Qiu Liao let out a soft "Mm."
Nan Wen narrowed his eyes. "Any word on whether Daqing Commandery is making a move?"
Qiu Liao said casually, "We'll know by tomorrow at the latest."
"And if Daqing Commandery goes back on their word?" Nan Wen asked, slightly worried.
Qiu Liao gave a chuckle. "Even if Daqing breaks their promise, it's highly unlikely Qu Zhao would attack our Lin County first."
Nan Wen was puzzled. "Why is that?"
Qiu Liao gazed at the Qu Zhao army beginning to set up camp in the distance. "Because our Jinyang Army is strong enough."
Nan Wen was taken aback. "They're scared off by our reputation?"
Qiu Liao shot him a sidelong glance. "What are you thinking?"
"It's because they know full well that the moment they make a move on our Lin County, our lord will strike at Donghu Commandery."
He sighed with feeling. "This year's Qu Zhao won't be easy to deal with."
In Feng Province, the eastern, western, and central regions were held in check respectively by the Jinyang Army, Daqing Commandery, and Ze'a Commandery. No matter which direction they attacked, they wouldn't dare to commit all their forces, because they had to guard against surprise attacks and encirclement from the other two sides.
Jiang Jin seizing Lin County and pulling Daqing into an alliance was indeed a clever move—using minimal troops to tie down Qu Zhao and make them hesitate. Qu Zhao had gone from being constrained on two fronts by the Jinyang Army and Ze'a Commandery to now being constrained on three, which was highly advantageous for Jiang Jin, who was short on manpower.
When Lu You received word that Qu Zhao had besieged Lin County, he didn't hesitate long before sending Jin Feng with troops to attack Tao County.
Watching the departing ranks, Lu You said with a hint of concern, "Keep an eye on the Jiao Army's movements, in case they don't hold to their word."
Li Zan nodded. "Rest assured, General. Everything is arranged."
Lu You sighed. "I just hope everything goes as expected."
Li Zan reassured him, "Tao County is right next door, not far from us. If anything happens here, we can return to support at any time."
The magistrate of Tao County stared at the overwhelming mass of Daqing troops, grinding his teeth in silent fury. "These cunning Han. Daqing really has allied with the Jinyang Army."
The county commandant remained calm. "What's the hurry? It's all within the Grand Chanyu's expectations. We've reinforced the city with plenty of soldiers. They're dreaming if they think they can take Tao County."
The magistrate nodded. "True. We're close to the Grand Chanyu, so reinforcements can arrive at any time."
"How about a night raid to vent some anger?" he suggested.
The commandant shook his head. "Leaving the city now would be to our disadvantage. Don't stir up trouble. Barring any surprises, they'll retreat soon enough."
In Wuqin.
The Grand Chanyu stared at the war map, his expression grim. "Daqing really has allied with the Jinyang Army."
Meng Su let out a sigh. "Daqing dare to commit troops at this time, which means they've likely reached terms with the Jiao Army. Our plan has failed."
Yu Cheng's brows were tightly furrowed. The negotiations with the Jiao Army had been his task, and now it was clear they had failed. Though this was somewhat expected. If he were the Jiao Army, he wouldn't make a move now either. Who would choose to be the mussel and the crane when they could be the fisherman?
Qu Shilang said helplessly, "We have no choice but to retreat from Lin County."
Meng Su was full of anxiety. "When we send troops to attack Ze'a Commandery, I'm worried the Daqing Army and the Jinyang Army will encircle us."
Yu Cheng shook his head. "Even if we stay put and maintain the status quo, the Jinyang Army and Daqing Army will likely make their move anyway."
He wouldn't pass judgment on the noble houses of Ze'a Commandery, but judging from the Jinyang Army's usual approach, their ambitions were considerable.
Tie Yu frowned. "Why not just stop the retreat from Lin County and take the county outright?"
Qu Shilang disagreed. "Lin County is one thing—an isolated city with few troops. But Daqing Commandery's strength is not to be underestimated. Fighting both sides at once would require a substantial commitment of forces."
"If we're pinned down here with a large number of troops, and the Jinyang Army attacks Donghu Commandery at the same time, then Donghu is in grave danger!"
The council hall fell into silence.
The Grand Chanyu massaged his forehead, feeling the difficulty of the situation.
The Jinyang Army and Ze'a Commandery had already split Feng Province in two, which was trouble enough.
Then the Jinyang Army went and took Lin County—fine, it was just an isolated city.
But now, the Jiao Army, which used to fight Daqing, had stopped fighting Daqing.
And Daqing, which used to fight the Jiao Army, had allied with Lin County, and they'd both turned on him, Qu Zhao. Who could he complain to?
Now it was a case of pulling one string and the whole web moves—he couldn't afford to strike at anyone lightly.
Tie Yu hesitated, then said, "If they can be allies, can't we also form an alliance with Ze'a Commandery and have them attack the Jinyang Army?"
"As long as they take down Jinyang territory, all the land goes to them. In the meantime, we focus our full strength on Lin County and Daqing?"
Meng Su looked at him like he was an idiot. "Never mind whether Ze'a Commandery would even ally with us—even if they did, would they dare to attack the Jinyang Army?"
If Ze'a Commandery openly allied with Qu Zhao and attacked the Jinyang Army together, they would be traitors to the Han people, despised and spat upon by every Han. Their ancestors would rise from their graves, cast them out of the family, and only then lie back down.
Even setting that aside—if Ze'a Commandery truly threw away their dignity and allied with them, their strength alone wouldn't be enough to face the Jinyang Army head-on. The plan to contain the Jinyang Army would fail, and while they went all out elsewhere, the Jinyang Army would definitely strike at their Donghu Commandery. Such an alliance would be meaningless.
"We attack Ze'a Commandery first," the Grand Chanyu decided.
"The Donghu garrison stays as is. Be vigilant against a sneak attack from the Jinyang Army."
"As for Daqing Commandery, send someone to negotiate an alliance—just stall for time, keep them from making a move."
As long as Daqing didn't act, they had no fear of what Lin County might do.
Meng Su sighed inwardly. As things stood, attacking Ze'a Commandery was indeed the best choice.
Ze'a Commandery was the weakest and easiest to take.
More importantly, Ze'a had a dock, ships, and salt works.
Once they took Ze'a, many of their problems would be solved.
It was only after Feng Province was split in two that they truly realized the importance of water transport.
After taking Ze'a, Qu Zhao would have to build a first-rate naval force.
The Grand Chanyu looked at Qu Shilang. "I'm giving you the bulk of our forces. This time, take Ze'a Commandery as quickly as possible. We can't drag this out for long on our end."
Qu Shilang's expression was grave as he rose to accept the order. "Understood!"
News quickly reached Jiang Jin that Qu Zhao's army had retreated from Lin County and was now marching toward Ze'a Commandery.
Yun Ci finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Qu Zhao knows what's good for them."
Zhou Sui agreed. "Ze'a Commandery is the best choice Qu Zhao has right now."
Dong Si looked at the war map. "Based on the forces they've committed, Wuqin is relatively empty now. Should we consider taking the counties around Lin County first?"
Jiang Jin shook her head. "No, don't forget about the Jiao Army."
The Jiao Army might be sitting still playing the 'fisherman' for now, but the moment there was a greater profit to be had, they would absolutely strike.
And once she took those cities, to hold them, she'd have to commit even more troops.
What she lacked most right now was manpower. Doing so would go against her original intention.
She took Lin County to contain others, not to be contained by them.
"Send word to Daqing Commandery. If Qu Zhao seeks peace talks with them, have them drag it out—take their time negotiating."
