"I'm here!" Han Zhong straightened his back subconsciously.
"Send an order to the General Zhenbei's headquarters: Wu Shangzhi and Guo Luo lead two thousand light cavalry, each with two horses, carry fifteen days' worth of dry rations and plenty of arrows, and set out immediately, hiding during the day and moving at night."
"Avoid the main official roads and secretly sneak into the Black Mountain area in northern Jingzhou and wait for orders. Without my order, you are strictly prohibited from revealing your whereabouts!"
"Order: Xi Sheng will lead five Mo Dao soldiers and one thousand auxiliary troops, carrying heavy shields, axes, chisels, and twenty days' worth of fodder. Disguised as large merchant caravans or migrants, they will proceed to the pre-determined position of 'Eagle's Beak Valley' in Guizhou Province, which our army has surveyed in advance. They will build fortifications and remain in hiding!"
"Order: Liu Yi personally selects 500 of the most skilled throwers and crossbowmen, as well as 500 logistical support personnel. They are to carry three Shenji cannons, sufficient ammunition and gunpowder, and 500 improved heavy compound crossbows. They are to also secretly proceed to 'Eagle's Beak Valley' to reunite with Xi Sheng's forces!"
"Tell him that this is the first battle after the expansion of the Shenji Battalion. If he fails to perform with authority, you will be beheaded!"
"Send a message to all 'Nightless' secret agents operating in Yanyun. Activate the highest level of response. Spare no effort and gather information around Jingzhou."
"Especially the troop movements, deployments, and commander information of the Tartars and their vassal armies in the Black Wind Valley area must be promptly transmitted to Eagle's Beak Valley via carrier pigeons and fast horses!"
Han Zhong was so frightened that sweat even broke out on his forehead.
Zhao Muyun didn't just want to save people, he was clearly planning a large-scale battle intended to annihilate the Tartar forces in Hebei Province!
"Also, the Imperial Guard Battalion and Shen Qian's Night Guards will follow me to Hebei Road." Zhao Muyun added.
Han Zhong accepted the order solemnly, "I obey your command! I will convey it accurately! However... Boss Zhao, isn't it too risky for you to go there in person? Should Guo Luo lead a cavalry escort?"
Zhao Muyun waved his hand, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and he laughed:
"No need to mobilize a large army. Fifty personal guards are enough for me. Also, have Chen Qian select thirty of the most elite fighters from Ye Bu Shou to accompany us."
"We're not going to fight, we're going to watch the battle. By the way... we're going to make sure His Royal Highness and those former generals of the King of Jin can just avoid certain death and witness a spectacle they'll never forget."
He walked to the window and looked at the snow-covered mountains in the distance outside Shuozhou City. His tone became deep:
"I want Yinji to owe me another huge favor, so that he knows who is the one who can truly save and help him."
"I will severely damage the Northern Di's tentacles in Yanyun and break their claws reaching Hedong."
"I'm going to let Xiao Lie experience what it feels like to shoot himself in the foot!"
"This action surrounding Prince Jin and his son is an opportunity in Xiao Lie's eyes. In my eyes, it is also a perfect fulcrum to change the situation in Yanyun!"
Han Zhong and Fan Nan looked at each other and saw shock and admiration in each other's eyes.
After the Central Plains suffered such a tragic change, Zhao Muyun did not follow the conventional idea of plotting to take over the entire Hedong Road.
Instead, his thoughts jumped around, beyond everyone's expectations.
First he plotted to take over Longyou, and then he stirred up Hebei. The chess moves he made were not something that ordinary people could understand.
His vision and courage always far exceeded Fan Nan and Han Zhong's imagination.
They stopped trying to dissuade him and responded in unison: "We will obey the general's orders!"
As soon as the military order was issued from the Zhenbei General's Mansion, the troops, horses, and food supplies were mobilized quickly and silently.
In the city's west camp, Wu Shangzhi received the order and a glimmer of excitement flashed in his eyes.
He immediately summoned his generals and issued an order: "Order! All troops, prepare immediately. Bring 15 days' worth of dry rations, double the number of arrows, check the horses' shoes, and everyone must travel light and carry no unnecessary belongings!"
"Tonight at midnight, leave the South Gate in batches, go west, and then turn north!"
The light cavalry under his command was the most mobile unit in the Shuozhou army. Each cavalryman was equipped with two horses and was good at long-distance raids and flank harassment.
The soldiers silently and quickly packed their equipment. They knew that the general's urgent and secret order must mean there was something big going on.
At the same time, Xi Sheng's Modao Camp's garrison seemed even more heavy.
The soldiers wrapped their heavy Mo Dao swords with cloth, and the disassembled heavy shields and siege equipment were loaded onto special carriages, covered with straw and miscellaneous items, disguised as a convoy transporting food and fodder.
Xi Sheng personally inspected each carriage to ensure that the disguise was flawless.
"Everyone, brace yourself!" Xi Sheng growled, his voice like muffled thunder. "This time we're going out to see blood! Don't embarrass me, or the general! The might of the Modao Battalion must be demonstrated on the battlefield!"
Liu Yi's Shenjiying was the busiest.
The three "magic cannons" tightly covered with black cloth were carefully disassembled and loaded onto a reinforced carriage.
The projectiles and gunpowder were packed in different boxes and guarded by absolutely reliable soldiers.
The improved compound bow, arrows, crossbow, and all the equipment underwent final inspection and maintenance.
Liu Yi looked serious.
He knew that these weapons were the result of the hard work of generals and craftsmen, and this battle would be a test for them.
As the night deepened, the east gate of Shuozhou City quietly opened.
Teams of people, like streams flowing in the dark night, silently disappeared into the darkness and headed towards the predetermined gathering place - Yingzui Valley in Guizhou, following different routes.
Zhao Muyun stood on the observation deck of the general's mansion, looking into the distance at the direction where the troops were leaving with a deep gaze.
Shen Qian appeared behind him like a shadow.
"General, Ye Bushou has already set out, scouting along the way to ensure the army's whereabouts remain secret. The secret agents in Yanyun have also been activated, and intelligence will be continuously sent in."
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