Chapter 412: Northern Wind

Zhou Yong continued: "It's been five full days—grain and supplies have poured in by the thousands; piles of white rice form mountains, oil and salt have accumulated into rivers."

Tuoba Shuchao heard this and let out a long, weary sigh:

"Unless we destroy Taicang, my heart will never rest—I cannot sleep at night!"

Zhou Tian unfolded the map, his gaze locking onto the region of Xuzhou, where Taicang lay.

Xuzhou's terrain was flat to begin with, and even Taicang, built upon it, offered no natural defenses whatsoever.

Bozhou had its network of waterways; though one could build moats to strengthen defenses, it was a tedious, labor-intensive effort with little return.

Neither of these two states possessed geographical advantage.

Thus, Beifeng had no choice but to abandon them and retreat to the original Chongcheng in Yuezhou—a move born of desperation.

At this moment, an old general murmured aloud:

"Yet, Lu Chen's move has openly exposed his grain stores—is this not deeply suspicious?"

This was a grave violation of military doctrine!

Worse still, after the autumn harvest, he brazenly transported grain into Taicang without concealment.

Day and night, supply columns moved under torches stretching like a fiery dragon winding through the dark.

The entire twenty-thousand-strong army of Bozhou drew its provisions from Taicang.

Upon hearing this, all present understood without speaking—they suspected Lu Chen's intent was to lure the enemy out of their city.

Tuoba Shuchao lowered his head in thought; Lu Chen's actions over the past six months had been utterly unpredictable.

At first, his army had crossed the river but halted to encamp—confusing to all.

Then, he sent over half of Yanbei's troops to till the land; Xuzhou was left virtually undefended.

All of it was glaring weakness!

Meanwhile, the defenders of original Chongcheng watched helplessly as Lu Chen calmly farmed.

Plant one seed in spring, harvest ten thousand grains in autumn.

Today, Taicang's granaries overflowed.

Yanbei's army had solved its food crisis; the war dragged on, seemingly endless.

Beifeng had long anticipated that the city held millions of piculs of rice.

But seeing Lu Chen's forces now self-sufficient, their national strength untouched, Zhou Tiancheng could not suppress his resentment.

Half a month ago, his elder brother's letter arrived, stating:

"Do not rush. This war will be prolonged; if it continues, victory will surely belong to Beifeng."

Yet!

The younger generals present could no longer contain their fury.

Repeated opportunities had been missed; over six months, Beifeng's fear of Yanbei's army had quietly vanished.

He Sheng, Zhou Tiancheng's trusted general, had repeatedly begged to lead an attack—each time stopped by Zhou Tiancheng.

In the army, Zhou Tiancheng's authority was absolute; without his nod, no one dared move.

Now, Zhou Tiancheng, seated at the head, remained silent.

Tuoba Shuchao spoke slowly:

"Since Taicang is the very foundation of our grain supply, how could Lu Chen not station heavy troops to defend it?"

Zhou Yong immediately replied, his tone grave: "We've confirmed: Taicang now holds eighty thousand Yanbei troops under tight guard; the rest are training in Xuzhou or clearing wasteland."

"Worse still, according to secret reports, fresh troops arrive monthly to reinforce Taicang—recently, the garrison may have swelled to ninety thousand."

Tuoba Shuchao nodded silently in approval.

After the autumn harvest, farming slowed—perfect timing to gather and strengthen troops.

Taicang, a strategic stronghold with abundant grain, must be defended—this was common sense.

With ninety thousand Yanbei troops stationed at Taicang, to capture it would require at least two hundred thousand men.

Moreover, the New Year approached; Taicang would become Yanbei's critical chokepoint.

Concentrating nearly two hundred thousand troops to attack now would be nearly impossible.

He frowned—Yanbei's army showed no sign of retreating this year.

Zhou Yong shifted topic, delivering new intelligence:

"Recently, word has reached us from Yanbei's ranks—they've begun holding frequent meetings, every ten days, requiring all company commanders to attend. At these gatherings, veteran soldiers teach tactics and formations; the most recent session even featured Lu Chen himself lecturing on 'The Essentials of Troop Training.'"

Zhou Tiancheng's eyelids flickered slightly. He raised his head and asked:

"Zhou Yong—is this information reliable?"

Zhou Yong nodded firmly: "Two sessions have already occurred—confirmed. Another is scheduled in three days."

Zhou Tiancheng slowly nodded, his gaze returning to the map.

Taicang was not far from original Chongcheng—only half a day's march, thanks to Xuzhou's flat terrain.

He pondered: a company commander, or bai zhang, was a mid-level officer—the linchpin commanding squads on the battlefield.

If these company commanders and their superiors were all absent during the meetings, who would command the army?

The generals present were all battle-hardened veterans—they instantly grasped the significance.

Yet how could such critical intelligence leak so easily?

Doubt stirred among them.

Zhou Yong seemed to read their thoughts and spoke calmly: "This information was initially kept extremely secret—even our spies in Yanbei's ranks didn't learn of it. Later, someone who received Lu Chen's praise became so elated he blabbed it to everyone in camp."

An old general nodded: "Lu Chen commands immense prestige in the army—this is undeniable. His every action moves the troops."

Zhou Yong seemed to see through everyone's thoughts, and spoke calmly: "This news was originally kept extremely secret—even our spies embedded in the Yanbei Army failed to learn of it. Later, it was said that someone at the meeting received praise from Lu Chen, became overjoyed, and before long, the entire army knew."

"All remains unchanged," someone answered. "Huo Hai is a seasoned commander—he's pinned the Qianyuan forces firmly within Yancheng, immobilized."

Zhou Tiancheng fell silent, calculating.

Using eighty thousand troops to tie down twenty thousand Yanbei soldiers was an unbeatable bargain.

Thus, their next focus must be Lu Chen's twenty-thousand-strong Lu family army.

He Sheng could no longer hold back—he rose and declared boldly: "General Zhou, I beg to lead the charge! Give me fifty thousand elite troops—I will seize Taicang!"

Taicang held ninety thousand Yanbei troops—how could fifty thousand possibly capture it?

He Sheng could no longer contain himself; he rose to his feet and declared passionately: "General Zhou, I, He Sheng, beg to lead the charge! Give me fifty thousand elite troops, and I will surely seize Taicang!"

He Sheng had always been arrogant; when the Lu family army marched north, they bypassed the cities Zhou Tiancheng guarded. He Sheng had once challenged Lu Chen directly—only to be ignored. To He Sheng, the famed Lu Chen was nothing special.

He believed that if he defeated Lu Chen now, his name would echo across Beifeng.

Yet Zhou Tiancheng did not respond immediately.

At every meeting, He Sheng begged to attack—and every time, nothing came of it.

After all, Zhou Tiancheng was known as a defensive general, cautious by nature.

Tuoba Shuchao added: "No matter what Lu Chen does, if he cannot take original Chongcheng, he will retreat."

Surprisingly, He Sheng countered today: "Your Royal Highness, if Lu Chen still farms in Xuzhou next year, what then? We cannot remain passive forever—we must strike!"

"General Zhou, have you heard how Qianyuan troops mock us? 'Beifeng's sick men, too cowardly to leave their walls.'"

Wu Long had repeatedly led attacks from Yancheng against Huo Hai, even repelling Yanbei's forces twice.

Yet here at original Chongcheng, with over half a million defenders, we have not once sallied forth since June—how could this not breed despair?

His words left the younger generals pale—this was undeniable truth.

Qianyuan, with only eighty thousand troops, had launched repeated offensives and won victories.

One young general could not help speaking: "Lu Chen has spent years cultivating on Zhongnan Mountain—perhaps he's forgotten how to command armies. Look at Yanbei's lax movements and Lu Chen's poor decisions over these six months."

"Have we overestimated Lu Chen?"

He Sheng added sharply: "In my view, Lu Chen is a fraud—his reputation is built on lies."

Many young generals nodded in agreement, their expressions gleeful.

But the older generals frowned—they had personally suffered crushing defeats at Lu Chen's hands, fleeing north in disarray.

He Sheng's words carried a veiled insult.

Zhou Tiancheng had never been directly defeated by Lu Chen—he had been forced to retreat after the front collapsed.

This decision was born of necessity.

Tuoba Shuchao also looked displeased—he had been present during that battle, commanded by his elder brother, Tuoba Shuyi.

If blame were to be assigned, his brother bore the primary responsibility.

Yet he said nothing—He Sheng was Zhou Tiancheng's loyal subordinate.

If he rebuked him now, given He Sheng's temperament, it might ignite greater conflict.

Under the current threat of external enemies, internal unity was paramount.

Tuoba Shuchao felt only quiet helplessness.

His elder brother's crushing defeat by Lu Chen, though followed by a coup and ascension to the throne, left deep scars—especially the loss of his core officers, which severely damaged his prestige.

If he blamed him now, given He Sheng's temperament, the situation would erupt and likely spark even greater conflict.

Brother, after all these years, you still fear Lu Chen.

Otherwise, you would never have allowed generals like Zhou Tiancheng to grow so powerful within the army.

Back then, Your Majesty suffered a crushing defeat at Lu Chen's hands; though you later seized the throne through a military coup, you left behind many hidden dangers, especially since all your direct loyalists perished in battle, causing your prestige in the army to plummet for several reasons.

Speaking of which!

Brother, after all these years, you still harbor fear when facing Lu Chen.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have allowed generals like Zhou Tiancheng to grow ever stronger within the army.

Tuoba Shu chao sighed inwardly.

Fortunately, Zhou Tiancheng ultimately shook his head and refused.

Tuoba Shu chao agreed: "As long as we hold this city, Lu Chen will retreat sooner or later. All generals need not worry about glory."

"The day Lu Chen withdraws is the day you all are enfeoffed as marquises and appointed as ministers."

Zhou Tiancheng smiled appropriately: "Prince Qi's words are most wise. We need only hold our ground."

Then he changed the subject.

"You've all worked hard. Dismissed."

As the others withdrew, the hall gradually fell silent.

Zhou Tiancheng watched Tuoba Shu chao's retreating back, his face clouded with thought.

Slowly, only Zhou Yong and He Sheng remained in the hall.

Zhou Yong seemed to sense Zhou Tiancheng's thoughts and asked softly:

"Uncle, are you considering action?"

Zhou Tiancheng smiled faintly: "You still see through me, Yong'er."

He had no descendants left and treated Zhou Yong as his own son, so he felt no need to hide his inner thoughts from him.

Zhou Yong had never once disappointed him with his strategies.

In past crises within the city, it was Zhou Yong alone who orchestrated the defense.

He Sheng stood silently beside him.

Zhou Tiancheng glanced at He Sheng and said with a smile: "Brother, do you still harbor resentment toward me?"

He Sheng's expression changed slightly, and he quickly replied: "Brother, you overstate it—I would never dare."

He knew this brother's nature: ruthless and decisive, yet capable of running a white meat trade within the city, holding out for three months despite exhausted supplies and starvation—his cruelty toward himself and even greater cruelty toward others inspired awe.

Zhou Tiancheng sighed lightly: "I too am torn—should we launch an attack or not?"

"Yong'er, tell me your thoughts."

Zhou Tiancheng turned to Zhou Yong.

Zhou Yong's hand, crippled while saving Zhou Tiancheng, had never been lowered since.

He paused, then spoke slowly: "The granary at Taicang is indeed stocked. If we raid their grain, Lu Chen will surely march to relieve it."

"The enemy has eighty thousand troops. We must deploy two hundred thousand to ensure victory."

"Uncle, what consequences would follow if we lose this battle?"

Zhou Tiancheng pondered briefly, then replied: "Even if we march out, thirty thousand troops remain within the city—enough to hold it."

Zhou Yong pressed: "Will His Majesty remove you from your post?"

Zhou Tiancheng paused, then answered: "There may be reprimands, but the defense must remain under my command."

When Beifeng decided to fortify Yuanchong City, Zhou Tiancheng had already built fortifications and organized training here—he knew every inch of this place.

His subordinates were all loyal men; if we rashly replaced him now, changing commanders mid-battle, chaos might erupt.

The current emperor is no fool.

Zhou Yong asked: "Uncle, how great do you think our chances are if we attack?"

At this, He Sheng spoke up: "Eight or nine out of ten."

Zhou Tiancheng merely smiled faintly.

"Never underestimate Lu Chen."

He Sheng dismissed this.

Zhou Yong added: "If we strike during the Yanbei army's meeting, we might have six out of ten chances."

Zhou Tiancheng nodded: "Let's observe a few more days. We hold the initiative."

With that, the conversation ended.

He Sheng withdrew, leaving only Zhou Yong.

"It's not that I'm timid—it's that Lu Chen's prestige did not come from nothing."

Zhou Tiancheng spoke with gravity: "I've seen His Majesty fear him as if he were a tiger or a dragon—how could I dare to underestimate him?"

Zhou Yong did not answer directly, but asked instead:

"Uncle, how old are you this year?"

Zhou Tiancheng froze, then sighed: "I'm nearly seventy, yet I've never earned a marquis title."

Zhou Yong asked again: "And how old is His Majesty this year?"

The white-haired old man did not answer.

The northern emperor, Tuoba Shu yi, is even older than he.

Zhou Tiancheng understood Zhou Yong's implication.

"What will become of us after His Majesty's death?" Zhou Yong's voice echoed through the hall.

"I recall my sister married the Crown Prince, yet never won his favor."

A heavy sigh filled the room.

It was afternoon now; the light inside dimmed.

Zhou Tiancheng returned to his seat, his face swallowed by shadow, save for his piercing eyes fixed on the upright map.

"When the Yanbei army holds its first meeting next month, at the third quarter of the Shen hour, transmit my Marshal's order," he said gravely. "I will lead two hundred thousand troops to attack Taicang."

Zhou Yong stood beside him, slowly bowing:

"Yes, my lord."

……

……

【Tenth month, sixth day. The Yanbei army convened again, scheduled for the third quarter of the Shen hour.】

【Today, the Yan King himself arrived, and the camp erupted in excitement. Soldiers cast envious glances—receiving even a single word of praise from the Yan King would bring honor to their villages.】

【For this meeting, even the three thousand scouts stationed along the western bank of the Zhi River to monitor Yuanchong City were recalled to Xuzhou, underscoring the meeting's importance.】

【On this very day, just after the third quarter of the Shen hour, the Yanbei troops stationed in Taicang suddenly noticed thick dust rising beyond the city walls.】

【Beifeng's army surged forward like a flood.】

【Within two hours, Beifeng breached Taicang's walls—so swiftly it stunned all who witnessed it.】

【Far off, flames roared through Taicang City.】

【Fire lit the sky, staining half the heavens red.】

【End of Chapter】

(End of chapter)