Vol 9 Chapter 66 (2/2)

What Lu Kuang said is actually probable, that the group of leaderless dragons would eventually splinter into at least 2 factions, making them easy targets. But the issue here is that it has only been 20 odd days since Liu Bei has gone missing. Even if there is a rift amongst them, it should not be so significant. In fact, launching an offensive at this time so soon might actually help to unite them.

I really do not understand my lord. We did not bother invading back when they were mired in Jiangxia and chose to wait instead. At this point, we could have chosen to wait further anyway for Liu Bei’s forces to splinter and for their ties with Liu Biao and Jing state to worsen before beginning our expedition.

Hai… Perhaps our lord was far too impatient and desired more talented retainers. All of Liu Bei’s retainers are heroic and wise and one of our primary objectives are to capture some of them after all.

But there is also the possibility that– No, my lord ought to be a highly rational person… In the end, it’s just impatience huh?

“Looks like Xinye city is up ahead.” Lu Xiang said excitedly as she looked into the distance.

I looked ahead and saw a small city peek out from the dirt road in a naked wasteland. The walls were not high and the city seemed to be merely slightly larger than a county city.

There were also clear signs that there were troops camped out here recently as the wild gra.s.s near the vicinity of the city was cleared but not out here. Yet there is no encampment in sight, which means they are probably on the opposite side of the city. Why? There is no reason to hide.

“They’re here.” Lu Kuang said as he tightened his grip on his spear. Before he could finish, heavy footsteps, the clinking of armour, and the pounding of horse hooves could be heard.

When I looked over, I saw the gates of Xinye city opening up slowly and troops pouring out. But because of the dust cloud, I could not get a good glimpse of how many there were. What surprised me however, was that the stream of people and horses lasted less than a minute before the gates shut tight.

Ah… I really did not expect to reach the city so easily. And based on the time that elapsed, there cannot have been too many troops. Could they have disbanded a majority of their troops? Or do they think that this much is enough? Or…

Eh! This is all because we did not perform reconnaissance on them beforehand. If they really still have 30,000 strong, then we must not attack the city. But if they have disbanded a majority of their troops, then we could have just attacked them head on with full force.

This is a strategic mistake of mine. I can only give myself 70 points for my preparation work. This is a bit of self-praise but I think my march was pretty well done.

“3,000-man generals! Relay the order to have the troops leave their marching equipment here. Make preparations to set up camp but do not do so.” I said to the 3 3,000-man generals behind the Lu siblings, “Then have them equip their heavy plat armour. Tell the combat engineers to also ready the siege weapons.”

“Yes!” They heard the order, acceded and quickly turned to relay it to the troops.

“Have we decided to attack the city now?”

“I’m just making the preparations for doing so.” I answered as I stared ahead and estimated the enemy’s numbers.

“Lu Xiang, how is your eyesight?”

“Very good!”

“Estimate the enemy’s numbers for me.”

Though the dust has largely settled, there is still a thin layer of dust in the air that is obscuring my vision and making it difficult for me to make out their numbers.

“Un… Looks like… Probably 5-6,000 or so.” Lu Xiang quickly gave an estimation.

*Tatatata*

“Report for Lord Li Dian! All personnel are ready to advance.”

Good, I thought as I pulled down my hat and raised my reins–

“Advance.” I softly said as I began riding towards Xinye city.

The thunderous sounds of armour, horse hooves and men filled my ears. Just 10,000 strong is like this huh? I have never actually led such a large contingent personally before as a commanding officer so I am feeling a lot of pressure on my back.

However, it’s fine even if we do not win. We just need to do our best. I do not know for sure what the enemy numbers are like yet but just this many coming out to respond to our incursion implies that there are some issues in their faction. I do not know what it is yet but for now, the aim is to lower their morale.

“Lord Li Dian! Let me take them on a 1-on-1 duel later!”

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