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Chapter 211 The music is wrong, Zhou Lang looks back.
The camp of the Southern Barbarian army.

In the main account.

The dozen or so barbarian generals present expressed two different opinions.

One suggestion is to plunder the territory and quickly withdraw from the Great Zhou's domain.

Another opinion is that the losses suffered by the Southern Barbarian army in this expedition must be compensated before the Southern Barbarian army can withdraw from the territory of the Great Zhou.

Faced with these two differing opinions, the stern-faced man in the main seat did not immediately speak, but instead looked at Yuan Ziming on the side; "Young Master Yuan, what do you think?"

Yuan Ziming was surprised that Man Shuai would suddenly ask him, a man from the Great Zhou.

You must understand that this is a major event concerning the Southern Barbarian army. Even though he has already surrendered to the barbarians, in their eyes he is not of their kind and his heart is bound to be different. They will not truly trust him, a man from the Great Zhou.

Yuan Ziming paused for a moment, glanced at the barbarian general in the main seat, and said, "Hasn't the commander already made a decision?"

"I will obey the Commander's orders."

Yuan Ziming knew his own identity and didn't really think that Man Shuai was asking for his opinion.

Therefore, Yuan Ziming would rather not speak than speak, and would try to speak as little as possible.

This way, it wouldn't provoke discontent among the barbarian generals.

After hearing Yuan Ziming's words, Man Shuai gave Yuan Ziming a deep look.

How could Yuan Ziming's thoughts possibly escape the notice of someone like Man Shuai?

However, Man Shuai did not ask Yuan Ziming any further questions.

The barbarian general glanced at the dozen or so barbarian generals present and said in a deep voice, "I understand what you all mean."

"I won't say anything more."

"I have decided that the army will retreat to the border region in three days..."

The barbarian commander is responsible for the hundreds of thousands of Southern Barbarian troops.

Regardless of the opinions of these barbarian generals, the barbarian army must withdraw from the southern border region in three days.

Upon hearing the barbarian commander's order, the dozen or so barbarian generals present stood up and accepted the command in unison.

"Follow the order."

No one dared to disobey Man Shuai's orders.

Although some barbarian generals held differing opinions, they could only keep them to themselves.

Immediately afterwards, the commander issued several more orders.

The dozen or so barbarian generals all accepted the order and left.

……

Yuan Ziming and Zhou Er also walked out of the main tent.

It was clear that both Yuan Ziming and Zhou Er were in a bad mood.

Also.

The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di were annihilated.

The Nanman army will also retreat to the border three days later.

The plan to hunt in the Central Plains was completely thwarted, so it's no wonder that Yuan Ziming and Zhou Er were in a bad mood.

With the barbarian army retreating, Yuan Ziming's hopes for revenge were temporarily dashed.

The annihilation of the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di, and the retreat of the Southern Man army to the border, symbolized the victory of the Great Zhou for Zhou on Tuesday.

The fact that the Great Zhou Dynasty won demonstrates its strength.

The stronger the Great Zhou becomes, what does that mean for the Zhou Dynasty?
Tuesday knew better than anyone else what was going on.

The Great Zhou will not let this traitorous general go.

"Yuan Ziming, is this the grand blueprint you told me about the four-way alliance that would conquer the Central Plains?"

"Now the armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have been annihilated, and the imperial court has also captured the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang."

"Once the imperial court has the time, it will definitely settle this matter."

"You have really caused me a lot of trouble."

On Tuesday, he looked at Yuan Ziming with a cold expression.

If Yuan Ziming hadn't threatened and coerced him, dangling a rosy promise in front of him, he wouldn't have betrayed him.

Now things are really messed up. The armies of the Western Rong and Northern Di have been wiped out, and the army of the Southern Man is about to retreat. All the grand plans to hunt down the Central Plains have become nothing but a bubble.

On Tuesday, he too will become a homeless dog, just like Yuan Ziming.

What worried Tuesday the most was that the imperial court would be free to send troops to the southern barbarians.

If that really happens, his fate on Tuesday is predictable.

"how?"

"Do you regret it now?"

Yuan Ziming glanced at Zhou Er and said, "It's too late to regret it now."

"Although I threatened and coerced you, ask yourself honestly, if you were truly loyal and honest, and not greedy for anything else, would you betray me even if I threatened and coerced you?"

Yuan Ziming looked at Zhou Er with a hint of sarcasm on his face.

"So, in the end, the problem still lies with yourself. I was just a trigger."

“We are all in the same boat now. To the barbarians, we are outsiders.”

We'll have to support each other from now on.

After saying that, Yuan Ziming patted Zhou Er on the shoulder and left.

On Tuesday, as he watched Yuan Ziming's departing figure, his expression kept changing.

Although Tuesday was unwilling to accept what Yuan Ziming said, he knew in his heart that there was some truth to what Yuan Ziming said.

The problem lies with him.

If only he could have fought as bravely as Thursday and died at Nanmen Pass.

So he couldn't resist the threats and temptations from external factors on Tuesday.

However, it's no use talking about this now, the Southern Barbarian army is about to retreat.

On Tuesday, he could only follow the Southern Barbarian army to the barbarian lands beyond the pass to eke out a living in three days.

……

Zhennan City.

On the city wall.

A general ran up to Prince Zhou Zhan and said urgently, "Your Highness, the barbarian army outside the city is making a move."

"Oh!"

King Kao Shan was startled and glanced at the enemy camp outside the city.

Zhou Yu, who was standing next to him, also looked at the barbarian army outside the city.

woohoo hoo...

A series of long, drawn-out bugle calls rang out.

Zhou Yu's eyes flickered for a moment before he said, "The barbarians are about to attack the city."

This is the sound of the barbarian attack.

These days, whenever this bugle sounds, the barbarians will attack the city.

"Issue my order: prepare to defend the city. We must not allow the barbarians to breach the city gates."

King Zhou Zhan, looking at the barbarian army gathered outside the city, immediately gave the order.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The general accepted the order and immediately turned to relay Zhou Zhan's command.

soon.

The barbarian army outside the city gathered together.

"kill……."

Under the long, drawn-out sound of horns, the barbarian army surged towards Zhennan City in an overwhelming wave.

"Fire arrows."

At a command, the Zhennan Army soldiers on the city wall also fired long arrows that were already fully drawn.

Instantly, a dense rain of arrows, like a torrential downpour, drenched the charging barbarian army from above.

Thus began a siege.

One siege ladder after another was erected on the city wall, and the barbarian tribes relentlessly attacked Zhennan City.

Blood splattered everywhere, and the corpse lay scattered.

The screams were incessant.

……

outside the city.

In the barbarian army.

The barbarian general, mounted on his horse, watched the battle unfolding on the city walls, his face expressionless. Beside him, a barbarian general, observing the deaths and injuries of his warriors, couldn't help but ask, "General, didn't we say we wouldn't launch a full-scale attack on Zhennan City?"

"Why are you still launching such a full-scale attack?"

"If this continues, many of my barbarian warriors will be killed or wounded."

The barbarian general really couldn't understand what his commander was up to.

Previously, the commander had ordered a continued advance into Gongzhen South City, but it was only a feint attack, not a full-scale assault.

How did it suddenly turn into a full-scale attack?

"Of course, a performance should be made as realistic as possible."

“This King Kao Shan is a veteran of three dynasties and has fought against our Southern Barbarians for many years. If we don’t make it look convincing, how can we fool this old fox, King Kao Shan?”

"This first wave of attack should of course be more realistic. After that, we'll do as I said before."

Without even turning his head, Man Shuai calmly looked at the battle on the city wall and spoke.

"What is false may be true, and what is true may be false."

"The commander-in-chief truly lives up to his reputation."

The barbarian general immediately understood what the barbarian commander meant and muttered to himself.

……

On the city wall.

King Zhou Zhan of Kao Shan was engaged in a fierce battle with a barbarian general.

Zhou Yu, who was standing nearby, was also engaged in battle with a barbarian general.

Despite his elegant appearance, Zhou Yu was no less capable than anyone else.

Even Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan, might not be a match for Zhou Yu.

The two barbarian generals who leaped onto the city wall were quickly defeated by King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu, and were blasted off the city wall by the two of them.

The barbarian attack was also repelled after these two barbarian generals were knocked off the city wall.

As the barbarians receded like a tide, both King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu frowned slightly.

They felt that the barbarian attack today was somewhat different from before.

Before King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu could think things through, the barbarian horns sounded again to signal their attack.

Is this a multi-pronged attack by the barbarian army?

King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu exchanged a glance; the barbarian's second attack had already begun.

……

Blood stained the city walls, and corpses littered the ground.

The barbarian's fifth attack was repelled.

On the city wall, King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu watched the retreating barbarians, their eyes flashing.

"Zhou Yu, the barbarian attack today is a bit different from before. What do you think?"

King Zhou Zhan glanced at Zhou Yu and asked.

Since the first barbarian attack, in which King Zhou Zhan and Zhou Yu blasted away two barbarian generals, they have basically not participated in any subsequent barbarian attacks.

Even the slowest person could sense the unusual nature of these recent barbarian attacks.

Zhou Yu smiled and looked at the retreating barbarians, saying, "Didn't Your Highness already have a plan in mind?"

"Hahaha, this barbarian traitor has indeed received news of the annihilation of the Northern Di and Western Rong armies, and has even learned to scheme against me."

"Little did you know, how could such a trick possibly fool me?"

"I rely on the mountain king Zhou Zhan said with a sneer."

“These barbarian traitors broke through my South Gate Pass and killed so many of my Zhennan Army soldiers. Now they want to retreat, but they’ll have to ask me if I agree.”

A hint of ferocity flashed across Zhou Zhan's face.

Clearly, King Zhou Zhan of Kaoshan had guessed the barbarians' intentions through their recent attacks.

Zhou Yu withdrew his gaze and looked at Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan; "I'm afraid that's not entirely true. This barbarian tribe is putting on a show, trying to kill two birds with one stone."

"With the prince here, the barbarian attack will be no problem."

"With the year drawing to a close, Gongjin needs to plan ahead and prepare a New Year's gift for His Majesty."

"If the music is wrong, I, Zhou Yu, will notice; if the fire at Red Cliff burns, I will bury all the heroes of the world."

Zhou Yu spoke softly, then turned and left.

He left behind a silhouette that vanished in the blink of an eye amidst laughter and conversation.

A scheme to stage a double act?

Trying to kill two birds with one stone?
King Zhou Zhan frowned, somewhat puzzled by the meaning behind Zhou Yu's two sentences.

The barbarian army's attack, a mix of real and feigned attacks, was intended to conceal their retreat, and King Zhou Zhan of Kaoshan could only discern this intention from the barbarians.

But Zhou Yu's so-called scheme of playing a double act, killing two birds with one stone, was something that King Zhou Zhan of Kao Shan truly didn't understand.

Zhou Zhan watched Zhou Yu's departing figure and sighed softly.

If the music is wrong, I, Zhou Yu, will notice; if the fire at Red Cliff burns, I will bury all the heroes of the world.

Zhou Yu?

Zhou Gongjin.

A brilliant talent.

With such a talented individual, the Great Zhou Dynasty can enjoy stability for a hundred years.

Zhou Zhan stared at Zhou Yu's disappearing figure and muttered to himself.

Having spent the past few days with Zhou Yu, Prince Zhou Zhan has gained some understanding of Zhou Yu's abilities and has also inadvertently tested him.

Zhou Zhan had to admit that Zhou Yu was a man of great strategic acumen and exceptional wisdom.

A warrior can lead troops into battle, while a scholar can bring peace and save the people.

He is a rare talent of his generation.

Zhou Zhan had no idea where Zhou Chen had found such a talented person; it was truly a rare find.

woo woo woo...

The bugle sounded again, pulling Zhou Zhan, the Prince of Kao Shan, back to reality.

The barbarians' sixth attack has begun.

Zhou Zhan collected his thoughts and watched the barbarian attack with a calm expression.

Just as Zhou Yu had guessed, the barbarian attack was merely a show of force, and his trusted Prince Zhou Zhan alone was enough to handle it.

"kill……"

The barbarian invasion has begun once again.

The fighting continued intermittently for a day.

Both the Zhennan Army defenders on the city walls and the attacking barbarians were exhausted.

As night fell, the fighting on the city walls continued.

……

outside the city.

In the barbarian army

The barbarian commander gazed at the battle on the city wall, glanced at the darkening sky, and said to a barbarian general beside him, "It's getting dark. Pass on my order: we can begin proceeding according to plan."

"Yes, Marshal."

The barbarian general turned and left.

Another barbarian general beside him couldn't help but ask, "General, can this plan succeed? What if the Prince of Kao Shan can't see through our intentions?"

"Hehe, if the Prince of Kao Shan couldn't even see this, then he wouldn't be the Prince of Kao Shan."

"Do you think he became one of the two pillars of the Great Zhou Dynasty solely because of his royal lineage?"

He smiled calmly.

"Besides, even if the Prince of Kao Shan can't tell, it won't affect us."

"However, I believe that the Prince of Kao Shan can see through it."

"As a veteran of three dynasties of the Great Zhou Dynasty and a member of the royal family, he has won battles in both Xiliang and Beijiang. If he, as the king who is the backer of three dynasties, does not produce any achievements, then his face as the king who is the backer of the dynasty will not be able to be covered up."

Man Shuai glanced in the direction of Zhennan City, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

As the saying goes, those who understand you best are often your enemies.

That's absolutely right.

Man Shuai's understanding of the King of the Mountain is absolutely correct.

However, Man Shuai underestimated one thing: there was not only King Zhou Zhan of Kao Shan in Zhenbei City, but also Governor Zhou Yu of Pingnan.

While the shrewd general's scheme might fool King Zhou Zhan, he could never fool Zhou Yu, the Duke of Zhou.

Perhaps, the shrewd general never imagined that his very scheme would ultimately benefit Zhou Yu and become the battle that made Zhou Yu famous.

(End of this chapter)