Glancing at the three of them, Qing Chen continued, "At this critical moment in suppressing the rebels, their army is pressing against our borders, and opportunities in battle vanish in a flash!
To avoid delaying military operations and jeopardizing the entire [Qiongzhou campaign]!
I, your subordinate general, Qing Chen, together with the Gentlemen of the Palace under my command, Ye Wushang, Wuxin, and Lei Bao, am willing to brave extraordinary peril;
we have resolved to lead our troops deep into the dangerous territory of Miaochong Prefecture and select a defensible position outside Fengsplit Gorge Valley to establish camp!
This location is only twenty thousand-odd li from the enemy city. Only thus can we curb the rebels' arrogance, take the initiative, and demonstrate the military might of our Immortal Dynasty!
We have already resolved to smash our cooking pots and sink our boats. With our heads pillowed on our weapons, we await the dawn, sparing no thought for our lives. We will establish an outpost for Great Jin and secure a foothold!
Even nine deaths would leave us without regret!
I am willing to shoulder all responsibility alone! I ask only that the Imperial Court judge clearly and allocate more military funds, so that the soldiers at the front need not shed tears as well as blood!
Should disaster befall us, it will only be because our skills were lacking, and we will willingly submit to military law!"
Ye Wushang, Wuxin, and Lei Bao were all dumbfounded.
They looked at one another.
"I, Qing Chen, have never been one to keep all the food for myself. Putting your names alongside mine means that, when merit is earned, you will all have a share."
They had already come this far. What else could they do?
The three understood at once. They immediately