Chapter 6: The Wager

Amid the respectful farewells of the gathered civil and military officials, Chen Mu urged his horse forward, leading the grand army at full speed toward the northern frontier. Of course, considering that Chen Mu was not a seasoned military commander, Chen Xing Tian had arranged for a deputy general to accompany him in the army—Zhang Chong.

After a brief period of acquaintance, Chen Mu discovered that Zhang Chong, though less experienced and prestigious than General Zhao Lai, was exceptionally rigid and severe by nature, with a fiery temper that spared no one when provoked—a difficult person to get along with. Yet, it was undeniable that Zhang Chong was fierce in battle and adept at military tactics, an outstanding talent. Precisely because of his abilities, Zhang Chong was quite dissatisfied with his appointment. Having fought across the frontiers for decades, he now found himself subordinated to a young man who had never led troops before. Even though that young man was the Crown Prince, Zhang Chong could not help but feel resentment.

Chen Mu knew that with someone like Zhang Chong, attempting to impose his authority as Crown Prince would only backfire. Therefore, from the outset, he abandoned airs and actively sought to converse with Zhang Chong, even inviting him to ride alongside at the head of the column. Despite this, Zhang Chong remained aloof, seldom speaking to Chen Mu during the march.

As dusk approached, Chen Mu surveyed the surrounding terrain and ordered the army to make camp. All soldiers settled in for rest.

"Hold on!" Just as the messenger was about to relay orders, Zhang Chong stopped him.

"Your Highness, the day is still early. Why do you command to camp?" Zhang Chong's tone was full of dissatisfaction, his gesture barely a nod.

Chen Mu took no offense, replying with a pleasant smile. "General Zhang, night brings cold and heavy dew. If we continue marching, the troops will be exhausted. It's better to rest here, regain our strength, and set out early tomorrow."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Chong snorted, clearly ignoring Chen Mu's reasoning. "The northern front is urgent. Our forces are already outmatched by the barbarians. General Zhao Lai is fighting to the death, and Your Highness brings reinforcements only to rest here? I cannot obey!"

Now Chen Mu understood—Zhang Chong's doubts went far beyond a lack of faith in him.

"General Zhang, do you believe that even with saddles, stirrups, and repeating crossbows, our army still stands no chance against the barbarians?" Chen Mu pierced Zhang Chong's thoughts with a single question.

Zhang Chong's expression faltered, but quickly returned to its usual sternness. "Those are merely cunning contrivances," he said, deliberately kicking at a stirrup. "I understand Your Highness’s desire to ease the Emperor’s worries, but you have never led troops, nor witnessed the barbarian cavalry firsthand. These inventions are nothing but fanciful notions—hardly enough to change the tide of battle."

Chen Mu rolled his eyes inwardly. Fanciful notions? Why don't you try imagining one yourself? These are the fruits of ancient wisdom, yet you dismiss them as worthless.

Knowing that reasoning further with Zhang Chong was pointless, Chen Mu decided facts would speak louder. "General Zhang, you are quite right. However, for this expedition, I am the commanding general." His tone grew cooler. "Relay my order: make camp."

"You—"

"Rest assured, General Zhang. If this causes us to miss a critical opportunity, I will bear all responsibility."

Zhang Chong’s face alternated between red and pale, before he yanked his reins and rode off, leaving behind a parting remark: "I fear that responsibility is not yours to bear, Your Highness."

Nevertheless, the soldiers were delighted. The night was cold and dark; rest was most welcome.

From the next day, Zhang Chong's mood worsened, and he took every opportunity to mock Chen Mu during the march.

"At this pace, we won't need to reach the frontier—the barbarians will invade on their own."

"I wonder if General Zhao Lai is still safe."

Even the gentlest soul would be tested; hearing such snide comments all day, Chen Mu finally lost patience.

"General Zhang, do you dare to wager with me?"

Zhang Chong was taken aback, glancing at Chen Mu instinctively. "Wager on what?"

"I wager that General Zhao Lai has already achieved a great victory at the northern frontier, and the barbarians cannot approach our borders by half a step!"

Zhang Chong laughed. "Your Highness, I have spent decades on the battlefield and know the prowess of the barbarian cavalry. Your claim is sheer arrogance."

"Is that so? Are you unwilling to take the wager?"

Zhang Chong, quick-tempered as ever, could not resist such provocation and agreed at once. "Very well! I will wager with Your Highness. If things are as you say, I shall resign my post and retire to the countryside upon our return to the capital."

Chen Mu raised his brows in surprise. He truly was staking everything. Courageous, but sadly ignorant of technological power.

"Good. If General Zhao Lai fails to win, I will return to the capital and personally request punishment for delaying military affairs, secluding myself for three years." Chen Mu replied coolly.

The wager was soon put to the test.

After several days’ march, Chen Mu’s army neared the border. Ahead, Zhao Lai sent a small cavalry squad to greet them.

Before the riders could salute Chen Mu, Zhang Chong spoke first. "Hey, what’s the situation at the front?"

The Crown Prince had not spoken, yet the deputy general leapt ahead, leaving the riders somewhat bewildered, glancing at Zhang Chong in confusion.

"I’m asking you!" Zhang Chong’s temper flared again. "What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

Chen Mu gestured for Zhang Chong to wait, then addressed the cavalry. "Speak."

With Chen Mu's permission, the riders finally spoke. "Reporting to Your Highness, thanks to your inventions, our army won a decisive victory in the very first battle against the barbarians. General Zhao Lai led the charge himself; with the repeating crossbows, we slew thousands of enemy cavalry and captured numerous fine horses. Afterwards, General Zhao Lai pursued the remnants, and now the barbarians have retreated three hundred miles, no longer daring to approach our borders!"

With each sentence, Chen Mu glanced at Zhang Chong, whose expression grew increasingly awkward.

"Now, General Zhao Lai awaits Your Highness’s arrival. Once our forces combine, we can utterly defeat the barbarians!"

Chen Mu nodded, then turned to Zhang Chong. "General Zhang, have you anything more to say?"

The teasing tone was unmistakable, and even Zhang Chong, however obstinate, knew he had lost the argument.