Thread: 大唐双龙传 [Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan] by Huang Yi

  1. #4801
    Senior Member foxs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3,333

    Default Book 18 Chapter 11

    Ysabel, Sky, Jaya, Spy, you are welcome. Xiaohu, the only explanation I have is that at the time you were accessing it, your network and/or spcnets network were/was slow. As I mentioned before, unabridged has long text in each post. Sometimes I experienced the same thing, but the problem usually went away the next time I tried it. Xu Xiong, Chua, Hungry, honestly, that kind of pictures ruined the image I have in my mind Call me old-fashioned if you will, but my image of wuxia is totally unlike the pictures you are showing here. My guess is that those pictures are actually from the manga version (manhua?). Can you really imagine that people from the Tang dynasty would wear an outfit like that?

    Here's Chapter 11 in its entirety, a rather short chapter.



    Book 18 Chapter 11 Waiting for Dawn with Head Resting on a Spear[1]

    Kou Zhong smiled and said, Would you sit down, please?

    Immediately red clouds flew across Chuchus jade cheeks; shaking her head, she said, Its inappropriate [orig. not conforming to established standard/customs].

    Stunned, Kou Zhong asked, What customs?

    Biting her lip, Chuchu quietly said, Its the difference between master and slave!

    Kou Zhong did not understand, I am only your friend; we knew each other throwing snowballs in those days, since when did we become master and slave? he asked.

    Chuchu revealed a sweet, sweet smile on her face; apparently she was recalling the touching scene when they were playing and throwing snowballs at each other in Da Longtou Mansion that day. Delighted, she said, But that was different! Then you and Xu Ye were Su Jies yidi [foster (younger) brother]. But now you are people with status and position; even Xiaojie must respect you. Naturally I have to maintain etiquette!

    Seeing that she still maintained the adorable expression that made his heart beat faster that year, a hard to describe feeling welled up in his heart.

    Originally he wanted very much to tell her that he was still wearing the necklace she gave him as a present, but another thought made him give up this idea. He sighed and said, Go to hell with etiquette, I, Kou Zhong, am still the same guy who throw snowballs at you. Ay!

    If life can be started all over again, Susu would not have married Xiang Yushan.

    Chuchu spoke in low voice, If Kou Ye has no instruction for me, Chuchu must return to see if Xiaojie needs anything!

    ※ ※ ※

    By dusk that day, Zhang Zhenzhou led five thousand light cavalry toward Jinyong.

    Yang Gongqing, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, leading twenty light cavalry, sent them off.

    Only after making sure that Shan Xiongxins new army did not make any unusual move that they turned back to Yanshi.

    This moment, Linglong Jiao, who had been out to scout the enemy, was already back. Everybody gathered at the main hall of the Commander Mansion to listen to her report. Zhai Jiao, Tu Shufang, and Xuan Yong participated in the meeting, while Wang Xuanshu was out to inspect the army camp on the southern bank of River Luo, to strengthen their defense.

    Linglong Jiao said, Just as Kou Junshi expected, Li Mi led the defeated army to return to Luokou, and immediately consolidated his forces. He stayed for one night only before leading seven thousand cavalry out of town heading to the west. It appears that he wants to link up with Shan Xiongxins main force.

    Her pair of eye spewing flame of hatred, Zhai Jiao laughed coldly and said, This time well make him come alive, but go back dead.

    Tu Shufang spoke heavily, Li Mi is arrogant and conceited; he can win but he cannot lose. This time his troops morale is low yet he wanted to lead his troops to counterattack; this is only courting disaster.

    Kou Zhong shook his head and said, Although he takes defeat with bad grace, and is anxious to redeem his face, but in no way will he foolishly link up with Shan Xiongxins almost-out-of-provision lone army. This matter must not be lightly ignored, otherwise we will commit the grave mistake of underestimating the enemy.

    Yang Gongqing nodded and said, He is luring us to attack Luokou.

    Zhai Jiao was puzzled; she asked, Luokou basically has no risk to us, if we were to attack, Bing Yuanzhen, whos on the lookout, will immediately break down; why would Li Mi want to go there?

    Xuan Yong said, Li Mi will surely not cup his hands and offer Luokou to be taken. My guess is that he is hoping we would mistakenly think that he is going to join forces with Shan Xiongxin, hence we would seize the opportunity to attack Luokou and cut his return path to the east. And then, by the time we took our military supply wagon to cross the Luo River, he would start storming our crossing-the-river troops, while Shan Xiongxin go all-out to besiege the city. This scheme is very sinister, yet Kou Ye has already seen through it.

    Kou Zhong breathed out a long sigh and said, Li Mis fatal weakness is that he still thinks we lack food supplies, hence we had no choice but to urgently capture Luokou and plunder Luokous abundant provisions and equipment. Therefore, this is a luring-the-enemy scheme.

    Luokou was one of the five major granaries of the former Sui dynasty; altogether it had two thousand large cellars, each one stored eight thousand dan [approximately 100 liters] of grains. Although Li Mi had already opened the storehouse to provide relief for the people, but these past several years he continuously replenishes Luokous cellars to supply the needs of the Wagang Army.

    Zhai Jiao said, In that case, why dont we pretend to cross the river to lure him to attack us?

    Right now he is anxious, but we are not, Kou Zhong replied, Lets wait for Zhang Da Jiangjun [great general] to attack Jinyong first. When we have the advantage of Shan Xiongxin surrendering, we can concentrate our force to deal with Li Mi.

    And then he asked Linglong Jiao about the situation of the army camp up Mount Mang.

    Linglong Jiao replied, Those supporting troops are all old, weak, and injured soldiers; this morning they started to withdraw to the north. Looking at the situation, they seem to cross the river toward Heyang.

    She added, The heart of Shan Xiongxins troops is unstable, there is a continuous stream of men abandoning their weapon and running out of the army camp, so that although their number is quite a lot, there is no fighting spirit, as well as the ability to fight.

    Kou Zhong was emotionally moved, Do you know how many have escaped? he asked.

    Linglong Jiao replied, They are crawling over the wooden fence to escape. Eight out of ten watchtowers set up outside the camp have no one to man, but since the escape attempts were all in the evening, the exact number is difficult to estimate. I caught several deserters to interrogate, and all said that in the camp, rumors are flying around everywhere; some even say that Li Mi had been killed by us. Therefore, everybody had no heart to continue fighting zealously. Shan Xiongxin even stopped building the siege equipment; he is acting like they are going to withdraw.

    Bang!

    Yang Gongqing slapped the table; his spirit greatly aroused, he said, Li Mis biggest mistake in life is using this kind of mob to attack us.

    Linglong Jiao said, Nearly all of Shan Xiongxins troops are infantry, warhorses are less than five hundred. Now they already started limit the ration per person, each day they only allocate half of normal ration, I am afraid they wont last too long.

    After casting a glance toward Xu Ziling, who had been silent throughout, Kou Zhong said with delight, That will do! Basically we do not need to wait for Jinyong to fall to start crossing the river and carryout the luring-the-enemy scheme. I can guarantee that Shan Xiongxin will ignore Li Mis order to attack us, instead, he will hold his troops in defensive position, waiting for us to move to Luokou, and then he would escape without a trace. At that time he can bargain with us and talk about the terms of surrender.

    Everybody nodded in agreement.

    If it were Shen Luoyan or Xu Shiji instead of Shan Xiongxin, naturally the situation would be substantially different.

    Because Shan Xiongxin has always been an important high-ranking general under Duke of Pushans camp, who felt deep resentment on Li Mi, plus by rationing his troops, he could not bear to have a mob within his camp; how could he take a risk by throwing his life for Li Mi?

    Yang Gongqing concluded the meeting by saying, We will pretend to cross the river tomorrow, while arranging two supporting hidden troops at the same time: one to monitor Shan Xiongxins activity, the other will be in charge of dealing with Li Mi. If Li Mi is defeated again this time, he will lose his momentum and will no longer able to use the troops.

    ※ ※ ※

    Knock! Knock! Knock!

    From the footsteps, Xu Ziling already recognized Kou Zhong; he said, Come in! Why this time you are following etiquette, unexpectedly you know how to knock?

    Kou Zhong pushed the door and entered; he smiled wryly and said, Out of ten times, there were at least five times I knocked the door. Ling Shao seems to be full of anger tonight!

    Xu Ziling waited until Kou Zhong took his seat at the other side of the small table before saying, Since seeing Da Xiaojie, I am thinking of Su Jie more; how could I possibly have a good mood?

    Kou Zhong said, Worrying over Su Jie is not going to help, plus we must not act blindly without thinking, otherwise we are going to fall into Old Thief Xiao and Little Thief Xiangs scheme.

    And then he told Xu Ziling about Wang Shichong bestowing high-ranking titles to his family and relatives, and thus provoking Zhang Zhenzhou and Yang Gongqings discontentment.

    Detest and loathsome burst in Xu Zilings heart; he changed he subject, If tomorrow Li Mi does not fall into the trap, or perhaps he slipped away, do we continue pressing down there, and thus helping someone like Wang Shichong conquer the world for nothing?

    Kou Zhong smiled ruefully and said, The problem is not on us, its on Da Xiaojie, the Senior.

    Xu Ziling mused, As long as we tell Da Xiaojie that we want to pick Su Jie, she ought to accept it!

    His spirit greatly aroused, Kou Zhong said, This can still be considered feasible measure; if Li Mi flees back to either Hulao or Yingyang, we will be able to get rid of him in ten days to half a month. Frankly, I am worried that Ol Die and Shen Faxing would attack Jiangdu, in which case Flying Horse Ranch will be in danger. How can they deal with Zhu Can, that homicidal maniac devil, and deal with Ol Die and Xiao Xian at the same time?

    Xu Ziling agreed, After seeing how formidable a cavalry is, now I understand why that many people are eyeing the Flying Horse Ranch like a tiger watching its prey. Only warhorses bred and trained by them would be able to deal with Heavenly Policy Mansions Black Armor Cavalry. Therefore, if I were Ol Die, I would also view capturing Flying Horse Ranch as my top priority.

    Kou Zhong happily said, Its rare that Ling Shao and Xiaodi have this kind of common understanding. Although Su Jies matter is important, it is not as urgent as Flying Horse Ranchs matter, which demand immediate action. Whether we can kill Li Mi or not tomorrow, we must immediately rush back to Luoyang, and after seeing Bu Tianzhi, we must slip away with Xu Xingzhi immediately. As for other matters, let them be Wang Shichongs headache.

    And then, he heaved a sigh and said, Only today did I finally understand why Liu Dage plainly fell in love with Su Jie, but he did not dare to reveal his love.

    Frowning, Xu Ziling asked, What did you understand?

    Kou Zhong spoke heavily, Liu Dage really likes Su Jie.

    Xu Ziling was bewildered, What is it that you are trying to say? he asked.

    Smiling ruefully, Kou Zhong said, We have finally experienced how treacherous the battlefield is. Even Li Mi, that kind of talent, once he caught in disadvantageous situation, at the slightest pretext he must suffer the lost on the battlefield. Therefore, every trip to the battlefield, our little life is in Laotianyes hands, it is no longer ours to decide. Under this kind of circumstance, where being alive in the morning does not guarantee staying alive in the evening, how could we dare to hurt the frail heart of the woman we love?

    Xu Ziling was silent for a moment, before speaking slowly, Why do you suddenly have this feeling?

    Kou Zhong dejectedly said, When we were at the Da Longtou Mansion, without thinking I simply pulled Chuchu into my arms to show my affection to her, but today, although I am fully aware that she is a thousand times, ten thousand times willing, I did not dare to touch her even for half a finger; how could I not have any feeling in my heart?

    Xu Ziling wanted to say something, but in the end he remained silent.

    ※ ※ ※

    Early the next morning, the city gates have just opened, a train of military supply wagons and mule carts streamed out of the city toward the pontoon bridge, ready to cross the river.

    By this moment, five thousand strong elite cavalry under Yang Gongqing and Kou Zhong has also lain low inside a forest north of the pontoon bridge, where lookout posts were set on all high points around, to keep a close watch over any movement far and near.

    Like a flurry of snowflakes intelligence news were pouring in.

    Zhai Jiao was surprisingly quiet, making people felt her determination in killing Li Mi.

    Xu Ziling was acting as her personal bodyguard, afraid that if something happened, she would disregard any danger to such an extent that the enemy might be able to exploit her.

    Wang Xuanshus supply troops began crossing the river.

    This moment new intelligence arrived: Wang Bodangs troops stationed inside Jinyong had heard the news and were trying to escape to Heyang, while the citizens of the city opened the gate wide to welcome Zhang Zhenzhous main forces.

    Without costing a single troop a single soldier the city of Jinyong has fallen into Zhang Zhenzhous hands.

    In the meantime, just as expected, Shan Xiongxin did not make any movement.

    Linglong Jiao rushed over on horseback to report, Li Mis cavalry is coming at full speed; evidently they found out that we are crossing the river.

    Greatly delighted, Yang Gongqing hurriedly ordered all generals to be ready for battle.

    Kou Zhong could not help praising, Were it not for Miss Jiaos expertise in spying the enemys situation, and provide us with accurate intelligence, we would only be doing twice the effort for half the result. Definitely we wouldnt have the amazing efficiency of guessing the enemy like a deity like right now.

    Smiling sweetly, Linglong Jiao said, You are most adept at coaxing people.

    Kou Zhong humbly asked, Is there any key point in enemy reconnaissance?

    Linglong Jiao replied, The important part in moving the troops is intelligence. If you dont know the enemy, it would be like fighting the enemy blindfolded; it would be strange indeed if you dont get defeated. Therefore, before the three armies [referring to upper, middle, and lower, or right, center, and left armies] even moved, the scouting riders move in advance. Even ordinary provincial military unit must have a group of experts in reconnaissance, in order to know the enemys target.

    Considering own future, plus in this moment he flirted with this Qiuci beauty that she was staring at him, waiting in expectation, Kou Zhong pursued further, How do you train reconnaissance experts then?

    Linglong Jiao replied, First, you must select the people; they have to be adept in moving around and must be quick-witted. Only this kind of people will be able to take the mission upon himself. Second, they must be familiar with geography, environment, and local dialect of various regions, easy to blend in and make inquiries; it would be best if they have disguising skill, which will enable them to reach everywhere. If you could bribe a local or even buy the enemys man, that would be even more surefire.

    Kou Zhong sighed and said, Turns out its so complicated.

    Lowering her voice, Linglong Jiao said, Why do you seem to be very interested in this kind of business, which is considered minor arts in the military?

    Kou Zhong did not answer, he asked her a question instead, May I ask you a question that probably shouldnt be asked?

    Linglong Jiao fixed her eyes on him for half a day before finally nodded and said, Ask away!

    Kou Zhong leaned forward slightly and said, What relationship does Miss Jiao have with Wang Gong? Why did you make light of traveling a thousand li from Qiuci to here to help him conquering the world?

    Hanging her head down, Linglong Jiao said, Why do you ask?

    Pretending nothing had happened, Kou Zhong said, Just curious!

    Linglong Jiao shook her head and said, If you just ask casually, I wont tell you.

    Stunned, Kou Zhong said, Is it a secret?

    Linglong Jiao has not had time to answer, Kou Zhong suddenly looked up to the sky, and blurted out, The time has come!


    [1] Chapter title: idiom, meaning fully prepared and biding ones time before the battle.

  2. #4802
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    823

    Default

    Thanks foxs

  3. #4803
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    551

    Default

    Thanks foxs!

    Foxs, I also agree that the unabridged thread is heavier.. To lighten, IMHO, why dont you post the update only on post number 1, 11, 21, 31 and so on? As for the other posts, you can just put "." or space.

    This way, besides the thread would be lighter, we can also use the page button to navigate back and forth your thread.

    Just my 2 cents.

  4. #4804
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    1,075

    Default

    Thanks foxs

  5. #4805
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    882

    Default

    Thanks, foxs.

  6. #4806
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    114

    Default

    Thanks foxs.

  7. #4807
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    California
    Posts
    236

    Default

    Only today did I finally understand why Liu Dage plainly fell in love with Su Jie, but he did not dare to reveal his love.

    Who is Liu Dage? Is he Li Jing? As for Linglong Jiao, I'm guessing Kou Zhong wants to feel out her allegiance to Wang Shichong. Her answer may be something like, "I'm joining this force to be closer to Kou Ye." Somehow I feel like Kou Zhong will swallow all of Wang's army.

  8. #4808
    Senior Member spynet's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    300

    Default

    Thanks foxs!

  9. #4809
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    551

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 9Dragons View Post
    Who is Liu Dage?
    I believe he refers to Liu Heita.
    See book 5 chapter 8.
    Last edited by wangxiaohu; 04-11-17 at 04:53 AM.

  10. #4810
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    427

    Default

    Thanks foxs, from me and 20 guests who are too shy to thanks you. There are currently 21 users browsing this thread. (1 members and 20 guests)
    Laoren

  11. #4811
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    551

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Laoren View Post
    Thanks foxs, from me and 20 guests who are too shy to thanks you. There are currently 21 users browsing this thread. (1 members and 20 guests)
    Laoren
    Yin Gui Pai demons!!

  12. #4812
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    California
    Posts
    236

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wangxiaohu View Post
    I believe he refers to Liu Heita.
    Thanks for the reminder. Now the passage makes sense. Kou Zhong shares his maturing thoughts, though I don't think comparing his love to Chuchu is the same as Liu Heita's to Susu. I'm sure a future romance will spark Kou Zhong's passion that will overcome this protective feeling.

  13. #4813
    Senior Member foxs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3,333

    Default Book 18 Chapter 12 - Part 1

    Ysabel, HPC, Jaya, hungry, spy, you are welcome. Xiaohu, that was a great idea. Unfortunately, you are too late It would take a long time to fix the thread. Besides, AFAIK, all unabridged threads (my work, as well as other translators) are like that, and, so far, we never have any problem. As I said the other day, sometimes the network is slow, but if we just wait a moment, the connection usually fixed itself. Kowloon, I didnt know you guys are interested in mature Kou Zhong Lao Qianbei, I am touched by your support. Although I do wish they make their support known (not to me only, but to other translators as well, after all, we are doing it for all of you, free of charge ), but I realize we cannot force them to do that. (Perhaps the quality of fan translation here is not up to their standard? Hmmm I wonder )

    But seriously, I am quite surprised (and rather sad) that this forum is so quiet lately. Since I posted Book 17, February 28 (almost a month and a half ago), there are only eight threads with new posts, and only two of those are translation work (one was actually shot down by Whiteskwirl). What happened to all those new xianxia translations? Are they still being translated but moved to different sites?



    Book 18 Chapter 12 Bearing The Price to Pay

    When everybody heard Kou Zhongs cry of alarm, they all looked at him first, before copying him looking at the sky.

    They saw Shen Luoyans scouting bird continuously circling in the air, following a strange flight path.

    Immediately Yang Gongqing, Linglong Jiao, Xu Ziling, Zhai Jiao, and the others, who knew whats going on, countenance changed. This birds strange flight path was telling its master that there were hidden troops inside the forest.

    In order to hide from the eyes and ears of enemy spies, they have spent a lot of effort to lay the ambush.

    First, there was another team of cavalry attracting the enemys attention, to act as if they were guarding against Shan Xiongxins troops from attacking while the military supply wagons were crossing the river.

    And then there were lookout posts on higher elevation to watch for any activity before the cavalry left in the dark of the night by leading their horses along through the woods, before lying in wait at the present location. Naturally they wrapped their horses hooves with cloth and silk to avoid creating unnecessary noise.

    But after a thousand planning ten thousand calculating, they still did not expect this psychic strange bird to make its appearance.

    Quack! Quack! Quack!

    The strange bird flew in the northeast direction, which was the direction from which Li Mis cavalry was coming. This moment they already heard the faint noise of horses neighing and their hooves.

    Left and Right Wings move first! Yang Gongqing barked his order.

    The bugle horn was sounded.

    The ambushing troops two wings left and right vanguard, each one three thousand riders strong, rushed out of the jungle first, along a curvaceous path, toward the enemys flank.

    And then the center army swarmed out of the forest, galloping in neat formation along the grassy plain, straight toward the enemies galloping out of the sparse forest area ahead.

    Horsewhip went down, the warhorses let out long neigh, brimming with urgency and desperate circumstances.

    Warriors on fine steeds like a tide of violent waves drowned the prairie. Morning light reflected by the battle helmets, body armor, and soldiers weapon created brilliant, dazzling flickers of light.

    Mother earth quickly fell back.

    In just a few tens of xi the center armys eight thousand cavalry already entered the sparse forest region, forcing them to reduce their speed as they meet the enemy.

    Because the enemy was estimated at eight thousand, they did not have any misgivings about taking advantage of their superior number, and simply charged at the opponent.

    Now their only hope was to fight speed with speed; it would be best if the enemy did not have any time to retreat, or perhaps consolidate their battle array, so that they would be able to cut the enemys tail and kill Li Mi until he was utterly defeated.

    Kou Zhong, Linglong Jiao, Zhai Jiao, Xu Ziling, and the others were the first to gallop up a hill. They saw on the forest about half a li ahead dust was rolling up to the sky, along with rapid hoof beats, but the hoof beats were fading away.

    Zhai Jiao shouted, Chase after them!

    Kou Zhong shouted even louder, Dont chase!

    Zhai Jiao was furious, Why not? Li Mi is running away!

    This moment Yang Gongqing arrived and rode alongside Kou Zhong.

    Kou Zhong asked Linglong Jiao, Can that rolling dust be considered rising in columns, or scattered in disorderly manner?

    Linglong Jiao reined her horse that it snorted a blast of air from its nostrils; she called out, Wagang enemy troops are still in strict formation, not scattering randomly.

    Kou Zhong nodded and said, Just as I suspected. Shen Luoyan already guessed the ambushing troops, hence she deployed the strange bird to tell us to run after it. I dare say that they are setting up an ambush in the forest ahead. When we enter the trap, Li Mi would turn his troops around and attack.

    Good point! Yang Gongqing shouted. Immediately he ordered the bugle horn to be sounded to halt the advance, instructing the two wings vanguard team to stop where they were.

    Finally Zhai Jiao saw the light and clear-headed, but her mood was still surging up and down, her eyes were full of resentment.

    Xu Ziling paid close attention to Kou Zhong; he saw his eyes were as calm as still water, while exuding his intelligence and callousness.

    It was the first time that he saw this kind of expression in Kou Zhongs eyes, and could not help shivering inwardly, recalling what Kou Zhong said on the wall of Jingling city, when they were standing face to face against Du Fuweis magnificent army with thousands of men and horses besieging the city.

    He was disregarding the life and death, and simply regarded the entire battlefield as a chessboard, while both sides were the chess pieces striving for victory on the chessboard.

    After undergoing this battlefield experience, Kou Zhong has grown from a kid who had no idea how to do battle to an outstanding strategist, a commander who was able to anticipate the enemys movement like a deity.

    Yang Gongqing open-mindedly asked for guidance, What do we do now?

    Kou Zhong resolutely said, We only have to leave several thousand men to lay out a defense in here, so that Li Mi cannot make a cun of progress. The train of military supply wagons must continue crossing the river. Furthermore, we must send separate rapid cavalry force to go straight to Luokou; attack the city so that he wont have time to deal with it.

    Xuan Yong said, If Li Mi turns his force around to defend Luokou, do we still want to attack?

    Kou Zhong said, Li Mi would not withdraw willingly; he still has hope in Shan Xiongxin. When Shan Xiongxin take the opportunity to withdraw as we are advancing to Luokou, even when he realizes his mistake, it would be difficult for him to turn back; his only way out is fleeing toward Hulao.

    In the forest ahead, the dust subsided; obviously Li Mi also halted his troops, realizing that his scheme did not work.

    This action has increased Kou Zhongs persuasive power and his reputation a lot more than any lengthy discourse.

    Kou Zhong went on, Rapid cavalry effectiveness is that they will be able to reach Luokou one step ahead, to guard against Li Mi crossing the river and returning to the city. As a result Luokous Bing Yuanzhen will only have two choices: either abandon the city or surrender.

    Yang Gongqing let out a long laugh and said, Lets do it!

    ※ ※ ※

    After seven days, Li Mis, an ambitious and ruthless character of this age, fate was decided.

    Bing Yuanzhen, who was defending Luokou, surrendered to Yang Gongqings soldiers at the city wall. During this critical moment, Li Mis other great general Shan Xiongxin mustered his troops to defend the city, but Tu Shufang persuaded him to surrender.

    Li Mi knew his big momentum has passed; he had no choice but to lead his men escape to Hulao, while Wang Bodang retreated to Heyang.

    Kou Zhong and Yang Gongqing consolidated their men and horses, ready to follow up the victory and press home the attack, and then captured Hulao.

    Who would have thought that Li Mi fled at hearing the news, and escaped to Heyang to join forces with Wang Bodang?

    He originally wanted use the Yellow River as a barrier, while defending Taihang in the north, linking with Liyang on the east, in an attempt to rehabilitate from losing the battle.

    However, after the major defeat, the morale of his troops slackened.

    Furthermore, there was the factor of Wagang Army split into different factions due to Zhai Rangs early demise. One after another old generals refused to follow order, so that although Li Mi had the power, he could not exercise it, he had the military force but no territory.

    Also, because Wang Shichongs army had just acquired many cities and wide expanse of territory, he must rest to reorganize his forces; momentarily he was unable to cross the river to attack Heyang. Therefore, his strength was used up to pacify the Henan region, and temporarily the situation became standing opposite each other with the river as the barrier.

    That evening, in a side hall at Hulaos temporary government buildings rear court, Tu Shufang invited Zhai Jiao to talk to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. He said, I have already revealed everything concerning the situation in the south, as well as Susus affair, to Xiaojie, because I think being forthright is better.

    Zhai Jiao stared viciously at the two boys and said, Such an important matter you dared to conceal it from me; see if I am not going to kill you two along with that Xiang Yushan.

    The two boys mumbled meekly; they did not dare to talk back.

    Zhai Jiao said, How could I be an unreasonable person? This time Li Mi has suffered enough trouble, without any hope of ever recover. Although I have not been able to put my blade on that treacherous bandit, at least I am finally able to vent Dies anger. I dont want to continue exerting myself for somebody like Wang Shichong either; what do you have in mind?

    Kou Zhong replied, Wed like to go back to Luoyang first, and then immediately go down south, helping the Flying Horse Ranch to fight against adversity and ensure their safety, and then see how we can take Su Jie, mother and son, away, and then come to join Xiaojie.

    Zhai Jiao resolutely said, I am going with you!

    Kou Zhong was shocked, Xiaojie definitely must not come with us, he hastily said.

    Why not? Zhai Jiao angrily said.

    Tu Shufang reached out to show his loyalty, What Xiao Zhong mean is that he is hoping Xiaojie would stay in the north, to help him contacting Wagang Armys talents that he could use, so that in the future we can start great undertaking together.

    Xu Ziling also said, If Xiaojie stays in the north, you can monitor Li Mi tightly, so that you might be able to take his dog life at any time.

    This remark was more effective than anything to move Zhai Jiaos heart.

  14. #4814
    Member chowbeng's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    183

    Default

    Thanks Foxs! Hmm....I think old wuxia novels are much harder to do, the language and the poems etc, and could be out of fashion for the younger crowd. The translation scene for new and current web novels, (almost all with some sort of time travel thing) is much more active.

  15. #4815
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    823

    Default

    Thanks foxs

  16. #4816
    Senior Member 徐中銳's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    699

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by chowbeng View Post
    younger crowd...
    I guess, nowadays, there are things vying for interest like mining Marvel's back catalogue, and people (besides my nephews) too have recommended me onto Japanese "Light Novels" and their anime-series, e.g. SAO :


    $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/5/5c/Vol_18_-_001.png')
    Last edited by 徐中銳; 04-12-17 at 01:37 AM.
    I know more than I can express in words, and the little I can express would not have been expressed, had I not known more. 弗拉基米爾弗拉基米羅維奇納博科夫

  17. #4817
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    1,075

    Default

    Thanks foxs

  18. #4818
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    114

    Default

    Thanks foxs.
    I believe the good wuxia stories will be forever liked by any people in any eras. Since it teach about lifes and many things, close to our life. Its definitely not an easy task to be consistently translate the stories, foxs. Salute.

  19. #4819
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    427

    Default

    Thanks foxs. a workhard

  20. #4820
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    551

    Default

    Thanks foxs.
    Wonder what happened to Shen Luoyan (and her tender body)....😁

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 352
    Last Post: 04-11-18, 03:27 PM
  2. Twin of Brothers 2011 Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan / 大唐双龙传 (2011)
    By Mido-Ban in forum Mainland China TV Series
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 08-24-12, 02:03 PM
  3. Replies: 88
    Last Post: 04-13-12, 10:36 PM
  4. Da Qi Ying Xiong Zhuan 《大旗英雄传》
    By Vic_Viper in forum Mainland China TV Series
    Replies: 463
    Last Post: 12-08-11, 02:38 PM
  5. Tang Ning : 唐寧 - Leila Tong Ling : 唐宁
    By usao-shuchang in forum Actresses
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 08-05-07, 01:14 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •