Chapter 1464 - 1139: Full Army Assault

Before dawn on the second day, the whole military camp was already illuminated by fires burning everywhere, and the soldiers rose in batches to wash up and eat, everything was orderly.

Just past 5 AM, the Central Army Tent was also brightly lit, as Hua Ziyang entered with two personal soldiers and saw Shi Yutao and several other deputy generals talking to Xiao Yuansui, who sat at the center of the tent.

Xiao Yuansui’s expression was grave, listening to the seven-jumbled advice and obstruction from everyone. He did not open his mouth, but Hua Ziyang, who was always with him and familiar with every expression and movement of his, saw a hint of hesitation and confusion in his deep, solemn eyes almost immediately.

This was a sentiment Hua Ziyang had never seen in Xiao Yuansui’s eyes in the past.

At that moment, Shi Yutao was still trying to persuade, "Great General, do not hesitate anymore—as Yu Wenye is wounded, now is the time for us to dispatch troops!"

The two other generals standing on his side also agreed, "Yes, this kind of opportunity comes once in a blue moon."

"Right now, Luoyang is short on grain. We need to win the battle at Hulao Pass to relieve the crisis of the Eastern Capital."

"Great General, let us dispatch the troops!"

On the other side, several generals cautioned, "However, dispatching troops hastily has little chance of success."

At these words, Shi Yutao immediately retorted, "What do you mean by hasty? Our southward journey was for Luoyang, do you intend to delay until the provisions are depleted before it’s not called hasty?"

Someone else said, "But everyone is not yet prepared."

Shi Yutao instantly replied, "What more preparation is needed, do we have to open the gates at Hulao Pass, bow and invite you in before preparation is considered complete?"

...

Several people spoke in succession, but were shut down by him. For a moment, everyone was speechless, and Shi Yutao again looked at Xiao Yuansui, his eyes somewhat reddened, "Great General, we cannot delay any longer. My sister was captured two days ago, if we do not dispatch troops, I fear—"

Xiao Yuansui gave him a faint glance.

No matter the arguments on both sides or how anxious Shi Yutao was, he still harbored indecision that was hard to dispel in his heart. Just then he saw Hua Ziyang enter and thus asked, "What matter?"

Hua Ziyang stepped forward to salute, saying, "The scout reported that enemy warhorses were discovered on the north shore of the Yellow River."

"Warhorses?"

Xiao Yuansui’s brows furrowed slightly, "What are they doing?"

Hua Ziyang replied, "Our people surveyed for a long time; their men drove the horses to the north shore for grazing. It seems their grass supply is inadequate."

"..."

"It is unclear whether they are repeating an old trick."

Upon hearing the words "repeating an old trick," Shi Yutao’s expression immediately darkened.

He couldn’t forget how previously Yu Wenye used the grazing facade on the Yellow River’s north shore to lure him into crossing the river to battle, almost falling into their trap. If not for Xiao Yuansui’s timely arrival, he would have been captured by Shen Tu Tai.

Unexpectedly, they were now attempting the same ruse.

Thinking of this made Shi Yutao’s cheeks burn with intense heat.

However, the other generals grew increasingly eager after hearing this, "Yu Wenye, who considers himself so highly, playing the same trick twice is too obvious."

"They have come from afar; moreover, with Yu Wenye having held out at Hulao Pass all these days, their provisions must be near exhaustion."

"We ought to seize this opportunity to dispatch troops!"

"Great General, do not hesitate any longer!"

Xiao Yuansui spoke not a word, until everyone felt that strange, even some oppressive silence, and quieted down. Only then did he slowly look up amidst the stillness and said, "Dispatch troops to Hulao Pass."

The generals immediately showed joyous expressions, especially Shi Yutao, who let out a deep breath and instinctively turned towards the tent entrance, seemingly eager to go out and lead the troops immediately.

It was Hua Ziyang who asked, "Great General, how many troops will be dispatched this time? Who will lead the troops?"

Xiao Yuansui breathed heavily, "The army, full-scale deployment, I will personally lead the troops!"

Everyone was taken aback by this.

Although they all wanted to dispatch troops, they hadn’t expected Xiao Yuansui to mobilize the entire army, momentarily stunned, but Hua Ziyang understood immediately—indeed, they had no more options, with Yu Wenye wounded, Hulao Pass’s cavalry short on grass, plus Luoyang needing the battle at Hulao Pass to resolve the siege, it was undoubtedly the best time for them to dispatch troops!

Xiao Yuansui slowly stood up, addressing Shi Yutao and the others, "You, immediately go down and issue orders!"

Only then did they snap back from shock, promptly accepted their orders, and turned to leave.

Soon after, outside arose the sound of soldiers running to assemble. After queueing up, the warhorses were led out from the stables in groups, quickly forming up.

Xiao Yuansui’s two personal soldiers dressed him in armor. The heavy Mountain Armor upon him looked both majestic and weighted, as he himself adjusted the wrist guard while walking to the tent entrance, lifting the flap to glance at the fierce-looking soldiers outside—who had been humiliated by Yu Wenye leading a mere dozen men causing chaos and now, with anger pent up, were eager for payback. This deployment was timely.

In fact, with their hundreds of thousands strong army, once deployed, they could flatten Hulao Pass!

Everyone was highly motivated.

The faces, lit by torchlight, were filled with excitement. However, Xiao Yuansui’s gaze, reflected in the firelight, turned even darker as he slowly let down the tent flap, turning back to meet Hua Ziyang’s equally grave expression.

He asked, "What is it?"

Hua Ziyang remained silent for a moment, then said, "Is the Great General still uncertain?"

At these words, Xiao Yuansui felt as though his heart was struck, causing a momentary halt in his breathing.

In fact, dispatching troops now was their best option, regarding both timing and Luoyang’s military situation, or Yu Wenye’s current condition, clearly it was time for them to dispatch troops, his rationale could tell him this.

However, an inexplicable feeling had lingered within him since that night Shantong’er emerged with an unexpected group of monks by the Yellow River to rescue Yu Wenye, a bewilderment even reason couldn’t suppress.

Could he truly defeat Yu Wenye?

Even with his hundreds of thousands strong army pressing forward, could he overcome Yu Wenye, who was already injured and lacking troops in Hulao Pass?

As the two stood silently facing each other, the guard outside suddenly spoke up, "Princess Qin? What brings you here?"

Following this was the low voice of Shang Ruyi, "I must see Xiao Yuansui!"