Chapter 1043: A Heartbreaking Loss
Editor: Henyee Translations

In the camp, Xia Qi frowned deeply as he reviewed the investigation results on Chu Qingzhi. There had to be some detail he missed. What could it be?

At that moment, his close aide spoke up, “Could this person be in disguise? I’ve heard that Dalin has a type of disguise technique that’s almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”

Xia Qi’s eyes widened. That would explain a lot. “Investigate who this person might be impersonating.”

The aide bowed, “Yes, General.”

Xia Qi pondered silently, who is the real person behind the disguise? And why pretend to be a youth? Most importantly, how is their martial prowess so strong?

Chu Qingzhi was unaware that Xia Qi had sent someone to investigate her. Even if she knew, she wouldn’t care. At the moment, the sound of the retreat signal called her back to the camp.

Tang Jinghong and his generals gathered in the command tent to discuss the next battle plan, while Chu Qingzhi headed to the medical tent.

Chu Qingning had temporarily taken up the role of a military doctor, treating the wounded soldiers. “Hang in there, it’ll be over soon.”

The soldier in front of her had a three-inch long gash on his arm. If not treated properly, it could lead to amputation or even death.

Chu Qingning applied anesthetic to the wound, disinfected it with alcohol, and then stitched it up with skillful precision, as if she had done it countless times before.

Chu Qingzhi felt a deep sense of pride. Her fourth sister’s medical skills were truly impressive. After observing for a while, she joined in treating the wounded soldiers.

Once the wounded were taken care of, they could finally eat and rest.

While treating the soldiers, Chu Qingzhi discreetly infused them with spiritual energy to accelerate their healing.

Time passed quickly amidst the urgent calls to arms, and three months later, it was early winter.

Over these three months, there had been more than twenty skirmishes, with both sides boasting notable generals and nearly equal forces. The unique battlefield terrain kept the fights at a stalemate.

Chu Qingzhi stood at the edge of the battlefield. Suddenly, something cold and wet landed on her face.

She touched it and realized it was a snowflake.

“It’s snowing!”

At that moment, a cloak was draped over her shoulders. The white cloak and the handsome young man who put it on her made a striking pair.

Tang Jinghong stepped in front of Chu Qingzhi and fastened the cloak’s ties. “Winter in the frontier is cold and dry. Your skin is delicate; don’t get frostbite.”

“I’m fine.” Chu Qingzhi touched Tang Jinghong’s face with her warm hand. “Do the soldiers have enough winter clothing?”

“They do.” Tang Jinghong said, surprised, “I understand now why the emperor sent Rong Shenning and the others with us.”

“To handle military supplies?” Chu Qingzhi tilted her head inquiringly.

“Yes, everyone has their value. After arriving in the eastern border, they discovered business opportunities and started trading. All our supplies are purchased with the money they earned.” Tang Jinghong was genuinely surprised.

Chu Qingzhi turned to look at the seemingly endless line of the enemy’s army. “Jinghong, how long until this ends?”

Tang Jinghong frowned. “Xia Sang Kingdom has committed its entire nation to this war, determined to annex Dalin. Our situation is dire; holding the line like this is already an achievement.”

Dalin faced threats on two other fronts and couldn’t afford to commit fully like Xia Sang Kingdom. They had to drag out and defend the border for a year. If Xia Sang Kingdom couldn’t sustain their supplies, they would have to retreat.

It was a desperate but necessary strategy. Xia Sang Kingdom had fifty thousand troops, while Dalin only had twenty thousand—more than double the difference. Under normal circumstances, victory would be impossible.

Fortunately, with Tang Jinghong leading, morale was high. Without him, they might have lost long ago over the past five months.

…

In the Xia camp.

Xia Yunjian stormed into the command tent, standing in the main commander’s spot. “We can’t keep dragging this out.”

Xia Qi said, “We are preparing for an all-out assault. The snow has started falling, and we only have half a month left. If we don’t take Dalin in that time, we’ll have to wait until next year.”

Xia Yunjian’s eyes gleamed with ambition. “Xia Qi, I want to set foot on Dalin’s soil within half a month.”

Xia Qi bowed, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Immediately, Xia Qi and his generals launched an assault with twenty thousand troops.

This overwhelming attack forced Dalin to retreat twenty miles.

The atmosphere in Tang’s camp was gloomy.

Chu Qingzhi approached Tang Jinghong. “Should I go capture Xia Qi?”

Tang Jinghong didn’t hesitate. “The Xia camp is heavily guarded. All the spies and assassins I’ve sent never returned. I don’t want you to risk it.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested cautiously, “Then I’ll go raid their supplies.”

“That’s doable. Small units can’t match you.” Tang Jinghong nodded in agreement.

That night, Chu Qingzhi set out, circling around to the rear of the Xia camp to raid their supplies. Winter clothing and quilts were crucial. Cutting off these supplies would significantly impact their morale.

Xia Yunjian, furious, ordered, “Everyone, hunt down and kill those who raid our supplies.”

He not only sent dark guards but also issued a bounty. Soon, the news of hunting Chu Qingzhi spread widely.

Chu Qingzhi was constantly surrounded, making it harder to steal supplies. She had to return.

During this time, Dalin retreated another twenty miles, almost back to the city.

The citizens of Liang City began fleeing towards the capital, fearing they would be the ones to suffer if Xia Sang Kingdom’s forces broke through.

Hearing this, Chu Qingzhi decided not to return. She planned to assassinate Xia Qi or Xia Yunjian in the Xia camp.

If she could kill Xia Yunjian, the war would be resolved.

Successfully infiltrating the Xia camp, Chu Qingzhi found Xia Yunjian, only to realize he was a decoy. The real Xia Yunjian was elsewhere.

Chu Qingzhi thought Xia Yunjian was like a rat, always hiding.

While she was attempting the assassination, another battle broke out.

This time, Xia Qi personally led the troops into battle. Seeing this, Tang Jinghong also joined the fray.

Unbeknownst to Xia Qi, Tang Jinghong had riskily allocated half his troops to circle around and attack from behind, planning to encircle them…

“Attack!!” Ten thousand troops charged into the rear of the Xia camp. Xia Qi had defenses in place, but he didn’t expect Tang Jinghong to be so bold, dividing his forces to encircle them. It caught Xia Qi completely off guard, leading to a devastating defeat and a thirty-mile retreat.

This significant victory greatly boosted morale in Tang’s camp.

General Chen praised, “General Tang, your strategic brilliance saved us from retreating into the city.”

He admitted he wouldn’t dare use such risky tactics. But with great risk came great reward, and they captured a large amount of supplies from the Xia camp, replenishing their own needs.

…

In the Xia camp.

Xia Yunjian was furious. Losing ten thousand troops from a fifty thousand strong army was a heartbreaking loss. “How could you let Tang Jinghong wrap you up like dumplings?”