Chapter 329 Han Zhen

Chapter 329: Han Zhen

After the death of Old Prince Zhenbei, Han Zhen remained in the northern border army. Though his age and old wounds kept him from charging into battle.

Thanks to his extensive experience and high prestige, he was mainly responsible for overseeing new recruits' training and coordinating between units.

To some extent, he also represented a faction of the late Old Prince's old followers, and even Cui Ji treated him with considerable respect.

Han Zhen's arrival made the atmosphere in the tent tense up slightly, and even Cui Ji looked up at him.

Han Zhen first clasped his fists in salute to Cui Ji, his voice loud but a little hoarse: "General, I just heard about the grain supply problem and came immediately."

His gaze swept over the grim faces of the assembled officers before landing on the Huzhang Ridge marker on the sand table.

His deeply lined face filled with grief and anger, brows knitted tightly.

"Huzhang Ridge..." He took a deep breath, as if holding back a surge of emotion, before saying in a low, grave voice: "General, everyone, I've spent over thirty years in the northern border and know the Huzhang Ridge area quite well.

That place looks like a maze of paths, but there are only one or two main roads a supply convoy can actually use!

For the enemy to set up an ambush that precisely is no coincidence! There's a mole—there has to be!

Moreover, this person knows our supply routes and schedules like the back of his hand!"

His words added even more weight to everyone's earlier suspicions, making the word "mole" press down even harder on everyone's mind.

Han Zhen clasped his fists, his voice resolute: "General! I'm requesting permission to lead a team to Huzhang Ridge!"

The moment he said that, a chorus of objections erupted in the tent.

"Old General Han, absolutely not!" The hot-headed Assistant General Wang was the first to step forward.

"You're up there in years and full of old wounds. How can you put yourself in danger like this again?

We don't know what's going on at Huzhang Ridge. If there's an ambush waiting, it'll be extremely dangerous! Let me go instead!"

Another officer quickly chimed in: "Indeed, Old General Han, overseeing the new recruits and coordinating between units is already a handful.

Charging into battle and trekking through dangerous terrain is our job!"

Everyone chimed in, all worried about Han Zhen's safety.

This old general was an elder who'd watched many of them grow up. Personally and professionally, they didn't want to see him risk his life.

However, facing everyone's objections, Han Zhen's weathered face showed a determination that brooked no argument.

He raised his hand to silence them: "I appreciate the concern, everyone!

But precisely because Huzhang Ridge is so dangerous and unknown, the one who goes should know the terrain!

Huzhang Ridge might look like it only has one or two main roads, but I know its side paths, secret routes, and hidden spots for stashing supplies better than anyone!

Back in the day, I went through that place countless times with the Old Prince!"

He swept his gaze over everyone with the pride and sharp eye of a veteran.

"Even if the enemy torched some supply carts, there's no way they could burn that much grain and gear in an instant! Some of it has to be left!

I know exactly where they'd stash that stuff, and I know how to avoid ambush spots and circle around!

What about you all? Who here knows every inch of that ground, every bend in the road, better than I do?!"

He spoke with absolute conviction, carrying the confidence of decades in the military.

The tent went quiet. The officers exchanged glances and eventually all fell silent.

Han Zhen was right—he'd started out in the grain transport corps and had spent over thirty years in the northern border.

Huzhang Ridge was practically his second home. When it came to knowing the terrain, no one there could match him.

Sending him was indeed the safest bet for recovering whatever grain was left and scouting out the enemy.

Seeing that no one objected anymore, Han Zhen knew they were still worried—mainly about his old bones.

He let out a hearty laugh, full of vigor and even a bit of swagger, and slapped his chest hard, producing a dull thud:

"What? You think I'm too old? Let me tell you, don't let the white hair and wrinkles fool you—these bones are still solid!

Three or five ordinary tough guys couldn't get near me! If you really want to test yourselves, you young pups might not even be a match for me!"

Though his words were half in jest, his straight back and the sharp gleam in his eyes made it impossible to doubt him.

This old warrior, despite his age, had never lost the ferocity and grit forged through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

All eyes eventually turned to the expressionless Cui Ji in the seat of honor, waiting for his call.

Cui Ji's gaze rested on Han Zhen's face for a moment, then swept over the silent officers.

He knew no one could match Han Zhen's skill and knowledge of Huzhang Ridge, and he understood the old general's resolve.

The grain crisis was urgent, and they needed the person who knew the area best to get there fast and salvage whatever they could.

After a brief silence, Cui Ji finally spoke, his voice steady and brooking no argument: "Very well, we'll trouble you, Old General Han. You'll lead the team to Huzhang Ridge."

A sharp glint flashed in Han Zhen's eyes. He clasped his fists and boomed, "Understood!"

Cui Ji then turned to Assistant General Wang, who had been volunteering for the mission: "Assistant General Wang, you'll lead your elite troops and go with Old General Han. All actions will be under his command."

This arrangement both gave Han Zhen support given his age and the dangers, and also served the long-term goal of training officers to handle complex terrain—thorough and thoughtful.

Though Assistant General Wang was capable of leading on his own, he understood the deeper intent and immediately clasped his fists: "Yes, sir!"

Cui Ji then gave detailed instructions on the other matters, covering every detail until everything was settled.

By the time everything was settled, dawn had fully broken outside. Morning light streamed through the tent flap, pushing back the dim candlelight inside.

Cheng Ge watched him assign each matter one by one, realizing that being a great general came with prestige, but the responsibilities all hinged on the fate of the Cui Family Army.

After the meeting, Cui Ji and Cheng Ge had a simple breakfast.

Neither spoke, and the mood stayed heavy, but there was an unspoken understanding between them.

After the meal, Cui Ji had more military matters to handle, while Cheng Ge remembered the Archery Instructor post Cui Ji had given him the day before.

He said goodbye to Cui Ji and headed to the training grounds alone.

The training grounds were already roaring with shouts at dawn as soldiers drilled.

Cheng Ge's appearance drew curious looks again. Why was the General's Wife here? Was she inspecting on the general's behalf?