This region inside and outside the pass is mountainous.
Of the three rebel generals from Dongzi, one is called Jin He, another is Xiao Wei, and the last one is Wu Chengping. These three are all part of the faction of Empress Dowager Wu, Jin Xu’s stepmother. They hail from significant families in Dongzi, and Wu Chengping is even the cousin of Empress Dowager Wu, while Jin He and Xiao Wei are ministers loyal to the Empress Dowager’s son and Jin Xu’s younger brother.
During her time, Empress Dowager Wu greatly expanded her power using the influence of the old King of Dongzi. Several families also rooted themselves deeply in the court with her support, to the extent that even after her fall and death, and Jin Xu’s rise to power, he still hasn’t been able to completely eradicate the influence of these families. Over the years, Jin Xu has strived to counteract these families.
Otherwise, during those years of war between Great Zhou and Dayue, Jin Xu, who has a vendetta with the Duan Family due to them killing his sister, would have had no reason not to intervene and join forces with Great Zhou to overthrow Dayue. It wouldn’t make sense that after over ten years of Jin Xu’s reign, these families still exist with military control, and have chosen to collude with Lian Yang, this dog without a home.
From the moment it was discovered in the northwest that Wu Chengping and others led troops to defect to Dayue, Gao Changyuan had already contacted the King of Dayue and maintained continuous surveillance, to avoid premature unnecessary casualties, without having faced them directly yet.
In other words, the situation on Dayue’s side has almost always been under control. The latest report indicates that the Wu Army is maneuvering in a zigzag pattern back into Dayue’s territory.
They now have two potential routes, one leading directly into the Dayue Imperial City, and another toward the border between Dayue and Great Zhou.
Heading straight into Dayue, there is a chance to quickly seize control of Dayue and use it as a base for further assaults outward.
If they choose the second route, they can hold the two nations’ strongholds, attacking north to seize Dayue imperial power while defending against Great Zhou’s southward attacks.
If the Wu Army does not change course, the second route is more advantageous, as it is a sound strategy. But it requires Lian Yang to coordinate well. Since Lian Yang is the leader, without him, the Wu Army wouldn’t be able to control Dayue, and any battle would merely lead to needless sacrifices on both sides.
Monitoring the Wu Army is primarily the responsibility of the border troops led by Gao Changyuan.
Pei Zhan’s contingent of five thousand men is mainly tasked with capturing Lian Yang, focusing on coordination between forces.
Just as Pei Zhan and Gao Changyuan meticulously deliberated over the Wu Army’s movements, Yang Yi discreetly dispatched Chen Song to contact Jin Xu.
The northwest camp is merely a five or six days’ ride from the Dongzi Capital, but since Jin Xu proactively sent a message to Yang Yi, he must already have arranged for someone to receive him at the designated stronghold. Thus, the travel time can be shortened.
On the way here, Pei Zhan had discussed with Yang Yi that this battle is intended to be swift and decisive.
Failing to find Lian Yang is no matter, as he will naturally emerge at a critical juncture. Once the Wu Army confirms their route, it will be the day Lian Yang appears to join them.
This is also the reason why Pei Zhan instructed Gao Changyuan to simply keep an eye on the Wu Army’s movements without acting rashly.
Under these circumstances, it’s necessary to make a show of "searching."
The search route assigned to Liang Zhi is the western path, exactly the direction anticipated for the Wu Army to approach the national border.
As the sun reaches its zenith, Luo Zhao shields his eyes with his hand, glancing at the silent and withered hills in the distance, then lowers his hand and asks a nearby person, "Where is Liu Gui?"
"Liu Gui has been going to the post station to receive letters these days and has not returned yet."
Luo Zhao paused for a moment, then turned back into the courtyard.
Inside, tea was brewing, with its vapors warming the unique cold dryness of the northwest.
Lian Yang and Lian Yi were seated at the side of a round table and turned to ask him, "How about it? Mr. Luo, have you obtained the latest news?"
Luo Zhao shook his head and sat down on an empty stool: "This place is remote and sparsely populated, without actively seeking out information, it’s hard to hear any news."
Lian Yang nodded slightly, but at this moment, he took out a piece of paper from his bosom: "I have received some news here. Over at the camp, Pei Zhan has already dispatched Liang Zhi from the Minister General Mansion to lead the army along the western line to search through. According to their marching pace, they will arrive here by the latest tomorrow."
"Mr. Luo, have you not yet made up your mind?"
Luo Zhao quickly took the paper from his hand and looked at it, then raised his head in surprise: "You haven’t left the camp these days, how did you receive this information?"
Lian Yang and Lian Yi exchanged a glance and slightly raised a smile: "Without some skills, how would we dare to ascend Liang Mountain? There are many more surprises I can show Mr. Luo. So, Mr. Luo, are you willing to assist me? Have you thought it through?"