Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Lu Su continued his speech, his expression focused and confident. "My lord, they are currently unaware of the news that Mr. Jia Xu has led his troops to their tribe. Once this news reaches them, Murong Xuepo's tribe will undoubtedly be in chaos. With the people in such a state of panic, it will be even more difficult for Murong Xuepo to control them. At this critical juncture, we should select eloquent individuals to persuade the leaders of the smaller tribes. Promise them that we are sending our troops solely to eliminate Kebi Neng and Murong Xuepo and avenge their unprovoked attack on Xiliang. Those small tribes are only seeking a little protection. If they receive such a promise from us, fearing for their own safety, they will surely not continue to serve Murong Xuepo wholeheartedly. This way, once we capture Ordo City, dealing with Murong Xuepo will be much easier."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes, and said, "Then Zijing, which tribes are easier to persuade successfully?"

Lu Su said without hesitation, "Just the small tribes near the North Sea. First, the war hasn't spread to them yet. They're located near the North Sea, far from the heart of the grasslands. Relatively speaking, they haven't committed many atrocities against the Central Plains. They may have been forced to join the attack, and they didn't contribute a large number of troops. Furthermore, even if Mr. Jia Xu and his men reach Murong Xuepo's tribe, it's unlikely they can affect these small tribes. Therefore, if we can successfully persuade them, not only can we eliminate Kebi Neng and Murong Xuepo, but we can also intimidate these small tribes and prevent them from challenging us."

Ma Chao stroked his chin lightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "So you mean that we should let them go in the end?"

Lu Su hurriedly bowed and said, "My lord, this vast grassland is so vast. Can we really wipe out all these people? Why not win over those remote tribes and give them a chance to survive? Let them assist us in fighting Murong Xuepo. This way, they will feel our tolerance and strength, and will be willing to submit to us in the future. We can reduce the number of enemies and strengthen our own power at the same time. Why not? Moreover, these small tribes are familiar with the grassland's geography and customs. If we can use them, it will be of great help in governing the grassland."

Ma Chao's eyes lit up with approval as he said, "Zi Jing, you're absolutely right. Let's do as you say. Immediately select eloquent individuals to form a lobbying team and head to the small tribes near the North Sea as quickly as possible. Remember, proceed with caution and don't reveal our plans. Also, give the envoys clear instructions, explaining the benefits and risks while demonstrating our sincerity."

"Yes!" Lu Su accepted the order, "I will definitely select the most suitable candidate to ensure that this matter is foolproof."

Ma Chao looked at Xu Shu again and said, "Yuanzhi, I'll need your help in the siege. We must control the rhythm and intensity of the attack, putting pressure on Ke Bineng and Murong Xuepo without putting our troops in unnecessary danger. Also, strengthen intelligence gathering and closely monitor the developments of all parties. Report any signs of trouble to me immediately."

Xu Shu bowed and said, "Rest assured, my lord. I have made all the necessary arrangements. I will flexibly adjust the siege strategy based on the battlefield situation, and I will also ensure that the intelligence is foolproof."

Ma Chao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Alright, the situation is complex and volatile right now, so we must be cautious at all times. Once everything is ready, that will be the time to turn the tide of battle. Everyone, work together and achieve this great cause!"

"We are willing to serve our lord!" The generals in the tent shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the sky.

During the second siege, Ma Chao gave the order and the Western Liang army pounced on Ordo City like a tiger descending from a mountain. This time, Ma Chao's soldiers seemed to have changed, no longer holding back as before. They bravely advanced, their shouts of killing shaking the heavens.

Kebi Neng, Wulan Da, and Tarim had long noticed Ma Chao's lack of effort and had shifted their focus to Murong Xuepo. But no one anticipated Ma Chao's sudden and ferocious attack, which threw the defenders of the southwest wall into disarray.

The Xiliang army quickly mounted ladders on the city walls, and soldiers scrambled up like ants, their swords flashing and blood splattering. Although Kebineng's defenders fought desperately, Ma Chao's fierce attack caught them off guard, and the southwest wall was nearly taken.

Ulanda was extremely anxious and quickly mobilized his troops, willing to bear heavy casualties in order to resist Ma Chao's attack. For a time, the southwest wall was littered with corpses and screams.

Meanwhile, Murong Xuepo, seeing Ma Chao's valiant efforts to capture the city, felt a surge of worry, fearing that Ma Chao might capture Ordo City first and seize the upper hand. Thus, he, too, became determined and, with a single command, urged his army to launch another fierce assault on Ordo City.

The grasslands were filled with shouts of war and the neighing of horses, a scene of utter devastation. The Xianbei king, Ting Kebineng, faced a pincer attack from Ma Chao and Murong Xuepo, suffering heavy losses. The soldiers struggled to hold on to the city walls, their morale steadily declining.

Kebi Neng stood high above the city, gazing at the dire situation surrounded by enemies on all sides, his heart filled with anxiety. He knew that if this continued, Ordo City would be difficult to defend. But at this moment, he had no choice but to fight with all his might. He could only hope for a miracle, or for some strategy to defeat the enemy and avert the current crisis.

Finally, after paying an extremely tragic price, and until dusk, the Xianbei defenders struggled to drive the attackers, Ma Chao and Murong Xuepo, off the city walls. Dragging his exhausted body and panting, Wulan Da returned to the camp, saying with a sad face, "Father, this... our losses today are truly too heavy."

Ke Bineng looked solemn, suppressing his grief, and asked, "How many soldiers do we still have who can fight?"

Ulanda's voice was low, revealing endless despair: "Less than 2, father." At this time, Ulanda no longer called him "father", because in this tragic war, their ambitions to be king had been shattered like a dream bubble.

However, Kebineng didn't care about the change in the name of Wulanda. His eyes were full of determination as he said, "Wulanda, Tarim, we still have women and children. Gather them all, give them weapons, and let them defend the city together. If we can't hold it, we will die. The worst that can happen is that we will perish with them!"

Ulanda and Tarim exchanged a glance, seeing the same sense of helplessness and tragedy in each other's eyes. They understood that Kebi Neng had resolved to make a final, desperate stand. Despite the dire situation, as generals, they could only obey orders and make a final stand.

Tarim clenched his sword and said, "Father, we will live and die with Ordo!"

Wulanda also gritted his teeth and said, "Even if we have to fight to the last man, we will never retreat!"

Kebineng looked at his two sons, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. Pride for them, yet also helplessness at the uncertain fate that lay ahead. He knew this battle might be their final struggle, but as the Xianbei king, he would never give up.

Night gradually enveloped Ordo City, a subdued and tragic atmosphere permeating the city. Soldiers, wounded, regrouped, while women and children anxiously collected their weapons, ready to throw themselves into this life-or-death battle. Outside the city, Ma Chao and Murong Xuepo's camp was equally ablaze with lights as they prepared for their next attack. No one knew what bloody storm this land would usher in when the sun rose tomorrow, or where this war for grassland supremacy would lead...

The next morning, Ma Chao led his troops to the city of Ordo as usual, preparing to attack it. Looking up at the walls, he spotted the timid figures of women and children, swords in hand. A chill welled up in Ma Chao's heart, and he immediately realized the situation in the city was desperate.

He calmly retreated to his tent and quickly summoned Xu Shu, Lu Su, and others to discuss countermeasures. Ma Chao said solemnly, "Look at the situation on the city walls today. Even women and children have been forced to climb onto the walls to defend against the enemy. I'm afraid Ordos City can't hold out."

Xu Shu nodded slightly and analyzed, "Indeed, Ke Bineng's move must be because the city's military forces are stretched thin and have reached the end of their rope."

Lu Su also said: "It seems that if we attack the city with all our strength, it should be just a matter of time before we can capture Ordo City."

However, Ma Chao frowned and said, "We haven't received any news from Jia Xu yet, and Murong Xuepo hasn't yet fallen on internal strife. If we capture Ordo City now, I'm afraid our previous plan will be thwarted. If we eliminate Kebi Neng prematurely, Murong Xuepo will surely turn his attention to us. With our current strength, a head-on confrontation with him is unpredictable."

Xu Shu pondered for a moment and then said, "My lord, you are absolutely right. We must wait for the perfect opportunity. For now, we should hold our troops still and pretend we are not putting in any effort, allowing Murong Xuepo and Ke Bi to continue to consume each other while we await news from Mr. Jia Xu."

Lu Su also agreed: "Yes, we must not lose sight of the big picture because of a small matter at this time, which will disrupt the overall plan. When Murong Xuepo is in turmoil, we will strike at once and achieve twice the result with half the effort."

After hearing what the two said, Ma Chao had already made up his mind. He said, "Okay, then, give the orders. Continue to work without putting in any effort. The soldiers in each camp should feign an attack to maintain momentum, but they must not actually fight with all their strength. At the same time, strengthen surveillance of Murong Xuepo's camp and Mr. Jia Xu's movements. Report any news immediately."

"Yes!" Xu Shu and Lu Su accepted the order in unison.

So, the Western Liang army once again arrived at Ordos, but this time, like the previous days, the attack seemed grand and impressive, but in reality, it was all bluff. Ma Chao stood at the front of the battle, gazing at the Xianbei defenders and the trembling women and children on the city walls, silently awaiting the moment that would change the tide of the battle.

On the other side, Murong Xuepo saw the group of women and children holding knives and looking timid on the top of the city wall, and he was immediately overjoyed, as if he saw the dawn of victory just before his eyes. He knew that this was a sign of Kebi Neng's extreme lack of troops, and that Ordo City was already at the end of its strength.

He acted decisively, riding his horse to the front of the army, raising his arms and shouting, "Brothers! Look at the city walls! Even women and children have been driven into battle. This Ordo City is vulnerable! We must capture it before the Han army does! Just imagine, once we capture this city, the treasures, cattle, sheep, and supreme glory within will all belong to us! For our future, for dominance of the grasslands, charge!"