The soldiers raced with such speed that even King Yan and his entourage came close to catching up with them within the borders of the Jin Kingdom. Despite their efforts, they were unable to catch the main force of the Jin Kingdom.
In early October, an unexpected heavy snowfall covered the grassland. Snowflakes, as large as goose feathers, whipped through the air with the biting cold wind, making it challenging for people to keep their eyes open.
Advancing for half a day, the army found the snow covering the entire grassy expanse. The sky, the ground, and even the soldiers and horses were concealed beneath the falling snow.
King Yan summoned the soldiers to discuss whether to persist in the pursuit or establish a camp and wait for the snow to cease before resuming their chase.
Guo Xiao: “Your Majesty, the terrain of the grassland is complicated. One can still discern the direction on a sunny day. However, with the heavy snow now, if we hastily pursue, we risk getting lost. Should the Jin soldiers set up an ambush ahead, our army would be defenseless. I fear that if we counterattack, our victory may turn into defeat.” The words were so stern that King Yan glared at him.
Guo Xiao wasn’t afraid of the stare, but he was concerned that King Yan’s zeal for meritorious deeds might jeopardize the overall situation. He was intimately familiar with the grassland, and the snowy terrain was treacherous.
Although King Yan was the commander-in-chief, more than half of the soldiers in the camp were Guo Xiao’s supporters, and they all backed his decision.
At that moment, two scouts returned, covered in snow, reporting that due to the heavy snow, they had veered off course, and there was no sign of the Jin soldiers. These words merely validated Guo Xiao’s concerns.
Cui Yu, who had stood by King Yan’s side, spoke suddenly, addressing the crowd, “Our army fears the wind and snow. The Jin soldiers, confident in their familiarity with the grasslands, likely anticipated our army stopping to set up camp. If we press forward, we may catch the Jin soldiers by surprise.”
A literati, Cui Yu was also exceptionally handsome, and the generals disliked him. The generals on King Yan’s side frowned, expressing their displeasure.
King Yan looked at the three commanders, Feng Su, Yang Jingzhong, and Gao Zhen. The three remained silent; it was indeed a predicament. No matter how much they supported the lord, they dared not take the risk lightly. Success would bring merit, but failure might lead to punishment for blind obedience.
At that moment, Wei Luo walked into the camp, knelt down on one knee before King Yan, and volunteered, “Father, I would like to lead a team as the vanguard.”
“Okay, Feng Su, go and count the soldiers and horses, and set off with him later, and listen to his command on the way.”
Feng Su strode out, giving orders in a loud voice. Despite not supporting the decision to advance, he pledged allegiance till death upon King Yan’s command. Half an hour later, Wei Luo, Cui Yu, Feng Su, and Feng Teng mounted their horses, leading a force of more than 10,000. Scouts took the lead, setting off along different paths and marking their routes with small five-color flags.
As the sky darkened, the red-clad scout returned, snow covering his face and eyebrows like a snowman. “Third Master, Commander, I found the Jin soldiers camp, five miles away!”
Wei Luo had someone clear the snow off the scout and confirmed his identity. He then turned to Feng Su, asking, “General Feng, what do you think?”
Feng Su, feeling a warm sensation, appreciated that King Yan had appointed the third master to lead. He laughed and said, “Certainly, as Mr. Cui suggested, catching the Jin soldiers off guard is key. However, we should send someone to inform King Yan, allowing the army to start immediately and flank the Jin soldiers to cut off their retreat.”
The trio returned to camp to deliver the battle report and continued with the scouts. By nightfall, they got close to the enemies’ camp. A faint light shimmered ahead, and the night and snow concealed all traces of Wei Luo and the others. Feng Teng rubbed his fists and wiped the snow from his face, questioning, “Should we act now?”
Wei Luo whispered, “At this moment, they’re still eating. Let’s wait another hour until they fall asleep.” Feng Teng nodded and stood next to his mount.
Feng Su was somewhat satisfied. His son, though not destined for greatness, was obedient and could be a fierce general. In the heavy snowstorm, soldiers clung to their horses, and infantry without mounts huddled together, awaiting orders.
Wei Luo silently observed the snow at his feet, judging the passage of time by its thickness. At a certain moment, he looked at Feng Su and Cui Yu on the left and right, then nodded.
Wei Luo shook off the snow, mounted his horse, and was the first to charge toward the camp. Horseshoes splashed snow waves, and the echoing killing sounds filled the air.
Author’s Note:
King Yan: That was a good one!
First Master: What about me?
King Yan: How did you end up becoming a father? I heard San Lang got a head injury.
First Master: …Well, the second brother took another concubine.
Second Master: …