Lao Huihui was slightly startled when he heard the news.
"Zuo Liangyu?"
Zuo Liangyu was the imperial general responsible for suppression and relief operations in Henan. Recently, his name had spread widely, and his reputation had grown formidable throughout the region.
Through intelligence gathered from various rebel factions, Lao Huihui understood Zuo Liangyu far better than the imperial court ever could.
In the court's records, Zuo Liangyu commanded only three thousand troops. Many of those soldiers existed only on paper, mere ghost entries used to siphon military pay. In reality, his true fighting strength was probably no more than two thousand men. Yet with this limited force, he had repeatedly defeated roaming rebel bands, earning himself the image of a diligent and capable general.
From the rebels' perspective, however, Zuo Liangyu was something else entirely.
He was a ruthless predator.
Every time he crushed a rebel group, he would accept their surrender and absorb them into his own ranks. After bolstering his strength, he would move on to the next band, defeat them, and repeat the process. Step by step, his army grew larger and larger.
By now, Zuo Liangyu not only retained his three thousand official troops but also controlled nearly ten thousand former rebels who had been forcibly integrated into his command.
"That idiot Zuo Liangyu," Lao Huihui muttered under his breath, unable to hold back a curse. "Why is he coming after us? What does he think he's doing?"
"Perhaps he wants to absorb us as well," a subordinate said quietly. "After all, we are an elite frontier cavalry force."
Lao Huihui nodded, then waved his hand dismissively. "Ignore him. Once Mr. Bai's provisions arrive, we will leave immediately. There is no need to clash with Zuo Liangyu."
As he finished speaking, the long awaited supply convoy finally appeared in the distance.
The convoy from Gao Family Village emerged onto the main road outside Yanling County. They did not use the village's advanced vehicles. Lao Huihui was not yet aware of Gao Family Village's automotive secrets.
Instead, the supplies were transported in the traditional manner, using ox carts and horse drawn wagons loaded with grain.
Lao Huihui hurried forward and clasped his hands in greeting. "Many thanks, Mr. Bai. You have never once failed to deliver the promised provisions."
The captain of the transport team jumped down from his wagon with a broad smile and returned the bow. "And you, General, have also kept your word. We know very well that your forces have not harmed the common people during this time."
After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Lao Huihui quickly waved his hand. "Unload the grain at once. Zuo Liangyu may arrive at any moment."
"Oh?" the transport captain said in surprise. "Zuo Liangyu is coming?"
Lao Huihui nodded. "Yes. To be honest, we were not careful enough when escorting these supplies, and Zuo Liangyu's scouts detected our movements. Just now, I received confirmation that he is already marching here. We intended to load the supplies quickly and withdraw without engaging him."
The captain clicked his tongue softly. At first, he had no intention of saying anything more. However, at that moment, the embroidered image of Dao Xuan Tianzun on his chest spoke.
"Ask him why he does not wish to fight Zuo Liangyu."
The captain's spirits immediately lifted.
Dao Xuan Tianzun was present.
He turned back to Lao Huihui and asked, "General, may I ask why you do not wish to fight Zuo Liangyu?"
Lao Huihui replied, "Since I have accepted your provisions, I naturally do not wish to become your enemy."
"Us?" The captain shook his head. "Zuo Liangyu is not on our side."
"Oh?" Lao Huihui frowned. "Are you not aligned with the imperial court?"
The captain laughed softly.
Dao Xuan Tianzun's voice lowered, sounding calm and deliberate. "Tell him this. He may spare other imperial officers, but Zuo Liangyu is different. Let him fight however he wishes, without restraint."
The captain chuckled again and faithfully relayed Dao Xuan Tianzun's exact words.
Understanding dawned on Lao Huihui's face. "So you gentlemen have a grudge against Zuo Liangyu?"
"With a grudge, perhaps not exactly," the captain replied. "But our supreme leader deeply despises Zuo Liangyu. He is the sort of corrupt warlord who commits every imaginable evil and never performs a single good deed. Such a man is detestable to both heaven and humanity."
That final phrase, "detestable to both heaven and humanity," was an embellishment added by the captain himself.
In his heart, it was no longer merely a description. It was an objective truth.
Dao Xuan Tianzun could not tolerate this man.
Therefore, Zuo Liangyu's wickedness was beyond question.
Lao Huihui laughed knowingly. "I see. If that is the case, things become simple. I have always benefited from your generosity, and as the saying goes, once you take a man's money, you must carry his troubles. Zuo Liangyu will be my repayment for your kindness."
After making his decision, Lao Huihui raised his voice and shouted, "Change of plans. We will no longer avoid Zuo Liangyu. All troops, prepare for battle. Let us give Zuo Liangyu an unforgettable New Year's gift."
The frontier cavalry burst into loud laughter. "As you command," they roared.
They moved with remarkable efficiency, unloading the grain from the wagons at astonishing speed. Each cavalryman secured a pack of supplies onto his horse.
Once the transport convoy from Gao Family Village withdrew, Lao Huihui waved his hand decisively, and the battle began.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiangheng was leading Generals Zu Kuan and Luo Dai as they advanced steadily toward Lu Prefecture. Along the way, he carefully tracked the movements of all allied forces through a constant stream of scouts and messengers.
"Report," a messenger called out. "General Cao Wenzhao has already reached the outskirts of Lu Prefecture ahead of us."
"He Renlong has also arrived."
"Gao Jie is advancing more slowly, but he should arrive within another day."
"Shi Kefa, leading the Anqing army northward, has successfully blocked the rebels' southern escape routes."
Lu Xiangheng was in high spirits. "Excellent. The encirclement is nearly complete. But wait, where is Zuo Liangyu? Where has that man gone now?"
Just hearing Zuo Liangyu's name gave Lu Xiangheng a pounding headache.
Zuo Liangyu always appeared capable, yet whenever a major campaign reached a critical moment, he was nowhere to be found. Was the man truly talented, or was he nothing more than an empty showpiece?
As these thoughts troubled him, a messenger came running over, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath.
"Report," the messenger shouted. "Zuo Liangyu is in serious trouble."
Lu Xiangheng froze.
The messenger explained, "Zuo Liangyu did not advance directly toward Lu Prefecture as ordered. Instead, he diverted to Yanling County and attacked Lao Huihui."
Lu Xiangheng's face darkened with rage. "Outrageous. He dared to disobey orders. Tell me, did he at least wipe out Lao Huihui? If he did, that might barely make up for it."
The messenger hesitated. "Not exactly. Lao Huihui led his cavalry in a retreat into Jia Mountain, with Zuo Liangyu in pursuit. However, the retreat was a feigned defeat. Lao Huihui had already set a trap within Jia Mountain using his Hui frontier cavalry."
Lu Xiangheng let out a hoarse sound from his throat.
"Zuo Liangyu chased them into Jia Mountain," the messenger continued, "and was surrounded on all sides. His forces suffered a crushing defeat. He is now trapped in the valley and managed to send a messenger to break through and request rescue from the Grand Coordinator."
For a long time, Lu Xiangheng was too furious to speak.
Zuo Liangyu's insubordination was already infuriating enough. Falling for a simple rebel ruse and getting himself surrounded was beyond absurd. What kind of useless general could not even handle a group of bandits?
The most unbelievable part was that Zuo Liangyu actually had the nerve to ask Lu Xiangheng for help.
Lu Xiangheng's priority was the relief of Lu Prefecture. He had no time to waste on rescuing Zuo Liangyu.
"Ignore him," Lu Xiangheng said coldly. "Let him save himself. I cannot spare a single soldier for his rescue."
Yet as soon as he spoke, hesitation crept into his heart.
After a long sigh, Lu Xiangheng finally relented. "Zu Kuan," he said, "take your troops and go rescue Zuo Liangyu."