"At this point, this is the only way!"

Upon hearing the suggestion from the garrison commander of Xilin Pass, Kemolin reluctantly accepted it.

Although he knew that he would likely end up being accused of losing territory, there was nothing anyone could do about the situation.

I can't let the few remaining Parthian border troops be wiped out here, can I?

Subsequently, Kemorin also gave an urgent order to wake up his resting subordinates.

After making some arrangements, Kemolin left 40,000 soldiers to be commanded by the garrison commander of Xilin Pass, while he himself led 30,000 soldiers toward Linma Pass.

On the other side, after a night's march, Marcus Aurelius led his fifteen gladiator legions and Zhang Bao's two defender legions to a forest thirty miles south of the main camp, and sent men to keep an eye on the movements of the main camp and the Xilin Pass garrison.

However, after waiting for two days, the garrison at Xilin Pass did not launch a surprise attack on the Senate legion that was being used as bait, as they had planned.

Inside a makeshift tent, Marcus Aurelius looked at Li Boming sitting opposite him, his expression becoming more serious.

"Sir, the Parthian army hasn't made a single move yet, which is quite strange. Moreover, I've been feeling uneasy these past two days, as if something bad is about to happen!"

Li Boming raised an eyebrow: "Is Your Majesty worried about this war?"

Marcus Aurelius nodded: "Indeed, the situation of the Parthian army is truly strange!"

Li Boming smiled and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the Parthian reinforcements must be too tired from their journey and therefore have chosen not to move."

Unless a traitor within our ranks leaks our movements, this plan is bound to fail!

"Sigh, that's exactly what I'm worried about!"

Marcus Aurelius sighed and said in a deep voice, "Our previous actions against those noble leaders were too obvious. They must already know that we were using them as bait."

If they harbor resentment and inform the Parthians of our army's movements, then all our previous plans will be rendered useless!

Li Boming frowned: "Although you have conflicts with the Senate, they wouldn't dare to risk public condemnation by colluding with Rome's mortal enemy, would they?"

If they do that, the Senate will likely lose its foothold in Rome!

"Hmph, those guys, what wouldn't they do for their own benefit?"

When I led my army to fight against the Germanic barbarians, some people were worried about my prestige after the victory, which is why they leaked my army's movements, allowing those barbarians to escape my encirclement..."

Recalling his previous defeats in battle, Marcus Aurelius couldn't help but snort coldly.

Upon hearing this, Li Boming's expression shifted: "Your Majesty, why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Sigh, this is also my fault. I thought that since they had already sent a legion to participate in the war, they would not collude with foreign enemies, since doing so would be too obvious."

But now that I think about it, I realize I was oversimplifying things!

Marcus Aurelius sighed, a hint of bitterness and helplessness appearing on his face.

All of this was simply because the plan had gone too smoothly, causing Marcus Aurelius to lose his composure.

Li Boming frowned: "Your Majesty, if it's really as you say, then the situation is not good."

Moreover, what I am most worried about is that they will use your name to leak the information.

When the provincial armies suffer setbacks at Linma Pass, you'll be left with no way to defend yourself!

Marcus Aurelius frowned as well: "Yes, if that's the case, then we'll have completely broken off relations!"

Li Boming immediately suggested: "Your Majesty, I believe that our army should take advantage of the enemy's reinforcement of Linma Pass to rush back to Xilin Pass immediately, and take this pass at all costs. Then, with the momentum of a great victory, we should lead our army straight to the Parthian capital."

Once you have forced the Parthians to sign a trade route agreement and demand reparations, your prestige and that of your legions will soar, and you will gain the support of the Roman people and merchants.

At that time, even if the Senate and the provinces are unwilling, they will not dare to openly oppose you!

"What you say is exactly what I was thinking!"

Marcus Aurelius immediately stood up, summoned his personal guards, and ordered, "Pass on my order: the army shall set off immediately and march back to Xilin Pass at full speed!"

"yes!"

The guard agreed and then turned and ran out.

Marcus Aurelius's orders were quickly relayed.

About two hours later, the army finally finished packing up.

"Set off!"

Upon seeing the various legion commanders coming to report, Marcus Aurelius immediately jumped onto his horse and led his army quickly toward Xilin Pass.

After a day of rapid march, the army finally returned to the camp at sunset.

"Your Majesty, why have you returned?"

Inside the tent, the noble commander asked with a surprised expression.

Marcus Aurelius, however, said in a deep voice, "I ask you, what has the Parthian army done in the past two days?"

The commander thought for a moment and said doubtfully, "There's nothing unusual, but it seems like some of the flags on the gate are missing!"

"Hmph, someone leaked our army's movements. The Parthian army has already dispatched troops to support other passes!"

Marcus Aurelius's angry voice echoed in the tent, causing the nobles' expressions to change.

The noble commander also feigned surprise: "No way? Who is so bold as to dare to do such a treacherous thing?"

Marcus Aurelius glanced at the other man and said coldly, "As for who this person is, I will find out sooner or later. The most important thing now is to take Xilin Pass as soon as possible while the enemy forces are divided!"

"Your Majesty is right," the commander echoed, then announced loudly, "This humble general will immediately gather the troops and launch the attack on the city at the first sign of tomorrow morning!"

Marcus Aurelius waved his hand: "No need. My warriors will take charge of this siege. You should all rest and recuperate!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Seeing this, the commander stopped insisting and led everyone out with bows.

As he watched the other person leave, a cold killing intent flashed in Marcus Aurelius's eyes.

Based on the behavior of those noble leaders just now, he was certain that it was these guys who had leaked his whereabouts, causing his previous plans to fall apart.

After a moment's thought, Marcus Aurelius immediately ordered his guards, "Go and invite Master Zhang over!"

"yes!"

The guard agreed and turned to leave.

Before long, Zhang Bao followed the guards into the tent.

"Your Majesty, what brings you here to summon me?"

"Master Zhang, I need your help!"