Chapter 236: The Battle for Gain

Soon, his 80,000 men vanished into the sky-high dust and smoke at the fastest speed.

After another three days, the exhausted great army finally arrived five li outside the walls of Yizhou.

The scouts Tu Tu Kesiluo had sent out earlier still had not returned; they must not have yet discovered what Jiang Jiang Mingyu wanted to know.

After pitching camp and ordering the great army to rest well, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who had been traveling nonstop, fell into a deep sleep.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu woke up with sleepy eyes; Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke softly, "Big Brother, the scouts are back. He says the time has come."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was startled and quickly said, "Hurry and invite him in to explain in detail."

A thin, weak scout walked in quickly; Jiang Jiang Mingyu pressed, "What is the specific situation?"

"My lord, please look." The scout handed a piece of paper in his hand to Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took the paper and looked; it depicted the terrain of Yizhou City and the deployment of Hu Bo's army.

"Did you draw this yourselves?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked in surprise.

"Yes. While your subordinates infiltrated Hu Bo's army to gather intelligence, we happened to draw it." The scout replied.

"You have truly worked hard." Jiang Jiang Mingyu praised, "This map is very useful to us."

"My lord overestimates us. Your subordinates were merely fulfilling their duty." The scout said modestly.

"Tell me then. What is the current situation of Hu Bo's army and Chen Tang's army?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked.

"Your subordinate has ascertained that Hu Bo's army has been attacking the city for three days and three nights, but Chen Tang's army has held firm and refused to retreat. Hu Bo's army has suffered heavy losses, and Chen Tang's army has also sustained many casualties." The scout reported.

"How many troops does Hu Bo's army have now?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu pressed.

"According to your subordinate's estimate, Hu Bo's army originally had 100,000 troops; now only over 40,000 remain." The scout answered.

"What about Chen Tang's army?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked again.

"Chen Tang's army originally had 20,000 troops; now only over 10,000 remain. Moreover, their grain and fodder are nearly exhausted." The scout said.

"I see." A flash of excitement passed through Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, "Then, has Hu Bo received the messenger from Fei Hou?"

"Yes. Your subordinate heard that Fei Hou is very dissatisfied that Hu Bo cannot capture Yizhou and threatened that if Yizhou is not taken within ten days, he will kill Hu Bo's family." The scout said.

"Hmph, Fei Hou is truly a heartless and unrighteous master. Hu Bo sold his life for him, yet he treats him thus." Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered.

"Indeed. Therefore, Hu Bo is also terrified; he took 40,000 troops to attack the city early this morning. He intends to fight to the death; if he does not succeed, he will die." The scout said.

"This is precisely our opportunity." A gleam of sharp light flashed in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, "Where is Zhu Ge Yu?"

"Lord Zhu Ge Yu is waiting for my lord just outside the tent." The scout said.

"Good. You all go down first. Rest well. I have recorded your merits." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

"Thank you, my lord, for the reward." The scouts replied in unison, then withdrew.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood up and walked out of the tent; he saw that Zhu Ge Yu and Tu Tu Kesiluo were both waiting there for him.

"My lord, you have seen it, haven't you? This is our best opportunity." Zhu Ge Yu said with a smile.

"Yes. I have seen it. Your plan is truly wonderful." Jiang Jiang Mingyu praised.

"My lord overestimates me. Only my lord's wisdom and divine power could make this happen." Zhu Ge Yu said modestly.

"Big Brother, when do we act?" Tu Tu Kesiluo asked eagerly.

"We act now." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said without hesitation, "Order the soldiers to change their clothes and set out immediately."

While speaking, he also put on a set of leather armor that had been prepared long ago.

Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke with a smile.

"Big Brother, we have long been ready; we are only waiting for your single command."

It was only then that Jiang Jiang Mingyu noticed that Tu Tu Kesiluo was also wearing a piece of leather armor similar to his own. Walking out of the tent to look, he saw that his 80,000 soldiers had completely transformed into the "regular army" under Fei Hou.

This was Zhu Ge Yu's plan. These uniforms were gathered by Zhu Ge Yu's order after destroying Ruan Chen's 100,000-strong great army that day. What Jiang Jiang Mingyu would do shortly was to join Hu Bo's great siege battle in the identity of a "regular army." Because of these uniforms, Hu Bo, who lacked troops and was eager to attack the city, would undoubtedly believe him without question.

After helping Hu Bo break through Yizhou City at that time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would suddenly strike back; Hu Bo's troops would surely be annihilated. In this way, not only could the losses of the siege be reduced, but Yizhou could be captured without the slightest effort. What was there not to be happy about? Seeing everything prepared, Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand. "Scouts lead the way; gallop straight to the foot of Yizhou City, quickly."

The 80,000-strong great army surged out immediately, like a flood, rushing toward Yizhou City. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo rode on horseback, while Li Goudan followed behind them. "My lord, how do we approach Hu Bo?" Li Goudan asked.

"We will say we are sent by Fei Hou to support him. Since Fei Hou threatened him, he must also give him some sweeteners." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

"Then how do we prove we are Fei Hou's people?" Li Goudan asked again.

"This is simple. We only need to produce the token Fei Hou gave us." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

"What token?" Li Goudan asked curiously.

"This one." Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a golden jade pendant from his bosom; a character "Fei" was carved on it.

"Is this Fei Hou's jade pendant? How did you obtain it?" Li Goudan asked in surprise.

"I searched it from Ruan Chen. Ruan Chen was Fei Hou's confidant; Fei Hou gave him this jade pendant as a symbol of trust. I think Hu Bo must also know the origin of this jade pendant." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

"I see. My lord is truly exceptionally wise." Li Goudan praised.

"Big Brother, stop talking. Ahead is Hu Bo's military camp." Tu Tu Kesiluo reminded.

The three looked up and saw a patch of red flags ahead; a large character "Hu" was written on them.

"Good. We will enter from here." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said.

Speaking thus, he rushed forward first.

When Jiang Jiang Mingyu arrived at the foot of Yizhou City, the earth-shattering cries of battle and the dying wails of soldiers drilled into his ears carried by the wind.

"Regular army" ants, raising their shields high and fearing no death, were climbing the siege ladders.

And the defenders on the city tower, using rolling logs and boulders, very patiently persuaded them one by one to retreat.

But Jiang Jiang Mingyu soon discovered that although the righteous army on the city wall defended tightly, they were clearly at a disadvantage. Chen Tang could hardly hold on!

Seeing a group of unknown people suddenly entering the battlefield, a loud shout immediately came.

"Stop! Who are you?" Looking toward the sound, Jiang Jiang Mingyu saw a rather burly man in the chaotic army looking at him coldly. This person was dressed as a deputy general, holding a large blade; in his not-large eyes was a look of vigilance. Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately pretended to be very nervous; he spoke urgently.

"I am Jiang Xinchen, the commanding general sent by Your Majesty, specially bringing 80,000 troops to assist Governor Hu with a hand."

"Where is the Governor? Quickly take me to see him." The name was made up by him; there were countless soldiers in the Great Feng State; who could guarantee that everyone had heard of every general's name.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu was wearing the official army's armor yet looked completely unfamiliar, the deputy general hurriedly said, "Wait, you—" Jiang Jiang Mingyu glanced at Tuke Tuke Siluo, then urged his horse up to the deputy general and cursed with extreme impatience.

"Where did all this nonsense come from? If you delay Your Majesty's great matter, this general will cut you down. Now lead the way, will you?" The sudden imposing pressure startled the deputy general. Seeing Tuke Tuke Siluo had even drawn his blade, the deputy general hurriedly said,

"Forgive me, sir. This way, please." So saying, he led Jiang Jiang Mingyu's troops to the central army.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's arrival had long been noticed by the stubble-bearded Hu Bo. Just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu had said, Hu Bo—desperate to storm the city and rescue his family—no longer had time to worry about too much.

Even so, he still didn't forget to ask one question. "Now Your Majesty has no more reinforcements to send in hand. Where did your eighty thousand men come from?" The matter was of great importance; he had to be cautious above all.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was still very tense. Seeing Hu Bo ask this, his arrogance gradually turned into displeasure. "Commander Hu, please set your mind at ease. The eighty thousand troops under this general did not appear out of thin air."

"Your Majesty secretly recruited a batch of elite warriors in Jingcheng and personally bestowed armor and weapons upon them. These men are Your Majesty's trusted confidants, willing to lay down their lives for His Majesty without hesitation."

"If not for the fact that Your Majesty saw you had long failed to take Yizhou and were deeply ungrateful for the imperial grace, do you think this general would want to wade into this mess?" So saying, his expression grew increasingly impatient.

"Since the Commander doesn't trust Jiang, then I'll just lead my men back to Jingcheng, and that will be that."

"Anyway, this general's family wasn't held hostage by Your Majesty. Hmph, farewell." Having said this, he turned his horse as if to leave.

Seeing his attitude, Hu Bo grew anxious and hurriedly stopped him. "General Jiang, you've misunderstood. I don't distrust you—I merely wanted to learn a bit more about the situation."

"You also know this Yizhou city is a vital stronghold of the Great Feng Kingdom, with numerous and formidable defenders. We've been attacking for half a month and have only broken through the outer defenses. Inside the city there are still tens of thousands of elite troops and countless mechanisms and hidden weapons—difficult to breach."

"Since you've brought eighty thousand reinforcements, it's naturally a great joy for us. But you must also understand the situation here is complex; we cannot act rashly. We must first discuss strategy and tactics before we can exert the greatest effect."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened to him and secretly laughed inside. Of course he knew what Hu Bo was thinking—the fellow just wanted to seize the chance to take control of his military authority.

So he put away his arrogant expression and pretended to speak respectfully.

"So that's how it is. Jiang was simply anxious to serve Your Majesty and has been rude. Since the Commander has his arrangements, Jiang will naturally comply."

"It's just that the righteous army soldiers inside Yizhou city have already held out for half a month. If we delay any longer, I'm afraid they'll be in mortal danger. I ask the Commander to settle on a plan quickly so we can take the city in one decisive push." Hu Bo nodded, feeling somewhat satisfied with Jiang Jiang Mingyu's attitude.

"Don't worry. I've already sent men to consult with the other generals. Once they're all assembled, we'll hold a meeting right away. You rest here for a moment." So saying, he prepared to turn and leave.