Finest Servant

Chapter 520

Chapter 520 The Turkic Wolf Smoke

The wind and sand swirled around her, lifting the hem of her dress and tousling her fine hair. Through the mist of sand, her gaze was indistinct. A crystal tear rolled down her white, jade-like cheek, looking like a transparent drop of amber resin amid the golden sand and setting sun.

The setting sun, the golden sand, and the wan woman—all that met his eyes seemed like an exquisite ink painting of a frontier landscape—hazy yet unbearably real. Watching Xu Zhiqing's tears stain her clothes, her beautiful cheeks shimmering with tear-light, Lin Wanrong felt a complex emotion he couldn't articulate. He sighed deeply and said, "Miss Xu, that story of grains of sand building a tower was moving. I haven’t been this touched in a long time. Is there more? Can you tell another?"

Xu Zhiqing’s pretty face turned ashen with anger. Picking up her light green sleeve to wipe away the tears, she coldly snorted, "If you want to hear stories, go find your Miss Qingxuan to talk to. I don’t have time for idle chatter. I'm leaving."

She stood up, picked up her long dress, and started walking toward the camp. After a few steps, she noticed an unusual stillness behind her. Lin Wanrong was as silent as the dust trailing her. She hesitated for a moment, her steps involuntarily slowing as she sneaked a glance back. He was looking up at the vast sky, lying on the ground as though nothing had happened.

A tear moistened her eyes instantaneously. "Damn you, damn you heartless beast!" she cried softly. With both hands, she scooped up a handful of dirt and sand and hurled it at him in anger.

A light cloud of dust rose, hovering between them. Lin Wanrong abruptly stood up, clenched his fists, and let out a cold hum.

As he took slow steps toward her, each footfall heavy as a drum, Xu Zhiqing stood frozen. Her heartbeat seemed to sync with the rhythmic steps, and the handful of sand she had clenched in her delicate hand became impossible to throw.

"What... what are you doing?" She stared into his wolf-like eyes and her heart skipped a beat. Her feet felt as if they had taken root, immovable. "I am the military advisor to the army. If you dare to—"

As his large hand moved toward her face, she let out a startled yelp, unable to move. Her cheeks flushed and she closed her eyes in desperation.

"'What?" Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile as he brushed a few grains of sand from her hair. "I'm an honorable man; what did you think I was going to do?"

Realizing she'd been tricked, Xu Zhiqing's face flushed with a mixture of shame and a trace of inexplicable disappointment.

As if endless grievances were about to burst forth, her eyes reddened. She cried out, "Do you find it fun to bully people? Since the first day I met you, you have been humiliating me—from the capital city to Shandong, all the way to Xingqing. Do I owe you something—ah—"

Her words were cut off as a warm hand grasped her trembling arm. Her scream choked in her throat, her breath stilled, and her cheeks flushed red, extending all the way to her slender, fair neck.

"What are you doing?" Her voice quivered uncontrollably, yet involuntarily softened. "I am the military advisor to the army. If you dare bully me, I'll report you to the Marshal for your crimes—"

"Is holding the hand of a military advisor a crime?" The insufferable man chuckled, tightening his grip on her small hand just a bit. "Then I'm willing to be a criminal for life!"

Hearing his detestable voice, Xu Zhiqing felt her nerves tremble and an irritating palpitation that she couldn't suppress.

"You, let go of me," she stammered, her small hand struggling fiercely, "I will call for help—"

"Help! Someone, help!" Before she could finish, the shameless man had already shouted out loud, "Brother Hu, Brother Gao, Brother Du—everyone come and see, I'm holding the military advisor's hand! I'm holding the military advisor's hand!"

A warm, trembling finger quickly pressed against Lin Wanrong's lips. Miss Xu was both furious and annoyed, tears falling like raindrops. "You, you utterly despicable person! Are you trying to infuriate me to death?!"

"Do you truly not want me to hold your hand?" Lin Wanrong shook his head, disappointment coloring his features. "Alright then, I won't."

As he spoke, he prepared to let go of Xu Zhiqing's small hand. Seeing his resolute action, Miss Xu couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, sobbing softly, "You—I'm going to die of frustration because of you!"

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, tightening his grip on her delicate hand. "Advisor Xu, do you want me to hold this hand or not? Give me a straightforward answer!"

There was a double meaning to his words. Xu Zhiqing blushed with a mix of irritation and joy, and snapped, "If you don't want to hold it, then don't! Who's going to force you—this is outside the military camp; if someone sees us, how am I supposed to live?!"

Her pretty face was flushed, and the shyness in her eyes outshone even the setting sun.

How wonderful it would be if they didn't have to go to war and could simply banter like this every day. Lin Wanrong sighed quietly, forcing a smile as he looked at Miss Xu, his expression turning somber.

Xu Zhiqing sensed the change in his mood, bit her red lips softly, and asked gently, "What's wrong? Weren't we just having a pleasant conversation?"

Lin Wanrong shook his head, plopped down on the sandy ground, and stared blankly at the distant tents illuminated by a smattering of stars.

‘This annoying man!’ Xu Zhiqing sighed softly, smoothed her long skirt, and slowly sat down beside him.

In the distance, columns of smoke rose, thousands of war horses galloped, and young soldiers chanted slogans during their drills. Their dark faces were covered in beads of sweat, shimmering in the setting sun.

Lin Wanrong stared for a long while before letting out a deep sigh, his expression weary. "So many vigorous brothers; who knows how many will be left by this time tomorrow?"

‘So, this was what weighed on his mind.’ Miss Xu glanced at him and said softly, "Haven't you fought against the White Lotus sect before? War is like this! Losses among officers and soldiers are inevitable. You have to steel your heart."

Fighting the White Lotus sect? By today's standards, that was child's play. Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled, "I don't know why, but fighting this war against the nomads, I feel an inexplicable sense of unease. In the past, I was known as a fearless hero. I would charge into enemy lines alone, fighting against thousands, but alas, I've really regressed."

"Ugh, shameless," Miss Xu muttered, her cheeks flushed. "You may have the courage of a tiger, but it's all for nefarious deeds!"

Lin Wanrong felt a stirring in his heart and chuckled lasciviously, "My dear advisor, you misunderstand. What you consider nefarious, I see as nothing but wholesome activities. It's just a matter of perspective; the essence is the same."

Xu Zhiqing gave a light huff, her face glowing like the evening sky. She didn't dare say more. Clad in her light gauze and lotus-colored pleated skirt, she looked like an oasis in the desert. Her exquisite figure formed delightful curves, and her eyes radiated a tenderness that seemed as though it could be wrung out. Lin Wanrong clicked his tongue and said, "I just realized—Miss Xu, did you wear this outfit specifically for me to see?"

"Ridiculous, don't flatter yourself!" Xu Zhiqing bashfully huffed, her voice becoming as faint as a mosquito's. "I wore it for myself!"

"Not for me? Well, that's fine," Lin Wanrong said with a roguish grin. "In fact, I have a few pieces of clothing that I wore specifically for you to see."

‘For me to see?’ Xu Zhiqing looked him up and down. He was dressed in thick armor, layer upon layer of clothing beneath, resembling a bloated panda. She laughed, her face red, "Nonsense, did you wear this armor just for me?"

"What are you talking about? How could I possibly do something so tasteless?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, glanced around mysteriously, and slowly lifted his armor to reveal his garments beneath. "See, all these were meant for you to see: this shirt, these green trousers, even these socks—ah, Miss Xu, don't leave; I haven't finished—"

"Scoundrel!" Miss Xu blushed and quickly scattered a handful of dust into his clothes before sprinting away. Her swaying form was entrancing.

"Advisor, you look beautiful in that outfit, really! I never lie, everyone knows that—" General Lin cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted towards the retreating figure of Miss Xu.

Xu Zhiqing paused slightly, stomped her feet in embarrassment, picked up a handful of yellow sand, and without caring about the distance, hurled it back at him before running into the camp.

Lin Wanrong let out a few howls, grabbed handfuls of dust, and hurled them into the depths of the desert. Dust filled the air, mingling with the swirling sands. After a few deep breaths, he gazed into the distant desert, his frustration seemingly dispersed.

...

The speed of the Turkic advance far exceeded Lin Wanrong's expectations, giving him a newfound understanding of what a Turkic wolf pack meant. Just as he was finishing his first yawn of the morning, a scout hurriedly burst into his tent. "General, the Turkic cavalry vanguard led by Nurzhan is approaching rapidly and is now about 200 li away. We have spotted enemy scouts about 50 li outside of Wuyuan City. The advisor orders us to prepare for battle immediately."

‘Damn it, I haven't even washed my face or brushed my teeth, let alone had breakfast, and the enemy is already here!’ Lin Wanrong grumbled. He glanced at the map and said, "General, judging by the current speed of the enemy, they should arrive at Wuyuan by noon."

"Explore further!" Lin Wanrong nodded and waved his hand, about to dismiss the scout when a sudden thought struck him. "Wait, what did you just say? Fifty li in front of Wuyuan City, you discovered the scouts of the Turks?"

The scout nodded, "Yes, they were the first wave of scouts sent by Nurzhan, numbering around twenty. Currently, we have three scouting units keeping an eye on their movements."

In front of the two armies, it was inevitable for scouts to cross paths. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If we're going to put on a show, let's do it convincingly! Wuyuan is an integral part of our great nation, sacred and inviolable. Relay my orders to my generals, tell Du Xiuyuan to dispatch a thousand men to annihilate these nomad scouts."

"At your command!" The scout turned to convey the orders. Hu Bugui shook his head, "The Turkic scouts ride the finest horses from the Turks. Even if they choose to flee, I fear Brother Du will find it hard to catch them."

"Even if we can't catch them, we must give chase," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. "Otherwise, how would the Turks believe that we are determined to hold Wuyuan?"

Understanding dawned on Hu Bugui, who laughed heartily and nodded. Lin Wanrong took a deep breath and turned serious, "Brother Hu, has all the gunpowder been buried within Wuyuan City?"

"It has. Li Sheng and I took care of it last night. We’ve buried the gunpowder beneath the main roads within the city. If the Turks dare to come, they'll get more than they bargained for," Hu Bugui said with full confidence.

"Excellent." Lin Wanrong burst into laughter, took up his riding crop, and began to leave. "Brother Hu, stay here to command the troops on the right wing. I'm going into the city."

"What?!" Hu Bugui was startled and hurriedly blocked his way, "General, you must not! You command the entire right wing. Your safety is crucial to the whole operation. The city is filled with gunpowder. One wrong move could result in catastrophe. If you have concerns, let me do the reconnaissance for you."

"That won't do," Lin Wanrong looked at him with piercing eyes. "If we are to make it look like we're defending the city, it wouldn't make sense for only a deputy to stay behind. The Turks are not fools. To bait the fish, one has to be willing to use the bait. As the commander of the right wing, my presence on the city walls alone will mislead Nurzhan. As for the risks, the gunpowder is buried deep underground without fuses on the surface. The only way to ignite it is with our artillery. What danger is there for me?"

Seeing his determination, Hu Bugui became anxious, "This still needs further discussion; I'll go inform the Advisor."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Come back," Lin Wanrong shouted, his face darkening. "In the field, a general has discretionary powers. Besides, Miss Xu clearly stated in yesterday’s military order that our right wing army is the vanguard against the Turks. Any changes in arrangement under my command are my responsibility. Are you planning to defy orders?"

His face was stern, carrying an air of authority. Even Hu Bugui, a seasoned veteran, felt a twinge of fear. He quickly clasped his fists, "I wouldn't dare."

Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder, "Brother Hu, I entrust this area to you. Wait for my signal arrow. Once it's launched, command Li Sheng to bombard Wuyuan City without delay."

Hu Bugui clenched his teeth and nodded. Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile, waved his hand, and led Gao Qiu out of the camp.

In the vast desert, yellow sand danced wildly, obscuring the morning light. Dust swirled around them with eerie wails, making it hard to keep one's eyes open. The wind was even stronger than the day before.

Beneath the sandstorm, Wuyuan City appeared desolate except for its outer walls. Only a few barren mounds of earth were left. All the warhorses had been fitted with bits, and the soldiers guarding the city had covered their faces with cloth, taking shelter behind the city walls to avoid the sandstorm.

Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu had traveled through this inhospitable environment. Their hair, eyebrows, and armor were already covered with dust, making them look like figures made of gray clay.

"General Lin, what brings you here?!" Du Xiuyuan saw Lin Wanrong arriving alone and was even more astonished than Hu Bugui. He yelled out to make himself heard over the howling sandstorm.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Here I am. Surprised, aren't you? That's exactly the reaction I was going for."

Moved, Du Xiuyuan watched as Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder. Noticing a mound of earth nearby, Lin Wanrong leaped onto it in three strides and bellowed, "Brothers—"

He gathered all his strength for this call. His voice carried far, mingling with the swirling sands and leaving an echoing howl that was clearly audible.

The soldiers hiding behind the city wall to avoid the sandstorm looked towards the mound. Rubbing their eyes, someone among them was the first to shout, "Look, it's General Lin—"

"It's General Lin, what's he doing here—"

"General Lin is with us—"

The news spread like wildfire. Soldiers who had been taking shelter behind the walls rushed out, their young faces resilient against the sandstorm, their attention entirely fixed on Lin Wanrong. His figure, standing tall on the mound, seemed like a majestic sand sculpture. A shared sense of joy and excitement suddenly filled every heart.

Standing on the mound, Lin Wanrong surveyed the scene. Amidst the flying sand, spirited horses neighed, countless banners fluttered in the wind, and the glinting edges of blades and spearheads gleamed icily, reflecting the excited, hopeful faces of the soldiers.

"Brothers—" Lin Wanrong roared, his voice steady and powerful, "The place where we stand is called Wuyuan. It's a remote land covered in sand, deserted all year round. If not for this war, perhaps we'd never know of its existence in our lifetimes."

The stinging sand hit his face, but Lin Wanrong seemed oblivious. His voice resonated through the sandstorm, reaching every ear.

"There are no green mountains or clear rivers here, no gold or silver treasures. But to me, it's the most beautiful place in the world. Because it marks the border of our great nation!—This is the land that we vow to defend with our lives and blood!"

With a sweeping gesture, his furious roar mixed with the sound of the storm, pounding like a drum against the soldiers' chests, "Let us swear on our lives and dignity—that anyone who dares to violate our land, no matter how far, shall be annihilated!"

"Anyone who dares to violate our land, no matter how far, shall be annihilated!" Countless soldiers yelled in unison. Their fervent passion seemed to extinguish even the raging sandstorm around them.

"Rumble, rumble," from afar, billowing sandstorms roiled the northern horizon, and several columns of warning smoke (wolf smoke) rose to the sky. Countless black specks moved like lightning, reminiscent of an endless swarm of locusts, bringing with them a face-full of sand from the vast desert. The earth trembled, resonating like thunder in spring, and even the silent city walls started to shake.

"It's the Turkic warning signals! The nomadic tribes are approaching!" Du Xiuyuan shouted with fiery eyes, drawing his battle sword. A surge of passion welled up in Lin Wanrong's chest instantly.

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