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The Wisdom of Huo Qubing: The Mystery of Refusing Meat and Strategic Vision
墨書 Inktalez
The cold wind at the border howled fiercely, stirring up clouds of yellow sand that obscured the sky. Ten supply carts laden with fresh meat slowly entered the military camp, a "special care" from Emperor Wu of Han for the soon-to-depart Champion General Huo Qubing. However, in response to this "great favor," Huo Qubing merely smiled coldly and ordered the meat carts to be discarded outside the camp to rot. Instantly, an uproar erupted among the troops, and even the usually respectful Deputy General Huo Guang could not help but step forward to question, "General, such waste—what will become of the soldiers?"
Huo Qubing ignored Huo Guang's doubts. He dismounted, his gaze fierce, and walked straight to the mountain of meat. Drawing his sword from his waist, he thrust it forcefully into a thick piece of beef.
Huo Qubing's voice boomed like a bell, resonating with authority, "Before we reach the Northern Desert, all of this will turn into rotten flesh!"
He withdrew his sword, pointing its blade northward with an undeniable determination in his tone. "When on the battlefield, orders from the emperor may not be followed! What I, Huo Qubing, want is not this meat but the heads of the Xiongnu!" With that, he raised his sword high, its blade glinting coldly in the sunlight.
The soldiers were intimidated by Huo Qubing's imposing presence; their initial doubts gradually turned into low murmurs. They looked at this young general with eyes full of awe and confusion. Huo Qubing's gaze swept over them and finally landed on Huo Guang. His tone softened slightly but remained resolute: "Huo Guang, you have followed me for many years; do you still not understand my intentions?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Guang looked up at Huo Qubing, a flicker of struggle and confusion crossing his face. He stepped forward and knelt on one knee, clasping his fists solemnly as he said, "I am dull-witted; please enlighten me, General!"
Huo Qubing helped Huo Guang to his feet and patted him on the shoulder. Pointing toward the distant Northern Desert, he spoke in a low yet powerful voice: "The Xiongnu are cruel and cunning; their southward advance is surely well-prepared. Carrying too much supplies will only slow our march and make us live targets for them. My decision is made: the entire army will travel light and reach the Northern Desert within three days to engage in a decisive battle with the Xiongnu!"
"Three days? This..." Huo Guang's expression faltered as he worriedly replied, "General, the journey to the Northern Desert is long, and moreover..."
"There is no 'moreover!'" Huo Qubing interrupted sharply. "When on the battlefield, military orders are like mountains! My decision is made; you need not say more!" With that, he turned and strode toward his tent, leaving Huo Guang standing alone.
Watching Huo Qubing's retreating figure, Huo Guang clenched his fists, filled with determination and resolve. He understood Huo Qubing's intentions and recognized the significance of this battle. Looking around at the soldiers who showed worry and fear on their faces, he took a deep breath and shouted loudly: "With our Champion General leading us into battle, how can we be afraid of death? In this fight, we seek not glory but to die for our country!"
Huo Guang's words struck like thunder, instantly igniting the soldiers' fervor. They responded in unison with shouts of "Kill the enemy for our country," their voices shaking the heavens.
The gloom that had hung over the camp was swept away in an instant, replaced by a resolute spirit willing to face death and an unwavering courage to move forward.
Huo Guang looked at the high-spirited soldiers and nodded to himself before quickly keeping pace with Huo Qubing.
The sandstorms of the Northern Desert were more intense than expected, with fine grains of sand hitting their faces like sharp blades.
Huo Qubing rode a tall horse at the front of the line, squinting into the distance. Despite the raging sandstorm assaulting his face, his determination remained unshaken.
"General, scouts have spotted Xiongnu cavalry ahead!" A scout galloped in, kneeling on one knee and clasping his fists in salute.
"How many?" Huo Qubing asked calmly without turning around.
"Reporting to the general, about a hundred or so," the scout replied.
A slight smile appeared on Huo Qubing's lips, revealing a hint of coldness; this was exactly what he had hoped for. "Pass down the order: the entire army will accelerate and ensure we reach Blackstone Valley before sunset!"
Huo Guang rode up beside Huo Qubing, worry etched on his face as he asked, "General, the Xiongnu are cunning. Could they be deliberately luring us to Blackstone Valley?"
Huo Qubing turned his head to glance at Huo Guang, his eyes filled with confidence and determination. "Don't worry; the more they try to lure us, the more it shows they are afraid. Blackstone Valley has a treacherous terrain that is easy to defend and hard to attack—it's the perfect place for us to defeat them with fewer troops. Relay my orders: Huo Guang will lead five hundred elite cavalry to ambush on the left side of Blackstone Valley. Once the main force of the Xiongnu enters the valley, we will launch an immediate attack and cut off their retreat!"
Upon hearing this, Huo Guang immediately understood Huo Qubing's plan. He said no more and clasped his fists in acknowledgment. "This subordinate obeys the command!"
As the sun set, a fiery red glow painted the horizon. Huo Qubing led his army to Blackstone Valley, ordering the troops to rest in place and prepare for the impending decisive battle.
Night fell, stars twinkled, and a bright moon hung high in the sky, casting a cold light. Huo Qubing sat on a rock, gazing up at the starry sky, lost in thought.
Huo Guang quietly approached Huo Qubing from behind and asked softly, "General, what are you thinking about?"
Huo Qubing withdrew his gaze and turned to Huo Guang, saying calmly, "I was thinking that tomorrow's battle might be the last fight of my life."
"Why do you say that, General?" Huo Guang asked in surprise, confused by his words.
Huo Qubing stood up and pointed at the bright moon, speaking with a deep tone, "Look at that moon; though it shines brightly, it is also lonely. I am like that moon, destined to live a solitary life, fighting for the glory of the Han Dynasty and for my own beliefs."
"General..." Huo Guang wanted to say more but was interrupted by Huo Qubing's wave.
Huo Qubing patted Huo Guang's shoulder earnestly and said, "Huo Guang, you are my most trusted brother. If I encounter misfortune, you must promise me one thing."
"Please speak, General. I would gladly give my life!" Huo Guang knelt on one knee and clasped his fists solemnly.
"I want you to take my army and return alive!"
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