vrcanaries Chapter 1961 Zhennanguan
Chapter 1961 Zhennanguan
Chu Ning's gaze suddenly sharpened, like two drawn swords, piercing the vast and unknown battlefield to the east.
All distracting thoughts were eliminated, leaving only the purest goal—the Tang Dynasty, and the opponent who had given him his first taste of defeat!
A chilling yet powerful killing intent began to emanate from his body.
He slowly clenched his fist, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force, and his deep, authoritative voice, as if carrying the clang of metal, rang in the ears of Shen Lian and his close advisors:
"In that case, I can deal with the problems in the east with peace of mind."
In his mind, he seemed to see that war-torn land and the opponent who had caused him to lose so many soldiers.
A surge of emotion, a mixture of anger, importance, and a strong desire to conquer, welled up within him.
"Li Jing..."
He uttered the name, his voice not loud, yet it seemed to contain the force of wind and thunder:
"You have caused me to lose 30,000 elite troops and several of my generals..."
He suddenly spurred the horse's belly, and the black horse, sensing its master's fighting spirit, let out a long, impassioned neigh.
Chu Ning spurred his horse forward, overtaking the central army and arriving at the very front of the column. His dark figure shone in the sunlight like a battle flag piercing the sky.
He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the massive army behind him, which stretched like a black torrent. His voice suddenly rose, booming like thunder, and clearly echoed across the surrounding fields:
"I will settle this score with you personally! I have come to avenge my thirty thousand fallen soldiers!"
"Speed up!"
The order was given, and the entire army was invigorated!
The iron torrent, rolling on with even greater speed, carrying the flames of revenge and the determination to unify the world, surged toward the final battlefield that would determine the fate of the Central Plains!
Two more days of hurried travel, leaving us dusty and weary.
As the majestic outline of the formidable pass, resembling a crouching behemoth, gradually came into clear view on the horizon, even the seasoned elite Chu army couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
We finally arrived at Zhennan Pass, the frontline fortress that guarded the strategic east-west passage and resisted the advance of the Tang Dynasty's army.
The high walls, built against the mountain, are covered with mottled traces of war and repair marks of varying ages, silently telling the tragic story of what this place has experienced.
The dark blue "Chu" banner fluttered in the wind atop the gate tower, its sound carrying a sense of solemnity and resilience.
Chu Ning's 30,000-strong vanguard slowly came to a stop on the vast open ground in front of the pass and began to assemble.
Despite the long journey, the military formation remained impeccable.
The soldiers silently adjusted their breathing and equipment, their eyes all fixed on the majestic pass, their expressions filled with solemnity for the battle at the front and awe at the emperor's presence.
The garrison at Zhennan Pass, having already received the messenger's message, was ready to welcome the emperor.
"Woo-buzz-"
A deep and resonant bugle call rang out from the gate tower, long and solemn—a ceremony to welcome the supreme commander.
Immediately afterwards, the heavy iron-clad gate of Zhennanguan, covered with rivets, slowly opened inward with a heavy "creaking" sound as the winch turned.
Behind the gate was a wide passageway leading straight into the interior of the pass.
Immediately afterwards, a group of generals, their armor gleaming and their spirits high, led by a burly, composed old general with slightly graying temples, strode out of the gate with neat and powerful steps.
The veteran general leading the group was none other than Feng Anguo, the commander-in-chief of Zhennan Pass and one of the pillar generals of the Great Chu State.
Feng Anguo wore a black general's robe, covered with fine fish-scale armor. His steps were steady, and his sharp eyes carried the vicissitudes of many battles.
The generals following behind him were all imposing and fierce, clearly skilled warriors.
The group walked straight to about ten paces in front of Chu Ning's horse and stopped in unison.
Feng Anguo took the lead by clasping his hands in a fist salute and kneeling on one knee.
The generals behind him and all the soldiers on and off the walls knelt down in unison, like dominoes falling, their shouts shaking the heavens and the earth.
"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome your presence! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The roar echoed through the passes and valleys, fully demonstrating the Chu army's strict discipline and supreme respect for the emperor.
Chu Ning sat upright on his black horse, his gaze calmly sweeping over Feng Anguo and his kneeling generals. He slightly raised his hand, his voice clear and authoritative:
"Everyone is safe."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The crowd responded in unison again, then stood up, but still bowed their heads slightly to show respect.
Feng Anguo stepped forward, bowed again, and spoke with the decisiveness and loyalty characteristic of a soldier:
"His Majesty rushed to the aid day and night, personally arriving at the front lines. Upon hearing this, all the officers and soldiers of the army were greatly inspired!"
"Your subject Feng Anguo, together with all the soldiers of Zhennan Pass, has been waiting for Your Majesty for a long time! We have prepared some simple food and wine to welcome Your Majesty and the soldiers and to report on the military situation at the front!"
Chu Ning nodded. He had always trusted Feng Anguo, this mature, prudent, and loyal veteran general.
"General Feng, you have worked hard. The army needs to be settled, and I also need to understand the battle situation immediately. Please lead the way."
"Yes! Your Majesty, please!"
Feng Anguo stepped aside to make way, personally took the reins for Chu Ning, and led the imperial carriage toward the interior of the pass.
Chu Ning rode his horse slowly through the deep city gate passage, followed closely by his elite personal guards.
The garrison soldiers inside the pass stood at attention on both sides of the road, their eyes filled with fervent admiration and anticipation as they gazed at the young emperor who was leading the Chu Kingdom to prosperity.
Once inside the pass, it becomes clear that Zhennanguan is far larger and more complex than it appears from the outside.
It is not just a pass, but a fully functional military fortress.
The barracks, warehouses, workshops, and drill grounds were all complete. Although the barracks reflected the simplicity and practicality of military life, everything was in good order, demonstrating Feng Anguo's outstanding military management skills.
Without much small talk or ceremony, Chu Ning went straight to the council chamber.
Feng Anguo understood immediately and led Chu Ning to the council hall of the commander's mansion, which was located in the core area of the pass and was heavily guarded.
The council chamber was simply furnished, with a huge sand table in the center taking up most of the space.
The sand table depicts mountains, rivers, cities, and passes with lifelike detail, clearly marking the positions of both sides and displaying small flags representing different units.
More detailed maps of the eastern region were hung on the walls.
Chu Ning walked straight to the sand table, his eyes flashing like lightning as he quickly scanned the intricate markings on it.
Feng Anguo and a group of core generals stood solemnly behind him, and the atmosphere instantly became heavy. The previous welcoming ceremony was completely gone, replaced by the tension and grim atmosphere on the eve of a major battle.
After a brief silence, Chu Ning, without turning his head, spoke directly, his voice deep and imposing, asking the two core questions that mattered most to him at that moment:
"General Feng, tell me in detail about the current battle situation of the three armies."
He paused slightly, a hint of coldness creeping into his voice: "Also, how is General Guan Yun's injury now?"