Chapter 7
“Alright, do you want to go?” King Zhaoxiang casually gestured his hand .
Bai Qi turned silent for a few moments . “Great king, if I lead the army, I want to bring another person with me . ”
“w.a.n.g Jian?” He’s the most popular and promising of the young generals . Many years ago, Bai Qi had persistently brought up his name in the courts and in private .
“No, it’s not him . ”Bai Qi shook his head . “It is a promising little disciple I recently took in . ”
“Oh? So it’s like this . ” King Zhaoxiang flashed a smile of surprise . “Good, it seems Qin will have another pillar in the future . Then the king agrees . ”
“My thanks . ”
…
Outside the palace gate, a sparrow was perched above the palace walls . The wind ruffled its feathers and then came fluttering of its wings .
Bai Qi walked out with heavy steps, his figure was solemn and grieved . His face showed traces of restlessness and worry .
He looked up at the reddening skies and the endless clouds .
Shangdang…
Truth be told, he didn’t really want Lian Po to be replaced, least of all now .
Lian Po is an old and aged commander, someone that follows his own style . Unlike the younger and rasher generals, his strategy is easy to predict . Hence it’s a certainty that he’ll play defensively .
However, the Zhao army is at a tipping point . Their supply lines have been under constant hara.s.sment and resources are inevitably scarce .
If the Zhao army’s supply lines are severed in one fell swoop, even Lian Po would be forced into a desperate offensive . Dwindling supplies only further cripple your army, and it would be foolish not to attack .
But this is the one advantage the Qin had . They could choose to cut the Zhao supply lines anytime, allowing them to thoroughly prepare for the inevitable attack . But with Zhao Kuo, who knows when or where they’ll try to break out . This unpredictableness is a general’s nightmare .
If the Zhao army really launched a frenzied charge at their lines without warning, the Qin encirclement would be in a difficult situation .
Zhao Kuo .
“My lord . ” The carriage driver waiting outside the palace gate ran up and greeted him .
Ah, forget it .
Bai Qi sighed helplessly and walked over .
…
“Xiao Lu, squeeze here, it’s still sore . Uuuu~ Um, yes, right . Ahhh~”
Gu Nan laid on her couch as chairs didn’t exist in this era . Her only options were the stiff bed or the stiff couch .
After reading The Art of War all morning, a ma.s.sage is the apex of comfort .
Behind her, a small girl wore a neat dress and pressed down gently on Gu Nan’s shoulder, listening to her constant oohhs and aahhs . She muttered, “Miss, you’re teasing me again . ”
“Hey, what teasing . Your ma.s.sages are just really comfortable . ” Gu Nan just chuckled and rested her head back down .
“Hey, what teasing . Your ma.s.sages are just really comfortable . ” Gu Nan just chuckled and rested her head back down .
“Miss, I’ll get angry if you keep doing it . ”
“umhm . ” Gu Nan reached out and grabbed the bamboo book .
What a cruel era this book was written in .
To be honest, she’s found herself severely lacking in any motivation to read . Besides, she’s already familiar with The Art of War . She was never bored enough to read it out of leisure, but at least there’s a working comprehension .
The Art of War, although Gu Nan lacked the interest, it was still something that held significance . It’s one of the earliest military books in China and even the world . Heralded as being the scripture of the military world .
But how did Bai Qi get this? Wasn’t this only compiled at the end of the Warring States Period? Oh well, it doesn’t matter .
Gu Nan got up and stretched the remainder of the fatigue away . Then she grabbed the spear from the wall and strolled out into the courtyard .
In Chinese warfare, the history of the [heavy] spear (矛 Máo) is much more extensive than that of the spear (槍 Qiāng) . The shaft of the Qiāng is softer and shorter than the Máo . She also picked this weapon because she envisioned the ancient warriors that rode mighty steeds, carried silver spears, and led invincible armies .
[TL: The MC uses the Máo, and both the Máo and the Qiāng mean spear . But just think of the Máo she uses as being a lance . ]
Besides, the Qiāng wasn’t yet a thing in this era .
The spear was a heavy weapon and rather unwieldy . In Qin, few used this weapon outside of the footsoldiers and cannon fodder .
Among the commanders and officers, it is very rare . Because they usually ride on horses, the spear is too long and heavy to be agile enough for combat .
But this wasn’t a problem for Gu Nan . Although she was a girl, she still possessed remarkable strength beyond that of most men . But even now, she feels as though her power hasn’t been fully developed . Maybe at its peak, she could wield this heavy spear with indomitable might . Like a raging lion, she could roam the battlefield uncontested .
Gu Nan and her spear stood alone in the courtyard . The air near the end of September still retained the heat of late summer, but fallen leaves were spa.r.s.ely strewn across the ground .
Gu Nan and her spear stood alone in the courtyard . The air near the end of September still retained the heat of late summer, but fallen leaves were spa.r.s.ely strewn across the ground .
A gust of wind pa.s.sed, and a couple more leaves fell from the tree overhead .
Gu Nan, standing motionless, flicked her wrists abruptly . A cold light streaked past, and the nearly three-meter spear cut forward like lightning .
Like a black serpent, it maneuvered into position . The spear tip traced across the air in one continuous slash, unnoticeably quiet as the leaf-halves brushed upon the ground .
As soon as the spear settled, Gu Nan flicked her wrist again . A whirlwind of thrusts, slashes, and parries was practiced one by one . For a few minutes, a coldness pervaded the open air . Almost unbounded by physics, the spear waved and twisted through the air as fast and silent as a lurking snake .
“Swift and deadly . ” Bai Qi’s murmured of her spear style . Even though her spear still had openings, it’s remarkable to have reached such a spot so quickly .
But to have begun finding her own distinct style so early…
Looking at the spear in her hand and the aura she exuded, he saw a glimpse of her future potential .
Her spear lacks the energy and boiling malice of the battlefield . No, rather than a warrior, it’s an a.s.sa.s.sin . It’s cold and formless, a soundless ripple but deadly nonetheless .
… .
Clap, clap, clap .
After a round of her spear dance, Gu Nan stopped and turned towards the faint applause coming from the side .
She saw Bai Qi standing at the entrance to the courtyard . His face was in a smile as he walked closer .
“Nan’er, your spear carries its own fire now, good . However, to further develop your spear will require you to find it yourself . Everyone has a unique martial arts style, even I cannot teach you in this . But, you need to know, your spear is strong but lacks killing intent . When it comes time for the battlefield, it could hold you back . ”
Sighing, he waved his hand casually, “But, I’ll teach you all that later . It’s not something to worry about . For now, take this and go out and buy a horse and a sword . ”
“Nan’er, your spear carries its own fire now, good . However, to further develop your spear will require you to find it yourself . Everyone has a unique martial arts style, even I cannot teach you in this . But, you need to know, your spear is strong but lacks killing intent . When it comes time for the battlefield, it could hold you back . ”
Sighing, he waved his hand casually, “But, I’ll teach you all that later . It’s not something to worry about . For now, take this and go out and buy a horse and a sword . ”
A sack of coins was thrown towards the still-confused Gu Nan .
Gu Nan asked as she caught the bag . “Why do I need a horse?”
Ever since she arrived, this is the first time she’s held such a large amount of money . But after weighing it, she felt disappointed and cheated . The coins in Qin wasn’t even gold! It was bra.s.s and felt disgustingly light .
To have coins but not gold, what’s the point then!
“I’m going to teach you the art of horse riding . ” Bai Qi looked at Gu Nan’s expression and sighed . “You’re going to the battlefield with me, and I can’t let my disciple walk all the way there . ”
“Haha, so it’s that . ” Gu Nan nonchalantly tied the bag to her waist .
“Remember, buy the one you like the most . It doesn’t matter if it’s a qianlima(Thousand-Mile Horse), the most important aspect is that you must trust it unconditionally . ”
“Got it . ”
Looking at Gu Nan walking out, Bai Qi sighed once again and turned his thoughts to more serious matters .
If Zhao Kuo really does replace Lian Po, it will still take another half year until he’s commander of Shangdang .
To put a half-baked soldier without even a year of training onto the blood-craven battlefield, furthermore a little girl, it’s an undeniably vicious act . But, he has no other way .
War has its knack for growing people up the fastest .
Alright, do you want to go King Zhaoxiang casually gestured his hand . Bai Qi turned silent for a few moments . Great king, if I lead the army, I want to bring another person with me . w.a.n.g Jian He s the most popular and promising of the young generals . Many years ago, Bai Qi had persistently brought up his name in the courts and in private . No, it s not him . Bai Qi shook his head . It is a promising little disciple I recently took in . Oh So it s like this . King Zhaoxiang flashed a smile of surprise . Good, it seems Qin will have another pillar in the future . Then the king agrees . My thanks . Outside the palace gate, a sparrow was perched above the palace walls . The wind ruffled its feathers and then came fluttering of its wings . Bai Qi walked out with heavy steps, his figure was solemn and grieved . His face showed traces of restlessness and worry . He looked up at the reddening skies and the endless clouds . Shangdang Truth be told, he didn t really want Lian Po to be replaced, least of all now . Lian Po is an old and aged commander, someone that follows his own style . Unlike the younger and rasher generals, his strategy is easy to predict . Hence it s a certainty that he ll play defensively . However, the Zhao army is at a tipping point . Their supply lines have been under constant hara.s.sment and resources are inevitably scarce . If the Zhao army s supply lines are severed in one fell swoop, even Lian Po would be forced into a desperate offensive . Dwindling supplies only further cripple your army, and it would be foolish not to attack . But this is the one advantage the Qin had . They could choose to cut the Zhao supply lines anytime, allowing them to thoroughly prepare for the inevitable attack . But with Zhao Kuo, who knows when or where they ll try to break out . This unpredictableness is a general s nightmare . If the Zhao army really launched a frenzied charge at their lines without warning, the Qin encirclement would be in a difficult situation . Zhao Kuo . My lord . The carriage driver waiting outside the palace gate ran up and greeted him . Ah, forget it . Bai Qi sighed helplessly and walked over . Xiao Lu, squeeze here, it s still sore . Uuuu Um, yes, right . Ahhh Gu Nan laid on her couch as chairs didn t exist in this era . Her only options were the stiff bed or the stiff couch . After reading The Art of War all morning, a ma.s.sage is the apex of comfort . Behind her, a small girl wore a neat dress and pressed down gently on Gu Nan s shoulder, listening to her constant oohhs and aahhs . She muttered, Miss, you re teasing me again . Hey, what teasing . Your ma.s.sages are just really comfortable . Gu Nan just chuckled and rested her head back down . Miss, I ll get angry if you keep doing it . umhm . Gu Nan reached out and grabbed the bamboo book . What a cruel era this book was written in . To be honest, she s found herself severely lacking in any motivation to read . Besides, she s already familiar with The Art of War . She was never bored enough to read it out of leisure, but at least there s a working comprehension . The Art of War, although Gu Nan lacked the interest, it was still something that held significance . It s one of the earliest military books in China and even the world . Heralded as being the scripture of the military world . But how did Bai Qi get this Wasn t this only compiled at the end of the Warring States Period Oh well, it doesn t matter . Gu Nan got up and stretched the remainder of the fatigue away . Then she grabbed the spear from the wall and strolled out into the courtyard . In Chinese warfare, the history of the heavy spear M o is much more extensive than that of the spear Qi ng . The shaft of the Qi ng is softer and shorter than the M o . She also picked this weapon because she envisioned the ancient warriors that rode mighty steeds, carried silver spears, and led invincible armies . TL The MC uses the M o, and both the M o and the Qi ng mean spear . But just think of the M o she uses as being a lance . Besides, the Qi ng wasn t yet a thing in this era . The spear was a heavy weapon and rather unwieldy . In Qin, few used this weapon outside of the footsoldiers and cannon fodder . Among the commanders and officers, it is very rare . Because they usually ride on horses, the spear is too long and heavy to be agile enough for combat . But this wasn t a problem for Gu Nan . Although she was a girl, she still possessed remarkable strength beyond that of most men . But even now, she feels as though her power hasn t been fully developed . Maybe at its peak, she could wield this heavy spear with indomitable might . Like a raging lion, she could roam the battlefield uncontested . Gu Nan and her spear stood alone in the courtyard . The air near the end of September still retained the heat of late summer, but fallen leaves were spa.r.s.ely strewn across the ground . A gust of wind pa.s.sed, and a couple more leaves fell from the tree overhead . Gu Nan, standing motionless, flicked her wrists abruptly . A cold light streaked past, and the nearly three meter spear cut forward like lightning . Like a black serpent, it maneuvered into position . The spear tip traced across the air in one continuous slash, unnoticeably quiet as the leaf halves brushed upon the ground . As soon as the spear settled, Gu Nan flicked her wrist again . A whirlwind of thrusts, slashes, and parries was practiced one by one . For a few minutes, a coldness pervaded the open air . Almost unbounded by physics, the spear waved and twisted through the air as fast and silent as a lurking snake . Swift and deadly . Bai Qi s murmured of her spear style . Even though her spear still had openings, it s remarkable to have reached such a spot so quickly . But to have begun finding her own distinct style so early Looking at the spear in her hand and the aura she exuded, he saw a glimpse of her future potential . Her spear lacks the energy and boiling malice of the battlefield . No, rather than a warrior, it s an a.s.sa.s.sin . It s cold and formless, a soundless ripple but deadly nonetheless . . Clap, clap, clap . After a round of her spear dance, Gu Nan stopped and turned towards the faint applause coming from the side . She saw Bai Qi standing at the entrance to the courtyard . His face was in a smile as he walked closer . Nan er, your spear carries its own fire now, good . However, to further develop your spear will require you to find it yourself . Everyone has a unique martial arts style, even I cannot teach you in this . But, you need to know, your spear is strong but lacks killing intent . When it comes time for the battlefield, it could hold you back . Sighing, he waved his hand casually, But, I ll teach you all that later . It s not something to worry about . For now, take this and go out and buy a horse and a sword . A sack of coins was thrown towards the still confused Gu Nan . Gu Nan asked as she caught the bag . Why do I need a horse Ever since she arrived, this is the first time she s held such a large amount of money . But after weighing it, she felt disappointed and cheated . The coins in Qin wasn t even gold It was bra.s.s and felt disgustingly light . To have coins but not gold, what s the point then I m going to teach you the art of horse riding . Bai Qi looked at Gu Nan s expression and sighed . You re going to the battlefield with me, and I can t let my disciple walk all the way there . Haha, so it s that . Gu Nan nonchalantly tied the bag to her waist . Remember, buy the one you like the most . It doesn t matter if it s a qianlima Thousand Mile Horse , the most important aspect is that you must trust it unconditionally . Got it . Looking at Gu Nan walking out, Bai Qi sighed once again and turned his thoughts to more serious matters . If Zhao Kuo really does replace Lian Po, it will still take another half year until he s commander of Shangdang . To put a half baked soldier without even a year of training onto the blood craven battlefield, furthermore a little girl, it s an undeniably vicious act . But, he has no other way . War has its knack for growing people up the fastest .