txolops Chapter 234 Xiqi's Counterattack, Capturing 3 Gates in Succession
Chapter 234 Xiqi's Counterattack, Capturing 3 Gates in Succession
Sure enough, after Jiang Ziya captured Fei Zhong and You Hun, the two men, in order to save their lives, revealed all the secrets they knew.
Having learned of the true state of the Yin Shang dynasty, Jiang Ziya and the ministers of Xiqi discussed the matter for several days and finally decided to launch an eastward expedition before the Jiejiao reinforcements arrived.
However, what they were discussing was not a direct assault.
Previous reports had already indicated that the generals guarding the passes ahead were all extraordinary individuals.
Han Rong of Sishui Pass, Xu Fang of Chuanyun Pass, and Ouyang Chun of Lintong Pass, though these three were not skilled in magic, were all veteran generals well-versed in military strategy.
If they launch a frontal assault, Xiqi's forces, already weakened, will likely suffer further heavy losses.
Moreover, Xiqi only has two cities left, the two towns in the southeast have fallen into the hands of the Shang, and the attitude of the northern town is ambiguous. It is really not advisable to gamble everything.
However, it is also not advisable to ask disciples of the Chan Sect to use magic to break through the city. People of the immortal sects are most afraid of being tainted by the karma of killing out of thin air, so this path is not feasible.
Therefore, Jiang Ziya devised a strategy of attacking from both inside and outside.
At present, the nobles of the Yin Shang Dynasty are restless, especially those in places like Chuanyun Pass near Chaoge who have preserved their strength the best.
By coercing and bribing them, and promising them great benefits, it is not difficult to sway their hearts.
Then, the soldiers of Xiqi were ordered to change their clothes and pretend to be Shang soldiers. With the help of Fei Zhong and You Hun, two senior officials familiar with the court, they were able to capture the pass without bloodshed.
Everything went exactly as Jiang Ziya had predicted.
With coordinated efforts from both inside and outside, and with the cooperation of multiple parties, the three passes of Sishui, Chuanyun, and Lintong changed hands one after another.
During this period, Fei Zhong and You Hun, in order to atone for their crimes and make meritorious contributions, always rushed to the front and used clever words to deceive the enemy, which can be called their greatest contribution.
Within seven days, all three passes were captured.
After leaving troops to guard the area, Jiang Ziya led his army straight to Mianchi Pass without resting.
The army marched to a point fifty li from Mianchi and set up camp again.
Jiang Ziya glanced at him and gave a signal. Fei Zhong and You Hun beside him immediately understood, exchanged a few dry laughs, and then spurred their horses toward the pass.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Jiang Ziya stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before issuing an order:
"General Nangong, Zhang Kui, the garrison commander of Mianchi, is skilled in earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic that can be used to escape danger), which may cause unforeseen circumstances. You will take Nezha and a hundred elite soldiers to follow and provide support. Please be extremely cautious."
Nangong Shi accepted the order and immediately led his troops to follow quietly, together with Nezha, who was riding on his Wind Fire Wheels.
About half an hour later, the group approached the foot of Mianchi Pass.
Fei Zhong reined in his horse before the gate, raised the jade tablet in his hand, and shouted to the guards on the city wall:
"I am Fei Zhong, a high-ranking official of the Yin Shang dynasty! There is urgent military news; open the city gates immediately!"
The soldiers on the city wall looked up and saw that the jade plaque was lustrous and finely carved, clearly no ordinary object.
Knowing that the visitor was of high status, he dared not presume to act on his own and could only reply respectfully:
"Please wait a moment, sir. I will report to the General immediately!"
Having said that, he turned and strode down the city wall. A quarter of an hour later, a burly man in armor walked up the city wall.
The general of the Yin Shang dynasty was required to go to Chaoge City to report on his duties every once in a while, so Zhang Kui had met Fei Zhong and You Hun.
"Why are the two doctors here instead of overseeing the transport of supplies at the front lines?"
Zhang Kui's voice was cold and hard, devoid of any politeness.
Upon hearing this, Fei Zhong instantly beat his chest, stamped his feet, and began to wail:
"General Lu Xiong, General Deng Jiugong, and others have all died in battle, along with a total of 50,000 troops."
"Only the few of us are left. General Zhang Kui, please open the door quickly! We still need to report to the King!"
"Nonsense! General Lu has fought countless battles in his life and has never been defeated. How could he fall at the hands of those cowards from Xiqi? Are you all lying about military intelligence, or have you already defected to the enemy?"
However, when Zhang Kui saw the ragged soldiers behind Fei Zhong, he couldn't help but believe that Lu Xiong and Deng Jiugong had died in battle. (Note: The text also includes an unrelated advertisement for a novel, "Chapter 234: Xiqi Counterattack, Taking Three Passes in Succession," which has been released online.)
Fei Zhong was quick-witted and adept at reading people's expressions. He did not miss the subtle changes in Zhang Kui's expression on the city wall.
His heart tightened slightly, but the worry on his face deepened. Before Zhang Kui could ask, he spoke first:
"General Zhang! The situation is extremely urgent and we have risked our lives to break through the encirclement in order to quickly report this earth-shattering event to Your Majesty!"
"General, please open the city gates quickly! If this matter of national importance is delayed, neither of us can bear the consequences!"
He spoke extremely quickly, each word hitting the nail on the head regarding loyalty to the emperor and the crucial point of delay—this was their infallible method.
Silence reigned atop the city wall. Zhang Kui, his hand resting on the cold bricks, stood as still as a mountain.
Only that sharp gaze slowly swept over every face below the city walls, and every ill-fitting, tattered uniform.
The silence was oppressive, and seeing this, You Hun, who was riding a horse nearby, instantly displayed his usual arrogance and impatience.
He spurred his horse, and it leaped forward a few steps, almost stepping into the edge of the city wall's shadow.
He raised his riding whip, not pointing it at anyone in particular, but with a strong sense of reprimand, and shouted at the city wall:
"Zhang Kui! Are you deaf? Did you hear what Lord Fei said? Open the city gates immediately!"
The first three checkpoints were all reasonable and let us pass immediately, so why are you being so slow and inefficient at Mianchi Pass?
"You've missed a crucial opportunity. Do you think your head is enough to pay for this? Or are you a spy sent by Xiqi?!"
One plays the good cop, expressing grief and indignation with sincerity, appealing to emotions and reasoning with others; the other plays the bad cop, being arrogant and domineering, rebuking with threats and intimidation.
Fei Zhong and You Hun performed this trick with unparalleled skill, their tacit understanding was impeccable.
Previously, it had broken through three barriers, and each time it obediently complied.
These successes unknowingly fueled their arrogance, as if Mianchi Pass were nothing more than another stumbling block that could be easily kicked aside.
However, they completely miscalculated this time.
Zhang Kui already deeply despised these two sycophantic officials in the court who were adept at flattery, currying favor, and spreading rumors.
Seeing their behavior now, the disgust in my heart turned into a cold insight.
He finally spoke, his voice not loud, but like the clash of metal, clearly suppressing all the restlessness before the pass:
"Doctor Fei, Doctor You, you two... do you perhaps mistake me for a three-year-old child, or a blind old man?"
"General, please forgive us! We were so concerned about military affairs and eager to see His Majesty that we didn't have time to change our clothes!"
"Fei Zhong, still dare to argue! Your clothes may be tattered, but the faces of your soldiers are all..." His steps were steady; he didn't look like someone who had been hungry and tired.
"If there's time to eat and drink to one's heart's content, how can there be no time to change clothes?"
Upon hearing this, Fei Zhong and You Hun were both startled, and then suddenly realized what was happening.
Since they have successfully passed three checkpoints, they must have been able to replenish their supplies of food and clothing along the way. The fact that everyone is still dressed in tattered clothes is indeed the biggest flaw.
It's no wonder they were careless; they had passed through the checkpoints too smoothly, and once they became arrogant, they couldn't pay attention to their weaknesses.
"Release the arrows!"
Zhang Kui said no more, and with a command, the soldiers on the city wall all drew their strong bows.
In an instant, arrows flew like locusts, accompanied by the sound of wind breaking, heading straight for Fei Zhong, You Hun, Nangong Shi, and the others.
Almost as soon as Zhang Kui spoke, Nangong Shi sensed something was wrong and hurriedly shouted, "Retreat immediately!"
However, it was all too late; how could a person's footsteps outrun an arrow released from a bow?