Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1057 Military Strategy of Longxi County!

As dusk deepened, the last rays of sunset faded from the horizon. Palace lanterns lit up one by one, and the outline of Weiyang Palace appeared both majestic and desolate in the twilight.

"My lord," came the servant's voice from outside the door, "the second young master requests an audience."

Xiao He was taken aback. He hadn't even sent anyone to invite him, yet Gao Zhe had come on his own. There were two possibilities: either Zhang Liang or someone else had already tipped off Gao Zhe, or Gao Zhe himself had noticed the movements in the court.

"Please." Xiao He put down his pen and straightened his clothes.

The door opened, and Gao Zhe strode in. He wasn't wearing court robes today, but rather a black, close-fitting outfit, with a long sword at his waist, exuding a commanding presence. In the candlelight, his features were clearly defined, his brows displaying a similar determination to Gao Yao, but his eyes were sharper, lacking the deep, seasoned quality of years.

"Lord Xiao." Gao Zhe clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, his movements swift and decisive.

"Please have a seat, Second Young Master." Xiao He gestured for a servant to bring tea. "What brings you here today, Young Master?"

Gao Zhe did not sit down, but stood in front of the table, looking directly at Xiao He: "I heard that the cabinet is discussing the Qiang people's invasion of the border?"

As expected, they already knew. Xiao He sighed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "It is indeed true. The Qiang tribe has gathered 50,000 troops and is invading Longxi. The border is in dire need of attention."

"Mr. Zhang Liang suggested that I lead the troops into battle, is that really true?" Gao Zhe asked directly.

Xiao He pondered for a moment and nodded: "Zhang Liang did have this idea, but it has not yet been decided."

Gao Zhe's eyes flickered, but he did not evade the question: "I understand what you mean, sir. There are undercurrents in Xianyang now, and if I leave, some people will inevitably take action."

"Then why did you come, young master?" Xiao He asked in return.

“Because the border is in dire need of attention, because the soldiers are waiting for reinforcements, because I am my father’s son,” Gao Zhe’s voice was firm and powerful. “And even more so because I believe that Lord Xiao will give me a fair guarantee.”

Their eyes met, the candlelight flickering between them. Looking at the young man before him, Xiao He suddenly thought of Gao Yao twenty years ago. Back then, Gao Yao was just as sharp and ambitious, just as reckless. Years had passed, and now he saw a reflection of that youth in this young man.

"If I can guarantee that no one in Xianyang will be able to overstep their bounds while you are away, will you believe me?" Xiao He said slowly.

Gao Zhe was silent for a moment, then asked, "What does Lord Xiao offer as collateral?"

"With my position as Grand Secretary, with my years of service to the King, and with the honor of the entire Xiao family," Xiao He said, word by word, "if anyone plots any wrongdoing during this period, I will surely remonstrate with my life; if anyone dares to establish a new king before the Prince returns, I will surely stop them with my blood."

These words were extremely weighty, so weighty that even Gao Zhe was moved. He took a half step back and bowed deeply: "With Lord Xiao's words, Gao Zhe has nothing to worry about."

Xiao He rose, walked around the desk, and helped Gao Zhe up: "Young master, there's no need for such formalities. This old minister has one more thing to say, and I hope you will remember it."

"Sir, please speak."

"On this journey to Longxi, victory or defeat is secondary; the most important thing is to retreat safely." Xiao He said earnestly, "In matters of the army, listen to the advice of General Gao Niu and Mr. Zhang Liang, and never act rashly. My lord, remember, as long as you are here, the army's morale is there; as long as you are here, there is hope."

Gao Zhe nodded emphatically: "I will remember your teachings, sir."

"Go," Xiao He patted his shoulder. "You will muster your troops and set off in three days. I will personally see you off."

Gao Zhe bowed again, then turned and left. His steps were firm, his shadow stretching long in the corridor lights. Xiao He stood at the doorway, gazing in the direction he had gone, motionless for a long time.

A night breeze rose, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway precariously. In the interplay of light and shadow, a complex expression appeared on Xiao He's face. He had just made what was perhaps the most important promise of his life, a promise that would push himself, the entire court, and even the future of the entire nation onto an unpredictable path.

The attendant quietly stepped forward and whispered, "My lord, Lord Cao Can requests an audience."

Xiao He snapped out of his reverie and nodded. A short while later, Cao Can arrived quickly, his expression grave.

"Brother Xiao, I heard you agreed to the Second Young Master's request?" Cao Can asked bluntly.

"The news travels really fast," Xiao He said with a wry smile.

"It's not that the news spreads quickly, it's that everyone's watching." Cao Can lowered his voice. "Do you know that just now, the eldest son went to Lady Yu Shu's palace, and the third son went to Chen Ping's residence?"

Xiao He's eyes narrowed: "When did this happen?"

"Just as the Second Young Master came to your place," Cao Can sighed, "Brother Xiao, you've taken a very risky step."

Xiao He remained silent, gazing only at the distant outline of the palace. In the night, Weiyang Palace resembled a sleeping behemoth; beneath its calm surface, undercurrents surged. He knew Cao Can was right; this move was indeed risky, but some moves had to be made.

Cao Jian didn't say much after seeing the report. He simply asked if there was anything he could prepare for the battle, and then left on his own.

Outside the window, a bright moon rose, its clear light bathing the palace. Xiao He pushed open the window, letting the night breeze into the room. The wind was cool, yet it sobered him. He knew that from tomorrow onward, the court in Xianyang would no longer be peaceful, and he would stand at the eye of the storm.

Xiao He closed the window and blew out the lamp. In the darkness, his eyes remained bright.

Three days later, on the command platform, he will personally see Gao Zhe off. And at that moment, the curtain will truly rise.

On the road to Longxi, the vanguard army was hurrying along, and in one of the carriages, Zhang Liang, Gao Niu, and Gao Zhe sat upright.

"The Qiang people have gathered 50,000 troops, intending to take advantage of the chaos in the Central Plains to seize the strategic location of Longxi." Zhang Liang's voice was calm, but every word was clear. "If Longxi is lost, the gates of Guanzhong will be wide open, and the imperial court will be in grave danger."

Gao Niu frowned: "The Qiang people are brave and skilled in riding and archery. The garrison in Longxi numbers only ten thousand. How can they possibly resist?"

Zhang Liang smiled slightly and pointed to several marks on the map: "Although the Qiang people are brave, they have three drawbacks: first, their food supply lines are too long; second, the various tribes are not united; and third, they are not good at attacking cities."

"Mr. Zhang Liang, does this mean our army will be able to defeat the Qiang tribe?" Gao Zhe asked curiously, listening to Zhang Liang's words.

"The art of war says: a general's strength lies not in bravery, but in strategy." Zhang Liang's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "With the Second Young Master's bravery and the all-out effort of the three armies, the Qiang tribe can be defeated by the Second Young Master in no time!"

Gao Zhe stood up and clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Zhang Liang. Please rest assured, Mr. Zhang Liang, I will certainly not tarnish my father's reputation!"

Gao Zhe was still full of confidence, while Gao Yao had long been hailed as the greatest warrior in the land.

Zhang Liang nodded and took out a scroll of bamboo slips from his sleeve: "These are ten strategies for defending the city and three plans for counterattack. Remember, for the first three days, only defend and do not attack. Only when the main force of the Fourth Army arrives can we go out of the city for a decisive battle."

Three days later, banners fluttered outside the city of Longxi County.