Chapter 289: Cleverly Breaking Quyang

The next morning, drums boomed in the Southern Jing camp as Jiang Jiang Mingyu personally led the grand army north to conquer Quyang.

The setting sun was like blood; in the afterglow, a column of troops wound its way forward. To prevent dust from flying, everyone tightly wrapped their mouths and noses, leaving only their eyes exposed to navigate. Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned deeply, saying not a word, yet his heart was filled with immense worry.

At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had been watching Jiang Jiang Mingyu intently, squeezed over to his side and smiled: "Big Brother, what is this frown of yours? Our army's momentum is like a soaring dragon; surely a mere Quyang city won't be difficult to take?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu said helplessly: "Precisely because the situation is favorable, I am even more anxious. Dark clouds gather over Other Xi Xia; I must end the southern campaign as soon as possible."

Tu Tu Kesiluo laughed heartily: "So it is because of this! Big Brother, you are truly overthinking it. Even if Yu Yu Gaoyang defends the city to the death, he cannot escape the fate of destruction in the end! When you seize Hongzhou and strike directly at Li Li Haoyang's stronghold, I imagine it will take no more than half a month!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head: "War is ultimately cruel. I only hope to end this bloody storm as quickly as possible, so the common people can return to peaceful days sooner."

Just as Tu Tu Kesiluo was about to say something else, he suddenly saw a cloud of dust rolling in from the north. The two exchanged a glance and shouted simultaneously: "The scouts are back!"

At that moment, a rider on a swift horse galloped rapidly from the north, kicking up rolling dust.

It was the scout returning from Jizhou! Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately asked: "Is there any new situation in Jizhou?"

The scout reported: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Li Li Haoyang learned of Qin Qin Lihai's defeat and is furious; he is currently conscripting soldiers and has already recruited over a hundred thousand new troops."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded and slowly curled the corners of his lips: "Very good. Now Li Li Haoyang is seeking his own destruction; our chances of victory are even greater."

Just as he spoke, another scout rushed back from the direction of Quyang city. Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly asked about the current situation in Quyang.

The scout reported: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Quyang defender Yu Yu Gaoyang is holding the city firmly and has requested reinforcements from Li Li Haoyang."

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered disdainfully: "He still does not know that Li Li Haoyang is already in chaos! This is simply striking the ox from behind the mountain!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo also couldn't help but laugh: "Haha, indeed, the fake intelligence we released worked! Yu Yu Gaoyang still does not know we have destroyed Qin Qin Lihai; this plea for help is nothing but a fool's dream!"

As the sky grew darker, the column quickened its pace, heading straight for Quyang city. On the road, the soldiers chattered and joked with one another.

Li Goudan played with his sword hilt and hummed boldly: "Your Majesty, let us go teach Yu Yu Gaoyang a lesson and show him what it means to be powerless!"

The other generals were also filled with high spirits, swearing to achieve merit for their lord, willing to fight to the death without hesitation.

Tu Tu Kesiluo hesitated and asked: "Big Brother, Yu Yu Gaoyang has made full preparations; how should we respond?"

Anyone can speak harsh words, but to conquer the major stronghold of Quyang, careful calculation is still required.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned deeply and murmured: "As for the strategy to break the city, I have not yet thought of a definite plan..."

His usual tactic was to show weakness to lure the enemy, then launch a surprise attack to seize the position. But Yu Yu Gaoyang was already familiar with his methods of warfare; using such tricks again was impossible. Facing such a desperate, fanatical defense, Jiang Jiang Mingyu encountered it for the first time and was momentarily at a loss for how to proceed.

Tu Tu Kesiluo walked quickly while pressing further: "How about we imitate the past and launch a surprise attack on the city walls under the cover of deep night darkness?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately shook his head and rejected it: "Not advisable. Yu Yu Gaoyang spoke arrogantly, clearly having prepared long ago. If we do this, we will only walk into an ambush set by his seventy-thousand-strong army."

With a solemn expression, Jiang Jiang Mingyu analyzed: "I dare say Yu Yu Gaoyang definitely views defending the city as a life-or-death struggle with our army. Even if we exhaust all our efforts to conquer Quyang, our own losses will surely be heavy; at that time, lacking sufficient troops to continue the southern campaign, we will be forced to stop here."

Tu Tu Kesiluo asked anxiously: "Then where should we go?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained relatively calm: "No need to rush. Once we enter the outskirts of Quyang city and see the surrounding terrain and landscape with our own eyes, we can make a decision then."

"Guiding according to circumstances is the true way of using troops."

Tu Tu Kesiluo could only nod, said no more, and buried his head with a bitter face, hurrying along the road.

Zhang Zhang Jiani and Fang Hang, standing nearby, did not speak; their eyes merely contained the surging tide of battle intent, as if they were sizing up the steel fortress that was Quyang city.

Halfway there, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly raised his hand to signal the entire army to stop: "Let us rest here for now. Continuing forward would easily alert Yu Yu Gaoyang's sentries."

Having said this, he came to a clearing in the woods, ordered men to pitch tents, and sat himself on a large boulder, admiring the surrounding green hills and waters, his expression relaxed and at ease.

At this moment, Zhang Zhang Jiani leaned close and asked softly: "Big Brother, do you have any clever plan?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow and smiled, replying: "Rest assured, I will have a plan. We are merely resting here for one night; sooner or later, Yu Yu Gaoyang will witness our might!"

Hearing this, Zhang Zhang Jiani revealed a gratified smile and asked no more, simply waiting quietly nearby. Occasionally, birds chirped and insects buzzed in the forest; in this peaceful silence, everyone was gathering their strength, preparing for the next round of bloody battle.

One day later, under a sky where dark clouds pressed down on the city, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's grand army advanced toward Quyang city against the drizzling autumn rain, treading on the muddy road. Fang Hang led the vanguard, marching all the way while remaining constantly alert to enemy situations ahead.

Suddenly, a messenger hurriedly arrived, kneeling before Fang Hang to report: "Your Majesty, thirty li ahead is Quyang city."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained silent, his gaze locked firmly on the front, as if he could see the appearance of Quyang city through the rain and mist. However, at that moment, the sky erupted with a thunderous boom that echoed through the clouds; amidst the rolling dark clouds, it seemed to flash with some ominous omen.

Following the tail of the thunder, a torrential downpour descended from the heavens. The cool autumn wind drifted wildly in the rain, soaking the earth. Fang Hang's long, disheveled hair was drenched by the rain as he silently pondered the next actions.

The rain intensified, with flood-like water pouring down incessantly, submerging the entire earth. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who had originally planned to go to Quyang city to investigate, was forced by the heavy rain and could only order the army to set up camp.

"After several days of continuous marching, the soldiers are utterly exhausted. Take this opportunity to rest well; prepare to attack the city once the rain stops." Jiang Jiang Mingyu gave the order; inside the tent, a faint dampness and atmosphere of fatigue pervaded.

However, five days of heavy rain made the soldiers' fatigue even more apparent. Tu Tu Kesiluo entered Jiang Jiang Mingyu's main camp and saw his brother studying a map, his face gloomy.

"Looking so dejected, what's wrong?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked lightly, his gaze still fixed on the map.

Tu Tu Kesiluo gave a bitter smile: "Big Brother, the heavy rain has fallen for five days, and combined with the hot weather, the army's grain and fodder are gradually beginning to mold, and the soldiers' weapons may also be rusted by the rain. We have traveled thousands of li; our supply lines are extremely difficult. Once we lose our weapons, we will be unable to continue fighting."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, appeared calm: "Why rush? It is just breaking Quyang; I already have a plan."

Tu Tu Kesiluo was stunned, then immediately asked eagerly: "Big Brother, you already have a clever plan; why not speak it sooner so we can discuss the countermeasures together?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his head, a cunning smile tracing his lips, and pointed to a spot on the map: "Look here."

Tu Tu Kesiluo followed Jiang Jiang Mingyu's finger, a flash of understanding suddenly crossing his eyes, though doubt remained: "This is..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded: "This is a great river. Although its water volume is usually low, after the continuous heavy rain, the water level has risen. And this river flows exactly downstream of Quyang city."

Tu Tu Kesiluo frowned slightly: "Big Brother, do you intend to use this river to conquer Quyang city?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled: "Exactly so. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. We can breach the dam, letting the floodwaters surge and submerge Quyang city."

Tu Tu Kesiluo suddenly understood: "This is a clever plan! Let us act immediately."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand: "No rush. We wait for the rain to stop. Five days of rain are sufficient; any more would be superfluous."

Tu Tu Kesiluo pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Big Brother is right. We wait for the rain to stop, then proceed according to the plan."

That night, the rain poured like a waterfall, and floods raged. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo stood outside the main camp, gazing at Quyang city in the distance. The smile on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face grew more cunning, while Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes flashed with anticipation for the future.

"Tomorrow, let Quyang city witness our might." Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke softly, his words revealing confidence in the coming battle. Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded silently, a surge of Master Jiang's battle intent stirring in his heart.

Late that night, when all was quiet, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo quietly came outside the main camp. Amidst the continuous curtain of rain, they moved between the military tents, searching for the great river hidden in the darkness.

Tu Tu Kesiluo walked while asking cautiously: "Will doing this arouse the enemy's suspicion?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and replied: "No need to worry. Marching in a rainy night, they cannot even attend to the puddles at their own door. Moreover, our target is Quyang city; they will not expect us to choose such a method to conquer it."

Moments later, the two finally found the great river Jiang Jiang Mingyu had marked on the map. In the darkness, Jiang Jiang Mingyu gazed at the river water; raindrops fell from his hair, but his eyes revealed a firm determination.

"This is it. Move out," Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered.

Tu Tu Kesiluo waved his arm, ordering the soldiers to begin their action. The troops in the main camp quickly assembled, and teams carrying bows, crossbows, and tools rapidly formed. In the rainy night, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army launched a secret march through the darkness.

In less than a quarter of an incense stick, a roaring sound arose; Jiang Jiang Mingyu and the others heard the sound of rushing water. They knew the plan had begun to be implemented.

The great flood surged out from the river channel, forming a towering torrent that rushed toward Quyang City. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood by the river, watching the surging water, a cunning smile appearing on his face.

"Prepare strong bows and stiff crossbows, guard the riverbank. The moment Yu Yu Gaoyang's men come to block the water, shoot them dead with a hail of arrows," Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered.

Tu Tu Kesiluo quickly relayed the order. The soldiers rapidly formed battle lines, arrows nocked on their strings, ready to strike the enemy at any moment. The army deployed a defensive line along the riverbank to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan.

"Doesn't he like defending cities? Then let him stay well within the city until he drowns," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said indifferently, his tone revealing his control over the situation and his utter contempt. Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded silently, casting an admiring glance at Jiang Jiang Mingyu; he knew well that his elder brother's strategic wisdom was extraordinary.

The heavy rain continued to pour down, but in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's view, this rain was already part of his plan. The rain mixed with mud, forming a towering flood that rushed toward the direction of Quyang City.