Chapter 385: Sowing Discord and Feigned Surrender

After traveling for most of the day, as the sun gradually tilted west, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had not yet ordered the camp to be set up when a single fast horse suddenly blocked the army's path.

The rider was a young scout in simple military attire, his expression panicked and his head covered in sweat, as if he had just rushed in from afar. He gripped the reins with both hands while his horse neighed, rearing its front hooves high off the ground, appearing extremely restless.

"Report! The grain supplies have been withheld, and the soldiers sent by Yan Hao have been imprisoned by Wang Yi!" the scout gasped out of breath.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slightly furrowed his sword-like eyebrows, his expression darkening. "Speak the details."

The scout nodded, took a deep breath, and slowed his speech: "Reporting to Your Majesty, I was ordered to monitor the city's movements in Lingtaicheng. Upon hearing that Your Majesty led the army to attack, Yan Hao immediately sent men to Gebao City to demand grain supplies. But Wei Wei Yangyao claimed the grain had already been allocated, and only then did Yan Hao realize it had been intercepted by Wang Yi. Wang Yi not only denied it but also bound the soldiers Yan Hao sent with five-flower knots, declaring that if Yan Hao spoke nonsense again, even if Your Majesty captured Lingtaicheng, he would not get a single grain of food... The soldiers returned unable to clarify where the grain went..."

After hearing his report, Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly and let out a cold laugh: "Heaven is destroying the Southern Border, yet they still play such tricks..." He turned to look at Ebu, his tone heavy with meaning, "What do you think this means?"

Ebu reined his horse forward, stroked his beard, and pondered, "Your Majesty, Yan Hao's desperate urging for grain can only mean that the supplies in Lingtaicheng are nearly exhausted. In that case, once our army surrounds the city, they cannot hold out for ten days!"

A flash of cold light passed through Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, and he immediately ordered, "Advance quickly! We must complete the encirclement of Lingtaicheng before dawn! Delay will bring change!"

Thus, the great army hurriedly set off again, winding through the twisting mountain paths in the night, heading straight for the walls of Lingtaicheng. The march was extremely difficult; the roads were rugged, the forests dense, and visibility poor. The army could only rely on the faint moonlight and starlight to find their way. The soldiers' faces were grim, fully focused, fearing to take a single wrong step. The sounds of hooves, clanking armor, and shouted commands rose and fell, echoing through the valleys.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat on his horse, gazing intently forward. Throughout the journey, he had kept his brows tightly furrowed, his eyes sharp as lightning, his expression solemn. He knew this battle was of great consequence; it had to be fought and decided quickly, leaving no opening for the enemy.

At the first watch of the Mao hour, the army finally arrived beneath the walls of Lingtaicheng. The city walls were vaguely visible in the darkness before dawn, tall and thick, with flashes of fire occasionally appearing on top—those were the torches of the patrolling guards. Sounds of neighing horses and clashing armor came intermittently from within the city, as if the defenders were making battle preparations.

Standing at the very front of the formation, Jiang Jiang Mingyu scanned the mountain city with a focused gaze. The surrounding trees were dense, and the terrain was extremely complex, making it far more difficult to attack than Tagang City. He silently pondered that he must quickly formulate a complete attack plan to successfully complete the encirclement at sunrise and suppress the enemy's resistance.

Thinking of this, he immediately issued orders, beginning to arrange the various army units to take their positions. At this time, the sky was gradually brightening, with the hazy morning light spilling over the mountains. A hard battle was already imminent.

When the situation basically matched Che Gang's prediction, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said nothing more and directly waved his sword to order the army to quickly complete the full encirclement of Lingtaicheng.

The defenders on the city walls were already prepared, densely packed along the battlements, holding sharp arrows and long blades gleaming with cold light, reflecting a ruthless glow under the morning sun.

Seeing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu signaled Tu Tu Kesiluo to go forward and deliver a message. The great general calmly rode forward, raised a hand to point at the city wall, and said in a cold voice, "Yan Hao, I come by imperial order. Listen clearly to my words—open the city and surrender immediately. The King of One Da Jiang is benevolent and will not make things difficult for you. If you hesitate any longer, your fate and that of Lord Tong Wa and others will be the same!"

A middle-aged officer in silver armor slowly walked out on the city wall, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes revealing arrogance and defiance. This was Yan Hao, the Governor-General of the Southern Border. He sized up Tu Tu Kesiluo from head to toe, let out a cold snort, and said with mockery, "Oh, so you are the famous Great General Tu Tu Kesiluo? What bold words!"

With that, he looked up and laughed loudly, "True, your One Da Jiang has many soldiers and generals, but our Lingtaicheng has a strategic location and ample grain supplies. Capturing it will not be so easy! Half a year's worth of grain is enough for our army. Come on, let's see whose grain runs out first!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar voice suddenly cut in, "Yan Hao, I have heard this speech many times... I fear it is nothing but lies!" Che Gang, who had arrived beneath the city walls at some unknown time, stared at Yan Hao and laughed coldly, "If you claim the grain is sufficient, then let us wait and see who can last until the end!"

The moment Yan Hao saw Che Gang, he exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, suddenly roaring, "You dog-legged traitor, how dare you appear before both armies like this! If not for Your Majesty's benevolence, I would have long ago gone to your home to reclaim wasteland and dig up your ancestors' graves!" Then he shouted down at the city below, "It's just a siege, isn't it? I will definitely take your head, Che Gang, and go to Gebao City to thank Your Majesty!"

Che Gang, however, paid no mind, instead curling a sinister smile at the corner of his mouth. His eyes rolled, and he spoke, "Waiting? What are you waiting for? Could it be that you are waiting for Wang Yi to bring you grain?" He deliberately paused for a moment, then said loudly, "To be honest, Wang Yi has secretly submitted to our One Da Jiang! Want grain? Go dream on!"

Yan Hao, who already had a poor relationship with Wang Yi, heard this and his eyebrows immediately twitched, his face full of suspicion. Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought that this move would shake Yan Hao's morale, making it easier to capture him once he came out of the city. Once this news spread, Wei Wei Yangyao would surely suspect Wang Yi even more. At that time, they could take the opportunity to sow discord, reducing resistance from the rear. Even if Wei Wei Yangyao directly killed Wang Yi, the advance behind would be even smoother.

At this moment, the sinister smile on Che Gang's face deepened—he was probably calculating the same strategy. Who knew that back then, it was because of Shi Zhuo's sowing of discord that he was forced to submit to One Da Jiang. Today, his words had become a prophecy; the wheel of fate had turned, truly a retribution without fail...

Seeing Yan Hao's face turn iron-green and his expression grow even darker, Che Gang continued to speak slowly and deliberately, "Lord Yan, we were once servants of the same country. Today, the situation has changed, and meeting again, we have become enemies..."

He shook his head and sighed deeply, his tone of regret sounding as if he were mourning an old friend. "Now the great trend has passed; Wei Wei Yangyao is foolish and tyrannical, and the fate of the Southern Border hangs by a thread. Rather than fighting a bloody battle against our One Da Jiang before your end, it is better to submit early; perhaps you can still drag out your life. Otherwise, when the grain is exhausted and arrows run low, regret will come too late..."

Yan Hao's eyes turned blood-red, and he ground his teeth, saying, "That old villain Wang Yi, how dare he betray Your Majesty! I must flay him!" With that, he glared hatefully at Che Gang and Tu Tu Kesiluo.

After a while, as if making a firm decision, he let out a heavy snort and then spoke lightly, "Enough, enough. Return and tell that Jiang Jiang Mingyu that I can consider the matter of surrender. But you must give me a few days to handle affairs."

Hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo let out a cold snort, turned his head, and whispered to Che Gang, "Hmph, I thought he was some formidable hard bone! Now he is just like this..." With that, he looked up and shouted, "Think clearly! You have only one chance! Take care of yourself!"

With that, the two rode away without looking back, paying no attention to Yan Hao's curses from the city wall. Soon they returned to the newly erected camp. Just as Che Gang was about to enter the tent, he saw Tu Tu Kesiluo's expression suddenly stiffen. He stepped forward, grabbed Che Gang's wrist, and said in a deep voice, "Wait! I always feel that Yan Hao did not attack with full force; it is very strange. Did you notice?"

Che Gang's heart jumped, his eyes rolling as he recalled Yan Hao's expression just now. He couldn't help but smile slightly and said, "Your Highness worries too much. Yan Hao may look arrogant, but deep down he is nothing but a coward. This retreat is merely a desperate gamble; I believe he will open the city and surrender within days!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded slightly upon hearing this, finally feeling relieved. Just as the two were about to enter the tent to discuss countermeasures, a faint cold laugh from Yan Hao drifted from the distant city wall...

In Jiang Jiang Mingyu's central command tent, the firelight was bright, resembling a city that never slept. Dozens of large tents stood tall, their golden-yellow tops particularly striking under the firelight. Inside the tent, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's generals were arranged on the left and right, standing in two rows. These battle-hardened fierce generals all had grim expressions, their eyes shining, wearing gleaming armor and holding weapons.

Tu Tu Kesiluo strode briskly into the tent, his face bearing barely concealed excitement. He quickly walked to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's front and asked, "Brother, do you think Yan Hao's words are trustworthy?" His tone carried a hint of inquiry.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tall figure was covered in a soft armor as dark as the night, with gold threads inlaid along the edges of the plates, faintly visible under the firelight. He crossed his arms, his gaze burning like torches, and said calmly, "Yan Hao surrendering is not impossible. Che Gang mentioned this before; Yan Hao is a smart man, and a smart man will never sit and wait for death."

"Today's sowing of discord by Che Gang has effectively cut off Yan Hao's last hope; surrendering and coming out of the city is also a good choice for him." Jiang Jiang Mingyu, having said this, slightly turned his body, his gaze sweeping to Che Gang in the second row. He saw Che Gang with a calm expression, standing motionless in place, as if these words had nothing to do with him.

As soon as Jiang Jiang Mingyu finished speaking, Li Goudan, standing in the first row, immediately spoke up, "Your Majesty, I always feel there is something fishy here; we must be on guard." His suspicious look regarding Yan Hao made Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart twitch slightly.

Feng Xiwai originally held the same view, but Li Goudan had spoken first, so now he could only smile apologetically and agree, "Yes, Your Majesty. That old fox Yan Hao, don't let his usual weak appearance fool you; his mind is actually very deep. This might just be his trick."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, then sighed lightly and said, "This is also what I wanted to say. Now that Yan Hao's attitude is unclear, anything could happen." His eyes, like dark jade, suddenly sharpened, "If today Yan Hao is just trying to confuse us, and then strikes back when our One Da Jiang army shows a weakness, that is also not impossible."

Speaking of this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in a deep voice, "Therefore, from now on, strictly monitor every move of Yan Hao and Lingtaicheng. Do not let even the slightest rustle of wind or movement of grass escape your notice." He paused, then added, "The scout mentioned earlier that the grain supplies in Lingtaicheng are about to be exhausted. If Yan Hao does not surrender, he will surely act very soon."

"The troops surrounding the city must contact each other every half hour, remaining vigilant at all times. Absolutely do not let Yan Hao find an opening." After emphasizing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at Ebu beside him. He saw a wild smile on Ebu's arrogant face. He flicked his whip and shouted, "Brother, rest assured! I have already given orders; as soon as any irregularity is found in Lingtaicheng, the Iron Cavalry Camp can launch a fierce attack at any time." Confidence shone through his brows.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled knowingly, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice, "In that case, let us wait for Yan Hao's reply." Having said this, he involuntarily looked out of the tent. In the dark night, there was no strange sound. But Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew that at this moment in Lingtaicheng, whether it was Yan Hao, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, or any soldier guarding the city, they should all be trying to assess the One Da Jiang army. In this darkness, both sides were probing, waiting for the other to reveal a weakness first. And Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew that the cards in his hand were stronger; the victory of this contest would eventually belong to One Da Jiang. It was only a matter of time; all he needed to do was wait patiently and seize the opportunity.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat upright in the main commander's tent at the very center of the camp, his eyes sharp as lightning, gazing at the envoy of Yan Hao kneeling before him. His posture, sitting sideways, formed a stark contrast to the envoy's groveling, sycophantic stance.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, his expression calm and self-possessed, unmoved by the envoy's flattering words. His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, pierced through the envoy, aiming directly at the hidden Yan Hao city in the darkness far away.

The envoy knelt on both knees, his upper body bent low, his back curving downward in a submissive arc like a devotee bowing his head. When he raised his head, his eyes shimmered with obsequious flattery, and his voice was slightly shrill due to his servility: "Yan Hao has thought thrice and decided to submit to Your Majesty. This is more beneficial for Your Majesty!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu coldly hummed "Hmm," his gaze sweeping over the envoy as if inspecting a dog trying to please him. His fingers unconsciously tapped on the table, his eyebrows furrowing slightly at the envoy's words, yet his face maintained that same indifferent expression.

The envoy forced a nervous laugh, as if sensing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's displeasure, and timidly lowered his gaze. He stammered, "This... Yan Hao still has some preparations to make. He... dares not be the slightest bit negligent... Tomorrow morning... tomorrow morning he will definitely come out of the city personally to beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!"

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a cold snort, and the frequency of his fingers tapping the table increased slightly. His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, stared straight at the envoy: "I have surrounded the city with troops for several days, yet Yan Hao delays until tomorrow? Does a mere surrender require such long preparation?" His voice was not loud, but his tone conveyed great displeasure.

The envoy shivered all over, and several bead-sized drops of sweat immediately appeared on his forehead. Trembling with both hands, he held up a military tally as if presenting a treasure: "This is the military tally personally written by Yan Hao. Sending it is proof of his sincerity to Your Majesty!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu squinted his eyes to examine the military tally. Only after a moment did he reach out slowly to take it, then casually tossed it onto the table without a care, producing a crisp sound.

The envoy quietly breathed a sigh of relief and resumed his flattering tone, even more ingratiating than before: "The common people in the city do not yet know of Yan Hao's decision. If Your Majesty continues to besiege the city, it might trigger a popular uprising. This would be unfavorable for Your Majesty's great cause of rule."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow, sized up the envoy from head to toe, and then let out a cold snort from his nose. He stood up, looking down at the envoy from above: "Those who recognize the situation are the heroes. I hope Yan Hao does not regret his decision." A hint of coldness permeated Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice, making the threat to Yan Hao very clear.

The envoy bowed his head repeatedly, then fled the tent like a frightened rabbit.

Yan Hao stood on the city tower, looking far away. Seeing the orderly retreat of the enemy army, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. He let out a cold laugh, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes: "Surnamed Jiang, you have finally taken the bait!"

He turned around, looking at the scout beside him, and asked impatiently, "Is everything ready?"

The scout quickly knelt and reported submissively, "Reporting to the Governor-General, the troops in the camp are fully prepared and can march out at any time!"

Hearing this, Yan Hao laughed heartily, clapping his hands in excitement, "Excellent! Tonight is Yu's day of death!"

With that, he strode briskly toward the edge of the city tower, squinting his eyes to gaze at Jiang Jiang Mingyu's camp. Under the moonlight, the enemy's firelight gradually extinguished, and the camp gradually fell silent.

A cold smile curled Yan Hao's lips, and he began to carefully plan tonight's strategy in his heart. He murmured to himself, "Before tonight, I must prepare all the details to annihilate this presumptuous young man in one blow!"

The fine wine from the banquet still seemed to be warming Yan Hao's body. He felt a surge of heat rising from his lower body. He coughed lightly and slowly asked, "What is the status of that little woman captured two days ago?"

The guards standing at attention on both sides immediately looked at Yan Hao. The man who had spoken quickly replied, "Replying to Master, that woman is locked in the backyard, waiting for you to come and enjoy her." A flattering smile appeared on his face.

Yan Hao's lips curled slightly upward; he was very satisfied with this answer. With a light snort, he rose gracefully and strode briskly toward the backyard.

The side room in the backyard was pitch black, with only a dim yellow lamp shadow faintly visible behind the window screen. Yan Hao brushed aside the guards beside him, shoved the door open in one sudden motion, and entered the room. There, a girl with a melon-seed-shaped face was trembling, looking at him with terrified eyes.

Yan Hao calmly removed the heavy cloak from his shoulders and gently set it aside. He squinted his eyes, sizing the girl up and down. She appeared to be only fifteen or sixteen years old; her features were not outstanding, but her chest was full and rounded, faintly outlining an alluring curve.

Yan Hao lightly tapped the air with one hand, then suddenly yanked off her red veil. He stared fixedly at the girl's panicked expression, smiled slightly, and said, "Alright, now it's just you and me. Go ahead and scream your lungs out; treat it as your last words!" With that, he waved his hand violently and shoved her onto the redwood bed.

Before long, the room echoed with the piercing screams of the girl with iron-black hair, mixed with Yan Hao's coarse and heavy breathing and arrogant laughter.

On the dark corridor like a ghost, two guards in heavy armor stood expressionless. Suddenly, the muffled screams from the side room pierced the silence of the corridor. The two guards looked at each other, exchanging a knowing glance. One of them coughed lightly and said in a deep voice, "Old Yan is in high spirits today; it's only been this long!" The other chuckled softly, "Days like this, when one dares to move earth on the head of a Taishui, are exactly when Old Yan vents his frustration..." The two then began to discuss in low voices while standing guard, completely ignoring the miserable sounds coming from within, for this had become a matter of daily routine.