You Were Supposed to Simulate Fate, But You Ended Up Running Away With All the Heroines

Lu Ping was thoroughly frustrated.

He had chosen the character portrait of the eldest princess, the Han Marquis, eagerly joining her faction. But after a month of serving as her follower, he hadn’t made any progress in gaining her favor, let alone trying to woo the Marquis herself.

Seeing that there was no opportunity with the Han Marquis, Lu Ping remembered that he had the Lü Bu template. He was planning to head to the frontier, conquer the Quanrong tribes, restore the old capital, and return with military honors to marry the Marquis.

Unexpectedly, the Marquis advised him to wait for the right moment to advance in his career instead.

Lu Ping, of course, didn’t want to waste any more time and politely declined.

To his surprise, this NPC was quite remarkable. Instead of getting angry after being rejected, she even provided him with some startup resources.

But who does she think she’s looking down on?

Am I, the future invincible general, someone who would rely on a woman?

[You have been gifted: one hundred armored soldiers, four hundred slave soldiers, ten war chariots, three thousand stones of grain, and fifty stones of salt…]

[Do you accept?]

Lu Ping: “…”

Sorry, I might have spoken too loudly earlier.

Please, by all means, increase the generosity!

In the game, Lu Ping’s simulated character was deeply moved by the Marquis’s generosity and immediately knelt in gratitude.

He had no other intentions; he simply thought that the Marquis was both beautiful and kind-hearted, truly a wise ruler.

Of course, he also understood that she must have her reasons. No matter how wealthy and powerful the Han Marquis’s family was, it was impossible for her to be this generous to every scholar.

After some thought, Lu Ping concluded that it was likely due to his royal lineage.

However, he didn’t expect the game’s AI to be so advanced, employing both carrot and stick, mastering the art of manipulation as if it were a living person.

Could it have developed a mind of its own?

Lu Ping didn’t have time to ponder this further, as he was quickly drawn back to the game by the options on the screen.

[After receiving provisions from the Han Marquis, Luo Jinxuan, you train your troops for three months before setting off for the frontier.]

[Upon arriving at Mount Qi, where the beacons never cease, you choose:]

[1. Enter the military camp and wait for the right moment.]

[2. Join the battlefield and lead your troops into battle.]

Without hesitation, Lu Ping chose the second option.

If it were before, when he came alone to enlist, lacking sufficient strength, he might have had to proceed cautiously.

But now, he commanded a hundred armored soldiers and four hundred slave soldiers, training them for three months, enforcing military discipline.

He personally led by example, training alongside his soldiers, eating the same meals, and often showing concern for their well-being. He also ensured that every soldier received their full pay, which he personally distributed.

At the same time, he established a merit system where every battle earned a reward, and every contribution was recognized. Even slave soldiers could earn their freedom and rewards through military merit.

In just a few months, his army had become an extension of his will, with soldiers transforming into battle-hardened warriors. To them, the Quanrong troops on the battlefield were no longer terrifying enemies but rather walking points of merit!

Today is the day to achieve glory and success.

Quanrong? Hmph! I’ll make sure they never return!

Lu Ping then ordered his troops to sharpen their weapons and prepare their horses while sending out scouts to gather intelligence.

[You discover a thousand-man Quanrong army on the eastern side of the battlefield, and you lead your troops into battle.]

In the game, Lu Ping stood on a war chariot, drew his bow, and shot down the enemy general with a single arrow.

Then, his charioteers charged forward, with Lu Ping leading the vanguard, wielding his Fangtian halberd to strike down any enemy who dared block his path, carving a hole right through the enemy formation.

The hundreds of soldiers behind him shouted “Kill!” as they surged through the breach created by the chariot, causing the enemy formation to collapse instantly.

[Haha, the enemy is ashamed, I’ll strip them of their clothes!]

[You behead the enemy general, slay two hundred enemies, capture three hundred, and seize countless horses and provisions…]

[You devastate the enemy’s flank, disrupting the battlefield. The Quanrong army attempts to encircle and eliminate you but fails repeatedly and is forced to retreat in frustration.]

Lu Ping watched as his character’s reputation value rapidly increased.

[After the battle, you are invited into the military camp.]

[“May I know where the general hails from?”]

[The military general warmly welcomes you.]

[Upon learning that you are of royal blood and “highly valued” by the Han Marquis, he immediately seeks to pledge his loyalty to you.]

[“I, Lin, have wandered half my life without meeting a wise lord; today, upon witnessing your divine might, I feel as if I’ve met a god among men. I wish to pledge my loyalty to you as my father!”]

In the game, Lu Ping almost instinctively picked up his halberd and, after confirming no one was around, felt slightly relieved.

Reversing Heaven’s Destiny!

Lu Ping cursed inwardly, though his face remained calm.

[“Why would the military secretary go to such lengths?”]

Lu Ping helped him up and persuaded:

[“The Han Marquis is well-versed in rites and rituals. Though I have just arrived at the frontier, I’ve heard of your great reputation. How could I refuse? Let me write a letter, and from now on, we will both be members of the Marquis’s faction, working together with all our might.”]

The general idea was that Lu Ping would accept the military secretary’s pledge on behalf of the Marquis, without needing any grand gestures.

From now on, they were both part of the Marquis’s faction, and as long as they worked hard, there would be plenty of opportunities for promotions and wealth.

The military general, Lin, looked slightly embarrassed but accepted Lu Ping’s explanation.

Very quickly, the two spoke as if they were old friends, becoming very familiar with each other.

It wasn’t until Lu Ping inquired about the military situation that he realized the state of the border forces was so dire.

In any dynasty, the border forces should be the strongest, especially in the mid to late periods.

If the border forces were in such a bad state, what about the imperial guards?

Lu Ping recalled the difficulties he had faced when training his troops and couldn’t help but feel concerned.

While the capital enjoyed peace and prosperity, the frontier was suffering frequent defeats. The lords were disunited, and some even considered cutting off tribute. There were even rumors of rebellion in the north—was this the prelude to the fall of the dynasty?

[“The general is unaware.”]

[General Lin smiled bitterly, “The Quanrong army has fifty thousand men on the border. West of the Jing River valley, there are countless Quanrong tribes. They are skilled horsemen, swift as the wind. Our army can only defend the cities, unable to pursue them.”]

Lu Ping immediately understood. Infantry fighting cavalry lacked mobility; it was normal not to be able to catch up.

Wait… cavalry?

Lu Ping, deep in thought, asked:

[“How many warhorses do we have?”]

[“Including the ones you captured today, we have over two thousand horses,” General Lin quickly replied.]

In the game, Lu Ping paced back and forth for a while, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. “I have a plan. If it succeeds, we may be able to pacify the Rong tribes!”

“I hope you will assist me. When it succeeds, I will ensure you receive the credit you deserve.”

As someone from the future, Lu Ping knew that cavalry was the key to the battlefield of the future.

If he could form a cavalry unit of ten thousand men… no, even with just five thousand cavalry, he was confident he could crush the Quanrong!

He was the Lü Bu of his time, invincible in mounted combat!

As for cavalry training, he had read plenty of historical military novels before transmigrating and knew about stirrups, saddles, and horseshoes. It shouldn’t be too difficult.

The only problem was the lack of warhorses. Even if he couldn’t achieve a multi-horse system, at least each soldier should have one horse, right?

“Horses, provisions, weapons…”

Lu Ping felt a headache coming on. War wasn’t just about the army; logistics were equally important.

“First, I’ll form a cavalry unit of a thousand men. If it proves effective, we can sustain the war through battle and perhaps expand the army.”

Lu Ping thought that maybe he could persuade the Han Marquis to provide additional support?

On the other hand, General Lin wondered if he had boarded a pirate ship.

He had thought that the Marquis’s faction held great power in court, and since Lu Ping’s soldiers were all elites, he might have a chance to achieve great things by following him.

But he hadn’t expected Lu Ping to plan to counterattack the Quanrong?

Can the border forces even fight? No! They’re not capable of it, do you understand?

However, he hoped it was just empty talk. After all, the current emperor had done the same before ascending the throne.

But seeing Lu Ping’s serious expression, General Lin felt deeply worried.

Surely… it won’t come to that, right?

In the end, General Lin could only helplessly clasp his hands and say, “Very well.”