With Yan Ding dead, there were no more disloyal people in this group. Yuan Li felt the air had become much fresher. Even though his stomach was still empty, it didn’t prevent his good mood.
In good spirits, he had time to concern himself with the situation outside.
Unfortunately, this area was sparsely populated. The guards had to travel far to gather any information, and even then their intelligence wasn’t very accurate. Someone even claimed that Zhao’s army had capable supernatural beings who could summon heavenly thunder to blast open city gates, allowing Zhao’s army to capture over a dozen cities in succession.
Yuan Li scoffed at this. Their governor fought battles with real skill—what capable supernatural beings, what summoning heavenly thunder? This was definitely outsiders using the name of immortals to diminish their governor’s abilities.
However, Yuan Li didn’t know that this claim had already spread throughout the Central Plains at tremendous speed, even reaching the Prince of Langya and Wang Dao in Jiangdong.
Contrary to Yuan Li, the Prince of Langya believed this showed Zhao Hanzhang had imperial ambitions.
He worriedly said to Wang Dao: “Imperial authority is granted by heaven. Zhao Hanzhang’s actions clearly show she wants to use the name of immortals to indicate she is the rightful sovereign and enlightened ruler. She now occupies the Central Plains and has taken Si Province. Even the Han emperor died by her hand. If she truly declares herself emperor, I fear no one can stop her.”
With the added authority of immortals, many people would likely submit and acknowledge her.
Honestly, looking north from the south, whether calculating by population or geographical advantage, Zhao Hanzhang’s odds of victory exceeded his.
Wang Dao said: “If she truly declares herself emperor, I would actually feel less worried. The emperor still lives. If she dares to declare herself emperor, the Alliance Leader can issue a proclamation in the imperial family’s name to eliminate this rebellious subject and traitor.”
Prince of Langya: “Does Maohong mean this information wasn’t released by her?”
Wang Dao shook his head. “I’ve always been puzzled about one thing—Pingyang City is solid, the capital of the Han state, with abundant grain and soldiers inside. How could Zhao Hanzhang capture Pingyang in three days? She breached the Pingyang palace in half a day.”
He continued: “Without inside help, she must have had siege weapons at her disposal. This is perhaps what the rumors call heavenly thunder.”
The Prince of Langya laughed: “I’ve never heard of such a thing in this world. This matter is most likely rumor. Could there truly be immortals helping her?”
Wang Dao said quietly: “Not necessarily immortals, but perhaps truly capable extraordinary people. Four years ago, who could have imagined that glazed glass worth a thousand gold could be made in Central Plains workshops, with so many forms, and a clear, bright glazed mirror could be bought for just fifty coins?”
“Then there are the iron implements from Yu Province. The weapons of Zhao’s army are the sharpest under heaven. And their publishing house and paper workshops—these past two years not only has paper become cheaper, even books have dropped in price. Zhao Hanzhang definitely has many capable craftsmen and artisans. It’s not surprising she could create new siege weapons.”
Hearing this, the Prince of Langya grew worried. “Then what should I do?”
Wang Dao said: “The Prince of Yuzhang and other imperial bloodlines are of unknown fate. The Alliance Leader should show respect to the worthy and recruit scholars, gain recognition from the Jiangdong aristocracy, and be the first to secure the south. As long as the emperor lives, if she takes one step forward she becomes a rebellious subject and traitor. If she doesn’t advance, to resist the Xiongnu she can only support the imperial family, and with the Prince of Yuzhang and others missing, you, Alliance Leader, are the most legitimate candidate.”
The Prince of Langya nodded repeatedly, lowering his voice: “But what if she finds the Prince of Yuzhang?”
Wang Dao also lowered his voice: “I have already dispatched people to search in various places. As long as we find them before Zhao’s people, we need not fear.”
“This is one point. We can make other arrangements,” Wang Dao said. “Now is a critical moment. The Alliance Leader can summon officials and prominent scholars from various places to Jianye to discuss major matters.”
Wang Dao continued: “Don’t they want to launch a northern expedition? They always need to discuss sending troops. At that time, will they need to borrow passage through Yu Province or not?”
The Prince of Langya immediately understood and repeatedly agreed, immediately having people send invitations to officials and prominent scholars in various places.
Zhao Ming had also heard this rumor. Unlike the Prince of Langya, he knew this rumor was true, but it wasn’t any immortal—it was Fu Tinghan.
Looking at the items Qiu Wu had carefully escorted to the army camp, he asked: “Was this what breached the Pingyang city gates?”
Qiu Wu respectfully replied: “That’s what the young master said. We’ve already modified the interior according to the blueprint the young master provided. When the time comes, just light it and throw it out like hurling stones.”
Zhao Ming circled around it, thinking of the mountain excavation he’d seen at the mines, and nodded. “Is Zhao Ju’s side prepared?”
“Yes, this subordinate sent people to escort ten barrels there. The rest are all here.” Qiu Wu asked: “Should we hand them over to General Xun?”
Zhao Ming thought for a moment and shook his head: “This matter is not urgent. Hand them over tomorrow during the counterattack.”
Pausing, Zhao Ming said: “During this time, guard them carefully. Not a trace must leak out.”
Qiu Wu solemnly agreed: “Rest assured. My people are all utterly loyal to the Lady.”
The weapons workshop was especially important. The people Zhao Hanzhang selected were all slaves under death contracts, with their entire families’ lives in her hands.
Zhao Ming turned and returned to the main tent. Chen Siniang followed him, unable to help asking: “Commander, do you not trust General Xun?”
With Meng County fallen and Xiayi under siege, Zhao Ming urgently ordered counties everywhere to bring troops for reinforcement, especially places in central and western Yu Province. Since they weren’t in danger of falling, they could deploy troops.
Chen Siniang had come in response to orders and was now under Zhao Ming’s command, though military matters still fell to Xun Xiu.
Zhao Ming glanced at her. Because she had been saved by Zhao Hanzhang and employed by her, he trusted her greatly and said: “It’s not that I don’t trust him, but caution sails the ship for ten thousand years. Xun Xiu is too arrogant. I’m not at ease with him.”
Soon it was time for the great counteroffensive. At Zhao Hanzhang’s command, Zhao’s army began hurling explosives at Meng County’s gates without regard for cost.
When the first explosive detonated, the entire city shook twice. Everyone on the city walls and in the city turned deathly pale, with some shouting loudly: “It’s heavenly thunder! It’s heavenly thunder! Zhao’s army truly has immortals helping them!”
“Shut up!” Zhi Xiong roared in fury, shouting: “Quick, get the bows, arrows, and ballistae—where are the ballistae? Shoot them out, shoot!”
Meng County’s gates had been modified by Zhao Hanzhang. The outside was iron sheeting, with wooden boards and iron sheets layered inside—basically one layer of wood, one layer of iron, then another layer of wood and iron, totaling twenty-six layers. The gates had mechanisms inside; once locked, they weighed a thousand pounds. They couldn’t be rammed open from outside, and weren’t even easy to blast open.
Two explosive barrels fired out only blasted through two or three layers of iron and wood.
Zhao Hanzhang never imagined that one day the gates she’d specifically had made would defend against her own forces.
Back when Shi Lei attacked Meng County, he paid an enormous price. It was said they besieged the city for a full month. If he hadn’t attacked Zhao Ju and drawn out Xun Xiu and others from the city, this city could have held out for half a year with these gates alone.
Seeing the gates wouldn’t blast open, Fu Tinghan decisively aimed at the city tower.
Zhao Hanzhang also had the ladder teams prepare. Meanwhile, on the other side of Meng County, Xun Xiu also launched a fierce attack. He led his men to break through the Jie barbarian defense line, but was quickly beaten back.
This was just a small town in Meng County, yet so many Han troops were stationed inside?
Facing Zhao Ming’s gaze, Xun Xiu felt somewhat angry and organized another attack. This time he charged to the very front.
The Jie tribe was brave and brutal. They were better at farming than the Xiongnu and better at archery than the Central Plains people, but more brutal than both.
When Taobao, who guarded the border, learned Meng County’s county seat was under attack, he went mad, leading his army in a reckless charge with the apparent intention of taking advantage to attack Sui County and capture the Zhao clan in one move.
Their suicidal fighting style intimidated the Xun Family Army. Combined with the Jie barbarians’ inherent bravery, even Xun Xiu’s second charge gained no advantage. Not only did they fail to advance an inch, they lost over eight hundred men.
The wounded numbered over two thousand.
Xun Xiu’s face was extremely grim. He had no choice but to sound the retreat and temporarily withdraw.
With his retreat, the Jie barbarians pursued victoriously, nearly attacking their camp stationed in Sui County. At that moment, Zhao Ming was closest to the Jie barbarian chaos troops. The overwhelming stench of blood made his expression dark and furious.
He hadn’t expected Xun Xiu to be so useless, nor the Jie barbarians to be so fierce.
Seeing this, Qiu Wu couldn’t help but say: “Commander, use the explosives. Otherwise, forget coordinating with the Governor—we may not even hold Sui County.”
Zhao Ming pondered briefly, then shook his head: “Tomorrow, order Xun Xiu to attack fiercely once more. If he still fails, then we’ll use them.”
He said: “We don’t have many explosives. We must conserve them, still counting on them to breach Meng County’s south gate.”
Qiu Wu acknowledged the order.
Xun Xiu retreated. Zhao Ming’s expression softened as he tried to speak gently to him: “With Taobao so fierce, does General Xun have any good strategies?”
Xun Xiu said: “Meng County is too open, difficult to set ambushes. We can only meet them head-on in hard combat. This general truly can find no better strategy.”
Zhao Ming frowned: “Today’s battlefield defeat—though the Jie barbarians have temporarily withdrawn, might they launch a night raid later?”
Xun Xiu thought for a moment and said: “They probably won’t. Though this general led the army in retreat, they’re not well off either. Tonight they likely lack the strength for a night raid.”
Zhao Ming said: “We should still be careful. That Shi Lei is a madman, and Taobao followed him from his bandit days—he’s killed countless people, committed every evil deed. He’s also a madman. We shouldn’t judge him by normal reasoning.”
Xun Xiu pressed his lips together, feeling that Zhao Ming clearly didn’t understand military affairs yet still interfered. He was the commanding general of this eastern route counteroffensive.
However, Zhao Ming was the commandery governor and essentially acted as a military supervisor. Even though Xun Xiu was displeased, he still said: “This general will immediately assign additional personnel for patrols. If enemy troops approach, we’ll immediately sound the alarm.”
Zhao Ming stared at his face for a moment, gave a slight nod, and smiled: “Good. General Xun, you may go rest.”
Xun Xiu withdrew. The smile on Zhao Ming’s face faded, his gaze darkening without a word.
His attendants glanced at him and all lowered their heads, extremely frightened.
Xun Xiu was truly bold, daring to show displeasure before Zhao Ming. They knew that even the Governor was very obedient in his presence.
Zhao Ming lowered his eyes in thought for a moment, then beckoned a confidant: “Go summon Chen Siniang and Qiu Wu.”
Compared to Xun Xiu, Chen Siniang and Qiu Wu were much more obedient. The two quickly arrived.
Zhao Ming said to Chen Siniang: “Separate your people from the army and hand them over to Qiu Wu.”
Chen Siniang acknowledged.
Zhao Ming said: “Adding Chen Siniang’s people, we have twenty thousand Zhao Family Army troops here. I’m placing all twenty thousand under your command. From now on, you answer only to me.”
Qiu Wu agreed without hesitation.
Zhao Ming said: “Send out a team of scouts to investigate and guard against Taobao launching a night raid tonight. Leave two thousand men with me. Take the remaining eight thousand immediately—make camp, cook, and sleep now. If there’s an enemy raid, immediately take two thousand cavalry to the enemy camp. You must scatter their camp. The remaining six thousand will ambush along the road, waiting for them to retreat.”
Qiu Wu asked: “But if there’s an enemy raid, our main camp—”
“You needn’t worry about it. Regardless of whether the main camp wins or loses, don’t concern yourself. Just follow this plan.”
Qiu Wu hesitated: “Commander, taking the city is important, but your safety is more important.”
“This is your Governor’s intention.”
Qiu Wu looked completely unconvinced.
Zhao Ming glanced at him coolly, turned to retrieve a letter, and extracted one sheet to show him.
Qiu Wu looked down, his eyes widening slightly. This truly was Zhao Hanzhang’s arrangement.
This was the last letter Zhao Hanzhang had written to Zhao Ming. In it, they had agreed on the timing for the general counteroffensive. At the end of the letter, Zhao Hanzhang still mentioned the difficulty of this overall attack.
She wasn’t worried about Xiayi County. There was Zhao Ju there. Though Shi Lei had nearly taken Xiayi County several times, Zhao Ju had managed to recapture and hold it each time, showing he had the ability to face Shi Lei.
She was worried about Xun Xiu.
Mi Ce had mediocre talent but a steady character. He fought battles cautiously. In counterattacking Ningling, he might not succeed, but he absolutely wouldn’t advance rashly and let the Shi army advance further.
Around the perimeter attacking Ningling were Zhao Erlang and Xie Shi. Zhao Erlang was brave, Xie Shi had rare talent. Whether or not they could breach Ningling, they could protect themselves.
Conversely, Xun Xiu, whose reputation had always exceeded Mi Ce’s—he came from an aristocratic family, was arrogant and conceited, yet had only mediocre ability. In Yu Province, only Zhao Hanzhang could suppress him.
He not only commanded a large army but was also Yingchuan Commandery’s governor, equal in official rank to Zhao Ming.
But he had entered office earlier. When Zhao Ming was still a commoner, he was already one of Yu Province’s generals wielding significant power, a confidant of the previous governor.
He had always been somewhat resentful of Zhao Ming, feeling he relied entirely on his relationship with Zhao Hanzhang to surpass him and become Chen Commandery’s governor, even managing Yu Province affairs.
Though Zhao Hanzhang never spoke of it, she had always observed this. In her letter she wrote: “Meng County’s terrain is open, ideal ground for cavalry charges. The Xun Family Army is known for its infantry. Taobao is one of Shi Lei’s Eight Riders. He followed Shi Lei from his bandit days—brutal and fierce in character. If he becomes desperate, Xun Xiu is no match for him at all.”
“If Xun Xiu cannot break through after prolonged attacks, he will grow resentful. When agitated, mistakes become inevitable. At this time, Uncle must be alert for Taobao’s night raids.”
Zhao Hanzhang taught him how to respond to night raids.
Jie barbarian night raids mainly used cavalry, essentially scattering the camp, killing and burning everything before leaving.
Xun Xiu might not be able to defeat Taobao, but with preparation he could still hold the main camp. (If he can’t even do that, run quickly.) Zhao Hanzhang suggested sending troops to raid the enemy camp and ambushing Taobao along the road as he withdrew.
Regardless of whether Taobao won or lost his night raid, he would certainly be relaxed halfway through his departure, because Xun Xiu definitely wouldn’t pursue.
This might be their only chance to scatter Taobao’s army. If necessary, they could use explosives.
Zhao Hanzhang also suggested they mainly use explosives against enemy cavalry.
The explosive formula Fu Tinghan left behind didn’t actually have such great killing power. The blueprint he provided merely modified the device for loading explosives and the fuse arrangement.
He hadn’t written them the formula for refining explosives and increasing killing power, so their explosives couldn’t demolish city walls.
Using them against cavalry would be more effective—the sound was loud, and with the iron fragments scattered during explosion, horses would go mad. If the enemy formed battle arrays with cavalry, those arrays could be broken.
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