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Chapter 868: Chapter 369: The Fall of Ning Camp

“Your Majesty!”

“Quick, someone fetch the imperial physician!”

The officials of Ning Army saw Shen Qiu faint, already panicked by the news that the enemy had stolen behind them, and immediately became even more flustered.

For a moment, some went to check on him, others called for help, and still others gathered together, full of anxiety.

Seeing this scene, Bai Yian could no longer hold back, and with a shout, “Enough, all of you shut up!”

One shout, like a thunderclap on a clear day, snapped everyone to attention.

All eyes turned to Bai Yian, uncertain of what the Wuan Marquis was planning.

“Yuzhang is now defenseless, and the Chu bandits have crossed the borders; it is surely difficult to defend. We, situated in Jiangxia, are a lone army deep within the heart of Chu State, with both our land and water grain roads severed by the enemy. The main army will run out of food and fodder within days.”

Bai Yian saw everyone had been silenced and, knowing there was no time to lose, spoke directly, “To remain in Jiangxia, waiting for the Chu bandits to capture Yuzhang and surround us from behind, without food and fodder, would mean a death without a place to be buried for all of us.

Before His Majesty lost consciousness, he had agreed to my request to retreat.

A royal command has been issued, and we should follow orders.

I now, as the deputy commander of the main army, take over military affairs in the camp while His Majesty is unconscious. Are you all willing to follow my commands?”

By the end of his speech, Bai Yian looked around with piercing eyes and an imposing aura.

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The officials in the hall looked at one another, remembering indeed that just before passing out, His Majesty had agreed to the Wuan Marquis’s request.

And considering the current situation, having someone step forward to take charge of the overall situation was certainly not a bad thing.

Though the Wuan Marquis had an extreme disposition, he was indeed one of the few among them capable of handling major matters. At this moment, there was no alternative but him,

So after a moment of hesitation, they all nodded and bowed, saying, “We are willing to follow your command, Marquis.”

“Good. Since there are no objections, let me be blunt. While I am in charge of the main army, once a military order is issued, there will be no alterations. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!”

Bai Yian spoke with chilling resolve, then asked, “Where is Li Dao?”

“I am here.”

Amid the officials, Marquis Wuyang Li Dao stepped forward and saluted Bai Yian, indicating his willingness to comply.

Bai Yian nodded at him and then issued his command, “I now issue my first military order. The Front Camp of the main army is to strengthen its vigilance, strictly defend the camp, and be wary of Chu bandits attacking.”

Li Dao was the only other Inborn, besides Shen Qiu and Bai Yian, remaining in Jiangxia’s main camp.

In terms of rank, he was not inferior to Bai Yian—they held equal status and were both Inborn, with no significant disparity in strength.

Therefore, Bai Yian needed Li Dao’s support to take control of the main camp.

Otherwise, his so-called “those who disobey the orders, be executed” would be nothing but a joke.

Because if Li Dao were to disobey, Bai Yian would not be able to execute him, nor did he have the authority and strength to do so.

Even Shen Qiu, the Heavenly Son, in actuality, would find it quite difficult to kill an Inborn Grandmaster, unless they offered no resistance.

Luckily, Li Dao showed no intention of contending for power with Bai Yian, but rather appeared supportive, which made Bai Yian very grateful and satisfied.

Dangerous times for the country did not mean everyone was incompetent and treacherous—there were still capable and loyal officials.

“I will comply with the orders.”

Hearing the command, Li Dao solemnly responded, “I will ensure the defense of the Front Camp. While the camp stands, I stand; should the camp fall, I fall. I shall never let you down, General.”

Ever since the establishment of Ning Army’s Jiangxia main camp, this line of camps had been divided into three areas.

The most perilous, directly facing Jiangxia city, was the Front Camp; situated in the middle was the Central Army’s main camp that Shen Qiu mentioned; and in the rear was the Rear Camp where supplies were stored, the wounded were cared for, and logistics from further back were managed, covering the rear flank.

Among the three camps, Li Dao had been in charge of the Front Camp since the start, responsible for all its affairs.

Now, after several Great Wars, there were still about thirty thousand soldiers left in the Front Camp—old veterans, the most elite forces of the main camp.

Meanwhile, in Jiangxia city, the Chu Army had only about fifty thousand men.

With thirty thousand elite troops, along with strict defense of the camp and defensive fortifications for support,

even accounting for the widely proclaimed strength of Lu Yuan, the “First of Jiangnan,” as long as they were careful, even if he personally led the attack, Li Dao should have no problem holding out for a period of time.

With Li Dao securing the rear, Bai Yian could be free of worry.

“The Central Army generals, heed my command!”

After arranging the Front Camp, Bai Yian continued.

“I am present.”

In the hall, more than a dozen Central Army commanders stepped forward, saluting Bai Yian.

As the position Bai Yian held was that of the deputy commander, his main responsibility on normal days was to assist Shen Qiu, managing the Ning Army of the Jiangxia region.

And since Shen Qiu was in charge of the overall situation and did not have the energy to deal with the myriad trivial matters in the army, he had delegated many powers and responsibilities to his subordinates to handle military affairs on his behalf.

Bai Yian was one of these subordinates. As the deputy commander, he led the various camps of the Central Army.

Thus, the Central Army commanders present were actually his direct subordinates.

It was much easier for Bai Yian to give orders to his own subordinates. Seeing the Central Army personnel lined up, he instructed, “You must immediately return to your camps, swiftly organize your troops and horses, and then in the order of your respective camps, begin moving towards Yuzhang in the rear.”

Deploy the camps, with the first five serving as the vanguard.

The remaining fifteen camps will be led personally by me. Once the vanguard has departed, we shall follow the confirmed routes, slowly catching up.

Cui Hao, you will serve as the vanguard for these five camps, leading the way to Yuzhang, scouting the path for our main army.”

Bai Yian looked towards an older, seemingly stalwart Central Army general among them, and issued the order.