Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 398 - 241: It’s Simply the Reincarnation of General Qin Kaiyun!_2

Chapter 398: Chapter 241: It’s Simply the Reincarnation of General Qin Kaiyun!_2

"So-called Armed Reconnaissance," said Zhao Haiping, "is essentially military scouting."

By that time, Jin soldiers had already surrounded the strong city of Taiyuan, and beyond Taiyuan, many troops of Jin soldiers were scattered about, conducting reconnaissance, burning, killing, and looting.

And for the Qi Dynasty, the situation was also very pressing.

From the capital, armies eager to defend the emperor were already rushing to provide aid. While Taiyuan’s status was not as critical as the capital’s, it indeed served as the most important nail in blocking the Western Army’s advance. Thus, the court had also issued an edict for nearby military forces to relieve Taiyuan.

A small unit like the Peace Army, of course, was not privileged enough to partake in such high-level decision-making, but under a higher command, these troops of over two thousand men also needed to serve a role. They were to scout for information about the surrounding enemies as thoroughly as possible, laying the groundwork for the subsequent relief of Taiyuan.

And that Zhao Haiping, who had only a passing acquaintance with a higher-ranking commander, was unexpectedly given such a bold decision: He was not assigned experienced veterans or a veteran general, but rather the task was directly handed to Zhao Haiping.

Within the Peace Army, although there was much bewilderment regarding this appointment, they still gave their utmost support: they provided Zhao Haiping with a hundred cavalrymen.

And of course, Wang Fang was among them.

"Brother Zhao, what shall we... do?" Wang Fang rode alongside Zhao Haiping, cautiously asking.

At that moment, the cavalry was not riding at full speed but conserving the horses’ energy, advancing toward their objective at a not particularly fast pace.

Zhao Haiping was somewhat surprised, "What to do? Naturally, we go scout for enemy information, and make a thorough report."

Wang Fang cleared his throat twice, "Cough cough, Brother Zhao, there is something you don’t understand.

"This armed reconnaissance is one of the most dangerous tasks! Although the Jin soldiers are currently besieging Taiyuan, their cavalry is swift as the wind and could appear at any moment.

"If we, as a lone unit, venture too deep and attract the attention of the Jin cavalry, we’ll find ourselves in a situation where we can hardly escape even with wings!

"Moreover, scouting military intelligence is an order from high command. Although the Peace Army cannot refuse, it also doesn’t warrant such a high price to pay.

"If these hundred cavalrymen are lost out there, Brother Zhao, not to mention whether we two could escape—with or without escape, we probably can’t count on returning, but rather might have to become bandits!"

Zhao Haiping frowned slightly, just about to say something when Wang Fang turned to look back at the cavalry brothers behind them.

"Brother Zhao, look. That’s what most of these brothers are thinking, too.

"So if some unexpected situation arises during this reconnaissance, I’m sure everyone would understand."

Zhao Haiping followed Wang Fang’s gaze to the rear; indeed, all hundred cavalrymen trailing behind him looked dejected and dispirited.

On their faces was unmistakably written fear.

Clearly, aside from Zhao Haiping who was quite fond of armed reconnaissance, most of the hundred cavalrymen behind him did not really wish to leave Pingding County.

What Wang Fang was thinking at this time was probably exactly what these savvy veterans had in mind.

A hundred-man cavalry unit?

It might sound substantial, but what was it in front of the Jin cavalry?

Bait!

If they truly encountered a troop of Jin cavalry, it would be uncertain how many could escape.

And then, they might lose their lives before even acquiring any military intelligence.

Furthermore, even if some did make it back alive, who could take responsibility for the Peace Army’s loss of several dozen cavalrymen?

This armed reconnaissance was a mission from above; the Peace Army had no choice but to carry it out. But if they were to execute it without any discount and suffer losses, the consequences would be on the Peace Army itself, possibly even being accused of shortage in combat prowess...

So in such a case, shirking the responsibility became the optimal choice.

Just wander around the vicinity, make up some lies, or come up with some excuse, and claim a retreat after a grand battle against Jin soldiers along the way.

The officers within the Peace Army, even if knowingly clear about the situation, would probably not say much.

After all, the mission was of higher command’s, but life was their own.

Zhao Haiping could not help but shake his head with a sigh.

He had been living with Wang Fang for several days and had come to understand him fairly well.

Wang Fang was definitely not a coward. Both his riding and spear skills were quite good, even in Zhao Haiping’s view, and in daily discussions about various measures of the court, like the absurdity of ransoming Yan and Yun, he would be the first to stand up indignantly.

But when it came to moments like this, he was also the first to show timidity in battle.

Of course, Zhao Haiping also understood that this could not entirely be attributed to Wang Fang’s cowardice or timidity.

There was nothing wrong with Wang Fang’s personal quality. So, where was the problem?

The problem lay in the overall environment of the Qi Army.

No matter how valiant an individual was, once placed in the group of the Qi Army, they would immediately crumble without a fight.

Because everyone believes that they cannot win this battle, everyone thinks that this mission is bound to fail. And when everyone harbors such thoughts, there is no significant difference between the highly skilled and the weak in combat; both would collapse at the slightest touch.

In the midst of chaotic soldiers, even the highest martial skills have no place to be utilized.

Zhao Haiping let out a light sigh and said, "Since we have a military order, we naturally need to execute it faithfully.

"Brother, I understand your concerns.

"But think about it, isn’t it precisely because every soldier, and even every general leading troops, thinks the way you do, that our Qi Dynasty continues to lose battle after battle in the war?"