Chapter 258: Retreat When the Enemy Advances
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“Commander! Here, eat!”
Inside the Cangzhou military camp, long rows of tables were packed with food and drinks. A feast had been prepared to reward the soldiers returning from their mission into the steppe.
Everyone, especially Niu Ben and his men, was eating like ravenous wolves. After hiding in the mountains and starving for three days, they had no interest in manners—grabbing food with both hands and stuffing themselves, even choking occasionally.
Niu Ben was no exception. He clutched a chicken leg in one hand and a pork knuckle in the other, grease dripping from his mouth as he devoured the food.
“Old General, this campaign into the steppe was a great success. You and Lu Fei both deserve much credit. I toast to you,” Xiao Ming said, raising his cup.
Niu Ben lifted his drink and replied, “Your Highness is too kind. Defending against the steppe tribes is our duty.”
Lu Fei laughed, “That’s right! The nomads weren’t prepared at all. We roamed the grasslands like it was empty—we killed to our hearts’ content and feasted on meat every day!”
Xiao Ming chuckled and teased, “You never go hungry no matter where you are.”
During this campaign, Niu Ben and Lu Fei had driven nearly ten thousand quality horses back to Cangzhou.
Qingzhou’s cavalry breeding program had been weak for years, and this new influx of horses would greatly improve it. After a few years of breeding, Qingzhou would finally have its own supply of warhorses.
Although Xiao Ming was pushing Great Yu toward the gunpowder age, cavalry were still essential. After all, even in World War II, cavalry units were still used—so their value hadn’t faded yet.