Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 16 Volunteering Again

The sky over the capital was overcast and heavy, pressing down on the glazed tiles of the Prince's mansion, as if foreshadowing an impending storm. Zhang Peng stood in the courtyard, gazing at the leaden sky, his brow furrowed, his mind racing with the battle reports from the border.

Xia Lijuan tiptoed behind him, draped a cloak over his shoulders, and said softly, "Your Highness, it's windy outside, don't catch a cold."

Zhang Peng turned around, took her hand, and said with a wry smile, "Lijuan, the border war has broken out again, and the Emperor will probably summon me to the palace again to discuss countermeasures."

Xia Lijuan's heart tightened. She knew that once Zhang Peng went to the battlefield again, his fate would be uncertain. But she also knew Zhang Peng's ambition and responsibility, so she could only force a smile and say, "Your Highness, whatever decision you make, I will support you. Just please take good care of yourself on this journey."

Sure enough, not long after, an imperial decree arrived from the palace, summoning Zhang Peng to the palace immediately. Zhang Peng changed into his court robes, straightened his clothes, gave Xia Lijuan a deep look, and then turned and left.

The atmosphere in the imperial court was heavy. The Emperor sat high on his dragon throne, his expression worried, the battle report in his hand crumpled in his hand. "My beloved ministers," he said, "the enemy is causing trouble on the border again. Do any of you have a good plan?"

The ministers looked at each other, none daring to speak first. At this moment, Zhang Peng stepped forward, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops again to defend the territory of our Great Qing."

A hint of relief flashed in the Emperor's eyes, but then worry appeared on his face: "My dear minister, you have just returned from the front lines, and I really can't bear to let you risk your life again."

Zhang Peng kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have received great favor from the court and it is only right that I serve the country. Moreover, I have some understanding of the enemy's tactics and deployments, and I am certain that we will be able to defeat them in this expedition."

After a moment of contemplation, the Emperor finally nodded: "Very well, I hereby appoint you as the General Who Conquers the North. Immediately organize the troops and march to the border."

After the court session, Zhang Peng immediately began preparations for the expedition. He personally selected elite soldiers, inspected weapons and equipment, and formulated a battle plan. Xia Lijuan also helped him, preparing his luggage and reminding him of various precautions.

On the day of departure, the area outside the Prince's mansion was crowded with people seeing him off, all offering their blessings to Zhang Peng and his soldiers. Xia Lijuan stood in the crowd, tears welling in her eyes, but she stubbornly held them back.

Zhang Peng rode his tall horse with imposing grandeur. He surveyed the departing crowd, his gaze finally settling on Xia Lijuan. The two looked at each other from afar, a thousand words unspoken in that single glance.

"Move out!" With Zhang Peng's command, the army marched in a mighty procession toward the border. The sounds of horses' hooves and footsteps mingled together, creating a poignant battle song.

Along the way, Zhang Peng and his soldiers traveled day and night, enduring wind and rain. Finally, they arrived at the border. At this time, the border was engulfed in war, with smoke billowing everywhere. Standing on the city wall, Zhang Peng looked at the enemy's camp in the distance and secretly vowed to drive the enemy out of the border completely.

He quickly summoned his generals to analyze the enemy's situation. It turned out that the enemy had a new commander, a man of many schemes and unpredictable tactics. Zhang Peng knew this would be a difficult battle.

To ascertain the enemy's strength and weaknesses, Zhang Peng decided to personally lead a reconnaissance squad to investigate deep into the vicinity of the enemy camp. Under the hazy moonlight, Zhang Peng and his reconnaissance squad quietly set off. They followed a rugged mountain path, avoiding enemy patrols, and stealthily approached the enemy camp.

Just as they were about to approach the enemy camp, a sharp whistle suddenly rang out. Zhang Peng knew inwardly that they had been discovered by the enemy.