eurekapd Chapter 292 Reinforcements
Chapter 292 Reinforcements
In the vast land of Bingzhou, the huge momentum of a gunpowder test was like a surging undercurrent, and ultimately failed to escape the sharp eyes and ears of various spies like hawks.
Ever since Zhao Sheng used thermal weapons on the battlefield, all parties involved have taken notice and paid unprecedented close attention to this weapon that is capable of subverting the traditional combat power structure.
When Shi Li heard that Bingzhou was secretly exploring how to imitate cannons and that the research on the gunpowder formula was close to success, he couldn't help but feel an indescribable irritation and anger in his heart.
"Damn it! These ignorant villains dared to secretly covet and attempt to steal the secret gunpowder formula that I painstakingly researched!"
In Shi Li's heart, gunpowder seemed to be the glory bestowed upon him by God alone, and he would never allow anyone else to get his hands on it.
This desire for exclusivity is like a burning fire, hot and firm, with no room for turning back.
"Now, how should we respond?"
Hou Lin frowned. Facing the newly acquired weapons, he found that the guns were too heavy. He requested the development of some light cannons weighing about 100 pounds and with a range of 300 steps.
"If we want to curb the rising momentum of the Wang family in Bingzhou, there is only one plan that will work."
Kui Zheng knew Shi Li's thoughts very well, and spoke in a low voice with a shrewd gleam in his eyes.
"Where does the plan come from?" Shi Ge relied heavily on the wise man beside him. He turned his head to Kui Zheng involuntarily, his eyes full of expectation.
"The only way is to conquer them with force and destroy the foundation of their workshop in one fell swoop."
Kui Zheng's words were very bold, but he secretly guessed in his heart that Shi Li would not act impulsively.
"This is a brilliant plan. Let me go and meet the Wang family of Bingzhou in person."
Hou Lin had thirty light artillery pieces in his hands, which were euphemistically called "wolf smoke", and six heavy artillery pieces to support him. He looked very majestic and was prepared for such a critical moment.
Shi Li thought about the current situation and knew that dealing with the Wang family was equivalent to making an enemy of the entire Bingzhou. He really didn't dare to take the risk.
Shi Li thought about the current situation. He knew that to deal with the Wang family would be like making an enemy of the entire Bingzhou. He really didn't dare to take the risk. He turned to Kui Zheng with a humble attitude and asked:
"Mr. Kui, in your opinion, do we have a chance of winning this battle?"
Kui Zheng's eyes were as calm as water, and he said bluntly: "War is inevitable, but the chances of winning are slim, so we must think carefully."
He knew in his heart that to try to shake a clan with a deep foundation like the Wang family with only 100,000 soldiers was like hitting a rock with an egg. Self-knowledge was the first priority of a military strategist.
Although Hou Lin was eager to fight, he was also cautious. He asked, "Then how can we increase our chances of victory?"
Kui Zheng said slowly, "In this kind of war, the key is speed. Only by making quick decisions and swift resolutions can we maximize our benefits. Furthermore, we need..."
Having said this, he paused slightly, as if weighing the importance of his next words.
"foreign aid?"
"That's right, it's external aid. We have Tuoba Youyou as our trump card, who is undoubtedly an extremely outstanding helper. Moreover, Tuoba Jing's team is also nearby. These two forces are undoubtedly the best external support."
Kui Zheng's words were like a key that instantly opened the floodgates of the two people's thinking, making them realize that only by uniting all the forces that can be united can they maximize their own interests in this war.
"Then summon Tuoba Youyou and Tuoba Jing immediately."
Shi Li decisively ordered to call these two key figures to his side to discuss the overall plan together.
Tuoba Youyou had been forced to stay behind for some reason, but now that he knew he had a chance to return to the tribe, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional. After all, he would just be gathering the troops after returning, and whether to come to reinforce was entirely up to him.
Tuoba Youyou knew exactly what happened to Yuan Shan.
In her opinion, Yuan Shan abandoned Shi Ge entirely for the honor and safety of their family. His departure was a heroic act and a just choice.
Tuoba Jing and Tuoba Youyou, although they belonged to the same clan in the past, like plants growing side by side on the grassland, eventually they went their separate ways due to the ups and downs of fate.
Tuoba Jing eventually joined Erhan's army and became a force that could not be underestimated among the Xiongnu cavalry. Their destinies parted ways from then on.
"The chieftain intends to have us raise an army from the grasslands and harass Bingzhou, thereby disrupting their position?"
Tuoba Jing was persuaded by Tuoba Youyou's words and embarked on the journey to Bingzhou.
Along the way, not only did he not gain any benefit, but his life was on the verge of death many times. He struggled on the brink of life and death before he barely managed to save his life.
Now, his old wounds have not yet healed, and a new war has broken out. He is asked to lead the army to attack Bingzhou, the place where he once survived a near-death experience. His heart is filled with mixed feelings, which are difficult to describe in words.
"Indeed, if you can gather 100,000 cavalry and arrive here in the shortest possible time, even if the battle has not yet begun, we are willing to reward you generously with iron and stone as a token of our sincerity."
There was an irresistible temptation in Shi Li's voice, and every word seemed to be extending an irresistible olive branch to the Xiongnu chief.
When Tuoba Youyou heard this, a light flickered in his eyes, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He weighed the pros and cons in his heart.
This condition is undoubtedly very attractive; however, she is not an ordinary person, and she is aware of the new weapons that Shi Li has been secretly developing recently.
She had heard about it before and was secretly wondering if she could take this opportunity to gain more benefits for her tribe.
"Master Chief," Tuoba Youyou's voice was as gentle as the breeze, but it contained a sharp edge that should not be underestimated.
"Though we grassland folks excel at riding and archery, we lack expertise in iron smelting. I've heard you possess new, powerful weapons. If you could gift one or two to allies like us at this critical moment, would this proposal be feasible?"
After she finished speaking, she smiled gently. That smile showed her expectation for cooperation, but also contained a bit of subtle cunning, which made Shi Li's heart ripple slightly, and he secretly pondered the far-reaching meaning behind this transaction.
"It's not impossible. We will be partners by then, but let me be frank. We must all give our all in this battle. Only then can everyone profit."
If they don't give up their interests, these people will definitely not send troops to help. Shi Li also understands the ins and outs of this, so he can only agree to it first.
Seeing that Shi Li offered such generous conditions, Tuoba Jing also took the opportunity to climb up the pole.
Shi Li agreed to everything and then discussed with everyone how to deploy troops in the future.
Tuoba Jing still had more than 30,000 men under his command, and he sent a trusted confidant to the grassland to ask Erhan Chanyu for reinforcements.
Tuoba Youyou personally returned to the Xianbei tribe. Before leaving, he wrote a letter to Yuan Shan, asking him to help him besiege the Wang family of Bingzhou.
The moment Yuan Shan received the letter, he did not hesitate at all and immediately sent someone to deliver the paper containing the information to Luancheng.
Zhao Sheng unfolded the scroll and read it carefully. He couldn't help but feel excited, as if he had glimpsed a turning point in his fate - he realized that this might be a godsend opportunity to borrow Yuan Shan's power to teach the Wang family a profound lesson.
After making up his mind, Zhao Sheng wrote a letter, sincerely inviting Yuan Shan to come to Luancheng to discuss major plans. The location was set in his busy and orderly workshop office.
"General Yuan, have you ever imagined that when Yuanshi Town officially becomes your family's fiefdom, you could move your family here and enjoy the happiness of family life together?"
Zhao Sheng's words were gentle and polite. He first asked about the future arrangements for Yuan Shan's family with concern, without revealing the sharpness of the matter he was about to discuss.