Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

"clever."

Chu Ning nodded approvingly, his eyes gleaming with the light of victory. "On the surface, I returned to Chu with Wu Zhao, but in fact, I came here secretly to wait for you - the most capable general of the Han Dynasty."

Xue Huaide added at the right moment, "The first retreat was also part of the plan. Your Majesty knows you are suspicious and cautious. If you don't show weakness first, how can you confidently pursue us?"

Huo Quji's face turned from red to white, and then from white to blue.

He suddenly remembered the battle three days ago - the Chu army seemed to retreat in a hurry, abandoning a large amount of baggage.

At that time, he laughed at Chu Ning for being so nothing, but he didn't expect that this was actually Chu Ning's plan!

"Soldiers who, deception also."

Chu Ning's voice interrupted Huo Quji's recollection: "As the saying goes, all is fair in war. General Huo, you are too eager to achieve success."

These words were like a sharp knife, piercing Huo Quji's heart.

His handsome face was distorted to an almost ferocious degree, and his chest beneath his silver armor rose and fell violently. "Just wait, I will definitely avenge you for today's vengeance!"

Chu Ning only smiled slightly, and that smile was extremely dazzling to Huo Quji: "I am always waiting for you, but now~"

He turned to Xue Huaide and said, "Minimize the casualties and prepare to withdraw."

Huo Quji finally glared at Chu Ning fiercely, turned his horse around and returned to his camp.

The Han army began to retreat in an orderly manner, and the archers still vigilantly aimed at the direction of the Chu army to prevent the other side from taking the opportunity to launch a sneak attack.

Chu Ning watched the Han army go away, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

He looked up at the sky - the lead-gray clouds were hanging low, indicating that a heavier snowstorm was coming.

"Your Majesty, why don't you pursue the enemy?" Zhao Yu asked puzzledly. "Our army's morale is high. Let's charge forward!"

Chu Ning shook his head: "The border terrain is complex, and the Han army has reinforcements. Forcible pursuit will only increase casualties."

He paused and said meaningfully, "Besides, today's goal has been achieved."

Xue Huaide nodded in understanding.

Today's battle not only dealt a heavy blow to the Han army, but more importantly, Chu Ning established absolute authority in the hearts of the Zhou army soldiers.

"Pass the order, all troops return to camp." Chu Ning turned his horse around and said, "We will reward the troops tomorrow."

As the horn sounded, the Zhou army began to retreat in an orderly manner.

The way the soldiers looked at Chu Ning was very different from when they first came - the awe in their eyes was genuine, without any perfunctory attitude.

The wind and snow grew stronger, and Chu Ning's figure gradually moved away in the vast snow.

This border confrontation seemed to end in a draw, but in fact he had won the most crucial round.

Nothing happened during the night. The cold wind was still howling, but the military camp was more solemn and busy than usual.

The Zhou army soldiers stayed up all night, counting the battle losses and collecting the bodies of their comrades who died in the battle.

Rows of corpses were neatly arranged on the cold snow.

Some were frozen stiff, while others still maintained the posture they had when they died in battle - clutching their spears tightly, eyes wide open, as if even in death, their fighting spirit refused to dissipate.

After Chu Ning returned to the tent, he did not rest immediately. Instead, he stood outside the tent, quietly watching the busy soldiers in the distance.

The firelight shone on his face, outlining a cold outline.

He was silent for a long time before he turned back into the tent, took off his clothes, and closed his eyes to rest.

The next morning, the wind and snow subsided slightly and the sky became slightly brighter.

Chu Ning had just finished breakfast when Xue Huaide opened the curtain, strode in, and knelt on one knee to report:

"Your Majesty, our army lost 15,000 men in this battle, while the Han army lost approximately 38,000 men."

Chu Ning nodded slightly, his expression calm, and was not surprised by the result.

When the Han army first raided the main camp, the Zhou army fought desperately and suffered heavy casualties. In the subsequent pursuit battle, although they won a great victory, many soldiers were left alone and killed in the melee.

Although the loss of 15,000 men was heartbreaking, it was an acceptable price compared to the Han army's disastrous defeat.

"Bury the bodies of the soldiers."

Chu Ning said in a deep voice: "After cremation, bring their ashes back. I will personally erect a monument for them."

Xue Huaide clasped his fists in response, a hint of respect flashing in his eyes.

Although Chu Ning had just conquered the Great Zhou, his compassion for his soldiers remained undiminished.

At this time, Xue Huaide took another step forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, the celebration banquet is ready, and the soldiers are looking forward to your visit."

Chu Ning heard this and raised his lips slightly: "Alright, I will return to the capital after attending the celebration banquet."

In the open space in the center of the military camp, a blazing bonfire burned, dispelling the winter chill.

The soldiers sat around the fire, drinking and eating meat with big gulps of wine, and the noise was heard one after another.

Some people were talking and laughing loudly, while others were whispering about their comrades who died in battle. The atmosphere was both warm and heavy.

Chu Ning's arrival made the whole place quiet down instantly.

Everyone stood up, knelt on one knee, and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty!"

"No need for formalities." Chu Ning raised his hand to gesture, then walked to the main seat and sat down.

Xue Huaide followed closely behind him and stood beside him.

The attendants immediately brought wine and meat. Chu Ning raised his glass and looked around at everyone: "This great victory is all thanks to the bravery of all of you soldiers! I toast to you all!"

"Cheers to Your Majesty!" The soldiers responded in unison, raising their heads and drinking it all in one gulp.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Chu Ning put down his wine glass and said loudly: "Although we have won this battle, the Han army will never give up. However, they will not dare to attack again in the short term."

Everyone nodded, their eyes flashing with fighting spirit.

"So~"

Chu Ning's voice suddenly rose: "I hope you will take this opportunity to strengthen your defenses and train diligently! When the time is right, I will personally lead the army into the heart of the Han Dynasty and avenge our fallen brothers!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole audience was excited!

"Kill the big man! Get revenge!"

"Follow His Majesty and crush the enemy!"

The soldiers' blood boiled, they raised their glasses and cheered, with flames of revenge burning in their eyes.

Chu Ning nodded in satisfaction, then raised his hand to signal for silence: "Today is a celebration, everyone, drink as much as you want, but don't drink too much and cause trouble. Starting tomorrow, the entire army will resume training!"

"As ordered!"

The blazing bonfire illuminated every determined face. The aroma of wine, meat, fighting spirit, and heroic spirit intertwined in the cold wind.

Someone began to sing military songs, and the deep and majestic singing echoed over the military camp, as if even the wind and snow had stopped.

Chu Ning watched all this quietly, with a hint of deep meaning in her eyes.

He knew that today's celebration banquet was not only a reward for the three armies, but also a key step in rallying the military's morale.

Although we won this battle, the real war has just begun.

Since the Han Dynasty has already taken action, he has reason to take action against the Han Dynasty.

This time he plotted against the Han Dynasty, on the one hand he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to trick Liu Che, and on the other hand he wanted the Han Dynasty to send troops, giving him a reason to attack the other side.

What he wants most is to have a legitimate reason to be a teacher!

Of course, before that, he had to go back and settle the affairs of the court.

Especially regarding Wu Zhao's position as the vice empress, he must go back in person to clear Wu Zhao's name!