Chapter 80: Massive Smallpox Outbreak! Shock to the Qing Army!
“Qianlong himself is leading the campaign this time—looks like he’s making a desperate gamble.” Li Shimin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“I’ve heard the Qing army has found a way to counter the self-destruction tactics of Zhou’s Death Soldiers. The Qing currently have the upper hand. Zhou may not be in immediate danger, but they probably can’t hold on for long. What do you think—should I send a word to Yang Yi and invite him to join Great Tang?
“A small country like Zhou can hardly make full use of his talents. A wise bird chooses a good tree for its nest. If he is as wise as his reputation, I would gladly employ him.”
Changsun Wuji and the others exchanged surprised glances, not expecting Li Shimin to contemplate such a move.
Fang Xuanling stroked his beard, a complex expression on his narrow face. “Your Majesty, this top strategist of Great Zhou is unlikely to betray his Empress so easily… After all, she personally raised him to his current position.”
Changsun Wuji added quickly, “Indeed, Your Majesty. Besides, a strategist like Yang Yi—with such a cunning mind—if he can betray Zhou today, he could betray Great Tang tomorrow. Please reconsider.”
Yang Yi’s talent was undeniable, but some ministers harbored concerns. If Yang Yi joined, where would it leave room for their own advancement? Opportunities for merit were scarce enough as it was.
Li Shimin sighed, a touch of regret in his voice. “You’re right. He is an unparalleled genius—a pity he isn’t in Great Tang; it’s a waste for him to be in a smaller state. But if he dies at Qianlong’s hands, at least I can accept that.”
The ministers nodded, agreeing. Even if they couldn’t gain a talent like Yang Yi, they could certainly keep him from serving their rivals.
“Father, the Qing have mobilized all their forces and hold the advantage for now. Qianlong seems determined to crush Zhou this time…” Zhu Biao remarked thoughtfully.
Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled. “Perfect. We’ll watch from the sidelines, and as soon as Zhou falters, we’ll send Lan Yu to seize Qianlong’s territories. This opportunity is too good to pass up!”
Zhu Biao blinked in surprise, realizing his father had already calculated their next move.
“Your Majesty, Qianlong has committed all the Qing’s resources against Zhou. Shall we take advantage and send troops to carve up Zhou?” Li Si suggested gravely.
Ying Zheng was silent for a moment before replying, “Let’s wait a bit longer… Although Zhou is at a disadvantage, I doubt Yang Yi is without a plan.”
Li Si was taken aback but acquiesced. He remained skeptical—everyone could see the Qing were pressing Zhou hard, and even Zhou’s explosives had been neutralized. How could Yang Yi possibly turn the tide? He thought it wiser to strike now and claim territory before others could interfere.
“Your Majesty, for the past half month, the Zhou forces have remained behind their walls. It seems they fear our strength,” Fu Cha Fu Heng reported respectfully.
Qianlong, clad in soft golden armor, looked regal and commanding. Stroking his beard, he allowed a cold smile to surface.
“Didn’t I say? As long as we keep their explosives at bay, these Zhou troops are powerless with their inferior numbers. We hold the advantage, and soon enough, their city will be ours.”
Fu Cha Fu Heng nodded with admiration.
“Your Majesty’s strategic foresight is unmatched.”
Qianlong laughed heartily, his previous frustrations with Yang Yi’s tricks momentarily forgotten. His gaze sharpened.
“This time, I will crush Zhou’s spirit and show them the power of the Qing. If only Yang Yi were here; I would savour the chance to make him suffer!”
Resentment flashed in his eyes. Yang Yi, the strategist who had humiliated him time and again, was now his most despised enemy. He would relish the chance to break him.
A soldier rushed in, panting. “Your Majesty, Zhou troops have been spotted five li away from our camp.”
The atmosphere shifted. Qianlong narrowed his eyes, sneering.
“So, the Zhou finally dare to face us after hiding like turtles for half a month?
“Very well. Let them witness the strength of the Qing cavalry. Fu Heng, give the orders: mobilize all forces and prepare for battle!”
Fu Cha Fu Heng saluted, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Five Li from the Qing Camp
“General, the Qing forces have spotted us and are advancing quickly. They’re now less than one li away,” a scout reported.
Heichi Changzhi’s expression was hard as he ran a hand over the scab on his arm, inoculated with cowpox two weeks prior.
He spoke with quiet authority, “Follow my orders. Release the arrows immediately!”
Guo Jingzhi responded, “Yes, General.”
Moments later, as the Qing soldiers closed in, the Zhou forces loosed a volley of arrows.
Qianlong scoffed, “Raise your shields.”
The Qing soldiers complied, forming a defensive wall. The arrow volley caused only minimal injuries, and Qianlong laughed disdainfully.
“Is this all? They’re truly at the end of their rope.”
But then, a battle cry rang out in the distance. Qianlong’s gaze darkened with anger.
“Perfect timing. Fu Heng, show them the strength of our cavalry.”
Fu Cha Fu Heng immediately led a light cavalry charge toward the Zhou forces.
After a short skirmish, Fu Cha Fu Heng returned to Qianlong, his expression uneasy.
Qianlong raised an eyebrow. “Is it finished?”
Fu Cha Fu Heng smiled wryly. “The Zhou troops were cunning; they set traps that injured some of our soldiers. Then, after a short clash, they withdrew…”
“Withdrew?” Qianlong’s face was a mixture of shock and irritation.
“They retreated just like that? What kind of battle tactic is this?”
He clenched his teeth, feeling frustrated.
“Cowards… Ignore them. Back to camp!”
The soldiers obeyed, though the mood was mixed with confusion and frustration.
The night had fallen, bringing with it a biting wind. In the Qing camp, the chill seemed to seep through every tent.