C199 (1/2)
Daybreak.
”Your Highness, this is Phoenix Mountain.” General Liu looked at the mountain in front of him and explained, ”Subordinate has already sent people to investigate. Those bandits live on this hill and built a village within the mountain called Black Peak Stronghold. The stronghold's population is around a hundred people …”
”Alright.” After Ming Jiling heard this, he nodded and instructed: ”General Liu, you go gather the people you need now.”
”This subordinate understands.” General Liu replied in a low voice.
Before long, General Liu had gathered his men and was ready for departure.
Su Zongwen's injuries were not light this time, the wounds were repeated and did not improve, so the matter of the attack was completely under Ming Jiling's command, while he was forced to stay in the camp to recuperate.
General Liu sent two vice generals to guard the two exits, and then together with Ming Jiling, they led five hundred men to split up, and at the same time started attacking the village.
The people of Black Peak Stronghold had long heard that the capital was going to dispatch people to eliminate them. Therefore, they had long since prepared for battle. The round logs, rolling stones, and crossbows had all been prepared.
”Attack!” General Liu made a gesture with his hand, and with a loud shout, he led five hundred men to rush to the front.
”Prepare the crossbow!” ”Shoot —”
At the same time, on the high platform of the village, a dense cluster of short arrows were fired at the army.
The group of people held shields in their hands. There weren't many casualties, so they gradually approached the stronghold while facing the flying arrows.
”Boss, these crossbows are useless against them.”
On the high platform, a person reported hurriedly.
”Put the rocks down.” The Great Master of Black Peak Stronghold said in a deep voice.
The young and strong men in the stronghold quickly put down the rolling stones they had prepared beforehand. Then, the two of them started to work together and threw down the logs.
The Black Peak Stronghold was surrounded by rivers on all four sides and the terrain was very steep. To the west was an abnormally steep cliff, and there were only two paths that led up and down the mountain. It was easy to defend but hard to attack.
The rocks fell off one by one, and very soon more than half of General Liu's men were dead, while Ming Jiling's side was also injured, and the group could only retreat in a sorry state.
In the next few days, the army attacked the mountain stronghold many times, but they all returned disappointed.
Su Zongwen, who was supposed to be resting in the camp, heard that the great army was unable to succeed even after attacking the fort a few times. After suffering heavy casualties and being unable to sit still, he took his sickly body to Ming Jiling's camp to discuss about countermeasures with the few of them …
Shen Zhu wandered around, and upon returning, he heard that they were discussing on how to attack the fort.
She had wandered around here for the past few days and figured out the terrain here. Seeing that there were a few people who could not come up with a suitable solution, she could not help but suggest, ”I heard that the materials from Black Peak Mountain came up from the foot of the mountain. If we burn their granary, and then block all the roads down the mountain, wouldn't we be able to win without even a single battle without the loss of food?”
General Liu's eyes lit up when he heard this, but he quickly changed the subject. ”But, our people can't go at all. How do we burn their granaries?”
”That's not difficult.” Shen Zhu smiled slightly and continued: ”Everyone says that when rats cross the street, people scream and fight. When it comes to food, naturally rats have the most sensitive nose.”
”I'll have to trouble General Liu to send some people to catch some rats. The more, the better.”
”Why does sister-in-law need so many rats?”
Shen Zhu's words completely confused the three of them.
”You'll know soon enough.”
Shen Zhu then found an excuse and returned to his tent, upon seeing this, Ming Jiling immediately ordered General Liu to send people to catch the rats, and did not continue to ask.
Su Zongwen was also very confused about this, but like everyone else, they left their curiosity behind, waiting to see how Shen Zhu would burn down their opponent's grain depot.