Chapter 738: First Volume, Chapter 738: The Application of the Fatigue Tactics

First Volume, Chapter 738: The Application of the Fatigue Tactics

Just three short days later, catapults hurling stones into the fortress had become routine.

Qin Feng specifically assigned three catapults to exclusively launch stones, disrupting order inside the fortress, while the remaining catapults were idle, undergoing repairs.

The Tianji Camp craftsmen showed no sign of stopping, continuing to produce more catapults.

Watching more and more catapults rise from the ground, Ning Hu frowned tightly: "Brother Qin, how many catapults do you plan to build?"

Qin Feng shrugged indifferently: "The more, the better."

Ning Hu sighed deeply: "We've been smashing for three straight days, yet the garrison hasn't surrendered."

"These catapults are certainly effective, but clearly, hurling stones is inferior to direct fire attacks—and fire attacks consume vast amounts of fire oil."

"In my view, the garrison's morale has already plummeted. Why not launch a full assault?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Feng immediately waved his hand, firmly shutting down Ning Hu's idea before it could take root.

The fatigue-and-ambush strategy has been in effect for many days, yet the garrison has not yielded—this proves their combat will is extraordinarily resilient. If we attack now, they will surely repel us; any victory they achieve will boost their morale.

All our prior efforts would be severely undermined!

Qin Feng would never do such a foolish thing as lifting a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

If we're going to consume them, we'll drain their spirit and vigor to the absolute lowest point, then strike with one-Strike Victory and seize the fortress—no probing attacks, no "topping-up" tactics.

"I reckon it's almost over!"

Qin Feng's gaze was steady as he stared at the lifeless fortress.

Yesterday, Qin Feng had quietly moved the front-line catapults forward another fifty steps.

Logically, even if Ma Tingyun could endure anything, after days of ambushes, he should have sent small units out to sabotage them.

Yet Ma Tingyun had perfected the "Turtle-Shell Technique" to its peak.

No matter how Qin Feng harassed, Ma Tingyun remained unmoved.

This means the garrison's morale has sunk so low they've lost even the courage to sally out and sabotage. Even without seeing inside, Qin Feng was certain his harassment plan had succeeded.

But as the old saying goes: cautious sailing ensures safe passage for ten thousand years.

Aside from the single decoy catapult positioned less than a hundred fifty steps from the fortress, all other catapults on the front line were surrounded by dug trenches or horse-rejection formations, to prevent Ma Tingyun from suddenly sending troops to destroy them.

After all, these catapults must be preserved as the final trump card for the future total assault.

Meanwhile, under Qin Feng's orders, increasing quantities of materials and supplies were transported to the front line, and Tianji Camp craftsmen kept arriving in endless waves.

Since the ambush began, twenty days have passed—exactly one hundred catapults have been built!

Seventy catapults remained on the front line; the other thirty were dispersed and transported to the fortress's other three sides.

Now the fortress was being bombarded from all four directions.

This time, no matter where the garrison hid, they could no longer rest easy.

…

Inside a military camp within the fortress, Lü Ci paced back and forth, his face grim.

After days of bombardment, the deputy general most eager to defect had been accidentally killed by a falling stone.

The remaining garrison, worn down by constant attrition, now numbered only six thousand eight hundred.

Though this number was still sufficient to easily defend the fortress and deter Qin Feng from any direct assault, if they continued to endure, morale would collapse entirely—and only two outcomes awaited them.

One: once morale and manpower were nearly exhausted, Qin Feng would launch a total assault and breach the fortress. Those lucky enough would become prisoners; the unlucky would be slaughtered outright.

After all, this fortress held no civilians—only soldiers; even if wiped out, it would not provoke major public outcry.

Two: the other officers inside would crack first, mutiny and betray Ma Tingyun, becoming Qin Feng's great contributors and enjoying endless wealth and honor, while the rest of the soldiers would face far worse fates.

As Lü Ci hesitated, a sudden noise came from outside the window.

Lü Ci frowned, walked silently to the window, and peered sideways—just in time to see a figure vanish hastily into the night.

Though pitch black, Lü Ci recognized him at once.

That man was Ma Tingyun's confidant!

Clearly, the secret of the royal edict urging surrender had already spread through the fortress; Ma Tingyun, upon learning this, had secretly dispatched men to spy on Lü Ci.

Realizing Ma Tingyun's utter distrust, Lü Ci's anger surged: "You bastard Ma! Since you're unkind, don't blame me for being unrighteous!"

Lü Ci immediately gathered all his confidants into the military camp and resolved to defect.

Every confidant present rejoiced—they had long grown tired of hiding in the fortress, being tormented like livestock by Qin Feng. This humiliation was unbearable; better to die bravely on the battlefield!

"General, this is perfect! Let's see if Ma Tingyun can hold the fortress without us!"

"Hmph! I say, let's cut off Ma Tingyun's head outright—maybe Qin Feng will reward us even more generously."

"Exactly! No poison, no true man!"

Seeing the venomous glares in their eyes, Lü Ci quickly waved to interrupt.

"Calm down! We're merely seeking better service—no need to stir up unnecessary trouble!"

"If we kill Ma Tingyun, we become enemies of the Di Empire, and the Night Owls will hunt us without end."

"We're simply abandoning the fortress. Yes, deserters are shameful, but the Night Owls won't expend all their strength chasing a few deserters."

Hearing Lü Ci's words, the officers nodded vigorously.

Since they were in full agreement, Lü Ci wasted no time—he immediately ordered troop mobilization.

The troops still under command numbered two thousand.

Confirming Ma Tingyun was asleep, Lü Ci gave the order and led his men toward the city gate. The garrison soldiers blocking their path offered no resistance—they were slaughtered in moments.

As the city gate swung open, Lü Ci and his troops surged out, racing toward Qin Feng's vanguard camp while shouting at the top of their lungs: "Lü Ci surrenders with his troops!"

"Lü Ci surrenders!"

They dropped their weapons, raised fire torches high, and shouted in unison, terrified Qin Feng might mistake them for an enemy assault and annihilate them.

As soon as the cries of battle reached the vanguard camp, the bow infantry had already formed ranks, preparing for beidi war response.

At this moment, hearing the enemy's shout, the Bow Infantry did not lower their guard; spears were aimed at the charging Cavalry.

To prevent the Enemy Army from using Zha Xiang to launch a surprise attack on the Military Camp, they continuously shot down Ten Plus Cavalry, forcing Lü Ci's forces to halt.

Lü Ci gripped the Reins tightly, sweat pouring from his tense body; he had no idea whether Qin Feng would accept them or annihilate them outright.