Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

Huo Guang's words were like a beam of fire in the darkness, instantly dispelling the gloom and anger in Liu Xiu's heart!

Liu Xiu's eyes suddenly lit up!

Yes! Why didn't he think of it!

After Chu Ning captured Hongdu, he lost his advantage in mobility and trapped himself in the city!

With such a huge disparity in military strength, a siege and a violent attack is exactly using one's strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses!

"That makes sense! General Huo's words are a revelation!"

The gloom on Liu Xiu's face disappeared, replaced by excitement and murderous intent of discovering a new opportunity.

"Chu Ning, relying on his cunning, actually dared to defend the city. He is courting his own destruction!"

He pulled the reins suddenly, his eyes gleaming, and without the slightest hesitation, he gave the order in a stern voice:

"Pass on my command! General Wang Tai, lead all cavalry as the vanguard and rush to Hongdu City at full speed! Seal off the four gates of Hongdu to the east, west, south, and north! Not a single bird shall be released!"

"All other troops, break camp immediately! Abandon unnecessary baggage and march lightly! Travel day and night, and make sure you reach the gates of Hongdu as quickly as possible!"

"I want Chu Ning to know that taking Hongdu City will be a disaster for him!"

"This time, I want to see him destroyed with my own eyes!"

"We obey your order!" The generals responded loudly.

Soon, the massive Han army was in action again. The cavalry rushed out like a whirlwind, stirring up clouds of dust and rushing straight towards Hongdu.

The huge infantry corps followed closely behind, speeding up their march.

The spearhead of the war instantly turned to the fortified city that had just changed hands and where the smoke of gunpowder had not yet dissipated.

A larger-scale siege is about to begin.

That night, the night was as dark as ink, but outside the city of Hongdu, flames shot up into the sky.

The Han army surged in like a tide, surrounding the city tightly.

War horses neighed, armor clanged, and tens of thousands of torches illuminated the night sky like daylight.

The Han army's battle array was neat, with three layers inside and three layers outside, surrounding the city of Hongdu so tightly that not even a bird could escape.

Strangely, the Chu army did not choose to take the initiative to attack or break out.

Part of the Chu army originally stationed outside the city also quickly withdrew into the city before the Han army surrounded it.

The camp outside the city was hastily dismantled, tents and baggage were quickly moved into the city, and even the trenches and chevaux de frise that were originally used to block the enemy's advance were abandoned one by one.

The Chu army's retreat was orderly, as if it had been planned in advance.

On top of the city wall, Chu soldiers were densely arranged, archers were on full alert, catapults and crossbows were also pushed onto the city walls. It was obvious that they were prepared to defend the city for a long time.

Liu Xiu rode his horse to the front of the battle, his golden armor shining brightly under the light of the torches.

His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, sweeping across the walls of Hongdu City, as if examining the weaknesses of his prey.

Huo Guang followed closely behind and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the Chu army did not choose to fight our army outside the city. Instead, they all retreated inside the city!"

There was a hint of doubt and caution in his tone: "I remember General Geng Hui said before that he had made many arrangements for defending Hongdu City. It can be said that it is as strong as a rock."

"The Chu army is hiding in their own territory right now. I'm afraid they want to rely on these city defense equipment to fight against our army."

Liu Xiu sneered at the words and tapped the arm guard of his armor with the whip in his hand. "Even so, Hongdu City will fall into my hands sooner or later! This time, Chu Ning is trapped in my trap. He can't escape anywhere!"

Although his voice was calm, it carried unquestionable majesty and confidence.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding generals rode forward to ask for orders.

The first to speak was the energetic young General Zhao Guang. He saluted and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead my troops as the vanguard and storm the south gate of Hongdu City tonight!"

"Although the Chu army is numerous, our morale is high and we will surely capture the city in one fell swoop!"

His eyes were burning, as if he had already seen the glory after the city was broken.

Immediately afterwards, the calm General Wang Yan also stepped forward to challenge: "Your Majesty, Hongdu City's defenses are strong, and a strong attack would probably result in heavy casualties."

"I suggest first using catapults and crossbowmen to suppress the defenders on the city walls, then gradually advancing with battering rams and ladders."

"Although this will take a long time, it will minimize our military losses."

His suggestions were cautious and pragmatic, reflecting the careful consideration of a veteran.

Even Zhang Meng, the Tiger Guards General, who was always known for his bravery, could not hold back and loudly requested:

"Your Majesty, I am willing to personally lead the death squad, set up ladders at night, and storm the city walls! As long as we can open a gap, the army can march straight in!"

His voice was like thunder, as if he couldn't wait to compete with the Chu army.

However, Liu Xiu did not immediately agree to anyone's request.

A playful smile appeared on his face, as if he was enjoying this game of cat and mouse.

"Not in a hurry."

He spoke slowly, his gaze once again fixed on the walls of Hongdu City: "Before attacking the city, I want to see Chu Ning's expression right now!"

He turned to Huo Guang and ordered, "General Huo Guang, immediately arrange for the siege! Catapults, battering rams, and ladders must all be ready, and archers and shield soldiers must also be in their positions."

"I will talk to Chu Ning first, and then decide when to launch the general attack."

Huo Guang took the order and quickly mobilized the army to make final preparations for the upcoming siege.

Liu Xiu rode his horse forward and, surrounded by his personal guards, arrived at a point within reach of the city walls.

He raised his head and looked towards the top of the city wall, shouting loudly: "I am the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, and I want your Emperor Chu to answer my questions!"

His voice was loud and majestic, piercing the night sky and reaching the top of the city wall clearly.

When the Chu soldiers on the city wall heard that it was the Han emperor himself, their faces suddenly changed slightly.

Some people hurried to report, while others nervously gripped their weapons.

A moment later, a Chu general responded loudly: "Our Majesty will be here soon!"

After a while, a group of figures appeared on the city wall of Hongdu City.

Emperor Chu Ning came to the top of the city accompanied by two generals, Ran Ming and Zhao Yu.

Ran Ming was wearing heavy armor, holding a long spear, and his eyes were as fierce as a tiger.

Zhao Yu was wearing silver armor, with a long sword on his waist, and his expression was as cold as ice.

The three of them stood on the top of the city wall, looking down at the Han army outside the city.

Looking at the dark night sky and countless torches outside the city, even a fierce general like Ran Ming couldn't help but gasp:

"The Han army has laid siege to the city. It looks like Liu Xiu is serious this time!"

There was a subtle hint of nervousness in his voice: "But why is he looking for you, Your Majesty, at this time?"

Chu Ning was wearing a dragon robe and looked unusually calm standing on the top of the city wall.

His eyes swept across the Han army formation outside the city and finally fell on Liu Xiu.

"What else could it be?"

Chu Ning said calmly, with a hint of sarcasm on his lips: "You just want to humiliate me in front of everyone and undermine the morale of our army."

Although his voice was not loud, it was clearly heard by the surrounding Chu army soldiers.

The tense mood of some soldiers seemed to be slightly relieved by the emperor's calmness, but more people gripped their weapons tightly, ready for the upcoming fierce battle.