Mi primer marido después de la transmigración

Capítulo 95

Feeling somewhat relieved, I still couldn't help but ask again, "What if they use fire?" It was already late spring. Although the south wind was getting stronger, the north wind was not weak either, and the wind direction was the most unpredictable. What if the northwest wind blew one day and they set the mountain on fire?

“That’s a problem,” Shen Haoyu replied. “We need to go ask them.” With that, he turned and left. He didn’t need to get involved in these events, but since they concerned his own life and fortune, he had to think about it.

Later, the camp was still set up at the foot of the mountain, built against the mountainside. I remember when Shen Haoyu returned, he said, "Do you know who wanted to set up the camp on the mountain?" Before we could answer (we really couldn't), he chuckled and said, "It's a vanguard officer who came from a bandit background! When I went there, General Du was scolding him for not changing his bandit habits and still thinking about becoming a mountain king." We laughed out loud, but we were also amazed at the mixed bag of people in the army.

Most of the generals familiar with the Northwest had followed Chen Dan to surrender to the Xuan Ying Kingdom. Those still stationed there were mostly young officers, all heroic youths, but ultimately lacking in experience. There were a few veteran generals, but they were not very familiar with the Northwest. General Du had spent several years in the Northwest, but over a decade had passed, and many places had changed. Unfamiliar with the front lines, he had to send men to carefully scout the surrounding terrain to quickly fill any gaps in their knowledge, lest the enemy exploit any weaknesses, and to gain the upper hand.

After the enemy retreated to Qingzhou, small groups would occasionally harass our camp. However, our army did not launch a rash attack but instead held the camp and discussed a foolproof plan. Shen Haoyu also had a very detailed map of the Northwest, but he did not give it away. Instead, he would often stare at the map in a daze.

This map has a story behind it. When I was a child, I accompanied Shen Haoyu to study in the study. I accidentally discovered that the maps of their time were very rudimentary. They only showed the names of places, where there were mountains and rivers, outlined with lines, making it difficult to understand the actual terrain of each place. So I asked, "Why not mark them in more detail?"

"How can you explain it in more detail?" At that time, Shen Haoyu was quite eager to learn.

At that time, I wasn't very good at using a calligraphy brush, so I had to take Shen Haoyu outside and draw on the sand with a stick, showing him how to draw mountains and rivers, and how to determine map symbols, scales, contour lines, and coordinate directions. At first, Shen Haoyu was a bit confused, but later he suddenly understood and even applied the knowledge to other areas. He took the map and redrawn it in the new way, using different colors to distinguish different terrain features. If the original map was correct, Shen Haoyu's drawing was much more advanced.

To continue. When I saw Shen Haoyu's near-perfect map of the Northwest, I couldn't help but marvel. It wasn't until Shen Haoyu mentioned that it was thanks to my reminder years ago that I realized this map was also related to me. However, it had been improved upon compared to what I had told Shen Haoyu back then; after all, I don't remember everything about modern maps. The Prince Qing's Mansion must have put in a great deal of effort to complete this map, but unfortunately, it was kept secret and couldn't be shared with everyone. Of course, I knew it was confidential, but it was still a bit of a pity. Much later, Shen Haoyu told me that the Prince Qing's Mansion had sent many people to thoroughly study the terrain of various regions, creating complete maps for future military campaigns to conquer the country—truly a far-sighted plan.

After more than ten days, our army finally took the initiative to attack, engaging the enemy in several rounds of fighting, with casualties on both sides. With the main force fighting on the front lines, only eight thousand men remained in the camp to guard it. When the army returned to camp, they would always bring back some wounded soldiers, so the number of people in the camp gradually increased. Of course, most of the extra people were unable to move.

With limited medical resources and an ever-increasing number of wounded soldiers, the medics gradually became overwhelmed. Having nothing to do all day, yet constantly hearing the painful groans of the wounded, I had no choice but to petition Shen Haoyu to go to the medical department to help care for the wounded. Shen Haoyu not only agreed but also sent several more people with me, including Zinuo.

Although we weren't experts and didn't do much to help the medics, we were still good at the odd jobs. Over time, as we saw more cases, we were able to treat some simple wounds. However, as the weather grew warmer day by day, the wounded soldiers' wounds healed more slowly each day. Many wounds that had almost healed became inflamed and festering again, which was quite horrifying. The medics, however, were used to it, saying that this was just how it was at this time.

Later, I gradually realized that the rising temperature made many bacteria more active, making wounds more susceptible to infection. Looking at the medical equipment used by the military doctors, they would operate on one person, wipe away the blood haphazardly, and then use it on another, with absolutely no concept of disinfection. With so many reasons, it's no wonder those people's wounds kept recurring.

After discussing it with Zinuo, we asked someone to find some wine and made some simple tools to extract high-purity alcohol. I knew that this alcohol was far from medical alcohol, but with limited resources, we would make do.

With the help of high-purity alcohol to clean the soldiers' wounds, the infection and inflammation improved significantly. However, with just our efforts, the alcohol supply was far from meeting the demand. After a decision by the higher-ups, someone was finally assigned to purchase the alcohol, and our distillation equipment was refitted. A dedicated person was put in charge of alcohol extraction, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

Because of this incident, Shen Haoyu became famous in the army, which annoyed me. It was clearly Zinuo and me who did these things, so why did all the credit go to him? Zinuo just smiled and said, "Sister, those wounded soldiers are very grateful to us." Of course I know that. We helped them change their dressings and did things every day. Even if we didn't do any good, we still put in a lot of effort.

After that, Shen Haoyu, the "military supervisor," became involved in more and more things. Eventually, he was assigned some tasks on almost every expedition. It's hard to say whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.

That day, General Du led his troops out again, without even Shen Haoyu. Within an hour, they left in several groups, leaving only five thousand soldiers guarding the camp and some sick and disabled soldiers. Zinuo and I, along with the few guards left behind by Shen Haoyu, helped the military doctors as usual, changing their ointments, while listening to the wounded soldiers talk about old stories from the border, treating them merely as tales.

He carried a basin outside to fetch some water and was helping a soldier clean his wounds when a man rushed in in a panic: "The enemy has launched a sneak attack! The captain told me to warn everyone to get ready!" Judging from his attire, he was a platoon leader.

Seeing some wounded soldiers struggling to get up, I quickly stopped them: "Everyone, don't move yet, it won't be good if you reopen your wounds. Let us go and check the situation outside first. If we can hold them off, we won't trouble you all." With that, I pulled the squad leader out of the tent. Wasn't this guy here to sow discord?

Once outside, they indeed saw a number of enemy troops outside the wooden fence, but the fortifications outside the camp prevented them from entering for the time being. They walked a few steps to the side of Captain Chang, the highest-ranking officer in the camp, who commanded the garrison and was responsible for its security. Having spent several days together, they had become somewhat familiar with each other.

"Commander Chang, how is the situation?" If it's not too difficult, don't disturb the wounded.

Captain Chang frowned: "I don't know, we don't know how many people are coming."

No sooner had he finished speaking than banners began to flutter ahead, and the thunderous sound of hooves approached. "Not good, they have backup troops!" Captain Chang shouted, leaping onto the high platform.

"More than ten thousand have come; this battle will be difficult!" Captain Chang said after checking the situation. I only knew that there seemed to be a lot of people, but I didn't know how to estimate the exact number. He said there were more than ten thousand, so let's say there were more than ten thousand. However, there are only five thousand men here now... I couldn't help but feel anxious. Why now?

Before they could think further, a surging mass of heads seemed to be right in front of them, followed by many more on horseback. It was clearly a surprise attack. The enemy didn't say much; after a fierce assault, the fortifications in front of the stockade quickly crumbled, and the soldiers retreated step by step, eventually forced to hold onto the gate. Zinuo and his companions immediately joined the resistance. Their martial arts skills were superior, and with swift strokes of their blades, they had already killed several men.

With so many people, just forming a human wall would exhaust you! After thinking for a while, I couldn't recall anything from my past to deal with the current situation, so I had no choice but to grit my teeth and join the battle. Seeing me join, Zinuo cut a path and protected me. The two of us working together reduced the danger considerably.

The enemy continued to surge forward. I hacked and slashed until my hands were sore; I never imagined I'd actually end up like this. People around me kept falling—friends and enemies alike. Blood was splattered all over me, some from others, some from myself. I was numb with pain, and I didn't even know where I was hurt. Fortunately, they were all external wounds, much better than the ones I suffered in the attack on Qifeng Mountain. But looking at the seemingly undiminished enemy forces, I truly didn't know if I could survive amidst this sea of soldiers.

Zinuo was also injured, stubbornly biting her lip. I couldn't help but laugh and ask, "Zinuo, do you regret coming here?" Zinuo glared at me angrily, then shielded me from another knife that seemed to appear out of nowhere. There had been many battles before, but we'd always stayed in the rear and hadn't experienced them firsthand. Now, things were different. If no one brought reinforcements back, would we really die here?

A series of rumbling sounds came from behind us. When we turned around, we saw that the wooden fence had collapsed. The enemy troops became even more frenzied. We had to retreat with the flow of people and watch the enemy troops come in step by step.

There are still plenty of military supplies in the camp; how can we let them break in! I've never hated Du Zhai so much. The camp is clearly so important; why didn't he send more men to guard it? Seeing Captain Chang not far away, I shouted, "Captain Chang, how much longer can we hold out?"

Captain Chang glanced in my direction but didn't speak. It was a chaotic battle; we didn't know how many men were left on either side, let alone how long we could hold out. We just had to grit our teeth and hold on.

The wounded soldiers who could move also came out to help. Seeing them fighting with their bandages wrapped around their necks, I was terrified that these people I had cared for would disappear forever in the next moment. So many soldiers had fallen, but I was still standing. I knew it was because my martial arts skills were better than theirs, and I also knew that Zinuo had been protecting me the whole time. Otherwise, even if I hadn't been killed by them, I would have died of exhaustion long ago.

I saw the platoon leader who had gone to inform us collapse beside Captain Chang. Captain Chang was also seriously injured and gradually weakening. I was extremely anxious; he was our backbone. If he fell, the rest of us would be a disorganized mess, completely at their mercy. I wanted to go with Zinuo to protect Captain Chang, but the distance seemed incredibly vast at that moment. Seeing Captain Chang swaying precariously, I felt waves of despair wash over me.

Just then, a clear whistle rang out, and a white figure descended from the sky, leaving a trail of fallen bodies in its wake, unstoppable in its path. The appearance of this person caused a stir among the enemy troops, and Captain Chang also became alert. I quickly called out to Zuo Long, who was not far from Captain Chang, and asked him to protect Captain Chang.

The man in white held a cold sword. With a sweep of the sword, a man died. Then, the originally gleaming silver blade slowly turned blood red, swirling with an eerie red light. Staring at the sword, I couldn't take my eyes off it. I could only watch as the blade grew redder and redder, as if the blood was being absorbed into the sword.

Upon hearing someone exclaim, "Blood-Drinking Sword! You are the Blood Demon!" the soldiers of Xuan Ying Kingdom showed expressions of terror. The entire army was filled with fear of this one person.

Then a general shouted sternly, "Blood Demon, how can you, a citizen of Xuan Ying, slaughter your own people!"

The man ignored me completely, but he was getting closer and closer to me, and my heart was beating even faster than before.

Surrounded by enemies, the man's white robes were stained with blood. His blood-stained sword swept across the battlefield, unstoppable. To others, he was like a demon from hell, but to me, he was comparable to a god. My gaze was truly fixed on him...

It's hard to imagine that he single-handedly turned the tide of the battle. The enemy, who thought victory was in their grasp, fled in disarray before him, as if once they encountered him, they would never return.

Blood Demon, what a bloody name! I ran towards him, stood in front of him, and exclaimed with joy, "Gan Lin!" This name sounds much better.

Gan Lin smiled slightly, but then collapsed softly. I quickly reached out and caught him. Zi Nuo, who had rushed over, helped me carry him into the tent.

Do not lean against the west railing to lock in the clear autumn. Chapter 80

Chapter word count: 3403 Update time: 09-08-24 13:39

Gan Lin returned in this way.

The army doctor came and said he was just exhausted, which put my mind at ease. I told him to lie down and rest, and then I checked my own and Zinuo's wounds. There were seven or eight cuts, but compared to the other soldiers, it was much better. The more embarrassing one was the wound on my back. I was the only woman in the army, so after weighing the options, I had to ask Zinuo to help me. Luckily, I have a younger brother.

After treating his wounds, enduring the burning pain all over his body, he walked to the large tent where the wounded were treated. Many more wounded soldiers had been added inside, and some familiar faces were no longer there. A wave of sorrow washed over him. Captain Chang was also there, a medic bandaging him. A captain with minor injuries ran in and said the camp had been repaired. A headcount revealed only a little over a thousand men remaining, with over five thousand killed – almost a total annihilation! The enemy had also lost over ten thousand men. Their remaining forces still outnumbered ours several times over, but Gan Lin had single-handedly held them off. Otherwise, by the time Du Zhai and the others returned, this place would have been either ruins or an enemy trap.

Such casualties were to be expected, given the life-or-death struggle. Outside, the surviving soldiers had indeed repaired the damaged gates and other structures. To prevent the enemy from returning, the fortifications outside the village had been reinforced, which should hold for a while longer.

Back in my tent, Gan Lin was still unconscious, with Zi Nuo by his side. I called the four guards Shen Haoyu had left behind to the medic to continue helping, and instructed Zi Nuo to call me immediately as soon as Gan Lin woke up. While treating the wounded soldier's wounds, I tried hard to recall the contents of Shen Haoyu's map, wondering where these enemy troops had come from, since several groups of men had failed to spot them.