Chapter 191: Daughters of the Great Chanyu
In old age, people were often willing to forsake their posture and manners for a bit of comfort. The Great Chanyu reclined on a soft chair, panting and smiling as he welcomed the Northern Protection General.
“He apologizes to the General for not being able to stand and welcome you. He drank too much last night and hasn’t fully recovered,” Fang Daye translated, pausing to add, “The Great Chanyu indeed drank a lot.”
Han Ruzi asked Fang Daye to exchange a few pleasantries on his behalf and then sat across from the Great Chanyu.
The Great Chanyu put away his smile and spoke sternly.
Fang Daye said, “The Great Chanyu knows the movements of the Chu army. He regrets that the Chu army did not launch an attack this morning, making the preparations of the Xiongnu in vain.”
Fang Daye listened for a while, conversed with the Great Chanyu, and then said to the Northern Protection General, “The Xiongnu wish to engage in a major battle with the Chu army to regain their confidence. They believe that if they can defeat the Chu army, they can then turn and defeat the false Chanyu in the west. The Xiongnu are ready for a desperate battle; they have sharpened their swords, stocked up on arrows, and shod their horses… In short, if a battle starts, the Xiongnu will first kill all the livestock in their camp, except for their horses, to show that they have no retreat and must obtain food from the Chu camp.”
“Please tell the Great Chanyu…” Han Ruzi was choosing his words when Fang Daye said, “I have already told him that the Chu army has no retreat as well; if war breaks out, there is no retreat for us either.”
“Indeed, the Chu army’s retreat is nearly cut off. We received news this morning that a group of rebels has reached Divine Hero Pass, and it’s unclear who controls it now,” Han Ruzi said.
Fang Daye took a heavy breath, “General, speak and I’ll convey it to the Great Chanyu…” He glanced at Jin Chuiduo, “Go ahead, General.”