September 20th.
After two days of rest and recruitment, the number of rescue troops increased to more than 80,000.
Although half of them were inexperienced young men with rudimentary weapons, the determination on their faces was something that ordinary peasant soldiers lacked.
Inside the central command tent, Gongsun Zan also learned of Anderjef's movements.
Looking at the next city marked on the sand table, Gongsun Zan's face remained expressionless.
He only raised his head after the deputy general came in and reported that the entire army was ready.
"Pass down the order: have the White Horse Cavalry hand over their bows and arrows to the Liberation Army and remain to defend the city. The Liberation Army will be fully responsible for the siege!"
"General, without our men following us, it will be very difficult to take the city by relying solely on the relief army..." The deputy general said hesitantly upon hearing Gongsun Zan's order.
Gongsun Zan waved his hand: "We already occupy enough territory. Whether we can take this city or not is no longer important."
Furthermore, these relief troops are, after all, outsiders. It's better for our Han army to attack the cities behind them and the Parthian capital.
In this way, our soldiers can gain merit, and the relief army can realize the gap between them and our Han army, so as to prevent them from having any improper thoughts!
And another thing is... there are too many young and strong people who have passed away peacefully..."
At the end, Gongsun Zan suddenly stopped and gave his deputy a meaningful look.
Upon seeing this, the lieutenant felt a chill run down his spine. Only then did he realize that the so-called anti-rich movement and the rescue of his suffering comrades were nothing but slogans and empty gestures.
The general's true purpose was to use war to deplete Parthia's population, making it easier for the Han Dynasty to take over when there were fewer people.
Although this was a vicious act, it was actually very advantageous for the Han Dynasty.
There has always been ulterior motives between nations; there is no such thing as true friendship.
After taking a deep breath, the deputy general bowed and withdrew to begin preparing for the deployment of troops.
Soon, the army was assembled, and then led by Gongsun Zan himself, they marched in a grand procession toward the next city.
Two days later, when Gongsun Zan led his army halfway through the journey, Anderjef also led his troops into the city.
The noble lords in the city were overjoyed and took the initiative to donate money and grain, hoping that Andrzej could defend the city and protect their property and lives.
Inside the city lord's mansion, a group of noble lords gathered, sitting respectfully on both sides. Anderjee sat in the main seat, with a thick stack of gift lists on the table next to him.
After glancing at the gift list, Anderjee turned to the group of noble lords and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, I am here on the orders of the King to be in charge of the defense of the royal city and the surrounding cities. In order to hold our last line of defense, you all need to work together!"
"Of course!"
"General, please give your orders, and we will cooperate fully!"
A host of noble lords also spoke up, expressing their willingness to fully cooperate.
"Very well!" Seeing everyone's agreement, Anderjee immediately said, "Everyone, go back immediately and bring all your guards, servants, and slaves here to be at my command. Also, you should prepare plenty of provisions to supply the army!"
"General, the provisions are fine, but as for the guards, do we really need to bring them all out? After all, we also need manpower to protect us."
"Yes, General! What if those lowly people in the city collude with the rebels? Our lives and property will be in danger!"
The noble lords looked troubled when they heard that Andrzej wanted to take over their guards and slaves.
Seeing that this noble lord was still so selfish, Anderjef's face darkened.
“The enemy has 100,000 troops. If I rely solely on my border troops, I will not be able to hold the city. When the city falls, do you think those guards and slaves can protect you?”
If you are worried about unrest caused by the lowly people in the city, you can bring your families to stay at the city lord's mansion temporarily!
If you are truly unwilling, then I will have no choice but to lead my troops to retreat and defend the capital. As for this place, do whatever you want with it!
Upon hearing Anderjee's slightly threatening words, the noble lords exchanged bewildered glances.
Now that Andreev has been appointed as the general, the city's defense depends entirely on his border troops. If Andreev really abandons this place, even the king can't do anything to him.
In the end, the noble lords had no choice but to agree to Andrzej's demands.
After two days of reorganization, all of the more than 10,000 guards and slaves recruited by the noble lords in the city were incorporated into Andrzej's forces.
He arranged for the noble lords to live in the city lord's mansion and dispatched some soldiers to "protect" their safety.
Then Anderjee began preparations for the defense of the city. To ensure that nothing went wrong, he ordered the demolition of the houses in the city and the removal of bricks, stones and wooden beams.
As for the mansions of those noble lords, Anderjee didn't touch them at all. This action made the noble lords very grateful to him, but it also aroused resentment and anger among the people in the city.
Anderjee, however, was completely unconcerned about this situation and continued to do as he pleased.
Of course, this was also a message from Ma Teng instructing him to do so, with the aim of destabilizing the people of Parthia so that the Han Dynasty could eventually take over.
Three days later, the relief army led by Gongsun Zan arrived outside the city, and Anderjef personally donned his armor and went to the city wall.
Looking at the densely packed army outside the city, Anderjee's gaze was fixed on Gongsun Zan, who was also observing the situation on the city wall.
The two stared at each other, each with a meaningful expression on their face.
Then, Gongsun Zan slowly drew his military sword from his waist, pointed it at the city wall, and shouted, "Attack the city!!"
At Gongsun Zan's command, several fast horses galloped towards the rear of the army to relay his orders.
The 20,000 relief soldiers then left their ranks and began pushing siege towers, ladders, battering rams, and other siege equipment toward the city.
"Prepare to defend the city!!"
Anderjee then drew his longsword from his waist and roared.
The guards and slaves recruited by the noble lords were the first to be stationed on the city walls.
With the aid of various weapons, the relief army quickly advanced to the foot of the city wall and then launched an attack on the defenders.
Meanwhile, the guards and slaves on the city wall were desperately throwing logs and stones downwards.
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