Chapter 746: Celebration Banquet

Beyond mere plunder, the enemy's objective this time was to deliver a devastating blow to our prestige. "Aren't the Great Wind Army and Panlong City supposed to be so mighty?" they must have thought. "Yet, didn't I break through their gates and forcibly humiliate them?" Of course, their goal of humiliation was achieved, but it was the bandit army's own faces that ended up swollen from the slapping.

Liu Tiao remained silent throughout. As an old teammate, she was accustomed to He Lingchuan's plans, simply executing them without questioning the reasons. Trusting Broken Blade was always the right choice.

Upon their return to Yuheng City, even in the dead of night, the victorious army was greeted by cheering citizens lining the streets. Yuheng City's newly repaired roads, no matter how wide, were jammed with enthusiastic crowds. If the soldiers hadn't repelled the bandit army, the people of the city would have faced great misfortune that night. Everyone offered cheers freely, their gratitude overflowing. Some lively, outgoing young women even rushed forward to embrace them. The young soldiers, who had killed for the first time and witnessed a true slaughterhouse, had previously retreated to corners, vomiting until their faces turned pale. This grand and solemn welcome, upon their emergence, was also a first for them. This sharp contrast, like going from ice to fire, left these green recruits bewildered, as if they were still dreaming. When Wen Daolun emerged and announced to everyone, "Tonight, we celebrate; drink to your heart's content," a thunderous applause erupted. Since no one could sleep anyway, they might as well get up and celebrate. For the first time ever, shops along the streets opened for business in the middle of the night. Red lanterns were hung, and as stoves were lit, the aroma of cooking naturally filled the air. The city government sourced wine from shops, cooks prepared fish and meat, and commoners slaughtered cattle and sheep. Grand feast tables were set up in several large restaurants within the city.

The tables were laden with generous portions of fish and meat. Though the cooking was simple, the flavors were excellent. Braised pork, served in large basins, had glistening oil at the bottom, half an inch thick.

The soldiers, who had fought for half the night and were just coming down from their adrenaline rush, found their stomachs rumbling. They grabbed large steamed buns, half the size of a head, ate a bite of meat, then a bite of bun, and downed a bowl of wine. Their spirits immediately soared, and they began to boast about their bravery in battle.

With the victory secured, everyone rejoiced. Of course, tasks such as prisoner settlement, wounded treatment, battlefield cleanup, and military merit recording still needed to be carried out systematically. This also presented an excellent opportunity to train the logistics team.

Holding a wine cup, Wen Daolun found He Lingchuan among the soldiers and immediately raised a toast as a mark of respect: "Come, come! Congratulations, Commander He, on your first victorious battle!" He Lingchuan returned the toast, saying, "Congratulations to the military and citizens of Yuheng City on our first victory!" Everyone applauded.

Wen Daolun wanted to speak with him privately for a few moments, but the assembled soldiers wouldn't allow it. They insisted on dragging the Joint Commander and making him drink three more cups before they would let him go.

He Lingchuan pulled him to a quiet spot outside, looked around to ensure no one was listening, and then asked, "Have you gotten their statements?" Wen Daolun nodded: "This force was primarily composed of mercenaries, including Longchuan water bandits, vagrants and drifters from Jintao, and fierce individuals conscripted from the other side. Only their commanders were Jintao generals." "Were the key leaders captured?" "One died, but the others escaped. Their ability to protect themselves is not weak." He Lingchuan mused, "The moment they gathered to attack Yuheng City, I knew Jintao Nation was behind it. Would water bandits and vagrant brigands truly attack Yuheng City? Such things had indeed happened elsewhere, but within Panlong City's sphere of influence? Highly unlikely."

"Your prediction of the enemy attack this time truly saved us from a major catastrophe," Wen Daolun said, still feeling a lingering sense of dread. "Otherwise, Yuheng City, being newly built, would have suffered a great loss this time." "Even if the bandit army had entered the city, we would have eventually driven them out; it would just have been a matter of cost," He Lingchuan clarified, his mind clear. "Jintao's objective in expending so much effort to attack Yuheng City is to provoke us—no, not just us, but Panlong City itself, to make Commander Zhong and General Hong send more troops to garrison this area."

After taking Xiji, Panlong City's sphere of influence expanded, but its army size has not been able to increase rapidly yet. Panlong City's army must defend both Panlong Wilderness and Chipa Plateau, and now they have an additional territory in Xiji, making their responsibilities immense.

"There are also others behind this, who want to tie down Panlong City's forces in the Xiji region. This would naturally weaken our defenses over the Panlong Wilderness," Wen Daolun stated solemnly. "The only solution now is for the Yuheng City army to grow quickly to alleviate Panlong City's pressure."

"Today's great victory is an excellent start." "It's like someone brought a pillow just as we felt sleepy." The newly formed Yuheng army needed a great victory most, and now it has arrived. "With this victory as a foundation, future recruitment will be easier." People naturally admire strength; everyone desires flowers, cheers, and applause. "They are still very green, Commander He, so you'll have to put in more effort." This army, compared to a truly battle-hardened force, still has a long way to go to reach true battle-hardiness.

He Lingchuan smiled: "They got off easy today; they merely thrashed a defeated army." The bandit army had fallen into his trap, were blasted into disarray, scrambling to flee with their heads covered. How could they possibly have any desire to fight back? For the Yuheng army to attack such an opponent was, of course, effortless. This was also He Lingchuan's deliberate strategy to avoid exposing his weaknesses. Otherwise, with too many green recruits under his command, battles would have been riddled with issues and resulted in heavy casualties. Proper tactics can compensate for insufficient military strength.

But this requires the right time, place, and people. One day, when the two armies face each other head-on and the Yuheng army can still firmly secure victory, that will be their true test of mastery.

At this point, he recalled how his father, He Chunhua, had just assumed the post of Xia Province Governor, and the northern front was being relentlessly suppressed by Nian Zanli. At that time, the Xia Province army had also been recently formed, and He Chunhua had racked his brains and used every means possible to secure their first victory. "Ah, my father's influence should be quite stable by now, shouldn't it? A man like him, even if trodden into the mud, would climb back up and find every possible way to rise step by step."

Wen Daolun took a sip of wine. "Actually, border troubles are hardly worth mentioning. Commander Zhong's focus isn't even here." This statement was quite blunt, but given Wen Daolun's personality, he only spoke so openly to those he truly trusted, without mincing words.

He Lingchuan showed no anger at all. He nodded and said, "Currently, the core of stability for Yuheng City and even the entire Xiji region lies in Longchuan." Over a quarter of the bandit army that attacked the city today were Longchuan water bandits. This indicates that internal and external forces have already colluded and are working in concert. Given the overall situation, the Longchuan water bandits not only threaten the southern trade routes but are also instigated by Jintao, making them a festering wound on Xiji's territory. "As long as we uproot the bandit problem, border troubles will naturally dissipate."

Wen Daolun asked He Lingchuan, "Have your men already infiltrated?" "Yes, and they performed a great service today, saving the life of a major leader from the Lu Family Gang." He Lingchuan was referring to Skinny. This fellow had been transferred by him from Panlong City precisely to infiltrate Longchuan's inner circles.

Skinny naturally possessed the disposition of a bandit, making him a perfect fit for Longchuan. Today, He Lingchuan even personally collaborated with him to stage a feigned injury ploy. Skinny, at the cost of an arrow wound to his left arm, saved the bandit leader's life.