Chapter 108.1
An Lushan also felt that they wouldnt dare.
If they had really done it, they would have fled long ago, so why would they stay and accept punishment?
Besides, they were just a group of ordinary soldiers, how could they have the ability to do such a thing?
So, where did the grain go?
Who was it that stole their food supplies?
This matter is of no small significance!
It is well known that before an army marches, provisions must lead the way. With an army of 500,000 on the move, feeding them is of the utmost importance, and the security of the food supplies is even more critical. There is no room for the slightest negligence!
Therefore, to guard this batch of provisions, he dispatched the main force to escort it.
Yet, the food that was meant to supply an army of 500,000 was stolen right under their noses, despite their stringent protectiontaken without anyone being the wiser!
Such unfathomable tactics filled An Lushan with both shock and fear.
General, your humble servant has something to say, but Im not sure if I should
Speak your mind! An Lushan said impatiently.
Yes, General, then I will speak boldly!
The leading soldier said with a tremor of fear: General, could it be that our rebellion has defied the will of Heaven, and thus angered the spirits above, causing our food supplies to vanish?
Shut up! Thats nonsense!
An Lushan bellowed: We are the army of justice; our uprising is to enforce the will of Heaven, to punish the foolish emperor, to slay the treacherous officials, and to restore justice and order to the world! Therefore, you must not falter nor spread rumors and idle talk! If any of you continue to spread such deceitful words, I will have your head!
General, your servant dares not! The soldiers kowtowed.
Continue to make fire. I will go borrow grain from the Great Yue army!
An Lushan approached the Great Yue army, only to find that the commander of the Great Yue army, General Liu Daochang, was walking towards him.
An Lushans face broke into a warm and friendly smile: General Liu, your timing is perfect. I was just about to look for you to discuss some matters.
What a coincidence, I also have a favor to ask of General An! Liu Daochang responded with equal enthusiasm.
An Lushans expression became serious: Please speak, General Liu. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse!
After all, when one needs help, it is best to solve the other partys problem first in order to borrow food.
General An is truly honorable. Then I shall speak frankly!
Liu Daochang became even more enthusiastic: Just as we were preparing to start a fire to cook, we discovered that our food had vanished into thin air! As you know, General An, its impossible for soldiers to march and fight on an empty stomach, so could you perhaps lend us some food? I would be immensely grateful!
The smile on An Lushans face gradually faded: Has your grain also vanished into thin air?
General Liu responded quickly: You said also, does that mean your grain has disappeared too?
Exactly!
An Lushan nodded, and with a wry smile, he said, Our grain has disappeared as well. I had intended to borrow some grain from your Great Yue, but I never expected
The two generals looked at each other in shock!
Someone had managed to steal all the grain right under their noses amidst the protection of a million-strong army!
General, weve done our utmost!
General, if theres even half a lie in what we say, we are willing to be dealt with by military law!
All these officers fell to their knees.
Useless fools! All of you are useless fools! Get out of my sight! An Lushan roared in anger.
Shi Siming approached, his face clouded with worry, and said, Elder brother, we have no food and the soldiers are hungry. What should we do?
An Lushan clenched his teeth: Sound the horn, the entire army must continue to march!
Shi Siming was shocked: Elder brother, but the soldiers havent eaten. They are famished; how can we march?
Little brother, do you think Im not aware of your concerns? But we have no choice but to move forward!
An Lushan gave a bitter smile. Theres no food to be found for hundred li around. Staying here means certain death! If we retreat, the imperial court will certainly seize the opportunity to kick us while were down. Therefore, we can only push forward. The closer we get to the capital city, the more likely we are to find food!
Elder brothers words are most wise. I will make the arrangements immediately!
Following that, the two of them, along with the generals of the Great Yue, discussed and unanimously agreed to continue the advance.
So, the million-strong army set off once again.
However, everyone had been hungry for a day, feeling weak and listless, their pace had slowed down considerably.
By the end of the day, they had covered less than 40 li, simply unable to go any further. (TLN: 1 li is 0.5 km)
At this time, the foraging teams returned one after another.
An Lushan asked anxiously, Whats the situation? Did you find any food?
His face was flushed with shame, Weve searched every city and village within a hundred li but still havent found any food. Please forgive us, General!
An Lushan bellowed, Then keep searching! If you cant find it, dont bother returning!
Yes, General!
Turning his head to glance at the soldiers lying dead on the ground from starvation, An Lushan couldnt help but sigh.
The foraging team searched for another whole night but still couldnt find any food.
By the third day, the army of a million had no choice but to set out once again.
Having gone without food for two days, their marching speed was even slower; they couldnt cover more than five li in half a day.
And just then, as if misfortune loved company, a light rain began to fall from the sky.
It was springtime, with a fine misty rain that was beneficial for the crops.
But for the million-strong army that had been starving for two days and was now on the march, it was truly a death sentence.
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