After Yuan Weiwen made the decision, the Guiling local garrison split into two groups and launched attacks on Guiling Province and Lingnan Province respectively.
As the deputy commander, Gu Shisan was mainly responsible for the war in Guiling Province.
After the first, second, and third regiments assembled, they also set off.
Outside Qincheng Prefecture, a vast crowd, fully armed, stood in imposing formation.
Several thousand people, along with militia, headed straight for Guiling Prefecture.
The news from Qincheng Prefecture was naturally reported to Guiling City.
When He Rong, the governor of Guiling Province, learned of this news, his expression changed drastically.
"What did you say?"
He Rong narrowed his eyes, staring at the advisor in front of him, and asked, "You said that the Prince of Xin's army from Qincheng Prefecture has dispatched several thousand men northward? Is this news true?"
"Your Excellency, it is absolutely true!"
The aide nodded and said, "Our spies in the Qincheng area have sent back definite news; they saw it with their own eyes!"
There were several thousand people, all of them fully armed Prince Xin's army, carrying guns, cannons and all sorts of things..."
"Um?"
Governor He Rong of Guiling Province's expression changed drastically.
Upon hearing the sound of guns and cannons, He Rong suddenly remembered the news that had come from His Majesty Li Ming.
The reason why Prince Xin's army was so powerful was because of the sharpness of its guns and cannons.
What He Rong never expected was that the army of Prince Xin in Qincheng Prefecture and Lianzhou Prefecture was actually the main force!
This is it, Guiling Province is doomed!
Guiling Province now has only a little over 10,000 soldiers. How could these soldiers possibly withstand the elite army of Prince Xin?
Are we just going to watch Guiling City fall and Guiling Province be captured?
No, that won't do!
He Rong took a deep breath and quickly said, "Report this news to the capital immediately, and at the same time send a message to the Governor-General of Lingnan Province, requesting assistance from Lingnan Province."
"Forehead?"
The aide sighed helplessly, shook his head, and said, "Governor, I'm afraid... we're simply too busy in Lingnan Province!"
"Is Lingnan Province overwhelmed with other matters?"
Governor He Rong sneered and said, "Lingnan Province has a large army stationed there, how could it be unable to spare the resources?"
"Your Excellency,"
The aide explained, "The intelligence we received this time also said that Prince Xin's army has dispatched another large force eastward, seemingly heading towards Lingnan Province!"
"ah?"
He Rong was completely stunned. He stood up abruptly, staring intently at his advisor, and asked, "What did you say? The Prince of Xin's army is so confident that they dare to advance in two separate routes, east and west. What are they trying to do? Do they want to take over Guiling Province and Lingnan Province in one fell swoop? Do they have such a big appetite?"
However, He Rong realized his mistake as soon as he finished making his question.
The mere six thousand-strong army of Prince Xin filled He Rong with unease, prompting him to consider the future of Guiling Province.
Currently, there are also six or seven thousand people moving eastward into Lingnan Province.
Judging from this, Lingnan Province isn't much better!
Is it possible that Guiling Province and Lingnan Province are doomed this time?
"Your Excellency,"
The aide took a deep breath and said, "Right now, it's probably very unrealistic to expect assistance from the Lingnan Province garrison. Lingnan Province is struggling to take care of itself; how could it have the time to concern itself with our affairs?"
"Then what do we do?"
Governor He Rong looked up at his staff and asked, "Are we just going to let this go in Guiling Province? What if His Majesty blames us?"
“Governor, in order to avoid being blamed by His Majesty, our Guiling Province must find a way to protect itself.”
The aide said, "Lingnan Province can't save us, but we have other options."
"What other options are there?"
He Rong stared at his advisors and said helplessly, "Lingnan Province is struggling to survive itself, so naturally it can't help us. Huguang Province is too far away; distant water can't quench immediate thirst. Not to mention His Majesty's side! We're like a clay Bodhisattva crossing a river; we can't even save ourselves!"
"No!"
The advisor waved his hand and said, "Governor, we have another helper, the King of Dian in the west!"
"The King of Dian?"
Governor He Rong frowned slightly, and said with a hint of doubt, "Do you want the King of Dian to send troops to rescue us?"
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
The aide nodded and explained, “The Dian King’s forces are closest to us, and they are strong and well-equipped. Moreover, the Dian King and His Majesty have a pact to jointly resist the Xin King’s army. Now, the Xin King’s army is nearby, threatening the security of our Guiling Province. It is precisely the time for His Highness the Dian King to fulfill the pact and send troops to fight against the Xin King’s army!”
"Besides,"
The aide looked up at Governor He Rong and continued, "As the saying goes, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. Prince Xin's army has already reached our Guiling Province. If Guiling Province is lost, Prince Xin's army will use the entire Guiling Province, and even the two provinces of Guiling and Lingnan, to fight against the Dian King's forces."
At that time, it will be difficult for the Dian King's forces to remain uninvolved!
Surely His Highness the King of Dian is a reasonable man and will understand the crux of the matter, thus prompting him to send troops to relieve Guiling Province!
"Oh, right!"
Governor He Rong nodded and looked at his advisor, saying, "Then that's settled. You will draft a letter for me and send it to the King of Dian, requesting that His Highness consider this matter carefully."
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
The staff member quickly nodded in agreement.
"in addition,"
Governor He Rong continued, "We cannot place all our hopes on others. We must also hurry to recruit soldiers to defend Guiling City and resist the arrival of Prince Xin's army!"
"Your Excellency is wise!"
The aide quickly gave a thumbs-up and praised, "With Governor-General Guiling Province under your protection, everything is safe! Please rest assured, Governor-General!"
"Okay, okay!"
Governor He Rong smiled and said, "I'm at ease, I'm at ease! You all must do your best!"
"yes!"
...
After the meeting in Guiling City concluded, the staff immediately drafted a letter and sent it to Dianchi Province.
After receiving the letter, the King of Dian pondered its contents.
However, the King of Dian naturally understood the reasoning behind it.
If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!
If Guiling and Lingnan provinces were to fall into the hands of Prince Xin's army, such a large base would pose a huge threat to Dianchi Lake!
At that time, they will probably have to face Prince Xin's army head-on at Dianchi Lake!
Therefore, after much deliberation, the King of Dian agreed to the request from Guiling Province.
Immediately, the King of Dian ordered his 30,000 troops within the Dianchi Lake region to assemble and march towards Guiling Province to provide aid.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
