The column had only been traveling for two hours when it entered the dense forest and began its ascent into the mountains. The treacherous mountain paths and the biting wind, which made it nearly impossible to move one's face, dragged the pace of the march to a sluggish crawl.
"We haven't even reached the frontier and it’s already this cold. I’m afraid my ears will freeze off before we get there."
"Don't even mention it. It’s actually much better now that spring has arrived. I heard from those who returned before that when their stoves went out at night while stationed there, a whole tent of men would freeze to death by morning. I was just unlucky to be assigned to General Xiao’s division. I never thought I’d be sent so far away. If I’d known, I would’ve joined the Garrison Battalion under the Second Prince. The conditions there are far better than ours."
Chapter 78