Frontier.
The battle was still underway tense.
Although Ye Ge had already led his troops to drive Dashun’s barbarians out of Dajin’s territory, Dashun would still e over to provoke them from time to time. Here a skirmish, there a battle, Ye Ge and Lu Jianxi dared not take it lightly.
Lu Jianxi, however, was indifferent. She was just there to provide support, and her mission was already plete. What followed was Ye Ge’s responsibility, plus her Lu Manor had sent several letters urging her return, which she had refused citing the urgency of military affairs.
Truth be told, she couldn’t bear to part with Ye Ge.
This man, who had finally made her heart flutter.
Now the two of them were growing increasingly in tune with each other in warfare, coordinating seamlessly, striking terror into the barbarians at the mere mention of their names.
However, it was said that Dashun’s Second Prince hadn’t given up, having finally found a worthy opponent. How could he let Ye Ge go so easily?
“General Nangong, the barbarians have issued a challenge to battle this time!” Li Ze entered Ye Ge’s tent, finding him discussing deployment strategies with Lu Jianxi.
“Oh? They’ve actually issued a challenge this time?” Lu Jianxi took the challenge with curiosity, “Usually, the barbarians would just launch a surprise attack here and there, but this time they have actually issued a battle challenge. How strange, truly strange.”
Li Ze replied, “It’s that Second Prince. He says he wants to measure himself against Ye Ge personally. If Ye Ge manages to win this time, he promises a truce of half a year, allowing peace to return to the borders of both nations.”
“A duel? Does he mean one-on-one?” Lu Jianxi unfolded the challenge, and presented it to Ye Ge, “General Nangong, take a look.”
Ye Ge unfolded the challenge and read it carefully twice, then said, “That’s correct, it implies a duel.”
There indeed existed such a practice in military engagements — just before the onset of battle, the manders from each side could duel, with the victor gaining more confidence.
However, such scenes were extremely rare in actual battlefields because once the two armies engaged, a cessation was unlikely. There was no time to spare for manders to face off in duel.
“General Nangong, do you intend to accept the Second Prince’s challenge?” Lu Jianxi asked, “His terms seem quite good. If you win, a half-year’s truce would follow. It’s just that the Second Prince is known for his cunning; it’s uncertain if he’ll keep his word.”
Li Ze said, “Whether he keeps his word is secondary. According to the reports from our spies back from the enemy lands, that Second Prince is venomous by nature and practices a Kung Fu unlike mon folk. Just look at the gunpowder incident; there’s fear he might resort to some trickery.”
Ye Ge’s eyes grew serious, “He might also be looking for a way to step down gracefully. First, he lost face after losing the fort, and though unwilling to concede, necessity has forced his frequent incursions. Since the loss has weakened his nation’s strength, he can’t afford grand gestures, so he keeps up these minor skirmishes. Now, by challenging me to a duel, if I win, it gives him an excuse to call for a truce and time to recuperate his forces. If he wins, he saves face — it’s a two-for-one bargain.”
“Indeed,” Lu Jianxi added, “So, Ye Ge, will you accept? If you don’t, it won’t make a difference. If the barbarians e, we fight them, that’s all.”
“No, I accept,” Ye Ge said, “I have been wanting to meet this Second Prince for a while now, and this is a good opportunity. Besides, if I indeed win and we have half a year of truce, I will have the chance to go back and see my wife.”
His wife, again.
Lu Jianxi managed a forced smile, “But even if you win, what if the Second Prince goes back on his word…”
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