My older brother said I'm invincible.

Chapter 322 The Other Side of the Floating Bridge

West Bank Camp.

Husi Zheng stood before three generals and a minister, holding the imperial edict, and began to read it aloud in a pretentious manner.

After Duan Wenzhen's death, the important matters of the Ministry of War still fell to that scoundrel Husi Zheng. Duan Wenzhen's impeachment and memorial before his death, as well as Yuwen Shu's recommendation, had no effect whatsoever.

Perhaps in the emperor's eyes, Husi Zheng, whom many generals disliked, was an extremely reliable candidate who would not secretly communicate with the generals who held large armies behind his back. As a result, important matters such as the mobilization of military logistics and supplies, communication with the central army, the arrangement of military craftsmen and laborers, and military merits were all entrusted to this birdman.

Husi Zheng loudly read out the emperor's edict.

"General Mai, you will lead the vanguard. Have your soldiers carry three pontoon bridges into the Liao River and advance to open up the road to the other side. Duke Xu, you will provide support downstream with small boats and rafts. Once General Mai has opened up the road, you can harass the enemy from downstream to facilitate the main army's landing with General Mai!"

"General Qian! General Meng!"

"You two will each be responsible for one pontoon bridge, and all three pontoon bridges must arrive together!"

"General Li, you are in charge of the rear. Once the three pontoon bridges are open, you will urge the army to march out and capture all the enemy's strongholds on the east bank within a day! Bring back the enemy general's head to His Majesty!"

"During the march, any matter must be reported to me first, and only after reporting to His Majesty can a decision be made. Anyone who makes a decision on their own will be executed."

Husi Zheng was still immersed in the joy of outliving Duan Wenzhen and successfully taking power.

He had always hoped to replace Duan Wenzhen and successfully take power, but he never expected that his wish would come true so quickly! Duan Wenzhen died of illness just before this great battle, and much power fell directly into his hands!
This battle is bound to be won.

Husi Zheng was incredibly confident. With a million-strong army and so many valiant generals, victory was assured. He had heard that when Emperor Taizu of Han, Liu Bang, defeated the enemy, he first rewarded Xiao He, who was in charge of logistics, considering him the one who made the greatest contribution. Thinking this way, perhaps he too could be the one to make the greatest contribution this time?

Husi Zheng even put aside some of his prejudices against Li Xuanba and others.

The generals standing before him all wore stern faces, their expressions shifting between anger and uncertainty.

"Vice Minister".

Yuwen Shu spoke first, and Husi Zheng quickly looked at him with a smile, "What are your orders, Duke Xu?"

"Please send someone to inform His Majesty now that things often change unexpectedly in war. If we have to wait for orders to act at every turn, I'm afraid we won't be able to complete His Majesty's orders within the stipulated time. Please go back and persuade His Majesty."

As Yuwen Shu spoke, he walked to Husi Zheng's side, took his hand, and said affectionately, "If you can help persuade His Majesty, we will all be willing to stand by your side regarding the matter of the Minister of War."

As Yuwen Shu spoke, he looked at the generals in front of him and asked, "What do you think?"

Mai Tiezhang, with a stern face, said very seriously, "The matter of the Minister of War is to be decided by His Majesty. How could we possibly participate in it?"

Yuwen Shu's face darkened. "You idiot!!"

Yuwen Shu stopped looking at him and instead held Husi Zheng's hand, saying, "Don't pay any attention to this fellow. He's always been like this. At least I can still speak up for His Majesty. What do you think, Your Excellency?"

Hu Sizheng smiled and nodded, "Very well, with Duke Xu's words, I will do my best to persuade His Majesty!"

Husi Zheng turned and left, and Yuwen Shu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at Mai Tiezhang with displeasure.

That guy is a complete idiot.

Mai Tiezhang always gave people the impression of being not very smart. He was straightforward and honest. After making military achievements, he was assigned to a local official position. At first, he didn't know anything and caused chaos in the area. Later, he began to learn from others and actually achieved some political success. He eliminated local bandits and was praised by the people.

Upon seeing his appearance, Yuwen Shu decided to ignore him and walked aside to speak quietly with Yuwen Kai.

Yuwen Kai's eyes were glazed over, and his steps were unsteady. Soldiers supported him from both sides, as his body simply could not bear it any longer.

When Yuwen Shu asked him questions, he also shed tears of sorrow, feeling that he would not be able to return alive this time.

Li Xuanba had some connection with Yuwen Kai's son, Yuwen Rutong, so he took the initiative to say, "After this battle, I will plead for the Minister to return home to recuperate."

Yuwen Kai looked at Li Xuanba, his expression growing increasingly sorrowful. He wiped away his tears. "It's alright. I'm old enough, and I have nothing to fear. It's just that my children are still young, and I'm really worried about them. My good-for-nothing son values ​​you highly, General, and has told me about you many times. If anything happens to me, I only hope that you can look after my son."

"must."

General Qian Shixiong and Meng Jincha exchanged a glance, then stepped forward and greeted Li Xuanba with smiles.

"General, my son is also in Luoyang. He is studying at the Imperial Academy, and I heard that the Xiaoguo Guard is going to be expanded. If you could take care of them a little, even if it's just as a captain in the new army, I would be content."

Only Mai Tiezhang stood at a distance, watching them without saying a word.

Yuwen Shu looked at Mai Tiezhang and snorted coldly, "A thief by origin, yet so high and mighty."

When Husi Zheng returned to the emperor's side, Yang Guang was sitting in his carriage, with his confidants standing on either side, as well as several chieftains from the northwest.

Yang Guang invited these chieftains over so that they could see the invincible army of the Sui Dynasty.

Husi Zheng hurriedly bowed in greeting. Yang Guang asked smugly, "Has the army already been mobilized?"

Hu Sizheng shook his head, wanting to say something, but looked troubled.

Yang Guang frowned, told the few Hu people to leave first, and then asked, "What happened?"

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Xu feels that Your Majesty's arrangement is inappropriate and that he should be in full charge. He wants me to persuade Your Majesty, saying that if I cannot persuade Your Majesty, he will impeach me and make it impossible for me to take charge of the Ministry of War."

Yang Guang was furious.

"Someone is coming!!"

"Your Majesty!! Wait!"

Pei Yun, who was accompanying the army, hurriedly came out and bowed before the emperor.

“Your Majesty, this is precisely the time to send out troops. If we were to punish a general at this time, it would likely be detrimental to the morale of the army. Moreover, Duke Xu is an upright man, and Your Majesty is pleased to hear his advice. Therefore, he has always dared to advise Your Majesty. How can Your Majesty blame him for this?”

Yang Guang's face turned red, but he still suppressed his anger.

"Don't say anything nice to him anymore!"

Yang Guang reprimanded Pei Yun, then looked at Hu Sizheng and said, "Issue my order: the vanguard must fight according to my decree. Anyone who dares to disobey will be arrested and executed without mercy!"

Husi Zheng hurriedly bowed his head and agreed.

Pei Yun narrowed his eyes, watching Hu Sizheng leave, a hint of worry in his eyes. He didn't like Yuwen Shu, but a major defeat would be bad for everyone.

As Husi Zheng walked out, he was overjoyed. Yuwen Shu, that military man, really thought highly of himself! "Without you, I can't be the Minister?! The more I'm at odds with you, the more likely I am to become Minister! What a fool!"
When Kehusizheng arrived at the front line again, he had a stern face and looked very troubled.

"His Majesty said that we should proceed according to the original plan, and anyone who opposes it should be arrested and killed."

"I really couldn't persuade His Majesty, and I hope that Duke Xu will not blame me."

Husi Zheng spoke insincerely, but Yuwen Shu ignored him and simply sighed.

The generals were all prepared.

In terms of preparation, the Goryeo soldiers on the opposite bank were undoubtedly the most well-prepared. They had been making preparations all day long, reinforcing the high walls on the bank, preparing enough stones and arrows, and increasing the number of soldiers. They also made some barbs and arranged them in front of the high walls, making the opposite bank very sturdy.

Mai Tiezhang, clad in armor and holding a spear, looked at the soldiers to his left and right.

"kill!!!"

With a roar, the old general personally carried the pontoon bridge and charged towards the Liao River.

More than 10,000 soldiers carried the three pontoon bridges, jumped into the water, and paddled forward continuously, while the soldiers behind them continued to push. The pontoon bridges quickly rushed towards the enemy.

The Liao River surged, its current violently pounding against the soldiers, but they remained motionless.

As the pontoon bridge drew closer, the Koreans launched a fierce attack.

Arrows rained down, and Mai Tiezhang raised his shield, braving the arrows, and charged to the front.

Soldiers screamed and disappeared into the water, while the war drums continued to sound, and the pontoon bridge drew closer and closer to the opposite bank.

When the pontoon bridge on the west bank was completely submerged, the soldiers were filled with terror.

Mai Tiezhang stood at the front, looking at the enemy on the opposite bank in astonishment.

The pontoon bridge has reached its end.

However, they were still several feet away from the enemy.

Taking advantage of their high ground, the Goryeo soldiers launched a fierce attack. With no way forward and their own people blocking their path from behind, the soldiers became sitting ducks, with arrows raining down on them. The soldiers screamed and fell one after another.

Mai Tiezhang glared angrily.

"kill!!!"

He leaped up, his whole body flying out like an arrow, and jumped into the water, like a demon, rushing towards the enemy on the shore.

The other two officers also jumped out at the same time.

The soldiers jumped into the water and rushed towards the enemy.

(End of this chapter)