Chapter 659 – Unifying Wanzhou (12)
Killing “Wei Ci” was a move that not only severed his own escape route but also earned the trust of the Red Lotus Sect.
When the second-in-command invited the high-ranking members of the Red Lotus Sect into the city for discussions on grand strategies, they immediately agreed without a second thought.
However, they also had their suspicions and brought two thousand troops with them, while the remaining thirty thousand stayed gathered outside the city.
If anything went amiss, those thirty thousand would charge into the city at once.
The second-in-command and the military adviser of the Red Lotus Sect did not get along; both found the other annoying, but given the special circumstances, they had to cooperate for now.
The scholar had quietly decided that once they defeated Liu Xi, he would be the first to capture the second-in-command and demand accountability.
For now, he had to endure for the greater good… Heh, let this hothead enjoy a few more days of freedom.
One never knows what others are plotting. The scholar had his schemes, completely unaware that the second-in-command was also plotting against him.
Even though the scholar’s group had brought two thousand troops, they were no match for the thirty thousand entrenched in the city.
On the surface, they feigned friendliness while secretly holding their own agendas.
No matter how the war drums sounded and challenges rang out from outside, the second-in-command remained holed up within the city, adamant about staying silent and commanding the guards to shout insults at the encampment.
Inside the city, the second-in-command hosted a banquet, having dancers and singers perform while using a group of prostitutes to serve them.
Outside, the sound of drums thundered, and even at that distance, one could still hear it if they strained their ears.
After several rounds of drinking, they finally started discussing the main topic.
The second-in-command wore a pained expression, rubbing his hands together as he vented to the scholar sitting beside him.
He couldn’t bring himself to mention his act of kidnapping the sect leader in front of everyone, so he spoke around the issue, lamenting how difficult his situation was and imploring everyone to assist him in repelling Liu Xi outside the city, as they were all of the same bloodline, like brothers.
The scholar’s smile was stiff, trying to withdraw his hand, but the second-in-command held on tightly.
“Don’t be hasty. Liu Thief’s mere ten thousand troops are no match for us,” the scholar forced a smile, reassuring him, “As long as we two factions put aside our grudges and join forces to defend, Liu Thief will retreat in less than half a month.”
“But right now, their taunts are quite rude. If we don’t fight back, won’t that be embarrassing?” the second-in-command countered.
The scholar replied, “What are face and pride worth? As long as we defeat Liu Xi, our sect will gain fame all over the world.”
He then proceeded to analyze Liu Xi’s current awkward situation, appearing as though he was pointing out the strategy of the land with sound logic.
The people in the hall continued to flatter him, praising his insights, which made him feel elated, allowing the earlier setbacks to fade from his mind.
Outside the city, regardless of how Jiang Pengji sent people to challenge them, the defenders remained firm in their decision not to engage, determined to play deaf.
Watching as the sky grew darker, Jiang Pengji’s eyes added a hint of frost.
Yang Si hurried over, his steps quick and breaths heavy, shouting, “Lord—Lord, I’ve got reliable news! Not long ago, there was unusual movement at the Red Lotus Sect’s main camp; about two thousand people entered Qiuyu County. It looks like they’re preparing to form an alliance.”
Jiang Pengji’s gaze flickered; a slight smile tugged at her lips.
“Two thousand people? Any significant figures among them?”
She crossed her arms and glanced up at the sky, quietly calculating in her mind.
Yang Si was prepared, immediately saying, “According to the scouts’ reports, the leader is likely a high-ranking core member of the Red Lotus Sect. However, the details are unclear at this distance. Judging by their attire, there may be around twenty-three high-ranking individuals.”
The Red Lotus Sect wasn’t a regular army; most of its members were impoverished commoners, wearing whatever they could find, often ransacked from the dead, simply bundled around them to stay warm, not caring whether it looked clean or pretty.
Therefore, within the Red Lotus Sect, those with any armor or bright clothing were usually respected figures.
Though the scouts could not get too close, assessing their clothing typically allowed for accurate identification.
Jiang Pengji narrowed her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of danger as she murmured, “Twenty-three?”
Yang Si added, “While we’re not clear on how many high-ranking members the Red Lotus Sect has, just based on this number, they must have taken at least half.”
Jiang Pengji let out a light scoff. “So, the current Red Lotus camp is effectively without a leader? Jing Rong, what do you think our chances would be if we launched a nighttime raid on their camp? I believe we could fight them even with their thirty thousand troops.”
Her forces were fewer but vastly better off.
They had ample warm clothing, enough provisions, and decent military equipment, with well-trained troops… Though they had only one-third the numbers of their opponent, at night in the freezing winter, the advantage of numbers would significantly diminish. If they launched a surprise attack, catching them unprepared, with superior overall quality, and with the Red Lotus Sect still in a leaderless state, she felt they had a great chance of victory.
Yang Si chuckled, “I think Zixiao is planning something similar.”
Jiang Pengji crossed her arms, clicking her tongue.
“Zixiao has already turned the forces in Qiuyu County to his side, and now with the Red Lotus Sect entering with two thousand troops… Hehe, tonight is bound to be lively.” With the Red Lotus camp vulnerable to a surprise attack while the city was surrounded and ambushed, the sect would not die in vain.
Making her decision, Jiang Pengji ordered her soldiers to continue the challenge for a quarter of an hour before retreating.
Due to the city’s prolonged refusal to engage, Jiang Pengji’s repeated challenges throughout the afternoon had dampened their morale.
She instructed the logistics team to prepare a hearty dinner for her troops and allowed them to rest in batches, recharging their spirits.
That night, the bright white moon was cloaked by dark blue clouds, casting little light on the earth.
Jiang Pengji led her entire army away from the camp, ensuring not to raise alarms within the city; the torches within the camp continued to blaze.
The Red Lotus camp was a full hour’s walk from their location. Now with nightfall and difficult terrain, their pace was even slower.
The guards atop the city walls still hadn’t noticed anything amiss.
Firstly, the torches were still burning brightly in the camp.
Secondly, when Jiang Pengji moved her troops, she went out from the rear of their camp, and the guards on the walls had poor visibility, preventing them from seeing anything.
Simultaneously, the city was ablaze with light, filled with the sounds of song and laughter, and the silhouette of graceful dancers could be seen.
Everyone reached a consensus, feeling merry and drinking without restraint.
The clinking of cups and roaring laughter echoed far beyond the main hall.
The second-in-command, drunk and with rosy cheeks, sat at the table, his nostrils red from the alcohol.
He rubbed his belly, feeling the urgent need to relieve himself, and pushed the dancer leaning against him aside.
Raising his voice, he said, “Enjoy yourselves— I’ll step out for a moment.”
No one suspected anything strange; after all, who among them hadn’t taken a few restroom breaks during the feast?
Having drunk too much, the pressure in his bladder was unbearable.
With bemused smiles, they turned back to their partners, completely ignoring the second-in-command’s departure.
