Encountering the Qin Army's Patrol Team along the way was not a big deal; having a General Token would reduce misunderstandings. Additionally, being well-acquainted with the defensive arrangements along the route, they aimed to avoid detection as much as possible. As they entered Zhao Army territory, the scouts that had been pre-arranged began to appear one after another.
This was unavoidable, as they were the most familiar with the enemy's defensive situation. Even if the Zhao Army made temporary adjustments, it wouldn't matter because these Scouts would see through them. With the help of these temporary guides, they smoothly reached the vicinity of Lightwolf Fortress.
Seeing shadows flickering among the burning torches on the City Wall, the brave warriors were eager to rush in and seize the opportunity. It was just a one-to-eight situation! They were ready to go!
The best way to attack a city was to climb up under the cover of night and then open the city gates for the main force to charge in. By the time the defenders reacted, it would be too late to organize their Soldiers to retake the gates.
A general must understand both timing and geography; this is basic knowledge. It was acceptable during daylight, but launching an attack in heavy rain would be laughed at. Luzi looked at the stars in the sky and called everyone to set up camp. It wasn't that he didn't want to descend into the city immediately; it was simply that there wasn't enough time. If they rushed in now, they might not even capture the gates before dawn.
Meng Wu and Li Xin also understood the importance of timing, so they did not object to this decision. If a night raid was not feasible, then they would implement their second plan: impersonate Zhao Army's Cavalry Unit to deceive the City Defense Force and then take over the city.
Luzi examined the map to solidify their understanding of the local environment. He had indeed been to Lightwolf Fortress before, staying there for more than half a month. He had a fondness for the sweet water well in the city because tea brewed with that water had a unique flavor. However, at that time, the garrison was composed of Korean troops, not the current Zhao Army.
He clearly remembered that during his time in Chu Region, the Korean commander was Han Yongcheng, who was just over twenty years old and related to King Han's family. He was a cheerful fellow who loved to laugh and seemed naturally carefree. Such people are generally easygoing and are often considered long-lived by elders. As long as nothing unexpected happened, living into one's seventies or eighties would be quite easy.
Alas! Five years have passed in a flash; it feels like just yesterday that he left Lightwolf Fortress.
Meng Wu arranged temporary defenses for their camp and invited Li Xin to join Luzi. He wanted to ask if they could send out a small team to block access routes into the mountains, ideally intercepting Zhao Army's Supply Team along the way. Wouldn't it be better to ambush them directly?
Li Xin agreed that this plan was feasible and volunteered to stay behind with Meng Wu to protect Luzi while leading thirty men to collect tolls.
At this moment, Meng Wu acted as the military commander; he certainly wouldn't let Luzi charge into battle risking arrows. Blocking access routes was important but capturing Lightwolf Fortress was even more crucial since all supplementary missions revolved around this objective!
After finding General Lu, both men shared their plan. No matter how good their idea was, it would be useless without the general's approval.
"Look at the two of you," Luzi said with a smile, shaking his head. "No need for that! Dawn, let's head into the city."
Meng Wu and Li Xin exchanged glances, thinking they must have misheard.
Sun Thirteen was busy polishing the general's armor. Seeing the two still standing there in confusion, he couldn't help but point out, "The guards at Lightwolf Fortress know our general, so don't worry!"
Thirteen's role was different from Li Xin's; he would always follow Luzi wherever he went. At that time, Li Xin had gone with the surveying team into the mountains and had been gone for over a month. The meeting point was not at Lightwolf Fortress, so he was unaware of this matter.
Luzi smiled and nodded, reassuring the two generals to remain calm. Even if something were to happen, it would be dealt with after entering the city.
As they spoke, the dark clouds in the sky completely retreated. With light pouring down between heaven and earth, it turned out to be a clear day without a cloud in sight. The soldiers feasted on their battle rations and eagerly mounted their horses to follow Luzi onto the main road.
Without further conversation, the Hundred-Man Squad arrived at the gates of Lightwolf Fortress.
Li Xin pulled on the reins and stepped out of the formation, shouting to the guards above, "Inform your general! It's an old friend Luzi seeking an audience!"
The guards on the city wall had already seen the cavalry approaching from across the way. However, seeing their military uniforms indicated they were from their own side. Upon hearing it was an old friend of the general's, they quickly sent someone to inform Commander Han Yongcheng.
Luzi! The top figure of a multinational business group! As for rumors claiming he was a spy for Qin State, those spreading such tales were simply insane! He could spend money without batting an eye; he could easily buy a city in any country just for fun. With so much wealth, why would he bother being a spy!?
Upon learning that this esteemed figure had personally arrived, Han Yongcheng rushed out without finishing his breakfast. When he saw Luzi dressed in Zhao General attire outside the city, he couldn't help but admire him inwardly. "Luzi! Why become a general if you have nothing else to do?"
Luzi dismounted his horse to greet his old friend. "Yongcheng, my dear brother, I've missed you dearly!"
The two generals supported each other as they sized each other up before walking into the city together. Along the way, they exchanged pleasantries, and soon they arrived at the General's residence. As Meng Wu stepped through the door, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced back at Chen Youliang and Zhang Han. He then laughed heartily and followed them inside, where they took their respective seats.
Han Yongcheng saw that tea and snacks had all been served, and he waved his hand to signal that the onlookers could take their leave.
Luzi turned to look at Meng Wu and Li Xin standing behind him and said, "There's nothing more to do here; you both can go rest."
"Understood!"
The two bowed respectfully and then cupped their hands in salute to General Han before stepping back.
A good mindset does not conflict with personal experience; being serious about matters is entirely different from being indifferent. Han Yongcheng had spent many years in officialdom, and his eyes had been trained to see clearly. Watching the two retreating figures, he praised, "Indeed, strong generals have no weak soldiers! With the temperament of these two, their future is limitless! Alas! If only our Han had so many brave warriors, we wouldn't have been bullied by the Qin Army to the point of national ruin!"
This was no mere flattery; Luzi genuinely believed so as well. However, politeness was still necessary, as it was an old custom. "Please don't laugh at me, Brother Han! These two are also elites that I have sifted through various countries like sand in a storm. Brother Han is burdened with official duties and cannot roam freely like I do. If you ever have the chance to travel across China, you will find heroes everywhere!"
Upon hearing this, Han Yongcheng felt a surge of longing for such adventures. "Brother, remember that I promised long ago to take you on a tour of China, but I haven't fulfilled that promise yet!"
Luzi couldn't help but laugh heartily. "I am just a leisurely person with plenty of time. The main concern is your busy schedule; you still bear the responsibility of guarding the city. If you find some free time, just let me know. Whenever you want to go out, we will go out together. I am always available for your company! No second thoughts!"
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