Yan Pu was stunned for a moment, then his brow furrowed sharply. "You mean they're using the noble families of Ze'a Prefecture to scatter our forces?"
Qu Cong also drew in a cold breath. "Is it possible that the Grand General has already engaged with the noble families of Ze'a Prefecture?"
Qu Bai nodded. "I'm afraid so. When Ze'a Prefecture suddenly sought peace negotiations back then, I already felt something was off."
Yan Pu grew anxious. "Then we should head back to Ze'a Prefecture immediately."
Qu Bai shook his head. "It took us two or three days of forced march to reach Shanguan County. Going back would take another two or three days, and by then the battle there will likely be over. Returning would be meaningless."
"But we cannot afford to lose Shanguan County. This place is critically important, especially now that it's been occupied by the Jinyang Army." He spoke these words with visible gritting of teeth.
Back then, a small border town like Gefeng had already forced them to take detours, costing them dearly.
Now, with Shanguan County's strategically vital position firmly held by the Jinyang Army, he dared not imagine the consequences. Fengzhou would absolutely be split into eastern and western halves.
This was something he did not want to see. So rather than rushing back to a battlefield where the outcome was likely already settled, it would be better to first recapture Shanguan County.
Donghu Commandery was essentially the granary of the Quzhao people, supplying roughly sixty percent of their total grain, while salt relied entirely on Donghu Commandery's provision.
Now the Jinyang Army had cut them in two, directly blocking the main transport route. This would create a major problem for logistics, unless they resorted to waterways.
Donghu Commandery still had ships left behind by the former Yan Kingdom, but they were all from the grasslands and knew nothing of sailing or naval warfare.
Although they were working hard to learn, the results had been minimal.
By now, Yan Pu had also grasped the crux of the matter. He felt frustrated but helpless.
The Jinyang Army was too cunning and too powerful in combat.
An enemy like this, if not destroyed while still rising to power, would surely become a deep-rooted threat in the future. This was something the Quzhao did not wish to see.
This military council dragged on for a long time before the battle plan was finally settled.
Just as everyone was preparing to disperse, a soldier entered to report: "General Tang of Donghu Commandery has arrived."
Qu Bai was not surprised. "Let him in."
Soon, Tang Tishou walked in. He saluted Qu Bai before speaking: "The garrison at Donghu Commandery is ready at any time. If there is anything requiring our cooperation, I will give my full effort."
His rank was only one step lower than Qu Bai's in this room, and Yan Pu was of equal rank to him. Therefore, he only needed to bow to Qu Bai; he acknowledged the others with a slight nod.
Qu Bai was quite satisfied with Tang Tishou's initiative. "General Tang has given much thought. Can you tell me about the recent movements of the Jinyang Army?"
Tang Tishou nodded. "Chunrong County has also fallen to the Jinyang Army."
Everyone was shocked. "What? Chunrong County has been taken as well?"
Qu Bai looked at the map and quickly understood the Jinyang Army's intention. "These three counties can support each other defensively and offensively. Truly a brilliant move!"
Tang Tishou continued, "The grain and the Han Chinese civilians from both counties have all been taken into the county towns by the Jinyang Army."
Qu Cong gasped. "This... roughly how many people are we talking about?"
Tang Tishou wasn't entirely sure. Both counties belonged to Liuxiang Commandery, and since he was in charge of military defense, he only had a rough idea.
"About ten to twenty thousand people. The grain isn't much, though. There was a drought this year, so the harvest was poor."
Qu Bai was about to spit blood. Two counties' grain supplies should amount to at least twenty thousand dan. Especially considering this year's drought, where many places had no harvest at all, twenty thousand dan was no small number.
Yan Pu couldn't help but rage. "You just watched them take our Han slaves and grain? And when the Jinyang Army took Shanguan County, why didn't you send reinforcements?"
Tang Tishou glanced at him and explained, "By the time we arrived, the battle was already over, and Shanguan County had fallen."
He sighed helplessly. "After that, the Jinyang Army sent a large number of soldiers to guard the Han slaves while collecting grain. We were too far from Shanguan County, and our forces could not be easily split up for fear of being picked off one by one. So that's why..."
Qu Bai waved his hand. "Enough. There's no benefit in discussing this now. We'll let the Great Chanyu decide on the specifics later."
Whether it was the matter in Ze'a Prefecture or Shanguan County, it all had to be reported to the Great Chanyu.
He looked at Tang Tishou. "We don't need you here for now. Guard Donghu Commandery well, especially during this critical harvest period. Nothing must go wrong."
"Yes, sir!" Tang Tishou breathed a secret sigh of relief.
Just as he was about to withdraw, Qu Bai suddenly stopped him. "General Tang, remember this. Donghu Commandery is vital to our Quzhao's grain and salt supply."
"Even if something happens to us, you only need to hold Donghu Commandery. Do not let the Jinyang Army exploit any opportunity."
Tang Tishou felt a jolt in his heart. Was the Piaoqi General preparing for the worst?
He had not wanted to join the battle because he had already seen that this would be a tough fight. The Quzhao would inevitably suffer heavy losses in both men and officers. But he still believed final victory would belong to the Quzhao.
But now, what did Qu Bai's words mean? Did he lack confidence in winning this battle? They had over forty thousand soldiers!
He looked at Qu Bai, whose expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't just spoken those words at all.
Tang Tishou suppressed the unease in his heart and saluted solemnly. "Yes, sir."
As he left the camp, Tang Tishou couldn't help but look back. The Quzhao soldiers were busy making defensive fortifications and preparations for battle. These troops might soon vanish from this world.
He could not quite describe what he felt, but his vigilance and caution toward the Jinyang Army had risen by another notch. He decided to increase troop deployment to Dancheng County, the closest to Shanguan County, not for offense, but solely for defense.
After Tang Tishou left, the tent fell into a momentary silence.
Qu Bai's earlier words had given them a bad feeling.
Everyone present, except Qu Bai and his direct subordinates, had set out full of determination and confidence.
After two duels between generals, their confidence had not been shattered, but they now fully respected the Jinyang Army's strength.
Hearing Qu Bai's ominous words only added to their sense of crisis.
Qu Bai scanned the crowd and spoke slowly. "There is no need to belittle yourselves. No matter how brave their generals are, they are still just generals."
"Our ordinary soldiers are stronger than theirs, and our numbers far exceed the Jinyang Army's. We will surely be victorious in this battle."
The crowd relaxed and laughed. "You're right. How many generals can their side have, no matter how brave? Our Quzhao will surely win."
Yan Pu hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "Chunrong County is bound to be the weakest position held by the Jinyang Army. Why not take Chunrong County back first?"
Qu Bai shook his head. "If we attack Chunrong County, both Gefeng and Shanguan County can dispatch troops to encircle us at any time."
"Besides, once we capture Shanguan County, we can take Chunrong County back whenever we want. Do not bring this up again. Proceed according to the plan."
The night passed without incident, and the sky gradually turned red on the horizon, signaling the start of a new day.
Urgent and somber drumbeats rang out across the entire city.
Kong Xinshu's heart trembled. "Is it about to start again?"
