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To conquer without battle, one must first win the hearts of the people. If Luzi wants to persuade the commander of Lightwolf Fortress, Han Yongcheng, to surrender, he needs to dismantle all of the other party's core support. Since he dared to stand with Wang He and sign this military order, it was based on his understanding of the commander of Lightwolf Fortress. Even without delving into right or wrong, the current situation of Commander Han Yongcheng is already precarious.
In any confrontation between two armies, it is all about momentum. Although the Qin Army has traveled a long distance, they are here to punish the traitor Feng Zhiyuan who killed the Crown Prince of Qin. Their momentum is sharp and unstoppable. Moreover, after the battle at Old Horse Ridge, the Qin Army's morale is high and they are filled with determination.
On the other hand, the Zhao Army appears somewhat sluggish. Although the military has issued a statement declaring that the Shangdang Region belongs to Zhao, using such propaganda has its pros and cons, and can be said to have more disadvantages than advantages. This inadvertently plants an impression that if this were not Zhao territory, perhaps they could afford to hold back.
Additionally, the Zhao Army's general has been overthinking matters; upon entering, he immediately set aside Shangdang County to fortify positions in the Taihang Mountain area. Just based on this momentum alone, the Zhao Army is already at a significant disadvantage compared to the Qin Army.
One side must occupy all of Shangdang, while the other is ready to abandon Shangdang Region and retreat to Taihang Mountain for a defensive battle. How can this war possibly be fought!?
Before the war has even officially begun, many keen observers have already discerned hints of future victory or defeat. Luzi is among them; this is not solely because he is more familiar with the current environment than others.
When the stage of war develops in accordance with their predictions, everyone will understand the final outcome. At this moment, for the apothecary, there happens to be no remedy for regret in his prescription.
If Luzi were not familiar with Han Yongcheng of Lightwolf Fortress, he wouldn't exert so much effort in persuading him to surrender. After all, capturing a city can be accomplished through various means.
When he heard Han Yongcheng ask what kind of bet they were making, he merely smiled lightly. "Did you not say that Lian Po trusts you? I propose we make this bet! Within three days, he will definitely send troops to relieve Lightwolf Fortress. As for you and your family, you may have to go to Zhao."
The reason Han Yongcheng insisted earlier was not solely due to Luzi's pressure. The Zhao Army entrusted him with the crucial responsibility of guarding supplies; there lies an issue of trust here. Supplies are morale! Once troops lose their supply lines, they cannot continue fighting!
As a man, one should naturally understand that soldiers die for those who know them well. It is precisely for this reason that Han Yongcheng is willing to defend the city for Lian Po. Upon hearing Luzi propose this bet, he confidently asked: "Since we are betting, there must be a stake involved. If you win, I will follow your lead! But if I win, what will you offer?"
Luzi turned around and sat down, picking up his tea and taking a sip. He shook his head with a lingering taste and sighed: "Good tea!"
Han Yongcheng had no intention of listening to anyone praise the quality of the water, as it was pure natural mineral water. He remained silent, wanting to hear what Luzi had to say.
Luzi set down the tea bowl and said, "As my wise younger brother just deduced, at this moment I am not Zhao General, but rather a genuine Qin General. If I lose this gamble, then my head will be offered as a reward!"
Despite the argument, there was still camaraderie. They were not familiar with each other; who would go out of their way to chatter for half a day? Han Yongcheng was not a fool; he understood that Luzi risked his life to come into the city for the sake of his safety. If it weren't for that, taking the city by force would have been straightforward.
As for why he lacked confidence, one must have self-awareness. If one does not know their own capabilities, they will achieve little in life.
"Brother! I do not dare to take your head, nor do I wish to see you come to harm. If I win, please take your two nephews and leave this place. Go as far as you can and never return. If you win, then let me serve you from now on. If you refuse, I will have no choice but to become a monk and live alone with my solitary lamp."
Luzi had come to save someone; when he heard that Wang He Old General was going to the grain fields of Zhao Army, he took it upon himself. Having witnessed too much bloodshed, he wished for fewer of life's hardships. Saving one more person was worth more than losing one.
"Regardless of winning or losing, I promise you can stay by my side. But it will not be as a servant; we will travel together! How about that?"
Han Yongcheng clenched his fists tightly and immediately knelt down. "That's wonderful! Thank you, Brother!"
In fact, as Luzi mentioned, the soldiers at Lightwolf Fortress already knew about King Han's orders. Although there had been no warfare in this area for years, they had heard enough news from outside.
Without the Royal Decree, soldiers dying in defense of the city was part of their duty. However, with this command, the situation changed drastically. Since this area was designated as belonging to Qin State, it would henceforth be considered Qin Territory. The people here would no longer be Han soldiers or generals, nor could they be called Zhao Army Zhao General, as the distinctions were significant.
The inclusion of the Shangdang Region into Qin State was an Imperial Command, while its inclusion into Zhao would be seen as treasonous rebellion. What is Feng Ting? Merely a local prefect with the responsibility to defend territory but no authority to cede land. You claim that Shangdang County belongs to whoever? What need is there for King Han then? Recently, I heard this man was even granted the title of Huayang Jun by Zhao! It's simply absurd!
In those days when heaven and earth were revered along with parents and teachers, that was how things were. The people back then had faith and would even risk their lives to uphold it. Even in death, they would follow the rules without hesitation. This is why Feng Ting wept upon learning he had been rewarded by the Zhao king; he chose to descend into hell for the safety of his people.
At this moment, Lightwolf Fortress has welcomed the dawn of peaceful liberation, capturing the city without a single soldier lost. After Meng Wu and others restored the Qin Army's attire, they gained the support of the entire city's military and civilians, which was an unexpected outcome for the Qin Army. Upon learning that this place had already obeyed the Korean Lord's command to change to Qin Territory, it became a legitimate act for the Qin People to guard Qin Territory.
This news reached the ears of the garrison commander, Han Yongcheng, who merely smiled at it. The fact that the Central Army's civilians had not been left destitute by the war was itself a good thing. Moreover, a Royal Decree is considered a mandate from heaven; who among mortals would dare to speak against it? However, he was still concerned about the wager that had yet to be fulfilled within three days.
As he watched the sun set on the third day, he had already made up his mind. If he won, he would die to repay Old General Lian Po for his recognition. The Old General trusted him so much, yet he had offered supplies to the enemy. Such a crime deserved death!
Just as Han Yongcheng was hiding in his room preparing to take his own life, he suddenly heard news from outside that Zhao's troops were about to enter the city.
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