Xie Ming

Chapter 115 Evacuation Deployment
When the generals heard Xiao Jingchuan say that there was a shallow river to the east of Yi County and that they could evacuate by wading across the river and hide their whereabouts, they seemed to have suddenly realized something.

Watching it, Xiao Lang continued speaking.

"Everyone knows that this rainstorm has such heavy rainfall that it is difficult to walk not only in the city but also outside the city."

"We have more than a thousand men on this road, including the newly recruited soldiers. If we don't use this method, there is no way we can get rid of the enemy without being noticed!"

"So, after I learned about this, I ordered the chief court to send more people up the river to conduct a detailed reconnaissance."

"After investigation, we learned that the river water can flow directly to a large area of ​​swamp wetlands in the northeast."

"Last night, Ji Zu and I also made a detailed analysis of the withdrawal back to Jiulong Town."

"Our marching route was extremely dangerous before we came here. Now after the heavy rain, it will become even more muddy and slippery, and it is absolutely unfeasible."

"Considering that Zijing Pass might send troops to stop us, I decided to change the route on our return trip."

“Take the route from Yi County to Shigui Mountain in Laishui, Beituo, and Jiulong Town.”

"This route goes north, and the total length is estimated to be 260 to 270 miles!"

"The return trip will take at least five days!"

As Xiao Jingchuan spoke, his fingers quickly moved on the map, showing the route to everyone.

"Oh! Yes, General, what you said makes a lot of sense!"

"Before we got here, I told Peizhong that we must not go back the same way we came from Heigou and Xiaoyugou."

"I'm just afraid of this slippery road. Plus, there are wolves in front and tigers behind. I always feel like I'm going to suffer a loss!"

"I was thinking of coming here to make a strong appeal!"

"But it seems that the general wants to get ahead of us again!"

"Hahaha"

After hearing Xiao Lang's analysis, Li Huchen interrupted when he saw a pause.

His careless remarks caused the generals to burst into laughter.

"Haha, alright, alright, stop talking nonsense for now!"

"The military situation is urgent, let me finish my business first!"

Xiao Jingchuan smiled along with the crowd, then quickly took back the conversation.

After all, the situation is critical now and we cannot afford to delay for even a moment.

"Go back along the route I just marked. Although the journey is longer, it is safer and more stable."

"And now they are chasing the enemy from Zijing Pass, which shows that this plan is more reasonable."

"But then again."

"On this return trip, we must go northeast and pass through the south of Laishui County!"

"The key point that I was worried about before was that it was difficult to hide my whereabouts."

"According to the intelligence obtained by Feiyu (Qiu Zhizhong) last night, there are quite a few enemy troops in Laishui County right now!"

"There may be around two thousand!"

"We can't confront this kind of numbers head-on."

"So, this trip will take the northeast route, and the timing of passing through the south of Laishui County is particularly important!"

"I just mentioned that the shallow river east of the city goes straight to the northeast, where there is a swamp wetland."

"The scouts reported back that the area within a few miles was full of water bubbles and there were few people."

"So this is a good place for our army to stay and hide until it gets dark, then we can cross the Laishui River and head straight for Shigui Mountain!"

When Xiao Lang reached this point, he paused again intentionally to see if the generals had any opinions or suggestions.

After he finished speaking, Sun Peizhong, who had been listening very attentively, saw the general pause and cooperated by speaking up to remind him at the right time.

"Hey General!"

"Right now, both inside and outside the city, it's extremely muddy everywhere. The traces of the march are obvious!"

"As you just said, let's go up this shallow river and head northwards."

"Then when the pursuers arrive and see that we have disappeared, they will surely know that we are wading along the river."

"In this case, how can we talk about hiding!" "Although most of his enemy soldiers are from humble backgrounds, they are not all fools when it comes to fighting!"

“Isn’t that too simple?!”

"In my opinion, it's better to do this."

"Let me stay here. I will lead my soldiers to hold the city firmly to buy time for the main force to evacuate."

"General, you have analyzed it and said that the key to this march is to go northeast through Laishui County and directly into Shigui Mountain! We need to move quickly at night!"

"Then I, Peizhong, will lead my troops to hold out in this small city until night!"

"Detain all incoming enemy forces here!"

"First, it can ensure that the enemy does not pursue the entire army. Second, it can also prevent them from heading north to join forces with the Laishui County bandits!"

"Think about it, if there are really 2,000 bandits in Laishui County!"

"If these two groups work together, we may be attacked from both sides during this interlaced march!"

"Then the whole army will be at rest!"

"So I thought, I should stay here and delay the pursuit. I can also absorb all their energy in Yi County."

"If you retreat, you will be more relaxed!"

Sun Peizhong is a man of great righteousness and never takes risks. He followed this plan in order to put his own safety aside and focus on protecting Xiao Jingchuan's entire army.

Hearing Peizhong's words, Li Huchen beside him also jumped out.

"Pei Zhong, your idea is great!"

"But the candidate should be changed!"

"The last time we crossed the Hun River, it was you who stayed behind to block the enemy's advance! How can we ask you to go every time?"

"No one can compete with me this time. It's my turn, Li Huchen!"

As he spoke, Hu Chen turned to face Xiao Jingchuan.

"General, Peizhong's supplementary plan makes sense!"

"To protect the safety of the army, let's do this!"

"This time, I will cover the rear and arrange an interception in this city!"

"Don't worry, by midnight, your entire army should have escaped from the south of Laishui County. Then I will lead the soldiers to break out at night!" Li Huchen asked solemnly.

"Hey, Tiger Minister!"

"Don't argue with me about this!"

"I appreciate your kindness, but when it comes to stopping the defense of the city, I am more suitable than you!"

"I'm certainly not as brave as you when it comes to charging into battle, but when it comes to defense, you're not as good as me!"

"I have to do it this time!"

Sun Peizhong once again spoke frankly in his defense, hoping to take on this difficult task himself, and his intentions were all out of public interest.

Xiao Jingchuan was very pleased to see that among his generals, there were some who were willing to work hard without caring about their personal gains and losses.

But at this moment, he hurriedly waved his hands left and right to ask the two to stop reciting.

"Haha, Peizhong and Huchen, you two care about the overall situation and the entire army. I, Xiao Jingchuan, admire your loyalty!"

“But this time the situation is different.”

"We are now deep in the enemy's territory, with no depth to maneuver in front, behind, left, or right."

"So if I agree with your two suggestions, then those who stay here to block the attack will surely face a death trap!"

"No matter how bad I am, Xiao Jingchuan, I will never abandon you and go back alone!"

"So this discussion ends here! No more talk!"

"Besides, we are not at the end of our rope right now, why do we have to do this?!"

"Ji Zu! Come on, tell us the plan I told you to do earlier!"

While speaking, Xiao Lang resolutely rejected Pei Zhong's plan. In fact, he was worried that this method of cutting off the tail to survive would eventually lead to the defenders of the city having no way to retreat. If it dragged on for too long, they would definitely end up being besieged to death by the enemy!

(End of this chapter)