Secondly, there were Lu Tu's personal guards, those 5,000 elite cavalrymen. After half a month of training, they had already reached the standard score for the physical fitness test, so there was no need to push them to the limit.
The march of the 250,000-strong army was extremely slow, with the gap between the front and rear reaching more than 3 li. This is why it is so difficult to lead a large number of soldiers, especially in the era before motorization was developed.
However, if Lü Tu was like this, then Jiang Lingfeng was naturally the same. And even though the Shence Army was known as the ace of the capital, judging from the battles with Lü Tu, they were nothing special.
After traveling ten miles, the scouts ahead reported: "General, Jiang Lingfeng's 100,000-strong army is already two miles ahead, and they should have spotted us long ago. They've stopped there as if they want to negotiate!"
Lu Tu had long anticipated this outcome. After all, the distance between the two sides was only 15 li. Given such a short distance, the reason why Jiang Lingfeng did not immediately send troops over was because he had heard about the change of ownership of Longcheng.
Jiang Lingfeng was clearly unsure of Lü Tu's intentions and allegiance, which is why he didn't act rashly. After all, Jiang Lingfeng's mother and family roots were still in Longcheng.
Lu Tu nodded: "Go to them openly and honestly and tell them that I, Lu Tu, have arrived. Have Jiang Lingfeng come and talk to me personally!"
"Yes, sir!"
Xiang Ze stepped forward at this moment: "I'll take care of this!"
Zhu Zhaozhou laughed loudly, "Brother Xiang, we cooperated well last time, and this time I'll go with you!"
"good!"
Lu Tu raised his hand, stopping the 250,000-strong army. He then instructed Nie Yun, "You and Tuoba Yue will each lead 2,500 elite soldiers to the left and right flanks to encircle them. Once you see my signal fires, charge into their formation and break them apart!"
"Yes, sir!"
Battle deployment is not as difficult as imagined, since everyone basically communicates by shouting, and it is all about timing and formation.
The 250,000-strong army stood in perfect formation, the north wind howling past, making the banners flutter in the wind.
Meanwhile, Jiang Lingfeng's team slowly approached a place a mile away, facing Lü Tu across the river.
Both sides were sizing up each other's strength, and sparks flew as Lu Tu and Jiang Lingfeng's gazes clashed in mid-air.
Looking at his father-in-law, Lü Tu felt no pity whatsoever. After all, he had treated Jiang Wanyu and her son so badly that even if Jiang Lingfeng fell into Lü Tu's hands, he wouldn't get any benefit at all.
At this moment, Xiang Ze and Zhu Zhaozhou returned on horseback: "General, Jiang Lingfeng has requested to negotiate with you privately."
Lan Kun and the others advised, "General, there's nothing to talk about with him. Let's just take action."
Lu Tu pondered for a moment and raised his hand to signal them to be quiet: "If Jiang Lingfeng dares to come and talk to me alone, what do I have to fear? It's just a talk, no problem."
After all, with Lu Tu's skills, capturing Jiang Lingfeng through negotiation would be a piece of cake.
He then turned the reins and broke through the crowd.
Meanwhile, Lu Tu's army drew their bows and arrows in unison, ready to fire a volley at any moment, just as the enemy did the same.
When Lü Tu arrived at the front of the two armies, facing 100,000 pairs of angry eyes, he showed no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, his aura was even stronger!
From any perspective, Lü Tu holds an absolute advantage. With an army of 250,000, even if Jiang Lingfeng has the imperial edict, given enough time, Lü Tu could even sweep through the capital and force the emperor to abdicate.
At this moment, Jiang Lingfeng also rode out on his warhorse, looking Lu Tu over and over, his brows furrowing more and more.
When the two were only 5 meters apart, Jiang Lingfeng stopped and asked in a tone that was both weathered and arrogant, "You are Lü Tu?"
Lu Tu showed no respect to his father-in-law, replying in the same tone, "So you're Jiang Lingfeng?"
Jiang Lingfeng sensed the disrespect in Lü Tu's words, and although he wanted to get angry, he held back: "Is Wanyu with you?"
Trying to appeal to emotions right from the start? But that won't work on Lü Tu.
"good!"
Upon hearing this, a murderous glint flashed in Jiang Lingfeng's eyes: "You dare to abduct my daughter without my consent? You've got some nerve!"
Lu Tu's lips curled into a contemptuous smile: "Wanyu and I are truly in love. It's only right and proper for me to marry her. Who are you, an old scoundrel, to interfere? Don't try to put on those high-handed court airs with me. They won't work here!"
Jiang Lingfeng was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this. He had already learned about Lü Tu's character from members of many caravans along the way. Rumors said that Lü Tu was upright and incorruptible, and was not subject to the oppression of power. In fact, he was even more fierce than rumored.
Jiang Lingfeng, contrary to his usual behavior, laughed loudly and said, "As expected of my good son-in-law, with this character and ability, he is worthy of being appointed as a king or prime minister. Are you willing?"
Lu Tu waved his hand: "Enough with the nonsense, are you going to surrender or not?"
Jiang Lingfeng was taken aback: "You really want to rebel? Do you know that I brought troops here this time on the Emperor's orders!"
Lu Tu said coldly, "My purpose in coming to rescue Longcheng and suppress the rebels is the will of the people!"
The two were locked in a fierce battle, neither willing to give in.
Jiang Lingfeng took a deep breath: "I can give you Dragon City, after all, you're my son-in-law and considered part of the Jiang family now, but you have to obey me, regarding the Red Turban Army later..."
Lu Tu interrupted him with a cold laugh: "Don't give me that nonsense. Everything I, Lu Tu, have now, I earned through my own abilities. Do I need to listen to you? Who do you think you are?"
The negotiations had broken down. Jiang Lingfeng hadn't expected Lü Tu to be so adamant. If it were anyone else, they would have been overjoyed to hear that they could be promoted and given important responsibilities, or even have someone speak well of them to the emperor so that they could rise to prominence.
How could anyone be like Lü Tu, who wouldn't budge an inch and insist on fighting to the bitter end?
"Aren't you afraid of being branded a rebel and then being condemned and hunted down by the whole world?"
Lu Tu smiled coldly: "You old scoundrels who hold high positions in the government are not afraid of being cursed by the world, so what do I, Lu Tu, have to fear? Let me tell you the truth, you're here today and you're not leaving!"
Jiang Lingfeng was shocked: "You really want to rebel!"
The next second, Lu Tu shouted behind him, "Light the signal fire!"
At the same time, Lü Tu spurred his horse and charged towards Jiang Lingfeng with his halberd. Jiang Lingfeng was so frightened that he quickly turned his horse around and charged forward. The Shence Army wanted to shoot arrows, but their general stopped them: "No arrows are allowed, lest you accidentally injure Lord Jiang!"
Meanwhile, their own soldiers were drawing their bows and aiming their arrows at the enemy; this was the difference in mindset.
In the eyes of the Shence Army generals, even if Jiang Lingfeng were captured, they could use his willingness to go back and complete the task. Therefore, they would rather do nothing than make a mistake.
In the blink of an eye, Lü Tu swept his halberd shaft across Jiang Lingfeng's chest, knocking him off his horse and capturing him on the spot!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
