Tian Qing waved his hand impatiently, "We have to wait for the Grand Commander's reply. Right now, there are only about five thousand soldiers capable of fighting in the city, and nearly half of our cavalry have been lost... If the Tartars really do launch an attack with tens of thousands of troops..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone in the hall felt a chill.
Yunzhou City is well-fortified, but if the enemy forces are strong and surround it from all sides, cutting off its external support, how long can the city's food and supplies last?
"Report—!"
A scout rushed into the hall, knelt on one knee, and said in a panicked voice, "Reporting to the Commander! The beacon towers to the north have been lit one after another! Three plumes of black smoke!"
"Based on this information, approximately... about fifty miles away, a large force of Tatar cavalry has been discovered, covering the mountains and plains. Their numbers are... difficult to estimate, but at least over ten thousand! They are heading towards Shahu Pass and Yunzhou!"
"What?!" Tian Qing turned around abruptly, his face turning pale instantly.
Old Hu also stood up abruptly, aggravating his wound and wincing in pain, but the look of horror in his eyes deepened: "They came so fast?"
"Scout again! Report again! Order all beacon towers to closely monitor enemy movements! Close all four gates and send everyone to the city! Prepare plenty of rolling logs, stones, kerosene, and molten gold!" Tian Qing roared, veins throbbing on his forehead.
He forced himself to calm down, walked to the map, and stared intently at the terrain to the north.
Tens of thousands... or even more.
Baicaotan is just the forward; this is the main force!
"Order Weiyuan Fort and Pinglu Fort to close their gates tightly and strengthen their defenses! Maintain communication with each other using beacon fires and fast horses!"
Tian Qing's voice hardened, "Furthermore, send out assassins to find a way to get around and report the exact situation here to the Grand Commander and Commander Han! Yunzhou... is about to be embroiled in a major battle!"
The dull sound of war drums and the sharp sound of horns rang out from the top of Yunzhou City. The border town, which was already in a state of panic due to the defeat at Baicaotan, was now in a state of full combat readiness.
Soldiers rushed up the city walls, laborers were organized to move defensive equipment, and every household in the city closed their doors and windows, creating an atmosphere of panic and dread.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com