After being demoted, my 300,000-strong army trampled the imperial city!

After a night of intense fighting, the results were quickly tallied.

Qin Liangyu lured the enemy into a trap, and together with several generals, they decisively defeated the enemy's 30,000 vanguard troops and 10,000 hidden soldiers.

In this battle, 12,000 were killed and 16,000 were captured. The rest either disappeared when the river swept them away or escaped.

Qin Liangyu's White Spear Soldiers, who did not charge to the front during the battle, currently have about 4,500 men remaining.

Even though the losses were not significant, Chen Futu was still distressed because these troops could only be replenished through the system.

As for the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and the Trapped Camp, they only suffered one or two hundred casualties, while Guan Yu's swordsmen only suffered a dozen or so injuries, with no casualties.

The following morning, Chen Futu led his soldiers to the mountain post station, from where they could take in the entire landscape of the south bank.

Zhang Liang said, "This battle should not be delayed. The enemy still has 150,000 to 160,000 troops. If they unite, it will be a tough battle."

“Zifang is right. Jia Pingchuan is leading 50,000 elite troops from the capital. It will take some time for them to arrive here. We can first defeat the Donghai army, then set up a trap and wait for them to fall into it.”

Chen Futu summoned several people to the camp. From the map, they could analyze the marching route of the Eastern Army of the Great Qian Dynasty. The vanguard could not move faster than two or three days, so the enemy's 100,000 troops were less than a hundred miles away from Shanhaiyi.

Qin Liangyu said, "Why not cut off their supply lines first? I am willing to lead the White-Spear Army to burn their baggage."

"Guan is also willing to go."

Guan Yu also stepped forward.

He hadn't had enough killing last night, and now that the 100,000-strong army from the east was coming in with overwhelming force, he wanted the head of their commander.

Looking at the group of fierce warriors under his command, Zhang Liang teased, "Generals, you are all eager to make merit. I do have a method that can help you all achieve great things."

"Please speak, strategist!"

Gao Shun, Cao Zhen, and the others became interested.

Zhang Liang pointed to the map, which showed Pingzi County, less than thirty miles from Shanhai Post Station.

"The commander of the Eastern Army this time is Liang Huan. He is not a capable general at all, but rather a playboy. He only got this position because his sister, Lady Liang, is the current Crown Princess. If we capture him, the enemy will surely be thrown into chaos."

The generals looked at each other in bewilderment upon hearing this.

It's easier said than done. No matter how capable the generals are, it's impossible for them to capture Liang Huan from among 100,000 men.

Chen Futu laughed and said, "The strategist knows Liang Huan very well. Liang Huan is a womanizer. When he was stationed at Donghai Pass, he harmed many respectable women under his jurisdiction. It is said that a famous actress named Dong Xian'er escaped from Donghai and hid in Pingzi County. Court officials impeached Liang Huan's behavior, and the Crown Princess reprimanded him, which prevented him from continuing to bully others in Pingzi. Now that the Donghai army is about to arrive near Pingzi, do you think he will take Dong Xian'er with him?"

The generals suddenly realized what was going on.

Gao Shun cursed, "What a lecherous bastard! If his sister weren't the Crown Princess, he would have died countless times over. The Emperor is old and senile, how could he allow such a scoundrel to sit in the East Sea?"

Zhang Liang laughed and said, "General Gao, the commander-in-chief of the East Sea army is not actually Liang Huan. He is just a playboy who holds the title in name only. The real leader is someone else. The Crown Prince needs the help of the Liang family and the support of their disciples and old friends. That's why he asked the old emperor to give Liang Huan this title of garrison commander without real power."

Qin Liangyu said solemnly, "Therefore, this person will definitely go to Pingzi to arrest people."

“He won’t take too many people to Pingzi County, and the real commander won’t deploy many troops to protect his misdeeds. We need someone to go there in person to capture him, and then spread the word to lure the enemy to move quickly. We just need to set up ambushes along the way.”

Zhang Liang's move was undeniably ruthless, after all, who would have thought that the key to breaking the deadlock would fall on a spoiled brat?

"I'll go!"

"I'll go!"

All the generals, except Guan Yu, asked to take on important responsibilities.

Chen Futu said, "Stop fighting over it, I'll go myself."

"Your Highness, you mustn't. Although the other party is just a minor playboy, it would be bad if he had a powerful follower."

"A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. It would be better for you to stay in the central command and coordinate the overall situation."

Everyone offered their advice, but only Zhang Liang knew that Chen Futu was itching to act, so he thought for a moment and said, "The young master's trip has been fraught with danger but has been safe. Why don't General Qin lead Generals Luo and Du, along with thirteen personal guards, to protect the young master? As a woman, she can act as she sees Dong Xian'er."

"Here!"

Qin Liangyu received the military order.

Next, Zhang Liang made arrangements, determined to catch the enemy off guard in this battle.

On that day, Chen Futu disguised himself and, with Qin Liangyu, two female guards, and thirteen riders, headed towards Pingzi County.

Pingzi is a county town on the south bank of the Xuan River. The people there live a fairly good life. Because it is close to the beautiful mountain scenery, a viewing platform was built there. Literati and poets from other places often gather at the viewing platform.

When Chen Futu and his party arrived outside Pingzi City, they found that the people's lives were as usual and had not been affected by the great battle.

They probably never considered that one day a great war would take place right under Pinz's nose.

Chen Futu and his companions disguised themselves as merchants and entered the city. They stayed temporarily at an inn. Chen Futu and Qin Liangyu were nominally husband and wife, while Luo Wushuang and Du Hongxue were their personal maids. This arrangement did not arouse any suspicion from anyone.

Half a day later, the guards brought back news that Dong Xian'er was temporarily staying on Lang Street, using the alias Dong Shuang, and running a brothel called Hongren Pavilion, which sheltered more than a dozen girls in distress. Her main business was to accompany literati and scholars in their literary pursuits, and she did not engage in prostitution.

Qin Liangyu said strangely, "How can a weak woman lead so many people to live in the city without being coveted by outsiders? She must have some kind of backing."

The guard replied, "It is said that Dong Xian'er obtained the Crown Princess's token, which is why no one dares to cause her any trouble."

"This concubine is quite interesting. Is she warning her good-for-nothing brother to stop making mistakes?"

Chen Futu marveled.

Luo Qingshuang teased, "Young Master, could it be that you have other ideas?"

"Ahem, General Qin will pay a visit to her and talk to her first. If possible, I will meet with her in person."

Chen Futu shouldn't rush over; Qin Liangyu is a woman, so it would be most appropriate to meet her first.

Qin Liangyu received the order and took the two women to the Red Beauty Pavilion.

Dong Xian'er truly lived up to her reputation as a former famous courtesan of the East Sea. Dressed in a moon-white gown, she was graceful and elegant, her every move exuding charm and beauty, like a fairy descended from the Jade Pool.

Hearing that a guest had come specifically to see her, and that she was a woman, Dong Xian'er prepared a private room and tea.

When the two met, even though Qin Liangyu had changed into casual clothes, her heroic and sharp aura still surprised Dong Xian'er. Looking at the demeanor of the two maids, she was somewhat undecided.

Qin Liangyu teased, "Miss Dong, are you aware that a great battle is about to break out outside the city?"

"I know of this. It is said that the Northern Frontier Army defeated the Eastern Sea Vanguard at Xuanshui, and General Xue was killed."

"You are not afraid?"

“No one will covet Pingzi, a small town. Besides, the Prince of Zhenbei is known for his virtue. Even if a large army arrives, he will not harm the people.”

Dong Xian'er truly lived up to her reputation as a renowned woman, possessing a profound understanding of the political situation and human nature.

Qin Liangyu said in a deep voice, "Do you know that the commander of the East China Sea army this time is Liang Huan?"

"what!"

Upon hearing Liang Huan's name, Dong Xian'er was immediately terrified and stood up in horror.

Her trusted maidservant's expression changed as well. "Miss, something's wrong! We'd better leave quickly!"

They were on the verge of tears, still clearly remembering the ruthless man who had slaughtered the people. If they fell into his hands, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Dong Xian'er said bitterly, "Now that things have come to this, who can save us..."