Chapter 99: Waiting for their Guard to Drop
The second day.
Yang Zhengshan carefully instructed Yang Mingcheng and Wu Hai before departing.
“The situation inside the stronghold cannot be chaotic, nor can it be chaotic in our household. Today is different from the past. In the past, there were only family members in the Yang household, but now there are many servants. Family members can share the joys and sorrows together, but the servants may not be reliable in times of crisis.”
After breakfast, Yang Zhengshan led 200 cavalrymen and 300 infantrymen, including Ding Qi, to leave the welcoming river stronghold.
“A mind that plots against others is unacceptable, but being prepared for others is necessary.” Yang Zhengshan thought to himself.
As they journeyed east, Yang Zhengshan took the opportunity to visit the horse farm. Fortunately, the horse farm was not attacked by the Hu cavalry. The closer they got to the fortress city, the fewer scattered Hu cavalrymen there were. The main force of the Hu tribe would not roam around plundering, so the area around the horse farm was relatively peaceful.
Around noon, they arrived at Lin Guan Fortress, where the atmosphere was heavy but not chaotic. Seeing Yang Zhengshan arrive with 500 soldiers, everyone in Lin Guan Fortress let out a sigh of relief.
“Lord!” Yang Chengze greeted him outside the stronghold.
Yang Zhengshan nodded slightly and rode into the stronghold, then scanned the area. “You arrange for everyone to set up camp in the training ground!”
The training ground was outside the stronghold, and the only available space was the empty area in front of the government office.
The training ground was not very large, but it could fit a few dozen tents. If there were not enough tents, they could also squeeze some in at the sewing workshop.
Yang Chengze responded and quickly went to arrange the setup.
Yang Zhengshan also ordered Yang Mingwu and Song Dashan to lead some scouts to investigate the situation.
On the second day after Yang Zhengshan arrived at Lin Guan Fortress, the Hu tribe’s main force finally arrived at the foot of Chongshan Fortress.
The immense army, accompanied by thick smoke, was pressing forward, casting a somber atmosphere over the entire fortress city.
On the city wall, several men wearing thick fur-lined coats gazed out at the approaching Hu tribe army.
“Just as the Lord predicted, they’ve really come!” Lu Chongde said, stroking his white beard, his face calm.
Lord Liangzhuang, his face cold, smiled faintly. “They can’t not come. If they don’t come, they’ll be dead. Coming gives them a glimmer of hope.”
Lu Chongde’s voice was sorrowful in the cold wind. “I still don’t want them to come. If they do, many civilians will suffer!”
“Women’s compassion!” Liangzhuang glanced at him, his eyes cold. “If they don’t come, they might become a great calamity for the dynasty in the future, and more civilians will suffer then!”
Lu Chongde fell silent, knowing Liangzhuang was right.
A defeated enemy is a good enemy.
However, he still hoped the dynasty would take the initiative to attack and thus avoid harming innocent civilians.
But time was running out for them.
They had only half a year, and many things were still unprepared, making it impossible to send troops to attack the Hu tribe.
Just then, a handsome man dressed in white fox fur climbed up the city wall.
He had black hair, wore a jade crown, and had an elegant, refined appearance, giving off a gentle and benevolent aura.
Behind him stood two attendants, one tall and one short, their eyes like swords, exuding a strong, intimidating aura.
“See you, Lord Liangzhuang, See you, Lord Lu!” he said.
“Greetings, Lord Lu!” the three exchanged greetings.
Liangzhuang’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “What are you doing here, Lord Lu? Shouldn’t you be staying in the city?”
Lu Hua’s face remained calm. “With the enemy army approaching, I, as an inspector, must come to take a look.”
Liangzhuang’s face turned unpleasant. “An inspector!” He didn’t like having an inspector around, especially one without any real power.
As for Lu Hua, he didn’t care about Liangzhuang’s attitude. He represented the Emperor, and Liangzhuang couldn’t ignore him.
“What do you want to see?” Liangzhuang asked.
“I’ve found evidence that someone in Jing’an Prefecture is colluding with the enemy and selling out the country!” Lu Hua’s voice was as cold as a winter wind.
“Who?” Liangzhuang’s eyes narrowed.
“Li Shilang, the merchant!” Lu Hua replied, his voice still cold.
Liangzhuang laughed disdainfully. “A merchant?”
Lu Hua’s eyes seemed to gleam with insight. “This matter involves the officials in the military and the government. I suspect Zhang Yude and Sun Xincheng are also involved.”
Liangzhuang’s face turned cold. “What’s next?”
Lu Hua continued, “I need you to replace the commander of An yuan State City.”
Liangzhuang pondered for a moment. “Very well, I’ll make the arrangements.”
After Lu Hua left, Liangzhuang looked at the Hu tribe army below, his eyes filled with a cold, dark glow.
“I’ll make sure to win this battle, no matter what!” he muttered to himself.
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Translator’s Note: I have maintained the original tone and style of the novel, preserving cultural references and idioms. If any clarification is needed, please let me know!
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