Chapter 339

Chapter 339

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 10: The World in Chaos, the Time of the Deer Hunt Chapter 339: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

If Sun Ce, still unwell and not fully recovered from his illness, intends to launch another campaign against Zu Lang, he might indeed be asking for trouble.

Zu Lang is not entirely reckless.

The mountains in the Danyang region almost form two east-west ranges, with connections on the west side of Jing County, allowing Zu Lang to have sufficient sentries in the mountains north and south of Jing County. It wouldn’t be difficult to reach Tongguan unnoticed from the north.

He carefully analyzed the information coming from that direction.

An astonishing number of warships suddenly appeared upstream from the Yangtze River, seemingly coming from Jing Province. Unfortunately, Huang She is dead, cutting off his source of information from Jing Province.

“But this isn’t a big problem. Jing Province soldiers, even if they excel in naval warfare, will struggle in mountainous terrain.”

Unless they can turn Yishan into a flooded area.

Zu Lang, chewing on a straw, analyzed with his subordinates.

“What if they’re Yizhou soldiers?” one subordinate asked.

“Good question!” Zu Lang replied. “But it’s unlikely. Yizhou soldiers on Jing Province-style warships in Yang Province? What’s that about?”

He muttered, “But we can’t rule it out. Keep an eye out once they enter the mountains. If they are Yizhou soldiers, we’ll proceed cautiously. If we avoid disaster, I’ll credit you.”

As he spoke, he tossed a coin to the subordinate.

“Now, about Cheng Pu mobilizing forces from Kuaiji County. Many of them are Sun Ce’s elite soldiers, which is troublesome.”

“Commander, why boost their morale?” another subordinate said. “Didn’t we previously fight Sun Ce’s elite soldiers, including himself, in the mountains and still come out on top? He can’t move mountains or fill seas. He’ll still have to fight us in the mountains. Numbers don’t matter!”

“They do matter,” Zu Lang replied casually. “Let him lose more subordinates and get angrier. The noble families of Wu have always looked down on us, but some of their advice is sound. Without their guidance, it wouldn’t have been so easy to trap Sun Ce.”

“Though it’s better not to cooperate with them too often.”

Zu Lang muttered to himself.

Even if the noble families of Wu are more trustworthy than a madman like Huang She, their cooperation is limited to this one instance of taking down Sun Ce.

In the face of common interests, they might be allies.

But once Sun Ce is dead, in the vast Yang Province, their conflicting interests will turn them into enemies.

Though one occupies the mountains and the other the counties, the Shanyue people are dissatisfied with only having mountain land and wish to expand for more food and better living conditions. The noble families of Wu also dislike having such barbaric neighbors. Conflicts are inevitable.

These people even concealed their involvement in dealing with Sun Ce, letting the Shanyue take the lead, showing their ill intentions.

If the Chang’an court holds someone accountable for Sun Ce’s death, the Shanyue will be the first to bear the brunt.

The noble families of Wu will hide safely behind.

Zu Lang couldn’t help but compare these people to Ze Rong.

Fortunately, he’s not just working for others.

The merit of killing Sun Ce will elevate his prestige among other Shanyue forces, allowing him to dominate.

The Shanyue are a vast group.

If he can recruit a few more forces under his command, he won’t be far from truly carving out his own territory.

But all this depends on successfully killing Sun Ce.

“Alright, everyone, get moving,” he clapped his hands, signaling his subordinates to follow his plan. “Bring me the information I want. Huang She died for nothing, so let’s reclaim the merit of killing Sun Ce. If we succeed, I’ll celebrate with you, and we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

These Shanyue soldiers, familiar with the mountainous terrain and skilled in climbing, quickly dispersed into the mountains, making the area around Jing County seem filled with countless hidden eyes.

The faint footsteps of scouts were soon masked by other sounds in the forest, as if they were just illusions.

Looking towards the source of the sound, all one could see was the rustling of trees in the wind.

Qiao Yan retracted her gaze, a meaningful smile on her face.

She turned to Huang Gai and said, “General Huang, have the troops set up camp tonight, giving our opponents time to react.”

Huang Gai acknowledged and immediately made the arrangements.

As he completed the deployment and looked at Qiao Yan, he momentarily lost focus.

The news of Sun Ce’s death had been temporarily sealed within Tongguan County under Qiao Yan’s plan.

Fortunately, when they went to Wu County to fetch Madam Wu, they didn’t mention Sun Ce’s impending death, only that he was severely injured.

A mother visiting her injured child is a normal situation.

Sun Ce’s usual vitality made it hard to believe he could die from injuries sustained in a mountain campaign.

So, to outsiders, Sun Ce is still “alive,” even more determined after a failed attempt.

In reality, Sun Ce’s body is temporarily kept in Tongguan County, guarded by Han Dang and Madam Wu, while the “General Who Conquers Rebels” entering the mountains is none other than Qiao Yan, the Grand Marshal!

Her height, enhanced by slightly taller boots and her position on horseback, makes it hard to spot any abnormalities from a distance.

The heavy armor covers her figure and half her face, making her appear slightly thinner and paler than Sun Ce, but still exuding a commanding presence.

Her spear isn’t Sun Ce’s but her own two-sectioned spear, which looks like a complete long spear when connected.

This makes her, during this expedition, almost indistinguishable from the general at first glance.

But up close, no one would mistake her for Sun Ce.

The Grand Marshal, at the pinnacle of court power, exudes a sharp, commanding presence, yet with a calm, composed demeanor, only showing pressure when scrutinizing someone.

Did Sun Ce entrust his old subordinates to Qiao Yan because she also possesses the aura of a seasoned general?

Huang Gai couldn’t answer that yet.

“General Huang?” Qiao Yan’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

He quickly composed himself and replied, “I’ll arrange it immediately.”

Their forces entering the mountains are quite mixed, not many in number but from various regions:

Qiao Yan’s retinue from Luoyang to Jing Province and then to Yang Province. These are her bodyguards.

Jing Province soldiers lent by Liu Biao, with Wen Ping leading the infantry into the mountains.

Zhu Jun and his troops from Changsha County, though Zhu Jun was left behind due to the dangerous mountains and the need to guard the warships in Tongguan.

Finally, Sun Ce’s old subordinates, including Huang Gai and Cheng Pu.

Huang Gai felt that instead of mixing forces from different regions, it would be better to use only local Yang Province troops familiar with Danyang’s mountainous terrain to deal a more effective blow to Zu Lang.

After all, in terms of physical prowess, Sun Ce’s elite soldiers far surpass the resource-deprived Shanyue.

But by the campfire after entering the mountains, when Huang Gai tentatively raised this question, Qiao Yan shook her head: “If my goal were just guerrilla warfare with Zu Lang in the mountains, your arrangement would be correct—fewer but elite troops are better than many but mixed.”

“But I don’t have much time to spend searching for Zu Lang. I need him to come to me for a quick resolution. In this situation, the current setup is most suitable.”

“Tell me, what would Zu Lang think facing such a force?”

After nearly killing Sun Ce and now facing another attack, Zu Lang’s fear of Sun Ce, if any, has mostly faded.

The patchwork of Sun Ce’s forces would only make Zu Lang think Sun Ce is desperate, throwing anyone into the fray.

A furious commander only thinking of searching the mountains—what right does he have to challenge Zu Lang?

That’s Zu Lang’s current thought!

“Jing Province soldiers indeed!” Zu Lang sneered. “Sun Ce is really regressing. Despite the enmity with Liu Biao over his father’s death, he still cooperates with him.”

“Wait…” Zu Lang muttered. “It could also be that the Chang’an court is dissatisfied with the time and effort Sun Ce has spent on quelling rebellions, prompting Jing Province to send troops.”

But regardless of the reason, the outcome remains the same—Sun Ce’s hasty mountain campaign won’t redeem him but will cost him his life!

If it’s the first reason, even better!

The presence of Jing Province troops is like an enemy monitoring Sun Ce, a humiliation that will only fuel his impatience for merit, playing right into Zu Lang’s hands.

News of another fortress being destroyed and several mountain exits being blocked didn’t bother Zu Lang, because—

The fortress attackers were Sun Ce’s generals, while the passes were guarded by Jing Province troops!

Clearly, Sun Ce wants these “helpers” to tighten the noose while he delivers the final blow.

Excellent!

Before he even acts, the enemy is already in disarray.

The messages reaching Zu Lang’s ears didn’t make him realize he’s walking into a trap, just as Sun Ce did before.

He only sees Sun Ce, having learned nothing from his near-death experience, entering an unfamiliar environment again.

“Expose one of our mountain strongholds to them.”

Zu Lang gazed at the distant mountains with determination.

If Sun Ce insists on seeking death, he’ll oblige, and in doing so, enhance his own reputation.

A subordinate swallowed hard and asked excitedly, “Which one?”

Zu Lang thought for a moment and replied, “The one at Shui Ridge.”

A mountain pass—a perfect place to send someone to their death!

But what was difficult terrain for Sun Ce is a clearly marked area on Qiao Yan’s three-dimensional map.

Even without bringing the best mountain fighters like Chu Yan and Yao Chang, she’s over 80% confident in defeating Zu Lang.

“Grand Marshal, they’ve made their move!”

As the morning campfire dwindled, a scout whispered to Zhou Tai, who then rushed to Qiao Yan with the news.








She.

Zhou Tai’s gaze towards her already carried a hint of admiration.

If Qiao Yan’s decisive choice to avenge Sun Ce by sending troops into the mountains had initially appealed to his sense of justice, then her current maneuver of coordinating four disparate forces to act according to her plan was truly exhilarating.

Just thinking about the surprise they were about to deliver to Zu Lang, not just a failed ambush but also the shock of the real and fake Sun Ce, Zhou Tai couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate meeting Zu Lang.

Like Zu Lang, who was also eagerly awaiting their encounter.

In this water ridge pit area, a ridge stretched between Tongshan Ridge and Nanling Pit. According to a Daoist he had met in Yang Province years ago, this ridge extended to the river, resembling a dragon drinking water, a sign of dragon veins.

Dragon veins or not, he chose Jing County as his base mainly for its convenient terrain.

But now, recalling that old prophecy, he felt there were few as good-hearted as him, still thinking of finding a feng shui treasure for Sun Ce’s burial amidst this encirclement.

He stroked the long knife in his hand, signaling his subordinates to hide the ambush troops on the ridge even better, especially their limited number of horses.

“Stay alert!” Zu Lang warned, scanning the surroundings. “If anyone causes any disturbance, preventing them from jumping into this pit, see how I deal with you.”

The terrain was favorable. If he could trap Sun Ce’s forces attacking the village in the valley, he just needed to guard the valley entrance, killing them one by one.

But Sun Ce wasn’t a fool. If he sensed something amiss, he would surely flee!

Fortunately, Zu Lang’s worries seemed unnecessary.

Sun Ce, perhaps eager to find Zu Lang, took any clue as a breakthrough.

Support from Cheng Pu from Kuaiji and Zhu Jun from Changsha had restored his confidence in suppressing the Shanyue.

Thus, from the ridge, Zu Lang saw a grand cavalry swiftly approaching from the mountain path, targeting the village below!

The most striking was the young commander in armor, wielding a long spear!

At this moment, Zu Lang couldn’t help but admire the number of cavalry “Sun Ce” brought, more than he imagined, and the impact of this show of wealth with only cavalry. His only thought was—

The prey has arrived!

With his silent gestures, his subordinates quickly moved into action.

Like the Qiang people’s natural advantage in Liangzhou’s mountainous terrain, this water ridge pit was a playground for the Shanyue.

Every pair of wild eyes now fixed on the column entering the valley, watching them charge into the village.

But the village, already evacuated by Zu Lang, had no Shanyue villagers, only hidden Shanyue axemen.

Like the Shanyue soldiers on the ridge, they held their breath, waiting for the moment to strike.

Next, a gong echoed through the valley, instantly boiling the silent ridge.

“Attack!”

Just as “Sun Ce’s” cavalry fully entered the village.

But instead of encountering Shanyue soldiers, they walked into a prepared trap.

As the last horse entered, the seemingly sturdy gatehouse collapsed, blocking their retreat.

Simultaneously, hidden Shanyue villagers threw torches onto the thatched roofs.

Layered thatch and rapeseed oil made the fire spread faster than usual.

Amid the flames, hidden axemen charged out, aiming to strike while the enemy was disoriented.

“Sun Ce’s reputation as a military genius is overrated!” Zu Lang’s face lit up with joy.

Anyone seeing such a quiet village should suspect an ambush, but Sun Ce thought the villagers had fled upon hearing of their approach, charging in recklessly, like placing his head on the chopping block.

The gatehouse collapse didn’t panic the well-trained warhorses, but fire did.

Once the fire spread and houses collapsed, Sun Ce’s cavalry advantage would instantly become a disadvantage!

Zu Lang gripped his long knife, anticipating the moment Sun Ce’s forces would cry “Ambush!” and his hidden troops would strike.

But to his surprise, the village ambush and surrounding fire seemed to have no effect on the charging cavalry.

In the smoke below, the chestnut horse carrying “Sun Ce” led the charge.

No, it wasn’t a charge. Just before the horse collided with the fence, a long spear flew out, knocking away the iron spikes, clearing a path.

Though from a distance, the figure didn’t seem as robust as a typical general, the burst of strength and coordination with the horse was startling.

But now wasn’t the time for Zu Lang to hesitate.

He had no time to ponder if this red horse matched Sun Ce’s legendary steed.

In his view, following the leader who broke through, a column of cavalry ignored the chaos, maintaining a stable formation.

As if their only concern was the leader ahead.

This hundred-strong cavalry breached the village barrier but didn’t flee. Instead, following the leader’s raised spear, they turned and charged back through the breach.

With the fire raging and distance obscuring details, Zu Lang couldn’t see their faces, but from above, the small cavalry guarding their core was like a blade piercing the village!

Despite occasional stiffness in the leader’s movements and the small number, Zu Lang had no doubt this direct impact would turn the tide.

Not good!

If “Sun Ce” regrouped and retreated, his plan to trap them in the valley would fail.

He might never get another chance.

He had to strike before they escaped the fire and ambush.

Thinking this, Zu Lang ordered the gong struck again.

At the sound, hidden Shanyue soldiers rushed down, archers surrounding the village, firing arrows into the fire.

Smoke and flames obscured their aim, making the arrows random.

But this added to the chaos.

If this were a normal cavalry.

But it wasn’t!

Qiao Yan, prepared for Zu Lang’s ambush, intended to lure him out but didn’t underestimate him or treat her allies as mere bait.

Their diverse forces were a disadvantage in large battles but not in elite operations!

Huang Gai, Cheng Pu, Zhou Tai, Wen Ping, and Dian Wei each led a cavalry unit. As Qiao Yan led the elite charge, triggering Zu Lang’s attack, these five units also broke through in different directions.

Each independent, yet each breaking through!

When Zu Lang led his cavalry down, he didn’t see disoriented prey but Huang Gai’s cavalry slaughtering his archers!

The other four units, led by their generals, engaged the surrounding Shanyue soldiers.

The village fire now fully merged.

Not as Zu Lang had hoped, with horses neighing and men wailing, confirming Sun Ce’s burial in a feng shui treasure.

Instead, the cavalry that broke through stood before the fire, watching their comrades kill the ambushers.

What an arrogant stance!

That was Zu Lang’s first impression.

And first impressions—

In the firelight, the leader’s pale complexion seemed even more pronounced.

Seeing this, Zu Lang made a decisive decision.

Capture the leader first!

Their ambush had lost its purpose against the disciplined response, but his actions weren’t meaningless.

He had lured Sun Ce here.

He still had more men!

This numerical advantage could let him stall Sun Ce’s subordinates while taking the life of the injured Jiangdong tiger!

He had no qualms about killing Ze Rong, let alone Sun Ce.

“Go!” His decision was swift, his action resolute.

Shanyue cavalry, linked to the Northern Army’s Yue Cavalry, moved smoothly down the slope. With more horses, Zu Lang’s cavalry would be formidable.

But this was enough!

He moved, his subordinates following without question.

Straight for “Sun Ce”!

But as he targeted his prey, the seemingly weak leader charged with equal speed.

The leader in silver armor and black robes!

No longer a spectator.

As the two cavalries clashed, no trace of weakness remained, only the leader’s spear, light yet deadly, drawing blood.

Perhaps due to the focused charge, moments ago parrying thrusts, now the spear reached Zu Lang.

Zu Lang hastily drew his knife, feeling a shocking tremor, nearly dropping it.

In this close encounter, he exclaimed, “You’re not Sun Ce!”

How could this be Sun Ce? It was a female general!

Wrong, all wrong!