Chapter 24

Yuyang Commandery is one of the most populous in Youzhou, and it is also a place that the Wuhuan people always raid during their forays.

Juxi County, located in the northernmost part of Yuyang Commandery, serves as a barrier against the Wuhuan. Once the Wuhuan break through Juxi County, the Han army will have no way to stop their iron cavalry.

Five li outside Juxi County, a military camp was set up, filled with Wuhuan cavalry.

"Brother, we have been attacking for five whole days and still haven't breached the walls. What should we do? This time, Uncle Qiuliju entrusted us with the task of attacking Yuyang Commandery. We can't let Uncle down," said a short, unattractive Wuhuan man.

"Qiuliyan, don't worry. Our Wuhuan warriors are invincible. The Han army has suffered significant losses these past few days. After all, we Wuhuan are heroes on horseback and are not skilled at sieging cities. But as long as we keep attacking, we will eventually break through," said another Wuhuan man, tall and handsome.

These two men were the commanders of this Wuhuan army, Qiulitu and Qiuliyan. Their status was not low; both were nephews of Qiuliju. Just by their appearances, it was hard to imagine they were brothers. They were only able to lead this large army because of their relationship with Qiuliju. In reality, both were brainless second-generation aristocrats.

"When did these Han people become so powerful that they can kill so many of our Wuhuan brothers? If I catch them, I will twist off their heads," Qiuliyan said viciously.

"Fear not. Rest well tonight, and tomorrow we will attack again. We must take that damn county, kill everyone inside, and plunder all their food and treasures," Qiulitu said with a face full of anger.

"Alright, we will definitely take it tomorrow." After saying this, the two men returned to their tents to rest.

Inside the county office of Juxi County, Gao Shun and Tian Chou were sitting in the main hall.

"Zitai, how are our casualties?" Gao Shun asked with a worried face.

"Alas, Brother Gao, in these five days, 1,500 infantrymen from the three camps have been killed, 200 severely wounded, and countless lightly wounded," Tian Chou sighed.

"Damn it, I don't know if those Wuhuan people have gone mad. They have been attacking non-stop for five days, and each one fights as if they have nothing to lose. If it weren't for the elite troops under my command, this small city would have fallen already," Gao Shun said angrily, slamming his fist on the table.

"Yes, Juxi County is a small county, and its walls are made of earth and stone. They have already been battered to pieces by the Wuhuan. I don't think they will hold up much longer," Tian Chou said helplessly.

"Juxi County is the gateway to Yuyang. I will defend it with my life. I will not let the Wuhuan step a single foot into Yuyang," Gao Shun stood up, his face resolute.

"Right, Brother Gao. Even if we are crushed to pieces, we must defend Juxi County. How can we face our lord's trust and promotion otherwise?" Tian Chou said with equal determination.

"Ha ha ha ha, you two want to be crushed to pieces? You should ask if I am willing first." A loud laugh came from outside the door.

Gao Shun and Tian Chou looked in the direction of the voice and saw Liu Yao and Tian Feng walking in.

"Shun (Chou) pays respects to Lord." The two men quickly bowed to Liu Yao, their faces full of excitement.

"Stand up. Why did I hear such ominous words as 'crushed to pieces' as soon as I came in?" Liu Yao teased.

Gao Shun and Tian Chou blushed and stammered, not knowing how to respond. Seeing this, Liu Yao decided to stop teasing them.

"Lord, why are you and Yuanhao here? Have the Wuhuan in Jixian been defeated?" Gao Shun asked.

"Indeed, two days ago, the Wuhuan cavalry was completely annihilated. I led 5,000 cavalry here as quickly as possible to reinforce Juxi County. To avoid alarming the Wuhuan, the 5,000 cavalry are camped five li outside the county. Yuanhao and I came into the city first to assess the situation. However, it seems the situation here is not good," Liu Yao said, somewhat displeased.

"This, Lord, it is all my fault. Please punish me," Gao Shun immediately knelt down to request punishment, as he was the commander of this campaign.

"Lord, it's not Brother Gao's fault. The Wuhuan are simply too疯狂了," Tian Chou quickly defended Gao Shun.

Liu Yao frowned and asked, "Zitai, tell me what happened."

"Lord, this time the Wuhuan seem to have gone mad. Despite being cavalry, they are forcing a siege, and each one fights without fear of death. This has caused significant casualties on our side, and the city walls are almost unable to hold," Tian Chou explained.

"Hmm? This is strange. The Wuhuan are here to plunder. This behavior doesn't make sense," Liu Yao was very puzzled.

"Lord, I have a theory," Tian Feng interjected.

"Oh, Yuanhao, please share it."

"Indeed, Lord. The only explanation for this behavior is that the Wuhuan commander is someone who knows nothing about military strategy," Tian Feng said.

"How is that possible? Why would the Wuhuan send someone who knows nothing about military strategy? Do they think they have too many troops?" Liu Yao was completely unconvinced.

"Lord," Gao Shun interjected, "I remember that when the two Wuhuan commanders introduced themselves, they claimed to be nephews of the Wuhuan Great King Qiuliju, and they were extremely arrogant."

"Oh, so they are indeed second-generation aristocrats." Liu Yao understood, and the previous events no longer seemed strange.

"Lord, I have a plan that we can try," Tian Feng said.

"Oh?" Liu Yao said with surprise. "Yuanhao, please share it."

"Lord, since the Wuhuan commander is impulsive and knows nothing about military strategy, he will likely attack the city again tomorrow. Since the city walls can no longer hold, we might as well let them in and set traps inside the city," Tian Feng said slowly.

"Oh, you mean to set traps in the city and wait for them to fall into them," Liu Yao understood immediately.

"Exactly," Tian Feng nodded.

"Good, Yuanhao. Since you came up with this plan, you will give the orders this time," Liu Yao said casually.

"Understood," Tian Feng bowed deeply. Liu Yao's trust in him was evident.

"Tian Chou, immediately gather all the civilians in the city and ensure their safety. Under no circumstances should they be harmed."

"Understood. Most of the civilians have already fled when the Wuhuan came. There are not many left, and I will ensure their safety."

"As for Gao Shun, immediately prepare flammable materials and demolish all the buildings inside the city walls. Set traps on the ground."

"Understood. I will do it right away."

After saying this, the two men ran out to prepare.

"Lord, please send an order to Generals Zhang Fei and Huang Zhong to ambush nearby. Once the Wuhuan try to escape, they should attack them," Tian Feng said carefully.

"Ha ha, I understand." Liu Yao wrote a letter and sent a skilled soldier to secretly deliver the order to Zhang Fei and Huang Zhong.

The night passed quickly. As dawn broke, the sun rose, casting a fiery red glow over the land, as if foretelling a night of bloodshed.