Chapter 18: General Chen Finally Withdraws His Troops

Just as Zhang Yunliang was about to announce his decision, another guard rushed in to report, "General, Captain Wang has returned!"

This news immediately caused the gathered commanders of the Chen army to each display a different expression. There was surprise from Chen Xiang, anxiety from Gao An, confusion from Ji Hui, and, of course, fury from Zhang Yunliang.

No sooner had the guard withdrawn than someone stumbled into the tent from outside. As the soldiers tried to help him, he pushed them away, knelt on the ground, and, his face streaked with tears, wailed, "General, this subordinate deserves death!"

As soon as he entered the command tent, Wang Gushan dropped to his knees facing the main seat. Compared to his arrogance the previous night, he now seemed utterly desolate, like a dog driven from its home.

"You have the nerve to come back?" Zhang Yunliang roared in rage. Without thinking, he grabbed the general's seal from the table and hurled it at Wang Gushan.

Seeing the heavy seal flying toward him, Wang Gushan did not flinch; he let it strike him squarely on the head.

"You—" Zhang Yunliang's anger burned even hotter at Wang Gushan's display. What is the meaning of this? Who are you trying to impress?

His fury mounting, Zhang Yunliang drew his sword and moved to strike Wang Gushan.

The other officers quickly stepped forward to stop Zhang Yunliang—it was no time for internal strife.

"General, this subordinate is guilty beyond pardon," Wang Gushan choked out, lifting his tear-stained face.

He knew well that he had committed a grave mistake; over a thousand soldiers under his command had been lost. No excuse could absolve him. Even the Wang family, one of the great clans of Chen, could not cover for such a blunder. If Zhang Yunliang killed him now, his family would not utter a word of complaint before the Marquis of Chen.

"General, my life is forfeit, but you must avenge our fallen brothers!" Wang Gushan pleaded in anguish.

Those dead Chen soldiers had followed him since the beginning—he could not let their deaths go unavenged. He was willing to die himself, but this blood debt must be repaid. As long as he lived, vengeance for his brothers was his only purpose.

"Get out!" Zhang Yunliang ignored his cries, kicking him hard in the shoulder.

The blow sent Wang Gushan tumbling down the steps outside the tent.

That wretched fool, Zhang Yunliang thought bitterly as he watched Wang Gushan disappear. When we return, I’ll settle accounts with him properly.

Still seething, Zhang Yunliang slammed his fist down on the desk.

These past two days had been the most humiliating of his entire military career. After Wang Gushan’s debacle, there was no way his forces could reach the designated position on time, nor was there any hope of accomplishing their strategic objectives.

If he chose to press on, they might well face a Wei army now thoroughly prepared for battle, in which case, only death awaited them.

The tent fell into a heavy silence. Thinking of Wang Gushan’s miserable state, everyone stood cautiously, afraid to provoke Zhang Yunliang further.

He paced back and forth in front of the commander's seat, his anxiety plain to see, as he weighed his options.

Finally, he picked up the general’s seal from the ground, having made up his mind about the army’s next move.

Returning to his seat, back to his officers, Zhang Yunliang spoke in a heavy voice, "Gentlemen, after this engagement, it is likely the Wei have already discovered our movements!"

He turned to face them, continuing, "Combined with the time lost last night, our mission to strike the enemy’s rear is now impossible."

His sudden announcement left Ji Hui and the others baffled—why say this now?

But Zhang Yunliang’s next words stunned them. He ordered, "Relay my command to the troops: we withdraw at once and make for Changping Pass by nightfall."

Ji Hui and Gao An could not comprehend what Zhang Yunliang was doing. Was a single defeat and the loss of a thousand men enough to frighten an army of ten thousand into retreat? Was this some kind of joke? Did he really think they feared the Wei?

"General, why?" Ji Hui stepped forward, abandoning protocol to directly challenge Zhang Yunliang.

As a member of the Chen royal clan, Ji Hui’s primary mission was to ensure the army remained under the court’s control. Zhang Yunliang’s command forced him to reconsider everything.

Zhang Yunliang understood Ji Hui’s concern and saw the doubt in everyone’s eyes. He explained gravely, "I act solely for the sake of Chen."

The officers remained silent, their faces still full of confusion.

Zhang Yunliang continued, "Chen is weak—our nation is small and our army few. I cannot risk the loss of these ten thousand cavalry."

"No matter who prevails between Qin and Wei, only by preserving our own strength can our house endure in these turbulent times."

"General, do not forget it was the Lord of Qin himself who asked our ruler to attack the Wei rear..." Ji Hui reminded him, now understanding Zhang Yunliang’s intentions, and finding them reasonable. But how would they answer to the Qin?

"We have no need to heed the Qin’s demands," Zhang Yunliang replied indifferently. In his view, if Qin tried to pressure Chen, it would only drive Chen into the arms of Wei.

Finally, Zhang Yunliang added, "If the ruler or the Qin have cause for blame, I alone will bear the responsibility!"

Only in this way could he ensure everyone would set aside their doubts and follow him in retreat.

"General, you mustn’t!" Suddenly, a hoarse voice cried out from outside.

Wang Gushan, looking like a battered turtle, crawled back into the tent. His body bore even more wounds than before.

"General, we cannot retreat!" Wang Gushan knelt, pleading.

Zhang Yunliang remained silent, watching Wang Gushan’s performance.

"General, my men are dead or wounded, nearly all lost. You must avenge them!" Wang Gushan sobbed, trembling.

"You have the nerve to speak of vengeance? If not for you, would so many brothers have died?" Zhang Yunliang’s anger flared once more.

Hearing this, Wang Gushan fell silent. What Zhang Yunliang had said would haunt him every day and night.

Zhang Yunliang went on, "The central army had already prepared two detachments to pursue the Wei, to hunt them down and utterly destroy them."

"But your rash attack ruined everything. We were delayed an entire night, and over a thousand brothers were lost because of you."

"Tell me, who bears the greatest blame? Is it not you?" Zhang Yunliang pointed at Wang Gushan, his fury unabated.

"If you truly seek vengeance for your men, you should start by taking your own life!" Zhang Yunliang’s voice was icy.

Wang Gushan was left speechless, bowing his head in shame. This time, he had truly brought calamity.

Perhaps death would be a release, he thought.

With a cry of despair, Wang Gushan threw his head hard against the ground.

There was a sickening thud, and Wang Gushan collapsed, blood streaming from his brow.

"Quick, save him!" This was the last thing Wang Gushan heard before losing consciousness, and he recognized the voice as Ji Hui's.

In the end, the Chen army, in accordance with Zhang Yunliang’s orders, began an orderly retreat.

Thus, whether due to Zhang Yunliang’s caution or the weakness of the Chen, as the butterfly named Wei Wuji fluttered its wings, the course of history in this world was forever changed.