merciless on the battlefield and you never know when you might lose your life. So once you are on the battlefield, your life no longer belongs to you. The only way to survive is to fight the enemy with all your might!
