Vol 8 Chapter 13.1 (2/2)

I doubt it’s anything good.

Though Chen Gong said she was listening, her expression showed how doubtful she was towards me. I do have to admit that this plan of mine isn’t something ingenious but it is something decent and doable.

As I thought so, I weighed the costs and benefits one last time, and decided to tell them what I’d thought of, “Chen Gong said it before right? That our troops are all heavy infantry. Therefore, light cavalry should find it difficult to engulf us in a short time.”

“And so?”

“So,” I paused for a moment and gathered my thoughts, “I feel that we should act as bait, and draw the bulk of the enemy’s attention which will reduce the pressure on Liu Qi’s side.”

Chen Gong waved her hands back when I finished, “We have but 2,500 troops. We will only end up being surrounded. How many can we possibly draw to us?”

“That is why we will be separating our troops into 3 contingents.” I said as I raised 3 fingers, “I’ll lead 1, and Chen Dao and Chen Gong, you both will lead 1 each. Thereafter, our job is to wreck as much havoc as possible, draw their attention and disrupt their formation.”

“Un… That is the same as saying that the enemy’s objective is to reduce our fighting strength and not take the city. If we can hold on long enough, this can work.” Chen Gong sank into deep thought and placed her hand at her chin and frowned, looking very vexed at this, “But what if we don’t disrupt their formation? It’s possible that when we charge down, we might just be decimated shortly because of each contingent’s low numbers.”

“We won’t go too deep in, and do our best to maintain a 3-p.r.o.nged front with the enemy.” I continued, “Of course, it might not work even then, in which case we have no choice but to give up and retreat.”

I don’t know how strong Sun Quan’s Jiangdong troops are, but they can’t be too weak. If their troops are vastly superior to ours then this fight will be a tough one.

No, we won’t have a chance at all.

But, if we can just stall them for a while, I hope to give Liu Qi’s side some breathing s.p.a.ce. That way, I can be a little more at ease.

As I thought so, I looked at Chen Gong.

“Un…” Chen Gong was still in deep thought and considering the costs and benefits of this plan. The other 2, however, had already chosen to follow my plan.

“Lord Chen Gong, I feel that our lord’s plan is workable. I will do my best to stir things up.” Chen Dao said.

“Why? Could it be that you don’t think that you’re capable enough?” Zhou Cang said mockingly, which happened to touch a raw nerve.

“Who is saying I’m incapable! Have you forgotten how I defeated you that time?!”

“Alright, alright, alright. You’re brave and strong.” Zhou Cang wasn’t angry at all and gave Chen Gong a thumbs up with a smile.

I know that Zhou Cang is just taunting her, and I doubt Chen Gong is unaware either. But she probably doesn’t want to back out because of this, and soon after, I heard the reply I wanted to hear the most.

“Alright, I got it.” Chen Gong nodded, as though she’d made her resolve, “My official rank isn’t too high now but if I die, I hope I can get a good posthumous promotion.”

“No way. You’re just a minor official, so you’ll just be a t.i.tle-less middle-ranking general at the most.”

“You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!”

Zhou Cang mocked her again, and Chen Gong was baited. This scene made it seem like it was like usual times. Looking at them, I felt more relaxed.

“That’s that then.” I looked at the 3 of them in turn, and seeing that they all made their resolve, I continued, “We’ll split our troops into 3. Chen Gong and Chen Dao, you both will lead a contingent of 800 troops each while I’ll lead a contingent of 900 troops. At my mark, we will charge down from the south, southwest, and southeast directions. Thereafter, I’ll leave it to you both to bait as many troops as you can to you. Chen Dao, it’s best if you can draw in some of the troops that are surrounding Liu Qi.”

“Though I really want to be by my lord’s side protecting him, I cannot turn down my lord’s order and will do my utmost best to fulfill this critical responsibility you have given me.” Chen Dao put her hands together and did a very neat bow, “Acknowledged.”

“Un, I understand.” Compared to Chen Dao, Chen Gong seemed more relaxed.

“Will you be alright?” I asked, a little worried for her.

“I’ll be fine. I’m an administrative official but I have learnt martial arts and I know how to command troops.” Chen Gong didn’t say further after this, and took the command token from my hands and brought her troops to the southeast side.

As I looked at Chen Gong’s back, I was reminded of our first meeting. I must say, her skill with the crossbow is really good.

“Alright, my lord. I’ll be getting into position as well.” Chen Dao bowed once more as she said so, “For this mission, I will willingly accept any punishments should I fail, and swear not to hold my lord back.”

“That’s a little too much…” I smiled bitterly as I patted her shoulders.

“Relax, I’m counting on you for this.”

“Ah… Un!” She acknowledged my words with tears in her eyes and mounted her horse as she led her troops off.

As I looked at Chen Dao’s troops and where Chen Gong was, I couldn’t help but feel worried for them.

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