Chapter 145: A Gamble Without a Chance of Winning

A trusted deputy by Xiao Tong’s side stepped forward and said, “General, think carefully. Jiang Chen proposed this wager with a clear plan in mind. We shouldn’t let him have his way!”

The others shared the same view. They believed that if the general wanted to vent his anger, he could have strung Jiang Chen up and tortured him, or simply killed him outright without issue.

At present, the Northern Yan army was strong. Even if they killed an envoy from the Great Qian Empire, the other side would dare not retaliate. Moreover, Jiang Chen was never truly affiliated with the Great Qian court.

His life or death was of no consequence!

Yet Xiao Tong snapped, “All of you shut up! Do you think I’d let his petty tricks succeed?”

“This matter is settled. Anyone who dares to speak out again will face military law!”

Under Xiao Tong’s imposing authority, the commanders could only retreat helplessly. However, they were not overly concerned, for even if Jiang Chen managed to take these prisoners away, escape was simply impossible.

Among the prisoners Jiang Chen sought to rescue, one-third were either ill or severely wounded. The rest had gone days without food. Neither their physical nor mental states could support rapid travel through the snow.

Jiang Chen was just one man—how could he possibly save them all?

Because of these insurmountable obstacles, this wager seemed destined to hold no suspense.

Waving his hand grandly, Xiao Tong ordered more naan bread and water to be brought and distributed to the prisoners. Confident of winning this wager, he showed off his generosity without a care.

Ignoring the muddy ground beneath his feet, Jiang Chen approached the prisoners and carefully checked each one’s condition. What awaited them next was a life-or-death trial at the very edge of despair.

“No thanks to the Northern Yan’s charity! I won’t eat it!”

“Yes, I’d rather starve to death than take their food!”

The prisoners still clung to the honor of Qishan, but Jiang Chen needed them to understand that survival now was more important than anything.

“Brothers of Qishan, now is not the time to embrace certain death for the country. I have made a wager with Xiao Tong, swearing to bring every one of you out of here alive.”

“I know you miss your families, your friends, and the comrades awaiting your return. Now, take the naan bread and water before you and eat as much as you can. Don’t let the Northern Yan belittle you!”

Jiang Chen laid bare the wager he had made with Xiao Tong before the prisoners. If they gave up here, the Northern Yan would mock and humiliate them without restraint.

Once they understood the stakes, the prisoners finally regained their will to survive and began to eat according to Jiang Chen’s instructions.

Counting heads quietly, Jiang Chen found there were eighty-seven in total—less than a tenth of all those captured in the Northern Yan camp.

His own abilities were limited, and conditions harsh. What he could do now was only to try his best to save these eighty-seven souls.

When everyone had devoured their food, Xiao Tong told Jiang Chen it was time to begin their wager.

“You won’t be taking these two books back,” Xiao Tong said, holding up the Gu Ma Ji and Yan Wu Qi Zhen. “When you’ve gathered two thousand horses, then we can talk about those tens of thousands in the valley. Today, consider this a little entertainment. I hope you can give me some amusement.”

Xiao Tong gripped the two tomes tightly. Jiang Chen wore a deeply troubled expression, continuing to deceive Xiao Tong.

Once this man realized these books were fakes, he would likely be so furious his eyes would darken. Just imagining that miserable scene made Jiang Chen’s heart leap with joy.

But he had to keep that joy hidden, letting Xiao Tong continue to indulge in his arrogance. That was the enemy’s fatal weakness.

Without delay, Jiang Chen led the eighty-seven prisoners away from the Northern Yan camp, pressing onward. The day was growing late; they had to hurry or Xiao Tong would bring his troops down, and none of them would escape.

“General, shall I send a squad to follow them?” the deputy suggested.

“No need,” Xiao Tong said coldly, watching their retreating figures. “The northern skies darken quickly. The sun will set soon.”

“Besides, they’re traveling on foot through the snow. There’s no way they can hide their tracks or escape our pursuit—unless each of them had wings and flew away!”

Xiao Tong laughed triumphantly after those words. The deputy nodded in agreement, acknowledging the general’s foresight.

The northern border of Great Qian was a land of bitter cold, especially at this time of year. Blizzards that darkened the sky were common. Though the snow was not heavy now, it was still a harsh trial for everyone.

“Brother Jiang, I’m not saying I don’t believe in you, but what plan do you have to get everyone out of the Northern Yan’s pursuit in time?” an experienced old soldier anxiously asked.

He saw how slowly they were moving, and the sun had already begun to sink westward. Twilight would soon fall, bringing with it Northern Yan’s cold blades.

Jiang Chen replied, “Move forward into the dense forest ahead. Once we get there, I have a plan.”

In truth, by making this wager with Xiao Tong, Jiang Chen had staked his own life. If Xiao Tong caught up with them, Jiang Chen would be the first target.

Along the way, many wounded men collapsed, utterly exhausted. The task was too daunting for them.

“Go on without us! Don’t wait for us! Whoever escapes, escapes. Don’t let us drag you down.”

These wounded showed great resolve—true to the iron spirit of Qishan cavalry. Yet Qishan’s other creed was never to abandon one’s brothers.

Jiang Chen helped the injured to their feet and encouraged them, “Don’t give up on yourselves. We will never give up on you. Once we reach that forest ahead, I promise I’ll find a way for you to keep moving.”

“Trust me!”

At last, dusk fell. Xiao Tong gathered fifty elite soldiers and set off in pursuit.

These fifty were skilled archers and horsemen, battle-hardened veterans adept at tracking and hunting in the snow. As expected, the tracks left behind clearly led them to their prey.

“Brothers, charge forward! Every head you bring back will be richly rewarded!”