I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 334 - 24: Three Years of Hard Campaigns, Pacifying Lingnan (Bonus)

Chapter 334: Chapter 24: Three Years of Hard Campaigns, Pacifying Lingnan (Bonus)

Countless Han Army soldiers were gathered around the fire to warm themselves, some were also wringing out their clothes, hoping to make them a bit drier.

Everyone’s expressions were heavy.

This was inevitable.

The prolonged warfare, combined with the oppressive heat, was a double blow to both body and spirit.

The fire only made them hotter...

But to make their clothes a bit drier, the soldiers could only endure the scorching heat.

At this time, Gu Yi, controlling Gu Ye, walked out from the main tent.

As of today.

Even Gu Ye, the Grand General, had aged considerably, having even fallen ill once. If not for the Anti-Miasma Pill and the illness-curing talisman.

Perhaps even Gu Ye would have perished on this expedition.

"Grand General!"

Seeing Gu Ye come out, the soldiers immediately stood up to salute.

"No need." Gu Yi waved his hand directly, and walked slowly towards a bonfire, sitting down casually.

The soldiers were all a bit surprised by Gu Ye’s action.

The camp, already silent due to the heat, became even quieter at that moment.

"No need to be formal, am I going to eat people?"

Gu Ye showed a gentle smile, conveying Gu Yi’s thoughts.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers beside him immediately felt a bit more relaxed.

A chorus of discussions soon began.

The nearby soldiers whispered Gu Ye’s words to those beside them.

"I know all brothers are exhausted, I am aware."

Gu Yi, without any airs, spoke to the soldiers like the ancestors of the Gu Clan, about mundane matters.

Talking about everything related to the Great Han...

Talking about the current war situation...

The atmosphere became increasingly relaxed, accompanied by a surge of inexplicable sorrow.

The deep-rooted homesickness in the Huaxia people’s bones began to ferment quietly.

Finally—

As the sound of sobbing arose, a commander couldn’t help but ask Gu Ye, "Grand General, is it really necessary to continue this battle?"

No one thought the battle could not be won.

Everyone had absolute confidence in the Gu Clan.

But contrary to previous wars.

All the soldiers saw no tangible benefits this battle could bring.

They would wonder whether those who died because of this really died in vain.

If the situation weren’t so despairing, such thoughts might have been nothing.

But now—

This had already become one of the Han Army’s risks.

Gu Yi’s move today was to address this issue.

Once these words were spoken, the camp fell into immediate silence.

Countless eyes focused instantaneously, and amidst the reflection of the bonfires, there was an inexplicable eeriness.

Gu Yi sighed softly.

Looking at the people before him, he finally spoke: "Brothers won’t die in vain."

A simple sentence that went straight to the heart.

Engaging with these soldiers, Gu Yi didn’t need to speak as he would to court officials, about what benefit this act could bring to the Great Han.

These people were simple folk.

They wouldn’t understand this kind of talk.

Sincerity was the ultimate weapon, so it was better to be straightforward.

"I know the doubts in your hearts."

"Fighting this war, you don’t see tangible gold and silver, and don’t feel you can capture much fertile land."

"But we must understand why we bear this Han flag, why we wear this armor."

"Behind us are the fathers, elders, and villagers of Luoyang City, the common people in all under heaven!"

"If the borders are unstable, the barbarians will pounce on our villages like hungry wolves, burn our houses, steal our grains, and violate our wives and daughters!"

"If we don’t win this battle now, we will let our parents, wives, and children suffer!"

"I, Gu Ye, stand here today to make it clear to everyone that I value every brother’s life!"

"Every drop of blood shed will not be spilled in vain!"

"This battle is for the land under our feet, so that the people of the Great Han can live in peace, farm in their fields, and have family reunions under their eaves."

"Maybe this war won’t give us titles and promotions, but it will engrave our names in the annals of the Great Han, and future generations will give us a thumbs up, praising us as heroes who defended our homeland!"

As he spoke, Gu Ye paused slightly, then slowly stood, his fiery gaze scanning the crowd:

"I also make a promise here—"

"The Great Han will not forget us, future generations will not forget us."

"When our Han Army’s banner truly stands firm on this land, your names will be passed down."

"Until.... the very end of everything."

"Even if you die in battle, your families will be cared for by the court!"

—For the sake of future generations.

In modern terms, these might simply be empty promises.

But for the current Han soldiers, it’s different.

For future generations to enjoy peace is the dream of countless people.

Not to mention, Gu Yi also promised to take care of their families.

Reputation plays a role at times like these.

Such words from a scion of the Gu Clan.

Naturally inspire trust.

Gentle breezes continuously swept across.

On this night, the gradually restless morale of the Han Army finally calmed down once again.

....

Time swiftly passed.

Facing the unprecedented tactics of the Han Army, all the Shanyue tribes gradually sensed something was amiss.

What was going on?

Why did everything seem reversed?

Has the Han Army started raiding us?

This sudden change finally made people realize the determination of the Han Army.