Chapter 80. The entire operation is underway, a permanent solution. ...
The standoff continues in front of the towering city gate of Tianpo Prefecture.
No one knew what Ji Yujing was thinking. One night, he received a secret report. After reading it, he immediately ordered an assembly.
The early spring nights were still chilly. But for the Ningdong Army, brimming with fighting spirit, these were nothing.
Ji Yujing stood facing the raiding party, his handsome face cold and stern.
Are you scared?
The raiding party answered in unison: "We're not afraid."
Ji Yujing: "I'm afraid we can't let the Song family army know. If this succeeds today, as long as I, Ji Yujing, live, as long as my children are alive, and as long as you all abide by the law, I guarantee that all the generals and soldiers will be wealthy for three generations."
"So even though we're fighting, we must do everything we can to save our own lives."
"The people are important, but you also come from the people, and your lives are equally important."
The soldiers didn't know how other commanders led their troops, but they were certain that someone like Ji Yujing was rare. He wanted victory, but he never recklessly risked his soldiers' lives in battle. To control casualties, he always led from the front in important battles.
Ji Yujing was not only the commander of the Ningdong Army, but also the leader of the raiding party. It was precisely because of this that they trusted him and were willing to risk their lives for him and a bright future.
"General, we have been waiting for this day for a long time."
"Rather than living cautiously and hesitantly every day, it is better to strive for a prosperous and peaceful era."
"General, don't worry, we will do our best to save our lives. We can still brag to our grandsons later."
Those who survive fighting alongside the future emperor will have something to brag about for the rest of their lives.
"You don't even have a wife yet, and you're already thinking about having a grandson?"
"Hahaha, what's wrong with me thinking about it?"
The Ningdong Army's pre-battle mobilization was like casual conversation.
But amidst the laughter and banter, their resolve hardened. A true man of courage never fears battle; since ancient times, wealth and honor have always come from hard work.
"Then let's set off."
"Use the call of the phoenix as a signal; if it sounds, launch a fierce attack. Otherwise, remain where you are."
Ji Yujing once again led the raiding party. The moonlight fell on his black armor, and the light reflected off it was soft and gentle.
More than a thousand soldiers quietly crossed the defensive ropes set up by the royal army and approached the city tower unnoticed.
They skimmed along the city wall, dropping smoke and stun grenades every few dozen feet.
They had simulated the approximate time required for everyone to be in position. When the time came, the stun grenades were detonated, and the assault team found suitable locations to conceal themselves. From all around the city walls, crackling and popping sounds continued.
The garrison was alerted, and Zhang Huining rushed to the top of the city wall. The sound continued, but there was no light.
The defending troops dared not light a large number of lamps, as doing so would expose their position and make them easy targets for the Ningdong army.
"My lord, what should we do?"
Zhang Huining made a quick decision: "Don't worry about it."
If we take control, it might become the second Lonely Cloud City.
"Prepare gas masks immediately."
Zhang Huining's judgment was correct. If arrows were aimed at the source of the sound immediately, one, two, three... eventually one would hit the smoke grenade. When the smoke grenade was violently impacted, the chemicals inside would take effect, and smoke would billow out. As long as the wind picked up, no matter which direction it came from, smoke would seep into the city walls.
Ji and Jing replicated the tactics used in the Battle of Guyun City, knowing that these tactics might already be known to the outside world.
Zhang Huining did not fall for the trap as expected.
Ji Yujing, who was standing against the wall, slightly curved his lips. "Lord Zhang, this matter is not over yet."
Zhang Huining chose to ignore the snorts, unaware that if left unattended, the heat generated by the friction between the snorts and the smoke grenades would be enough to ignite the smoke grenades attached to them.
After a short while, as the sound of the volleys subsided, medicinal smoke began to waft out. Although not every volley was effective, the sheer quantity caused the smoke to gradually thicken and begin to attack the central city.
Zhang Huining and the others did wear gas masks, but since they arrived in a hurry at night, most of them did not wear hats.
The toxic fumes seeped into their scalps, causing their hands and feet to weaken.
Sensing something was wrong, Zhang Huining's eyes widened in anger. He stood atop the towering city wall and roared, "Ji Yujing, is this all you know how to do?"
He roared with all his might, knowing that Ji Yujing might not be able to hear him.
Ji Yujing heard this, and he smiled silently.
"Why can't he keep using such an effective tactic?"
"Who are you trying to kidnap?"
When the poisonous smoke had taken effect, Ji and Jing whistled, imitating the call of the phoenix, and did so with remarkable accuracy.
The men of Lingdong are all skilled in this. His internal strength was formidable, and the cry of the phoenix bird carried to the rear of the Ningdong army.
Xu Xianhe smiled again, "Brothers, what are we waiting for?"
"Once Tianpo Prefecture is captured, the Ningdong Army will not be far from the capital."
The capital is prosperous, so why can't they enjoy it too?
Why can't the people of Lingdong live and work in peace and contentment there?
"kill!"
Hatred and aspirations for the future fueled this team's already fierce temperament, and with such an intense desire to win, every step they took forward created a formidable spectacle.
"kill."
"Ji and Jing".
From the city wall, countless arrows flew towards Ji Yujing. But the drug began to take effect, and his speed was incredible. In the blink of an eye, he changed locations, making it extremely difficult to hit him.
After hiding in the shadows for about half a cup of tea's time, the rain of arrows began to subside. Ji and Jing took the opportunity to fly up to the city wall. Hearing the commotion, the raiding party also began to move.
They deftly set up a human ladder to send their brother up.
More and more Ningdong soldiers landed on the city walls; as one fell, a new one rose. Wave after wave crashed down, an endless day.
"Lord Zhang, it's not too late to surrender now."
Zhang Huining was shielded behind his soldiers, who said, "You are simply arrogant."
"Kill them!"
Once Zhang Huining made the decision, the garrison moved at top speed.
"Archers, prepare!"
"Slingers, prepare."
"The entire Sirius team is to proceed to the city gate to fight the enemy."
More and more soldiers, fully armed, surrounded Ji Yujing.
Ji Yujing curled his lips into a smile. As he drew his sword for the first time in Tianpo Prefecture, its silvery light piercing the dark night, he asked, "The negotiations have broken down?"
"Then you shall die. Remember, even as ghosts, do not let Song Yunmian go."
Without waiting for any response, Ji Yujing charged into the human wall. Every sword strike was swift and ruthless.
The sound of swords piercing bodies and being pulled out rang out repeatedly, chilling everyone to the bone. This also indicated that Ji Yujing, this god of death, truly regarded these city-defending soldiers and Zhang Huining as his enemies.
He will show no mercy.
Fierce fighting ensued, with rivers of blood flowing. This was destined to be a battle that would not end easily.
With 60,000 against 80,000, there is a significant disparity in strength.
...
At the foot of Tianyun City, Zhu He met Huang Zhenquan again, six days later.
Arriving a day earlier than agreed, it reveals Zhu He's eagerness to make a name for himself.
Huang Zhenquan personally led a team to count these gold bars, checking each one carefully.
After he finished ordering, he asked Zhuhe, "When do you want to enter the city? Do you still remember that you must not disturb the common people of Tianyun City?"
Zhuhe replied with a smile, "Don't worry, now that we're in the city, I naturally don't care about Tianyun City at all."
There's absolutely no need to provoke Huang Zhenquan over something so trivial.
"It will be ready in an hour. At that time, we will wave the flag as a signal."
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
Zhu He raised his hand, intending to give Huang Zhenquan a high five, but Huang Zhenquan acted as if he hadn't seen him and simply said, "That's all for now."
He immediately ordered that the 10,000 taels of gold be transported into the city.
Huang Zhenquan's rudeness enraged the soldiers behind Zhu He, who shouted, "You..."
He wanted to argue with Huang Zhenquan, but before he could even open his mouth, Zhu He waved his hand to stop him, saying, "Why bother arguing with a stray dog?"
Once the great cause is accomplished, there will be plenty of time to deal with the Zhenxi Army.
The volume was so low that it was impossible to tell whether Huang Zhenquan and the soldiers carrying the gold heard it, but none of them responded.
Not a single bit.
The ninth day of the fourth month is an auspicious day for all activities, especially for long journeys.
Zhuhe specially chose the day to rush to report and raise funds.
An hour later, it was nearly noon.
The azure army waved their flags, and the gates of Tianyun City swung open for them for the first time. Zhu He was so excited that his blood was boiling; sweat was silently seeping from his back and palms. He led the vanguard forward, horses' hooves rising and falling, the army drawing ever closer to the city gates.
"Could this be a trap, General?"
The journey was going too smoothly, and the accompanying deputy general began to feel a little flustered.
Zhu He didn't take it seriously, only saying, "Outside Tianyun City, it's a disorganized mess."
Once Dongshao and Canglan's army join forces, with over 200,000 troops, whatever they say will be law.
Spring always arrives later in the Westlands than in the warmer central and southern regions. Even as April arrives elsewhere, the Westlands are only just beginning to warm up. At midday, walking in the sunlight, one feels no restlessness for a long time.
On the city wall, Huang Zhenquan watched quietly as the blue-clad army entered the city, fully equipped, his eyes shining brightly.
Huang Zhenquan knew what they were thinking.
They thought Tianyun City was a disorganized mess. Now that the Zhenxi Army had given up resistance and the Ningdong Army had split in two, there was no force left in the entire Xun Kingdom capable of resisting them.
He used to think that way too.
Now he realized he had been prejudiced; there were countless patriots and people who loved their families. Xun was a vast country, teeming with talented individuals. Previously, the only problem was the lack of someone trusted and respected by all sides, forcing each side to look after its own interests. Now, that person had appeared.
He connected all parties, and a family was formed.
Everything is in motion; there is no doubt or negativity; it's a one-time solution.
An army of 100,000 entered the city in a grand and imposing manner.
The shops and residents in Tianyun City all kept their doors and windows tightly shut, clearly indicating that prior warning had been given.
The shops that occasionally open are usually empty inside, with very few customers.
Zhuhe didn't pay much attention to this place, so he naturally didn't see an old man leaning against the window drinking tea on the third floor of a teahouse.
He lowered his eyes and looked indifferent, as if he didn't care at all about the commotion caused by the foreign army downstairs.
If it doesn't concern me, I'll stay out of it.
...
Lingdong, Ningdong Army Camp.
A soldier came from outside the camp and said that a young master surnamed Zhuo wanted to see General Chen.
Zhuo?
Isn't that the lady's maternal family?
In special circumstances, Chen Sinian was unwilling to let people into the military camp casually.
He personally went out of the camp to investigate, and upon seeing what was happening, he secretly chuckled to himself.
This is hardly a young master.
This means the lady has returned to Lingdong.
But he knew Lin Qingdai's abilities; there must be a reason why she would travel discreetly. Not to mention, this time she was accompanied by others. These three young men, though slender, had bright eyes and extraordinary bearing.
He's obviously not an ordinary person.
He immediately invited Lin Qingdai and the others into the military camp and into the council hall. After locking the door, he called out, "Madam."
Why did you go back to Lingdong?
According to General Ji's instructions before he left, his wife should be near Kang Le City.
Lin Qingdai smiled: "I will learn from Xuanzhi."
"Given the current disparity in troop strength, conventional tactics would likely result in heavy losses."
Chen Ssu-nien has been thinking a lot about this recently, but has not yet found a way to defeat the enemy.
"So I found you three helpers."
The three young men who came with Lin Qingdai bowed to Chen Sinian in unison, saying, "General, we are the disciples of Master Yu Yong."
My name is Nianyi
My name is Nian Er.
My name is Nian San.
Chen Sinian couldn't help but laugh out loud when he heard this.
"The old gentleman is really quite casual in naming his apprentices."
Lin Qingdai smiled but remained silent.
The world's most skilled individuals possess astonishing abilities, but they too are indeed eccentric in their own ways. What can be done? We can only let them have their way.
After a brief descent into the background, Chen Sinian steered the conversation back to the main point.
"Has the lady come up with a plan to defeat the enemy?"
Lin Qingdai: "Young Master Nian, I'd like to trouble you with laying out the map."
"General Chen, please call Ye Xiao in. This job is suitable for him. He and Nian San are old acquaintances."
Chen Sinian laughed, went outside and shouted, and Ye Xiao rushed over in a flurry. When he arrived in front of Chen Sinian, the boy's expression was not good, clearly still angry that Ji Yu and Jing Yu hadn't taken him with them when they left Lingdong.
"What is it?"
Chen Sinian: "I'll give you some tasks to do. If you do them well, you'll be highly commended."
Ye Xiao's expression softened a bit. "Really?"
Chen Sinian found him dawdling and used brute force to drag him into the council chamber.
"you……"
Ye Xiao originally wanted to scold him, but then he saw the young man who looked just like his sister-in-law, and the third brother.
!!
All her temper vanished instantly, and she strode towards the four of them, asking, "What brings you here? What are you doing here?"
Nian San was very fond of Ye Xiao and said with a smile, "I've come to deliver a great achievement to Young Master Xiao."
Lin Qingdai nodded to Ye Xiao, indicating that it was true.
Ye Xiao finally believed him. "Speak, what is it? I, Young Master Xiao, am the tyrant of Lingdong. I will definitely handle it perfectly for you."
Lin Qingdai invited everyone to the long table. After Ji Yujing used it last time, no one paid attention to this table anymore.
Nian San had already laid out the map on it, and Lin Qingdai's slender white fingers tapped out four areas, including Sanxi Town and Sanzhu Town.
"Evacuate the residents of these four towns as quickly as possible."
"What does Madam wish to do?"
His answer was, "Set up a trap."
"Young Master Xiao, you've been to the Tulou in Zhangxi Town. Did you know that the ground in front of the Tulou can be flipped over?"
Ye Xiao was stunned. "Is that so?"
Nian Sanxiao: "Yes, your brother killed over a hundred people in Guyun City, and then left no trace. Don't you find that strange?"
"..."
The real masters are hidden deep in the mountains.
"Sister-in-law, do you want to lure Xuanzhi in and bury her alive?"
Lin Qingdai smiled and said, "No, not at all."
"Just to scare him so he won't dare come in."
If he can't get in, Azure will be fighting alone.
If you can't strangle them all, you can trap them to death.
We'll deal with Xuanzhi after the battles in each region are over.
"This is a big project, and you don't have much time left. Can you do it?"
Ye Xiao and Chen Sinian exchanged a glance, both seeing a gleam of eager anticipation in each other's eyes. "Yes!"
It's impossible for the two of them.
But with ten thousand people and more than forty thousand soldiers in Lingdong, if they work together, they can break through the heavens.
Not long after their conversation, Chen Sinian and Ye Xiao led Nian San and the others to conduct an on-site investigation, along with several geological experts.
The convergence of great power makes something that was almost impossible possible.
Accompanied by Mingyue, Lin Qingdai quietly returned to the Lin residence.
After tidying up, she lay down in the flower hall to enjoy the scenery, her mind and gaze serene.
Ji Ci.
I told you I would protect you.
So what if the opponent is Genji?
But only one battle.
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