Chapter 312: Luring the Enemy Into the City

For the next two days, He Mu remained utterly calm, while the townspeople, aware that a great battle was imminent, began spontaneously repairing the city walls.

Seeing the military equipment pile up ever higher, Jiang Mingyu's confidence in defeating the Western Xia grew ever stronger.

That noon, Jiang Mingyu was studying a map.

Tu Kexue burst into the tent with hurried steps; Jiang Mingyu, deep in thought while gazing at the map, lifted his head at the sound.

"Report to His Majesty! Scouts have returned with good news: the Western Xia army has completed its assembly and is gathering at the border—estimated strength between two hundred and thirty thousand, confirming it as their entire main force!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly; the war he had long awaited was finally coming.

"Where are Fang Hang and his men now?"

"Your Majesty, we received a pigeon letter yesterday: General Fang has led the main force out of Luyang County and is expected to arrive tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Jiang Mingyu frowned. "Too late. The Western Xia and He Mu are separated by only one mountain—once their main force crosses the border, our mere thirty thousand cannot hold them!"

Before he finished speaking, a gaunt scout soldier rushed into the tent, drenched in sweat: "Report, Lord Mayor! The Western Xia main force has breached the border and is advancing straight toward the city—less than fifty li away!"

"What?!" Tu Kexue turned pale. "So fast?!"

Jiang Mingyu barked sternly: "What's the panic? Even Western Xia vermin dare disturb this city? How laughable!"

Seeing the scout bow his head in shame, he added: "Quickly issue orders: all townspeople return home immediately. Under no circumstances should anyone act on what they see or hear!"

After speaking, Jiang Mingyu slightly narrowed his eyes, his expression grim, already brewing a dangerously bold plan...

"All northern gate defenders withdraw inside the city. Leave only ten men to guard the gate—no one else outside the walls!"

Ten men to guard the gate?! This was madness! Tu Kexue nearly cried out—this was handing victory straight to the enemy!

"Big brother! Fang Hang will arrive soon—how can you abandon the city's defense?!"

"I'm not that desperate. Go find Fang Hang. I have a clever plan." Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes, radiating calm confidence.

Tu Kexue's mind was in chaos—he had no idea what Jiang Mingyu was up to, but could do nothing else, so he mounted his horse and galloped off with his men.

At this moment, only ten soldiers in full armor stood atop the northern gate, their faces as pale as if coated in whitewash.

"Hey, big brother, we're only ten men—how are we supposed to survive this?"

"I say the Lord Mayor's tired of us living too long—left us here to die, that's all."

"You cowardly bitch! If war breaks out, I'll be the first to cut your throat!"

"Try it, then—dare you?!"

Watching the northern gate defenders chatter away, their morale completely shattered, a young man in civilian robes walked slowly forward.

"Hold on, everyone! I've been sent by the Lord Mayor to assist you—rest assured, with your bravery, not a single life will be lost!"

The soldiers exchanged glances, each seeing despair in the others' eyes. A scholar coming to aid them was like adding frost to snow.

At this moment, Jiang Mingyu stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distance, his confidence unwavering. If he could lure the Western Xia main force into the city, their annihilation was within reach!

Whether this risky plan would succeed—the clash of justice and evil—was about to unfold in this lone city...

Soon after, the northern gate commander stumbled back over: "Report, Your Majesty! The Western Xia devils are almost upon the gates!"

Jiang Mingyu scanned the surroundings: only ten men stood on the walls. His move was truly reckless. But then he reconsidered: with the terrain on my side, the chance to turn the tide is still real.

"Open the gate immediately!" he ordered sternly.

"Open it?!" The soldiers stared at each other, certain they'd misheard.

"What are you waiting for? Do it now!" Jiang Mingyu's gaze flashed like lightning; the soldiers dared not delay, lifting the heavy gate bar to open the gate.

At that moment, hooves thundered close at hand; dozens of Western Xia officers on horseback brandished spears and shouted: "Jiang Mingyu! Surrender at once—or we'll slaughter every soul in this city!"

"Slaughter the city?" Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily. "I've been waiting for you to storm in—so I can cut off your dog heads!"

The leader, Mo Yanbin, reined his horse around and spoke solemnly to Yan Anfu behind him: "Don't act rashly—this city is surely a trap."

Yan Anfu, still inexperienced, scoffed: "What's hard about it? Ten men against hundreds of thousands—we can capture them in one sweep!"

"Wait!" Mo Yanbin snorted. "Let me test them first."

He spurred his horse forward and called up to the wall: "Jiang Mingyu! If you truly seek peace, come out with your army to negotiate—otherwise, we won't fall for your tricks!"

Jiang Mingyu laughed. "General Mo, truly wise—unshaken even in crisis. But my troops have already discarded their weapons; there are no ambushes inside. Please enter, and state your purpose!"

Mo Yanbin paused, then said: "Very well. To show my sincerity, I will not enter today. But I must speak face-to-face with Jiang Mingyu before any agreement can be made." With that, he turned his horse and rode away.

Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly—his ruse seemed ineffective. Beside him, Tu Kexue paced frantically, terrified the Western Xia would see through the city's emptiness and storm in.

"Big brother, what are we even doing?! We're about to risk our lives!" Tu Kexue finally blurted out.

"Relax—I've got a plan." Jiang Mingyu's eyes flickered with a cold, venomous gleam. He knew Mo Yanbin was suspicious—he'd hesitate to enter. Once he stepped into the central command tent, I'll capture him in one move and terrify the entire Western Xia army!

Meanwhile, Mo Yanbin was pondering deeply. His nature was distrustful, and the more he thought, the more wrong it felt: "Something's off—how could Jiang Mingyu be utterly isolated? There must be a trap!"

Yan Anfu couldn't help interjecting: "Report! The Third Prince has arrived with heavy forces just two li from the city—unless we attack now, things may change!"

"What?!" Mo Yanbin's beard bristled. With no time to think, he leapt onto his horse and roared: "All troops, encircle the city!" The vast Western Xia army roared forward like thunder, charging toward the northern gate.

Seeing Mo Yanbin still hesitating, Jiang Mingyu pressed on: "I, Jiang Mingyu, have always valued loyalty and never broken a promise. General Ma, enter the city without fear—you'll be warmly received!"

Mo Yanbin sneered: "A promise to surrender? How can I trust that? Today, we must see Jiang Mingyu in person—or we draw our blades, and there's no other option!"

Jiang Mingyu spread his hands helplessly; the defenders on the wall exchanged glances, thinking: with such a dire enemy at the gate, how could their lord risk showing himself? The entire city stood empty, the main force stationed far outside—if the Lord was harmed now, the city would fall instantly.

The veteran commander stepped forward, pleading: "My Lord, our forces are at a disadvantage—why risk exposing yourself? Lose your commander, and the entire army collapses. Better to refuse gently and buy time!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled warmly: "Don't worry—I have a master plan. Once Mo Yanbin enters the city, this battle is won." The veteran sighed deeply, heart heavy, but the Lord's resolve was absolute—he could only shake his head in resignation.

Below the wall, Mo Yanbin saw no movement from within. He sighed inwardly: the southern barbarians truly were cunning. He ordered his troops: "Deploy into formation—attack at dawn. Let's see how long he can hide his deception!"

That night, Mo Yanbin's hundred-thousand-strong army encircled the city, lighting fires and cooking meals, the camp alive with noise. Inside the city, utter silence reigned. No matter how much Mo Yanbin taunted, not a single figure appeared on the walls. Mo Yanbin smirked: Jiang Mingyu must have realized his doom, his strength shattered—he's cowering to save his life!

At dawn the next day, Mo Yanbin sat in his main tent, ready to give the order to storm the city—when suddenly, dozens of fast riders galloped up and reported: "The Third Prince has arrived with heavy forces just two li from the city! He orders us to encircle it immediately and take it within one day!"

At these words, Mo Yanbin's beard nearly stood on end. With no time to think, he leapt onto his horse and roared: "All troops, encircle the city!" The vast Western Xia army erupted in thunderous roar, surging like a flood toward the northern gate...