Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Lu Zigang had been waiting at the city gate without ascending the city walls. He had just overheard the conversation between Han Zhao and the two armies, and he couldn't help but shake his head. There would be no more capable individuals in Zhao from now on. At this point, he could only rely on the few elderly people who were already in place; once they passed away, who would lead?
Many said this was the result of Qin State sending people to corrupt the political scene. Was that really the case? The rot often starts from within, and that is a fact. If your outer shell is hard enough, even if ten or eight pests come along, they cannot penetrate it. The Qin people did not have the ability to make anyone a general, nor did they have the capability to win over the hearts of the people.
Lu Zigang turned to look at Meng Wu and Li Xin beside him, smiling as he waved for them to ascend the city walls. He knew that if they replaced Zhao General Zhao Weiran with any one of them, they would have already entered the city by now. Even if there were issues, once inside, they could handle things however they wished. With over a thousand Zhao soldiers feeling aggrieved, there would be no problem at all. At that time, whatever he said would go!
The argument continued on the city wall, with sleeves rolled up as if looking for a place to duel. Han Yongcheng was watching with amusement and had no intention of stopping anyone. After all, what was a general from Zhao arguing with a low-ranking officer about? Even if they won the argument, what difference would it make?
Just then, he saw Lu Zigang dressed in Zhao Army attire approaching and quickly called him over to watch the spectacle. He had already made up his mind to resign as soon as this matter was over. After settling his family, he would no longer concern himself with politics. Birds follow the phoenix and soar high; as long as he could stay close to this wise man, he would benefit greatly even if he went nowhere.
Lu Zigang walked up to the defending general and quietly said, "Let them enter the city; this noise is unbecoming. If this matter spreads, it would disgrace King Zhao's family."
Han Yongcheng turned to look at this esteemed figure, wondering why he always seemed so unpredictable. The Zhao Army outside counted at least fifteen hundred men, and judging by their physiques, they seemed to be from the main force of Zhao Army. Meanwhile, their own eight hundred soldiers had at least half who were too old for battle, and their weapons were outdated. Even with Lu Zigang leading an additional hundred soldiers, at most five hundred could fight! He reminded him, "Our numbers are too few; letting a tiger in could be dangerous."
Lu Zigang looked at the still-fuming Zhao General outside and smiled. "There is no such thing as a tiger before us; open the city gates."
Hearing Lu Zigang's command, Han Yongcheng shouted, "Open the gates!"
Zhao Weiran was fuming when he saw the city gates slowly opening; he was momentarily stunned. He quickly urged his troops forward and was the first to charge into the city. By the time Zhao Army soldiers realized this significant issue, it was too late; they shouted in alarm while hastily turning their horses toward the gates. They expected them to close immediately but found them wide open instead.
"Go! Go!" The fifteen hundred Zhao Army soldiers streamed in one after another, nearly causing a traffic jam.
As soon as Zhao Weiran entered the city, he jumped off his horse and angrily headed up to confront that quarrelsome deputy general. Han Yongcheng had already come down from the city to greet him, bowing respectfully while indicating that there would be severe consequences for any wrongdoing. He urged him not to hold a grudge against a subordinate officer; so many soldiers were watching—his status was important!
With this reminder from him, Zhao Weiran suddenly understood. Clearing his throat, he angrily asked, "General Han! Why haven't you opened the city gates?"
Han Yongcheng bowed again and replied, "I received intelligence that a group of Qin Army has been active in the vicinity. Their purpose is to locate our Supply Depot, so we must be cautious."
As the Zhao Army soldiers arrived one after another, Zhao Weiran felt emboldened. "They dare! With me here, I'll take on one if they come, and two if they dare to come!"
"Indeed! Indeed!" Han Yongcheng praised repeatedly. "If the Qin Army knew that the wise and mighty Zhao Weiran, General Zhao, was here in Lightwolf Fortress, they would run away faster than they could imagine!"
After a few exchanges, the dark clouds seemed to dissipate. A delighted Zhao Weiran helped up those who had knelt and laughed, "General Han overestimates me; I still have some self-awareness."
"Not at all!" Han Yongcheng immediately denied this statement. Seeing the opportunity ripe, he launched into a playful series of punches, creating a whirlwind of movement that left Zhao Weiran dizzy and feeling ten centimeters taller.
In the past, he and General Han would clasp arms like brothers as they entered the general's residence together. Once seated, they first read out General Lian Po's edict, clarifying that their purpose was not to change garrison but to assist in defense, which would reassure the defending general.
As for whether it was a change of garrison or assistance in defense, it mattered little to Han Yongcheng at this moment. This place was already within Qin Territory; what could a Zhao General from afar contribute to defense? However, he kept this thought to himself and proceeded according to Luzi's strategy.
Since this was the location of the granary, there were naturally rare delicacies available. Thus, they called for songstresses and musicians, creating a lively atmosphere. Before they knew it, night had fallen, yet the revelry continued as boisterous as at the start.
After introductions were made, Luzi naturally took a seat at the table. However, he changed from his usual high-profile demeanor and only occasionally chimed in with compliments without further speaking. Han Yongcheng did not show excessive respect either; Luzi was present as a military strategist. At this moment, the lord of the city held the highest status and thus did not seem disrespectful.
They toasted and exchanged cups until early morning when things finally settled down. Still feeling spirited, they agreed to meet again for battle the next day. The generals accompanied Grand General Zhao Weiran out before returning to their respective quarters to rest.
When Han Yongcheng returned to the living room with Luzi, the servants had already cleaned up the mess thoroughly. After brewing a cup of fragrant tea, they all took their leave.
Han Yongcheng looked at the clear, emerald-tinted tea and inhaled the refreshing aroma. He felt a sense of comfort, far removed from the chaos of the mundane world. He did not understand why Luzi had to devise such a plan to lure the Zhao Army into the city for their own benefit. Although he was unclear about the details, he decided to go along with it because he trusted that person and was even willing to die for them.
Luzi had no intention of keeping secrets; teaching those around him to use strategy was part of his responsibility. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by experts? Leading a pack of tigers felt much better than herding sheep!
"Brother! Our current strength is clearly insufficient to contend with the Zhao Army. If we do not allow them into the city, we will completely expose Lightwolf Fortress to the Zhao Army. Even if our forces come to rescue us later, there will still be many uncertainties. If we do this, it will also disrupt the main operations of the Qin Army."
Han Yongcheng nodded. "What you mean, brother, is that we must not create chaos for the main forces?"
"Exactly! This is our duty!" Luzi lifted his tea bowl in acknowledgment and said, "Our responsibility is to add water to the bowl, not to drink from it."
Comment 0 Comment Count