Until nightfall, Sun Ce's army did not launch a second wave of offensive.
Seeing the enemy soldiers making rice, Yan Baihu finally felt relieved, thinking that he had finally gotten through today.
I don’t know if the people sent to ask for help have arrived at Wanling now.
I don’t know if Yuan Yao will send reinforcements...
At the same time, Wanling City.
Yuan Yao urgently summoned his subordinates Wenwu. When everyone rushed to the Governor's Mansion, they didn't know what had happened.
Yuan Yao sat at the top with a gloomy and embarrassed expression. It was obvious that things had exceeded his expectations.
"The Governor has summoned us urgently. Is there something urgent?"
Danyang County Chancellor Yuan Huan glanced around the hall and saw that Huang Zhong, Gan Ning, and Zu Lang, the three generals in charge of the army, had been summoned by Yuan Yao from the military camp outside the city. He immediately sensed something was wrong.
Yuan Yao nodded and glanced at a minor official in the hall.
"Tell me exactly what you just told me!"
The clerk swallowed hard with his dry throat and told everyone about Sun Ce's army attacking Wucheng.
"What? Sun Ce acted so wantonly!"
Yuan Yin, the governor of Danyang, could not sit still.
In the past few months, although Yuan Yao often told him that Sun Ce was rebellious and hoped that Yuan Yin would write a letter to persuade Yuan Shu to weaken Sun's pro-party forces as soon as possible.
But in Yuan Yin's view, Sun Ce is just a young man who has just reached his prime. What ambitions can he have?
As for the things Yuan Yao proved, Yuan Yin didn't take it seriously.
For example, when Yuan Yao said that Sun Ce had rebellious intentions, Yuan Yin felt that Yuan Yao was overthinking.
Why would Sun Ce dare to leave Yuan Shu and set up his own business?
Everything he has today, such as the title of General Exterminator and the official position of Prefect of Kuaiji, were all given to him by Yuan Shu.
Without Yuan Shu's praise, Sun Ce would be nothing!
Even his father Sun Jian never disobeyed Yuan Shu's orders after serving as the governor of Yuzhou.
Could it be that he, Sun Ce, dared to become an enemy of Yuan Shu with just one county in Kuaiji?
This is simply alarmist!
As for what Yuan Yao said about the Sun family being close to the same party, but Sun Ce was the only one who followed him, Yuan Yin even disagreed.
Sun Ce is indeed good at conquering and fighting, and he is quite the legacy of his father.
But what does that mean?
Among the Sun family members, including Sun Ce's cousins Sun Bi and Sun Xiang and his uncle Wu Jing, which one is not more qualified and famous than Sun Ce?
Moreover, Yuan Shu treated them well and appointed them all as governors of a county. How could they all just follow Sun Ce?
To put it ten thousand steps back, even these people are willing to give up a high-ranking official with a rank of two thousand dan and a generous salary to follow Sun Ce wholeheartedly.
But Yuan Shu was not defenseless against them.
He appointed these people as county guards and placed them separately. This was Yuan Shu's strategy of differentiation!
Sun Bi, Sun Xiang, and Wu Jing served as the prefects of Jiujiang, Runan, and Guangling counties respectively. These three counties were either in Huainan or adjacent to Huainan, and belonged to the core of Yuan Shu's power.
If these three people dare to cause trouble, they will be pinned to death in minutes!
As for Sun Jian's old subordinates Zhu Zhi, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai and others, these people may not be loyal to the Sun family wholeheartedly after Sun Jian's death.
After all, people go to higher places and water flows to lower places!
Yuan Shu not only did not treat them badly, but also allowed these people to control the army as before, and even promoted them to high positions.
In the past, Zhu Zhi was just a small military governor under Sun Jian, but now Yuan Shu appointed him as the governor of Wu County!
Veteran generals like Cheng Pu and Huang Gai who came from humble backgrounds were only temporary commanders under Sun Ce, but now Yuan Shu has agreed to let them serve as official official positions such as county captains and county magistrates!
But you, Yuan Yao, said that these people would abandon Yuan Shu and follow Sun Ce wholeheartedly. Isn't this a big joke?
So no matter how Yuan Yao tried to persuade him, Yuan Yin just thought that Yuan Yao was overthinking.
…
Seeing his uncle's shocked and angry expression, Yuan Yao only felt it was ridiculous.
"Uncle, do you still think that Sun Ce is just young and energetic, rather than having evil intentions?"
"Ah...this..."
Yuan Yin's reaction clearly didn't think that way.
Yuan Yao sighed in his heart.
Sure enough, this uncle of his, like the cheap dad Yuan Shu, took everything for granted.
I really thought that the Yuan family of Runan was so noble that everyone had to revolve around them!
"It seems that Sun Ce is determined to go against me!"
"What do you think should be done?"
Yuan Yao turned to everyone and asked.
"send troops!"
Huang Zhong's words are concise and to the point.
"Yes, send troops!"
Zu Lang, who had just surrendered, also agreed.
"It's not a big deal for him to kill Yan Baihu, but it's your face that's going to hit you, the Commander-in-Chief!"
"We must fight him!"
Gan Ning has never been afraid of big troubles, and now he is even more eager to do so.
Yuan Yao looked at the list of civil servants again.
Yuan Huan, the county magistrate, raised his hand and said, "As Colonel Zhe Chong said, if Sun Ce defeated Yan Baihu but the Governor-General sat idly by and ignored it, then who in the world would take your appointment as the Governor-General seriously? "
Chen Jiao, the meritorious officer, also said: "What Yuan Juncheng said is absolutely true, and I also agree to send troops!"
Seeing that everyone was unanimous, Yuan Yao nodded with satisfaction.
"I would rather serve as a vanguard for the Governor!"
Gan Ning was the first to stand up.
"I also want to be a pioneer!"
Zu Lang also quickly stood up.
He served under Yuan Yao for several months, and was only responsible for recruiting the Shanyue tribe, and had no chance to perform meritorious service.
When attacking Jiao Ji, the commander of another Shanyue clan, Zulang took the initiative to ask for help, but Yuan Yao gave Huang Zhong the chance to lead the attack.
Now that war has finally arrived, Zulang naturally wants to prove his worth.
He never wanted to live the rest of his life in peace, nor did he want to be left out by Yuan Yao's suspicion.
"I fought with Sun Ce several times, and almost killed him several times. He hated me so much that he hated me."
"If Sun Ce knows that I am coming, he will definitely stop attacking Wucheng and turn against me!"
What a guy, you actually want to use yourself to attract fire.
Yuan Yao narrowed his eyes: "Sun Ce ignored my appointment and insisted on attacking Yan Baihu."
"Aren't you afraid that he will kill you as a Sangyoshi sect thief?"
"Hmph!" Zu Lang snorted: "It's not certain who will hit who!"
"He and I are on a seven-to-three basis!"
"I am seven and he is three!"
What a loud tone!
Gan Ning felt a little ashamed of himself.
Yuan Yao smiled appreciatively: "Originally, I wanted you to stay in Wanling, but what you said makes sense."
"To break the siege of Wucheng, you have to do it!"
Gan Ning was dumbfounded.
Was he now the vanguard?
"Grand Governor, I can do it too!"
"Sun Ce and I will open on September 1st!"
"I'm nine, he's one!"
Yuan Yao smiled and suddenly had a plan in mind.
"In this case, I have decided that the vanguard will be..."
"Zhechong Colonel Gan Ning!"
Zu Lang was full of confidence and had already raised his hand to receive the order, but he heard someone else's name.
"Captain, didn't you say that I have to be the one to break the siege of Wucheng?"
This time it was Zu Lang's turn to be dumbfounded.
Some are happy and some are sad.
Gan Ning didn't expect to hear his name, and immediately said with joy: "Thank you, Commander-in-Chief!"
Zulang was unwilling to accept it and said: "Grand Governor, although the elite soldiers of Shanyue under my command are not uniformly equipped, they are all brave and militant warriors!"
"And all my men were born and raised in the mountains, and are good at running in the mountains. If I lead my troops as the vanguard, we can reach Wucheng in four days, no, three days!"
"so fast?"
Yuan Yao nodded thoughtfully: "In that case..."
"Gan Ning, how many days will it take you to arrive at Wucheng?"
Gan Ning thought his vanguard was about to be replaced, but he guessed wrong again.
"Well……"
Although Gan Ning was rough, he was not an arrogant person.
"If we go back to the governor, we have to go to Wucheng for more than 300 miles. Even if the general's troops march lightly, it will take four or five days to arrive."
"good!"
Yuan Yao nodded: "Soldiers are valuable and quick, so you can set off tonight!"
Gan Ning and Zu Lang looked at each other and asked in confusion: "Who does the Grand Governor want to set off?"
Yuan Yao raised his head towards Gan Ning: "Didn't I just say that you will be the vanguard?"
"If you don't set out as the vanguard, who will you let go?"
"The last general takes command!"
Gan Ning couldn't hide his excitement and turned around as soon as he handed over his hand.
The rest of the people looked at Yuan Yao with complicated expressions for a moment.
Especially Zu Lang, his eyes were full of disappointment and confusion.
Yuan Yao, however, turned around and said as if he hadn't seen it:
"Try to capture Captain Huang Zhong!"
"The general is here!"
Huang Zhong stood up and answered with cupped hands.
"Please gather all the troops and horses in our headquarters and set off with me tomorrow!"
"promise!"
Huang Zhong glanced at the disappointed Zu Lang, but he could only accept the order and say yes.
"Chen Gongcao, could you please go and find me the brother-in-law of Lieutenant Deng, the chief named Lu Meng?"
Chen Jiao was a little puzzled: "The Governor has come to see Lieutenant Deng's brother-in-law at this time. Is there something wrong?"
Yuan Yao seemed to have no intention of saying, "It's nothing. I think that guy is good and I want to train him."
"Is there any problem with letting him see the world first this time?"
Chen Jiao was even more confused: "But I have never even heard of Deng County Lieutenant's brother-in-law. Has the Governor ever seen him?"
Yuan Yao shook his head: "I haven't seen him yet."
"I just heard about such a person. Anyway, just do as you are told."
"promise."
"Uncle, and Yao Qing, after the army sets out tomorrow, I'll leave Wanling City to you."
"You also need to pay more attention to the food and grass backup."
Yuan Huan cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry about your duties, Governor!"
Yuan Yin also reacted and said hurriedly: "Nephew, don't worry, I will write to your father tomorrow, oh no, tonight, and tell your father about this matter."
Seeing the look of helplessness in Yuan Yao's eyes, Yuan Yin added: "This time I will definitely ask for more food, grass and soldiers for my nephew!"
"That's right!",
Yuan Yao said happily: "This is my good uncle!"
At this time, everyone in the hall was assigned tasks, but Zu Lang was the only one standing there alone, looking at a loss.
Huang Zhong couldn't bear it, and said with his hands: "Grand Governor, didn't you say that in order to break the siege of Wucheng, it must be our ancestors?"
Yuan Yao smiled: "Yes, I remember what I said."
"Then why should Gan Ning be the vanguard?"
Huang Zhong actually asked directly.
Although everyone knew that Yuan Yao and Huang Zhong had an extraordinary relationship, they did not expect that Huang Zhong would question Yuan Yao's decision in public.
And he was speaking out for a newly-reigned general.
Yuan Yao said calmly: "When did I say that I would send him to relieve the siege of Wucheng?" Everyone was stunned and couldn't react. Yuan Yao continued: "I asked Zu Lang to go to Wucheng. I asked him to lead his troops to sneak to Wucheng, disguise as bandits, and attack Sun Ce's army." "Attack Sun Ce's army?" Everyone exclaimed, and then Even Zu Lang looked in disbelief. Yuan Yao looked calm: "Yes, attack Sun Ce's army. With Zu Lang's Shanyue elite soldiers here, I believe it will give Sun Ce a surprise."
Yuan Yao's plan stunned everyone. He actually asked Zu Lang to lead Shanyue's elite troops, disguised as bandits, to attack Sun Ce's army. This strategy was too risky, but Yuan Yao's eyes were full of determination. He looked at Zu Lang and said calmly: "Do you understand?" Zu Lang's heart trembled. He knew that this was the Governor's trust in him and it was also a heavy responsibility. He took a deep breath and nodded: "General, take your orders!" Yuan Yao nodded with satisfaction, and then said: "You take your elite soldiers and set off tonight. Be careful along the way and be sure to find a suitable one near Wucheng. Ambush location." Zu Lang felt warm in his heart, he knew that this was the Governor who was concerned about his safety. He straightened his chest and responded loudly: "The last general will live up to his command!" That night, Zu Lang led Shanyue's elite soldiers and quietly left Wanling City. Their figures gradually disappeared in the night, leaving only silence on the ground.
As night fell, there was silence outside Wanling City. Zulang led the Shanyue elite soldiers and quietly left the city. Their steps were light and firm, like black shadows moving through the night.
Zu Lang was riding a black horse, holding a spear, and his eyes were firm. He knew in his heart that this was a difficult battle, but he also firmly believed that as long as they unite closely and exert the power of Shanyue's elite troops, they will be able to teach Sun Ce a profound lesson in Wucheng.
The soldiers followed Zu Lang, their eyes full of determination. They passed through dense forests, forded streams, and avoided all roads. They disguised themselves as bandits, used the dense forests and mountains as cover, and quickly approached Wucheng City.
Zu Lang led the Shanyue elite soldiers and quickly approached Wucheng City. However, when they were about to arrive at Wucheng, they encountered an ambush by Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai. This was a sudden encounter. Zu Lang was shocked, but he quickly regained his composure. He raised his spear high and shouted loudly: "Brothers, charge with me!" The Shanyue elite soldiers followed closely, shouting and charging towards Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai's ambush. This was a fierce battle, with both sides engaging in a life-and-death struggle. Zu Lang fought with Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai several times. The spear in his hand was flying in the night sky like a dragon, and the light of the spear flashed, which was dizzying. Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai were no ordinary people either. The weapons in their hands collided with Zu Lang's spear, making a crisp metallic sound. For a moment, the battlefield was filled with flashes of swords and shadows, and the sound of killing was loud. The Shanyue elite soldiers used their good melee combat abilities and launched a bloody fight with the Wu army. They used the terrain and dense forest cover to constantly change their formations and carry out guerrilla warfare and ambush warfare. The Wu army relied on their numerical advantage to continuously launch charges and sieges. The battle lasted all night until daylight. In the end, the Shanyue elite soldiers led by Zu Lang successfully repelled Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai's ambush after paying a heavy price. They continued to march towards Wucheng City, preparing to give Sun Ce a bigger surprise.
