Chapter 518: Rest
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At that time, Qin Silong embodied fearlessness.
Relying on a blend of luck and strength, he persevered until the very end. Post-castle attack, he relentlessly pursued the opposing party, ultimately succeeding in capturing a vital individual alive.
His promotion from decurion to centurion ensued, a recognition bestowed upon him due to the pivotal capture. Despite this achievement, the lack of connections and a penchant for ingratiating himself with superiors meant a two-year stagnation in his career progression.
The turning point occurred during his venture to the bandit nest in the mountains. It was there that he personally dispatched the second-in-command, earning him the rank of chiliarch.
However, upon returning home to revel in the glory of his ancestors, he discovered that his entire family had been annihilated by bandits.
All these events unfolded within the confines of a dream—a reality that would never materialize again.
Upon interrogating the captive, the revelation of their true identities and motives surfaced.
These individuals pledged allegiance to a descendant of the previous dynasty, aspiring to overthrow the imperial court and reclaim their rightful land.
Their modus operandi involved sowing discord in the small county town, vehemently denouncing the imperial court and advocating for the overthrow of the supposedly inept emperor. They cared little for the collateral damage inflicted upon the populace.
Rather than establishing Three Flowers County as their base, their goal was to swiftly shift locations.
A successful trial in one county would prompt them to replicate the chaos in surrounding areas. The overarching objective was to manipulate public sentiment, broadcasting a narrative that painted the officials as oppressors, forcing the people into rebellion with no alternative.
They could also exploit this opportunity to thin out a portion of the soldiers.
When the timing was optimal, they would unfurl the banner of restoring the country and reclaim it in a decisive move.
Qin Silong was now aware that the Public House aimed to eliminate him and Su Ping. Despite leading the troops, the lion’s share of military power rested in Deputy General Lin’s hands.
His effective mobilization was limited to the 1,000 soldiers under his command.
When the moment arrived, he would ostensibly lead the troops. Victory would credit Deputy General Lin, while defeat would squarely fall on Qin Silong’s shoulders. Moreover, there was the looming threat of his own men turning against him at Deputy General Lin’s command during an attack.
His current imperative was not to hastily launch an assault. Instead, he needed to seize an opportunity to clandestinely eliminate Deputy General Lin.
Deputy General Lin raised no objection when Qin Silong ordered a period of rest.
However, as the rest extended into the next day without any sign of preparation for an attack, Deputy General Lin grew anxious. He summoned Qin Silong to his tent for a meeting.
“Why aren’t you preparing to attack?” Deputy General Lin inquired impatiently.
Qin Silong replied, “There’s no rush. Before launching an attack, we must survey the terrain. I intend to deliberately delay our actions, keeping them in suspense and on guard.”
“I plan to dispatch a team of elite soldiers every night to harass the entrance guards. After creating awareness, we’ll promptly retreat.”
“This will occur three or four times each night. Once they lower their guard, we’ll launch a unified assault.
These words served as a deceptive ploy by Qin Silong. His actual battle strategy was far from what he conveyed to Deputy General Lin. That plan wouldn’t suffice.
As anticipated, Deputy General Lin sneered, “So, how many days do you plan to keep us idle?”
Qin Silong calmly responded, “I intend to rest for eight to ten days to sow confusion among them.”
Deputy General Lin, enraged, slammed the table. “Are you out of your mind?!”
“We have roughly 10,000 troops, and the daily grain consumption is no trivial matter.. Where do you expect to find enough food to sustain everyone for ten days?”