Chapter 20: Every Remaining Soldier Is a Worthy General

"Stop dawdling, pack your things, and prepare to set off with me! The Emperor's decree is urgent; we cannot defy it," Li Ye said.

"I have nothing to prepare. This sword is all I need," Linyue replied straightforwardly.

Xiao Cui was filled with anxiety. "How could the Emperor issue such an order? Your Highness has never led troops into battle; this is far too dangerous."

"It's fine. Just pack some light luggage and a few changes of clothes; there's no need to bring much. Oh, and make sure to bring along several cooks. Marching and fighting are already exhausting enough; if we don't eat well, it will be even more miserable," Li Ye instructed.

"Bringing cooks along on a military campaign?" Although Linyue knew little about military command, she still felt this was quite absurd.

"Just do as I say," Li Ye replied, offering no further explanation. He began to ponder how to resolve the current predicament—how to fulfill the Emperor’s command without inviting hostility from others. "What a headache."

Mr. Xiao’s eyes flickered with a glint of light, a faint smile playing on his lips. He was curious to see how Li Ye would break this deadlock. "May I accompany you, Your Highness? I shall only observe from the sidelines; unless your life is in danger, I will not intervene."

"If you wish to go, then come along. Even if I refused, I doubt I could stop you," Li Ye agreed readily. There was no sense in turning down a free bodyguard. Li Ye even suspected that Mr. Xiao alone could wipe out the entire bandit stronghold. Having him along provided an extra layer of security.

"Very well, I shall bring plenty of wine!"

The news of the Emperor ordering Li Ye to suppress the bandits quickly spread throughout the capital. Nearly all the officials were shocked. The Sixth Prince’s behavior was well-known to all; he had no interest in anything other than making money. Why would the Emperor assign him such a task? They were completely baffled.

The Crown Prince, having been released, was equally puzzled upon hearing the news. However, his tutor explained the key implications, which mirrored the analysis of Mr. Xiao. As the Crown Prince’s advisor, the tutor masterminded his strategies and held control over all the Prince’s resources, possessing a formidable intelligence network.

"It seems the Emperor holds the Sixth Prince in higher regard now and wishes to test his command capabilities. If he succeeds, it could very well shake the foundations of your position, Your Highness. This Sixth Prince has deceived everyone; the influence he wields is not to be underestimated. As the saying goes, money makes the mare go. With the army’s logistics under his control, he holds the lifeblood of the military..."

The Crown Prince, already harboring a grudge against Li Ye for offending Shi Wushuang, now viewed him as a formidable rival.

"Anyone who poses a threat to me must not be spared! Tutor, do you have any good ideas? Can we ensure Li Ye dies during this campaign?"

"That is exactly what I was thinking. We have our people in the Ministry of War; we can start there. We shall leak the army’s movements to the bandits and ensure they kill Li Ye. Of course, we must not let the bandits know that Li Ye is an Imperial Prince. Once the bandits kill him, you can lead the Imperial troops to 'suppress' them. With our strength and the support of Young Master Shi Wushuang, eliminating the bandits will be no challenge. You will have performed a service and avenged the Sixth Prince, which will surely boost your prestige in the court immensely."

"That is an excellent plan! Have it arranged immediately."

Qin Qingxue was also deeply confused when she heard the news. "The Emperor sent Li Ye to suppress bandits? What could he be thinking? He doesn't know the first thing about leading an army!"

"It is indeed strange. Could it be that he is still bitter about you abandoning him and wants to use this to outshine you?" Shi Wushuang asked.

"Hmph, that is highly likely! He acts generous on the surface, but he hasn't let it go at heart. He overestimates himself; he will undoubtedly fail this time." A look of satisfaction appeared on Qin Qingxue's face; she was eager to see Li Ye fail.

"It’s hard to imagine the Emperor would agree to such a ridiculous thing. Let’s just wait and enjoy the show!" Shi Wushuang also loathed Li Ye and had been plotting how to deal with him. He had not expected Li Ye to seek his own demise. Even if he returned alive, he would be a laughingstock.

Li Ye first went to the Ministry of War to collect his military tally. The Emperor had granted him five thousand troops. This number was neither large nor small. In a head-on battle, they could certainly defeat the bandits, but the bandits occupied the Vulture Mountains, where the terrain was notoriously complex and difficult to attack. With only this many soldiers, they would be stretched thin. Yet, even with more troops, they would be unable to maneuver effectively in the Vulture Mountains—which was why the bandits had remained there for so many years.

Li Ye did not dwell on the number of troops. He took the tally and arrived at the garrison. Upon seeing the soldiers provided to him, Linyue’s expression changed drastically, and she was immediately enraged. "The Ministry of War has gone too far! How could they provide such old, weak, and crippled soldiers?"

Li Ye remained expressionless. He knew that his taking command had already stirred hostility, and others were looking to eliminate him.

"Your Highness, how can these old soldiers fight? Perhaps you should appeal to the Emperor!" Xiao Cui also urged.

Mr. Xiao stood by without a word, taking sips from his wine gourd, appearing as if he were merely watching a play.

"No need. I actually think these soldiers are quite useful." Hearing this, Linyue and Xiao Cui could hardly believe their ears.

"Your Highness, you don't really intend to take these old and weak soldiers to suppress the bandits, do you?"

"Yes. Since the Ministry of War arranged it, there must be a reason. As a Prince, I only need to follow orders." Li Ye nodded earnestly. In reality, he had already formed a plan. By taking these crippled troops, even if he lost the battle, he would have a valid excuse. Furthermore, Li Ye had no intention of engaging the bandits in a head-on collision.

Li Ye told his guards, "Have all the soldiers assemble. I wish to address them."

"Yes!" The guard stepped forward and shouted the order.

The soldiers were listless and lifeless. Like puppets, they were shouted into lines. Being sent to fight was no different from being sent to their deaths; they had long since lost all hope. Li Ye knew this wouldn't do. No matter how poor the soldiers were, they had to maintain a fighting spirit.

Once the formation was complete, he mounted his horse and rode before the army. He spoke in a loud voice: "I have received the Emperor's decree and have been appointed as the Bandit Suppression General. I am to lead you all to eliminate the bandits of the Vulture Mountains. This is a golden opportunity to earn merit! I guarantee that everyone who returns victorious will be rewarded."

After Li Ye finished speaking, there was no response. The army remained deathly silent.

Li Ye smiled slightly. "Do you think I was suppressed by others, which is why you, the old and the wounded, were assigned to me? Or do you think the court is trying to save money by sending you to your deaths to avoid paying pensions? No, I do not believe that! In my eyes, every soldier present here is an elite warrior of our Great Yuan Dynasty."

Li Ye’s words finally piqued the soldiers’ interest. They looked up at him in astonishment. They were considered the dregs of the military; to be called elite warriors by a Prince—what kind of game was he playing? Or was he just trying to trick them? For a moment, they were completely bewildered.