NOVPUBChapter 1018: Chapter 1016: The Second Natural Defense Line That Must Be Conquered_1
Chapter 1018 -1016: The Second Natural Defense Line That Must Be Conquered_1
The Lin Clan’s young men were equally excited, gathering around the sand table, waiting for further instructions. 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑝𝑢𝘣.𝘤𝑜𝘮
“The nearest city to Yan City is Zhuo County, which is only a hundred miles away. It takes only two days to get there by forced march.”
Second Uncle Lin looked at the sand table, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed: “However, between the two cities lies the Black Sand River. The river is rapid and about a thousand meters wide. Without warships, it is difficult for the army to cross the river.”
“The Black Sand River is known as a natural barrier.”
Fifth Uncle Lin added in time: “Lying between Yan City and Zhuo County, it is the second natural line of defense that must be conquered in the campaign against Beiqi.”
“About a kilometer wide? How can we cross the river without warships?”
“We can requisition the boats of the fishermen living along the river to transport the army.”
“How many people can a fisherman’s boat carry? If we transport them one by one, it will take a month.”
“Swift action is essential in war, relying on fishing boats for transport certainly won’t work.”
“What should we do then? Surely we can’t swim across, can we?”
As Fifth Uncle Lin’s words fell, there was a commotion in the tent.
“Enough, let’s all stop talking and listen to our sister.”
Lin Jinxu was very perceptive. Seeing that his younger sister remained calm from beginning to end without showing any signs of anxiety, he felt relieved and secretly signaled to his brothers.
The clamor stopped abruptly, and the brothers all turned their expectant eyes toward their sister.
“The army will rest briefly and set out at midnight, heading for Zhuo County.”
Lin Qingluo had a plan in mind, and confidently smiled at her seven eager brothers.
*
Zhuo County, City Lord’s Mansion.
“City Lord, something is wrong.”
A worried city defense commander rushed into the County Chief’s study holding a recent battle report.
“Yan City has fallen, General Yu has died in battle, and 80,000 border troops have surrendered. Zhuo County is in danger.”
“What are you panicking about?”
The County Chief scolded impatiently, with an air of tension: “Giving others morale while losing our own.”
“County Chief.”
The commander was anxiously sweating: “The Lin Clan’s army is brave and skillful in combat, and their momentum is overwhelming. They have conquered Yan City in just a few days and defeated 100,000 border troops. We must not be careless.”
“What’s there to fear?”
The County Chief glared and angrily chided: “The Black Sand River is about a kilometer wide with rapid currents. It’s an unbreakable natural barrier. Without warships, even if the Lin Clan’s army is brave and skillful, they won’t be able to cross the river.”
“Relying on the river alone cannot alleviate the current situation.”
The commander shook his head with a heavy heart: “Sir, it’s better to prepare in advance.”
“Prepare for what?”
The County Chief straightened his back and spoke righteously: “Do you mean to encourage this County Chief to flee in battle, abandon the tens of thousands of people in Zhuo County, and escape alone?”
“Sir, that’s not what I meant.”
The commander’s mouth turned bitter, as he resolutely advised: “The defenses in Zhuo County are weak, with only 20,000 city guards. How can they confront the 200,000 Lin Clan army? The Lord should ask for reinforcements from neighboring cities as soon as possible, requesting them to send troops to assist in defense and jointly resist the enemy.”
“Of the ten northern cities, which city’s garrison battalion has more than 20,000 soldiers?”
The County Chief looked at him for a moment, then suddenly sneered with a hint of mockery in his eyes: “Faced with a formidable enemy, people’s hearts are no longer as they were. They are hiding, let alone sending troops to support us.”
“County Chief.”
The commander lowered his eyelids, showing a touch of determination: “Pei Yan is willing to share the burden with the Lord and go to Youdu to ask for assistance.”
“You?”
The County Chief squinted and stared at him for a while. Then he sighed and waved him away: “Fine, if you want to go, just go.”
