Chapter 168: Back from the Dead (Requesting Subscriptions)
Dawn, morning light and rosy clouds hang in the east.
Yesterday's dark clouds scattered, the torrential rain ceased, but the atmosphere inside the South-Garrison Pass still carried a trace of heaviness.
One by one, large flatbed carts were slowly pulled by mules to the southern city wall, the thick hooves stepping on the water-logged cobblestones, splashing sounds of water.
The soldiers driving the mules wore solemn expressions, gazing sadly at the bodies being carried out from the pass.
Some were relatively intact, while others were mere remnants of limbs, with an identification plaque hanging among the flesh, stacked upon the stretchers—their deaths tragic.
Not far behind the city gates, a temporary camp for wounded soldiers had been set up.
From afar, one could hear the moans and screams coming from inside, mixed with frantic cries for help, causing the passing soldiers to sigh and shake their heads.
"Guys, let's stop sighing, at least we defeated the Barbarian Clan, right?"
Someone tried to smile to lighten the mood, but seeing no one around reciprocated, he sheepishly shut his mouth.
War is always brutal.
Even though the Wei Dynasty won this time, the casualties were heavy.
For the lower-ranked soldiers, the dead were their brothers-in-arms, some possibly even their blood relatives.
"We should be thankful to the son of Duke Wuan, that Young Marquis, for our survival this time."
"If it weren't for him taking care of the remaining Barbarians and demons, even Elder Wu would have died."
"Speaking of Elder Wu, it's quite a pity."
"Yes, he was just a quarter hour away from the intervention by the 'Little Sword Immortal'; just a bit more and he wouldn't have had to use the Forbidden Technique in desperation."
"The deceased are gone; we should look forward now..."
One night later, the soldiers within the South-Garrison Pass were still immersed in the intense battle of yesterday, with few managing to step out.
Even King Gongye Jiahong, who had not experienced it firsthand, felt heavy-hearted.
"Gather the bodies of our fallen soldiers; those whose bones remain should have their armor prepared. I want each person to return home with honors!"
"Disburse relief funds to their families as per the rules, no, give twenty percent more, the necessary funds will come from the spoils of war collected this time."
Gongye Jiahong paused, looking towards Marquis Baihua:
"The court has responded. The Assistant Minister of Rites, Wang Gongwang, has set off, prepare for the negotiations with the Southern Barbarian Sect."
Pang Zongkang nodded in agreement, glancing at the composed King of the Southern Garrison, hesitantly asking:
"Your Highness, who is the representative from the Southern Barbarian Sect?"
"The new High Priest Rosa," Gongye Jiahong said with a displeased expression: "That old fox is extremely cunning, don't fall for his tricks."
"When Rosa was strong before, he held back. Now that Rosa has died, he's the first to jump out to pledge allegiance to Ling Nuo."
Pang Zongkang frowned, pondering: "Rosa belongs to the conservative faction within the Southern Barbarian Sect and has a very close relationship with various small tribes."
"Indeed, I've heard of this as well," Xu Hengjun snorted: "He used to stay hidden, but now he's very active."
Gongye Jiahong waved his hand: "He's just a jumping clown, don't pay too much attention to him."
"This time the Southern Barbarian Sect suffered heavy losses, it will be difficult for them to engage in major battles for a while, but we shouldn't let them off easily because of this."
"Yesterday, I already made it clear to the head of the Southern Barbarian Sect, Ling Nuo, to be prepared."
Xu Hengjun and Pang Zongkang exchanged glances, both couldn't help but smile wryly.
Although the Prince had said so, they both knew that Ling Nuo was the wife of the King of the Southern Garrison.
With this relationship, they would naturally be somewhat cautious.
Seeing their expressions, Gongye Jiahong said angrily:
"What kind of look is that? Damn it, I mean it, this time we must make the Southern Barbarian Sect suffer!"
"Later, tell Wang Gongwang to take everything: precious wood, heavenly materials, earth treasures, the Blood Seal Secret Technique, everything."
"This time South-Garrison Pass was nearly destroyed, we absolutely cannot let these Barbarians off lightly!"
After Marquis Baihua and Marquis Annan bowed and agreed, Gongye Jiahong's face looked slightly better.
A moment of silence.
"Additionally, the Holy Emperor mentioned in a message another affair."
Gongye Jiahong's expression darkened again:
"The Southern Barbarian Sect was able to collude with the Demon Court from the north because someone within our dynasty secretly coordinated it!"
"What?"
Xu Hengjun was initially stunned, then furiously exclaimed: "Which traitorous scum dared do such a thing?!"
Pang Zongkang also looked displeased; he had suspected this but didn't expect it to be true.
"Prince, are you absolutely certain that the people lurking in the shadows are not from the Divine Sect?"
Gongye Jiahong snorted: "Besides them, there seems to be another group lurking in the shadows."
"Remember, keep this confidential, secretly investigate who's responsible, I want their skin peeled!"
With that, Gongye Jiahong paused: "Last night Gongye Shou told me that an elder from Wuliang Mountain secretly colluded with the demon."
"Follow this clue to investigate."
"Wuliang Mountain?"
Pang Zongkang and Xu Hengjun exchanged a look, somewhat puzzled: "How could they be involved with the demon?"
"If I knew that, why would I ask you to investigate?"
"..."
Seeing the two shut their mouths, Gongye Jiahong frustratedly waved his hand: "Get back to handling the current affairs."
"Remember, after the people from the court arrive tonight, accompany me in hosting them, and also don't forget to inform Chen Yi and the others to attend."
"Yes!"
After the two left, Gongye Shou, who was hiding behind the folding screen, came out.
Gongye Jiahong saw him, his expression softened slightly as he asked: "How is she doing?"
Gongye Shou bitterly smiled: "Mother still refuses to eat or drink; it might take some time."
"I've already told her to be assertive and not to let Rosa have too much control, but she stubbornly clings to the teachings of the Southern Barbarian Sect."