CHAPTER 464: CHAPTER 464: TWO-FRONT ATTACK

The Fourth Prince spoke up and asked.

One of the youths, suppressing his own suffering, stepped forward and said.

"Our village wasn’t large, only about a hundred or so households. Many were crushed to death during the earthquake, and when the Liu Family came, many more were killed. Only four of us escaped, because we weren’t in the village at the time and had gone out to play."

"As we were heading back, we saw the Great Yu Army slaughtering and burning. If we hadn’t been at a high place, hiding in the trees, we probably wouldn’t have escaped with our lives."

Among them, the oldest was him.

His name was Wang Dayong.

After his entire family was killed, he could only wander around.

He initially planned to seek refuge at his aunt’s place, but after traveling through mountains and rivers to Anzhou, he learned.

They were also one of the villages affected by the earthquake and had already followed the villagers to the Central Plains.

So, the few youths had no choice.

They could only beg their way to the Central Plains.

Unexpectedly, they encountered soldiers stationed at a safe place.

Brought them back, and then Jiang Huanqing learned about these events.

The net of heaven is vast and dense, letting nothing escape.

That’s why this matter could be exposed to the world.

Otherwise, wouldn’t their grievances be buried underground for a lifetime, with no one to bring justice?

Thinking of this, the Fourth Prince felt even more that the Liu Family could not be tolerated.

Even now, they only occupy the Northwest, yet act so mercilessly.

If they were really to take over the world, would the common folk have any chance to survive?

They’re simply crazed beasts!

The Fourth Prince felt compassion for these children, so he softened his tone and asked.

"Alright, go and rest first, I’ll find someone to escort you later. Do you remember your aunt’s name? Which village?"

"I remember."

"That’s good. Once we send you off, learn properly, so your family won’t worry in the afterlife. Understand?"

"I understand."

The children were young and had never traveled far before.

Therefore, they obediently followed the instructions of the Fourth Prince and others.

After the youths left, everyone started discussing.

"Such crimes must be revealed to the world, letting the people see the true face of the Liu Family. And those Great Yu Army officers who follow them in rebellion, I believe among the sixty thousand there are those unwilling to comply; at the moment, they just go along."

Feng Qi had been in the military for years and understood the warrior spirit deeply.

He didn’t believe so many would aid the tyrant, so if they could find a flaw, there must be ways to annihilate Great Yu!

"Yes, you’re right. If we can find such people, an internal collapse would be quicker than attacking from the outside!"

Jiang Huanqing agreed with his view.

So, they plotted how to disclose this matter, maximizing the blow to the Liu Family, affecting public opinion towards Great Yu.

As they were thinking, an opportunity knocked.

In Ganzhou, within Great Yu Army’s camp.

The Emperor of Dayu (Uncle Liu) was considering how to join forces with his father-in-law and little brother-in-law from the Yan State Army to first jointly strike Liangzhou and attack Qingzhou.

Then deal with Sui Province.

Finally aim at Anzhou.

Once the Six States in the Northwest all bore the Liu Family’s flag, they would talk of moving east.

Though Uncle Liu managed well not to be overly ambitious, he didn’t foresee that as the message barely reached Yan Yun and his father, they had already departed to Western Heaven.

When his secret plan for encirclement reached Yan State.

Vice General Sha looked at the words, a hint of disdain at the corner of his mouth.

Now he was the true power-holder of the Yan State Army, surrounded by confidants aware of the matter.

"Liu Qilin certainly dreams well, aiming to attack Liangzhou on two fronts. Quickly inform General Shi, let’s show him who’s truly encircled!"

"Yes, General!"

After the message was sent, Vice General Sha started deploying troops.

He killed those emerging loyal to the Yan Family father and son.

Thus, remaining deputies either aligned with his views or followed orders.

So, his power remained secure.

The Yan State Army had only thirty thousand soldiers, with average combat capability.

But it’s better than none.

After pondering, Vice General Sha spoke.

"This matter is crucial, so I’ll personally lead the army to support General Shi. You three stay here, guard the main camp and the people, don’t act rashly, understand?"

"General, if Liu Qilin knows you killed the Yan father and son, he won’t spare you. You’re walking into a lion’s den," a young deputy voiced concern.

Sha General patted his shoulder, said fearlessly.

"It’s too early to say who’s the lion and who’s the lamb. This world remains Da Wei’s; no matter how the Liu Family jumps, it’s just a fleeting moment, no problem!"

Seeing his stance, the deputy didn’t debate further and declared.

"Don’t worry, General, we’ll secure Yan State and the people!"

General Sha nodded, heart comforted.

The next day, he led twenty-five thousand troops to rendezvous at the location agreed in Liu Qilin’s secret letter.

Elsewhere, in the Liangzhou Army camp, Shi Daquan received the message.

"Twenty thousand Great Yu troops are pressuring, plus nearly thirty thousand Yan State Army. Liu Qilin certainly regards my Liangzhou Army highly."

Twenty-three thousand against eight thousand.

Clearly aiming for a certain victory.

If Liu Qilin didn’t have other plans, he’d likely send all troops to consume them in one go.

Assuming he went all out, eight thousand plus thirty thousand makes only eleven thousand.

Eleven thousand against twenty thousand Great Yu troops.

Shi Daquan felt anxious.

But since the enemy was set on moving, he couldn’t avoid confrontation, his path would be sealed.

Rather than be slaughtered, better to initiate the attack.

So, he commanded.

"Leave five thousand to guard the main camp, the rest will engage the enemy. Should we fall, the Liangzhou Army will perish against traitors, loyal to heaven and the Northwest folk!"

"Yes!"

Shi Daquan’s words stirred the deputies’ fighting spirit; all committed wholeheartedly to the battle.

Tactics and formation aimed at seizing the advantage.

When twenty thousand troops surged to Liangzhou’s border.

Rumors spread outside.

This time, more intensely than before.

One was the massacre secret of Red Leaf Village unveiled.

Another was the news that fifteen thousand Great Yu troops were slaughtered across Anzhou, spreading throughout the Northwest.

Army morale was always paramount.