CHAPTER 833: CHAPTER 504: CAPTURE ALIVE (HAPPY NEW YEAR)

"Xu Heng has been stabbed by me, but the wound is not fatal and won’t kill him. Take him back so the military physician can dress it. I need to escort this father and son back to the Capital to report to Your Majesty."

Zhao Douan casually said, "The female Family Head of the East Lake Xiao Family was kidnapped by Prince Heng. As the Xiao family is an Imperial Merchant of the court, they should be treated with courtesy and need to be taken back for recuperation. Now that Prince Heng has been captured, the Qingzhou Rebel Army has lost its master and can no longer pose a threat."

Was Prince Heng really captured alive? And did they rescue that renowned widow from Yu Country?

Yuan Feng, Tang Ping, and the other military officers were shocked, looking at each other, suddenly doubting the information provided by Xu Zudi—

If it was really that dangerous, how did Zhao Douan solve it so easily? Without even getting a scratch?

Yet immediately, everyone recalled that from the time Zhao Douan led his troops to the front lines until now, only a few hours had passed, during which he had captured the rebel alive and defeated the Qingzhou Army...

This speed of judgment is simply inhuman...

Is this the rumored Yama Zhao? Even leading troops into battle better than us? Is there nothing he’s not skilled at? How on earth did Your Majesty manage to find such a monster?

The military generals of the Five Army Camps, including Yuan Feng, were dazed and lost, looking at Zhao Douan with both respect and fear, a bold thought rising in their hearts:

These methods of leading troops and fighting are probably far superior to the "Military God" Xue Shence, aren’t they?

But immediately, everyone laughed off the absurd idea:

Thinking carefully, the reason Zhao Douan could win so greatly was one, relying on the superiority of firearms, with the enemy lacking understanding and preparation, thus utterly defeated.

Secondly, it’s well known that the Qingzhou Rebel Army is not adept at battle; without the Evil War Chariots and Ning Xianzong’s command, they pose no threat.

"What are you standing around for? Why not head back? This official is still waiting to inspect the results of the battle." Zhao Douan said blandly.

Everyone came back to their senses, yes, the fighting isn’t over yet.

...

However, when Zhao Douan’s group hurriedly returned to the front line, as expected, they found the confrontation between the two armies had already ended.

The Qingzhou Army was defeated, the central army flag at the camp was cut down, replaced by the banner of the Divine Mechanism Camp.

The head of the Firearms Bureau, Chen Gui, and other old acquaintances were leading soldiers to detain prisoners of war in the Qingzhou Army’s camp, taking over the battle results.

Learning that Zhao Douan had captured Prince Heng alive, the soldiers of the two camps were overjoyed: Not only had they defeated the rebel army, but they had also captured the leader. This great victory should be ranked first in Yu Country in decades.

"Where’s Shi Meng? Haven’t seen him?" Zhao Douan glanced around, asking.

Chen Gui cupped his hands and laughed, "Although the Qingzhou Army was defeated, Ning Xianzong still led a group of elites, fighting while retreating. He’s retreating backward, Commander Shi led the troops in pursuit and hasn’t returned yet."

Is that so... Zhao Douan nodded, having no intention of helping. With Shi Meng’s combat power and manpower, coupled with high morale, nothing unexpected should occur.

The only uncertainty is the ultimate outcome, such as whether they can capture the commander of the rebel army, Ning Xianzong, alive.

"The entire Qingzhou Rebel Army, a group of mediocrities, only this Ning Xianzong seems to be an exception." Zhao Douan curiously asked, "Why was this person not famous before?"

Although he isn’t very experienced in leading troops and formations, he has basic insight and judgment.

Whether it was in the Three Defeats Five Army Camps or the just-concluded battle, Ning Xianzong’s comprehensive, cautious arrangements and decisive, swift on-the-spot responses were commendable.

If it weren’t for internal power struggles and uncoordinated hearts within the Qingzhou Rebel Army, it would almost be impossible to break through the rebel army in a single battle.

"It’s like this..." Yuan Feng began to explain.

Zhao Douan raised his hand to interrupt him, "Let’s talk in the tent."

Soon, he led a group into the Qingzhou Army’s main tent, sitting in the seat that originally belonged to Prince Heng.

"Go ahead." Zhao Douan leaned back in the chair, relaxing his mind and body, and ordered them to continue.

Only then did Yuan Feng say, "The reason Ning Xianzong wasn’t well-known is first because he served in Qingzhou’s local area, and Qingzhou ranks second to last among the military mansions in various places, only stronger than Lingnan. Second is that he hasn’t been in position for long. To say, the reason he could take the role of Commander was thanks to the recommendation of the Pure Stream Faction in the court."

"This Ning Xianzong is a member of the Pure Stream Party?" Zhao Douan was momentarily stunned.

The latter nodded cautiously, hesitated, and added, "At the time, it was Imperial Censor Yuann Li, Mr. Yuan, who recommended him for the position."

Yuann Li’s person? Zhao Douan raised his eyebrows.

——

Happy New Year’s Eve, well, considering it’s almost midnight, Happy New Year. I wish everyone and myself all wishes come true.