War Prisoner - Chapter 2

Inside a small tent, the aroma of meat had spread in every corner. Ashabu-shabu dish was presented exquisitely and delicately on the table; a pot with few charcoals burned brightly next to it. Although it was blustery outside, the tent felt like spring time, very warm.

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Beside the table, two people were seated. One was the young man, who had heard the song in the desert, and the other was a stunning beauty; eyebrows shaped like mountain, eyes were like autumn water in spring, attitude seemed splendid and elegant temperament, gestures appeared to be thousands of untold, pleasant styles.

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“Master, the intelligence was just received. I’m not sure if it is any use?” The beautiful woman smiled openly, like pearl sound, while pouring wine colour of amber nectar into his glass.

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This young man was none other than Wan Yan Xu, the King of Kim Liao Kingdom. When he saw his favourite confidant maidservant asked, he gave an enigmatic smile. He took a piece of meat from the pot and placed it into his mouth, chewed slowly and long before opening his mouth, “Zi Nong, what news did you gain?”

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Zi Nong respectfully replied to the query, “Your servant saw Su Yi General secretly. Alas, he was very handsome and fine-featured.It is unbelievable that he’s the same Invincible General who has won many battles.” She immediately chuckled.

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Wan Yan Xu expressionless, lightly laughed, “Really? Then you’re more fortunate than me. I have not seen him once, but just overheard a song he’d played.”

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Zi Nong’s eyes widened then arisen,speechless and said, “What? He’d played a song? Your servant heard rumours that although he is a General, he was also proficient in poetry and painting. It was actually true? How could Kim Liao’s men be beaten in battles by such a scholar’s hands?”

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Wan Yan Xu eyes’ light coldly flashed, tone was chilly, “This man is a great accomplisher in both civil and military field. Indeed, three years ago, the last battle between us, I’d violated Father’s order and disguised into the enemy’s army. I’d witnessed his strategic plan. Hence, a few days later, Kim Liao’s army had fallen apart. Alas, unfortunately,I was inexperienced at the time that Father did not listen to my advice.If not, we would not have lost in that field. Consequently, Father died in the end with much regret.” When he just finished, a sound “ pop” echoes.The cup in his palm had been crushed.

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Instantly, the wine’s aroma was spreading. His eyes glazed with coldness, whispered and teeth grinded, “If this avenge is not done, I vow not to be a man.”

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Zi Nong quickly replaced his glass, smiled and said, “Master, there is no need to be impatient. Kim Liao today is greater than three years ago.Until the army arrive, do you not believe you’ll have your revenge?” Then she once again poured the wine into Wan Yan Xu’s cup. When she saw him slowly calmed down, finally felt relieved.

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The sand covered misty dew at the dawn of day. A few men rushed on horseback to arrive where Wan Yan Xu had camped last night. Su Yi, who led the party, saw tents neatly piled on the ground, but there was no one around, and a big flag was deeply ruffled, containing four characters, “This is our ground again.”

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Su Yi stared at those words for a long time, suddenly reined his horse around, coldly spoke, “We have arrived too late. Wan Yan Xu is already gone.”

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Lieutenant Qin approached the flag, raised his voice, “General, it seems they had left in a hurry and forgot the banner.”

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Su Yi sighed and said, “They did not in such a hurry leave the flag behind.Do you not understand yet? This flag is actually a war declaration message. Alas, Wan Yan Xu, Wan YanXu.This man’s courage, indeed, is incomparable to anyone. Even as the enemy, I could not help but admit that he is indeed a wise Emperor. Kim Liao has such sovereign, I’m afraid ……” the rest of the sentence was not spoken since he could not bear to say them, because he did not dare to think it was an outcome.

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“Heralded to our forces, stepping up their training, tight in security, if I do not guess wrongly, there will be imminent battle soon.” His sword shaped eyebrows knitted together, Su Yi commanded, then turned to Qin to ask, “The wages and food from the capital has not arrived yet?”

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The Lieutenant shook his head, gave a worried look. Su Yi sighed, looked up at the sky, thoughtful, ‘The God has done me no harm, but let my fate be ended by the benighted King and those greedy ministers?’

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Inside the brightly lit General Camp, Wan Yan Xu was attentively studying a map.Zi Nong brought a trace of snack and tea as she pulled the curtain aside to enter, softly advised, “Master, it is already late in the night. Pleading take a rest sire. The imminent war is soon, so keeping in a good spirit is the most important thing.”

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Wan Yan Xu’s vision was still on the map, in a deep voice said, “You go to sleep. I really cannot sleep.For these three years, my thoughts have always been on this coming war.If it is a fight, I’ll certainly not permit Su Yi to respite.”

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Zi Nong said, “Master’s aspiration, how can your servant not know, but this war, Master had intimate knowledge and careful planning, why ……” Her sentence was not finished but Wan Yan Xu sternly said “As a general, there is no such thing as “intimate knowledge and careful planning”. The battlefield is always changing. Even all the escape routes have to be considered. Precisely because of this advantage that Su Yi has always been victorious.Thoselessons are there. Are we going to continue repeating them?” When he finished, he then picked up his cup and took a sip. Suddenly, there came echoes of intermittent sound outside.

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Wan Yan Xu stood up and stretched.Zi Nong followed, doubtful and asked, “That Su Yi is still in the mood to play the flute at this time?”

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Wan Yan Xu shook his head and said, “It cannot be him. In this critical juncture, it is very imperative that the army spirit is not to be falling apart. He’ll never play this nostalgic tone. In addition, this flute sounds like extreme sorrow and great despair.” He pondered for a moment, suddenly smiled and said, “Qi King is stupid. It seems that Qi soldiers’ spirits are low, ha ha ha. Su Yi, I very much would like to see how you’ll fight tomorrow.”

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After that, in a low voice, he commanded Zi Nong, “Heralds to all Generals. Tomorrow on the battlefield, align the soldiers properly. If possible, capture the enemies but do not slaughter them. I have uses for the prisoners at some point later.”