"We will certainly assist you, my lord, in annihilating the Xiongnu!"
"Alright! Yan'er and San Niang, please stay. Jing Lue and Ting Zhi, I'll trouble you to show the Meng family generals our army's situation. Afterwards, find an opportunity to tell the governor our intention to attack the Xiongnu."
"promise!"
Next, naturally, was to appease the somewhat annoyed Hu Sanniang and allow the two women to have a proper chat and get to know each other.
After all, they'll all be my people from now on.
Furthermore, after lighting up the Fusu statue, he broke through to the initial stage of the super-first-class realm.
With so much energy to spare, it's only natural to make good use of it.
The setting sun was like blood, the sunset like a painting.
Another night passed peacefully...
"Chanyu, we..."
"I know, you want to talk about withdrawing troops, right?"
In the Xiongnu camp, the Chanyu Xubuguduhou stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the graves of his several singing girls and beloved servants.
After ten days of continuous sieges and heavy losses, even in his most frenzied state, he began to realize the true nature of things.
The morale of their Xiongnu army was so low that it was difficult for them to continue attacking the city, and there were even deserters. Their morale was extremely low.
However, the leaders of the various Xiongnu tribes behind him, headed by Huyan, did not respond after hearing this.
Admittedly, they really want to withdraw their troops.
But now... the situation has taken an unexpected turn?
"Chanyu, we did indeed want to persuade you to withdraw your troops... but the Han people have sent a declaration of war."
Xubuguduhou Chanyu was taken aback. A challenge?
Do these Han people think that by holding the city gates, they can defeat us on the plains?
Marquis Xubu Gudu, with a mixture of belief and doubt, snatched the challenge letter and read the Chinese characters on it.
"Now I am ordered to defend our territory and punish those who are disloyal! The 100,000 soldiers and civilians of Yanmen are of one mind and wish to hunt with you on the plains north of Yanmen."
It not only determines who is superior, but also decides life and death!
Xubuguduhou Chanyu read it with gritted teeth. The book contained thirty-five characters, each carrying immense weight and exuding an overwhelming aura.
They've even issued a challenge; if they don't dare to fight, what does that mean?
This indicates that the Southern Xiongnu royal court intends to be subservient to the Han court for all eternity.
Does this mean they had a numerical advantage but were unable to win?
Not to mention Xubuguduhou Chanyu, even the chieftains of the Xiongnu tribes could not tolerate it.
Hulan sighed, but her eyes held an undisguised rage.
"Chanyu, we can overlook the deaths of the various barbarian tribes under our rule these days."
But the debt we owe to the Han people—the loss of your concubines and the loss of our hard-won elite troops—must be settled with them!
"That's right! These Han people think they're invincible after winning once or twice. How dare they underestimate my Xiongnu cavalry? Chanyu, my Le clan requests permission to fight the Han people to the death!"
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
The originally critical situation was transformed into one of unity under the influence of a letter of challenge from the Han army.
Xubuguduhou Chanyu's face lit up with joy, and with a forceful squeeze of his hand, he crushed the bamboo slips containing the challenge letter to dust.
"Then let's fight them! Someone, send someone to tell those Han soldiers."
We accept this challenge. Five days from now, on the plains north of Yanmen Pass, we will fight to the death!
...
On Zhao Hao's side, after a night of fierce fighting with the two women, he felt that his own strength had become more solid.
However, it was tough on the two inexperienced female generals.
Fortunately, they received news the next day that the Xiongnu had agreed to a decisive battle, and they had a few days to rest properly.
After four days of brief rehearsal, 100,000 brave warriors of Yanmen were arrayed outside Yanmen Pass.
"Kid... is it really necessary to go this far?"
Zhang Yi looked worried, originally thinking that holding Yanmen Pass would be enough.
But this kid actually wants to mobilize the local militia and righteous men in the city to fight the Xiongnu to the death.
"Governor, you need not worry about me. I dared to challenge them, so I have a sure way to win!"
We hope that the governor will withdraw from Yanmen and return to Luoyang to report on his duties.
By the time the governor returns to Luoyang, the boy's battle report might have already reached Luodu.
Qin Yilu looked solemn, but he couldn't refute what Zhao Hao had said earlier.
Firstly, the siege of Yanmen has been lifted. There's no need for Zhang Yi to remain there for the decisive battle. Ensuring Zhang Yi's safe return to Luoyang is also Qin Yilu's wish.
Another point is that two days ago, Zhao Hao discussed with a group of soldiers and officials the theory that "if you don't kill the snake, you'll get bitten instead," which deeply resonated with them.
If these Xiongnu are not severely defeated, they will dare to rebel again sooner or later, threatening the people of Bingzhou.
"Prefect, the guards to escort you back to Luoyang are ready. This humble general will guard Yanmen Pass well here, so don't worry!"
Although Qin Yilu was Zhang Yi's subordinate, when Zhang Yi returned to Luoyang to report on his duties and military situation, Qin Yilu's rank was not high enough.
Therefore, Qin Yilu led the remaining soldiers and generals to stay and guard Yanmen Pass with Li Tingzhi.
Why Li Tingzhi? Because he had served in the army under Meng Gong, so his defensive capabilities were naturally superior. With him and Qin Yilu guarding the pass together, it would be ensured that even if the Xiongnu used trickery, they would not be able to easily breach the pass.
"You two need to take good care of yourselves, understand?"
Zhang Yi placed his hands on Zhao Hao and Qin Yilu's shoulders and sighed helplessly.
He had to return to Luoyang to report on the Xiongnu rebellion, and at the same time, based on Zhao Hao's meritorious service in defending Yanmen Pass, strive for more rewards and a higher position for him.
In that way, the loyal and virtuous men he knew could better protect this barren Bingzhou.
"Rest assured, Governor, you can stay in Luoyang and await our victory over the Xiongnu!"
"Yes, Governor, trust me, and trust Commandant Zhao too!"
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