My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

"The Han army arrived so quickly?"

Wang Shuang blurted out, breaking the silence with a gasp of surprise, her voice filled with undisguised astonishment.

According to the calculations made at the military council that day, after the Han army successfully captured Chang'an, it would take at least three months to carefully appease the people.

After all, only by ensuring the stability of the rear can the Han army be free from worries and thus have the possibility of launching a large-scale invasion.

During these three months, Wang Shuang was confident that he could transform Jieting City into an indestructible and impregnable fortress.

At that time, even if the Han army attacks, he can rely on this fortified city to block the Han army from entering.

To Wang Shuang's utter shock and surprise, the Han army completely deviated from the expected pattern this time.

They had only captured Chang'an a few days earlier, and before Guanzhong had been completely pacified, they had already hastily sent troops to attack!
Moreover, the invading Han army was enormous, numbering as many as 30,000.

Keep in mind that this is nearly five times the size of Wang Shuang's troops!
Such a stark contrast in troop strength instilled a strong sense of crisis in Wang Shuang.

"Why did the Han army send troops to attack so quickly? What exactly are Xiao He and Guan Yu planning to do?"

Wang Shuang gritted his teeth, his face revealing his utter astonishment and uncertainty.

Jiang Wei, standing to the side, quickly scanned the Han army's intentions, and hurriedly said:

"Xiao He is known for his brilliant strategies and exceptional wisdom. He must be well aware of the importance of Jieting and also anticipated that we would rush to build fortifications and strengthen our defenses."

"Therefore, he held back his troops and appeared to be making no major moves, but in reality, he preemptively sent this heavy force, lightly equipped, to launch a rapid attack on my Jieting day and night."

"Once Jieting falls, the Longshan defense line will be breached, and Liangzhou will have no more natural defenses. The consequences will be unimaginable!"

Jiang Wei became more and more excited as he spoke, and slammed his fist against the battlement.

With his keen insight, he deduced the deeper meaning behind Xiao He's military strategy.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shuang suddenly realized what was going on, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Wei cupped his hands again, his expression solemn, and said:

"General Zhen Dong, the situation is critical. We must immediately send someone to the capital to appeal to His Majesty for reinforcements."

"Furthermore, all soldiers must immediately go to the city walls to prepare for battle, be ready to fight the Han army to the death, and fight to the death to defend the city!"

Wang Shuang frowned and asked in return:
"This city is so dilapidated and old, and we only have six thousand soldiers. Do you think we can hold this city until His Majesty's reinforcements arrive?"

Jiang Wei frowned deeply as he looked at the low city wall beneath his feet, and a sense of unease crept into his mind.

The city walls were indeed too low, not to mention that the Han army possessed powerful weapons like the Divine Thunder Cannon.

If the entire Wei army were here, with sufficient troops, they could still defend the city with their strong fortifications and numerous soldiers.

But right now they only have six thousand soldiers. Can such a small city withstand the Han army's overwhelming attack?
“General Zhen Dong is absolutely right. With the current low walls of Jieting, it is really difficult to withstand the fierce attack of 30,000 Han troops.”

"But what can we do now, besides carrying earth and stones day and night to build and reinforce the city walls as much as possible?"

"We can't just sit here and wait to die."

Jiang Wei countered with a question.

Do you think we still have time?

Wang Shuang glared at him and said in a deep voice.
"The Han army is only twenty li away from Jieting City. At their marching speed, they should be able to reach it before dark."

"In such a short time, even if we keep building the city walls, how much thicker can we make them?"

"I'm afraid that before we can even finish building it, the Han army will already be at our gates."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wei was speechless, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

He looked down at the low city walls and could almost see the Han army breaching them and pouring into the city like wolves. For a moment, Jiang Wei was at a loss.

At this moment, Wang Shuang's gaze swept eastward as he carefully examined the terrain of the Longshan Mountains around Jieting.

A glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had discovered some important clue.

What's that mountain called?

Wang Shuang pointed to a hill to the east of Jieting and asked.

Jiang Wei glanced back a few times, and based on his knowledge of the local terrain, answered:
"Reporting to General Zhen Dong, I have inquired and the local natives call it Maiji Cliff."

"Maiji Cliff..."

Wang Shuang nodded slightly, softly murmuring the name.

The cliff is located in the southeast of Jieting City. Its north side is a gentle slope, while the other sides are steep cliffs. At the top is a flat area, which looks like a pile of wheat.

"let's go!"

Without explaining his thoughts, Wang Shuang turned and left the city.

Jiang Wei and his generals were all bewildered, wondering what Wang Shuang was up to.

But military orders are absolute, so they had no choice but to follow Wang Shuang down the city wall and head towards Maijishan.

Dusk.

Wang Shuang led his group of people, and after a long climb, they finally reached the top of the mountain.

Just as he expected, there was a large flat area on the mountaintop, with a wide and flat terrain, enough to garrison 6,000 men.

A gentle slope to the north leads straight to the foot of the mountain, and the Jieting River flows gently past the front of the slope.

Jieting City is located on the west side of the gentle slope, echoing Maijishan.

Wang Shuang scrutinized the situation for a long time, then cracked his whip and shouted loudly:

"By my order, the entire army shall abandon the city and immediately move to Maijishan!"

As soon as these words were spoken, they caused an uproar.

Jiang Wei was greatly surprised and hurriedly said:

"General Zhen Dong, the Emperor ordered us to defend Jieting to the death. Why are you leading your troops up the mountain?"

"If His Majesty were to blame us, we could not bear the consequences."

"Moreover, although the mountain has a strategic location, it also has many drawbacks. If the Han army surrounds the mountain, wouldn't we be in a desperate situation?"

Wang Shuang snorted coldly and said arrogantly:
"What do you know? The Han army is right in front of us. There's no time to finish building Jieting. Even if we forcefully defend Jieting, with our current troops and city walls, we won't be able to withstand the Han army's fierce attack. We'll probably all be trapped and die in the city."

"This mountain is easy to defend but difficult to attack. It has three sides of sheer cliffs, like a natural barrier, with only one gentle slope for access. It is a naturally dangerous place."

"As long as we occupy this mountain and set up defenses, what do we have to fear even if Xiao He leads a million soldiers?"

Wang Shuang pointed his whip at the surrounding mountains and sneered:

"If we hold this mountain for a few days, and the reinforcements from Ji County arrive, we can take advantage of the situation to attack down the mountain and launch a combined attack from both inside and outside. The Han army will be caught off guard and we will surely defeat them."

Wang Shuang explained his reasons for moving to the mountain, his face beaming with confidence.

Jiang Wei remained silent, and after Wang Shuang finished speaking at length, he asked in return:

"If we station our troops on the mountain, it will certainly be easy to defend and difficult to attack. But if the Han army surrounds the mountain and cuts off our way down to fetch water, wouldn't our army collapse without a fight?" (End of Chapter)