Chapter Seventy-Two: To Fight or Not to Fight

Qin Cheng followed Li Guang to the side, where Li Guang's expression grew solemn as he gazed at Qin Cheng, speaking in a low voice, "The Xiongnu cavalry have already crossed the Great Wall."

"What is the situation?" Qin Cheng responded.

Upon hearing the news of the Xiongnu invasion, Qin Cheng, for reasons unknown, first thought of Kong Xiaonü—the Xiongnu princess who had escaped from his grasp. That day, Kong Xiaonü left Ran Min's home without saying goodbye. Though she had no horse, Qin Cheng did not naively believe that a wounded leg would hinder her journey, especially not when it came to fleeing.

Now, two or three months had passed. With the Xiongnu entering the territory, Qin Cheng could not believe that Kong Xiaonü had nothing to do with it. She was undoubtedly the Xiongnu most familiar with the development of the Shanggu cavalry. If her previous interference in cavalry training and attempted assassination of Qin Cheng was a covert scheme, then should she have incited the Xiongnu Chanyu to send troops to Shanggu, it would be an open stratagem.

Yet, could such a small place as Shanggu truly warrant the Chanyu’s attention? It was true that the Shanggu army had recently dealt a crushing defeat to the Left Wise King.

"Today, reports of urgency from several fortresses along the Great Wall arrived one after another. The contents were largely the same: Xiongnu cavalry have entered the region, numbering three to five hundred in each group," Li Guang explained. "Before I came here, more than three fortresses had sent such urgent reports."

"All groups are three to five hundred strong?" Qin Cheng asked in mild surprise, his brows furrowing.

"I have not yet drawn a definite conclusion," Li Guang continued, "but it likely boils down to a few possibilities. Either the Xiongnu are preparing a large-scale southern campaign and these are merely advance scouting parties, or they intend to harass our Han border regions, sowing confusion among us. Or perhaps, this is simply a feint."

Li Guang analyzed each possibility, his face serious yet with an air of confidence.

"If it is the third case, we can simply observe and wait. But if it is the first or second, failing to respond could lead to disaster. The problem is, we still do not know which it is, so taking action will be troublesome," Li Guang added.

"I came to inform you early, so you can prepare. The heavy and light cavalry have yet to be fully trained, and should we need to deploy, the cavalry will be the main force—or even the sole force," Li Guang said gravely. "As the Commandant of Cavalry, this is your duty. You must weigh the options carefully and, if possible, devise a strategy soon. At the very least, you must have confidence in your heart; tomorrow morning, we will convene in the camp to discuss plans and finalize our actions."

"Understood," Qin Cheng replied, his tone steady, his expression unchanged. "After our last victory over the Left Wise King, I anticipated Xiongnu retaliation, but I did not expect it would come so soon. They have chosen an opportune moment—the eve of New Year's, when the people are unprepared. It is a prime time for Xiongnu raids and plunder."

"Indeed," Li Guang agreed, "with the Xiongnu cavalry invading now, it is extremely difficult for the common folk to protect themselves. The Xiongnu are advancing on multiple fronts; defense is nearly impossible. At the turn of the year, asking people to hide in fortresses is not a long-term solution. If the Xiongnu do not withdraw for some time, it will be a real headache. If the Inspector accuses me of failing to protect the people, I will have to bear it."

"For now, we can only proceed cautiously. The Xiongnu's intentions are unclear; if we act rashly, it may backfire. The people must hide in the fortresses for the time being," Qin Cheng said.

Li Guang nodded, seeing that Qin Cheng remained calm and composed. "In facing the enemy, the most dangerous thing is for the commander to lose composure. Seeing you like this, I am reassured. Go and settle your sister first; handle the matter well. As for the enemy, think carefully. Tomorrow morning, we convene in camp."

"Understood," Qin Cheng said, clasping his hands.

"Good. I won't linger. If there are any urgent reports, I will send someone immediately," Li Guang said, heading toward the gate.

Qin Cheng escorted Li Guang outside, watching him ride away with his guards. He let out a long breath.

Since servants had already been hired for the household, Qin Cheng did not need to worry about Qin Yue's arrangements. After seeing Li Guang off, he returned to the courtyard and found Qin Yue emerging from the house, flanked by two maidservants.

Qin Yue, a country girl accustomed to hardship, could not immediately adapt to the life of a noblewoman. Seeing Qin Cheng, she appeared somewhat uneasy. Compared to the maidservants, Qin Yue's simple attire made her look more like a servant herself.

"Master, the meal is ready. Shall we serve now?" a male servant asked.

"Yes," Qin Cheng replied.

"As you wish."

"Do you find the courtyard to your liking, sister? If anything is unsatisfactory, we can change it," Qin Cheng said to Qin Yue.

"Aside from its size, nothing feels unfamiliar," Qin Yue replied with a smile.

"That is good. We traveled half the day—let us eat first. Afterwards, you can rest. From now on, you are mistress of this house; everything here is yours to arrange as you wish. I live in the camp most days, but whenever I have time, I will return to visit you," Qin Cheng said as they entered the house together, leaving Yue Yi behind.

"Military affairs are important; you need not worry about me," Qin Yue said earnestly. "Just now, General Li came to see you—surely for urgent business; otherwise, he would not have waited here. Could it be the Xiongnu have invaded again?"

Seated at the table, Qin Cheng replied, "Indeed, the Xiongnu have invaded. With the year’s end approaching, I may not be able to come home often. I might have to depart at any moment, possibly without time to inform you. If that happens on New Year's Eve, do not wait for me. Arrange the household, buy provisions as you wish, or send the servants to do so."

"I understand. A good man should serve his country, fight the enemy, and achieve merit. I have nothing more to say—just take care of yourself. Do not worry about me; I will be fine," Qin Yue said, taking Qin Cheng’s hand.

"I know, sister."

After dinner, Qin Yue went to rest, while Qin Cheng and Yue Yi stayed in the side room, unable to sleep so early.

Qin Cheng told Yue Yi what Li Guang had just said. After listening, Yue Yi responded coldly, "I knew the Xiongnu would not let their last defeat pass; I did not expect them to choose such a time for trouble. Their actions are strange—something is off. The cavalry in camp is not yet trained. If we are forced into battle, what will you do?"

"If they dare come, we will drive them back," Qin Cheng said, reclining and gazing at the ceiling, seemingly at ease.

"How? Our heavy cavalry is not yet ready; weapons and equipment are lacking. The light cavalry are mostly converted infantry, trained for only three months. How can we fight?" Yue Yi asked, then his expression brightened. "Do you already have a plan?"

"No," Qin Cheng answered bluntly. "If the Xiongnu send ten thousand, our men are not enough even to fill their teeth—what plan could I have? The best plan is to hold fast, endure for now, and when our Shanggu cavalry is strong, sweep across the Xiongnu steppes."

"That is reasonable and matches our camp’s situation. But with New Year's so near, asking the people to hide in fortresses is difficult," Yue Yi pondered, resting his chin in his hand. "The Xiongnu do know how to pick their moments."

He glanced at Qin Cheng, who was reclining, eyes closed, legs crossed, and shook his head. "No, it cannot be so. Qin Cheng, you cannot fool me; you would never settle for such a plan!"

"Then what do you think I can do?" Qin Cheng asked.

"How should I know?" Yue Yi grumbled, unable to bear Qin Cheng’s indifference, and kicked him. "At a time like this, you’re still keeping secrets from me?"

Qin Cheng opened his eyes and smiled. "I am thinking—why are you so impatient?"

"We cannot win in battle, yet cannot avoid fighting—what solution do you have?" Yue Yi demanded.

"Who says we cannot win? If it were ten thousand, we could not win; but if it is only a few hundred, then we would be fools not to defeat them!" Qin Cheng’s smile was sly. "These Xiongnu barbarians want to match wits with us—I will show them the depth of Central Plains wisdom!"

"You do have an idea—come, tell me!" Yue Yi exclaimed, clapping his hands in excitement.

"Truly, I do not," Qin Cheng grabbed a pillow and closed his eyes. "Sleep! Only after rest can I think clearly."

"Damn!"

...

At dawn the next day, when the streets were barely visible, Qin Cheng and Yue Yi led their horses, bid farewell to Qin Yue, and rode to the camp.

On the way, they met Li Guang and his entourage. Qin Cheng and Yue Yi greeted them and rode together to the military camp.

Once there, the drums summoned the officers; all senior commanders gathered in the central tent for orders.

Rather than simply receiving orders, it was a council of war. For, as yet, neither Qin Cheng nor Li Guang had a foolproof solution.

"Yesterday, reports came from the Great Wall fortresses: five groups of Xiongnu cavalry moving south, each three to five hundred strong. Today, we have assembled to devise a perfect strategy, and then set out at once!" Li Guang sat behind the command table, with Qin Cheng standing first at his left. "If any commander has an idea, speak freely—let all consider it. If it is feasible, we shall act accordingly. Time is pressing; let us be swift."

At Li Guang's words, the commanders exchanged glances, then all turned their eyes to Qin Cheng.

Qin Cheng stood calmly, showing no intention to speak immediately.