After three days of intense preparation, the Qin soldiers were ready to go. Warhorses neighed, weapons clanged, and the atmosphere in the entire camp was heavy and tense.
The wicked man sat upright in the main tent, his eyes like iron, cold and stern. The candlelight before him flickered, illuminating his resolute face. In his hand he held a secret report, the handwriting rapid and dense, an urgent military intelligence report from the Black Ice Guard.
The secret report detailed that the Yan state had stationed troops in the two important border towns of Raocheng and Lingshou, and countless grains and supplies were being continuously sent into the cities. Clearly, the Yan state was aware that the Qin army was about to attack and was taking strict precautions.
However, this information is of no concern to the wicked man.
He didn't pay much attention to it, but instead turned his attention to another, more important piece of intelligence—the Yan state had sent envoys to contact the Chu and Zhao states, attempting to broker a three-way alliance to jointly resist the Qin state's attack.
The wicked man sneered, a hint of mockery and disdain flashing in his eyes.
"Zhao and Chu? Can they save Yan?" the wicked man muttered to himself, his tone full of contempt.
In his view, Yan's actions were merely a drop in the ocean, perhaps only able to delay the attack for a short while. But how could the three states, working together, possibly withstand Qin's offensive?
He slowly put down the secret report, his eyes growing even colder. "Even if the Heavenly King himself came, he couldn't keep your Yan Kingdom here. That's what I, Evil Husband, say!" Evil Husband whispered, then stood up and looked down at Wang Jian and Wang Tian.
Wang Jian and Wang Tian exchanged a smile. They had naturally heard about the alliance of the three kingdoms, but felt no worry whatsoever. They were already used to the ruthless and decisive nature of their wicked husband. Since he said he wanted to fight, they would naturally fight and win.
"Wang Jian, Wang Tian, issue an order to the entire army to set off for Yan State early tomorrow morning," the wicked man said coldly, his gaze as sharp as a knife. "In this war, no one can change the outcome."
Wang Jian and Feng Jie nodded simultaneously. Without saying a word, they turned around and went to carry out the order.
Upon receiving the order, the Qin soldiers moved into action. Their horses were adorned with armor, their uniforms were neat, and the sound of war drums gradually rose. The entire camp quickly entered the final preparation stage before the march.
Meanwhile, on the border of the Yan Kingdom, the two important towns of Raocheng and Lingshou were also bustling with activity, even though night had already fallen.
Now, the Yan Kingdom has entered a state of emergency. The soldiers are moving about hurriedly, and the sounds of orders and commands can be heard constantly from within the city.
At this time, inside Rao City.
"All soldiers, listen to my command, assemble!!" With these shouts, the soldiers quickly assembled.
A moment later, the Prime Minister of Yan, Li Fu, appeared, strode to the high platform, and stood there, his long sleeves billowing as he spoke in a voice as loud as a bell: "The Qin army is about to invade. Behind us are our families and relatives. We must not retreat even halfway. Anyone who dares to retreat will be punished according to military law!"
The Yan soldiers exchanged glances of fear and determination. Facing the Qin army, known as a fierce and powerful force, the soldiers could not hide their panic.
"Prime Minister, Lord Changguo has arrived in Lingshou, and the beacon towers have already been lit," a deputy general hurriedly reported.
Li Fu nodded, his expression still calm. "Understood. From this day forward, we must be on high alert and not be careless for even a moment, in case the Qin army attacks at any time."
The lieutenant nodded emphatically, "Your subordinate obeys."
As night deepened, the border of the Yan Kingdom remained brightly lit. The firelight from the beacon towers illuminated the city walls of Rao City, making it resemble an indomitable fortress, attempting to withstand the impending storm of destruction.
Chestnut stood on the city wall, his gaze fixed on the vast darkness in the distance. A west wind blew, bringing sand and dust, adding a heavy sense of oppression to the night air, casting a shadow of gloom over his already anxious and resolute state.
"Prime Minister!" A deputy general rushed forward. "We just received a message from a scout saying that 50,000 reinforcements from Zhao are heading towards Rao City, less than a hundred miles away."
Li Fu was slightly taken aback, then a hint of joy appeared on his face. "The Zhao Kingdom has finally been persuaded. My Yan Kingdom has finally found a glimmer of hope."
"Send scouts to inform the Zhao reinforcements to speed up as soon as possible. Qin could appear at any time. If the Lingshou defense line is breached, even if the reinforcements arrive, it will be useless," Li Fu said coldly. "We must prepare for the worst-case scenario."
"Yes!" The lieutenant accepted the order and left.
Li Fu turned around and surveyed the defenses inside and outside Rao City once more. Although the soldiers appeared resolute and showed no fear, a strong sense of tragic grandeur permeated the entire city.
This war was a matter of life and death for the nation. If the Yan state could hold out, it might be able to delay the inevitable for a while; but if it failed, everything would be lost, and the history of the Yan state would come to an end.
...
The next morning, the Qin army was fully prepared for battle. Evil Fu stood in the main tent, his fingers lightly tapping the table. The war drums sounded, and the entire Qin army surged forward like a tidal wave, the soldiers marching in perfect unison, their morale unstoppable.
Wang Jian entered the main tent and said in a deep and authoritative voice, "Grand Commandant, we are ready to set out at any time."
The wicked man sneered, a chilling murderous glint in his eyes. "The countdown to Yan's demise is on. I hope your three kingdoms can form an alliance and put some pressure on me, Grand Commandant. Order the expedition!"
At a command, the Qin army began to array itself and march towards the border of the Yan state. Horses galloped, battle flags fluttered, and amidst the billowing dust, the Qin army's march shook the earth.
In this battle, Wang Tian was in charge of commanding the vanguard, leading his elite cavalry ahead. Wang Jian then led the remaining army in close pursuit.
The wicked man left only three thousand Black Dragon Armored Soldiers by his side, stationed at the rear, ready to issue orders and provide support at any time.
......
Meanwhile, in the Yan state, the garrison of Rao City seemed to sense the imminent arrival of the Qin army, and an increasingly heavy sense of oppression permeated the air.
The soldiers on the city wall glanced nervously into the distance from time to time, and as time passed, it seemed as if the Qin army was drawing ever closer.
"Report—!"
"Reporting to the Prime Minister, scouts at the front report that Qin troops were spotted last night. They have left Qi and are heading straight for Rao City," the messenger reported breathlessly.
After a moment of silence, Li Fu knew that the situation had reached its most critical juncture. He asked urgently, "Where are the Zhao reinforcements? Is there any news of Chu reinforcements?"
"There is no news from Chu yet, but the Zhao reinforcements should be arriving soon!" the deputy general replied immediately.
Li Fu nodded slightly, then coldly ordered, "Notify all defense lines to prepare for battle!"
Not long after, the Zhao reinforcements that Li Fu had been eagerly awaiting finally arrived, led by Sima Shang, a trusted confidant of Zhao general Li Mu.
Sima Shang was quite well-known among the military generals, and Li Fu had heard of him before. He immediately went out of the city to greet him, showing his respect.
The two exchanged a few pleasantries at the city gate before entering the city. The 50,000 Zhao soldiers who had come with Sima Shang quickly joined the defense.
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