Chapter 664: Three Forces Twisted into One Rope, Forming the Might of Thunder!

The dusk grew ever heavier, and the candles inside the central army's main tent burned a bit brighter, casting the map on the table even more clearly.

The marks for Hangjin, Gancao City, and Tongwan City glowed a vermilion red in the candlelight, like fresh bloodstains on a battlefield.

Liu Zaizhou lifted his eyebrows slightly, the peaks forming a sharp arc, and replied, "Subordinate General is about to report to you!"

The sudden reply caused a flash of surprise in Gao Xiaoyu's eyes.

He caught the subtle oddity in Liu Zaizhou's words, and it was clear that the situation in Gancao City was not as smooth as previously assumed.

Gao Xiaoyu stepped forward half a pace, his gaze returning to Gancao City's spot on the map, and his fingertips unconsciously tapped the table beside the mark, producing a crisp "thud‑thud" sound, then, with a hint of impatience and curiosity, asked, "What's wrong?"

His eyes swept over the symbols denoting Zhou Army outposts on the map, a slightly mocking curl forming at the corner of his mouth, and in a tone tinged with contempt he said, "What tricks can these Zhou Army still pull off?"

In his view, even if Gancao City's defenders fought to the bitter end, they could not cause any major upheaval, at most merely buying a few days.

Liu Zaizhou heard this, and the calm on his face faded a bit, replaced by a barely concealed flash of anger.

He curled his lip, the corner turning down into a cold arc, and in a deep voice said, "The Crown Prince does not know that the defenders of Gancao City are extremely cunning…"

"If our besieging forces hold position and do not assault the city for now, they will take advantage of the night to send out small detachments to harass, even brazenly provoke us!"

Having said that, his peripheral glance drifted toward the direction of Gancao City outside the tent, his eyes heavy with gravity and resentment, and he continued, "During the day they stay holed up inside, keeping the gates shut, refusing any of our formations to respond…"

"But once night falls, they use its cover to raid our camps, cut off Provisions routes, and even hurl insults and mockery before our lines, fully exploiting every provocation possible!"

Liu Zaizhou paused, his fingertip landing heavily on Gancao City's mark on the map, his tone tinged with confusion and caution: "The strangest part is that their harassment follows a method; it seems to precisely target our weak points."

"Subordinate General always feels it's as if the city's commander has seen through our encirclement without assault, recognizing our intent to contain…"

"Their conduct is utterly brazen and fearless!"

The air inside the tent seemed to thicken, and as the candles flickered, Gao Xiaoyu's expression gradually grew solemn.

He fell silent for a moment, his fingertips ceasing their taps, his gaze wandering over the various strongholds within Xiazhou on the map—from Hangjin to Gancao City, then to the distant Tongwan City—as his mind rapidly simulated the current situation.

A moment later, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes like a drawn sword in the dark, and he declared loudly, "It seems the time has come for us to change formation!"

The sudden decision caused a flicker of curiosity and anticipation in Liu Zaizhou's eyes.

He leaned forward half a step, his gaze fixed on Gao Xiaoyu, and asked eagerly, "How does the Crown Prince intend to change?"

These days of stalemate on the Hangjin front and Gancao City's harassment had long stoked a fire within him, so hearing of a formation change now filled him with eager expectation.

Gao Xiaoyu leaned forward, both hands pressing on the table, his gaze fixed on the map, his fingertips slowly tracing Xiazhou's borders, and in a tone of deep concentration said, "On this side of Xiazhou, Zhou State has already mobilized heavy troops to guard key points; Hangjin has resisted a long assault, and Tongwan City's defenses are even more formidable."

"Even if we continue to grind it out, expending massive troops and Provisions, it will likely be hard to make any further significant progress…"

"Instead, we'll be held here, missing the opportune moment."

At this point, his fingertip halted abruptly, then swept westward from Xiazhou across the border, pointing toward Lingzhou; each word landed with weight, spoken deliberately: "Our wisest choice is to head west immediately, to join the main army led by Ku Di Gong and the Rouran cavalry."

"Three forces twisted into one rope can forge the momentum of thunder!"

Liu Zaizhou looked along the direction his fingertip had traced, a flash of insight crossing his eyes, then nodded vigorously, his tone full of strong agreement: "The Crown Prince's words are absolutely correct!"

His palm struck the table heavily, his voice rising slightly with excitement, "Anyway, within Xiazhou we have already taken several cities, and the damage to countless cultivated fields and wheat seedlings is already considerable, enough to sap Zhou State's national strength…"

"Now, abandoning the grind and uniting our forces to ambush those Zhou State reinforcements could inflict a heavy blow on them; that is far more valuable than lingering here."

Gao Xiaoyu nodded slowly, a hint of approval appearing on his face.

But when Gancao City was mentioned, his brows involuntarily showed a barely concealed displeasure, a sharp glint flashing in his deep eyes: "These Zhou Army troops occupy a lone city; not only do they refuse to retreat or surrender early, they even dare such reckless provocation—truly detestable!"

"We must crush them completely to settle the hatred in our hearts!"

His tone shifted abruptly, becoming even more resolute: "Therefore, before that, we need to take Gancao City first!"

"The Provisions stockpiled in the city can serve as a supplement for our westward rendezvous, sparing us the trouble of later transport, and also serves as a lesson to these Zhou Army who know no limits!"

Liu Zaizhou instantly understood: before moving west, the Crown Prince intends to remove Gancao City as a nail, both settling the lingering hatred and replenishing supplies—a win‑win.

A spark of eager challenge flashed in his eyes; he stepped forward, bowed and clasped his fists, volunteering, "Your Majesty's wisdom! In that case, let Subordinate General personally lead the assault on Gancao City!"

"Subordinate General assures you, within three days we will capture the city, wipe out its defenders, and seize all the Provisions!"

His voice rang strong and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

These days of harassment by Gancao City's defenders had become unbearable, and Liu Zaizhou had long been simmering with anger.

Now that the chance for a main assault arose, he naturally wanted to lead his troops to take the city and erase the past humiliation.

Gao Xiaoyu looked at Liu Zaizhou's determined expression, trust shining in his eyes.

He reached out, giving Liu Zaizhou's shoulder a firm pat, the weight of his palm steady and strong, conveying full expectation: "Very well! With General Liu's words, I am at ease!"

"I entrust this matter entirely to you!"

Feeling the weight on his shoulder, Liu Zaizhou's resolve hardened further; he bowed again, fists clasped, his back straight, and with a resonant voice declared, "Subordinate General receives the order! Thank you, Crown Prince, for your trust! I will not disappoint; within three days I will deliver Gancao City!"

Having spoken, he straightened up, his gaze blazing at Gancao City on the map, eyes sharp with a determined resolve.

A small Gancao City, after being besieged so long its morale has already faded—still not an easy grab?

The evening breeze outside the tent seemed to pick up, rustling the tent curtains.

The candle flames flickered violently in the wind, casting the two silhouettes onto the tent wall, alternating light and shadow, like the ever‑changing battlefield before them.