Chapter 008: The Destruction of Jade and Stone

After settling down, Zhang Mai said: "Everyone, my return this time is not merely to show off heroism, but rather I feel that returning does not necessarily mean death. Lord Guo, I truly do not understand much about warfare, but according to your analysis, do we not have even a slight chance?"

The eyes of several generals in the room reflected their respect for Zhang Mai, especially that of the young man

The military conference reached this point, and the mood of the attendees fell into a low ebb. However, Zhang Mai said: "The Huigu people may have reinforcements, but we can also possess unexpected strength that will catch the enemy off guard"

Guo Luo exclaimed: "Father, if we were to still trap Special Envoy Zhang in unkindness despite his great righteousness, it would be a grave disrespect to him!"

Zhang Maidao: "I do not wish to be a coward or a deserter. Moreover, I do not believe that we have no chance of victory here, which is why I have returned"

"No, the Tang Dynasty has not yet dispatched a large army." Zhang Mai's gaze turned to the oil lamp on the table: "But I believe we have a formidable weapon that has not yet been put to use! If utilized properly, it might yield unexpected results!"

Guo Shidao and Yang Dingguo were both left in a daze

Zhang Maid道: "So, we must defeat them before the援军 from the Hu people arrives?"

In a flurry of activity, Guo Fen moved the wooden board aside, and Zhang Mai jumped out. Tears streamed down Guo Fen's face, yet a smile could not help but appear at the corners of his mouth: "You... how come you are back!"

However, Guo Shidao felt that this young man was somewhat unaware of the gravity of the situation, but Zhang Mai interrupted him mid-sentence

"Indeed, they should have reinforcements coming behind them," Yang Dingguo said. "The battle in the past two days has been intense, but they clearly have not exerted their full strength. The Khitan people are engaging in this back-and-forth skirmishing, likely to prevent us from catching our breath while also making us believe that this city can still be defended. As long as we remain, they will not retreat. However, once their reinforcements arrive, that is when they will launch a thunderous strike! By that time, even if we want to leave, it will be too late!"

At this time, the Tang army was still led by Guo Shidao, but Zhang Mai served as the "Special Envoy of Chang'an," representing the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty as a special envoy. He was privy to military affairs, and his status was akin to that of a military supervisor, making him a very unique presence within the army

Yang Yi also said: "Right!"

He did not utter any grandiose statements, but the sincerity in his words was felt by everyone in the room. Yang Dingguo spoke first: "Old Guo, why don't we..." After all, he was more experienced and did not finish his sentence.

Master Guo sighed deeply and said, "Well! Since Envoy Zhang has made a decision, if I were to say that hetushucom.com is not acceptable, that would truly be disrespectful. Come, come, Young Master Zhang, we are currently discussing how to deal with the Hu invaders, please take a seat as well."

Could it be that..." Yang Dingbang's voice trembled slightly: "Could it be that you, the envoy, did not come alone this time... Has the Tang Dynasty already dispatched a large army to restore the Western Regions?" He thought that if the Tang Dynasty had indeed sent a large army, then the entire situation would be completely different, and even the strategies could undergo significant adjustments

Although the architecture of the new Suye City is quite ingenious, its defensive structures cannot be considered top-notch. Even the city walls are not built to be smooth, and there are significant vulnerabilities in certain areas. This is why on that day, the Huigu people were able to climb up a rough corner without the use of ladders, relying solely on their climbing skills. However, the various shortcomings of the new Suye City are not due to the builders cutting corners, but rather because the manpower and resources available to the Tang people in the Western Regions were exceedingly limited. Constructing such an earthen city was already a considerable challenge for them.

However, Zhang Mai's response disappointed him

Zhang Mai was slightly taken aback: "Reinforcements?"

If that is the case, I have an idea, though I am not sure if it will work. Let us discuss it together—if it is feasible, then we shall take the approach of mutual destruction with the Hu people!

Ah, Master Zhang

These words were carefully contemplated by Zhang Maizai on the way back from m.hetushu.com. Additionally, a bold idea emerged in his mind, though he himself was uncertain whether this idea could be realized. Therefore, he needed to consult experienced veterans like Guo Shidao and others.

Guo Fen gazed at him with her pair of bright, sparkling eyes and asked, "Do you want to see my father? Is there something important?"

But what if Suye cannot hold on? Then the farewell just now would be a permanent separation

Lord Guo, my mind is made up. If you intend to persuade me to go to Xinghuo Fort, then there is no need to say any more.

Guo Fen's eyes lit up: "Do you have a strategy to defeat the enemy?"

Although there have been historical examples of "cities three miles in circumference and walled areas seven miles wide, besieged by an army of one hundred thousand yet unable to conquer," these instances were based on the premise of sufficiently strong city defenses and ample supplies

"I believe your father has taken a wrong approach," Zhang Mai said. "Although the situation is very dangerous, there is always a way out. What we need to think about now is not how everyone can die along with the city, but how to ensure that more people survive—people are the most important! With people, it is possible to defend the land, to reclaim territories occupied by foreign invaders, and to create miracles that seem impossible!"

Guo Fen had been out of the secret passage for a while, yet she remained dazedly staring at the entrance of the passage, unable to hold back her tears. Her sister-in-law, who was also her close friend, Yang Qing, sighed and said: "Do not look any longer. If Sui Ye holds the fort, we will be able to find them."

It is me

The strategy to break the enemy cannot be fully articulated. However, I believe that the situation is not entirely without hope for a turnaround

At this moment, Zhang Mai had little confidence in himself. Although he had envisioned his ideas quite well in his mind, when it came to Guo Shidao, he might consider those fanciful thoughts to be nothing but nonsense. However, if they were nonsense, so be it; at most, it would just provide some amusement for Guo Shidao and the other veterans, and it would pose no real harm to Suiye.

Yes, I do have such intentions, alas, it is also a last resort

What weapon

Guo Shidao said: "In fact, with the current military strength of the Huigu people, we can still withstand them. However, from their actions in the past few days, I feel that they are not merely being defensive. After analyzing the actions of the Huigu people over the past two days with Dingguo, I believe they are likely waiting for reinforcements"

Therefore, maintaining a prolonged defense is disadvantageous for us, but if we venture out of the city to engage in battle and take the initiative to attack the enemy, we will have even less chance of victory

"Lord Guo, in fact, when you allowed me and those children to enter the secret passage, you had already made the decision to perish together with the enemy, hadn't you?" Zhang Mai did not answer directly, but instead posed a counter-question.

Zhang Mai chuckled again and teased the book, but upon seeing Yang Qing beside him and Tang Renxiao emerging from the ground, he sensed that the atmosphere was off and stopped his playful demeanor: "I won't mess with you anymore, just take me to see your father."

Seeing her like this, Zhang Mai felt overjoyed: "This light beauty seems to be thinking of me!" He mimicked her tone and said, "What brings you back? Came back to find you."

"That is indeed easier said than done!" Yang Dingguo's brother, Yang Dingbang, smiled wryly and said, "Our troop strength is inherently inferior to that of the enemy. We have only managed to maintain our undefeated status thanks to this Octagonal City, but it has already been quite taxing. If we were to attack outside the city, it would be tantamount to seeking death." He paused and continued, "In fact, even if the enemy had no reinforcements, we might not be able to hold out for long—insufficient troop strength within the city is one aspect, but more critically, our city defenses are not very solid either."

At that moment, Guo Shidao and the others were discussing how to respond to the challenge the next day. No one in the room expected that Zhang Mai would return again. The few of them, almost in unison, exclaimed the same phrase: "Young Master Zhang, why have you returned!"

Two women worked together to lay down the wooden planks and were about to cover them with a straw mat when they heard a knocking sound from underneath. Yang Qing wondered, "Who is it?"

"Alright! I will take you there!" Guo Fen hesitated for a moment and said

Guo Fen spat at him and said, "What time is it? I'm not joking with you, hurry back."