Inside the wooden fortress, after returning to the palace and receiving treatment, Yu Choutai regained some strength and urgently summoned his officials.

As soon as he sat down, Wei Qiutai looked at a civil official and asked urgently, "What is the situation regarding our army's casualties?"

"Your Majesty, in today's battle, our army suffered more than 3,000 casualties, with 1,000 seriously wounded. Only a little over 5,000 soldiers remain who can fight."

"What? In just this one battle, our army suffered such heavy casualties?"

Upon learning that the city's garrison had been reduced by 40%, Wei Choutai instantly turned pale and nearly fainted.

"Your Majesty, now that things have come to this, we need to send someone to contact the Han army and request their assistance as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty, our army is currently short of supplies and our soldiers are unable to defend the city. If Goguryeo attacks the city again, our army may not be able to resist."

A group of nobles and officials also spoke up, hoping that Yuqiutai could urge the Han army to arrive as soon as possible.

Wei Qiutai hurriedly asked, "Where is the Han army now?"

"Your Majesty, the Han army of 80,000 is only 200 li away from here. If they can march quickly, they can arrive in three days."

Wei Qiutai said urgently, "Alright, immediately send someone to send a message requesting the Han army to come to our aid as soon as possible. As long as they can arrive quickly, I am willing to pay any price."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A civil official respectfully replied, and then fetched paper and pen.

Soon, Yuchoutai dispatched several messengers with a letter requesting reinforcements, leaving the wooden fortress and heading towards the Han army.

In order to give the remaining soldiers the strength to fight again, Yuchoutai not only ordered all the food and dried fish in the city to be distributed to the garrison, but also secretly sent people to collect the corpses of the Goguryeo soldiers on the city wall.

Li Xiao, who had been monitoring Muzha City, learned that Yu Choutai had sent someone to ask the Han army for help. He immediately ordered that 3,000 men be left behind to continue to confuse the garrison of Muzha City, and then led 43,000 men to the valley south of Muzha City.

Meanwhile, Li Xiao once again sent out spies to continue investigating the situation of the Han army.

Meanwhile, Zhu Jun's reinforcements had advanced to a plain area 220 miles away from Muzha City.

As the army marched into the afternoon, Zhu Jun ordered the army to set up camp. While the soldiers were busy, Liu Hong led Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Sun Jian, and others to the central command tent to discuss matters.

After everyone exchanged greetings, Zhu Jun spoke first, saying, "Your Majesty, our army has been away from Xuantu for fifteen days now. I imagine that Generals Xu Rong, Ma Teng, and Gongsun Zan are not far from Sifang City, and General Huangfu has also made preparations in Siping. Our army should also make arrangements in advance."

Liu Hong smiled and said, "Alright, I'm only here to observe the battle. As for military matters, Gongwei, you can make arrangements as you see fit."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhu Jun nodded heavily, then got up and went to a topographical map of Buyeo.

This map was sent by Lu Zhi before the army set off. It was made by a secret agent from the intelligence bureau, and the various terrains and roads were marked very clearly.

"Gentlemen, since our army has come here, Li Xiao has not only not withdrawn his troops, but has continued to besiege Fuyu. Clearly, he has other plans."

"Oh? I wonder what preparations General Li Jue thinks Goguryeo will make?" Li Jue asked with a curious expression.

"Everyone, please look!"

As he spoke, Zhu Jun pointed to the valley area south of Muzha City, following the route of the Han army's march.

“The valley here is narrow and long, with steep mountain peaks on both sides. If our army passes through this place, it will be easily cut in half. I thought the Goguryeo army would definitely ambush us here and then use this opportunity to annihilate our army.”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at the map and frowned.

"Then how should our army defeat them?" Li Jue asked again.

"Please do not be anxious, I have my own arrangements."

Zhu Jun smiled, looked at Gao Shun, then pointed to a small path on the east side of the wooden fortress and said in a deep voice:

"Gongren, there is a small road here, more than 300 li away from the rear of the Goguryeo camp on the east side of Muzha City."

You may have 15,000 soldiers. Tomorrow morning, remove all banners and flags, and you must arrive within five days.

"promise!!"

Gao Shun received the order and immediately turned to leave to begin making arrangements.

Then Zhu Jun looked at the other generals and said in a deep voice, "You all go down and make arrangements immediately. Have the laborers, medical teams, engineering teams, and supply trains in the rear disguise themselves as our soldiers, carry banners, and follow the remaining five thousand soldiers straight to the south entrance of the wooden fortress."

"promise!!"

After receiving their orders, everyone quickly retreated.

Zhu Jun then looked at Liu Hong and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, you should also accompany me on this journey."

Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "No problem."

Standing behind Liu Hong, Yuan Shao suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, this is not right. Our army only has five thousand men left. If Goguryeo discovers our strength and weakness, abandons the ambush, and attacks us head-on, wouldn't you be in danger?"

Liu Hong waved his hand: "Benchu ​​is overthinking it. Since Gongwei has made such arrangements, he must have his reasons. Besides, our army is strong in bows and swords. It won't be so easy for Li Xiao to wipe out our army in one go."

"Your Majesty is right."

Seeing the emperor's nonchalant attitude, Yuan Shao said no more and withdrew.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty."

Seeing that the emperor took the initiative to explain for him and trusted him so much, Zhu Jun was deeply moved.

After one night.

As dawn broke, Gao Shun led 15,000 soldiers out of the camp and headed east.

These soldiers were mostly from the border regions and were familiar with the mountain trails, so traveling sixty li a day was not a big problem.

Liu Hong, along with his personal guard and the remaining soldiers, continued forward along the original route.

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