Chapter 134: Ambushed by a Night Raid

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Xu Wenshan successfully scavenged a large cache of armor, cotton-padded clothes, military boots, and even some standardized weapons from the supply station.

These supplies were partly sent by the Cai Kingdom from the rear to the front lines in preparation for winter. It seemed that the battles at the front were not as smooth as initially expected; the Cai Kingdom was already preparing for a protracted war.

This was naturally good news for the people of Luhe Valley. At this time, the Cai Kingdom should have consolidated its hold over the territory north of the Sha River and stopped advancing. If the fighting continued into the busy autumn harvest season, the domestic pressure on the population would become quite severe.

Since the two countries had not yet entered into negotiations, it indicated that the resistance from the Chen Kingdom remained strong, and they were even plotting to reclaim Sha County. The chaos in this area was only increasing, making it easier for Xu Wenshan to benefit from the turmoil.

This raid on the supply station also captured nearly fifty prisoners. Xu Wenshan, as usual, generously gave each of them money. His generosity astonished the enemies, but his own men couldn’t help but harbor some doubts. Though none dared to voice their concerns in front of Xu Wenshan, they privately questioned his leniency towards the enemy.

“They say it’s to let them go home, but I don’t think many of these are willing to take the money and leave. They’re mostly veterans. Out of a hundred, maybe not one would want to go home. I think the commander’s gesture is useless,” Lei Laohu confided to Li Dazhuang.

Li Dazhuang hesitated for a moment before saying, “I think the commander must have his reasons…”

“Isn’t it just to weaken the enemy’s strength? I don’t see much effect. It’d be more effective to just chop them all up. Honestly, the commander is too merciful,” Lei Laohu said, recalling the saying, “Mercy doesn’t command armies,” and he felt a vague sense of worry.

At that moment, Xu Wenshan gathered everyone and said, “We can’t stay here tonight. Let’s move out.”

Without asking further, the men quietly stood up, packed their individual gear, and followed Xu Wenshan as they withdrew from the supply station.

As Pang Xing joined Xu Wenshan’s group, he wasn’t even given a weapon. His task was to cover the side of Liang Dong and carry the equipment.

Once a centurion, Pang Xing had now been reduced to an auxiliary soldier. The fall from grace was undeniable, but he comforted himself: after all, he was new here, and it was understandable that they wouldn’t let him handle weapons immediately.

What surprised Pang Xing even more was that, despite his demotion to pack-bearer, none of the surrounding “combat soldiers” showed any contempt. After interacting with them, they even joked with him.

He felt deeply that this truly was a simple, honest peasant army. In the Cai Kingdom’s army where he had been before, auxiliaries did all the dirty work, and combat soldiers often took pleasure in bullying them. As for him, auxiliaries were barely considered human.

At first, he hadn’t noticed this, but after spending time with this unit, he realized this army was truly different. And the root of this difference was their leader, Xu Wenshan.

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Lost in thought, Pang Xing was suddenly alerted by Xu Wenshan’s command: “Take cover.”

The soldiers around immediately dropped prone, startling Pang Xing and Liang Dong. They hurriedly followed suit, then spotted a long line of torches flickering in the distance.

It was dusk; the sun had just set, and the sky had turned a deep purple, with stars beginning to twinkle. The numerous torches ahead shone brightly, becoming the focal point in the dark night.

“Those are… Cai Kingdom troops?”

“Yeah, they finally realized what’s happened.”

The Luhe Valley forces had only moved about two kilometers away, so the distant Cai soldiers could see them clearly. The group of torch-bearing soldiers was getting closer, and the sounds of their shouting carried on the wind.

Lei Laohu whispered, “Is this a night raid? Why are they making so much noise?”

Xu Wenshan laughed, “Not all soldiers have the discipline our men do.”

The Cai troops soon discovered the attacked supply station was deserted, and their shouting grew louder.

“Keep low. Let’s slowly pull back without being spotted,” Xu Wenshan ordered.

Lei Laohu asked, “Shouldn’t we just surprise them with a night attack? We’re definitely stronger in night fighting.”

Xu Wenshan shot him a sharp glance. “If you’re going to lead troops, I’d be worried. In this darkness, you don’t even know how many they have. How can you just decide to attack?”

Lei Laohu’s face flushed, thankfully unseen in the dark.

The Luhe Valley forces slowly withdrew from the Cai Kingdom’s patrol zone. Reaching a temporarily safe hilltop, Xu Wenshan addressed them: “From now on, the Cai Kingdom will be more vigilant against us. We can’t stay at their supply stations anymore.”

“So where will we stay?” someone asked.

“In the villages,” Xu Wenshan replied. “We must unite with the local peasants and earn their trust. If we can take root in the countryside, we’ll never go hungry.”

Xu Wenshan drew a circle on the ground, marking several crosses around it.

“The circle here is Sha County, and these crosses represent Chenhe Village, Yanghe Village, Wuli Village… These villages each have vast farmlands. If we can maintain good relations with them, they will become our rear base. We can raid during the day and rest in the villages at night. The Cai Kingdom won’t be able to touch us.”

Li Dazhuang pondered for a moment. “But each village has its own garrison commander. If we move into the villages, their commanders will surely know. How can we avoid their watchful eyes?”

Xu Wenshan said, “No need to avoid them. They will deliberately look the other way.”

At this, the surrounding men showed some disbelief. How could Xu Wenshan possibly make these garrison commanders ignore his troops?

…

Having successfully mobilized an 800-strong militia, Deputy General Wu sat confidently in the hall, waiting for his subordinates to bring him good news.

Indeed, the good news came in waves: “Report! The garrison commanders are assembling troops enthusiastically,” then, “Report! The garrison commanders have mobilized the militia, and even the local farmers have volunteered,” and finally, “Report! Our forces number as many as 800!”

After a while with no further word, an anxious scout rushed into the hall: “Report! The garrison commanders’ night raid was successful! The enemy fled in panic!”

“Good!” Wu slapped the table. “Tell them that if they truly wipe out these bandits, I will commend them before General Yu! Also, find out how many heads they’ve taken and how many prisoners they captured.”

But shortly after, another scout arrived with less encouraging news: “Our forces were so overwhelming that the enemy fled without a fight, so no prisoners were taken.”

Wu asked, “What about the supplies?”

The scout replied, “Uh… that, I don’t know yet.”

Wu paced the room, thinking for a long time before saying, “Forget it. We won the battle anyway. Bring me two pounds of wine!”