Chapter Ninety-Four: Whose Stage Is It?

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But Zeng Qi listened with great comfort, wrapping his coat tighter around himself. “It’s a bit chilly today. By the way, don’t forget to bring my heater when we march out; otherwise, I simply can’t endure the cold.”

Saying this, he turned to leave. Zeng Qi not only detested the cold weather but also had no intention of personally leading the soldiers in training like Yang Xiaolin. In his view, such effort was utterly unnecessary. Just as he was about to retreat to cuddle with his concubine and warm up under the covers, a swift horse galloped in from outside. “General, the Russian representative has arrived. He requests an audience with you to discuss coordinated military operations!”

Zeng Qi’s expression darkened sharply. He muttered a curse under his breath: “These foreign devils, coming at a time like this! Bring him to the main hall to wait; the general will be there shortly!”

After Zeng Qi left, the already disorganized Qing troops scattered in chaos. The soldiers broke ranks in all manner of frantic gestures, sprinting back to their camps at top speed, leaving the parade ground in disarray.

Neither Zeng Qi nor these Qing soldiers harbored any concept of rigorous training. At this time in China, only Yuan Shikai was training his troops diligently at Xiaozhan, which later ensured he replaced the Qing Dynasty rather than any warlord faction.

Lopatin clearly held no regard for these two thousand bandits under his command. His political acumen far surpassed his military prowess. Though Gulushan was not a major concern, the reputation of Yang the Ghost Fighter was enough to attract the attention of all nations.

Faced with such a formidable opponent, how could Lopatin follow General Akberil’s advice to send a small, elite unit for a surprise attack? He intended to stage a grand spectacle, a magnificent display for the world to witness the might of the Russian army and the splendor of Lopatin himself!

There could only be one star on this stage—him. As for Yang the Ghost Fighter and the Qing forces, they were relegated to mere supporting roles.

Thus, Lopatin sent envoys to meet with Zeng Qi, ostensibly to coordinate the actions of the two armies under unified command. In reality, he sought to subordinate the Qing troops under Russian command, ensuring total obedience to the Russian forces.

Lopatin was confident the Qing would not object—he knew this well—and he had prepared a large contingent of reporters to come to Fengtian City, ready to showcase his power.

Flashes from cameras continuously flickered as Zeng Qi, standing before the Russian envoy, was unable to summon the earlier vigor he had displayed on the parade ground. The Russian sat confidently, legs crossed, exuding leisure. “General, our commander has tasked me to inform you: to ensure Yang the Ghost Fighter has no escape, our operations must be unified under a single command.”

Zeng Qi nodded. “That is proper. Please convey to the commander that I will dispatch personnel to Liaoyang immediately to discuss the details.”

The Russian sneered. “No need. We will soon send two hundred Russian soldiers to oversee your troops. The general should have your commanders surrender command authority. As long as you obey orders, there will be no further issues.”

Zeng Qi was stunned. The Russians’ actions were a clear insult to the Qing; all the reporters trained their lenses on him. He felt awkward. “This… seems inappropriate, doesn’t it?”

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The Russian suddenly stood up. “Does the general believe your commanders can lead better than we Russians?”

Zeng Qi’s facial muscles twitched. He felt the humiliation burning within, but such indignities had long become routine for Qing officials. Even the Empress Dowager endured them—how could he not endure this for the sake of the empire? He nodded in resignation.

The Russian smiled with satisfaction, ignoring him further, then gestured for the photographers to focus on himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe this operation, under the command of our Russian officers, will be a complete success. Our commander says you may freely interview the Qing troops. We have ample time. Once you are satisfied with your coverage, I will escort you back.”

The Russians truly regarded this war as their grand performance.

Underestimating one’s opponent always comes at a cost.

Yang Xiaolin’s unit continued training. After a month, the snow outside had begun to melt. Looking up at the bright sun, it seemed the battle would erupt soon. During this time, his men not only improved their physical condition but also learned battlefield tactics quite proficiently.

Over a hundred brothers in the valley practiced two-hundred-meter sprints, running swiftly when Niriel suddenly shouted, “Hit the deck!”

In perfect unison, they dropped to the ground with flawless rolls; within seconds, not a single one remained foolishly standing. Yang Xiaolin smiled approvingly and turned his head. “Xi, what do you think of my troops?”

Yang Du and Liang Qichao stood behind him. Since being brought to Gulushan, Yang Xiaolin had not restricted their freedom. Liang Qichao could not run away—there was nowhere to go. The Qing court sought both him and Yang Du. Even if Yang Du wished to flee, he could not. The rugged mountains themselves were a formidable prison; without a guide, it was nearly impossible for a scholar to escape.

Listening to the bandits’ shouting below, Yang Du nodded. “Not bad—they’re an elite bandit force. But when the imperial army arrives, do you think you can turn the tide? I hear the Russians are involved too.”

Yang Xiaolin smiled confidently. “Xi, you’re well-versed in strategy, but you don’t understand warfare. Sometimes, too many people only cause trouble. I say I can win—do you believe me?”

“I don’t,” Yang Du replied firmly. Not only did he disbelieve, but anyone randomly brought in from outside would likely feel the same.

Liang Qichao also folded his hands behind his back. “I don’t believe it either.”

Yang Xiaolin said nothing in reply. “Gentlemen, do you dare bet on it?”

Yang Du looked up. “I’m not interested in bets with no suspense.”

Yang Xiaolin patted his shoulder. “Then what interests you? Money? Women? I can provide both.”

Yang Du was clearly provoked. “Yang the Ghost Fighter, who do you take me for? I tell you, right now I only want to know when you’ll let me go. As for your suggestion that I stay, don’t bring it up again.”

Yang Xiaolin feigned sudden understanding. “Oh, Xi wants to be an official? My strategist once dreamed the same, but after months with me, he realized staying here was more promising than chasing a minor post at court.”

Yang Du snorted coldly. “That so-called Kong Luodi? Just a dog-headed advisor. I doubt he’s good for much beyond hanging around with you.”

Yang Xiaolin circled him playfully. “I don’t like forcing people, especially someone like you, Xi. If I detain you against your will, and you rebel against me like Xu Shu defected to Cao Cao, I’ll have to feed another mouth. Here’s the deal: if we win this battle, and you still think there’s no future following me, I’ll set you free.”

Yang Du exhaled deeply. “You’d better release me now. I still admire you as a man. First, you won’t win. Second, even if you do, I don’t want to follow a bandit for any future. What are you? A petty outlaw or some so-called underworld leader?”

Liang Qichao tugged Yang Du’s sleeve repeatedly during his speech, signaling him not to anger Yang Xiaolin. But Yang Du paid no heed. He was smart enough to know Yang Xiaolin had gone through great lengths to bring him from Beijing; he wouldn’t kill him so easily.

Yang Xiaolin turned to Yang Du, suddenly grabbing his shoulders and locking his head tight with his arm. “Listen, I won’t be a bandit forever. I can tell you now—I am going to rebel, rebel against the court! This battle will prove it. Let me show you whether I can defeat the imperial army and the Russians. If I have the strength, you’d better stay and help me. Otherwise, if one day my rebellion succeeds, I won’t just annihilate your entire clan—I’ll make sure your name is cursed through the ages!”

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