《Kingdom: Rise of a great strategist》


 Chapter 1: Hyou Ren

    My eyes widened slightly, at the sight of the great castle before us. Gaolang, Wei¡äs foremost defense against Qin intrusions, and a strong castle.


    Its walls were high, and its population count was higher, the inhabitants knew that this castle would be the first to be sieged, and they had survived and repelled multiple sieges. Therefore, almost the entire male population knew how to fight, and it wasn¡ät hidden.


    I turned around to look behind me, and I couldn''t help but smile at the force gathered behind me.


    I was a 300 Man Commander of the Qin Army, I had just recently graduated from Strategist Academy, 2 months after the rebellion. And I had been promoted to a 300-man commander.


    The Ginryu Tai, also meaning Silver Dragon Unit. I didn¡ät create it, nor did I wish for it. But it worked, and that was all that mattered.


    The men behind me wore the standard armour of the Qin Army, the helmet and all that came alongside it. The only difference in my unit was that they were coloured Silver, with black outlines. Additionally, my entire unit was composed of heavy infantry.


    They all possessed a square shield, and a spear. Alongside a secondary sword at the hip.


    Now, for my skill set. I didn¡ät really have anything outstanding, I was decent with the sword. But in all honesty, my specialty was with my ability to wield a bow.


    My killbox currently stood at a formidable 300 meters with the standard Chinese Bow, which could also be wielded on horse. It was good, but not good enough. The standard member of the Ten Bows could easily shoot over 500 metres, and with a death shot.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    However, I focused on strategy. And my unit was stronger than one might think.


    My relationship with Duke Hyou was strained. To say the least.


    The first 6-7 years since my birth were relatively nice, he was gone on intervals. Likely going out to war, but when he came back. He was truly a loving father figure, but as I aged. He became colder, perhaps a strategy to grow me into a stoic and brutal general, or perhaps war truly changed him.


    Either way, as I turned 14. And I realized my lack of talents regarding close up combat, I chose to enlist in the Strategy Academy. My Father tried everything, to make me as powerful as he was. I was trained with the sword, the spear, the horse, the glaive. He tried everything, to find me a powerful weapon, that I had talent in.


    But I had none, and as such he eventually relented. But with it, he also gave up on me. His disappointment was evident, and I hadn¡ät seen him since, I had seen some glances of him. But otherwise, he remained distant.


    I had talked with him 4-5 times since I enrolled, and most of those were on birthdays, with a simple "Happy Birthday" or something of the sort, before he dipped once again.


    I was currently 16, having graduated. And I had yet to truly talk to him, however. He had supported me. This unit was gifted to me by him. Veterans from his unit and the army.


    The 300 men were all heavy infantry with spears and shields. Split into units of 100, the first was led by Hozu. He was tall, or decently so. 187 centimetres tall, and he used a sword. He had black hair, as most did during these times, and some resemblance of a beard.


    He wore the standard armor, including a helmet and armor. But he also wore a black cloak, and some extra additions on his armour, including 2 dragons riding up his armour.


    The second unit was led by Roku. Roku is and was a cavalry commander, with great skill in scouting. But due to my lack of a proper cavalry unit, that''s what he led. He was 191 centimetres tall, with black hair, and a black beard. He fought with a glaive, even now. And he had similar armour to Hozu, but his helmet had dragons on it.


    Lastly, the third was led by Kaen. He had silver hair, but he was in his early twenties, 25 to be precise. His hair was slicked back, but was sort of loose. He didn¡ät wear a helmet, but instead wielded a spear. And sometimes a shield, depending on the circumstances. He was about 189 centimetres tall.


    And then lastly, the last man brought to me by Duke Hyou, Ishiro. Ishiro was a tall man, standing at 194 centimetres. And he was known for his strength. While each of my commanders embodied the strength of a 1000 man commander, or a 500 man commander. Ishiro was the true powerhouse of the unit, his strength at the peak of a 2000 man commander.


    He wasn''t particularly smart, or at least in the strategic terms. But his battle-iq and fighting was where he shone. And he served as an officer in my father''s guard, which is why he was assigned to me.


    However, I put that into the back of my mind. As I focused on the situation at hand, namely the siege of Gaolang.


    ______________________________


    Support me on Patreon


    For 3 chapters ahead only for 1$ membership.

 Chapter 2: The Siege Begins

    I had been put on the Eastern Reserve Force, alongside the Hi Shin Force, the Yu Feng Force, and the Le Hua Force.


    I was in the back of said reserve force, or more so in the middle. Behind the 3 other units, which suited me just fine.


    Unlike Shin''s belief that a battle will be over after one day of fighting, I knew otherwise. It would take days, if not weeks. Perhaps months to take this castle, and sometimes it took years, which was not actually that surprising.


    However, I was brought out of my thoughts by a rider, rushing through the lines.


    "All units of the Eastern Reserve Force are to join the Battle! All units of the Eastern Reserve Force are to join the Battle!" He shouted, as he ran through the lines of the reserve forces.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    It didn¡ät take more than a few seconds for the first unit to move, namely the Hi Shin Unit, sprinting to the front. Even though they were the unit with the lowest quality and quantity of armour. None of them had proper armour, and at best they had waist guards.


    However, what was surprising was the lack of archers used during this battle, or the few minutes it had lasted. No matter how few archers a castle had, there were always some, even in small numbers, they were used atop the castle walls, but none had been used.


    Meaning they had either moved all archers to another wall, or this was a trap.


    "Sir, should we not move?" One of the Sergeants asked, but all my 4 officers kept silent, even Ishiro.


    "We¡äll go..... soon enough," I said, deciding to remain still. Even when all the other units, even those behind us, charged forth. The Yu Feng Force and the Hua Force had also remained still, and they were correct in doing so.


    Before the Hi Shin Force could even reach the wall, a wave of arrows was released, slaughtering the undisciplined and unarmored men of the reserve force, most of them only in rags.


    "Sure enough, it was a trap," Kaen said, and I nodded.


    "To think the first day of combat would end so soon, but I suppose it makes sense. They''ve now informed us of their archers, and the number of them. We¡äll need to form a counter strategy." I said, and all the men around me nodded, as the first day of combat ended.

 Chapter 3: Eleventh Day of siege

    I smiled slightly as I sat on my horse, overlooking the battlefield. As I ran my hand through my blonde hair.


    I had blonde hair, its colour and strength being a duplicate to Duke Hyou. But instead of making it long, I had it short. And I formed it into a slick back, not too tight. But not too loose. It worked quite well, ensuring no hair got in my eyes, hampering my aim. Additionally, at the age of 16, I stood at 181 centimetres tall, and still growing, I wore the standard Qin army. Silver, but mine was decorated with dragons. 2 riding down my arms, and another 2 riding up my chest, to the shoulders.


    "Today is the day, eh?" I asked Roku, who stood on the horse beside me.


    "Aye, the tower was finished last night." He said, and I smiled at that.


    The Siege had continued for 10 days, the first day being a copy of the second, charging the wall. Getting overrun by arrows and pushed down ladders, and retreat. And we had done nothing of note, and the General just continued the siege happily.


    It was the standard way of sieging, utilising your advantage in troops and supplies to starve and slowly defeat the enemy, unluckily for us. They had a lot of skilled archers, making the siege difficult.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    And worse, we had almost no archers of our own. And those we had, rarely ever fought. Perhaps to save resources.


    However, I was brought out of my thoughts by the rumble of horses, as the Yu Feng cavalry rushed towards the wall, carrying carts. Filled with branches.


    "Prepare to charge," I said, and with that. The Officers, who often stood beside me at all times. Rushed to their respective troops, or more specifically. The Sergeants and lower-officers.


    Hoku, Ishiro, Kael and Roku remained by my side.


    "I need you 4 to climb the wall first, Ishiro, then Hoku and Kael. Followed by Roku. We need to soften up their defences, for our troops and eventually the rest." I said, and I got no replies, but I knew each of them would never resist, for they wanted Battle.


    "Choose those amongst us most skilled to go first, I¡äll trust you with their selection." I said, and all 4 of them nodded. Before they rushed out to find their best troops, except Ishiro, for he had no unit to command.


    "I¡äll join the Battle as well." I said, and his eyes widened.


    "S-sir, that will not be needed. Your weakness is combat." He said, clearly reluctant. He served me loyally, and my father before me. He had an almost cult-like ideology towards my father, and in reflection, me.


    "I¡äll be fine, I''m not a slouch in close combat. Unlike a thousand man commander or above approaches, I¡äll be fine." I said, calming him slightly.


    "Understood, I¡äll make sure anyone strong enough, dies." He said seriously, and I sighed.


    Well, who am I to complain about a loyal and strong companion/bodyguard.


    Again, we were interrupted as a large rumble ran through our forces. And out of the forest, came a large siege tower. And I couldn''t help but smile.

 Chapter 4: Landing on the wall

    I turned to a soldier on horse behind me, as I spoke to him.


    "Inform my Lieutenants of the following: They are to form turtles behind the siege tower. Use it as cover, but keep the formation. I want zero casualties until we reach the walls." I said, and the messenger nodded. Riding off.


    Now, I just had to wait for my lieutenants to finish their job. And luckily, the siege tower was slower than us.


    It took an additional 2 minutes for them to reach me, and we began marching at that.


    The Hi Shin Force and the Le Hua Force were still standing in the reserves, perhaps shocked at the revelation of a siege tower. Or awaiting, to see its purpose and effect.


    But I had no desire to do so, and we rushed forth. Running to the siege tower.


    As we entered the range of their archers, a few of whom were shooting into the dark, due to the smoke coming from the burned carriages, apparently Ou Hon, the spear guy, had set them on fire, creating a wall of black smoke. Hiding the siege tower and our troops from the archers.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    We quickly reached the siege tower. Whereas we formed the turtle behind the siege tower, covering our top, front, and sides. Leaving the back open.


    However, I stepped out as I walked onto the Siege Tower, whereas Ou Hon stood. His eyes narrowed at my appearance.


    "What are you doing?" He asked me, his arms crossed.


    "Backing you up," I said with a smile, one which he didn''t return.


    "I do not require your assistance." Was his simple response, but we both knew the truth.


    "Sure, you''ll just take a wall with 300 men. Either way, we¡äre here to help. Whether you like it or not, and if you allow it. I¡äd like to take my 15 best men to the frontlines, they are elites from Duke Hyou¡äs army." I said, Hon¡äs eyes widened slightly, but he quickly regained himself.


    "Fine." He simply said. Furiously enough.


    "That we do."


    And with that, I turned around. And I couldn''t help but smile slightly. As much as I¡äd want to fight on the walls with my entire might, I knew that was not Ou Hon''s goal, he was after the walls.


    I had watched the Kingdom show in my previous life, and though I didn¡ät have a perfect memory, I was sort of aware of the events. And luckily, that would come to help me out today.


    I jumped down, and into the turtle formation, walking up to my 4 lieutenants.


    "Alright, so we¡äll be switching up our strategy slightly." I said, as all 4 of them turned to me.


    "I doubt Ou Hon desires to take the commander''s head, nor the wall. So he has another plan, most likely to use ropes to climb down from the wall, and open the gate. Which means, we won''t be caught up there without any glory." I said, the eyes of the 4 of them widened.


    "Ishiro, Kaen and Hozu. You will take 15 men and join me in the siege tower. Meanwhile, Rozu. You''ll remain down here with the remaining 285 men. I¡äll give you a signal, and when I do. Charge towards the gates." I said, and they all nodded.


    "Alright, good. Let''s move." I said, and with that. We began moving, taking 15 men with us as we began climbing the tower, and I kept my sword ready.

 Chapter 5: Fight on the wall

    I felt the entire siege tower shudder, as we most likely came to a stop. And it was followed up by the wall, or ramp in front of us. Falling, opening us to the entire wall-force of the Wei Garrison.


    I quickly caught my target, the enemy commander. As I drew my sword, My eyes narrow, locking onto the man, who was clearly confused with all that was going on.


    The perfect opportunity to take him out.


    I ran towards him as fast as I could, he see and took out his sword but before he could do something. I attacked him, but the man behind was stopped it forced me to pull back.


    He seems stronger than the commander himself, for he had seen my surprise attack.


    "Fuck, Ishiro. Engage that man if possible." I shouted at Ishiro, whom had yet to enter the fight properly.


    He turned to face the man in question, his eyes narrowing slightly. Before he nodded, and engaged the normal troops.


    He was followed by Kaen and Hozu, on his left and right.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Ishiro raised his glaive high, and he formed a right slash. It¡äs power causing winds, as it slashed into the lines of Wei, the single strike threw 10 infantry-men back, various levels of slashes going through their mid-lines, and 3 were cut in half. Another 5 were tripped by the sheer power of the strike, and its winds.


    And that smile widened as I saw a helmet peak over the railing of the Command Centre.


    I raised my sword, aimed at the Lieutenant as I drew the sword all the way back.


    the Lieutenant immediately realised my target, and tried to intercept the attack. But his closure to me, alongside the fact I put 50% more power into this attack, made him too slow.


    I had repeatedly attack at that same place, which had caused an almost invisible rift in his armour , and my sword managed to penetrate it.


    GOT YOU!!!!!" The Lieutenant shouted as he raised his sword high, and jumped forward.


    He slashed in a downwards motion, as I stared straight into his eyes, my face playing a desperate motion, but deep down. I was anything but.


    Right before his sword hit my head, a sudden Glaive came from underneath, parrying the sword into the air, and before the Lieutenant could react. It cleaved through his head, ending his life.


    I turned to face Ishiro with a smile.


    "You made it in time." I said with a chuckle, and the man sighed. But he smiled anyhow.


    "You need to stop gambling with your life, Young Master." He said, but I shrugged it off. I had made a calculated gamble, it was different. I knew he would reach me in time.


    But I had faith in Ishiro for a reason, and it worked out in the end.


    However, at that time I saw the Gyoku Hou force taking out ropes.


    "Get on those ropes, Ishiro. And assist in opening the gate, we can''t let all the glory escape us." I said, and the man nodded. Rushing off.


    And after that, I turned to one of my soldiers, nodding at him. Which he returned.


    As he took out the flag, the flag of the Hyou Ren Gun, its name within a circle on a white background. The circle was dark-silver, with 2 dragons slithering alongside the circle.


    The soldiers waved the flag for the men underneath, or specifically Roku, meaning it was time for him to move.


    The glory would be ours.

 Chapter 6: Promotion

    "Do you believe you¡äll be promoted?" Kaen asked me, as we stood in a formation. Alongside the Hi Shin Force, the Gyoku Hou Force, and the Le Hua Force.


    A month and a half had passed since the siege, and we won great victories there. I killed the Eastern Wall Commander, meaning the top 5 officers within the castle, additionally. Roku served his role perfectly, and he charged the gate at the same time as the La Hua Force did, earning achievements there.


    Additionally, Ishiro had killed the Lieutenant, and then gone on to climb down the wall, and hold off the enemy forces till reinforcements arrived. I sniped another 2 officers during that siege, and Kaen took out a 500 man commander.


    Simply put, amongst the 4 300 Man Squads, our achievements surpassed the others. And the glory we gained during that battle, put us above them. Though we sadly were put in the reserves during the next siege, but none of the other 3 forces gained any notable honour, except Shin, who killed a 2000 man commander.


    That same night, one of Ren pa'' s Great 4, had slaughtered ''8'' 1000-Man Commanders, and later on. As we travelled towards the rendezvous of the 3 armies sieging castles, the general''s left hand had been killed, one of his lieutenants.


    However, that was not of importance, as I focused back towards the situation at hand.


    "They''ll promote 3 Commanders, most likely me, Ou Hon and Mou Ten. Shin is simply too unknown, without any backing. Though I suspect he''ll pull through somehow." I told Kaen, but before he could respond. We were interrupted.


    "As you know, the recent attacks have left us short of some commanders. Those units will either be led by their Lieutenants, or they''ll be dissolved and incorporated into other units immediately. However, 3 thousand man commander positions remain open as it stands, therefore. We will now be promoted 3 three hundred man commanders to the rank of 1000-man commanders." He said, shocking a lot of the ground infantry and the other commanders. But I was aware of this shift, namely from a contact.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    I wasn''t afraid of utilising the great favours owed to my father, for he rarely cashed them in. And he had saved a lot of people throughout his career, making them indebted to him, and in relation. Me.


    "Now, those selected are; Hyou Ren, of the Ginryu Tai, Mou Ten of the Le Hua Force and Ou Hon of the Gyoku Force!" He shouted, earning the shouts and roars of the men under his command.


    I couldn''t help but let a smile appear on my face, for as much as I knew it coming. It was still a fine moment, getting promoted. And the men behind me were worked up, so I wouldn''t complain.


    After that, we were dismissed.


    Although the general himself came down to promote Shin, on the requirement that he take either 3 commanders'' heads, or a general''s head.


    Of course, Shin accepted. And he got the remnants of Gou Bei¡äs unit, one of the most elite 1000-man units.


    However, we weren''t given slackers either, we were given the remnants of General Ra Gen, his 10,000 man unit was split up amongst Mou Ten and I, and filling the reinforcements of the other commanders who lost their men in the sieges.


    I turned to face the 700 men standing before me. 300 on horse and 400 Heavy Infantry. In front of them, a man stood. His hands on his back.


    Tetsuji was his name, and he was one of the 10 Lieutenants who served Ra Gen.


    The man wasn''t the tallest, standing at a comfortable 187cm in height, but what made him unique was his armament. He was also issued with the standard Qin Armour, but he had refrained from using his helmet.


    And additionally, on his waist were 2 swords. Meaning he either liked to have a reserve sword, or he dual wielded them, which wasn''t exactly Impossible. Many had and still do it.


    "Sir! I am Lieutenant Tetsuji, I once served General Ra Gen as one of his infantry commanders." He said, as he bowed down. Quickly followed by all his troops, while the cavalry bowed their heads.


    "Stand up" I said, as I approached the man.


    "I am Hyou Ren, the Commander of the Ginryu Tai, as you may know. And rest assured, we will avenge General Ra Gen. But I cannot promise you the chance to kill him, but he will die. And we must fight to ensure he dies, by sacrificing our right to kill him. Are you willing to accept it? To let go of your desire for personal revenge, for the greater good and victory?" I asked, referring to both the men and the lieutenant, as my voice grew in strength.


    I knew what they wanted, they were not the Ginryu Tai as it stood, they were Ra Gen remnant, and it would be futile for me to believe they''d fully merge and form the ideology of being apart of the "Ginryu Tai", it would take time, and I¡äd need to prove myself.


    Their true loyalty didn''t stand with me, as it stood. But rather revenge.


    However, the Lieutenant began bumping his fist against his chest, the armour ringing as he punched. Which was quickly followed by the 700 men, as they all bumped their fist against their armour in unison.


    "We couldn''t ask for anything better." The Lieutenant said, and I smiled. This meant they¡äd at the very least follow me, though if their loyalty ever reached the point of ride or die, was unknown.