Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 661 Continue to attack
The victory of Jinsancheng was like a ray of dawn, illuminating the journey of Jia Changsheng's army in the Goguryeo battlefield. In the central army tent, the atmosphere was warm and tense. The generals sat together, their eyes focused on Jia Changsheng. An important discussion about the direction of the next battle was about to begin.

Jia Changsheng stood in front of a huge military map, tapping the remaining eleven cities in northern Goguryeo with his pointer. "Everyone, we have successfully captured the three cities of Jin, and morale is high. But we must be very careful about which city to attack next. This is not only related to the outcome of this battle, but also to the direction of the entire war. Everyone, please speak freely and share your ideas."

Chen Batian stood up first. His voice was powerful and full of courage. "General, in my opinion, we should attack Blackwater City. Although Blackwater City is a dangerous place with swamps, as the previous intelligence said, the morale of the soldiers in the city is low due to the harshness of the generals. We can take advantage of this and first deter the enemy with a strong military force, and then make a surprise attack to break through. Moreover, once Blackwater City is captured, we can open up the passages to several other cities and create favorable conditions for subsequent operations."

Wang Meng nodded slightly and added: "General Chen is right. From a geographical perspective, Blackwater City is strategically located. Occupying it can further expand our sphere of influence and threaten the surrounding cities. At the same time, in order to deal with the obstacles in the swamp, we can prepare wooden boards, ropes and other items in advance to allow the infantry to pass smoothly."

However, Zhao Yunfei expressed a different opinion: "General, I think Yunding City is the best choice. Yunding City is isolated on a high mountain and has weak connections with surrounding cities. If we can quickly besiege it and cut off its water supply, the enemy will collapse without a fight. Moreover, taking down Yunding City can greatly boost the morale of our army and demonstrate the strength of our army."

Advisor Xu Wenyuan stroked his beard, pondered for a moment and said, "General Zhao's proposal is unique. Yunding City has a special terrain. Once we control it, it will be like tearing a hole in Goguryeo's defense system. However, besieging Yunding City will take a lot of time and manpower, and the enemy troops on the mountain are high above us, which may cause considerable interference to our siege."

At this time, the old general Wu Feng, who had been silent all this time, slowly spoke up: "Marshal, I think we might as well consider Iron City. Although the walls of Iron City are strong, the troops inside the city are scattered. We can concentrate our superior forces, use new siege equipment, and force a breakthrough. Once we capture Iron City, we can obtain the rich weapons manufacturing resources in the city, which will provide strong support for our army's subsequent operations."

Everyone was talking and arguing. Jia Changsheng listened quietly, his eyes scanning everyone's faces. He knew that every suggestion had its pros and cons, and the final decision would determine the life and death of countless soldiers and the direction of the war.

"Everyone has a point." Jia Changsheng finally broke the silence, "But we can't just look at the city or the pond in front of us, but we have to consider the overall situation. Blackwater City, Cloudtop City, and Iron City each have their own strategic value, but we also have to consider our own strength and resources."

Jia Changsheng walked to the map, pointed at Fenglin City and said, "Everyone, I think Fenglin City may be our next target."

Everyone was slightly stunned when they heard this, and then they showed a puzzled look. Chen Batian couldn't help but ask: "General, the people of Fenglin City are martial artists, and the surrounding forests are dense, easy to defend and difficult to attack, why did you choose it?"

Jia Changsheng smiled and explained, "Yes, Fenglin City seems difficult to conquer, but it is precisely these characteristics that provide us with opportunities. It is true that the people of Fenglin City are martial, but they are not regular troops, and their organization and discipline are relatively weak. The surrounding woods are conducive to ambushes by the enemy, but we can also use the woods for concealed assembly and surprise attacks."

"Furthermore," Jia Changsheng continued, "Maple Forest City is located in the center of several cities. Once we take it, we will be able to divide and surround the surrounding cities. Moreover, after the previous battles, we have accumulated rich experience in mountain and forest combat, which is extremely beneficial for attacking Maple Forest City."

After listening to Jia Changsheng's analysis, everyone nodded in agreement. Wang Meng pondered for a moment and said, "What the commander said is very true. We can first send a small group of troops, disguised as merchants or hunters, to blend into the woods around Fenglin City and find out the enemy's deployment. At the same time, we will gather the main force outside the city and be ready to launch an attack at any time."

Zhao Yunfei also added: "I suggest forming a vanguard force composed of archers and swordsmen to deal with the enemy in the woods. Archers are responsible for long-range suppression, while swordsmen are responsible for clearing obstacles and opening the way for follow-up troops."

Jia Changsheng agreed with everyone's suggestions: "Let's do this. Chen Batian, you select 5,000 elite infantry as the main attack force, and Zhao Yunfei will be the vanguard, responsible for clearing the way in the woods. Wang Meng, you lead 3,000 soldiers, responsible for receiving and supporting outside the city. At the same time, arrange for logistics support to ensure adequate supply of materials."

"Yes, Commander!" Everyone responded in unison.

"Remember, this attack on Fenglin City must be a quick victory. We must exchange the smallest cost for the greatest victory." Jia Changsheng said with a firm look.

"Yes!" Everyone's answer resounded throughout the central military tent, filled with the determination to win.

In the days that followed, Jia Changsheng's army began to make intensive preparations for the attack on Fenglin City. Soldiers trained day and night to familiarize themselves with mountain and forest combat techniques, while craftsmen improved and manufactured various weapons and siege equipment according to combat needs.

At the same time, the reconnaissance team had quietly sneaked into the woods surrounding Maple Forest City. They carefully avoided the enemy patrols, shuttled through the woods, and carefully observed every move of Maple Forest City.

After several days of reconnaissance, the team had figured out the general defense situation of Fenglin City. The defenders in the city set up multiple lookouts and traps in the woods, and deployed heavy troops on the main roads. However, due to the dense woods, the defenders' line of sight and troop deployment had certain blind spots.

The reconnaissance team quickly passed the intelligence back to the camp. After Jia Changsheng learned about it, he immediately convened a military meeting and formulated a detailed combat plan based on the intelligence.

"According to the reconnaissance results, we can take advantage of the defenders' blind spots and launch a surprise attack. Zhao Yunfei, you lead the vanguard troops and sneak into the woods on the west side where the enemy's defense is weak. Be sure to eliminate the lookouts and patrols quietly to open a passage for the follow-up troops." Jia Changsheng said to Zhao Yunfei.

"Yes, Marshal!" Zhao Yunfei accepted the order.

"Chen Batian, you lead the main force, follow the vanguard troops, and advance quickly towards Fenglin City. Once the vanguard troops succeed, immediately launch a full-scale attack. Wang Meng, you are responsible for tying down the enemy's reinforcements outside the city and ensure that the siege troops are not disturbed." Jia Changsheng continued to deploy.

"Yes, Marshal!" Chen Batian and Wang Meng responded in unison.

Everything was ready. Jia Changsheng stood in front of the camp, looking at the soldiers who were about to go out, his heart filled with emotion. "Soldiers, this battle concerns our honor and the interests of our country. I believe that with your bravery and wisdom, you will be able to conquer Maple Forest City!"

"We are willing to serve you, the commander, and fight for our country!" The shouts of the soldiers were deafening and resounded through the sky. Under Jia Changsheng's gaze, the army marched towards Fenglin City. A fierce battle was about to unfold in this dense forest, and Jia Changsheng and his army were confidently meeting this challenge and marching forward towards victory.

At dawn, Jia Changsheng's army camp was bustling with activity. Soldiers were organizing their equipment in an orderly manner, and horses were neighing as they prepared to go. Jia Changsheng, wearing armor, stood on a high platform, looking at the soldiers who were about to go out, and shouted loudly: "Soldiers! Today, we will go to Fenglin City. This battle is a battle of glory, a battle to expand the country's territory! Let us march forward bravely and break through the enemy city!"

"Destroy the enemy city!" "Destroy the enemy city!" The soldiers' shouts resounded through the sky and their morale was high.

With an order, the army slowly moved. The vanguard Zhao Yunfei took the lead, leading 3,000 vanguard troops, and rushed towards Fenglin City like a sharp blade. Zhao Yunfei was wearing silver armor and his eyes were firm. He knew the difficulty of this mission. Not only did he have to open up a safe passage for the follow-up army in the dense forest, but he also had to deal with the enemy's ambush that could appear at any time.

Along the way, Zhao Yunfei remained highly alert. He constantly sent out scouts to explore the way ahead, and at the same time kept the troops in a tight formation, ready to respond to emergencies at any time. When the army entered a dense forest, Zhao Yunfei raised his hand to signal the troops to stop. He carefully observed the surrounding environment and found some deliberately concealed traps on the ground.

"Everyone be careful, there is a trap ahead." Zhao Yunfei whispered to the soldiers around him. He then ordered the soldiers to carefully remove the trap and mark the area around it to prevent the follow-up troops from stepping on it by mistake.

After going a distance, the scout came back to report that a small group of Goguryeo patrol soldiers were spotted ahead. Zhao Yunfei's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he decisively ordered: "Everyone dismount and approach quietly. We must catch them all in one fell swoop, and not let a single person escape to report the news."

The soldiers quickly dismounted, holding sharp blades, crouching, and quietly approached the patrol. When they were only a few dozen meters away from the enemy, Zhao Yunfei gave an order and the soldiers rushed out like tigers pouncing on their prey. The Goguryeo patrol was caught off guard by the sudden attack before they had time to react. In just a few minutes, the patrol was completely wiped out.

After dealing with the patrol soldiers, Zhao Yunfei ordered the soldiers to quickly clean up the battlefield, hide the enemy's bodies and weapons, and then continue to move forward. At this time, the sky was gradually getting dark, and Zhao Yunfei decided to find a safe place to camp and rest, and then continue on his way after dawn.

At the same time, the 5,000 main force led by Chen Batian was also advancing steadily. Riding a tall black warhorse and wearing heavy armor, Chen Batian observed the surrounding terrain from time to time, thinking about how to fight in this complex forest.

"General, ahead is where the vanguard troops will set up camp tonight." A soldier came to report.

Chen Batian nodded: "Speed ​​up, we will meet up with the vanguard as soon as possible."

When Chen Batian's main force arrived at the camp, Zhao Yunfei had already arranged sentries and fortifications. After the two met, they briefly exchanged information about the day's march.

"Zhao Xianfeng, thank you for your hard work today. Tomorrow we will enter the enemy's core defense area. What do you think?" Chen Batian asked.

Zhao Yunfei frowned, thought for a while and said: "Tomorrow's journey will be more dangerous, and the enemy's defense will definitely be more strict. I plan to let the archers go in front. Once they find the enemy, they will immediately launch a long-range attack to buy time for the troops behind. At the same time, we must maintain our formation at all times and not be divided or surrounded by the enemy."

Chen Batian nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's do as you say. I will follow your troops closely tomorrow, and the main force will immediately support you if needed."

The next morning, the army set out again. Zhao Yunfei followed the plan, letting the archers go in the front, followed closely by the swordsmen and infantry. The team advanced cautiously in the woods, taking every step with extreme caution.

Suddenly, a dense rain of arrows came from the front, and several archers fell down. Zhao Yunfei shouted: "Hide!" The soldiers quickly hid behind the trees and sought cover.

"There's an ambush! Don't panic, archers, fight back!" Zhao Yunfei commanded the archers to fight back while observing the enemy's position. He found that the enemy was hiding behind a bush in front of him, with a number of about 200 people.

Under Zhao Yunfei's command, the archers quickly adjusted their positions and fired wave after wave of arrows in the direction where the enemy was hiding. The enemy was caught off guard by this sudden counterattack and stood up from the bushes, trying to find a better shooting position.

At this moment, Zhao Yunfei saw an opportunity and shouted, "Swordsmen, charge!" The swordsmen who had been prepared for a long time rushed out like a tide, waving their sharp blades and rushing towards the enemy. The infantry followed closely behind and engaged in fierce close combat with the enemy.

Chen Batian saw the battle in front of him and immediately led the main force forward to support the vanguard. Under the front and back attacks of the army, the enemy was quickly wiped out.

After this battle, Zhao Yunfei knew that they had entered the enemy's core defense area and the next battle would be more intense. He ordered the soldiers to speed up and pass through this dangerous area as soon as possible to meet up with the support troops led by Wang Meng.

On the following journey, the army encountered several small-scale ambushes, but under the command of Zhao Yunfei and Chen Batian, they successfully repelled the enemy. As time went by, the army was getting closer and closer to Fenglin City, and the city wall of Fenglin City could be vaguely seen.

At this time, the 3,000 reinforcement troops led by Wang Meng had already ambushed in a valley outside the city. When he saw Zhao Yunfei and Chen Batian's troops appear, he breathed a sigh of relief.

(End of this chapter)