Three Kingdoms: Wolong's brother-in-law, tricking Liu Bei into seizing Jingzhou

Ibrahimovic said casually:
"You two must immediately mobilize your troops and dig a trench about ten feet deep along the inner side of the city wall."

"Even if Xiao Fang dug his tunnels into the city, he would have nowhere to hide."

"At that time, the tunnel will become their tomb."

Sarri's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in praise:
"Brilliant! A single trench has thwarted Xiao Fang's tunnel plan!"

"Ibrahimovic, you're so smart."

"Also, divide the men into two shifts, taking turns on duty day and night."

Ibrahimovic added:

"This way, we can both prevent Xiao Fang from launching a sudden night attack and allow the soldiers to get some rest."

Hesha nodded in approval:

“Ibrahimovic is absolutely right, that’s exactly how it should be.”

Sarri then cupped his hands in praise:

"We have witnessed your wisdom today, and we are truly convinced."

"No wonder the Heavenly Emperor chose you, Eevee, as the captain. You're amazing! We two are simply no match for you!"

Sarri continued to flatter him.

Hearing their words, Ibrahimovic was extremely pleased with himself.

Sari and Hesha continued to flatter and fawn, their words filled with obsequiousness.

Both of them expressed their desire to make great contributions alongside Ibrahimovic and hoped that Ibrahimovic would take good care of them in the future.

Ibrahimovic understood immediately and said:
"Rest assured, both generals."

"After this battle, we will be considered to have shared life and death, and we should share the good times and the bad."

Sari and Hesha were secretly delighted and hurriedly said:
"We are honored by General Ibrahimovic's high regard for us. We are willing to go through fire and water for you without hesitation."

Ibrahimovic smiled.

He stroked his short beard, looking down disdainfully at the Han camp outside the city.

As the ancients said, "Even the wisest man can make a mistake."

Ibrahimovic said slowly:

"Xiao Fang, this time I'm going to show you that even the most brilliant schemes can be seen through by me."

Seven days later.

The setting sun is blood-red and the sky is orange-red.

The atmosphere at the Han army's main camp was solemn, with Han soldiers already in armor and swords at their sides, standing in a solemn array.

All the officers and soldiers knew that today was the day to defeat the enemy.

Xiao Fang stood atop the high observation platform, his gaze sharp and piercing.

He gazed westward towards Nain, his thoughts drifting far away.

To the west lies the east gate of Nain, the key to his meticulously planned breach of the city.

At this moment, a rider on horseback galloped up and reported:

"Prime Minister Xiao, General Ding reports that everything is ready and awaits your order!"

Upon hearing this, a glint of light appeared in Xiao Fang's eyes.

He turned to Ma Su and smiled approvingly.

Then, pointing to Nain City, he said with boundless pride:
"Let's surprise Ibu with a fire in the winter."

After speaking, Xiao Fang turned to the Han soldiers below the stage and shouted:
"Immediately send the order to Ding Feng: set fire to the city!"

At his command, another rider galloped away and disappeared into the distance.

The generals stared wide-eyed at the east tower of Nain City, their hearts filled with anticipation and excitement.

About half an hour later, Ding Feng, covered in dust and dirt, crawled out of the cave entrance in the camp.

Although he was covered in dust, his face was beaming with excitement and joy.

He rushed excitedly to the watchtower and loudly reported:

"Reporting to Prime Minister Xiao, this humble general has been ordered to set all the pillars on fire with kerosene!"

Xiao Fang was overjoyed upon hearing this, pointed his whip at Nain City, and declared boldly:

"Ladies and gentlemen, come and watch a good show with me!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals turned their gazes to the walls of Nain, their hearts filled with anticipation and curiosity. On the city walls, Hesha had already begun his evening meal, drinking and eating meat.

It's his turn to be on duty tonight.

As is customary, the Han army would make a racket with gongs and drums all night long, leaving no room for anyone to even take a nap.

So he needs to eat dinner early and then take a nap to get enough rest for staying up all night.

He chewed on his meat, muttering sarcastic remarks to himself:
"Xiao Fang, I'll eat and drink my fill before taking a nap, and then I'll keep you company tonight."

However, just as he tilted his head back to drink, he suddenly saw what appeared to be smoke rising from behind the main camp of the Han army.

He was startled, thinking to himself:

"Why is there smoke rising from the enemy camp all of a sudden? Could it be that Xiao Fang has some kind of trick up his sleeve again?"

He became alert, got up and went to the front of the battlements, peering outwards.

In the light of the setting sun, he could vaguely see that thousands of soldiers in the camp seemed to have assembled in formation, ready to attack the city.

His expression changed, and he thought to himself:

"Could it be that Mr. Ibrahimovic was right, and Xiao Fang is actually feigning an attack on the city?"

He immediately became nervous and ordered his soldiers to report to Ibrahimovic at once.

However, just as he gave the order, the city wall beneath his feet suddenly swayed.

Hesha was startled and instinctively grabbed the battlements, looking down in surprise.

He muttered to himself:
"What's going on? Why do I feel the city wall beneath my feet shaking?"

Just as he was beginning to have doubts, a deafening roar suddenly erupted without warning.

A section of the city wall on the east side of the gate tower suddenly collapsed and caved in.

The city wall has collapsed!

Before the dozens of Parthian soldiers above could even react, they screamed and plummeted down, disappearing into the collapsed ruins.

Hesha gripped the battlements tightly, his eyes wide with shock and horror as he stared at the unbelievable scene before him.

His heart was filled with doubt and fear:
"The city wall collapsed? How is that possible?"

"Why did this city wall collapse on its own? Could it be an earthquake?"

The collapse spread rapidly from the east side, with section after section of the city wall collapsing one after another like dominoes.

The Parthian soldiers then realized what was happening and fled in terror, screaming as they went.

Those who ran fast barely escaped, while those who ran slower were crushed into a bloody pulp as the city wall collapsed.

Hesha froze on the spot, completely forgetting to run away or dodge.

It wasn't until the collapse reached his feet and half of the city gate collapsed that he remembered to run away.

Fortunately, the collapse stopped there.

Hesha stood on the edge of the broken city, dumbfounded and trembling.

He was panting, and looked down shakily, involuntarily gasping for breath.

Suddenly, a huge pit, seven or eight zhang in diameter, appeared before their eyes.

The section of the city wall on the east side of the city gate was trapped inside this huge pit.

"This, this, this..."

Hesha was incoherent, his face ashen, as if he had witnessed the most terrifying scene of his life.

The surviving Parthian soldiers trembled as they got to their feet, and screamed in terror when they saw what was happening.

On the city wall, chaos erupted instantly.

The Han soldiers outside the city also stared wide-eyed, mouths agape, astonished to witness this scene.

Their hearts were filled with shock and joy, and then cheers resounded.

Xiao Fang smiled and looked at Ma Su, his eyes filled with admiration and respect:
"Youchang, your plan has succeeded!"

Xiao Fang's eyes showed relief.

Because Ma Su was the successor he was grooming for himself.

After all, he had spent half his life devising strategies for Liu Bei, and he was indeed quite tired.

After pacifying the West, he planned to retire and return to his hometown to enjoy the pleasures of fine wine and beautiful women.

As a leading figure of the younger generation, Ma Su was the best successor he had chosen. (End of Chapter)