Chapter 973: First Volume, Chapter 973: Lightning War

First Volume, Chapter 973: Lightning War

Chen Si was also at a loss. If this were the Jingji Region, it would be manageable—the logistics units could deliver materials directly to the Front Line. But now, the Battlefront had extended all the way to Ezhou; such a vast distance made it extremely difficult to transport grain and forage, whether from Jingji or from Ezhou's local reserves.

If Qin Feng's army had not advanced so swiftly—faster than Chen Si could possibly have imagined—he would never have hastily assembled his forces.

After long contemplation, Chen Si finally sighed and said gravely: "There is only one option left."

"No matter how fast the Enemy Army moves, it cannot outpace our Light Cavalry Corps. We will deploy our Light Cavalry along the route to establish defensive positions and launch batched ambushes."

"Split the Light Cavalry Corps into small units of no more than three hundred men each. Use Bow and Arrow ambushes to disrupt the enemy's formation and marching speed, buying time for our Rear."

"Our Headquarters army must immediately construct Defensive Fortifications on the spot, dividing into three columns—front, center, and rear—to prevent enemy Yuan Hui encirclement."

"Send out everyone who can be spared. Spare no effort to coordinate Logistics. Ensure all forces deliver grain and forage at the fastest possible speed."

The generals racked their brains but could devise no better strategy—even Jing Peng silently accepted Chen Si's plan. Each took up their assigned duties and departed to deploy.

When the Ying Zhang was left with only Chen Si and Jing Peng.

Chen Si sighed helplessly and asked: "Vanguard General, have you ever heard of a warfare tactic as swift as lightning? Qin Feng's army marched from Zhuozhou's South Line all the way to Ezhou in a single month, forcing us into desperate, hasty responses. It's astonishing."

Though proud, Jing Peng would not feign ignorance in such a matter—he shook his head with a bitter smile: "Even the Grand General has never seen such a thing. Where would I have heard of it?"

"A hundred Li per day of relentless assault—truly worthy of the name Lightning War!"

"Our Di army prides itself on Warhorses, yet Qin Feng's army holds the overwhelming advantage in horses. It's utterly inconceivable."

Inconceivable?

Jing Peng knew little of Qin Feng, but Chen Si understood perfectly—it was not inconceivable. It was meticulous planning. Qin Feng was famously devoted to horses, sparing no cost to acquire them. This terrifying Lightning War was built entirely on years of accumulated Warhorses.

Chen Si had once looked forward to a final, decisive battle with Qin Feng. But now, after this Winter War, he realized his military expertise had been utterly crushed by Qin Feng's.

Even as war brewed in Ezhou, Changshui County received an unexpected guest.

His name was Zhang Chao, Minister of Rites of Northern Di. He now stood outside the Changshui County Gate, with not even a single attendant beside him.

Gazing at Changshui County's impregnable City Wall, Zhang Chao felt a wave of dread.

"This Qin Feng… has turned Changshui County into this within such a short time? Truly inconceivable."

Over fifty years old, Zhang Chao took a deep breath to steady his shock, then called up to the City Wall: "Minister of Rites of Northern Di, Zhang Chao, by His Majesty's command, come as Diplomatic Envoy to Changshui County. Please allow me passage."

The soldiers on the City Wall looked down at Zhang Chao but said nothing.

After a long while, a massive, broad-shouldered man finally appeared.

It was Zhang Zhenhai, who had nearly died and had only just recovered from his illness. Dressed in full armor, he radiated an aura as formidable as Ning Hu's.

So much so that Zhang Chao mistook him for Ning Hu, Qin Feng's foremost warrior.

Zhang Chao quickly bowed deeply: "Zhang Chao pays homage to Commander Ning. I have come specifically to discuss war matters with Marquis Qin. Please, Commander Ning, grant me passage."

Upon hearing his intent, Zhang Zhenhai's face remained expressionless: "Commander Ning has been in constant battle and has returned to the Rear to rest. I am Zhang Zhenhai, Deputy General of Changshui County's garrison!"

"After this great war, the blood feud between Marquis Qin and your kingdom is irreconcilable. Why waste words, Diplomatic Envoy?"

Zhang Chao did not mind the mistaken identity—as long as he could meet Qin Feng, that was enough.

He bowed again, showing utmost sincerity.

"General Zhang misunderstands. Northern Di originally sought a hundred-year peace with Liang Kingdom and treated Marquis Qin as an honored guest. But the traitor Lü Li, disregarding state policy, assassinated Marquis Qin on the road, causing this great disaster. Though all blame lies with Lü Li, the incident occurred on Northern Di soil, and Lü Li holds the rank of Pillar of the State. Ultimately, Northern Di bears undeniable responsibility."

"I have come today to express our apology to Marquis Qin."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhenhai snorted coldly: "I will relay your words exactly to the Marquis. You may leave."

Zhang Chao hurriedly pleaded: "There is also the Apology Gift—I will send it tomorrow if Marquis Qin agrees."

Zhang Zhenhai's gaze grew even more contemptuous. What did he care about gifts? At Marquis Qin's current status, what could he not obtain? Why would he care about some pathetic Apology Gift?

This Zhang Chao was clearly desperate to meet Marquis Qin, hoping to negotiate peace.

Though Zhang Zhenhai despised civil officials, as a military commander his duty was to defend the City. He could not decide such matters himself, so he sent a messenger to inform Qin Feng.

Two full hours passed—until Nightfall—before the messenger returned, deliberately dragging his feet.

Upon learning Qin Feng's response, Zhang Zhenhai returned to the City Wall, glanced at the swaying Zhang Chao, and said gravely: "The Marquis says his female relatives are unwell tonight; he must attend to them in the residence and cannot receive guests. If you are willing to wait, come again at dawn."

With that, Zhang Zhenhai ignored Zhang Chao entirely.

Zhang Chao knew full well this was Qin Feng's Downward Warning—but to meet Qin Feng, to save Northern Di, he had no choice.

In this bitter Cold Weather, even wrapped in thick winter garments, standing outside the City Wall, battered by the wind, Zhang Chao felt half his life slipping away.

At dawn the next day, as Zhang Zhenhai glanced sideways, he saw the Minister of Rites curled up in a corner, shivering like a refugee.

Clearly, Northern Di had exhausted all options and desperately wished to negotiate with Marquis Qin.

Zhang Zhenhai waved his hand. Since the Door was sealed, soldiers lowered a rope ladder from the City Wall and dragged the nearly Frostbitten Zhang Chao inside.

Only after being carried into the County Yamen and warmed by a brazier for hours did Zhang Chao slowly regain his senses.

As a civil official, this treatment was no less than torture—if they delayed any longer, his old life might well end here.