Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 249 Zhu Zhi Sends Out Troops
Crunch crunch
Chen Zhong led a dozen or so latrine workers, pushing manure carts, into the military camp. They proceeded along the horse path to the left of the camp gate, heading towards the latrine.

Upon arriving at the camp, Qin Yong left impatiently, leaving a few soldiers behind to supervise Chen Zhong and the others.

Chen Zhong parked the manure cart and took out the manure baskets, shovels, buckets, and other tools one by one, glancing around out of the corner of his eye.

As far as the eye could see, there were rows upon rows of barracks stretching all the way to the training ground. The training ground was bustling with people, a number significantly greater than before.

A soldier noticed his actions, immediately glared at him, and shouted, "Where are you looking? Get back to work!"

The other soldiers all turned their gazes to Chen Zhong, their eyes filled with hostility and irritation. Supervising these slummen was a filthy job, not only was there no money to be made, but the stench alone was enough to make one's stomach rumble.

Chen Zhong knew these soldiers were in a bad mood and didn't want to provoke them, so he quickly lowered his head, grabbed a shovel, and shouted, "Get moving! Be quick! If you waste the soldiers' time, I'll give you a few shovelfuls of shovelfuls first!"

The group of scavengers tensed up and hurriedly got to work.

More than an hour later, the excrement from more than a dozen latrines was cleaned up and loaded into the manure cart.

The heavy manure cart's wheels sank deep into the snow-covered ground, and the stench emanating from the cart became even more pungent.

Several soldiers grumbled and urged Chen Zhong to leave the camp immediately.

Chen Zhong led his men out of the military camp, ate a few bean cakes he carried with him, rested for a while, and then continued pushing the manure cart westward. After leaving the city gate, they headed towards the nearest Suye Pavilion.

Along the way, people kept coming to exchange copper wire, cloth, grain, pottery jars, and other items for manure.

As the saying goes, "More manure means more fertilizer, more fertilizer means more fertile fields, and fertile fields mean more grain."

The manure that Chen Zhong carried was very popular in the countryside. By the time they arrived at Ayano-tei, most of the manure had already been sold.

"A load of manure equals a load of grain; in three years, the manure pile becomes a granary." Chen Zhong patted the money pouch at his waist, humming a little tune, and walked briskly towards a small house.

The hut was simple and dilapidated, emitting a faint musty smell. A middle-aged man with a wrinkled face and a farmer-like appearance was feeding chickens in the yard, holding a winnowing basket.

Chen Zhong pushed open the moldy courtyard gate, his smile quickly fading as if he were somewhat afraid of the middle-aged man: "Mr. Liu, I'm here."

"Let's talk inside." Liu Ping put down the winnowing basket, turned around, and walked into the somewhat dark house.

Chen Zhong followed him slowly into the room, closed the door, and said as if to claim credit, "Lord Liu, the matter is settled. As you instructed, I doubled the bribe and successfully drove away the other group of thugs."

This unassuming middle-aged man appeared in his life like a ghost two months ago. Not only did he cover his bribes, but he also gave him a bonus every ten days. In just two months, he earned the amount he would have saved in the previous two years.

Chen Zhong thought Liu Ping wanted him to do something dangerous, but he didn't expect that the other party only wanted him to provide the amount of excrement from the Ningguo camp on a regular basis.

This matter was as simple to him as eating and drinking, so simple that he once thought it was a divine intervention from his ancestors, who had sent him the God of Wealth.

One night, Liu Ping suddenly appeared with two strangers, waking him from his sleep and coldly uttering, "Keep your mouth shut, or I'll kill your whole family!"

To this day, Chen Zhong still remembers the terrifying experience of that night and the feeling of trembling all over his body. So much so that every time he met Liu Ping afterward, he was as nervous as a mouse seeing a cat.

Liu Ping had no interest in the boastful words he uttered. He simply nodded and bent down to pull out a worn wooden box from under the bed. He took out a writing brush and an inkstone from the box and said, "Sit down and tell me slowly. How many cartloads of manure were transported this time?"

Chen Zhong sat down on the reed mat, placed his hands properly on his knees, and said respectfully, "This time I sent a total of nineteen carts, and all nineteen carts are full. There are still two latrines that haven't been cleaned, so we can probably fill three more carts."

Liu Ping wore a solemn expression, took out a piece of silk from his bosom, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote down everything Chen Zhong had said.

Ten days ago, Chen Zhong only transported thirteen cartloads of manure from the Ningguo camp, but this time the number suddenly increased to twenty-two, indicating a significant increase in the number of troops stationed there.

"Is it the same as before, a standard ten-stone manure cart?" he asked casually.

Chen Zhong nodded like a chick pecking at rice: "That's right, each cart can carry about 500 catties."

Liu Ping took notes and then asked, "After entering the military camp, have you seen anything different from usual? Think carefully and tell me slowly, not a single hair should be missed."

Chen Zhong scratched his head and thought for a moment, then suddenly slapped his forehead: "I saw a metal frame more than ten feet tall in the training ground, being pulled by two oxen. I've never seen anything like it before. But the metal frame only appeared for a short while before disappearing, and I didn't see it very clearly."

He seemed unsure how to describe what he was seeing, and unconsciously began gesturing with his hands.

Liu Ping handed him the brush, took out another piece of silk, and spread it on the table: "Draw it."

Chen Zhong awkwardly gripped the brush, recalling his thoughts as he began to paint. After a while, he realized something was wrong and, in distress, bit the brush handle with his teeth.

Liu Ping glanced at him, then took out another brand-new piece of silk: "Redraw it."

crunch
About half an hour later, the door was opened, and Chen Zhong walked out looking slightly tired, with a relieved expression on his face.

After he walked away, Liu Ping closed the door and copied the information he had gathered onto a piece of silk. Then he went out of the house and stood in the alley for a long time until an oxcart passed by. He then waved to it and hitched a ride to Ningguo City.

Meanwhile, similar scenes are playing out in every corner of Ningguo.

Yin Li had deployed a total of thirty to forty spies like Liu Ping in Ningguo. They came from all walks of life, including artisans, farmers, refugees, prostitutes, and merchants. Their roles were clearly defined: some monitored rice price fluctuations, some investigated the amount of grain stored in granaries, some recorded the frequency of watchtower calls, and others tallied the density of hoofprints on the official roads.
Six or seven days later, detailed intelligence reports began to appear on Yan Yi's desk.

Yan Yi sat at the head of the table, patiently flipping through the scrolls one by one. After finishing each scroll, he handed it to his attendant, who then passed it to Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, and others below the hall for them to read one by one.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the only sounds were the rustling of fingers on bamboo slips or silk.

"Gentlemen, do you know what Zu Lang is thinking?" Yan Yi asked after everyone had finished reading.

Zhou Yu's eyebrows arched, a confident smile playing on his lips: "Even under the threat of the Yuzhang army, Zu Lang still transferred his elite troops to Ningguo. Now, Ningguo's forces far outnumber those of Lingyang, and they even possess the latest siege weaponry. Zu Lang is clearly emulating Xiang Yu, employing a desperate tactic of burning his boats to launch a surprise attack on Guangde and other places." Cheng Pu, Han Dang, and other generals nodded in agreement.

Yan Yi tapped the table lightly with his fingertips: "Zhaoye, what's the situation from Xu Bei's side?"

Xu Bei was Xu Yu's younger brother. After Xu Yu was captured, the Inspectorate threatened Xu Bei with his life, forcing him to gather information. While Liu Ping and his spies investigated intelligence from lower-level channels, the information Xu Bei provided came from the high command of the Zulang Army.

Yin Li stepped forward and said, "The intelligence provided by Xu Bei is being verified one by one by my subordinates, and most of the verification has now been completed. All indications suggest that Zu Lang is falsely claiming to be neutral."

Just then, Shang Yuan, the clerk of the Inspectorate, hurriedly entered the government office and headed towards the council hall. Before he even got close, he was stopped by the guards: "The Lord is in the middle of a meeting; anyone who approaches without permission will be executed!"

Shang Yuan said urgently, "I have something extremely urgent to attend to and must see my master immediately. Please inform him on my behalf."

The school official was a core official in the Inspectorate, second only to the Inspectorate Clerk. The guard hesitated for a moment, then told Shang Yuan to wait where he was, while he went to report the news.

Soon, Yin Li strode over.

Shang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly took out a palm-sized soap pouch from the inner layer of his robe and handed it over.

Yin Li glanced at the corner of the soap pouch and thought to himself that he had arrived just in time. He patted his arm and turned to walk towards the council hall.

A moment later, Yan Yi used a knife to pry open the bag and took out a piece of silk with a seal.

The silk was covered with crooked symbols, some like tadpole tails, some like knife and axe carvings, some like bird claw marks, and some were completely strange graphics without any written form.

Yan Yi took out a secret book from the box and compared it with the symbols on the silk. After a while, he finally understood the true content hidden on the silk.

The silk scroll was sent by Zhou Tai, containing both the investigation results regarding Zu Lang and the latest developments of Xu Gongjun.

After reading it, Yan Yi casually tossed the silk into a brazier not far away and ordered, "Notify Junli and Gongfu to proceed according to the original plan!"

Upon hearing this, the generals all smiled. Now that the Lord had given clear instructions, things would be much easier.

A few days later, Zhu Zhi, who was far away in Guangchang, received a secret letter that had just been sent by the Chashifu (Inspectorate).

He carefully read the secret letter, then handed it to Ling Cao and Liu Ye, who were standing to the side, and said with a smile, "Your Lordship has made a decision, so we don't need to speculate here."

After reading the secret letter, Liu Ye threw it into the brazier. Watching the flames leap up, he said, "Only by capturing Lingyang and threatening Jingxian can we intimidate Zu Lang and draw his main force here. However, Lingyang, Lincheng, and Anwu form a strategic triangle, with a combined garrison of nine thousand troops, which should not be underestimated. Guangchang is also a full 130 li away from Lingyang, making a surprise attack difficult. We must find a way to conceal our movements to have any chance of success."

Zhu Zhi, experienced and having already planned for this, immediately spoke up, discussing it with Ling Cao and Liu Ye: "Yixian, occupied by Peng Cai, the leader of Wuliao Cave, is only forty li away from Lingyang. Our army can use the pretext of attacking Peng Cai to approach Lingyang. If Zu Lang does not send reinforcements to Lingyang, we will launch a surprise attack. If he does send reinforcements, we will take the opportunity to eliminate Peng Cai first, completely removing the threat to our supply lines, and then advance on Lingyang. What do you two think?"

Ling Cao's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Junli's plan is brilliant! Our army has just wiped out Chen Mu's troops. Peng Cai and Chen Mu have always helped each other. Now Chen Mu is taking refuge with Peng Cai. It is perfectly reasonable for our army to attack Peng Cai at this time. Zu Lang is very likely to be careless."

Liu Ye looked at Zhu Zhi and exclaimed in admiration, "No wonder Xu Shao Yuedan commented: 'Zhu Junli's use of troops is like playing chess; he has already calculated a hundred moves before making a move.' Today I realize that this statement is true. This plan is excellent!"

"If we talk about strategic planning and winning battles from afar, I am no match for even a fraction of your abilities, my lord."

Zhu Zhi smiled modestly. Seeing that Ling Cao and Liu Ye had no objections, he immediately mobilized his troops and set a date for the attack.

Two days later, banners filled the sky outside Guangchang City. Zhu Zhi led his 5,000 elite troops and 5,000 Yuzhang soldiers, lined up in battle formation, swore an oath, and set off on his expedition, his army heading straight for Yixian County.

Zhou Xu escorted Zhu Zhi several miles outside the city before reluctantly returning to the city. Before parting, he still said with reluctance, "Uncle, please take me with you. With you personally overseeing things, even a dragon's den or a tiger's lair cannot harm me in the slightest."

“Your identity is special. If you go on the expedition with the army, it will surely arouse Zu Lang’s vigilance. War is a matter of life and death, and there is no room for luck.” Zhu Zhi said solemnly. Seeing his dejected expression, he comforted him, “You should stay in Guangchang for now. When our army is about to arrive in Lingyang, you can lead your troops to join us.”

Zhou Xu's face lit up with joy, and he stopped insisting: "In that case, I will stay in Guangchang for a few more days."

Zhu Zhi watched him go until his figure completely disappeared before turning his horse around and galloping away.

Two days later, the entire army arrived at Wupingting, which was only ten miles away from Yixian County.

Upon hearing the scout's description of the enemy's military strength, Peng Cai turned pale and trembled with fear.

With Chen Mu's example right before his eyes, and his strength being roughly equal to Chen Mu's, how could he possibly withstand an army of ten thousand fierce warriors?

If the invaders were merely the Yuzhang Army, he wouldn't even bat an eye. But this time, half of the enemy forces were Yan's elite troops, and with a renowned general like Zhu Zhi personally leading the army, the situation was entirely different.

Nowadays, the various bandit armies in Jiangdong are terrified of Yan Yi. Since Yan Yi raised his army in Yuncheng, he has crushed bandits like slaughtering pigs and dogs, and countless bandit leaders have died at his hands, including notorious bandits such as Zhou Bo and Dian Chao. How could Yan Yi not be terrified?

Chen Mu, standing to the side, was also restless, feeling both fear and regret.

Only those who have truly faced Yan Yi as an enemy can understand how terrifying he is.

I was truly bewitched back then, to be so greedy for petty gains and choose Xu Gong. Now, it's too late for regrets.

He glanced at the bewildered Peng Cai and advised, "The enemy is too powerful for our isolated force to withstand. The only way to resolve this predicament is to seek help from Zu Lang. Since you, Peng Jun, have already formed an alliance with Zu Lang, and his troops are nearby, he will not stand idly by."

Upon hearing this, Peng Cai grasped at a straw and, without thinking twice, immediately wrote a letter and ordered it to be sent by fast horse to Jing County, almost pleading with Zu Lang to send reinforcements as soon as possible.

Zulang received the letter, scoffed, and refused without hesitation.

He is currently feigning neutrality. If he were to send troops, wouldn't that immediately expose his true intentions and stance? Furthermore, the three-pronged allied forces are about to launch a general offensive. How can we let a mere Peng Cai delay such an important matter?

"Peng Cai's desperate struggle will surely deplete a lot of the enemy's troops. Let this bastard be the scapegoat." A sinister smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

(End of this chapter)