Ch. 571..575: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 571-575

Chapter 571: Chapter 571 Can you be more despicable? (1)_1

"Immediately get the archers to shoot down the flag-bearer." Seeing the battle situation continuously deteriorating, cunning Bayal was anxious. He had observed for a long time from the rear and figured out the strategy behind the formation. Chu Suifeng, along with Situ Gong and Luo Heng, was changing the battle formation based on changes in the flag above.

The Northern Land had deployed eight generals, leading an ununiformed number of soldiers who seemed to each be fighting their own battles. However, upon closer inspection, it would be easy to find that they were actually coordinating their attacks. The communication tool they used was not manpower, but the flags flying high.

The order was issued, but it proved difficult to implement.

Because the flag of the Northern Land was not held by someone, but instead hung high in the air. The pole was inserted on a war chariot.

The flag was raised using a thin wire, impossible to shoot down. Even their best archer in the North Country couldn’t shoot it down.

"Concentrate your forces to kill Chu Suifeng." Billy was exasperated but remained calm.

"Yes, National Master," a general immediately accepted the command and left.

"We cannot let Chu Suifeng return." North Country’s bravest warrior, Timur, was almost in agony as he saw his side losing. He saw Chu Suifeng’s ferocious killing of his soldiers from afar, the idea of not letting Chu Suifeng go kept spinning in his mind.

Chu Suifeng was too strong, he was a god in the hearts of everyone in the Northern Land. As long as they could capture him, the Northern Land would belong to the North Country. They can’t let the tiger return to its mountain! Thinking of this, Timur and several generals joined forces to try their best to kill Chu Suifeng.

"Those people want to attack the prince." Lin Ziyin stood on the city wall. Humph, under her watch, there was no way for anyone to harm her man.

"Use the ballista to attack the main commander position in their rear." Lin Ziyin ordered.

Master Hui Zhen listened cheerfully, not finding Lin Ziyin’s boldness off-putting at all. He thought the girl’s audacity was for the prince’s protection, and this couple, yet to be married, was indeed a pair created by heaven.

There were trusted aides from Chu Suifeng left on the city wall, and all these people knew Lin Ziyin’s identity.

When the future queen announced her order, nobody dared to slack off.

"Prepare the ballista. Target the enemy’s rear."

Upon receiving the order, the ballista was quickly adjusted for direction and angle.

The upgraded ballista had greatly improved range and accuracy. As soon as Lin Ziyin identified the target, the ballista operator followed the instruction, aimed at the target, and immediately pulled the lever.

A dense array of arrows shot out, targeting the crowd in the rear of the North Country’s army.

Many of the North Country’s soldiers were shot down, causing a stir in the rear.

Bayal and Billy were far apart, so they didn’t get hit by the arrows, but a large swath of soldiers fell not far in front of them.

The ballista was originally designed to target densely packed soldiers. Undoubtedly, the dense Northern Country soldiers had become the victims of this new type of deadly weapon.

"How is the power of the ballista so great?" Bayal was shocked.

While the soldiers were panicking, Billy had already brought over several arrows.

These arrows were different. The arrowhead was triangular, and the tail of the arrowhead had a cunningly designed hook. This design would cause more severe injuries to those hit by the arrows.

Billy took a sharp breath after seeing this.

The numerous tactics deployed by the Northern Land today were completely unexpected. The continuous casualties on the battlefield also led to a rapid decline in the morale of the North Country soldiers.

"National Master, the order to retreat must be sounded," Bayal exclaimed in horror. According to the current situation, if they continued to fight, they would definitely suffer a great loss.

Chapter 572: Chapter 572 Can you be more despicable? (2)_1

Just then, another densely packed volley of arrows fell among the crowd, causing screams of agony to arise from all around.

Bayal’s eyes nearly turned red as he saw his fallen soldiers, "Issue the command, immediately blow the horn for retreat."

The command was quickly relayed, and the disarrayed soldiers of the North Country retreated like a receding tide.

By now, Timur and his four companions had already fought their way to Chu Suifeng.

Lin Ziyin stood on the city wall, constantly monitoring Chu Suifeng’s actions. She also noticed the fearless Timur and his companions.

"Those four Tatars are quite formidable," Lin Ziyin commented.

"Don’t worry, the King of Ling is even more formidable," spoke Master Hui Zhen, showing outright support for Chu Suifeng.

"Timur, what should we do?" The companions heard the call for retreat, but having fought their way to Chu Suifeng with great difficulty, and almost achieving fame, they were hesitant to let go of the fruit so close within their grasp.

Timur too was wavering.

"Trying to leave?" Chu Suifeng spotted the four men not far off, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent and mocking contempt. "I won’t let you all return the way you came."

These words were no doubt a provocation to the four of them.

Timur was well aware of Chu Suifeng’s prowess, but considering his own reputation as the bravest warrior of North Country, it would be humiliating to return empty-handed and be ridiculed by Chu Suifeng. Not to mention the laughter of the North Country people, he himself couldn’t bear Chu Suifeng’s provocation.

"Those words should be mine instead." Realizing this, Timur no longer hesitated, lifting his sabre and charging forward without a second thought.

His companions, upon seeing this, didn’t even hesitate and promptly took up their weapons charging towards Chu Suifeng.

No matter how formidable Chu Suifeng is, surely he wouldn’t be able to fend off four of them, right?

They had beautiful dreams, but reality was not as pleasant. Chu Suifeng, as the King of the Northern Land, was present in the battlefield in person, leading the army himself so how could he not be accompanied by expert warriors to protect him?

Swiftly, Congyi, Conger, and Congsan countered the three Tatars. The remaining guards surrounded Chu Suifeng, diligently observing the battle and keeping anyone from approaching him too closely.

Chu Suifeng directly engaged Timur in battle.

Their combat was intense.

Timur, worthy of being the North Country’s top warrior, not only had brute strength but also ferocious courage, displaying an untamed, fearless spirit.

Initially, he was on par with the Northern War God.

Lin Ziyin on the city wall watched the small-scale combat situation. Her heart was filled with anxiety for Chu Suifeng. In truth, when one truly cares for someone, they definitely wouldn’t want that person to suffer the slightest injury.

Chu Suifeng wielded a sword whereas Timur used a sabre.

As the saying goes, a long weapon is intrinsically more threatening than a short one. In terms of weight, Chu Suifeng’s sword was much lighter than Timur’s sabre. So, right from the start, Timur had a significant advantage.

However, Timur had really underestimated Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng, being addressed as the Northern War God, undoubtedly lived up to his name. Chu Suifeng quickly gained the upper hand over Timur.

Timur, who had rarely met an opponent in the North Country over the years, was furious when he was being suppressed by Chu Suifeng, wielded his sabre with even more strength.

Regardless of his efforts, he still couldn’t outmaneuver Chu Suifeng. Chu Suifeng was not one to be trifled with nor had the patience to prolong the duel. Soon, he found an opening, thrust his sword obliquely, resulting in a huge cut on Timur’s left arm. Blood gushed out, and the wound revealed turned flesh. The blood flowing along his arm quickly soaked the horse’s fur red.

 

Chapter 573: Chapter 573 Can you be more despicable? (3)_1

The three generals that he and Congyi were facing had already suffered two casualties, and the remaining one was covered in wounds.

If the enemy wanted to flee, they would have to get the agreement of Situ Gong and Luo Heng.

The Eight Trigrams Array continued to maintain its progression, the troops on both its flanks subtly beginning a encircling maneuver.

"Sound Gold again." Upon discerning the intentions of Situ Gong and Luo Heng, Billy was no longer composed. The troops he had brought this time belonged to the faction of the eldest prince, and if they were heavily struck, the strength of the eldest prince would undoubtedly be weakened after they returned.

After weighing the gains and losses, Billy and Bayal immediately made the correct choice.

"Change formation." Situ Gong commanded.

The Eight Trigrams Array transformed once more, the vanguards on the left and right flanks forming a Cone Formation, a formation with the greatest impact force, easily capable of splitting apart the enemy’s cavalry.

Having retreated back to the opposite side of the great river, Bayal and Billy immediately ordered their archers to prepare their defenses and await reinforcements.

"Sound Gold again, and tell Timur to return to the camp immediately." Seeing that the distant Timur was struggling tremendously, Billy’s face had turned pale.

If it could be said that the eldest prince was the person he was backing, then Timur was Billy’s favourite disciple.

He absolutely could not permit his most competent and favourite disciple to die before his eyes, "Immediately save him."

He pointed at two of his top generals and ordered them.

The two generals received the order and left.

When faced with the threat of death, Timur abandoned his pride and chose to save himself. Looking like he was going to make a strong effort, he then feigned an attack, and then immediately fled on his horse with the help of his confidants.

Just as Amuzhen and Zhebie were ordered to come and save him, the four men quickly rode as fast as they could to escape.

"Bring the bow and arrows here." Chu Suifeng sneered and ordered, thinking that they could just get away easily right under his watch.

Congyi quickly handed him a pair of bow and arrows.

This pair had been designed by Lin Ziyin to be a crossbow. Chu Suifeng took the crossbow, and aimed it at the fleeing Timur.

Out of the four men who were escaping, this man was the most formidable. He targeted Timur to dampen the spirits of those from the North Country.

Martial artists generally have good hearing; Timur heard the sound of the arrow whistling past his ear, prompting him to immediately lower his torso and lay flat on the horse. A single arrow flew past the top of his head, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

Before he even had a chance to sit up, he felt another arrow coming from behind. He grit his teeth and decisively rolled under his horse’s belly. An arrow soared past yet again.

But it wasn’t over yet; a third arrow was coming towards him without warning.

This time Timur didn’t have a chance to dodge it. Frustrated, he shut his eyes.

Zhebie, who was following closely beside him, saw it, and desperately deflected it with his sword.

The arrow deviated from its original path, but lodged deeply into Timur’s right arm.

A wave of intense pain washed over him; however, Timur could not bring himself to let go of his long knife. This was his personal weapon which he had carried with him for many years. He simply couldn’t bear to let go of it.

"He didn’t die; he sure is tenacious." Chu Suifeng saw the third arrow hit Timur’s right arm. Even though the man didn’t die, Chu Suifeng was a bit unhappy.

"My Prince, our Tianji Building-made arrowheads are always extraordinary, sure to give Timur a run for his money." Congyi said with a grin.

"Sound Gold." Chu Suifeng saw that the men and horses of the North Country had completely returned to the other bank of the river and immediately gave the order.

At this point, the troops of Situ Gong and Luo Heng halted their attack. They chose not to pursue an exhausted enemy, adhering to an age-old principle.

Both Lin Ziyin and Master Hui Zhen, having witnessed the entire course of the battle, simultaneously heaved a sigh of relief.

 

Chapter 574: Chapter 574 Can you be more despicable? (4)_1

This was the first time Lin Ziyin had witnessed a hand-to-hand combat in an ancient war with her own eyes, the brutality of it shook her to the core.

"Jue Hui, notify the prince this afternoon. Tell him that I want all dead or injured fire oxen from the battlefield."

"Girl, don’t tell me you want to eat beef," Master Hui Zhen asked her suspiciously.

"Master, you truly understand me." Lin Ziyin nodded enthusiastically, not attempting to hide her thoughts at all.

Winter was approaching, and she was getting worried about the shortage of raw materials. Unexpectedly, the enemy had provided her with such abundant supplies. Brilliant!

Thinking of the shiny silver, Lin Ziyin nearly jumped for joy.

Master Hui Zhen too loved good food deep in his bones. Upon receiving the affirmation from Lin Ziyin, he not only did not find Lin Ziyin sleazy but wholeheartedly approved of her idea, "It’s a good idea. It’s a pity to burn them."

What a pity indeed! Lin Ziyin thought. But with her, no exploitable resources would be wasted.

Jue Hui rode outside the city, to the side of Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng immediately looked back towards the city walls, Lin Ziyin promptly waved back at him.

Although they could not see each other clearly, their profound love was evident to all present.

Master Hui Zhen stroked his beard contentedly and chuckled teasingly.

Being the future son-in-law, Chu Suifeng would naturally strive his best to fulfil all of Lin Ziyin’s requests. To prevent the enemy soldiers from crossing the river to snatch resources, the main force did not immediately returned to the city, but continued to form the Eight Trigrams Array and waited in strict guard. And the crossbowmen remained on the frontline for defense.

Behind the Eight Trigrams Array, many soldiers were instructed to start dragging the dead oxen. As for the surviving oxen, their horns were unfastened from their attached blades and dragged into the city.

When the bustling crowd made no movement, the soldiers of North Country puzzledly watched them from across the river. They were all fraught with anxiety, secretly guessing what Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong were up to. Could it be that the Northern Land’s military still intends to cross the river and launch an attack?

Billie and Bayarl immediately began to deploy troops, ready to defend at any moment, at the thought of this possibility.

The bodies of the oxen were too massive, which made it difficult to transport them. Working diligently, the army acquired almost all of the chariots from the Northern Lands, and even found many cattle carts in the city to help. Some soldiers simply used force to carry them. They were not going to let go of the meat right in front of their eyes and definitely wanted to move the oxen first.

Two hours later, all the fire oxen were finally transported into the city.

Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong laughed with satisfaction.

"Thank you for the meat oxen!" A group of soldiers yelled across the river as the Northern Land’s military was about to retreat.

Only then did Billie and Bayarl know why Chu Suifeng and his troops remained immobile.

Such humiliation, such a sly move!

Billie and Bayarl never expected Chu Suifeng to be so shameless. Winning the battle and claiming the fire oxen for themselves.

Typically after each war, both sides would send some people to collect bodies, their own bodies. In Billie’s and Bayarl’s perception, as members of the battlefield, the corpses of the oxen should also belong to their side.

But in reality, Chu Suifeng’s actions completely shattered their understanding.

"Chu Suifeng." Bayarl listened to the cries of the soldiers of the Northern Land by his side, furious beyond words.

"National Master, all the military doctors are afraid to recklessly remove the arrowhead from General Timur’s arm," a guard nervously came over to report.

The attention of Billie and Bayarl was immediately diverted, "What happened?" Billie asked with a gloomy face.

 

Chapter 575: Chapter 575 Can you be more despicable? (5)_1

"The arrowhead from the Northern Land has a curved hook, if it’s not handled well while extracting, the general’s arm may not be salvageable," the guard reported, unable to look at Billy’s stern face, he lowered his head.

"No matter what we do, we must save General Timur’s arm," Bayal gasped.

It would have been different if another general was in trouble but jeopardizing Timur is a no-go. First, Timur is North Country’s bravest warrior with an extraordinary reputation in the Capital City, being the role model for many young people. Secondly, Timur’s family holds great power in the Capital City. The third reason is due to the State Preceptor Billy, who stood before them.

Everyone knows that Billy favors Timur even more than the crown prince himself.

Thinking about the consequences, Bayal felt a chill spread over his body.

"I will go and see him," Billy, without any unnecessary words, directly walked towards the camp.

Watching Billy’s departing figure, Bayal quietly breathed a sigh of relief. With the State Preceptor around, Timur’s arm must be safe. He sighed, continuing to watch in the direction of the Northern Land.

The Northern Land army had already moved their injured comrades for treatment in the city, and the bodies had been cleaned up.

Upon entering the city, Chu Suifeng’s army was warmly welcomed by the people. Particularly when the injured fire oxen were brought into the city, the people were so exhilarated they almost went mad.

Rarely did they see spoils from the Tartars, the prince had fought beautifully in this battle.

After Chu Suifeng entered the city, he did not have time to speak with Lin Ziyin.

War inevitably neccessitates casualties and injured soldiers.

Although the Tartars suffered heavy casualties and they won in the Northern Land, thousands of their soldiers were still killed or injured.

As the leading official of Border City, Chu Suifeng had to go and comfort his soldiers.

Master Hui Zhen also left. As a medicinal monk, he needed to attend to the injured soldiers.

"Miss," the city’s commander saluted respectfully to her.

"You’ve worked hard," Lin Ziyin nodded in acknowledgement. To avoid causing trouble, she chose to walk away with Hong Ying and Lun Luo.

"Miss, the prince fought remarkably in this battle, haha, the Tartars on the other side suffered a lot, I guess they dare not provoke us in these few days." Jue Ming chattered excitedly all the way.

Lin Ziyin didn’t stop him as she was in an unusually good mood.

Hong Ying and Lun Luo were equally excited, but they both knew that Lin Ziyin preferred tranquility. Although they were thrilled, they did not dare to speak casually, fearing they might upset Lin Ziyin.

Upon returning to the courtyard, another joyful event followed.

"Miss," before she could even approach the door, Qiaoqiao, who had been waiting, rushed over and hugged Lin Ziyin who had just got out of the carriage.

"You really followed me here, didn’t you?" Lin Ziyin laughed and patted her shoulder. During these days in Border City, she had slightly missed her family and this girl.

"I was worried about you, miss," Qiaoqiao answered with laughter and tears.

"Miss." Yu Sha’ou was deeply moved to see his master and his daughter’s close relationship.

"Let’s go in and talk," Lin Ziyin said while she looked at everyone who had come from the escort bureau, and smiled.

"Yes, yes, miss, after a busy day, you must be both tired and hungry," Qiaoqiao said loudly, "Miss, I have prepared food for you."

Everyone went inside where Qiaoqiao promptly served her hot water to wash up.

After essentially spending the whole day on the city wall, Lin Ziyin had hardly eaten or drunk, and her stomach was growling with hunger.

After freshening up, she immediately enjoyed the meal prepared by Qiaoqiao.