Vol 8 Chapter 16 (1/2)
VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 16: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS JIANGXIA CITY
Liu Bei POV
After we rea.s.sembled our troops, we followed Huang Zu, Gan Ning, and the rest of the Jiangxia troops into Jiangxia city. At this time, it was approaching the evening and wasn’t night yet but the city was empty and dead silent.
I felt that this probably wasn’t because of a superst.i.tious fear about demons emerging in evening but because of martial law. And so, seeing that everything was currently under such tight control, the situation was probably quite dire.
Sometime earlier, Chen Dao had reported to me our strength. Of the 2,500 troops under my command, more than half were dead or gravely injured, and so the only ones that could still fight numbered about 1,200 or so. On my side at least, things were looking pretty bad.
Along the way, n.o.body asked Huang Zu what the situation was like at Jiangxia city, nor did anyone ask about Liu Qi’s status. This was because I felt a little disinclined toward speaking to Huang Zu who looked every inch like a thug, and also because I could largely guess what the situation was like.
Even in the best case scenario, Liu Qi shouldn’t have more than a thousand or so left. As for Huang Zu’s side, based on what Liu Qi said earlier, her garrison shouldn’t be too big.
Though I’m no expert at strategies and tactics yet, under these circ.u.mstances, the only way we can keep the city is to turtle in and weather the siege.
“Hai…” Chen Gong who was riding beside me sighed.
This was the third time since just now already. The first time was when she met Huang Zu, the second time was when she heard our remaining strength, and the third was now when we entered the city. She didn’t say what she was thinking but I know that what she’s thinking about is probably no too far off from what I’m thinking.
“Oh~ It’s so dark in the city~”
“Lord Zhou Cang, don’t move about too much or you will fall off.”
Of course, there is someone around who is still looking about every which with curiosity despite our present predicament. She really doesn’t feel any pressure at all. How could she still have the energy to take in the sights at this time?
“Oh right, are you injured my lord? Do you have any scratches? My techniques aren’t too good but I should bandage any injuries or cuts you might have when we get the time later.” Just then, Chen Dao turned and spoke to me as she took out some bandages from behind her chest guard.
“Ah… Un, alright.”
I have a general who cares for me like a nanny. Though I do have to admit I’m quite touched by her actions and devotion.
Hai, never mind. What’s most important is that we’re safe and alive.
“Alright, we’re here.” Just then, Huang Zu who was in front said so, and raised the hand she held the reins with to gesture us to stop.
“Umm…” I was about to ask her what she meant but Huang Zu silenced me with a finger to her lips.
“The north of the city is where you will be setting up camp. Look over there, Young Mistress Liu and her troops have already set up camp. Since you came together, you can set up camp on the same area.”
“Ah, thank you very…”
“No need for that. I will send someone to bring you over for a welcome banquet in an hour’s time.” Before I could finish my words and complete a salute, she cut me off.
“Jia!” And before I could even inquire as to what she meant, she swung her reins and left with her other troops.
Gan Ning who was at the side bowed to me before hurrying after them, her white scarf swaying in the wind behind her.
In that case, I’ll just have to follow her orders for now.
“Chen Dao, tell everyone to set up camp and rest for the night.”
“Yes.” Chen Dao went to make the necessary arrangements after acknowledging the order. I turned back and saw that the troops were all exhausted. Even though our fighting strength was over a thousand, they wouldn’t last very long on the battlefield with the scant amount of plate armour they had left.
Hai, this is really worrying.
“Imperial Uncle, I feel that we should start doing reconnaissance and find a path of retreat.” Chen Gong spat this line out unhappily without warning whatsoever.
“Chen Gong! Softer!” I hurriedly stopped her from elaborating further in an audible tone so that the troops wouldn’t hear her, “Things aren’t too clear yet. If the Jiangxia garrison is decently large, we may still have a chance.”
“Does Imperial Uncle think that the garrison will be very large? In the battle just now, the main force was only able to equal the Jiangdong forces which numbered about 5-6,000. From what I see, the garrison is just 3-4,000.”
“This…” Her words really struck home, and I was unable to refute them at all.
“With the circ.u.mstances as they are, I doubt Imperial Uncle is unaware of how dire a situation we are in. Even if we are the defending side in a siege battle, the enemy only needs to have 3 times our numbers to be able to mount a successful siege. And the required strength would just be 15,000. With such few troops on our side, I doubt we will last longer than 3-5 days.”
“Un… But even so, we need to stay and defend Jiangxia.”
Or are you asking me to desert?
“… Never mind. We’ll see how things are like before we discuss any further. Some words aren’t too appropriate at this time.” Chen Gong said as she raised her head and looked at the setting sun. She blinked twice before dragging her thick platform shoes and headed towards the troops at the back.
Compared to Chen Gong, I was a little more optimistic. Jiangxia city’s walls were rather thick after all so it wouldn’t be too easy to break them. If we can outlast the next attack, the next wave of reinforcements may be able to make it in time.
Hai, I really wish that I have a copy of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Original fiction) or the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Historical). Then I could have a good look at how this battle will proceed and end.
“Imperial Uncle, you’re here.”
“Ah?” I came back to reality and looked behind when I heard someone call out to from behind.
The one who called me had a high ponytail and was wearing Taoist robes while she looked at me with a serious gaze.
“Yi Ji?” I replied, and then hurriedly asked when I thought of Liu Qi, “How is it? Are any of you hurt? Is Liu Qi alright?”
“Everything’s good, thanks to you.”