Chapter 726
Only by feigning illness can you preserve your reputation, Zhang Wangdu!
Xu Kuan nodded, said no more, and immediately began to arrange various matters.
Under his methodical arrangements, the previously disorganized soldiers gradually settled down, each performing their duties and getting busy.
Some were tidying up weapons and armor, some were reinforcing the camp's defenses, and some were tending to the wounded...
The camp gradually regained its order, and the chaos subsided.
Xu Kuan personally went to the barracks and counted the number of weapons one by one. Only after verifying that everything was correct did he feel a little relieved.
After taking inventory of the weapons, Xu Kuan did not rest for a moment and turned to head towards the wounded and sick camp.
The wounded and sick camp was located on the east side of the camp, and the groans coming from inside could be heard from afar.
He lifted the curtain and entered the tent. Dozens of cots were filled with wounded soldiers. Some had broken arms, some had injured legs, and some had blood seeping from their chests. All of them were pale and weak.
When the soldiers saw Xu Kuan walk in, they struggled to get up and pay their respects, even though they were in excruciating pain, they did not want to be disrespectful in the slightest.
"General!"
"General Xu has arrived!"
Xu Kuan quickly stepped forward, raised his hand to signal everyone to stop, his face full of heartache:
"Don't move! Lie down and rest. There's no need for formalities!"
He walked to a cot, gently examined the wounds of a soldier, and his brows furrowed even more.
"Focus on recovering from your injuries and resting well. Don't worry about things in the camp or the upcoming battles. Your speedy recovery will be the greatest help to the army."
Looking at the wounded soldiers before him, Xu Kuan felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.
He then slowly walked into the tent, his gaze sweeping over each of the wounded soldiers, his regret and anger growing stronger.
If it weren't for Gongsun Yuan's reckless command, and if he hadn't insisted on attacking Huyang City for his own selfish desires, these soldiers wouldn't have been injured in vain, and more than ten thousand brothers wouldn't have shed their blood on the battlefield.
Thinking back to when we set out on the expedition, the army numbered a full 40,000 soldiers.
But now, in just one battle, 10,000 of the 40,000 soldiers have been lost, leaving only 30,000. And among the remaining 30,000 soldiers, many were wounded.
Very few of them were capable of fighting normally.
In the wounded and sick camp alone, there were more than 4,000 seriously wounded soldiers, all of whom were seriously injured and could not recover in a short period of time.
Xu Kuan clenched his fists tightly.
Gongsun Yuan, you have harmed so many brothers. I will settle this score with you sooner or later!
Despite his burning hatred, Xu Kuan suppressed his anger.
After comforting all the wounded soldiers, Xu Kuan slowly walked out of the wounded camp, his heart heavy as never having lessened.
He stood outside the tent, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his emotions.
Just then, a hurried sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.
A subordinate said in a flustered tone:
"General... General, something terrible has happened! I have something important to report!"
Xu Kuan's heart sank; he had a bad feeling and asked:
"What's the rush? Speak slowly. Is there a problem with the supplies?"
The lieutenant nodded hurriedly, his tone flustered:
"Reporting to the General, it is true. I have just finished taking stock of the provisions in the camp and found that, after deducting what we need for today, the remaining amount is only enough to sustain the army for seven days!"
This news struck Xu Kuan like a thunderbolt, instantly plunging this seasoned Liao general, who had fought countless battles, into a dilemma.
Huyang City was impregnable, but the army's food supplies were running low. If they could not capture the city and seize food within seven days to replenish their supplies, their soldiers would be in dire straits due to the lack of food.
At that point, there would be no other option but to order a retreat.
However, if they retreat, all the previous casualties and sacrifices will be in vain, and they will miss the opportunity to win, leading to endless troubles.
Xu Kuan, his brow furrowed, pondered a way to break the deadlock as he returned to his tent.
After days of hard work and feeling depressed, he felt a wave of weariness wash over him as soon as he sat down, and before he knew it, he had fallen into a deep sleep on the table.
When I woke up again, it was already dark outside the tent, and lights were lit in various parts of the camp; it was dinnertime.
Xu Kuan rubbed his throbbing forehead, composed himself, and got up to leave the tent.
Outside Huyang City, the Liao army camp was brightly lit.
Xu Kuan shed his general's majesty and sat around a roaring campfire with his soldiers, eating simple wheat porridge and pickled vegetables.
Although the food was simple and meager, with no wine or meat, the soldiers sitting together helped to alleviate the oppressive atmosphere of the battle.
Xu Kuan was well-versed in the art of winning hearts and minds in the military.
He didn't put on airs as a general; he shared weal and woe with his soldiers, and a few words from him ignited their fighting spirit.
A few words of encouragement swept away the soldiers' low spirits, and morale in the camp gradually rose.
Compared to the hustle and bustle outside, the main tent in the center of the camp appeared particularly deserted.
Gongsun Yuan sat alone in his tent, with several delicate dishes and a pot of fine wine in front of him, but he had no appetite and just slowly poked at the food in his bowl.
As he chewed his food, he repeatedly pondered the words Xu Kuan had spoken to him during the day.
Previously, under his command, the Liao army launched a rash attack, suffering heavy losses and losing many elite soldiers.
This was not only a heavy blow to his military strength, but also a fatal blow to his prestige.
Laughter and cheerful voices from outside the tent drifted in through the tent flap.
He was all alone, ignored by everyone, and no soldiers came to greet him.
At this moment, he finally truly understood the profound meaning of Xu Kuan's words during the day.
Xu Kuan left himself with only two difficult paths, neither of which was acceptable to others.
Staying in the military camp meant lowering his pride and completely obeying Xu Kuan, becoming subservient to him. For the proud and arrogant Gongsun Yuan, this was undoubtedly a great humiliation, and he could never swallow this insult.
However, if one turns away and leaves without permission, one will be no different from a deserter. At that time, not only will one be ridiculed by the world, but one will also completely exhaust one's remaining prestige.
Two paths, one of humiliation, the other of disgrace. Gongsun Yuan sat at his desk, weighing the options repeatedly, his brows furrowed, ultimately unable to make a decision.
Just as Gongsun Yuan was caught in a dilemma, feeling troubled and distressed, footsteps suddenly came from outside the tent.
Accompanied by the deep salute of the guards, a figure slowly walked over, carrying a well-sealed jar of strong liquor.
"General Xu."
Upon seeing the newcomer, the guards immediately bowed respectfully.
The visitor was none other than Xu Kuan.
Xu Kuan waved his hand and said calmly:
"Go and get something to eat. You've worked hard. I have a few words to discuss with the Crown Prince."
The two guards dared not say anything more, quickly bowed in agreement, and turned to leave.
Xu Kuan lifted the curtain and slowly walked into the tent, the aroma of wine wafting towards him.
Upon hearing the noise, Gongsun Yuan, who was deep in thought, suddenly raised his head, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. When he saw that the person who came was Xu Kuan, and that he was carrying a jar of wine, his surprise deepened, and he subconsciously sat up straight.
"General Xu, what is this?"
Gongsun Yuan stared at the wine jar in Xu Kuan's hand, his tone filled with doubt and wariness, completely unaware of Xu Kuan's purpose for coming.
Although the two had spoken during the day, they hadn't opened up to each other. Now, Xu Kuan's late-night visit, accompanied by wine, inevitably aroused his suspicions. Xu Kuan didn't engage in any pleasantries, went straight to the table, put down the wine jar he was carrying, and then broke the clay seal on the jar, instantly releasing a rich aroma of wine.
"Your Highness, please."
Xu Kuan pushed the wine cup, filled to the brim, toward Gongsun Yuan, displaying not a trace of majesty, but rather a more open and honest demeanor.
Gongsun Yuan's gaze fell on the wine cup, his fingertips twitched, but he hesitated to pick it up.
He remained vigilant, fearing there might be something else hidden in the wine.
But then he thought again, this was a military camp with many soldiers. Xu Kuan was a general and nominally his subordinate, so he would never dare to harm him in the army, let alone do anything to kill him.
With this thought in mind, Gongsun Yuan suppressed his vigilance, slowly picked up his wine cup, and without the slightest hesitation, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing this, Xu Kuan's eyes flashed with a smile. Without saying a word, he picked up the wine jar again and refilled the wine cup in front of Gongsun Yuan, not too much and not too little.
"Your Highness, now is the time to make a choice?"
Setting down the wine jar, Xu Kuan went straight to the point, his gaze calmly fixed on Gongsun Yuan.
"No."
Gongsun Yuan gave a wry smile, picked up his wine cup again, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing his dejected appearance, Xu Kuan slowly began to guide him:
"Your Highness, what are you hesitating about?"
Gongsun Yuan tightened his grip on the empty wine glass, his lips moved, but he ultimately remained silent.
He simply lowered his head slowly, his concerns too difficult to express, and he was even less willing to show his disheveled state in front of Xu Kuan.
Seeing this, Xu Kuan did not urge him, but simply said:
"Is the young master worried that if he leaves now, he will be branded a deserter by the world, which will damage the family's reputation and completely destroy the prestige he has built up over the years?"
These words were like a knife, precisely piercing Gongsun Yuan's most hidden concerns.
He suddenly raised his head, his face instantly turning bright red. His lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Xu Kuan's words resonated deeply with him.
Seeing his expression, Xu Kuan knew he had guessed correctly, and said in his usual calm tone:
"If I had a way to allow the young master to return with a clear conscience, without being labeled a deserter or damaging your prestige, would the young master be willing to listen?"
Upon hearing this, the shame and anger in Gongsun Yuan's eyes vanished instantly, and he hurriedly asked:
"General Xu, please speak frankly if you have any brilliant plans!"
Xu Kuan picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, and slowly said:
"The Crown Prince only needs to announce to the public that he is unwell, his old illness has relapsed, and he is unable to preside over military affairs. He needs to return to the capital immediately to recuperate and treat his illness."
"In this way, you can get away with it legitimately, and no one will dare to say a word. Naturally, it won't damage your prestige. Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Upon hearing Xu Kuan's words, Gongsun Yuan froze, nearly dropping the wine cup in his hand.
He clearly hadn't expected Xu Kuan to propose such a solution.
So he lowered his eyes and head, pondering the pros and cons.
After a long while, Gongsun Yuan slowly raised his head, most of the hesitation in his eyes disappearing. He looked at Xu Kuan and spoke in a calm tone:
What should I do?
Seeing that he had relented, Xu Kuan's face remained expressionless as he slowly revealed the plan he had already devised:
"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes, and accidents are inevitable in the chaos. In tomorrow's battle, if the prince is 'accidentally' injured and the injury looks serious and difficult to heal, he can then use medical treatment as an excuse to request to return to the capital. This will be a legitimate reason, and no one will dare to suspect him."
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yuan was startled again, his eyes filled with astonishment, and he blurted out instinctively:
"But I'm not injured! If this charade is discovered, the consequences will be unimaginable!"
He never imagined that Xu Kuan's so-called "solution" would actually require him to fake an injury.
As soon as he finished speaking, the calm on Xu Kuan's face vanished instantly.
Gongsun Yuan was startled by Xu Kuan's sudden change of heart and instantly understood the implication in his words. A cold sweat broke out on his back.
Just then, Xu Kuan slowly spoke again, saying each word clearly:
"Getting hurt, isn't that easy?"
These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Gongsun Yuan from head to toe, making him feel even colder.
He stood up abruptly, his chest heaving, and demanded in a stern voice:
"What do you want to do?!"
The pent-up grievances finally erupted at this moment.
Xu Kuan, however, was not provoked by his anger. His eyes remained firm as he slowly said:
"Your Highness, a moment of patience will bring peace. To preserve your reputation and prevent you from being labeled a deserter, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with this."
"This is the only foolproof solution at the moment."
Gongsun Yuan stood frozen in place, his anger gradually replaced by a sense of powerlessness.
He slowly lowered his head and fell into deep thought once again.
Silence returned to the tent.
After a moment, he slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with helplessness, and said:
"Is this the only way?"
Xu Kuan showed no pity whatsoever, only calmly asking in return:
"Besides this, does Your Highness have any other options?"
With just one sentence, Gongsun Yuan was rendered speechless.
He couldn't find any words to refute it, nor could he think of a better way out.
He knew that Xu Kuan was right; this was his only way out.
Seeing that he was speechless, Xu Kuan spoke again:
"This is the only way for the Crown Prince to escape unscathed and preserve everything. Not only will it protect your reputation and prevent you from being ridiculed by the world, but after returning to the capital, the Prince of Liao will value you even more when he sees that you are injured. It will be entirely beneficial to you."
He paused, then added:
"Of course, Your Highness, rest assured, I will personally select elite soldiers to escort you back to the capital and ensure your safety. I will make sure that nothing happens to you on the way."
As Gongsun Yuan listened to Xu Kuan's words, the struggle in his heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a resolute determination to burn his bridges.
He knew he had no other choice.
Xu Kuan spoke again to remind him:
"Your Highness, please remember that there is no one else in the tent at this time, and there is no third ear. Therefore, from beginning to end, only you and I know about this matter, and no third party will ever reveal a single word."
"As long as you and I keep our mouths shut, there will be no problem."
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yuan's last remaining concerns were completely dispelled.
He took a deep breath, slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was no hesitation in his eyes, only determination.
He nodded emphatically and said firmly:
"Alright, I'll do as you say. Tell me what I should do."
Having said that, he looked at Xu Kuan, awaiting his instructions.
Seeing that Gongsun Yuan had finally made up his mind and achieved his goal, the fierceness in Xu Kuan's eyes instantly faded, and his gaze finally softened. (End of this chapter)