Published: March 7, 2025
Chapter 421: Moment of Decisive Battle?
“Good!” Diwu Qingrou’s eyes flashed with a cruel light as she said, “Since that's the case, tonight we will launch a final raid. Mobilize the Golden Horse Knights Hall, strike Iron Cloud heavily, and then retreat immediately!”
“Retreat?!” The generals were taken aback.
“Yes, retreat! Once the attack is over, we will pull back lightly, leaving the tents here and not taking anything we need. Just getting our people out is enough,” Diwu Qingrou said lightly.
“Yes.” Although the generals were puzzled, they knew that Diwu Qingrou must have a brilliant plan; this blind trust in her allowed them to carry out her orders without hesitation.
“Order the infantry to retreat immediately; when the cavalry returns, muffle the sound of hooves with cotton and leave quietly!” Diwu Qingrou added, “It’s imperative to… do this without anyone noticing!”
“Lord Xiang, won’t this be too hasty? If we retreat in such a hurry, we will have to cross this mountain. If the enemy occupies this mountain, it’s equivalent to nullifying our years of warfare, and Iron Cloud will gain a natural defense! This would be very detrimental to our plans for unifying Great Zhao,” General Hundred Battles, Yu Han, frowned. On the side, the Wild Battle Dragon General, Li Yizhong, nodded in agreement with Yu Han’s words.
“It must be hasty. If we wait until everything is properly arranged, Iron Cloud will definitely react. Especially Chu King of Hell; once he realizes, the strategy will have to change completely.”
Diwu Qingrou’s gaze flickered as she said, “Yu Han, you should understand my intentions for this retreat. Why ask further?”
“But the morale of the army will inevitably falter. Also, if we launch a counterattack, the casualties will be severe. It would be like taking each other down together.” Yu Han’s emaciated face showed some heaviness and sorrow.
During this time, with the continuous arrangements from the Golden Horse Knights Hall, how could Yu Han not know what they were planning? Seeing those vicious traps, he was covered in cold sweat. While the enemy was trapped, there wasn’t much protection on their side. It would inevitably lead to mutual destruction!
As someone who cherished his troops, how could General Hundred Battles feel comfortable? This was the first time in his life he questioned Diwu Qingrou’s command.
“You just need to execute the orders!” Diwu Qingrou looked at him gently and said, “Yu Han, in war, sacrifices are inevitable.”
Yu Han sighed deeply.
That night, the assault of Great Zhao was more frenzied; it was nearly an overwhelming tide covering the mountains and plains, and it lasted the entire night without pause. However, Iron Cloud had begun to recover.
Moreover, along with this ferocious offensive, a clear notion was conveyed: it seemed that this kind of attack was about to stop!
In the commander’s tent of Iron Dragon City, listening to the thunderous sounds of battle outside, the brows of the commander furrowed.
Several trusted generals were by his side.
The cessation of Diwu Qingrou’s offensive meant that Iron Cloud was now poised to counterattack. Thus, the generals were somewhat impatient.
“It won’t be that simple.” The commander felt that Diwu Qingrou certainly wouldn’t have only this level of strategy and would definitely have a backup plan.
He waved his hand: “Let’s wait until dawn to discuss everything.”
Faced with Diwu Qingrou’s unpredictable tactics, the commander did not dare to take risks; he would rather give up this excellent opportunity than act rashly.
“Additionally, immediately report this situation to your majesty and the Chu Imperial Seat, and see what they have to say.” The commander made a decision: “If by dawn the enemy truly retreats and neither your majesty nor the Chu Imperial Seat has any objections, we will immediately pursue!”
On the other side, Chu Yang stood atop the tall flagpole at the very beginning of the night’s turmoil, quietly observing for a while. Then, with a solemn expression, he descended.