Chapter 119: The Plan Is Set

“Brother Shoucheng?” Han Sui exclaimed in surprise. He had never expected that at his most desperate moment, Ma Teng would return to aid him. “Quick, take me there!” Han Sui hurriedly commanded.

With that, he followed the young soldier toward the city gate.

Before long, Han Sui reached the top of the city wall and looked down. The figures below—could they be Ma Teng and his men?

“Brother Wenyue, do you still remember me, Ma Teng, also known as Ma Shoucheng?” Ma Teng called out loudly upon seeing Han Sui atop the wall.

“Brother Shoucheng, of course I remember. What brings you here?” Han Sui asked, though he knew Ma Teng was here to assist him; he still felt the need to confirm.

Feigning displeasure, Ma Teng replied, “Wenyue, do you think I’d come without purpose? If you’re unwilling, I can just bring my army to Wuwei.”

“Hahaha, Brother Shoucheng, don’t blame me—it’s my fault,” Han Sui laughed awkwardly, then called to the soldiers at the city gate, “Open the gates!” With that, he descended from the wall to personally greet Ma Teng.

As the north gate of Jincheng slowly creaked open, Ma Teng chuckled to himself, knowing the first step was accomplished.

“Enter the city.” At Ma Teng’s command, ten thousand cavalry marched grandly into Jincheng.

“Brother Shoucheng!” Han Sui approached Ma Teng, who dismounted swiftly and returned the greeting.

“Brother Wenyue.” The two embraced firmly.

“Brother Shoucheng, this is no place for talk. Come with me inside the city where we can converse properly,” Han Sui suggested, wary of outsiders overhearing.

“Please!” Ma Teng responded.

“Please!” Han Sui echoed, leading Ma Teng toward the governor’s mansion. Jia Xu, Shi A, and Pang De followed closely behind, while Han Sui’s men arranged quarters for the army.

Inside the Jincheng governor’s mansion, Han Sui, Yan Xing, Ma Teng, Jia Xu, Shi A, and Pang De convened. Fortunately, Shi A had stayed by Liu Yao’s side during the previous battle, never revealing himself; otherwise, Han Sui and Yan Xing would have recognized him long ago.

“Brother Wenyue, who is this? And what about the bandages on him...” Ma Teng surveyed Yan Xing’s heavily wrapped form with surprise.

Han Sui’s expression darkened. “This is my son-in-law, Yan Xing, a general under my command. His wounds were inflicted by one of Liu Yao’s men—a general named Zhao Yun.”

Yan Xing, hearing this, lowered his head, a mix of shame and anger on his face.

Shi A, overhearing Han Sui’s insult to Liu Yao, immediately placed his hand on his sword, glaring at Han Sui as if looking at a corpse. But Pang De, standing behind, gripped Shi A’s shoulder and shook his head.

Shi A quickly composed himself, the murderous intent in his eyes fading as he gave Pang De a thankful glance.

At that moment, Han Sui noticed the men behind Ma Teng and asked, “Shoucheng, who are these gentlemen?”

Ma Teng’s heart stirred. He promptly introduced them as prearranged: “Brother Wenyue, this is Shi A, my personal guard commander. This is Pang De—Pang Lingming—a great general under my command, famed for unmatched courage. And this is Jia Xu, my close friend and current strategist, possessing extraordinary talent—the foremost tactician of our age. I have entrusted all affairs under my command to him.”

When Ma Teng spoke of Jia Xu, he emphasized his importance, signaling that all further matters would be handled by him.

Sure enough, Han Sui’s eyes glittered sharply upon hearing Jia Xu’s name, fixating on him and ignoring even Pang De, the valiant warrior. His previous disdain for scholars had vanished after being overwhelmed by Liu Yao’s stratagems. For days, Han Sui had sought a learned strategist but to no avail—until now, when Ma Teng had brought one to him.

“Xu pays respects to the Great Commander,” Jia Xu bowed respectfully.

“Mr. Wenhe, there’s no need for such formality. You are a man of great renown. We will surely rely on your assistance in the days to come,” Han Sui replied, returning the bow with humility. He understood the importance of showing respect when seeking aid.

“The Great Commander is too kind. Xu will do his utmost to assist,” Jia Xu responded with a practiced air of gratitude.

“How many provisions have you brought this time?” Han Sui asked anxiously. He cared little about Ma Teng’s troops; the more soldiers, the more mouths to feed. But food supplies were now paramount.

Jia Xu feigned regret and replied, “We brought ten thousand shi of grain—that is all Shoucheng could spare.”

Ma Teng’s heart lifted at the mention of ten thousand shi. If rationed carefully, it could sustain an army of one hundred thousand for ten days—the timely arrival of supplies was a godsend. Yet Han Sui’s expression soon darkened again. Though the grain had arrived just in time, it was still insufficient. Even combined with the city’s reserves, it would barely last a month.

Jia Xu noticed Han Sui’s troubled look and inquired, “Great Commander, do you have concerns?”

Han Sui gave a bitter smile. “Mr. Wenhe, you must know that two days ago, my army’s provisions were burned in a fire set by that cursed Liu Yao. Even with what you brought, we can only hold out for a month. After that, our army will starve.” He then recounted how Liu Yao had sown discord between himself and Li Wenhou, burned the granaries, and how he had ordered men to seize grain from the populace.

Jia Xu took note of the critical one-month window. Pretending alarm, he said, “Great Commander, it must never come to pillaging the people’s grain.”

Han Sui frowned. “Mr. Wenhe, why not? If we don’t do this ourselves, where will we find food?”

“Alas!” Jia Xu sighed. “The strategist under Liu Yao is no fool. He surely has contingency plans. I believe he intends to wait until the Jincheng populace and your troops are desperate, then strike. At that point, the city will be doomed.”

Han Sui hurriedly asked, “Please, Mr. Wenhe, advise me.”

“Great Commander, for now, we must keep the shortage of provisions a secret. Only a few trusted individuals should know. If the panic spreads, it will only hasten our downfall.” Jia Xu stressed the importance of discretion. Unlike the Qiang tribes who inexplicably had extra supplies, Han Sui could suppress the news, so Jia Xu should not cause trouble.

Han Sui agreed wholeheartedly and immediately recalled the young soldiers sent to seize grain.

“Mr. Wenhe, do you have a strategy to counter Liu Yao?”

Jia Xu smiled mysteriously. “Great Commander, I am certain Liu Yao will attack within half a month. Shoucheng and I will lead the defense of the north gate. I have a plan that will cause him heavy losses. Once we hold Chang’an, capturing it will be easy—and with it, we will secure ample provisions for our army.”

“Brother Wenyue, leave the north gate to me. My ten thousand elite Xiliang cavalry will make sure Liu Yao never returns,” Ma Teng declared, slapping his chest confidently.

The more Jia Xu spoke enigmatically, the more Han Sui regarded him as a sage from beyond this world. Without hesitation, he entrusted Ma Teng with the defense of the north gate facing Chang’an.

Witnessing this, Ma Teng and the others exchanged satisfied smiles, knowing the plan was set. The day of defeating the Qiang was near.