novelSusiti Chapter 19: Eight Dragon Riders Lead the Army into Battle
Chapter 19: Eight Dragon Riders Lead the Army into Battle
Emperor Xia leaned back on his dragon throne, taking in the entire performance of the two men. The barely perceptible curve of his lips carried a cold understanding and a hint of mockery.
He had witnessed too much and was utterly disgusted by the factional strife in the court during his years of illness, but now he had no choice but to use it to achieve his own goals.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet it seemed to carry immense power, suppressing the subtle commotion in the imperial study: "My two beloved ministers are truly loyal."
He set the tone first, then changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Zhang and Wei with icy coldness:
"However, the experience and training you speak of cannot be waited for when the situation is urgent. The Northern Pass can be breached in a matter of days, and the soldiers and civilians of Youzhou are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the royal army. Every moment of delay will result in more loyal souls being stained with blood on the battlefield and more people falling victim to the iron heel of the enemy!"
I ask you, if we were to choose a seasoned general who is both steady and prudent to lead the army, who would be suitable? Wang Kong? He could be a deputy, but his experience and prestige might be enough to subdue the Southern Army and the troops of the three prefectures in an instant, and also coordinate the remnants of the Youzhou forces.
Qin Yue? If he goes north, who can replace him in the defense of the capital region, or in the event of unrest in the western or southern borders?
He paused, not giving the two a chance to interrupt, and continued:
"You have all heard the strategy that the King of Qin just presented, which was a step-by-step plan to divide and conquer. Is there a single falsehood in it? Is there a single point that does not conform to the principles of military strategy? Such a strategy cannot be dismissed simply because of the word 'youth'."
Moreover, I have appointed Wang Kong as my deputy and Huangfu Gong as my vanguard. Both are seasoned veterans and loyal ministers, which can make up for the lack of experience of the King of Qin. This is a combination of the old and the new, and a coexistence of maturity and vigor!
"My mind is made up. Prince Tian Heng of Qin shall be the Grand Commander of the Army in Youzhou! This matter need not be discussed further! Anyone who dares to speak out again will be punished for delaying military operations!"
The last sentence was delivered with a stern tone, carrying an undeniable imperial authority.
Zhang Jingzhi and Wei Yong trembled, knowing that Emperor Xia had seen through their thoughts and that his mind was made up and would be difficult to change.
Continuing to argue would not only be pointless but could also backfire. The two men could only bow awkwardly and say in unison, "Your Majesty's decision is wise; we are foolish and ignorant." They then retreated into the ranks, their faces pale and uncertain.
Seeing that the dissenting voices had been suppressed, Emperor Xia's stern expression softened slightly, but his worry remained. He turned his gaze back to Tian Heng, pondered for a moment, as if making an extremely difficult decision, raised his hand to gesture for Tian Heng to come closer, and slowly said:
"Hulü Changsheng of the Eastern Barbarians has just broken through to the Saint Martial God Realm. His momentum is at its peak. General Huangfu... died at his hands."
"Until this villain is eliminated, even our mighty army will be unable to withstand his onslaught. To ensure absolute safety, I have decided to transfer eight hundred elite Dragon Cavalry from the National Guard to your command!"
"Dragon Riders?!"
These words shocked the entire hall, and several gasps could be heard.
The Dragon Riders Battalion was created by the founding emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty. It is a vital national asset and the soul of the army!
These were not ordinary eight thousand cavalry, but rather a carefully selected force, maintaining a consistent number of eight thousand armored cavalry. Both riders and horses wore specially crafted, cold-forged heavy armor made of black iron, impervious to swords and crossbow bolts.
Their mounts are all top-quality Ferghana horses selected from thousands, capable of carrying heavy loads and running at breakneck speed with astonishing stamina.
Each dragon knight is a battle-hardened veteran selected from scouts and elite soldiers of various armies. They are proficient in archery, slashing, and charging into battle, and it is no exaggeration to say that one of them can take on ten men.
They are stationed year-round at the imperial mausoleum and key locations in the capital region, and are never used except in decisive battles of national warfare. They are the last and sharpest "spears to break through the enemy lines" in the hands of the Great Xia royal family!
There is also that bloody old story, though not recorded in official history, but passed down orally among the military's top brass:
A hundred years ago, a powerful martial arts master from the Eastern Barbarians infiltrated the territory of the Great Xia and wreaked havoc. The Xia Emperor at the time was furious and sent 1,200 dragon riders, along with tens of thousands of elite infantry, to pursue and intercept him. After more than a month and at great cost, they finally trapped and killed him in Falling Star Plain!
In that battle, the Dragon Riders suffered nearly half their casualties, but it also forged their unparalleled fearsome reputation as "capable of killing gods and demons"! This is not a legend, but a secret inheritance of the highest level of the Great Xia military. At this moment, the Xia Emperor actually wants to transfer eight hundred Dragon Riders to Tian Heng. His determination and expectations are self-evident!
General Qin Yue, the Defender of the Nation, was so moved that his tiger-like eyes filled with tears. He suddenly clasped his hands in a fist, his voice shaking the roof tiles:
"Your Majesty is wise! The Dragon Cavalry is the heart and soul of the nation! With these eight hundred iron cavalry, we are more than capable of withstanding ten thousand troops! We will surely be able to slay Hulü Changsheng and uphold our national prestige! Your Highness, this is His Majesty's earnest expectation and the entrustment of the entire army!"
Minister of War Zhao Yi was also deeply moved and bowed deeply to the ground:
"With the Dragon Riders unleashed, even ghosts and gods tremble! His Majesty entrusts this vital national treasure to us, demonstrating his determination to pacify the Eastern Barbarians! Your Highness, with this divine weapon as your spearhead, victory is assured!"
Tian Heng felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, and his limbs trembled slightly from the sudden, heavy trust and pressure.
He kowtowed again, his forehead touching the cold gold brick, his voice filled with barely suppressed passion and a sob:
"Father...Father has entrusted you with the Dragon Rider! Your son...Even if I were to give my life, I could not repay even a fraction of the Emperor's grace!"
On this journey to the northern frontier, I will regard the Dragon Cavalry as a national treasure, cherish it, and use it as easily as my own limbs! I will make the Dragon Cavalry the sharpest spear in the world, piercing straight into the heart of the Eastern Barbarians, beheading Hulü Changsheng on the battlefield, and crushing the central banner of Helan Cangfeng!
If I cannot drive out the barbarians and recover our lost territories, I... will have no face to see my father again!
"Good! With such ambition, you are worthy of being my son and the master of the Dragon Cavalry!" A genuine sense of satisfaction and determination finally flashed in Emperor Xia's eyes. He struggled to signal the eunuch to bring over an ancient longsword.
The sword is three feet long, with a black scabbard inlaid with seven stars and hidden dragon patterns.
"I bestow upon you the sword of national defense, as if I were present. Any officer or lower in the army who disobeys orders, misses crucial opportunities, colludes with the enemy, or shirks battle will be executed without prior notification!" Emperor Xia solemnly handed over the sword.
"Regarding provisions and supplies, I have strictly ordered the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to empty the national treasury to ensure their supply. Any delays will be the sole responsibility of them! Qin Yue!"
"Your subject is here!"
"You will be stationed at the Privy Council, overseeing all military affairs in the rear, coordinating all parties, closely monitoring the movements of Da Cang and Da Yao, and safeguarding the capital region—no mishaps are permitted!"
"Your subject obeys!" Qin Yue responded with a resounding roar.
"Wang Qin!"
"Your old minister is here."
"Immediately draft an edict to proclaim to the world:"
Li Yuan betrayed his country and abandoned his army; his crime deserves death! His official rank and title are stripped, his family property confiscated, and his entire clan arrested! Anyone who harbors him will be punished equally! This is to comfort the spirits of the fallen heroes of the northern frontier and to uphold the law and discipline of the nation!
"This old minister obeys the decree!" Wang Qin bowed, his aged voice carrying a chilling undertone.
Having done all this, Emperor Xia seemed to have exhausted all his strength. He leaned heavily back on the dragon throne, panting, but his gaze remained fixed on Tian Heng, finally culminating in a weighty entrustment:
"Go... I await your triumphant return in Kyoto!"
Tian Heng raised both hands high and took the national sword, which symbolized the power of life and death. It was cold and heavy in his hands.
He kowtowed deeply again, then suddenly stood up, turned to face the assembled officials, his gaze sweeping over the diverse expressions of the crowd before finally settling on the sky outside the palace gates, stained with the smoke of war.
"Your subject, Tian Heng, obeys the imperial decree to lead the expedition! I swear I will not return to the capital until the Eastern Barbarians are defeated!"
His voice was resounding and forceful. He held the imperial sword in his hand, and although he was not yet wearing armor, a chilling killing intent emanated from his body.