Time travel, quick transmigration

Xiao Huanling assumed the post of Military Governor of Hedong and governed Taiyuan Prefecture, thus commanding the Tianbing Army, Datong Army, Hengye Army, Kelan Army, Yunzhong Garrison, and the troops of Xinzhou, Daizhou, and Lanzhou. However, upon arriving in Taiyuan Prefecture, Xiao Huanling discovered that the total number of soldiers was only slightly over 50,000.

The Turks were brave and their army was strong. Fifty thousand soldiers were certainly not enough to defend against a Turkic invasion. After Xiao Huanling established himself in Taiyuan, he ordered Zhang Liang and Jiang He to recruit a group of new soldiers to strengthen their army.

"Jiang He, you will lead the Datong Army."

"Zhang Liang led the Hengye Army."

"You two will split into two groups. One group will take advantage of Jiuyeli's departure to launch a surprise attack on the tribes under Jiuyeli's command and annihilate them in one fell swoop. The other group will need to find out where their food supplies are as soon as possible and cut off their supply lines."

"Feng Xiang led the Kelan Army to intercept the alliance of Jiuyeli's reinforcements."

Upon hearing this, Jiang He, Zhang Liang, and Feng Xiang bowed and accepted the order, their eyes filled with unwavering determination to win.

"In this battle, I will lead five thousand elite cavalry and ten thousand Heavenly Soldiers as the vanguard."

"Jiuye Li is a shrewd and resourceful man. It is said that he is an excellent archer who never misses his target, and he wields a curved sword with unparalleled skill. He is a tough and unyielding person."

"Therefore, you must not be careless or underestimate the enemy in this battle, and be wary of any hidden tricks that Jiuyeli may have up his sleeve."

Xiao Huanling rubbed his fingertips a few times, his gaze deep and his eyes filled with burgeoning fighting spirit.

Jiang He had also heard the rumors about Jiuyeli, who was now the Khan of the four major Turkic tribes, and had inquired about his deeds. He deeply agreed with Xiao Huanling's words.

"What I heard from others is pretty much the same as what Brother Xiao said. As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' Brother Xiao should have already figured out a strategy to defeat Jiuyeli. I will follow Brother Xiao's orders."

"Brother Xiao, rest assured, Jiang He will definitely complete the task you assigned perfectly."

Zhang Liang and Feng Xiang glanced at Jiang He and clearly agreed with his point of view.

Xiao Huanling did not respond to Jiang He's words, and after pondering for a moment, looked at the three of them.

“Jiuye Li is a strategist and must have made ample preparations. Since he openly sent the declaration of war, he must have a plan in mind. This man would never fight a battle he is not sure of winning. If I can think of something, he can probably think of something too.”

“Alright then, Feng Xiang, I’ve met and observed the young general Li Moyan whom you recommended to me at the beginning of the year. He and Jiang He went to ambush the Turkic soldiers who were harassing our border people and burning, killing, and looting. He was very calm and decisive, and he was also very brave in leading the charge. This time, let him lead the remaining troops from the three prefectures to guard the camp, protect the safety of the people of Taiyuan Prefecture, ensure that the food supplies are not lost, and prevent Jiu Yeli’s men from bringing Turkic soldiers to launch a sneak attack.”

"In this way, both the front and the rear will be protected, and I can concentrate on dealing with Jiuyeli."

Feng Xiang and Li Moyan were from the same hometown and were also close friends who knew each other well. Seeing that Xiao Huanling had entrusted his friend with such an important task, Feng Xiang was naturally grateful.

"General, you trust Mo Yan so much. Knowing Mo Yan as I do, he will surely repay the General's trust and promotion with his life."

Jiang He had worked with Li Moyan before and fought against the Turks together, so he was fairly familiar with Li Moyan's abilities and had no objection to Xiao Huanling's decision.

Zhang Liang and Li Moyan were merely nodding acquaintances, and Zhang Liang didn't know Li Moyan very well. He wouldn't normally have questioned Xiao Huanling's decision to promote a newcomer, but he was always cautious at such a crucial moment. So he looked at Xiao Huanling, clearly having something to say.

Seeing Zhang Liang hesitate to speak, Xiao Huanling knew what he was thinking.

"Speak your mind."

Zhang Liang nodded and lowered his eyelashes respectfully.

"General, Li Moyan has never shouldered such an important responsibility before. I am worried that his lack of experience might make him feel burdened. If..."

Zhang Liang did not continue speaking.

But all three people present understood what it meant.

Feng Xiang could very well understand Zhang Liang's concerns.

"General, in that case, why not summon Li Moyan and ask him personally in front of everyone whether he dares to take on this great responsibility?"

Xiao Huanling also thought it was feasible, so he sent someone to summon Li Moyan.

Before long, Li Moyan was invited into the camp.

Xiao Huanling looked at the tall, handsome young man with bright eyes in front of her.

"Li Moyan, I've called you here because I have a task for you."

Li Moyan bowed respectfully.

"General, please speak."

Xiao Huanling greatly admired Li Moyan's composed and dignified attitude.

"I have decided to appoint you to lead the troops from the three prefectures and counties in the camp to guard Taiyuan Prefecture and ensure the supply of provisions, and to prevent the Turks from launching a surprise attack on our rear. You may be entrusted with this important task."

Upon hearing this, Li Moyan looked intently at Xiao Huanling, who was sitting at the head of the table, his face filled with excitement and gratitude. He clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Li Moyan will certainly not let the general down!"

"As long as I, Li Moyan, have a breath left, I will never allow the Turks to invade my rear even a little bit."

Xiao Huanling smiled approvingly.

"very good."

"This general also believes in your abilities."

Xiao Huanling had already said this much, and given Li Moyan's confident demeanor, Zhang Liang didn't dare to say anything more.

After the discussion, Xiao Huanling dismissed Jiang He and the others.

The Turkic envoy who delivered the declaration of war went directly to the royal tent to meet Jiuyeli as soon as he returned to his tribe.

"Your Majesty, I have delivered the letter to their Tang army leader."

Ashina Jiuyeli, sitting on a throne covered with animal skins, slightly raised his eyebrows and drank the strong wine that his beloved concubine had poured for him in one gulp.

"Oh...you've met their general Xiao Huanling. What do you think of him?"

The envoy, hearing the ancient, melodious voice, dared not utter a sound, and lowered his head to carefully recount what he had seen.

"In my opinion, Xiao Huanling not only has a bright and radiant appearance, but also looks very deep and unfathomable. I am not used to dealing with Han people, but I can sense that Xiao Huanling has a fearsome and dreadful heart hidden beneath his calm and collected exterior."

Jiuyeli found the envoy's description quite interesting.

"Is that so? It seems this battle won't be dull at all. I'm rather impatient to meet this man and settle things with him. I hope he won't disappoint me; otherwise, I wouldn't mind skinning him and giving the rest of his fine skin to my beauties as blankets..."

The envoy restrained himself from showing fear and apprehension in front of Jiuyeli, only realizing upon leaving the tent that his back was soaked with cold sweat.

He had no sympathy for a foreigner, but secretly prayed that Xiao Huanling would not fall into the hands of their ruthless Khan, otherwise he would not only die a terrible death, but also lose his dignity.

"Juzhui, have you made all the arrangements I asked you to make for tomorrow's battle?"

Jiuye Li pushed away Ai Ji who was leaning against his shoulder, adjusted to a more comfortable position, and looked at the tall man kneeling below.

The woman, who was suddenly pushed away, almost lost her balance and fell to the ground. However, knowing Jiu Yeli's temper, she could only endure it despite feeling wronged.

"Your Majesty, as you instructed, I have made all the necessary arrangements."

Ju Zhui bowed and then respectfully reported back to Jiu Yeli.

Jiu Yeli casually raised her hand.

"I trust you and you will not let me down."

"Rise. You are my most trusted minister and most capable general. Remember, never again kneel before me."

Ju Zhui nodded in agreement, but ultimately dared not be presumptuous in front of Jiu Ye Li.