The smile on Xiao Changgong's lips gradually froze. Ten thousand troops, that old scoundrel Chen Liuhou actually dared to divert ten thousand troops away from Yumenguan.
The young soldier seemed to suddenly realize something and cursed, "Old thief, you tricked me into talking! It's useless even if you know. Our young general's army will arrive soon, and then we'll flatten your Hanzhong army..."
"Kill him and throw him out," Xiao Changgong gritted his teeth.
"Yes!"
The young soldier showed no fear, feeling a sense of relief as if his mission was complete.
He had completed the task assigned by his master. He was a death warrior, born to protect his master. To die for the country now would be the highest honor.
As night fell, the lights in Xiao Changgong's tent were still burning. The arrival of ten thousand reinforcements was undoubtedly a disaster for them.
If they didn't quickly devise a plan, they would truly be trapped and die in Mount Mang.
"To raise soldiers for a thousand days and use them for one hour, all of you, tell me, do you have any countermeasures?" Xiao Changgong said in a deep voice.
"It's true that the Guanzhong army is brave, but our Hanzhong army can fight ten of them. At worst, we'll fight them to the death."
"Yes, we followed our lord north for this very day."
"Your Highness, our reinforcements are also on their way. The worst-case scenario is a stalemate."
These generals of the Hanzhong army had been loyal confidants of Xiao Changgong for many years. At this point, there was no turning back. They could only break the cauldrons and sink the boats, and go all out.
Seeking wealth in danger was something they had considered from the moment they decided to follow their lord.
Xiao Changgong remained silent. Given the current situation, he feared his reinforcements might not arrive.
Those people were as cunning as foxes and unwilling to take the lead. The news of his retreat from Phoenix Mountain to Mount Mang had already spread. With an additional ten thousand Guanzhong troops reinforcing the capital, why would they still help him?
"Young Master Wang, how are your preparations with the Northern Army?" one of the generals asked.
If they coordinated properly, there was still a possibility of taking the capital.
"As long as Your Highness's reinforcements arrive, the Northern Army will naturally not disappoint Your Highness," Wang Fan said, looking at Xiao Changgong seated at the head of the table.
He guessed that Xiao Changgong was probably unsure if his reinforcements would arrive. What a useless person, wasting such a good opportunity.
"What do you mean by that? You were so sure back then that the Northern Army was already arranged," that general stood up in anger and pointed at Wang Fan.
"I did arrange it, but if the Northern Army succeeds, can Your Highness withstand Xiao Che's troops and protect the capital? Otherwise, wouldn't the Northern Army be used as cannon fodder in vain?" Wang Fan implied.
The Northern Army's Deputy General Hu was a hidden piece of the Wang family, meant to be used at a critical moment and not wasted in vain.
Therefore, without seeing Xiao Changgong's reinforcements, Deputy General Hu would absolutely not reveal himself first.
If Xiao Changgong failed, they could always find another opportunity.
"I go to the eastern mountain, and linger, never to return. I come from the east, and the drizzling rain is misty."
"I say I return to the east, and my heart grieves to the west. Make their robes, and do not let the officers march."
"The wriggling silkworm, is in the mulberry field. He sleeps alone, and is also under the cart."
...
Suddenly, singing came from outside. It was mournful and desolate. More and more people joined in, their voices growing louder and louder, gradually reaching the tent.
Xiao Changgong's expression became even more somber. The strategist beside him quickly asked, "Who is singing!"
A young soldier hurried in from outside and said, "It's the soldiers. It suddenly started raining outside, and someone started singing, and everyone joined in..."
Ever since they left Hanzhong, all the soldiers had left their homes and families. To avoid attention, they had taken paths through mountains and cliffs, and had to endure hardships. The soldiers were homesick.