Ch. 561..565: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 561-565

Chapter 561: Chapter 561 The Army Pressures the Territory (5)_1

"Chief Commander, I’m willing to lead a team and fight." Timur loudly volunteered.

Behind him, the twenty or so unidentified soldiers who had infiltrated the area were under siege, and were slaughtered by the Northern Soldiers until only a handful remained.

"Capture them alive." Bayal ordered.

"Capture them alive." The order was conveyed immediately.

"Dream on." The few soldiers in black exchanged glances and then continued their fight with gritted teeth.

"Such diehards." Bayal coldly chuckled.

Billy stood by watching, his men and the soldiers in black fighting, without uttering a word.

"Brothers, I’m going first." One of the soldiers dressed in black, with wounds on his arms and legs, gritted his teeth and drew his blade across his throat.

"Damn!" Timur was shocked, he wanted to stop them, but before he could, the remaining soldiers also drew their blades across their throats. The Northern group originally infiltrated the enemy lines with a die-hard belief, obviously they wouldn’t surrender.

"Men of steel indeed." Bayal evaluated, his gaze finally landed on the bodies on the ground with some respect.

"Chu Suifeng doesn’t have cowards under his command." Timur’s eyes also held respect.

The people of the Northern Country valued warfare and held respect for valiant heroes who didn’t fear death.

"Tomorrow, hang the heads of these people on the flagpole." Billy said coldly.

"Yes, Counselor." Timur saluted, reverting to his cold demeanor.

Those who were sent out, none returned. Situ Gong and the others knew that the situation was bleak. If by morning, those who were sent out have not yet returned, it’s likely that it is not going to end well.

Even if they had expected it, when the next day they saw their comrade’s severed heads displayed on the enemy’s flagpole, everyone’s hearts were still filled with rage.

"General, I’m willing to lead an attack." One of the sturdy soldiers volunteered with rage in his eyes.

"I’m willing to fight the first battle."

...

Several leaders of Luo Heng’s command stepped forward while the soldiers below were also quite worked up.

"Luo Ying, you lead the team to face Timur. Remember, defeat is allowed but not victory." Luo Heng suppressed his sadness, and ordered.

"General." Luo Ying was deeply upset. Losing the first battle is equivalent to giving the enemies encouragement and undermining their own morale, isn’t it?

"Go."

Stomping his feet, Luo Ying led his men out of North City.

The enemy likewise dispatched a general, and both sides immediately engaged in combat.

From his vantage point, Lin Ziyin observed that Luo Ying’s strength wasn’t bad, at least the person the enemy had sent was no match for him.

After more than a hundred rounds of combat, the Northern soldiers sounded the retreat.

Although it went against Luo Ying’s will, he had no choice. Upon hearing the signal, he wasted no time on the battlefield, turned his horse around and returned.

The enemy, of course, wasn’t willing to let go of this opportunity and immediately pursued them relentlessly.

However, when they pursued him to the city gate, they were driven back by the arrows from the city walls.

Five consecutive battles all ended this way. The morale of the Northern Country was soaring, while that of the Northern Land appeared much more calm.

"You five will go into battle again tomorrow." Billy, sitting in his tent, saw the triumphant figures of his generals and frowned.

"State Preceptor, do you think Luo Heng’s men are playing tricks?" Bayal also wasn’t clamored by the victories.

"Let’s wait and see." Billy commanded ominously.

"Yes." Timur, aware of Billy’s capabilities, agreed without objection.

Billy looked at the distant battlefield, filled with silent hatred.

Chapter 562: Chapter 562 The Army Pressures the Territory (6)_1

Situ Gong and Chu Suifeng are difficult to deal with, even if he’s impatient, he has to proceed with caution. The other party is too cunning, a slight negligence on his part could potentially lead to an irreversible catastrophe.

If Chu Suifeng sends someone to probe the details of their North Country warriors, then he will turn the tables and leave them clueless.

Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong are truly patient, for the past four days the individuals they dispatched were the same five individuals, and after fighting, they would immediately leave, regardless of how intense the battlefield was, they would instantly withdraw their troops upon hearing the Sound Gold.

After being tricked a few times, Billy no longer dared to let his troops pursue them.

However, the people on Chu Suifeng’s side were not anxious, but the generals of the North Country were getting restless.

"National Master, if Chu Suifeng continues to send out those five individuals again tomorrow, I absolutely will not let them go." A military general stood up and said angrily.

"Block them tomorrow." North Country people admire bravery, they do not appreciate Chu Suifeng’s strategy of retreating after a few blows. However, these few days, Chu Suifeng seems to have grown fond of this tactic.

The five generals from their side already understood the opponent’s details, so they had nothing to hesitate.

In Chu Suifeng’s camp, all the generals and strategists were discussing the battle strategy for the next day.

"Prince, we have been showing weakness for five days in a row, tomorrow the Tatar will certainly be unable to restrain themselves. Although Billy is astute, the generals under Bayal definitely cannot wait. We can take real action in the battle tomorrow." Situ Gong analysed.

"Prepare the archers for tomorrow, show them no mercy." Chu Suifeng also analysed the situation.

"Timur is the bravest warrior of the North Country, this man is extremely powerful. He has served as a pioneer but has not fought which is definitely Billy’s idea. Seeing our troops downhearted, they did not take the chance to pursue the attack and they should be waiting for the arrival of the Fire Bull Formation, thinking of making a breach in one drive." Luo Heng had a full grasp of the situation. "They are so impatient because they want to breach the Border City before winter arrives."

"The Mid-Autumn Festival has passed and the first snow should happen soon. Over the years, although the North Country troubled Border City quite a bit, those were all miscellaneous soldiers. This time Bayal has brought along a large number of soldiers from the North Country, their determination to win is significant and even National Master Billy has come along, they want to conquer Border City in one push." Situ Gong said.

"No matter how ambitious the Tatar are, they cannot harm us." A general spoke contemptuously, "Border City is not something they get just because they want it."

"Do not underestimate the North Country army and Billy. Their people and horses are robust, their culture values bravery, and they are best at fighting on horseback. This time, it’s a large scale attack, if we confront them head-on, the outcome is uncertain." Situ Gong sighed, "Even if we are victorious, our side will pay a heavy price."

"According to Mr. Situ, are we just passively defending the Border City?" A general asked somewhat impatiently.

"Not necessarily." Situ Gong answered with a smile, "Although their troops are strong, it does not mean there are no weaknesses to exploit."

"With a large number of people and horses gathered outside the city, they definitely cannot withstand the cold after the snow falls. And with so many people and horses, the daily consumption of food and fodder is considerable. So, just patiently wait a few more days, Billy and Bayal will certainly launch an all-out attack on the city. We just need to keep our spirits up and wait." Luo Heng said loudly, "Billy thinks having the Fire Bull Formation assures his victory, he has definitely not thought that we have already figured out a way to break the Fire Bull Formation. To win this battle, our Northern Land soldiers are as prepared as their North Country."

Chapter 563: Chapter 563 The Army Pressures the Territory (7)_1

"Arrogant troops will be punished," Chu Suifeng coldly declared. "After several days of victories, the confidence of the North Country’s soldiers has swollen. We will strike at them while they relax on the day tomorrow. Even a slight victory will be enough to shatter their morale."

"Your Highness, rest assured that I will use all my skills tomorrow to show the Tartars what we’re made of."

"This general will definitely not fail in his duty."

...

Training for the northern soldiers was strict, and Luo Heng and Chu Suifeng had shared in their hardship for many years. Hence, all the soldiers held a deep respect for Chu Suifeng.

The strategy of Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong to hide their strength beneath the appearance of weakness neither dampened the soldiers’ spirits. On the contrary, they all waited for the opportunity to accumulate slowly and strike swiftly when the time was ripe.

That night, Chu Suifeng did not return.

Lin Ziyin simply invited a few medicinal monks to dine with them, adding some liveliness to the scene.

"Miss, don’t worry. With Situ Gong and Luo Heng present, the North Country won’t be able to breach Border City," Master Huizhen comforted her.

Lin Ziyin was somewhat distracted during the meal, having observed the warfare on the city walls for five consecutive days. Although both sides had casualties throughout this period, overall, the deceased and injured were only soldiers, and the total number of casualties was not significant.

However, Lin Ziyin had discerned that Chu Suifeng’s forces had yet to reveal their full strength.

If there is no accident, the number of casualties is bound to gradually increase tomorrow.

"Miss, after we finish here, I need to head to the military camp’s tent. You should be careful while staying at home," Master Hui Zhen continued to speak.

"Master, will the Tartars directly attack from the East City Gate?" Lin Ziyin suddenly asked.

"Crossing the mountain leads to a water route. Although it’s more dangerous, it’s not impossible," Master Hui Zhen answered. "The last infiltrator appeared to be very familiar with the docks. We’re not entirely sure how many spies there are in the city. If the spy manages to send out the route map of the waterway, knowing Billy’s character, he’s bound to take the risk."

"The main battlefield is the North City Gate, but if the defenses of the East City Gate are relaxed and it is breached, that would be a joke," said Lin Ziyin, frowning.

"Don’t worry. Prince Chu and Situ Gong are thorough in their considerations. Whatever you can think of, they may have already accounted for it," Master Huizhen did not seem worried at all.

Lin Ziyin was not as optimistic as Master Huizhen. If the Tartars planned to attack from the waterway, they would undoubtedly have to pass through bandit territory. If the Tartars really reached the East City Gate, it indicated that the bandits are also involved in this war.

Lin Ziyin may not know exactly how many bandits there are or how strong they are, but she does know that if a bandit leader and his group can survive for so long at the borderline of two countries, these bandits are not ordinary ones.

Considering her understanding of Chu Suifeng, if he could eliminate the bandits, he wouldn’t spare them till now.

And as a matter of fact, these bandits have been living all these years. Not just living, they are thriving. From Chu Suifeng’s tolerance of the bandit’s market, Lin Ziyin speculated that this group of bandits must be formidable.

Perhaps last time, the second prince of North Country also went there with a probing attitude.

If such a bandit group familiar with the terrain is involved in the war, it would definitely be a force not to be ignored. Lin Ziyin dared not forget that the Imperial Court’s final victory had a group called Guerilla Squad as contributors.

No, the bandits are an anomaly; she must discuss this abnormality with Chu Suifeng. If Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong are prepared, it’s well and good. But if they are unprepared, and the bandits and North Country join forces, the Border City side would surely suffer a significant loss.

After Master Huizhen left, Lin Ziyin could no longer sit still.

"Prepare the horse carriage," Lin Ziyin commanded.

"Miss, it’s already late. Where do you plan to go?" Lun Luo asked softly. It wasn’t that she was being nosy; given how unsafe Border City was at the moment, citizens had shut themselves indoors early, and the street was deserted. What if something happened to her when she went out?

"I’m going to the main camp. I’m looking for the Prince," Lin Ziyin answered casually.

Both Hong Ying and Lun Luo didn’t want her to go out at this time, but seeing her anxious face, they feared she had a real emergency. After a moment’s hesitation, Lun Luo had a carriage prepared.

Riding in the horse carriage, Lin Ziyin hurriedly arrived at the military camp.

Since it was a city defense, the military camp consisted of rows of houses, and the guards led them to Chu Suifeng’s room.

"Why have you come so late?" Chu Sufeng came out to greet them the moment he heard the report. After seeing them, his expression immediately darkened. "Going out this late, you should’ve dressed more warmly."

Having said this, he fiercely glared at Hong Ying and Lun Luo.

Hong Ying and Lun Luo instantly lowered their heads in fright.

"Don’t blame them, I have urgent matters to attend to," said Lin Ziyin.

Chu Suifeng immediately pulled her into his arms and led her into the room.

The room was not empty; a crowd of people were gathered there. Judging by the scene, all the generals of North Country were gathered there, discussing pressing military matters.

"Miss," Situ Gong and Luo Heng stood up to greet her as they saw her.

"At ease," Lin Ziyin felt a little embarrassed.

"Sit," Chu Suifeng gestured to the chair next to him, directing Lin Ziyin.

"Your Highness, I take my leave."

"Your Highness, this general takes his leave."

...

All the generals present hurriedly asked for permission to leave when they saw her arrive.

"Situ Gong, General Luo, I have come with a pressing matter that I want to discuss with you," Lin Ziyin said seriously. She did not want to be condemned behind her back and be seen as a capricious woman by everyone.

Upon hearing this, Situ Gong and Luo Heng immediately stayed, while the others, although curious, silently exited the room.

Chapter 564: Chapter 564: Breaking the Fire Bull Formation (1)_1

In the room, only Chu Suifeng, Situ Gong, Si Jinhan, and Luo Heng remained. These four were definitely the top echelons of Border City. Under Chu Suifeng’s gaze, Lin Ziyin voiced her concerns.

After hearing her words, everyone was not surprised, but rather, all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lady, rest assured, Eastern City has already arranged suitable defenders. If the Tatars think they can surprise us by coming through the East City Gate, their plans are bound to fail," Situ Gong explained with a laugh.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin understood. They had already anticipated a possible sneak attack from the enemy. Thinking about her unnecessary worrying, she couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed.

"Lady, your unique insights are admirable," Situ Gong explained with a smile, "The bandits on the mountain are Chu Wang’s men. The leader of the bandits, known as Hei Ye, is actually Chu Wang’s most trusted man. But, he is loyal to Daqin. Even if he is displeased with the Prince, he won’t join forces with the North Country people to fight us."

So, that’s how it was! Lin Ziyin exclaimed with understanding upon hearing the explanation.

"Chu Wang has great ambition. He has the support of half of the ministers in the Imperial Court and is the Crown Prince’s strongest competitor. He wouldn’t be foolish enough to hand over Border City to the Tatars," Si Jinhan explained lazily, "The princes in the court are divided into two factions, those supporting Chu Wang are no less than those supporting the Crown Prince. However, the most capable is our Prince. Both the Crown Prince and Chu Wang wish to win over the Prince and also fear him. Nonetheless, neither the Crown Prince nor Chu Wang would like Border City to be occupied by the Tatars."

"Knowing well that the bandits are Chu Wang’s men, yet the Prince chose not to eradicate them. Is it because he wishes to keep them under close watch?" Lin Ziyin asked.

Chu Suifeng looked at her, nodding with a smile. The woman he admired was indeed different, able to pinpoint the crux of the issue with just one glance. "What you said is only half the reason. The other half is, by keeping the bandits around, they can shield Border City, dealing with the Tatars for us. Moreover, their presence ensures a market for many merchants’ peculiar goods. The arrival of these merchants undoubtedly brings revenue to Border City."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin also laughed.

As a merchant herself, she naturally understood what Chu Suifeng was saying. Shili Village had gained fame far and wide, attracting merchants from all places, stimulating many industries in the Northern Land. The bandits’ market was well known. Similarly, it could also stimulate the industries of North Country and Border City. Perhaps this is why both North Country and Chu Suifeng did not wish to get rid of these men.

"I was worrying too much," Lin Ziyin admitted shyly.

"Lady, with your kind heart and integrity, I admire you, Situ. If it weren’t for the special status of the bandits, your consideration would have been comprehensive. Conversely, even with the bandits to deter them, we would still have people defending the Eastern Gate staunchly. Billy is an ambitious man, somewhat proud. He would not let go of even the slightest opportunity. Crossing mountains and ridges might be inconvenient, but it’s not impossible," Situ Gong explained, looking at her approvingly.

"Now that Mister Situ has everything planned, I’m at ease," Lin Ziyin said with a light smile.

"If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave." Seeing displeasure on Chu Suifeng’s face, Luo Heng was the first to suggest leaving.

Upon hearing this, Chu Suifeng immediately waved his hand, "Everyone has been busy for several days. Since there’s nothing else, go rest."

"Prince, Lady, I shall take my leave," Situ Gong laughed as he also requested to leave. If he stayed any longer, he probably would have become an annoyance.

"In the future, just send someone to notify us if there’s anything. Don’t go out so late," Chu Suifeng said, affectionately stroking her hair after everyone else had left the room.

Chapter 565: Chapter 565: Breaking the Fire Bull Formation (2)_1

"Perhaps I was a bit hasty." Lin Ziyin did not agree nor reject, instead, she gave a vague answer.

"I cannot leave the military camp, take care of yourself." said Chu Suifeng as he pulled her into his arms. "I worry about you."

"Prince, I am an adult. I can take care of myself," Lin Ziyin said. "Are you planning to strike the enemy hard tomorrow?"

"Yes," Replied Chu Suifeng, not wanting to discuss battle matters with his beloved, feeling weary, he just wanted to spend a quiet moment with Lin Ziyin.

"I brought some porridge for you, Prince," said Lin Ziyin, who was nestled against his chest and could hear a strong heartbeat from Chu Suifeng. She remembered the meal box in the hands of Hong Ying and quickly loosened her grip from Chu Suifeng’s arms to retrieve it.

Chu Suifeng was not hungry; he preferred to talk to Lin Ziyin. However, she had brought the porridge, a gesture of her kindness, so he smiled and sat down when he saw her busy retrieving the meal box from Hong Ying.

The porridge Lin Ziyin brought was chicken porridge. Apart from this, there were also a few side dishes and some meat buns, all of which she made personally.

"Eat a little more," Lin Ziyin handed over the bowl.

Chu Suifeng took it, took a sip, then praised, "The Queen cooks the best porridge."

"If you like it, eat more." Regardless of whether it was true or not, all words from a lover were sweet. Hearing his words, Lin Ziyin’s eyes sparkled with laughter.

"It’s getting late, you should go back and rest early," said Chu Suifeng, putting down his chopsticks, waiting for Hong Ying to tidy up, then urged Lin Ziyin to leave.

She did not intend to stay at the military camp for much longer without his admonition.

There were many rules in the military camp. Even a prince had to abide by them in order to set an example and maintain respect and order. Lin Ziyin understood this.

"You should also rest early, Prince. I’ll go now," She said with a beaming smile.

"Be careful on the road," Chu Suifeng said with concern. "Get some rest when you get back, don’t worry too much."

"Okay." Thousands of words condensed into one word.

Chu Suifeng personally saw her out of the camp and stood in the night, watching the carriage disappear before turning back.

In the hearts of his followers, they heaved a sigh of relief that the prince finally had someone to worry about. They hoped that when the war ended and they returned to Feng city, the prince would welcome the Queen into the residence.

Even though it was dark, Lin Ziyin could still feel Chu Suifeng watching her. Knowing that a man cared about her so deeply made her heart sweet yet melancholic.

Chu Suifeng has indeed had a tough life over the years, just like her in the past. As long as Chu Suifeng does not let her down in this life, she will reciprocate his love doubly to this man who lacks affection.

The next morning, Lin Ziyin quickly finished breakfast at her residence and went to the city gate with Hong Ying. At this time, Chu Suifeng had already arrived with his troops.

The enemy soldiers from the Northern Country had already crossed the Mo River to provoke them.

"Prince, General, I request to fight," said Luo Ying, stepping forward.

"Granted," Chu Suifeng answered, filled with intent to kill. "Show no mercy."

"Yes, I will not let you down," Luo Ying responded, his eyes full of determination.

"Chu Suifeng, Luo Heng, are you scared?" The enemy sent out a man to provoke them. When the soldiers of the Northern Land heard them dare to insult their prince and general, they grabbed their weapons, ready for battle.

"What, are they planning to swagger around like a few days ago and then depart? Today, I will make sure they can’t leave. Haha, a bunch of cowards." In order to intimidate the Northern Land, the Northern Country was determined, sending out five generals directly.