The halberd shattered the night sky! It heralded the end of chaos.
Three thousand cavalrymen surged across the battlefield, each hoofbeat signifying the arrival of slaughter.
The rain grew even heavier, as if trying to wash everything in the world clean.
When the heavy rain stopped, the ground was littered with the corpses of the bandits.
Jia Xu walked over slowly.
"Your demeanor is truly inspiring."
Despite the fact that this place was like a battlefield, there wasn't a trace of discomfort on his face.
Mu Zian wiped the blood from his face, trying his best to remain calm.
A captain stepped forward and bowed.
"Reporting to the Duke of Zhenguo, all the rebels have been wiped out."
Despite the initial victory, Mu Zian felt no joy whatsoever.
Not far away, the woman who had almost become a plaything was holding a dagger and stabbing Luo Daniu's headless corpse again and again, venting her inner resentment.
"What were the losses?"
Mu Zian asked softly.
Jia Xu replied.
"One hundred and twenty-nine were killed in battle, three hundred and sixty-one were seriously wounded, and countless others were lightly wounded. More than seventeen thousand enemy soldiers were killed and three thousand were captured."
This achievement will surely cause a sensation once it reaches the capital.
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian spoke decisively.
"Immediately interrogate the prisoners. If any of them have committed heinous crimes, kill them without mercy. As for the common people, distribute money and food to them and then send them away."
Jia Xu nodded and immediately went to handle the matter.
As one of the top strategists in the Three Kingdoms period, Jia Xu was incredibly efficient in his work.
In less than half a day, the three thousand prisoners and countless refugees were dealt with.
Of the three thousand prisoners, only more than three hundred were released without charge, while the remaining two thousand seven hundred were all beheaded and their heads displayed to the public.
Under the sunlight, the field looked as if it had been scorched red by charcoal.
Mu Zian ate some dry rations while chatting with Jia Xu.
Jia Xu wore a faint smile, appearing harmless. If not told, no one would know that this handsome man had just ordered the execution of more than 2,700 people.
"Although we won this battle, it was just a drop in the ocean for the situation in Luzhou."
“In the next few days, the bandits in Luzhou will definitely launch a fierce attack on us. Among these bandits, the strongest fighters are the horse bandits. If we fight in the open field, we will be outnumbered and at a disadvantage. Therefore, we should first occupy a city, observe the situation in Luzhou, and wait for the arrival of the main army.”
Mu Zian nodded, agreeing with Jia Xu's opinion.
Entering Luzhou alone without supplies would certainly be at a disadvantage in a prolonged open battle.
"Sir, where do you think we should go next?"
Jia Xu smiled slightly, as if he already knew the answer in his heart.
He pointed to a spot with his finger.
“This place is called Anping County, which can be reached in half a day by horseback. At present, the news that the young master is leading his army to advance into Luzhou has not yet spread, so we must make good use of this advantage.”
"We have just killed this band of rebels today. We can use their banners to trick them into opening the city gates, and then our cavalry can charge in and take the city without breaking a sweat."
Mu Zian nodded in agreement. With a top strategist like Jia Xu by his side, his sense of security was immediately maximized.
After resting for half a day, Mu Zian led his army straight to Anping County.
At that moment, a group of bandits were stationed in Anping County.
The leader, known in the underworld as Cui Hao, nicknamed "Tiger Descending the Mountain," was originally a rogue and scoundrel in Anping County.
After the bandits looted and left, taking advantage of the emptiness of the county town, Cui Hao seized the opportunity to gather seven or eight hundred people and ostentatiously occupied the entire county town.
Under Cui Hao's rule, Anping County was like a living hell, where he would kill people for fun at the slightest provocation.
As evening fell, Cui Hao, who was completely drunk, was awakened by a series of urgent shouts.
He picked up the wine jar next to him and threw it over there.
"What are you yelling about! Is your mother dead? Or your father?"
Upon hearing this, the person immediately knelt down on the ground.
"Brother, something bad has happened! A group of people have arrived outside the city. They say they are Luo Daniu's men and want to enter the city to rest."
Upon hearing the name Luo Daniu, Cui Hao instantly snapped out of his daze.
He had heard of Luo Yidao's nickname; there were at least eighty or a hundred people who had died at his hands.
Moreover, I've heard that they've recently gathered quite a few people and have considerable influence.
Upon hearing this, Cui Hao, without even bothering to put on his clothes, hurriedly followed the messenger to the city wall.
At this moment, the sun was setting behind the western mountains, and the surroundings were dark. Several hundred people were gathered outside the city gate.
The banner in the group was indeed Luo Daniu's banner, which confused Cui Hao for a moment.
How did Luo Daniu's men suddenly appear on his territory?
The people outside the door were all people that Mu Zi'an had brought in disguise.
Cui Hao shouted from his high vantage point.
"Are all the people outside the city gate Chief Luo's brothers?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian immediately stepped forward and began to curse.
"Can't you see our banner? Are you blind?"
Mu Zian knew in his heart that if he wanted to intimidate them, he had to show his bandit-like nature.
The more timid and submissive one appears, the more likely they are to reveal their true colors.
"I wonder if Chief Luo is here? Please ask him to come out and meet me. I will open the city gates immediately when I see him."
Mu Zian raised his head and cursed.
"Who do you think you are? A mere rogue who dares to try and see my leader? My brothers are here to rest today, so hurry up and treat them to good wine and meat."
"If you don't satisfy us, I will immediately report to Brother Luo and we'll break through this city, then I'll rip out your heart and lungs, chop you up, and feed you to the dogs."
"It's not that I'm unwilling, but I recently heard that the imperial court has sent troops here. I'm just being cautious. As long as you can provide credible evidence, I'll immediately prepare a feast and slaughter chickens and cattle to entertain you."
Mu Zian sneered.
"If you dare to block our entry into the city today, I will tell Brother Luo everything. Tomorrow, I will lead my brothers to break through this city. You just wait and see!"
"Brothers, let's retreat!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Zian turned and left with his men, which made Cui Hao anxious.
He knew how ruthless Luo Daniu was; if he offended him, he would be in deep trouble!
Upon realizing this, Cui Hao immediately shouted.
"Brother, don't go! I'll open the city gate right now!"
With a rumbling grinding sound, the city gate of Anping County slowly opened.
Mu Zian's eyes sharpened, and he ripped off the headscarf on his head and roared.
"Break the city!"
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