Hearing that Xin Bi had no abnormalities in the navigation of the grain ships in Quanzhou, Cao Rui put his mind at ease while also raising a topic that surprised Pei Hui.
"Pei Qing, according to Xin's Excellency's schedule, are you allowed to stay here for a few days?"
Pei Hui was scrutinized by a group of senior officials, slightly thinking for a moment, and then calmly replied: "Your Majesty, I can stay in Liao's mouth for another five days."
"Are there any extra ships available at Marquis Xin's command?"
Pei Hui temporarily did not know what the emperor wanted to do, seriously calculating and replied: "Your Majesty, the twenty ships under my command were gathered from various counties in Hebei and Qingzhou."
"The fleet with the same capacity as mine, only seven at Marquis Xin's command. The extra two fleets are also prepared for any unexpected needs."
Cao Rui laughed, "There's no need to keep the surplus. The ships of Pei Qing, the emperor is requisitioning them."
"The broad river at Liao's mouth is difficult to cross, and there are many rivers and marshes there, which are not suitable for the large army to cross." Cao Rui reached out and patted Pei Hui on the shoulder: "I give you a task!"
Pei Hui bowed with respect: "The subject listens to the Holy Will."
Cao Rui said, "Pei Qing, at dawn tomorrow, you will lead two thousand soldiers from your fleet along the coast towards the east. If you find a suitable place for landing, immediately order the soldiers to disembark and scout ahead."
"The emperor wants to bypass the mudflats and marshes at Liao's mouth and land to the north from a more easterly location. Can you do this for me?"
Pei Hui had been serving as an official at the Imperial Oversight Bureau in Luo, and now he also led the work of supervising grain. More than anything, it was about monitoring grain and rice quantities and prompting deadlines. Although he had followed a fleet across the sea, there were still some doubts in his mind.
Pei Hui instinctively glanced at his brother Pei Qian, who did not wish to make eye contact with his brother in the presence of the emperor, and merely gently tapped his right index finger three times inside his sleeve.
That will do!
Pei Hui bowed with respect: "The state is in a critical stage of war, and the subject is willing to die for the emperor!"
Cao Rui beckoned his hand towards the back: "Zhao Bo, come here to me."
Cao Shuang, fully armor-clad, walked forward with a stride and bowed: "The subject is here."
As early as the first year of Taiping, Cao Shuang was sent to the parallel state of Tianshun in Shijiazhuang by his father Cao Zhen and Cao Rui.
After nearly three years of struggling and overcoming difficulties, Cao Shuang, who had reached the position of a thousand-weight secretary, was appointed as the Commander of the Shooting Echo when the emperor arrived in Jixian County. This promotion officially brought him into the ranks of two-thousand-weight officials and marked his return from the outer army to command troops in the central army.
Compared to three years ago, Cao Shuang's fat was nearly invisible, and his body had become somewhat sturdy. His face had also turned darker and coarser.
Not until now did Cao Shuang, the eldest son of General Cao Zhen, look like a real general rather than the second-generation scion who grew up in the luxurious mansion in Luoyang relying on his father's patronage.
"Zhao Bo, go back and make the preparations. Tomorrow morning, lead your own one thousand light cavalry troops out. I will also give you an additional thousand soldiers from the states and counties."
"Find a place to land, then keep heading north to explore until you find a wayable path and turn back. Do you understand?"
"Obedient to the will of the sovereign!"
Cao Shuang bowed and saluted, then stepped back two steps to stand in line according to the hierarchy of office behind the other ministers, saying not a word more. The wind and snow of the northern lands not only gave definition to his face but also made him more silent and reserved.
Three years ago, Cao Shuang was different from three years later. Many of his traits had become completely opposite. However, the more silent and reserved he became, the more trustworthy people found him to be.
……
Since the army arrived west of the Liao River on the twenty-fifth of May, the central army camp has been engaged in a stand-off with General Gongsun's troops on the eastern bank.
Ten days have passed.
Today morning, when the third attack across the river was led by Tian Yu and Xian Yu Jing, Gong Sun Yan ignored Tian Yu downriver and dispatched 3000 cavalry to quickly attack out of the camp. They attacked the west bank of the river where Xian Yu Jing had just landed on the east bank.
In the haste, Xian Yu Jing had no choice but to form a formation backed by the Liao River to counter the surprise attack by the Liao Dong cavalry. Despite Xian Yu Jing having done everything a general could do, his troops still suffered a loss of over five hundred.
The Liao River is vast, and the main camp of Wei's army on the west bank cannot provide assistance through archers. They can only send troops to receive the enemy at the western side of the bridge, waiting for Xian Yu Jing's troops to slowly retreat.
Without a major battle, Xian Yu Jing's three thousand infantry were left with only two thousand.
After Xian Yu Jing and Tian Yu arrived at the main camp, they thought that Man Chong would criticize them for the loss of troops and officers, even believing that they might be removed from their positions.
To their surprise, Man Chong did not say a single word, but instead asked carefully about the timing, forces, and deployment of the enemy's troops. He did not say anything else. Xian Yu Jing wanted to apologize individually to Man Chong, but he was waved away by Man Chong and sent out.
Marsh Superintendent Sima Yi, who shared an office with Man Chong in the central military tent, laughed and said, "Man General was too harsh to train Xian Yu Jing the other day. I think he is afraid today."
