Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 464 - 258: Zhao Yi Army Established_3

Chapter 464: Chapter 258: Zhao Yi Army Established_3

"Of course, I can’t guarantee that Qin Huizhi, that treacherous cur, will let you off,"

"If any soldiers ask what I intend to do..."

"Tell them likewise that the barbarians have not been vanquished, and the people of the Northern Land are eagerly hoping someone will rescue them from peril."

"This duty ought to be performed by the official army. But if the official army cannot fulfill it, then even if I must abandon my identity as part of the official army, I will continue!"

"I will never be manipulated by Qin Huizhi, I won’t return to the capital, and I even intend to keep moving north to face the Jin people in a battle to the death!"

"Those who are willing to continue following me, stay."

"Naturally, if you choose to follow me, be prepared for everything, including enduring hunger and facing betrayal by many!"

The generals could not help but look at each other, their faces filled with astonishment.

This was a clear call to go their separate ways!

Although it had not been explicitly stated, General Han Fuyue’s words effectively meant he wanted to purify the current army entirely.

Those who would return to the capital and those who would stay with him would each face their own consequences. It was even possible that these two groups might end up clashing swords in the future.

This was indeed a terribly difficult choice to make.

If they returned to the capital, these Deputy Generals might be bribed or coerced into leading a peaceful life for years, yet there was also the risk of them being made an example of through execution.

And as for their soldiers, though they likely wouldn’t face death, looking at the condition of other Xiang Armies and Imperial Guards from Qi Dynasty, it was clear that a united vengeance against the Jin people was ruled out; it would simply be a life of officers taking bribes and soldiers resorting to trade merely to make ends meet.

But what if they stayed with General Han Fuyue? That would be tantamount to rebellion. The court would certainly not supply them with provisions anymore, and most likely other generals would be sent to attack them. Although the main Jin forces were significantly weakened, if there was a chance to kill General Han Fuyue, they would likely take the risk.

In such a situation, without supplies and external reinforcements and surrounded by enemies, the prospects would be grimly dangerous.

The generals all remained silently.

Zhao Haiping waved his hand, "Dismissed.

"Oh, and one more thing to remind you all. If anyone dares to deceive their soldiers, not telling them the truth, whether luring them back south or persuading them to stay... they will be severely dealt with by military law, executed without mercy!"

The generals responded in unison, "Yes!"

Then, they each returned to their camps.

Although there was a chance these men might make surreptitious moves, Zhao Haiping wasn’t too worried overall.

On one hand, because General Han Fuyue’s camaraderie still held, most generals would likely obey his wishes out of respect for the old times; on the other hand, even if some generals harbored different thoughts, they wouldn’t dare act out within the army.

When General Han openly disregarded the emperor’s command, you think he wouldn’t dare kill for lesser offenses? Was that possible?

Thus, Zhao Haiping’s final order was thoroughly enforced.

...

Within a few days, unrest stirred among the 100,000-strong army stationed at Zhuxian Town.

Every division had learned from their respective generals of the emperor summoning General Han Fuyue with twelve golden plates and how General Han Fuyue had defied the emperor’s decree.

This dilemma now lay before all the soldiers.

Return to the capital? Or join General Han Fuyue in his grand plan?

Both paths were fraught with uncertainty.

Yet fortunate compared to real historical situations, they still had a second option to consider.

Ten days later, the army set out, returning to the capital.

Several of the generals leading the troops back felt ashamed and dared not meet Zhao Haiping’s eyes.

But Zhao Haiping didn’t say much; he merely patted their shoulders, urging them to look after themselves after returning. Even if they could no longer support the realm or save the common folk, at least they should strive to protect themselves and not be easily harmed by corrupt individuals, and certainly not to collude or betray their morals.

The military camps that had been spread around Zhuxian Town and stretched for miles became deserted as the army left.

Zhao Haiping looked out at the generals and the remaining soldiers who had chosen to stay by his side.

At that moment, these soldiers were positioned as neatly as they did during training outside the central military camp, with coordinated military bearing, each face wearing expressions of anguish and sorrow.

At this time, the number of Zhao Haiping’s soldiers had abruptly fallen from 100,000 to just over 30,000!

Of course, before the departing generals left, they left behind a significant amount of military equipment, supplies, and horses in the camp.

After all, for those returning to the capital, future battles were virtually impossible; it seemed only right to leave these resources for General Han Fuyue, who had greater need of them. Besides, they were more or less obliged to leave them.

As for these generals, some of their soldiers wanted to leave, while some soldiers under generals who wanted to leave didn’t want to go, so there would need to be a reorganization of the camps afterward.

Though not a major issue, seeing what was once a mighty army of 100,000 now reduced by seventy to eighty percent still left many feeling somber.

And now, all eyes were on Zhao Haiping.

They had staked their entire lives on this, trusting in General Han Fuyue. Whether it was through a sea of flames or a mountain of blades, they were prepared to follow him through any peril.

And now, it was time for Zhao Haiping to make his promises to them.

Zhao Haiping stepped onto a high slope, looking around, ready to start his address.

In real history, General Han Fuyue also often delivered such speeches. Whenever he spoke of the humiliation at Jingping, he would often break down in tears, and his soldiers, deeply moved by his emotion, were invariably inspired. This sense of duty to the family and country, a sentiment deeply rooted in each soldier’s heart by a Divine General like Han Fuyue who always led from the front, formed a powerful and invincible military spirit.

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