This was something that had never happened to him in the three years he had spent on the grasslands.

"Commander Gu, everything I said is true!"

Gu Changting was furious and rushed over to slap Sun Shaokang: "I issued a military order for you to come back, why didn't you return!"

Sun Shaokang's face was ashen: "Those herders want to move away. According to the imperial law, nomadic herders on the grasslands may not migrate more than five li. This humble official..."

Gu Changting kicked him again: "Military orders are absolute!"

Sun Shaokang's face was terribly pale, as if he were wearing a mask.

"Commander Gu, please be lenient with me for my father's sake."

"It's no use even if your father comes. It's not that I want to punish you, but the Control Yuan has already charged you with a crime that warrants a military court."

Lu You, standing to one side, suddenly asked, "General Gu, have there been any cases of herders migrating from the grasslands in recent years?"

“No.” Gu Changting shook his head. “Back then, the Marquis of Yongwu built a Jingguan (a mound of human statues) on the grasslands, which terrified the barbarians. The imperial court also issued a decree prohibiting grassland tribes from migrating more than five li (approximately 2.5 kilometers). Anyone who overstepped this rule would be executed. No one dared to act recklessly again.”

"I believe that the migration of herdsmen this time was a deliberate attempt to lure our army into staying, so that the barbarian army could take advantage of the situation."

Upon hearing this, Gu Changting instantly understood.

"Since the barbarians have made their move, they must have come prepared. They are probably already rushing towards us. Commander Gu, you should immediately mobilize the entire army to defend."

His words froze the atmosphere.

"Hand Sun Shaokang over to the Supervisory Yuan for investigation. The rest of you, each lead your troops and be ready for battle at any time!"

"Commander Gu, please forgive this humble servant for my father's sake!"

"Even if Marshal Sun were here, he couldn't save you."

Gu Changting turned and left, while Sun Shaokang revealed a resentful look in his eyes.

Before long, the sound of war drums rang out from the fortress, and squads of armored soldiers marched out in formation, while the city walls were reinforced with additional defenses.

Just as Lu You had said, a large group of people and horses flowed towards this direction under the cold moonlight.

boom……

A huge, flaming stone was launched into the air, arcing through the air before crashing down on the city wall, killing a soldier instantly.

Lu You frowned, his face darkening: "This kind of catapult was made by our Great Song Dynasty, why do these barbarian tribes of the grasslands have it?"