Rinan Commandery, Pingshi County.
At this time, the governor of Dingzhou still controlled three commanderies: Rinan, Zhuwu, and Jiude. Previously, the battlefield where Wuzhi and Zhang Wenzhen led their provincial troops was in Rinan Commandery, and now the signs of war were still visible.
Pingshi County originally belonged to Rinan Commandery. Earlier, when Wuzhi attacked Dingyuan Commandery, it was borrowed and never returned, now serving as a bridgehead for the invasion of Rinan Commandery.
“General!”
“General!”
Wu Tiehu and Chen Jingzong stood side by side on the city wall, watching the troops deploy in camp after camp, the soldiers roaring in battle formation, both feeling their spirits rise.
The chosen route for this campaign was through Rinan Commandery, launching the attack from Pingshi County, catching the enemy by surprise.
Even if news could be concealed well, the movement of food supplies would inevitably create a large commotion. However, if another commandery could be captured as a result, it would be worth it.
“Since the Jiedushi has appointed us as the vanguard, we must do our utmost to win the first battle!”
Chen Jingzong looked at Wu Tiehu beside him: “I wonder what suggestions General Wu has? Please speak freely!”
“I am but a rough man; just leave the fighting to me!”
Wu Tiehu said respectfully, eyes slightly narrowed.
Though his posture was humble, Chen Jingzong still dared not treat him lightly, for this man was a fifth-grade Youji General, equal in rank to himself.
His rapid rise through the ranks could be described as meteoric, and he was indeed highly capable.
Of course, more importantly, was the powerful figure standing behind him! Regardless of personal feelings, one must still respect the authority behind him. Offending him carelessly could lead to serious consequences, whether through whispered complaints or other supernatural means.
“Uncle!”
Below, Chen Shuncheng, clad in armor, shouted: “All camps have been accounted for, a total of ten thousand troops! We are ready to depart at any moment!”
His face was radiant with excitement, clearly thrilled at the prospect of a major battle.
Seeing this, Chen Jingzong could only smile bitterly.
He and his nephew had initially joined Wuzhi merely as a stepping stone, seeking to find a true dragon to support.
After all, Wuzhi’s destiny as a phoenix was no great secret. Yet, who could have imagined that this woman would prove so capable, carving out such a grand foundation despite being a woman!
Looking at it now, though she may not unify the entire realm, she certainly has the potential to dominate Dingzhou and enjoy decades of royal rule!
In that case, he and his nephew had become shareholders after all, and could only settle down to loyally serve Wuzhi.
But in times of chaos, a general who finds a wise lord and can accomplish great deeds, wielding his skills to the fullest, what is there to regret even if he dies on the battlefield?
Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but raise his long spear.
The spear was entirely orange-red, adorned with dragon patterns, faintly exuding a mighty aura. The spearhead was flower-shaped, extremely sharp, seemingly forged from a single piece of dragon scale!
This was the Dragon Scale Spear, a treasure of the military school. Since Chen’s ancestral general family had fortuitously obtained a piece of dragon bone, it had taken hundreds of years and over a dozen generations of refinement. Finally, with the generous help of Wu Ming, the great work was completed!
“Pass my order, march on Rinan!”
Chen Jingzong suppressed his inner excitement and shouted loudly.
“Ten thousand victories! Ten thousand victories! Ten thousand victories!”
The soldiers cheered in unison, their voices shaking the sky, splitting several white clouds and revealing a clear, azure sky.
“What a wonderful treasure!”
Wu Tiehu looked on with envy, knowing that Chen Jingzong’s treasure specially absorbed the aura of iron and blood, perfectly complementing the general, like a tiger gaining wings.
Although he had awakened the destiny of the Qiyang Star, even nearing the realm of a secondary star destiny, with inherited memories, he still couldn’t find enough materials at once to forge a high-level military star treasure.
“General Wu! Pingshi County is still two counties away from the capital of Rinan Commandery. Would you be willing to serve as my vanguard and claim the first victory in this campaign to conquer Dingzhou?”
Ignoring his nephew’s excited expression, Chen Jingzong asked generously.
“It is exactly what I desire, how could I refuse?”
Wu Tiehu laughed heartily.
He knew that Rinan Commandery was unprepared, and those two small counties might even surrender without a fight when faced with his army of 5,000 men. This was an easy feat of merit, and he felt grateful to Chen Jingzong for this favor, quickly leading his troops to the next county.
Huiceng County.
The county magistrate of this county was named Zhao Lü, who was leisurely enjoying a moment of respite in his backyard, admiring a singing “meigui” bird.
The bird was emerald green all over, its call melodious and moving, winding through the corridors, giving it a unique charm, which he greatly cherished, regarding it as a treasure.
“Report!”
Suddenly, one of the underlings came running quickly, making him spill the birdseed from his spoon.
“What earth-shattering event has happened? Speak slowly…”
Seeing the pale face and breathless appearance of the underling, Zhao Lü couldn’t help but frown and ask coldly.
“Your Honor… terrible news… the scouts reported that Wu Zhen has sent ten thousand troops, departing from Pingshi County. They will arrive at the city gates in at most an hour!”
The underling gasped for breath, and as soon as he finished speaking, he heard a startled cry. Zhao Lü had dropped the birdcage to the ground in shock, the bird flew away frantically, feathers scattering everywhere, but he didn’t even have time to think about it.
“Wasn’t there a rumor that Wu Zhi was pregnant and had granted a general amnesty to the entire town? How could she suddenly attack?”
Zhao Lü nearly collapsed, muttering in a daze: “Last time, General Zhang Wenzhen of the province led several tens of thousands of troops and still couldn’t win. How can our small and poor Huiceng County resist this army of tigers and wolves?”
“Your Honor…”
The underling gritted his teeth, not knowing which side had instructed him, whispered softly: “For the sake of all the people in the city, we cannot let everyone perish together!”
“This…”
Zhao Lü was quite moved. Since Huang Jie, the dignity of the imperial court had long been swept away. He had become an official here only by securing connections through the provincial authorities. Naturally, he deeply understood Wu Zhi’s reputation. When it came to life and death, he didn’t mind the rumors. What hesitated him was only one aspect: “But there is still a commandery officer stationed here. I can only command five hundred city guards!”
“There’s no need to worry, Your Honor!”
Seeing this, the underling inwardly rejoiced: “Many of the prominent families in our county have also raised private guards. Once the city is under attack, they will certainly be conscripted into the city guards. Several elders have said they will follow your orders without question!”
“In that case…”
Zhao Lü’s heart stirred. He knew that the prominent families in the county would most likely play both sides. Just as he was about to half-heartedly agree, suddenly there were two cries from the front, followed by the sound of armor dragging on the ground approaching rapidly.
More than ten armored soldiers rushed in all at once, followed by an officer with a mustache shaped like two strokes of a mouse: “Is Magistrate Zhao planning to defy the imperial court and the governor, becoming a traitor?”
Although he looked rat-like, he seemed to be a loyal fool. After entering the pavilion, he glanced disdainfully at the underling: “Kill him!”
“Yes, sir!”
Two bodyguards stepped forward, dragged out the underling who had already turned to jelly, directly drew their waist knives, and chopped his head off.
Puchi! The head fell to the ground, blood gushed out like a spring. Zhao Lü looked at this scene, feeling like he was about to vomit.
“Officer Shan…”
Zhao Lü’s face turned pale. This officer had been directly dispatched by the commandery, specifically to guard against the Wu army. He commanded two thousand soldiers and was currently the most powerful force in Huiceng County.
“If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t know what was going to happen!”
Officer Shan waved his hand: “The county magistrate is deeply concerned about the war and has become too exhausted, falling ill and needing to rest in the back residence… Bring the county magistrate’s seal and the warehouse officer here. I need to open the armory to resist the enemy!”
“Yes, sir!”
Two people behind him immediately stepped forward, one on each side, lifting Zhao Lü up.
“Shan Xiong, how dare you?”
Zhao Lü’s face turned red with humiliation.
“Why wouldn’t I dare? County Magistrate… the world has already changed!”
Shan Xiong laughed loudly: “In times of peace, scholars are valued and warriors are looked down upon, but now it is the opposite. Besides, you are even suspected of colluding with the enemy. I don’t kill you now just because of your official hat, but in three days, it will be someone else’s turn to wear it…”
He played with the county magistrate’s seal, his expression turning serious again: “Issue the order, seal all four city gates. As long as we hold out for three days, reinforcements from the province will surely arrive!”
The enemy had only ten thousand troops, while he had two thousand soldiers and could mobilize another thousand from the city guards and townsmen.
Defending the county town with three thousand men for three days would not be difficult, and the rear would soon receive the news and respond accordingly.
With such a great achievement, how could he not expect a promotion and rewards?
…
Outside Huiceng County.
“Report!”
A messenger rode swiftly on horseback, coming to Wu Tiehu and kneeling with a loud “pa”: “Huiceng County has already begun to tighten security. The families inside the city had earlier sent messages, willing to be our internal allies, but now there is no news from them!”
“Tsk!”
Wu Tiehu spat: “I knew these big families would be useless, causing more harm than good, probably leaking information and alerting the enemy! Pass the order, speed up, and attack the city immediately after arriving at Huiceng County!”
He saw it clearly; even though the enemy had reacted, his side still had the initiative.
Moreover, the overall situation in Dingzhou was more advantageous for Wu Zhi’s side.
Taking the opportunity before the enemy could fully respond, launching a direct assault might still offer a chance.
With this thought, he immediately shouted: “Where are the Qiyang cavalry?”
Hualala!
Hundreds of cavalry behind him responded instantly. These were elite cavalry units he had forged using the inherited memories of the Qiyang Star, especially skilled in mounted combat, capable of fighting three enemies alone, no exaggeration.
“Follow me into the charge!”
He laughed loudly and immediately spurred his horse forward.
After a few charges, Huiceng County appeared before them. Although the east gate was already closed, the south gate seemed to be in chaos, still not shut.
“A trap?”
Wu Tiehu hesitated for a moment, then steeled his heart: “It happened so suddenly, where would they have time to set up so many traps? Who dares to play tricks here?”
He immediately shouted loudly: “Follow me and charge!”
“Kill!”
The hundreds of cavalry, like an arrowhead, quickly shot toward the south gate.
As they drew closer, Wu Tiehu could see a group of family guards entangled with soldiers, blood splattering everywhere. The scene looked genuine, so he felt reassured and charged through the city gate on horseback first. His long sword, seemingly trailing stars, killed and cut down several soldiers instantly, leaving them dead without a whole body.
“Kill him, he’s the enemy’s commander!”
Suddenly, a voice came from the opposite side, followed by more than ten arrows aiming at him.
Wu Tiehu tilted his head, dodging most of them, clenched his teeth, and even caught a stray arrow in his mouth. Suddenly, he rode forward on his horse, a flash of starlight, and the head of the person who had shouted flew off.
“The officer is dead!”
The soldiers at the city gate immediately fell into chaos and were defeated decisively…
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