novelraw Chapter 447 - 320: Something’s Off (Part 2)
Chapter 447 - 320: Something’s Off (Part 2)
Wei Junzhuo loves using the strategy of making a false show of attacking in the east to strike in the west, and this time he even set up a chain of schemes targeting Yuan Lang to betray himself.
First, he created a very obvious fake target to confuse others, making them think his aim was something else, this is the first path;
Then a second, slightly more realistic objective emerged, which was to attack Qingshui County by borrowing the Qi Country waterway, this is the second path;
Only then did others realize that borrowing the Qi Country route to attack Qingshui County was also fake, what he really wanted was...
"It’s neither Cang Wind Port nor Qingshui County, so why are we going to Cang Wind Port?" Tang Zhan still didn’t understand and asked in confusion.
A low and hoarse voice rang out among the leaders:
"Because what Wei Junzhuo wants is Qi Country! If Qi Country falls, the nearby Cang Wind Port will be hard to hold. Once this happens, the Wei Country navy can continuously invade from Cang Wind Port and seize half of the Southern Border, causing countless Dayan people to suffer from the ravages of war."
Rong Heng raised an eyebrow and looked over.
The one speaking was Geng Gong, this young man was originally just an orphan from the border army of the Northern Territory, also the older brother of Geng Tao, two years younger than him and Gu Lan. If he hadn’t stumbled upon Jiang Qu’s assassination attempt on him and Gu Lan back then, he might still be a street thug barely surviving in the Capital City.
Gu Lan always believed he could become an excellent general, and so he fulfilled his wish and sent him to the Dingyuan Army.
Half a year ago, when Mu Jun led five thousand Dingyuan Army troops to support Yinzhou, Geng Gong was among them.
Despite his young age, he had already become a battalion commander, and it’s said he was deeply trusted by the Dingyuan Marquis in the Northern Territory—and his words now proved that Gu Lan hadn’t misjudged him.
Geng Gong’s words froze the expressions of the leaders who heard them, leaving them looking at each other, suddenly enlightened.
Su Yi looked at Geng Gong in astonishment, not expecting that even he, a more seasoned individual, couldn’t see it as clearly as a young man.
"Geng Gong is right." Rong Heng curled his lips lightly, his expression calm and indifferent, as if he had everything under control.
"Borrowing the Wei Army’s path through Qi is actually asking a tiger for its skin; they’ve unwittingly welcomed their greatest enemy into their home, and Dayan’s relationship with Qi Country is of mutual dependence. We can only immediately head to Cang Wind Port to support them, while also telling Wei Junzhuo not to take everyone for fools."
He guessed correctly! Geng Gong looked at the young Prince with admiration, excitement welling within.
"I will gather the troops at once and follow Your Highness into battle!" The young man’s voice, still in the process of changing, was hoarse but carried an unmistakable excitement and enthusiasm.
It was then that Tang Zhan finally understood; surprising, the fool was himself.
"Tang Zhan will stay in Yinzhou, and if you’re still worried, let Xiao An lead a team to Qingshui County to check," Rong Heng finally said.
Tang Zhan: "Since you’ve said so, what is there not to be assured of? I’ll get to grilling fish then, and prepare some for you and the Young Master upon your return."
"It’s good that you think so." Rong Heng’s eyes deepened slightly, speaking with a light tone.
At present, news from Yan Capital hasn’t reached the Southern Border yet; soon, they will learn that Dayan’s Prince Xiang has already been branded a traitor by the court. Likewise, if Rong Jing’s identity is exposed, it will throw all Dayan into chaos... Before that happens, he must first resolve the crisis at the Southern Border.
The heavy city gates of Yinzhou slowly opened, a group of civilians stepped out of their homes to stand on either side of the streets, watching the whirlwind of black-armored soldiers form orderly lines, the sound of hooves thunderous as they kicked up rolling dust, growing ever more distant.
Their gazes towards Rong Heng were filled with anticipation, just as they once were for Prince Rui.
"The Pingnan Army and Dingyuan Army, as well as our border army, have all set off for battle, no one is besieging the city, so what is the Prince doing?"
"I heard that Wei Junzhuo is attacking Cang Wind Port again, and the Prince must hurry to provide support."
"I wonder if the Pingnan General will come!"
"May my son return safely, may the Prince achieve great victory, may Dayan achieve great victory!"
The whispers of the people scattered in the wind, the harsh cold wind lifting dry leaves and grasses, along with the deep sound of horns, as if it was taking one to the battlefield filled with the clash of metal and steed.
"By now... Yuan should have reached the Southern Border and met Rong Heng, right."
In the dim room, strands of golden sunlight streamed through the cracks, specks of dust swirling in the air, distinctly visible.
Having undergone today’s dose of the Heart-devouring Incense, Gu Lan collapsed onto the bed, tightening his somewhat thin clothing, mumbling drowsily.
By his reckoning, it’s been fourteen days since the old lady’s birthday banquet, apart from visiting every other day to check on his mental state, Rong Jing seemed in no hurry whatsoever.