Chapter 495: A Goblet of Wine Before War
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Besides the men, the cavalry's warhorses were lined up in teams as well. For some reason, the steeds, which were normally carefree, seemed to have felt today's grim atmosphere; even though they were bombarded by raucous noise and rousing chants, the war chargers were unusually tame.
Yutang's army sang in low but stirring tones. Be it the infantry or cavalry, they moved in formations that tapered one after the other.
It was a formation that was triangular in shape and such formations were only used for one purpose – attacking. It only worked if one intended to attack without any attempt to defend themselves, and was only applied when faced with enemies several times larger than their own.
At the same time, it was the most daring and unreserved formation that one could deploy on the field!
In one of Steel Cavalry troops, twelve teenagers were exceptionally striking. They formed a neat row as well; their young and innocent faces were without dazed hesitation, but were filled with full-blown resolution. These young ones were the children from the valley Yun Yang had stopped at to recuperate; all of them were still here.
Shangguan Lingxiu, Qiu Jianhan, and Fu Baoguo had ordered the army with much brevity to take care of these boys and protect them best as they could.
They were initially in the retreating troops but just as they were leaving, the Steel Cavalry's leader came out personally to withdraw them, stating repeatedly that they were Yutang's future hope and it was not a cowardly act to escape or leave at this time. However, despite the extensive psychological work that was done, these twelve youths refused to budge.
"We are men, we should fight for our nation!"
"It's the country's crisis now. If we prize our lives above all else, we wouldn't have come."
"We're here to kill the enemy and serve the country... we're not here to be taken care of!"
"If you all really must chase us away, we'll form our own squad and charge the battlefield ourselves. All in all, we won't leave. We're set on staying and dying here!"
The twelve youths spoke vehemently in unison.
In the end, it was Wang Dingguo's decisive voice that concluded the stand-off, "All good men, let them stay!"
There was only a word's difference between good men and good children but the meaning within was the difference between heaven and earth. All the military men understood the meaning of these words and were immediately friendlier to these teenagers.
Previously, they took care and were concerned for the teenagers; they were even slightly jealous of them – how could a bunch of children understand the killing that took place within a war zone? Life and death were instantly interchangeable - what a waste of those noble steeds and they needed people to take care of them as well. It was better for them to leave as early as they could!
Now though, there was only comradeship, trust that they could cover each other's backs! Now, when the twelve youths set off to war, they already looked like qualified Steel Cavalry from the outside; they were no different from the comrades beside them. They had an equal will to fight to their deaths, they were all competent Yutang soldiers, and they would not reduce Yutang's military valiance!
…
Fu Baoguo changed into a rare set of golden armor, appearing in front of the army with pride.
Perhaps heaven had decided to obey the people's wishes as the God was happy to see Yutang set off for war smoothly; the days of flurry snow had finally stopped.
Under the light of the rare sun, Fu Baoguo's golden armor and helmet glimmered; he looked like a deity with an invincible aura.
"War drums!"
Fu Baoguo raised his hand and issued his orders calmly.
Dong!
A low beat of the drum resounded, ringing from afar.
This was followed by another three beats, "Dong… Dong… Dong…"
Dong, dong, dong, dong, dong…" The drum continued to be played consistently.
The powerful beats pounded in everyone's heart, slowly heating up their blood to boiling point. As the drumming rhythm increased, each of Yutang soldier's face seemed to be glowing. They remained stationary but their grip on their weapons grew tighter.
Even when the horses were unusually quiet and still, they perked up their ears and coiled their muscles. They even stopped swishing their tails subconsciously. The only movement they had was to train their eyes forward, waiting for their owner's command before shooting out like a released arrow towards the final battlefield.
The Shadow Cavalry slowly emerged like a tidal wave.
Dongxuan's soldiers were also present with gleaming sabers and spears. Obviously, Zhan Ge was also applying the most extreme and toughest method to face the battle head-on.
I shall fulfill your wish to seek death, crushing your last retaliation directly with my strongest combat power which far exceeds that of your combined forces – this was his greatest show of respect to his opponent. Perhaps, this was the sole show of respect in this lifetime!
"Dong, dong, dong…"
The drumbeats of war came from Dongxuan's base as well. Almost at the same time, crisp neighing that came from their warhorses that were galloping could be heard.
An incredibly handsome white horse charged out. The person mounted on it was wearing the same golden armor as Fu Baoguo, looking very valiant; he charged all the way to the front of both armies and suddenly yelled, "Fu Baoguo!"
The person was Dongxuan's temporary main marshal, Zhan Ge, who had personally made his way to the formation.
On the other side, Fu Baoguo sat atop his horse, watching Zhan Ge with a hawk-like gaze without replying.
Under the focused gaze of so many people from both sides, Zhan Ge called out loudly, "Fu Baougo! You and I have fought at this point. Although we each have our perspectives and goals, to fight with our lives on this battlefield is still the biggest glory for us militants!"
"You and I both know that today will be our final battle. Zhan Ge has come specifically to show respect to Marshal Fu and to send Marshal Fu off!"
Then, Zhan Ge waved his arm and hollered, "Wine!"
Two cavalrymen came out together from Dongxuan's army formation to deliver the wine pouch. Zhan Ge received it and retrieved a goblet, personally pouring the wine and raising his hand to say loudly, "Marshal Fu, who loses or wins this battle is secondary, but it is our responsibility for a militant to die in battle during the war. I propose a toast to you and to myself. When this war ends and I die, I have no regrets; if you die, then go in peace – if there's an afterlife, let us become each other's confidant!"
Zhan Ge then tipped his head and emptied the wine in his hand.
After three consecutive goblets, Zhan Ge wiped his mouth and continued aloud, "I know that you're reluctant to step out and drink this goblet of wine with me, so I shall drink it myself. These three goblets of wine before a life and death battle are gratifying, gratifying indeed!"
Just by stepping out and proposing a toast highlighted the fearless nature of a militant and his mannerisms; whether it was for show or from the bottom of his heart, what Zhan Ge did could be said to be extremely well played.
There was also another effect; perhaps it could be considered Zhan Ge's biggest goal. It was to grate away at Yutang's morale while boosting Dongxuan's dwindling hopes by saying they would definitely win.
There was a flash of triumph in Zhan Ge's eyes.
Han Sanhe, who saw it from far behind could not help sighing instead. They were enemies and things had come to this final moment, why was there a need to play such tricks? Did he think Fu Baoguo would let him off the hook easily? To be showing off in front of a true expert would only be in vain and might even backfire!
The reality was like Han Sanhe had expected, as Fu Baoguo's voice rang from the legions of Yutang.
"Zhan Ge!"
"This marshal is not at all interested in these three goblets of toasted wine. This marshal does not at all agree with what you said! I also have a few words that I wish to share!"
Zhan Ge replied, "Do speak, Marshal Fu."
What he wanted to do and say earlier were done smoothly as Fu Baoguo did nothing to stop or interrupt him. Now that Fu Baoguo wanted to speak, it would show his lack of grace. If he stopped him, it would destroy the confident atmosphere he had conjured earlier. At the very least, the effect would be a lot more lackluster.
Fu Baoguo laughed and said, "Zhan Ge, you said that we each have our perspective and goals, having no other option than to fight. I can't deny the first half of your words; we do have our own perspectives and goals, but I find it very hard to agree with the thought of fighting at this juncture!"