Chapter 81: General Zhao, Strike Through the Center

The opposing side had arrived in such a grand and imposing manner to seize the military insignia, trampling the dignity of the Iron Cavalry of Qishan beneath their feet. This blatant provocation left Jiang Chen utterly perplexed. Why would they do such a thing, as if their sole purpose was to enrage the soldiers of Qishan? If he were representing the imperial court, he would never act so foolishly; was this not tantamount to forcing Qishan into rebellion?

The military insignia was of utmost importance to any army; without it, the Iron Cavalry of Qishan would be nothing. Even if those in the imperial halls commanded it, how could the Qishan encampment simply hand it over? Jiang Chen was certain there was some conspiracy at play, and he had not forgotten about the unwelcome guests lurking within Qishan—visitors whose appearance was undoubtedly linked to the arrival of the Tianfeng Battalion.

Duan Yuquan had also considered these matters, which was why he hoped to avoid conflict between the two armies as much as possible. Yet his stance was clear: the military insignia would never be surrendered.

At this moment, Duan Yuquan raised his voice and replied, “You of the Tianfeng Battalion stride so arrogantly into Qishan—were it not for the fact that we both serve the Great Qian, my vanguard would have slaughtered you already. Do you think you could have walked here unscathed?”

“Qishan is not a place for your reckless behavior. Leave at once!”

His words served as a reminder to the Tianfeng Battalion: their presence was tolerated only because Qishan did not see them as enemies. Had it been otherwise, they would have faced a fierce onslaught long before reaching the camp. Duan Yuquan’s response was both measured and forceful, asserting the prestige of Qishan while making clear his desire to avoid conflict, urging the intruders to depart before an irreparable situation arose.

On the opposite side, the vanguard commander Song Tianbo pressed the issue, shouting aggressively, “You claim you don’t want to provoke conflict, but from what I see, the Qishan camp is filled with cowards, lacking the courage to face us Tianfeng Battalion!”

“Hand over the military insignia and those two items now, and I’ll withdraw my forces. Otherwise, today will not end peacefully!”

Duan Yuquan replied decisively, “The military insignia will not be handed to anyone. Abandon this notion.”

Song Tianbo’s expression darkened. He took a long spear from his subordinate and swept its tip across the assembled men, as if to show that he regarded all of Qishan with contempt.

Duan Yuquan remained calm, easily seeing through such obvious attempts to provoke him. But Zhao Feihu was different—a fierce general, who only knew to act as such. Faced with Song Tianbo’s taunt, he gripped his Wind-Splitting Blade tightly, straightened his reins, and assumed a stance ready to charge at any moment.

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“Let me go and cut down that bastard!”

“No, we must consider the bigger picture.”

Zhao Feihu, his brows furrowed and eyes blazing, had long found Song Tianbo insufferable. Yet even in such circumstances, he remained disciplined, refusing to act without orders.

Jiang Chen, now so close to the men of Qishan, was pleased by their exemplary conduct—a steadfast force capable of saving the realm, even after their recent devastating losses at the front.

He suddenly spoke to Duan Yuquan, “I believe it wouldn’t hurt for General Zhao to go out and put the other side in their place. Afterwards, it could be said the two armies simply sparred, without malice.”

“In this way, there would be no real enmity, nor grounds for reproach. Besides, to be bullied so blatantly would harm the prestige of the Iron Cavalry of Qishan. Enduring for the moment may not bring true peace.”

Duanmu Qing also agreed with Jiang Chen, reasoning that Qishan had never been so insulted before. If they allowed Song Tianbo to humiliate them without response, everyone would think them easy targets.

“Deputy Commander Duan, I too believe we must suppress their arrogance. Our brothers must not lose heart.”

Zhao Feihu, eager for action, grew even more enthusiastic upon hearing Jiang Chen and Duanmu Qing’s support. He had charged into battle countless times and knew no fear. As for the likes of Song Tianbo, he thought nothing of them.

“Deputy Commander, that young master finally said something I like. Let me go out and fight!”

After considering carefully, Duan Yuquan decided to let Zhao Feihu go forth. He knew that if they did not show the Tianfeng Battalion some pain, the latter would only press their advantage further.

Thus, they must be made to retreat, starting with the arrogant Song Tianbo.

“Feihu, the honor of Qishan rests entirely on your shoulders. You must win, defeat is not permitted. Otherwise, military law will be enforced!”

“Very well! If I cannot win, let me die at the hands of that dog-born scoundrel!”

Zhao Feihu’s fighting spirit soared. As the vanguard of the Iron Cavalry of Qishan, this was the spirit he should possess. Finally, he could display his prowess and uphold the prestige of his army.

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Just as he was about to charge forth, Jiang Chen reminded him, “This man is skilled in mounted combat. General Zhao, you need not match him in strength at the outset. Hold your ground for twenty exchanges, then focus your attack on his center—you’ll surely claim victory.”

“You’re teaching me how to duel? You, a useless scion of nobility, dare to boast so shamelessly? Are you looking down on me?”

Zhao Feihu was furious at Jiang Chen’s words. He had no regard for this frail official’s son and would not tolerate being instructed.

Jiang Chen replied helplessly, “You’ll understand soon enough. What I say will only benefit you, nothing more.”

The sound of hooves thundered as Zhao Feihu, perhaps no longer listening, impatiently whipped his horse forward, raising his blade to challenge Song Tianbo.

Faced with Zhao Feihu’s provocation, Song Tianbo approached calmly. The long spear in his hand gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

Jiang Chen noticed something special about the spear, but having already offered his advice, if Zhao Feihu chose not to heed it, no one else could be blamed.

Song Tianbo brandished his spear, laughing loudly, “Isn’t this the Tiger Fool, Zhao Feihu? I thought you’d been torn apart on the front lines!”

“And yet here you are, hiding in the rear camp, surviving in disgrace. Truly disappointing.”

His words were meant to infuriate Zhao Feihu, and with just a few, he succeeded.

Previously, when the Iron Cavalry of Qishan had assembled for battle, Zhao Feihu had been excluded from the expedition for violating military discipline—something he had always regretted, longing to fight alongside his brothers.

When he heard that the commander had been assassinated in the central tent on the front lines, Zhao Feihu’s fury burned as he swore to hunt down the murderer and avenge his fallen leader.

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