Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

The next morning.

Meng Hu, who was stationed outside Suzhou, received intelligence.

The rebel army of 50,000 has arrived 30 kilometers outside Suzhou.

To his dismay, the prefect of Suzhou, Su Muyang, made no move whatsoever.

The rebel army was already at the city gates, but Ximentang was still outside the city.

What are you doing?
in fact,

With Ximentang's current combat strength, it is not necessary to enter the city to defend it.

Once they occupy a favorable position, build fortifications, and dig trenches, the firepower of Ximentang's cannons will be sufficient to stop the rebels' attack.

When Ximen Tang was in Hanzhong, his special operations regiment of 3,500 men managed to hold off an attack by 80,000 rebel troops.

Meng Hu led an army of 5,000 this time, and also had 100,000 troops in Songjiang Prefecture, ready to launch an attack at any time.

Furthermore, Chen Jie's 10,000-strong army in the Nanjing area can be mobilized at any time.

but,

Meng Hu was very displeased by the actions of Su Muyang, the prefect of Suzhou.

After all, I led an army of 5,000 men to Suzhou only after the Minister of War, Xu Shichang, repeatedly requested my assistance.

More importantly, Simon easily defeated the rebel vanguard of 5,000 men.

As a result, the imperial officials in Suzhou Prefecture closed the city gates and refused to let anyone in.

It's too much!

After consulting with Chen Jie, Meng Hu received the order: Defend Suzhou!

and,

We must enter Suzhou Prefecture and station the 5,000 troops of Ximen Hall in Suzhou City.

The objective is simple: to occupy Suzhou!

Ximentang stationed troops in Nanjing, with the goal of controlling the entire southern Jiangsu region.

Therefore,
Suzhou Prefecture will be the next target of Ximentang, a key city between Jinling and Songjiang Prefecture.

Only by capturing this stronghold can Jinling and Songjiang Prefecture be connected.

Although Meng Hu was unaware of Chen Jie's true intentions, he always strictly followed his young master's orders and never speculated.

of course,

Chen Jie also gave another order: no disturbance should be made to the civilians in Suzhou Prefecture.

After receiving Chen Jie's order, Meng Hu pondered for a moment.

Since the prefect of Suzhou, Su Muyang, had closed the city gates and was not allowing him to enter the city.

So, the only option left is to create the conditions for Su Muyang to open the gates and welcome Ximentang's army into the city.

As an excellent commander, one must be flexible and make one's own judgment at any time.

Meng Hu knew very well that the young master's decision to send him to Suzhou Prefecture with the elite troops of Ximen Hall was a way of cultivating him.

then,

Meng Hu quickly ordered the 5,000 elite Ximen Hall troops to relocate and retreat to a position 10 kilometers northwest of Suzhou City.

The reason is simple: Ximentang's current location happens to block the rebels' path to attack Suzhou.

Therefore,
They shifted their garrison positions, thus clearing the way for the rebels to attack Suzhou.

Aren't these guys in Suzhou deliberately trying to prevent Ximentang from entering the city to garrison?
Then let's make way and let the rebels attack Suzhou.

After Meng Hu ordered a change of position, Lin Bao, who was following him, said with some concern:

"Brother Tiger, let's move our position and give up the rebels' route to attack Suzhou. What if the rebels advance straight in and take Suzhou?"

This time, the rebels mobilized an army of 50,000.

With the troops stationed in Suzhou, they would be absolutely unable to stop the rebels from attacking the city.

Meng Hu smiled and said calmly:

"Don't worry, as soon as the rebels start attacking Suzhou Prefecture, I believe all the officials in Suzhou Prefecture will be terrified."

"We deliberately moved to the northwest gate direction to make it easier to enter the city later."

"Even if the officials in the city are stubborn and refuse to let us enter, when the rebels blast open the city gates, we can suddenly outflank them and attack from behind, defeating them."

"By then, the city gates will have been blown open, and who will dare to stop us from entering the city to defend it?"

“Young master wants more than just Suzhou Prefecture; we just need to carry out his orders.”

He followed Chen Jie and, together with Tang Feng, was always the captain of the personal guard.

Therefore,
He was very familiar with Chen Jie's work style.

Even without realizing it, Meng Hu would put himself in the young master's shoes and think about how he would handle the situation if he were the young master.
Although Ximentang has always looked down on the fighting strength of the Daqian army.

but,

On the surface, Chen Jie never showed it, maintaining a proper distance from the Daqian army.

In other words, Chen Jie rarely clashed with the Daqian army.

Even in the Hanzhong region, when facing Li Qiong's army, Chen Jie never turned against them, but instead kept his distance.

On the other hand, Simon Tang never acts without restraint and never needs to explain himself to anyone.

Meng Hu remembered Chen Jie saying something like, "If you think you're right, then do it. If anything goes wrong, Ximentang will take the fall!"

This is the source of confidence for all the commanders of the Ximen Hall.

After hearing Meng Hu's instructions, Lin Bao didn't say much. He immediately carried out the order, ordering all the elite troops of Ximen Hall to retreat and relocate.

Next,
Meng Hu then began to arrange for the vanguard reconnaissance company to closely monitor the movements of the rebels.

Ximen Tang's deployment of troops must be timed carefully, not done blindly. The casualty ratio must be reduced to the limit.

Battle casualty ratio is the most important performance indicator for Ximentang.

at this time,

The rebel commander Shi Jingtang already knew that the vanguard battalion of 5,000 soldiers had been completely defeated by Ximentang.

He dared not be careless and quickly led his army toward Suzhou.

Simultaneously,

He was prepared to engage in a major battle with Simon Tang at any moment.

We're outside the city now; if we meet, it will be the most brutal encounter ever.

but,

When he led 50,000 rebel troops to a distance of 5 kilometers outside Suzhou, he did not find the Ximentang garrison.

what's the situation?
Didn't they say that Ximen Tang's troops had already begun to assist in the defense of Suzhou?
Why is there no sound?
Shi Jingtang summoned the rebel generals for a meeting.

Since Ximentang was not outside the city, he must have entered Suzhou.

Therefore,
Without much thought, Shi Jingtang ordered the entire army to speed up their advance and prepare to attack Suzhou.

Quick victory!

He knew that the number of troops stationed in Suzhou was not large, and even with the addition of 5,000 men from Ximentang, he was confident that he could take Suzhou Prefecture in one fell swoop.

Within Suzhou city,

Prefect Su Muyang heard that the rebel army of 50,000 had begun preparing to attack Suzhou.

He panicked completely, feeling a chill run down his spine.

The key point is that he had just received news that Ximentang's men had left their post and moved to the northwest.

To the south of Suzhou Prefecture, there are no natural defenses; the land is flat and open.

It was obvious that Ximen Tang's men deliberately gave up the area and had no intention of engaging in a fierce battle with the rebels outside the city.

Standing on the city wall, Su Muyang saw that the main force of the rebel army had already reached the city gates.

The rebels were so numerous that they stretched as far as the eye could see.

The 50,000-strong army was only the main force of the rebels; the other garrison troops and cannon fodder numbered around 30,000.

There were a total of 80,000 troops, which, when dispersed, gave the impression of being endless.

At this time, the garrison and other officials in Suzhou Prefecture all rushed to the prefectural government office to request an audience with Su Muyang.

Everyone hoped to open the northwest city gate so that Xi Mentang could enter the city to assist in the defense.

The garrison in Suzhou alone could not hold off the rebels for even half a day.

Su Muyang was in a dilemma; he was anxious, but also had many concerns.

in fact,

He was the prefect of Suzhou, holding the rank of fourth grade.

If he had been more assertive, he could have simply ordered the city gates opened and allowed Ximentang to enter Suzhou to garrison the city; no one could have stopped him.

Even Eunuch Wang couldn't stop him, after all, Eunuch Wang was just the person in charge of the Jiangnan Textile Bureau.

but,

If he really does that, he will completely offend Wang Lunzheng.

If Eunuch Wang returns to the capital, he could easily frame him for a crime, and he would be completely finished.

More importantly, Eunuch Wang had dirt on him.

This is also the main reason why he obeyed Eunuch Wang's every word and dared not let Ximentang enter Suzhou City.

But if the rebels breach Suzhou, he will be doomed as well.

Su Muyang felt caught in a dilemma and didn't know what to do.

Therefore,
He could only go to Eunuch Wang's residence again, hoping that the other party would allow Ximentang to enter the city.

However, to his surprise, when he arrived at Eunuch Wang's residence, Wang Lunzheng completely ignored him.

therefore,

After returning to his residence, Su Muyang was furious and smashed everything in his house.

Just as he was furious, someone walked in from outside and said:

"My lord, the rebels are about to attack the city. Now is not the time to lose your temper."

Upon hearing this, Su Muyang couldn't help but take a deep breath to calm himself down.

He turned to look at the newcomer, nodded slightly, and said:
"Brother Wu, I am completely out of options now."

"Eunuch Wang, for whatever reason, clearly didn't want Ximentang to settle in Suzhou Prefecture."

"But given the current situation, without the assistance of Ximen Hall, Suzhou Prefecture will inevitably fall."

"Shi Jingtang led an army of 80,000 men, coming with great force, determined to take Suzhou Prefecture."

"Tell me, what can I do now? What are your suggestions?"

The visitor was Wu Zhiyuan, Su Muyang's chief advisor and his most capable assistant.

He sought help from Wu Zhiyuan for many thorny issues.

Wu Zhiyuan thought for a moment and said:
"My lord, the most urgent task is to invite Ximen Tang's army into the city to assist in the defense, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

Su Muyang shook his head and said helplessly:
"Of course I know, but Eunuch Wang doesn't know why, he's been blocking Ximentang from entering the city."

Wu Zhiyuan was silent for a moment, then looked up and said:
"Things have come to this point, we can no longer try to please both sides, we must make a choice, and we must ignore Eunuch Wang!"

Su Muyang sighed helplessly and shook his head, saying:
"No! Eunuch Wang has something on me. If he leaves Suzhou and returns to the capital, he will impeach me, and I will surely die."

"You should be very familiar with the situation here after all these years in Suzhou Prefecture."

Wu Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes and said, "Don't worry, Eunuch Wang is just trying to scare you. He has something on you, but don't you have something on him?"

"How many silver dollars did he embezzle from the imperial court by colluding with the Green Gang?"

“If the court investigates, his crime will be even greater. If you get into trouble, he will not benefit at all, and he will even be implicated.”

"The fall of Suzhou Prefecture is the real crime. We will all suffer without Eunuch Wang's interference."

"The only option now is to make a choice: open the city gates and let Ximentang into the city!"

“We can even entrust the entire defense of Suzhou to Ximentang and carry it out according to Lord Xu Shichang’s orders.”

"The only one who can bring down Eunuch Wang and is not afraid of the power behind him is Ximen Tang."

Upon hearing this, Su Muyang fell into deep thought.

After a while,
He looked up and said, "It seems we have to make a choice today!"

Wu Zhiyuan nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Our primary task now is to hold Suzhou and prevent it from falling to the rebels, otherwise we will have no chance of survival!"

"In addition, we need to spread the word that the person who is preventing Ximentang from settling in Suzhou Prefecture is Eunuch Wang of the Jiangnan Textile Bureau."

"The factional struggle within the capital has reached its most critical moment. It's impossible for us to play both sides. It's time to choose a side."

"As long as Ximen Tang forgives you for your past mistakes, you will not only not lose your position, but you may even be given an important post in the future."

"Your Excellency has served as an official for many years and is very experienced in governing people's livelihoods. You have a good reputation in Suzhou Prefecture. Xi Men Tang should not make things difficult for you."

Su Muyang was taken aback upon hearing this.

He quickly understood what Wu Zhiyuan meant.

The rebels are about to attack Suzhou Prefecture. At this time, trying to please both sides will definitely not end well.

Therefore,
We must choose sides at this time.

He used to want to side with Wang Lunzheng's faction, but unfortunately, Eunuch Wang always looked down on him.

Su Muyang wanted to pledge allegiance, but he could only become a pawn in Eunuch Wang's hands, which was extremely frustrating.

The only way to escape the control of Eunuch Wang is to seek refuge with Ximentang.

After figuring out the key points.

Su Muyang let out a long breath and said to Wu Zhiyuan:
"Okay! That's the only way for now!"

finished,

He was also a little worried and said, "Ximentang has moved its position to the northwest of Suzhou Prefecture."

"What if we ask them to enter the city, but they refuse?"

Wu Zhiyuan looked up at the northwest direction of Suzhou Prefecture, thought for a moment, and said:
"Don't worry, Simon will not refuse entry into the city."

"According to the information from the imperial court, the entire southern Jiangsu region will be garrisoned by Ximentang from now on."

"They came from Nanjing this time to assist in the defense, and at the same time, they also want to station troops in Suzhou Prefecture."

“They will absolutely not allow Suzhou Prefecture to be captured by the rebels, and Ximen Tang’s purpose in coming to Nanjing this time is to quell the rebellion in eastern Zhejiang.”

"If nothing unexpected happens, they deliberately retreated to the northwest, leaving the southern area open, in order to put pressure on us."

“They want to enter the city, so all we need to do is invite Ximentang into Suzhou Prefecture and push all the previous unpleasantness onto Eunuch Wang.”

"Ximen Tang will repel the rebels and protect Suzhou Prefecture!"

"This is our only chance to get out of this predicament."

Su Muyang nodded and thought for a moment.

Wu Zhiyuan's words make a lot of sense. This is a good opportunity to get rid of Wang Lunzheng and also the only chance to keep his official position.

"Brother Wu, of all the people around me, only you can truly help me!"

"Here's what we'll do: you'll have to make the trip to Ximentang's military camp and ask them to let you into the city."

"In addition, tell them that Suzhou Prefecture can allocate 100,000 silver dollars for military expenses and request their assistance in defending Suzhou Prefecture."

Without further hesitation, Su Muyang decisively began to take sides.

One hundred thousand silver dollars!

This is a pledge of allegiance, an absolutely grand gesture.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded earnestly and said, "Understood! I'll go right away!"

Su Muyang continued:

"To show our sincerity, you will also bring the troop deployment order for the Suzhou garrison. Ximentang will be in full charge of the entire Suzhou garrison."

"We must bring Ximen Tang's army into Suzhou City."

"We will agree to any of their requests if we can fulfill them."

With the troop mobilization order in hand, Wu Zhiyuan led several trusted confidants and rode at full speed toward the northwest gate of Suzhou Prefecture.

In less than half an hour,
He rode his swift horse to the front of the military camp of the Ximentang garrison. (End of Chapter)