The Prodigal Son

That evening, they prepared a decent meal to entertain Xue Chengdao.

After the meal, Xue Chengdao chatted briefly with Qin Yu before going to rest.

He was exhausted from rushing all the way.

"Knock knock..."

Just after midnight, Xue Chengdao was awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door.

"Commander Xue, urgent military intelligence!"

Qin Yu's voice came from outside the door.

Upon hearing the words "urgent military situation," Xue Chengdao seemed to spring up as if he had springs in his back, and quickly rushed towards the door.

The door opened, revealing the Qin family grandfather and grandson standing in the doorway.

"You're willing to come back?"

Upon seeing Qin Fumeng, Xue Chengdao immediately became sarcastic and said, "I was even planning to find a historian to record the deeds of our Second Route Marshal..."

"We'll talk about this later!"

Qin Fumeng hurriedly interrupted Xue Cheng, saying, "A large force of Yan troops is marching rapidly southeast of Xing. According to our intelligence, they received a death order from Yan Wujiu, and they must reach Shimanzi Slope within two days..."

When it came to business, Xue Chengdao immediately forgot about scolding Qin Fumeng and invited them into the house, then found the location of Shimanzi Slope on the map.

Shimanzi Slope is located slightly east of due south of Xiaxing.

They could advance to attack Luzhou, or retreat to block their access to Yuchan County in Pangzhou.

That's definitely a great location!

Xue Chengdao pondered for a moment, then asked Qin Fumeng, "When did you receive the message?"

"When it gets dark!"

Qin Fumeng replied, "When we were heading back, that Yan army was advancing overnight!"

Xue Chengdao stroked his long beard thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded approvingly: "Yan Wujiu's move was quite brilliant!"

"That's really brilliant!"

Qin Fumeng nodded and said, "We can attack or defend! If we attack Huzhou, we might be trapped and beaten! If we attack towards Pangzhou, the Yan army at Shimanzipo will immediately retreat and block our path to Yuchan..."

They had not noticed the location of Shimanzi Slope before.

Of course, even if they notice, it won't make any difference.

They also didn't have the chance to seize the strategic location of Shimanzipo.

Xue Chengdao nodded in agreement, then asked, "Did Qin Yu tell you about Bei Qi sending troops to Yan to help in the war?"

"I said so."

Qin Fumeng sneered, "The Yan people's move was truly disastrous! They're clearly inviting trouble!"

The Yan and Beiqi made a choice that was completely unexpected.

Don't they know what a sorry state the Yan Kingdom is in now?

Even if the Yan state is not destroyed after this battle, it will not be able to recover its strength within ten years!

It's easy to let the Northern Qi troops in, but it will be difficult for them to leave when they want to!

Ten years is enough time for the Northern Qi army to plow through every inch of Yan's land!

"It's just a case of grasping at straws when one is desperate!"

Xue Chengdao smiled casually, then turned to Qin Fumeng, "What do you think, should we attack or defend?"

"Is that even a question?"

Qin Fumeng laughed heartily, "If we don't fight, we'll just be doing all the work for the Northern Qi!"

"Then let's fight!"

Xue Chengdao made a quick decision, "Aren't you good at flanking and outmaneuvering? I'll give you a chance!"

Flanking maneuver?

Should we go around to attack Yu Chan and cut off the Yan army's retreat?

That's possible, but putting aside the fact that the Jade Toad has definitely been plundered, we can't expect them to be carrying a large amount of food and supplies when they're making a quick incursion, can we?

Or...

After a moment's thought, Qin Yu tentatively asked, "General Xue, you don't mean for me to lead my troops in a surprise attack on Wulin, do you?"

"right!"

Xue Chengdao gave him an approving look: "Under normal circumstances, a surprise attack on Yuchan would definitely be better, but supplies are a problem! Therefore, a surprise attack on Wulin is the best option right now..."

Wulin is located at the southernmost part of Pangzhou, separated from Guanzhou in Min by only a river.

Previously, Xue Lie had told him that Wulin had amassed 40,000 troops to occupy their forces in Guanzhou.

A few days ago, Xue Lie discovered unusual activity in the Yan army in Wulin, which was likely due to Yan Wujiu drawing away a portion of his troops. Xue Lie then asked him to lead his troops in a surprise attack on Wulin while the army was short-handed, but he refused.

Xue Lie wanted to launch a surprise attack on Wulin, but the only way was by water!

With so many ships, we're making too much of a target!

Once discovered, the surprise attack loses its purpose.

Even though some of Wulin's troops were withdrawn and the fighting took place on the water, Xue Lie still had no advantage and was even at a great disadvantage.

If there are soldiers in Ulin, there will surely be food!

If Qin Yu leads his troops to launch a swift attack on Wulin, not only will they be able to obtain supplies, but Xue Lie's troops in Guanzhou can also cross the Yi River to provide support, and supplies can be transported from Guanzhou later!

By capturing Ulin, they essentially opened up another avenue for attack!

"no problem!"

Qin Yu immediately agreed, "Since we're going to launch a surprise attack on Wulin, we can't attack the Yan army advancing towards Shimanzi Slope; that would make our intentions too obvious!"

"The intention must be clear!"

Xue Chengdao shook his head and smiled, "Our goal is to make Yan Wujiu believe that we are going to attack the exhausted army that is marching rapidly towards Shimanzi Slope..."

The Flying Fang Cavalry under Yan Wujiu's command was ultimately a hidden danger.

We need to get the Flying Fang Cavalry moving first!

Then Qin Yu led his troops in a feigned attack on the Yan army that had come from the tiger's mouth.

At that time, Yan Wujiu will surely send the Flying Fang Cavalry to cut off Qin Yu and his men's retreat.

Only then can they better restrain the Flying Fang Cavalry and create an opportunity for Qin Yu to break through.

If the Flying Fang Cavalry isn't restrained, even if they manage to break through, Yan Wujiu will inevitably send the Flying Fang Cavalry to pursue them.

That way, they wouldn't have had the chance to launch a surprise attack on Ulin.

Just as Qin Yu realized what was happening, Xue Chengdao continued, "However, you have no supplies; at most, you'll only bring some dry rations and beans!"

"Therefore, you must capture Ulin within two days!"

"Otherwise, you'll have no choice but to scavenge for supplies again in the places Yan Wujiu already looted..."

plunder?

What a load of rubbish!

In terms of food and economic crises alone, apart from Wangzhou, Pangzhou is probably the most severely affected.

Even Luzhou is not as badly affected as Pangzhou.

The navy was the first to dump pepper in Pangzhou to exchange for money and grain!

Yan Wujiu ransacked the place one more time.

They'll plunder our supplies!

Two days should be enough!

Qin Yu was about to agree when he suddenly realized a problem: "Once Yan Wujiu finds out that I'm leading my troops to raid Wulin, he'll probably go berserk and launch a frenzied attack on Luzhou Prefecture! Can your small force hold it?"

Moreover, Yan Wujiu might even draw troops from Huzhou to launch an attack!

The city walls of Luzhou Prefecture were torn down and the moat was filled in.

With only 20,000 men, it would be difficult for them to withstand the siege of 100,000 troops in Luzhou.

"If we can't hold it, we can't hold it!"

Xue Chengdao scoffed, "We're cavalry! At worst, we'll burn our supplies and retreat to Shangxing! If Yan Wujiu wants to attack Shangxing, I'd welcome it!"

That's true!

Qin Yu realized what was happening and immediately straightened up: "This subordinate obeys!"

Xue Chengdao waved his hand: "Alright, go and prepare! We'll advance immediately after dawn!"

"yes!"

Qin Yu left quickly.

Qin Fumeng watched Qin Yu's departing figure, then turned back to Xue Cheng with a smile and said, "You really know how to back down?"

Only a fool like Qin Yu would believe such a thing!

"Will you cancel?"

Xue Chengdao asked in return with a smile.

The two old foxes exchanged a knowing glance and then burst into laughter at the same time.

retreat?

Refund my ass!

They retreated to Shangxing, and Yan Wujiu certainly wouldn't attack!

At that time, Yan Wujiu will either have to turn around and attack Wulin, or he will have to retreat to Yanzhou or Huzhou!

Given the current situation in the Yan state, there is a very high probability that Yan Wujiu will retreat to Yanzhou!

If Yan Wujiu leads his army away, they'll be the ones in trouble later!

They have troops behind them!

Luzhou is not far from Shangxing.

Moreover, Qin Yu was able to turn around and provide support after launching a surprise attack on Wulin!

There's no reason not to fight this kind of battle!

They used themselves as bait to lure Yan Wujiu!

Once we defeat Yan Wujiu and open up a new passage for our troops, the rest will be much easier!