Chapter 946

First Volume, Chapter 946: The Battle of the Isolated City Is Imminent

The basic defensive lines in Changshui County have already been constructed; after all, it merely required transporting the necessary military supplies and materials to designated positions and assigning each soldier their defensive sector—essentially complete. As for catapults and bed crossbows, even if all the siege engineers were Lu Ban himself, they could not possibly be built in such a short time; at least another two or three days are needed.

According to Qin Feng's basic conception, the eastern and western city walls are heavily garrisoned, while the northern and southern walls serve as the main battlefield, with the southern defensive line being the critical focus.

Yet, Qin Feng's tactical deployment has been disrupted!

Plans cannot keep pace with rapid changes; Qin Feng stood atop the city wall, gazing at the cavalry patrolling in the distance, his right eyelid twitching incessantly, sensing something was amiss.

Since entering the state of war, Ning Hu had never left his side; seeing Qin Feng's furrowed brow and apparent unease, he asked bluntly:

"Brother Qin, our plan is so thorough—why the tension?"

Qin Feng stared straight at the distant cavalry and said gravely: "There is no invincible tactic. No matter how well-prepared, there is always a chance of being breached—never grow careless."

"Moreover, as long as the catapults and bed crossbows have not reached the defensive lines, our defenses are not complete. If the enemy launches a sudden, fierce assault now, we'll have to throw our soldiers' lives into the breach."

Hearing this, Ning Hu burst into loud laughter: "Hahahaha, Brother Qin, the capital is in complete chaos right now—military operations are stalled, logistics are in disarray; it'll take at least three to five days before anything reaches Changshui County, and even if it does, another two or three days are needed to set up camp and mobilize the troops."

"I estimate it'll take at least ten to fifteen days before they can launch any meaningful offensive."

Seeing Ning Hu so confident, Qin Feng grew even more worried; Ning Hu was indeed a fierce general, but far from a competent commander. His military ability peaked at commanding a thousand men; his grasp of the overall situation was virtually nonexistent.

Such single-minded fierce generals all share one flaw: they easily grow careless and underestimate the enemy.

Qin Feng's tone turned stern: "Ten to fifteen days? Our goal is to hold for three months. How mediocre and foolish must the Northern Di King be to waste so much time?"

"The capital is indeed in chaos, but given the Northern Di King's grand vision and talent, he will surely crush it forcibly."

"Even if we could buy three days, we'd be praying to the heavens."

"And…"

"The enemy's main general is almost certainly Chen Si. This man is ruthless in military tactics—he knows full well that Changshui County's weakness lies in its unsteady footing and fragile defenses. He will seize this opportunity and strike hard. Thus, this moment is the most dangerous period for Changshui County—must be cautious, again and again."

As Qin Feng urged Ning Hu not to grow complacent, he mentally calculated the time—last intelligence report from the capital spy had come two days ago.

Qin Feng had already ordered daily reports, yet no spy had appeared since; it was safe to conclude that Changshui County's surroundings were now sealed off like an iron barrel, not even a fly could get in. Once information is blocked, a violent military campaign will inevitably follow.

Even if Qin Feng himself were in command, he would first seal off all intelligence before launching an attack, to prevent the enemy from preparing.

Qin Feng pointed to the distant cavalry: "Can you tell if they're light cavalry or heavy cavalry?"

Due to the great distance, the patrolling cavalry were nothing but tiny black dots, barely discernible in outline.

Yet even so, they could not escape Ning Hu's eyes.

He stared intently at the distant cavalry, then said gravely: "Though unclear, they keep moving back and forth. Judging by their horse speed, there's a slight hesitation—they're not swift light cavalry. Heavy cavalry move slowly, and wherever they go, other troop types accompany them for protection—so they're not heavy cavalry either."

"And… Brother Qin, look—those cavalry keep stopping and starting, as if observing something."

"I judge they're riding unarmored horses, but the riders are fully armored and well-equipped."

Ning Hu often charges on the First Line; he understands troop conditions best. If he's made this judgment, it's certain to be correct.

Qin Feng drew a deep breath, his gaze intensely grave.

"Then there's only one possibility: these cavalry are protecting a general—and that general is personally surveying the terrain."

Hearing this, Ning Hu's eyes lit up: "The enemy commander? Then what are we waiting for? I'll lead our men and charge to stab him down!"

Qin Feng frowned deeply and said sternly: "Forget that idea!"

"Don't you see? There are at least a hundred of them? If you take too few men, you can't defeat them; if you take too many, they'll flee—and you'll be surrounded by nearby light cavalry. Absolutely no risking an outside sortie."

"Moreover, since the enemy commander has come to survey the terrain, the great battle is imminent—deploy immediately!"

Ning Hu, who had been smug just moments ago, froze instantly: "What? The great battle is coming? That can't be…"

Qin Feng's gaze turned sharp as a blade: "Why not? The capital spy hasn't sent a report in two days—clearly, the surroundings are sealed like an iron barrel. The enemy vanguard must already be stationed far off!"

At that moment, Qin Feng noticed with surprise that the distant cavalry had departed.

"Bad! Immediately order the entire city to prepare for battle!"

Ning Hu dared not delay—he sprinted down the city wall, summoned the messengers, and ordered every soldier to rush to their defensive lines and prepare for the coming war.

Qin Feng stood atop the city wall, brow furrowed; though fully prepared, to say he wasn't tense would be a lie!

Battlefield conditions change in an instant—and here it comes… the enemy gives Qin Feng no time to reinforce his defenses!

According to timing, the enemy vanguard should have just arrived at Changshui County—yet they immediately sent scouts to survey the terrain, without even setting up camp. This clearly signals a one-strike victory assault.

With the capital in such chaos, only Chen Si would issue such decisive orders.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and sighed: "Brother Chen, after so long, we're finally clashing again. This time, it won't just be victory or defeat—it'll be life or death."

Almost as soon as the soldiers reached their defensive lines, a dense mass of troops appeared in the distance—numbering at least several thousand!

Seeing this, Ning Hu cried out: "Brother Qin, if not for your sharp eyes, we'd have been doomed!"

Qin Feng ignored Ning Hu and shouted to a soldier with keen eyesight beside him: "Check if there are any siege engines!"