Chapter 302: Stay

Chapter 302: Stay

"If we can win, it will have a positive effect on the peace talks between the imperial court and the Liao Kingdom." After all, the worse the defeat, the fewer conditions there are to negotiate.

Chu Jin sighed and poured himself a cup of wine, drinking it down in one go.

"Unfortunately, after leaving Tong Pass, I fought several battles and suffered heavy losses. I brought out three thousand soldiers, but in the end, only a little over a thousand remained."

"Originally, I was full of ambition, thinking of leading three thousand brothers to wipe out the Liao dogs in this area. But instead, we were chased around by the Liao soldiers."

"Discovering the grain storage in Huanghua Town was a coincidence. It's also my last hope."

"Tonight's attack on the city is actually my last desperate attempt."

"I didn't expect—" At this point, Chu Jin's face broke into a smile.

He poured wine for Qin Xiaoyao and then filled a cup for himself, inviting Qin Xiaoyao to clink glasses again.

As the wine glasses clinked, Chu Jin smiled and finished his drink.

"I, Chu Jin, am fortunate to have survived, thanks to your unexpected act of saving my life, sir!"

Qin Xiaoyao smiled.

"You're overestimating me."

"Even without me, you might still have taken Huanghua Town."

Chu Jin also smiled at Qin Xiaoyao.

"Even if I could take it, there would be few men left under my command. At most, I could burn the Liao Army's grain and grass. Defending the city is out of the question."

And if the city couldn't be defended, they would eventually be annihilated by the surrounding Liao Army.

Thinking of something, Qin Xiaoyao's expression changed.

"What are you going to do next?" She had been too focused on reconnecting with Chu Jin and had overlooked the fact that Chu Jin couldn't contact the second prince either.

If Chu Jin couldn't reach the second prince, how could she expect to see him?

"Solidify the defense of Huanghua Town," Chu Jin said solemnly.

Then, he looked towards Qin Xiaoyao.

"I—want to ask sir to stay and help me defend Huanghua Town."

Seeing Qin Xiaoyao's silence, Chu Jin looked apologetic.

"I know sir's capability. If you leave, you'll definitely be able to reach Tong Pass safely."

"But—"

"But I still selfishly ask sir to stay."

"With you here, Huanghua Town can definitely be defended. And my brothers will have a better chance of surviving."

Qin Xiaoyao remained silent.

She drank two more cups of wine on her own before finally sighing.

"Earlier, I overheard discussions in the Liao Army's camp. They said the Jin-Liao peace talks are nearing the end and a result will be reached soon."

"Once the peace talks are successful, the Liao soldiers will withdraw. By then, you won't need to defend Huanghua Town anymore."

"If it's only for a few days... I... will stay."

She was ultimately influenced, just like the people of Jin at this time, harboring hatred for the Liao people.

At the same time, she couldn't bear to see her friend defending the town alone.

Of course, she was also worried that even if she went to Tong Pass, it wouldn't be easy to see the second prince.

Staying with Chu Jin and waiting for things to conclude would at least ensure she could meet the second prince.

Chu Jin's face lit up with joy.

"I speak for the soldiers in thanking you, sir!" He stood up and raised his cup in a toast to Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Xiaoyao quickly stood up as well.

"No need to be so polite. You're defending the country for the people of Great Jin."

She then filled the cup on the table and drank another cup with Chu Jin.

From then on, given that they would be defending Huanghua Town together, there was a newfound closeness between them.

The conversation gradually shifted to the defense of Huanghua Town.

Having previously scouted the terrain of the Liao Army's camp and the large area in the northern part of Huanghua Town, Qin Xiaoyao shared some insights.

Chu Jin listened attentively and occasionally added his own thoughts.

After discussing together, they came up with a plan for these areas.

After eating and drinking enough, Chu Jin even took Qin Xiaoyao back to the camp.

It was the place previously occupied by the Liao Army.

After Chu Jin's team took it over, they used it as their new camp.

Taking Qin Xiaoyao to the central army tent, Chu Jin ordered someone to fetch the two Centurions under his command, as well as the other Centurions, to come for a meeting.

They didn’t have to wait long in the tent. The Centurions and the other officers arrived one after another.

Due to battle losses, there weren’t many of them, and in total, there were less than ten people.

Seeing everyone had arrived, Chu Jin quickly introduced Qin Xiaoyao to them.

He also appointed her as a Vice Xiaowei, so that the army would follow her commands in addition to his own.

Not all of the Centurions knew Qin Xiaoyao, but after Chu Jin’s introduction, they learned that she was the warrior who had single-handedly killed a Centurion of the Liao Army. They were all filled with admiration for her.

Thus, Qin Xiaoyao temporarily settled down in Huanghua Town.

As soon as she returned to her quarters, Huang Fei and the others were already waiting.

Leading them there was Liu San.

Seeing that all four were safe, Qin Xiaoyao felt a little more at ease.

Huang Fei and the others, however, were very excited to see Qin Xiaoyao.

They knew their leader was formidable, but they hadn’t expected her to be so distinguished. And she was a woman.

Yes, after being found by Liu San, they had been told about their leader’s background.

They learned that she knew the second prince and was highly valued by him, even helping the prince train soldiers.

When the second prince left Lingquan Town, he reportedly regretted not being able to take their leader with him.

Now, their leader had taken the initiative to join him. Needless to say, her future prospects were bright.

Liu San had already learned about Qin Xiaoyao’s promotion to Vice Xiaowei and was very respectful towards her.

He even proactively informed her that he had received orders to stay by her side and follow her instructions.

Qin Xiaoyao was satisfied with this arrangement and nodded to indicate she understood.

Only then did she dismiss Liu San.

Afterward, she asked Huang Fei and the others to follow her into the tent.

As soon as they entered, Huang Fei and the others knelt on one knee and saluted Qin Xiaoyao.

“Greetings, Vice Xiaowei!” they said excitedly.

A Xiaowei! Although it was a deputy position, it was now the second highest rank in Huanghua Town.

No wonder their leader had become a high-ranking officer as soon as she arrived.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and raised her hand to signal for them to stand up.

Only then did the four rise.

“I accepted the position of Vice Xiaowei at the request of a friend. Once the Liao soldiers retreat, after I meet with the second prince, I will no longer lead the army,” Qin Xiaoyao said.

The four looked at each other in surprise.

Qin Xiaoyao continued, “Judging by your expressions, Liu San must have already told you something about me.”

“When I left Lingquan Town to join the second prince, it wasn’t really to enlist. I had another matter to ask for the prince’s help.”

“After it’s done, I will leave.”

Huang Fei and the others were shocked, and after glancing at each other, Huang Fei spoke on behalf of the group.

“Leader, with your skills and the second prince’s appreciation, why wouldn’t you want to stay in the military?”

They had decided to follow their leader, but if she left, what would become of them?

Qin Xiaoyao looked at the four of them and understood their thoughts.

After a moment of thought, she said, “I—am a woman. Fame and fortune aren’t that important to me.”

Well, she felt a bit awkward saying this, and it wasn’t entirely true.

The main reason she didn’t want to stay in the military was that she didn’t want to be separated from her husband.