Chapter 43

"Officer Zhou, when can I leave?" Seeing Zhou Xiaomin's attitude inexplicably improve, Zhang Hao seized the opportunity to ask.

"You can leave in a while, but before this matter is resolved, it's best if you don't leave Qinzhou. If anything happens, you need to report it," Zhou Xiaomin pondered for a moment and said. This made Zhang Hao feel relieved.

"However, you must remember what you said. I won't pry into your privacy, but you promised not to do anything illegal. If you get into trouble, don't blame me for not recognizing you," Zhou Xiaomin emphasized.

"Moreover, this isn't against the rules. Although there are indeed some doubts, they are unrelated to the case. Plus, I checked and found out that you have anonymously donated millions to various charitable foundations, so I believe you're not a bad person, which is why I'm doing this."

"Of course, Officer Zhou can supervise me. I also appreciate your understanding," Zhang Hao said with a smooth remark.

"Alright, we're done with the serious stuff. Let's talk about something else," Zhou Xiaomin seemed a bit shy at this point.

"Um, can you teach me some combat techniques? I'm very interested in them. I've learned some Sanshou from the police academy, but it feels different from the traditional martial arts. From the power you displayed, I guess you must have received genuine training."

"If there are any rules that prevent you from teaching, that's fine too. I just want to see and spar with you."

Zhang Hao's expression was a bit odd. It seemed this woman really admired strength. Few girls would be interested in combat and fighting, right?!

Noticing the expectation in Zhou Xiaomin's beautiful, charming almond eyes, Zhang Hao found it hard to refuse.

Thinking about sparring with such a beautiful policewoman, there would inevitably be some physical contact, which wasn't a difficult thing at all. It might even be something many people would long for.

"No problem. But it might not be possible for a while as I have some urgent matters. When you're ready, just give me a call. If I have time, I definitely won't miss the opportunity to exchange with a policewoman like Officer Zhou," Zhang Hao said with a smile.

"Smooth talker." Zhou Xiaomin rolled her eyes at Zhang Hao and handed him a file, "Sign here."

After putting away the file, Zhou Xiaomin waved her hand, "You can go now. Don't leave Qinzhou in the near future, and keep your phone on. If anything changes, I'll notify you."

Zhang Hao didn't waste any words, shook hands with Zhou Xiaomin, and left the police station.

Today's incident was completely unexpected, but it made Zhang Hao more alert and consider how to plan in the modern world.

After a while, Zhang Hao felt a bit hungry. Thinking about it, he decided to drive to Qinzhou University, found Su Linlang and Shu Yun, and had a meal with them. He took the opportunity to tell Su Linlang about the incident when Shu Yun wasn't around, assuring her not to worry.

After the meal, Zhang Hao returned to the warehouse, locked the door, entered the transit room, and went back to the Three Kingdoms world through the time-space gate. He temporarily put aside his concerns in the modern world. After all, things couldn't get much worse.

In Qu'a County, Zhang Hao's armies from various regions of Jiangdong were gradually gathering. The Jinghai Navy's troop transport ships were also assembling at Caishi Harbor, escorted by warships.

After returning to the Three Kingdoms world, Zhang Hao learned about the specific situation and immediately began to have the troop transport ships ferry soldiers to the north bank of the Yangtze River.

Luo An had already delivered the intelligence. The army assembled by the Governor of Yangzhou, Chen Wen, was also advancing towards Hengjiangpu. That would be the place for the decisive battle.

On the banks of the Yangtze River, the April breeze carried the scent of spring, and the air was humid and refreshing.

Surrounded by a group of generals and officials, Zhang Hao watched the massive troop transport ships ferrying soldiers. The scene was spectacular.

After Luo An informed the surrounding officials of the intelligence, Zhang Hao smiled and said, "Chen Wen must be feeling relieved right now."

Zhang Hao had a reason for saying this. For Chen Wen, the options were limited.

He had the support of the aristocratic families and had assembled this large army. However, because the Jinghai Navy had destroyed the Yangzhou fleet and blockaded the Yangtze River, they couldn't cross the river to attack Zhang Hao and could only passively wait for Zhang Hao's attack.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. There were only two suitable river crossings downstream. If they had sealed off the crossings and attacked when Zhang Hao's army crossed the river, they would have had a good chance of winning.

But this idea was shattered. The Jinghai Navy's cannons were too powerful and intimidating. Under the cover of the warship's cannons, the vanguard army easily landed on the riverbank, and the subsequent forces steadily established camps and set up artillery positions. This plan was no longer feasible.

Chen Wen could use the assembled army to defend the city, but this wasn't a viable option. Most of the army was provided by the aristocratic families, who supported Chen Wen to protect their own interests.

If Chen Wen concentrated the army in a heavily fortified city, and Zhang Hao divided his forces to attack other counties, the aristocratic families would suffer significant losses. They couldn't accept such a situation. Therefore, Chen Wen had to seek a direct confrontation, using his numerical advantage to try to defeat Zhang Hao.

But as long as Zhang Hao didn't choose the crossing point, Chen Wen would be on edge. The distance between Guangling and Hengjiangpu was considerable, and choosing the right place was a challenge. Now that Zhang Hao was openly gathering his army and navy, Chen Wen no longer had to worry. That's why Zhang Hao said he would feel relieved.

"This relief will be short-lived. He won't sleep well until there's a result," Gu Yong added.

"Mr. Gu's words are very reasonable. Our spies report that the officials and generals are now arguing about where to have the decisive battle. Some of them have grand ideas, wanting to limit our cavalry advantage and find suitable terrain to restrict our artillery. Chen Wen must be very troubled by this," Luo An said.

"They have grand ideas. To prevent us from dividing our forces and using the speed advantage of our cavalry, they can only intercept us not far from the river to prevent us from attacking the counties," Huang Zhong sneered.

Even though Chen Wen, with the full support of the aristocratic families, had assembled an army of over 90,000, the generals on Zhang Hao's side were not at all worried. Even Zhao Yun, after participating in a real battle with the Qian Army and gaining a deep understanding of the combined infantry and artillery capabilities and the mobility of the cavalry, was also very confident. The technological advantage was simply too great!

"Everyone, don't be complacent. We must win this battle in one go. After ending this fight, we will take control of the entire Yangzhou and not delay the spring plowing."

Zhang Hao said not to be complacent, but his words were quite confident. Saying they wouldn't delay the spring plowing was already a sign of great confidence.

Everyone responded in unison. Zhang Hao looked at the numerous warships on the Yangtze River, where the Star Dragon flags fluttered in the river breeze, and felt a sense of awe. He liked this feeling, the sense of command where everyone responded to his call and no one dared to defy him.

Compared to the modern world, Zhang Hao felt a strong sense of presence in this world. Perhaps this was a manifestation of the saying "sitting position determines the mind." It could also be said to be the human instinct to pursue higher self-worth.

As for the Star Dragon flag, it was the banner Zhang Hao chose for his forces, a dragon made up of countless star-like points. The dragon symbolized power, and the stars were because Zhang Hao considered himself the Purple Star incarnate. It was both stylish and cool.

Even though Zhang Hao's navy far exceeded the technology of this era, ferrying tens of thousands of troops, along with grain, horses, and military equipment, still took a considerable amount of time. Zhang Hao wasn't in a hurry, but Chen Wen was.

Chen Wen had been sending troops to attack the camps on the opposite bank many times. During the period when the army was crossing the river, the camps were constantly under attack, with the sound of cannons and fighting never stopping. However, the Qian Army was well-prepared and repelled the attacks, preventing Chen Wen from achieving his goals.

Originally, Zhang Hao planned to cross the river with the rear forces, as the conditions in the camps established at Hengjiangpu were definitely not as good as those at Caishi Harbor, which had been prepared in advance. But an unexpected event at Hengjiangpu changed his mind.