Chapter 979: Chapter 246: Chen Jie: Am I Really the Garrison Commander?
And the troops guarding Huangzhou Prefecture are nothing but a rabble compared to the great figures. To maintain such a high level of combat readiness is almost impossible, so once the grain supply is cut off, the collapse of the city’s defense is inevitable.
In other words, this battle may ultimately fail due to the issue of grain supply, leading to the complete collapse of Huangzhou Prefecture’s campaign.
After hearing Wang Baobao’s explanation, everyone on site furrowed their brows.
For a moment, there was no good solution, until Shi Guiyannian spoke: “If it doesn’t work, let’s requisition grain. The common folks still have food in their hands. We should be able to hold out for a while.”
“No, forced requisition is definitely not an option.”
Upon hearing Shi Guiyannian’s words, Zhao Ya immediately refused. At this time, with internal and external threats, forcibly requisitioning grain could cause panic among the people of Huangzhou Prefecture, and if civil unrest were to break out inside the city, it would truly be indefensible.
Shi Guiyannian frowned, He Yishou also wore a worried expression, Wang Baobao remained silent, and as mere spectators, Huo Bima and others dared not speak.
At this moment, Zhao Ya said: “If we don’t solve the grain issue, I’m afraid we won’t be able to hold out, so it’s necessarily a difficult dilemma. Jiu Si, do you have any solutions to break the deadlock?”
Jiedao pondered and said: “A way to break the deadlock is very difficult; the problem is plain as day. If the court’s troops can bring the grain in time, it would be easily solved. But if the court’s army remains inaccessible, then it’s up to us.”
“And when it comes to grain, there are essentially two methods, increasing sources and reducing consumption.”
“Reducing consumption during wartime, when soldiers need a lot of food, cutting a meal would definitely affect morale, so cutting consumption is not feasible, only increasing sources.”
“And to increase sources, we need to find the source of grain supply. What Master Gui said earlier is very true, the common people indeed are one of the grain sources and do have grain with them. However, we can’t touch it. If we do touch their life-sustaining grain, it seems we’ll stir up a hornet’s nest.”
“If the people’s hearts aren’t with us, we can’t hold the city, so we must look for other methods.”
“Besides the common folks, who else has grain?”
Jiedao looked at the crowd, who frowned, knowing well who else had grain. At this moment, everyone looked at Jiedao waiting for him to speak.
Jiedao looked at Zhao Ya and said: “The Commandery Princess should know, think of Mianshui County.”
Jiedao hinted, Zhao Ya said: “Oh, merchants, the grain merchants have grain!”
Everyone’s eyes lit up, and all eyes turned toward Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya said: “Indeed, Hubei had a flood this year; the grain merchants must be hoarding, they certainly have grain.”
Wang Baobao said: “Grain merchants, seems like the grain merchants in Huangzhou Prefecture are controlled by various guilds.”
Jiedao said: “Haha, that’s right, certainly controlled by various guilds, plus they have complicated relations with the officers in the city, so to move against them, it’s like moving against local powers.”
Upon hearing these words, Wang Baobao hesitated. He knew well that the local power is broad.
At this moment, Shi Guiyannian said: “Humph, the local powers, so arrogant? Perfect, Ah He, later we’ll take people to visit each sect in turn, let’s see who dares not cooperate with the court!”
He Yishou heard this and said: “All listen to Senior Brother.”
Jiedao seeing Turtle and Crane so impulsive, thought for a moment and said: “The two masters, these guilds have risen because they have ties with the local officials. If you merely go to attack their sects, I’m afraid soon they will revive, moreover easily leading them to ally with the government against us.”
Shi Guiyannian heard this and said: “Humph, dare, this time I’ll wipe them out entirely.”
Shi Guiyannian said this, looking at Wang Baobao and said: “Young Prince, this time, not only do we raid these sects, but we also arrest officials, can you cooperate?”
Wang Baobao said: “Hmm, I understand, but arresting too many arbitrarily, concerning these vacant positions.”
Jiedao said: “Lord, you see, among those attending today’s meeting, aside from a few who seem capable, others appear fat and bloated. Some truly skilled ones are likely their subordinates, rather than them.”
After hearing this, Wang Baobao said: “You mean, arrest the supervisors, support the deputies?”
Jiedao said: “Yes, to safeguard Huangzhou Prefecture City, it must undergo a major restructuring, otherwise due to internal disorder, the entire Huangzhou Prefecture could completely collapse and be defeated by the enemy.”
“Indeed, Third Brother, Jiu Si is right.”
Zhao Ya at this moment persuaded Wang Baobao, who frowned, then looked at Zhao Ya saying: “But if they’re all replaced, who should we promote?”
Zhao Ya said: “Brother, this is not for us to consider, Chen Jiusi is the Garrison Commander, the government soldiers in the city are under his command, how he wishes to replace them, let him deal with it himself, as long as Huangzhou Prefecture can be defended.” New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on noⅴelfire.net
Zhao Ya’s trust in Jiedao has surpassed the ordinary superior-subordinate relationship.
Wang Baobao hesitated for a moment, knowing if he didn’t listen to Chen Jiusi, he definitely couldn’t defend Huangzhou Prefecture, so it’s better to let Chen Jiusi tackle it desperately.
Wang Baobao said: “Alright, Chen Jiusi, since you are the Garrison Commander of this Prefecture, this officer will entrust the city’s defense to you, including personnel appointments. You handle them all.”
Jiedao immediately cupped his hands and said: “Thank you for Lord Darugachi’s trust.”
Wang Baobao said: “However, Chen Jiusi, although we can undergo a major restructuring, even raid the Four Great Sects, the grain obtained might only allow Huangzhou Prefecture to sustain for ten days or half a month more, still unable to completely lift Huangzhou Prefecture’s siege!”