HLnovel Chapter 1082 Joy of Victory as the Three Armies Meet
Chapter 1082 Joy of Victory as the Three Armies Meet
On Pang De and Jia Xu's side, upon receiving Ma Chao's order to rendezvous as soon as possible, they immediately ceased their pursuit of the remaining Murong Xianbei forces. They swiftly organized their men, methodically collected supplies, and carefully eliminated any remaining spies. With everything completed, they immediately began their journey home.
Although it was only September, snowflakes were already falling heavily from the sky over the grasslands. Deep within this vast grassland, the climate was far harsher than in the Central Plains; the snowstorm struck without warning, and the temperature plummeted. Jia Xu couldn't help but tighten his leather coat, looking up at the sky and sighing deeply, "Alas, it's snowing again. It's been almost two years since we left Yanmen Pass. Judging from what the King says, he's probably preparing to return to the Central Plains."
Pang De, his face filled with urgency and his eyes brimming with longing for Ma Chao, replied, "Yes, it's been so long since I've seen Your Majesty; I've missed you terribly. Now that the reorganization here is complete, we must hurry on our way!"
Jia Xu sighed inwardly, his mind racing with thoughts. Ma Chao had achieved a great victory on the grasslands, but his army had suffered heavy losses, now numbering only a little over ten thousand. Jia Xu guessed that the situation on Ma Chao's side was probably similar. As for the Central Plains, the situation remained unpredictable. Although they had won on the grasslands, it seemed to have brought no substantial progress to the situation in the Central Plains. Moreover, with such heavy casualties on their side, they didn't know how many thorny problems they would face upon returning.
Looking at the army, though its morale was high, it was noticeably smaller and more desolate compared to the tens of thousands that had set out at the start. Jia Xu couldn't help but wonder if he should advise the king to allow the army two years to rest and recuperate. However, his self-preservationist nature began to prevail, causing him inner turmoil. He knew Ma Chao had lofty ambitions; if he rashly offered advice, would it displease the king and affect his own position in the army? This dilemma left Jia Xu deep in thought, mechanically echoing Pang De's words, and setting off with the troops to reunite with Ma Chao. Along the way, snowflakes fell in abundance, but they couldn't dampen their longing for their king.
Hu Che'er volunteered to stay behind and lead the army, while Hu Chi'er went ahead to report their whereabouts to Ma Chao. Upon hearing that Pang De and Jia Xu had successfully wiped out Murong Xuepo's tribe and were on their way back, Ma Chao felt a surge of longing that had been suppressed in his heart.
Back then, Pang De and his three armies set off from Yanmen Pass and marched towards the grasslands. Zhang Liao's right-wing army had already successfully joined forces with Ma Chao when Murong Xuepo proposed a reconciliation. However, Pang De's left-wing army had not seen each other since they parted ways, a separation that had lasted for nearly two years.
Although the battle yielded significant results, dealing a devastating blow to the Murong Xianbei forces on the grasslands, Ma Chao's longing for Pang De and his comrades remained undiminished. Pang De was no ordinary person to Ma Chao. Despite their nominal master-servant relationship, they were practically brothers. Ma Chao had fought alongside Pang De even before leaving Xiliang; their deep friendship over so many years was unparalleled.
Upon learning of Pang De's imminent arrival, Ma Chao was filled with excitement. He immediately sent messengers to inform Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, Xu Shu, and other generals, eagerly awaiting their return. Unable to contain his anticipation, he would frequently stroll outside the camp gate to look out, his eyes brimming with longing for Pang De's return.
Seeing Ma Chao's impatience, Xu Huang couldn't help but tease him, "Your Majesty is so impatient. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were waiting for Pang De, but in reality, he's just a rough man." The generals burst into laughter. However, they all understood the deep brotherly bond between Pang De and Ma Chao.
Finally, just as Ma Chao was eagerly awaiting news, Hu Chi'er rushed in to report that the army could be seen in the distance. Ma Chao could no longer contain his excitement and immediately ordered all his generals to go outside the camp to greet them.
Ma Chao stood before the camp, the biting wind and swirling snow lashing his face, yet he remained oblivious, his gaze fixed on the distance. In that silvery-white world, a troop was hurrying towards them through the snowstorm. As the troop drew closer, Ma Chao's eyes reddened slightly, a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind. The past two years of battles, filled with countless hardships and dangers, now that Pang De had returned, it seemed all the suffering had been soothed.
The generals beside him were equally excited, knowing full well the extraordinary significance of Pang De's army's arrival. This not only meant the successful convergence of the three armies, but also signified the imminent end of their long journey across the grasslands, allowing them to finally embark on their return journey to their homeland in the Central Plains.
Meanwhile, as Pang De's army gradually approached the camp, he saw a group of people welcoming them from afar. Jia Xu followed Pang De's gaze and said with a smile, "The King has personally sent people to greet you outside the camp gate; it seems he truly values you, General." Pang De, with his keen eyesight, immediately recognized the man surrounded by the generals in the middle—his lord, Ma Chao. He could no longer contain his excitement, spurred his horse, and said to Jia Xu, "Strategist, please follow the army; I will go and see the lord first." With that, he spurred his horse and galloped towards Ma Chao.
Hooves kicked up clouds of snow as Pang De's figure rapidly approached through the blizzard. Ma Chao watched the familiar figure draw ever closer, a smile involuntarily spreading across his face, his eyes filled with satisfaction and joy.
As Pang De rode closer, Ma Chao, anxious and impatient, hurried to meet him. Before Pang De's horse had even come to a complete stop, he hastily dismounted, and with a thud, knelt before Ma Chao, his voice booming with excitement, "This humble general, Pang De, has annihilated the Murong Xuepo tribe and has come to report to Your Majesty!"
Ma Chao quickly reached out and grabbed Pang De's arm tightly, helping him up. His body trembled slightly with excitement as he said with deep emotion, "Lingming, it's been two years since we last met. I've been waiting for your return day and night. You're finally back!"
Pang De was also extremely excited, his eyes reddening, and said, "My lord, I have not failed you, I have returned!"
Ma Chao gazed at Pang De, noticing the wear and tear etched on his face over the past two years—the marks of countless battles and hardships—and his slightly gaunt features. His heart ached with heartache, and he couldn't help but gently pat Pang De's shoulder, saying with emotion, "Two years have passed, and you've grown thinner, Lingming." These simple words, filled with Ma Chao's deep concern and longing for Pang De, instantly reddened Pang De's eyes, and tears welled up. He quickly wiped away his tears, saying, "I'm not tired at all; it's my lord who remains as dashing as ever."
Perhaps it was the effect of the miraculous medicine Ma Chao took in Hanzhong that day. Not only did his graying hair turn black, but he also showed no signs of aging in the past two years. Compared to Pang De's weathered face, Ma Chao still looked vigorous and imposing. Pang De secretly marveled, thinking that his lord's extraordinary condition must be a blessing from heaven, and that he would surely achieve great things in the future.
At this moment, the surrounding generals, witnessing this scene, were all deeply moved by the profound friendship between the two. Ma Chao looked around at everyone and said loudly, "Today, General Pang De has returned, and the three armies have gathered together. This is a great fortune for our army! In this battle on the grasslands, you have all made outstanding contributions. When we return to the Central Plains, we will surely reward you according to your merits!" Upon hearing this, the generals shouted in unison, their morale greatly boosted.
That night, the camp was brightly lit, and a grand banquet was held. The roaring bonfire illuminated everyone's faces. Ma Chao sat in the main seat, flanked by strategists such as Jia Xu, Xu Shu, and Li Ru, as well as generals like Zhang Liao, Pang De, and Xu Huang. Marshal Yueji of the Western Qiang, Moli Lang, the leader of the Jie tribe, and a group of grassland leaders who had just pledged allegiance sat in order. The atmosphere inside the camp was lively, filled with the aroma of wine.
Ma Chao raised his wine cup, stood up, glanced at everyone, and said loudly, "Today, we gather here to celebrate the victory in the battle of the grasslands. This great victory is inseparable from your valiant fighting!" Everyone stood up, raised their cups in response, and cheers echoed in the tent.
Ma Chao looked at Yue Ji, his eyes full of praise: "Marshal Yue Ji, you have contributed greatly to this campaign! Under your leadership, the warriors of Xiqiang have been brave and fearless, achieving numerous victories. I, Ma Chao, will forever remember your support for our army!" Yue Ji quickly stood up, clasped his hands in salute, and said, "It is my honor to serve Your Majesty! I am willing to give my all for your great cause!" Ma Chao smiled and nodded, gesturing for Yue Ji to sit down, and continued, "I will remember Marshal Yue Ji's achievements, and I will certainly not treat the brothers of Xiqiang unfairly in the future!"
Then, Ma Chao turned his gaze to Molilang. Molilang felt a little uneasy and stood respectfully. Ma Chao said gently, “Molilang, although you once opposed the Han people, of the 50,000 men your father and your Jie tribe sent to the grasslands, only 1,000 survived. Now, though you only have 1,000 men under your command, I know your courage and loyalty. The Jie tribe has had a difficult journey. From now on, you no longer need to wander. I bestow upon you Han Chinese status and officially relocate you to the place I designate, to integrate into the embrace of the Han. From now on, we are all one family!” Molilang’s heart warmed, his eyes reddened, and he knelt down with a thud, saying, “Thank you for your grace, my lord! Molilang is willing to lead the entire tribe to forever follow you, my lord, and serve you with utmost loyalty!” Ma Chao stepped forward and personally helped Molilang up, saying, “Get up. Live well from now on and make the tribe strong. I will arrange for people to help you adapt to your new life.”
Ma Chao raised his wine cup, solemnly surveyed the crowd, and loudly proclaimed, "Today, I want to recount with you all this momentous battle on the grasslands. In this battle, our army achieved a brilliant victory, successfully killing 200,000 able-bodied men from various Xianbei tribes and slaughtering nearly 600,000 to 700,000 old, weak, women, and children. After this battle, the Xianbei were completely wiped out!"
Upon hearing this, cheers erupted within the camp. Ma Chao's generals, such as Zhang Liao, Pang De, and Xu Huang, were all beaming with excitement, rejoicing at this great victory. They knew that this victory was not only a tremendous military triumph, but also a significant contribution to the peace of the Han Dynasty's borders and to Ma Chao's ambition for hegemony.
However, the steppe generals, whose peace had just been restored, forced smiles onto their faces, their hearts filled with terror. They had witnessed the annihilation of the Xianbei tribe and deeply understood the power and ruthlessness of Ma Chao's army. They couldn't help but worry whether their own tribes would become the next target. Although they had to appear submissive on the surface, their inner fears shrouded them like a dark cloud.