November 6th, the ninth year of Jianning.

Winter had already arrived, and the climate here in Parthia was even colder than that in the Han Dynasty.

Moreover, the Parthians did not invent cotton clothing, nor did they have coal or coal stoves; their only way of keeping warm was to burn a pile of firewood.

Linshan City North.

To keep warm, the Parthian army cut down all the trees within a 20-mile radius.

Of course, what the Parthian soldiers found most difficult to endure was not the cold, but the hunger.

They had been stationed there for more than ten days. The army's food supplies had been exhausted four days earlier, and everyone was huddled in their tents, warming themselves around a pile of firewood, unwilling to move an inch.

Inside the central command tent, Sakqi sat by the fire, staring at the thin broth in the pot, his face grim and terrifying.

"What's going on with Morrel and the others? They said they'd be here soon four days ago, why haven't they arrived yet?"

Upon hearing Sakqi's question, an officer replied, "Reporting to the Right Chancellor, according to General Morrel, they are transporting a considerable amount of supplies, and those young men are not very honest."

Furthermore, their fear of being discovered by the Han army forced them to march cautiously, thus slowing their progress.

"Damn it, if he keeps this up, we'll all starve to death!"

Upon hearing the officer's reply, Sakhozzi not only failed to understand but also cursed out loud.

The officer also lowered his head in silence. Although he knew that Morrel's caution was correct, he was indeed starving and could hardly bear it, let alone the soldiers in the army.

If Morrel hadn't sent word that the provisions would arrive soon, the soldiers would probably have all deserted long ago.

"Immediately send a message to Morrel, instructing him to return with provisions by tomorrow morning. If the able-bodied men disobey, kill them!"

Just as the officer fell silent, Sakhozzi's voice drifted into his ears.

"yes!"

The officer agreed, then quickly turned and walked outside.

Soon, two fast horses left the Parthian camp and galloped off towards the east and west sides of the army.

After a half-day of rapid travel, the messenger sent by Sakqi finally found Huang Gai and his men, who were disguised as Parthian soldiers.

Inside the military tent, after reading Sakqi's message, Morrel cautiously looked at Huang Gai, who stood to the side holding a sword, and asked, "General Huang, how should I reply? Should we delay for another two days?"

Huang Gai raised the corner of his mouth: "No need. Sakqi is urging us so urgently, it seems that the army has reached its end. Just tell him to wait patiently, we will arrive first thing tomorrow morning!"

"yes!"

Morrel respectfully agreed, and then, as Huang Gai instructed, wrote a reply to Sakqi.

After the messenger left, Huang Gai immediately sent another messenger to Linshan to tell Cheng Pu about the situation and ordered the guards and the able-bodied men to have a hearty meal.

Inside Linshan City, Cheng Pu, having received Huang Gai's message, gathered his men together to discuss their next course of action.

At this time, Daruk led 30,000 men into Linshan City.

At this time, the city's military strength had reached about 70,000. In addition, with the more than 20,000 guards led by Huang Gai and Ling Cao, as well as the more than 40,000 newly recruited young men, the total military strength had reached about 140,000, giving the city an absolute advantage in numbers.

After glancing at everyone, Cheng Pu picked up a secret letter passed to him by Huang Gai and said in a deep voice, "According to General Huang's plan, our army can launch a general offensive against Sakqi's army tomorrow and then completely annihilate them..."

"These damned bastards, they can finally go to hell!"

"Yes, if we wipe them out, we will have no more worries in southern Parthia!"

Upon hearing Cheng Pu's words, everyone present broke into excited smiles.

Cheng Pu raised his hand and pressed down to stop the discussion: "Gentlemen, when you get back, tell your brothers to sharpen their weapons. As soon as General Huang and the others return, we will immediately leave the city and wipe out the Sakqi army!"

As for meritorious service in killing the enemy, rewards will be given in accordance with the regulations of the Han army!

"Here you go!"

Everyone agreed and then dispersed.

Soon, Cheng Pu's order spread throughout the army, and the soldiers of the Han vassal army cheered.

During their training, these soldiers of the Han army not only memorized a series of rules of the Han army, but also remembered the reward system of the Han army very clearly.

By beheading just one person, one can obtain a first-class noble title, a piece of land of one's own, and a large amount of wealth, instantly becoming a person of high status.

Such treatment would have been unthinkable in the Parthian army in the past.

Now that these things are right in front of them, these people are naturally extremely excited.

For a time, the entire city of Linshan was filled with the sound of sharpening knives. These Parthians who had joined the Han-controlled army were far more eager to go into battle than the naval soldiers.

...

Winter nights are always long, especially around dawn, when it is the darkest and coldest time.

While the starving and freezing Parthian soldiers huddled in their blankets, eagerly awaiting their provisions, the more than 9,000 Han soldiers and 65,000 Han dependent troops in Linshan City had eaten and drunk their fill and had assembled together.

Looking at Kemolai and Dadaruk who came to report, Cheng Pu instructed: "You two will lead 65,000 Han soldiers out of the north gate and form ranks directly south of Sakqi's army. After Generals Huang and Ling launch their attack, you will lead your troops to charge in from the front!"

"yes!"

The two agreed and, following Cheng Pu's orders, led their respective men toward the north gate.

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