She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

They gathered around, expressing their dissatisfaction and indignation at Zhao Zun’s plight in loud voices.

Especially Zhao Zun’s close comrade, the dandy young master Hua Tianyou, who was so angry his face turned ashen, and his eyes seemed to blaze with fire.

”Damn it, this is too humiliating. How dare they let the respected Marshal suffer such an injustice!”

Hua Tianyou roared, his voice echoing through the military camp like thunder.

”Don’t think too much about it, I volunteered to come and fight.” Zhao Zun patted Hua Tianyou on the shoulder, indicating he was fine.

At this point, the military doctor, Mr. He, squeezed through the crowd. He held Zhao Zun’s hand and looked up at him, as if looking at his own son.

This old man, who has weathered decades of storms, now had two lines of turbid tears quietly sliding down his weathered face.

”Marshal, why do you do this? Why must you push yourself so hard?”

Zhao Zun smiled, but it was a bitter smile.

”Don’t worry, Mr. He. I’m tough; after all these years, I’ve survived countless wars, this time will be no different. I’m still looking forward to having a drink with you after the battle!”

Upon hearing this, Mr. He’s heart was filled with endless sorrow and heartache.

Back then, Zhao Zun’s father was also a mighty general, celebrated for his illustrious achievements in history. But now, although Zhao Zun has similar achievements, why does the emperor treat him this way?

”If the old Marshal’s spirit is watching from heaven, seeing his son so brave yet suffering such humiliation, how heartbroken he must be!”

Mr. He murmured to himself, his voice filled with undeniable sadness.

He believed that with Zhao Zun’s noble spirit, if he heard about the two hundred thousand troops crushing the border, he would definitely volunteer to help in the battle, but who in the camp doesn’t know what’s really going on behind this?

On the battlefield, risking life and limb, who isn’t fighting for a good future, who isn’t fighting for a reputation? From Marshal to the Vanguard, others might not know, but how disgraceful is it when this spreads?

Not to mention Zhao Zun himself, even the ordinary soldiers feel disheartened!

So, although Zhao Zun spoke lightly, he knew Zhao Zun felt wronged and helpless inside.

Zhao Zun gently patted Mr. He on the shoulder.

Faced with Mr. He, who watched him grow up in the camp like a kindly father, Zhao Zun wanted to speak, but his nose twitched, and he found himself unable to utter a word, only able to turn away with reddened eyes.

Seeing these long-absent brothers, Zhao Zun felt like he was meeting family he saw every day.

At this moment, the grievance in his heart grew stronger, but faced with his brothers’ concern, he felt more warmth and camaraderie.

These soldiers are his brothers, his strongest support. But confronted with the immediate crisis and predicament of Yong’an City, he cannot let these emotions cloud his judgment.

He took a deep breath to steady himself, then slowly spoke.

”Brothers, I know you stand up for me, and I am very grateful for your concern and trust. But with the enemy before us, we should first defeat them and not let these personal emotions affect the overall situation.”

Zhao Zun sniffed, regaining his cold and authoritative demeanor, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, silently conveying a sense of strength.

Zhao Zun continued, ”Da Jing is our home, Canzhou is also our home. Regardless of what grievances I, Zhao Zun, have suffered, we must put them aside and protect our homeland first.”

Zhao Zun’s eyes were slightly red, but tears never fell.

Through his actions and words, he showed the soldiers what a true leader’s responsibility and magnanimity should be.

This is also why, despite Cao Xiong’s presence for so long, the soldiers never gave him their loyalty. He lacks Zhao Zun’s breadth of mind and courage.

”The Marshal is right! With the enemy so close, we should first defeat them.”

A soldier shouted loudly, his voice filled with strength.

”Yes! We must fight bravely for Da Jing, for our homeland!”

Another soldier loudly agreed, his eyes also glinting with determined light.

”Yes! Fight bravely.”

”Fight bravely.”

...

The atmosphere in Yong’an City was heavy and tense, the news of the Turkic army’s approach spread like a storm through the city, causing panic.

With Marshal Zhao, whom they always followed in their hearts, coming, they felt assured.

No matter how many troops the enemy has, as long as Zhao Zun is there, they see hope and maintain their resolve.

Under Zhao Zun’s inspiration, the soldiers’ emotions gradually stabilized. They also gradually left, focusing more on preparing for battle.

Watching the soldiers gradually disperse, the former Yong’an City defender, Ma Cheng, who had been standing silently on the outskirts of the crowd, now stepped forward with resolute eyes.

He knelt on one knee, his voice sonorous and forceful.

”Prince, Centurion Ma Cheng requests to join the Vanguard Camp and fight alongside you.”