Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 118 The Valiant Xiao Qi

The study of Cangzhou Prefecture.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the case file has been sent over, and they guarantee there are no flaws whatsoever," the clerk reported as he entered.

Zhang Bingzhong was sitting at his desk drinking tea when he heard this and snorted disdainfully: "Even if there are flaws, do you think she can see them? Da Zhao really has no one left, sending such a blustering girl to investigate such a big matter."

"This girl isn't entirely incompetent. Today, several dozen suspicious individuals entered the city in batches, secretly investigating the military rations." The advisor added, "They seem convinced the problem lies with us."

"Whether she's convinced or not, what trouble can she cause? Keep a close eye on those entering the city. We can't make a move before Xiao Zhan arrives, but we also can't let them find out anything," Zhang Bingzhong instructed.

Although he looked down on Shen Li, he was still very cautious in his actions.

"I've already ordered men to keep an eye on things. Those roughnecks in the army won't find anything, so please rest assured, sir," the clerk replied unhurriedly.

"Has Xu Chuang's army made any unusual moves after leaving our territory?" Zhang Bingzhong was more concerned about the movement of the main force.

"My men just came to report that Xu Chuang has joined up with the support troops and is carefully searching the territory of Yuezhou, fearing that the grain supplies will be seized again, so he has no time to attend to us."

Hearing this, Zhang Bingzhong couldn't help but feel a little regretful: "If it weren't for Xiao Zhan, that big fish, I wouldn't have let them send this batch of military supplies over."

Although this batch of military equipment was temporarily transferred and the quantity was not large, it could still sustain the North Vietnam Pass for some time.

He had considered intercepting them, but he knew he could only use his trump card once. If his plan was exposed, he would likely have to give back the supplies once Xiao Zhan's army arrived.

However, if they could take down Xiao Zhan's main force and a large amount of supplies from the three major camps of the capital, the situation would be different. This would destroy the last trump card of the Great Zhao, leaving them with no choice but to negotiate peace.

"My lord, there's no need to regret it. The military supplies will arrive in three days at the fastest. The cannons at Keyuezhou Pass haven't fired for two days. Even if we can't take it this time, we will surely inflict heavy losses on Dazhao." The clerk stroked his mustache, quite pleased with himself.

Zhang Bingzhong also laughed: "Xiao Zhan's army is on a fast track. In your opinion, they may arrive in my Cangzhou Prefecture in ten days?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, that's about right." The clerk replied, then added, "Xu Chuang's departure is not a concern. The most important thing right now is to keep that girl in check. You must not let your guard down, sir."

"Don't worry, we've managed to fool even those imperial inspectors over the years, what can a little girl like her amount to?" Zhang Bingzhong never took Shen Li seriously from the beginning.

Just then, a knock sounded at the window. The clerk pushed open the window, took a note, and after reading it, his face lit up with joy: "My lord, our Great Liang is launching a fierce attack on Yuebei Pass tonight. Perhaps we will be able to break through the pass in a few days."

"Good, my days in this foreign country are finally over."

Zhang Bingzhong excitedly got up and pressed a button on the bookshelf, which then opened to reveal a portrait hidden behind it.

The painting depicts a man riding a wolf under the blazing sun. The man is shirtless, holds a long spear, wears a crown, and has piercing eyes, making him appear very brave.

When the clerk saw the portrait, he stepped forward, his expression becoming devout, and he clasped his hands together and bowed to the portrait.

"Omnipotent God of Light, please bless our Great Liang with a successful southern expedition. The fate of the Great Zhao Dynasty has run its course; your glory will surely shine upon this land, turning the ignorant people here into your believers," Zhang Bingzhong said as he prayed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

At Yuebei Pass, after the artillery on the city wall almost completely stopped firing, Daliang launched a full-scale attack. The city's battle line, stretching for dozens of miles, was now being bombarded by artillery fire from below.

The Da Zhao soldiers no longer had the opportunity to take turns fighting, but instead all rushed to the top of the city wall. Many of them were wearing only a single layer of clothing in the bitter cold, which greatly limited their strength. It often took two or three people to drive back the Da Liang soldiers who climbed up the wall.

Moreover, the enemy's artillery fire was deafening, and their main force continued to advance towards the city. The city gates were being battered by massive wooden stakes, leaving the Zhao forces with no choice but to passively endure the attacks, suffering heavy casualties.

Lin Xiao and the other generals were all guarding key positions, and Xiao Qi's silver armor was even stained bright red.

"General, the city gate is about to be breached, what should we do?" a junior officer reported from the city wall.

Xiao Qi's sharp brows furrowed slightly, and he immediately said, "Have the repair soldiers prepare for emergency repairs; the city gates must not be breached."

He then walked down the city wall.

The order was given, and the repairmen arrived, but the soldiers looked at the door that had been hit by a huge force from the outside and had no idea where to start repairing it.

We need to get them close to the door so that the outside stops banging on them.

"Open the city gates."

Xiao Qi appeared with his cavalry and gave the order.

The soldiers were shocked but quickly lowered the bolts. Xiao Qi spurred his horse and charged forward, followed by three hundred cavalry guards.

The gate opened so suddenly that the enemy could only see a group of people suddenly rushing out of the dark city gate, carrying gleaming sabers, and charging at the attacking infantry.

The horses were fast and had a strong impact, and the enemy's tens of thousands of men were scattered and didn't know where to start.

However, the general in charge of the city gate reacted very quickly. After a brief moment of distraction, he immediately sent his cavalrymen to charge at the enemy.

First, they mobilized the fastest light cavalry, followed by heavy cavalry, both men and horses clad in armor.

The general of Daliang realized that this was a very good opportunity to defeat the enemy.

Xiao Qi seemed to charge out without regard for anything else, launching a fierce attack before the enemy cavalry could mobilize and arrive. The enemy infantry were thrown into disarray, which was no different from lambs to the slaughter for the cavalry.

This move was precise and ruthless; within about fifteen minutes, the enemy suffered thousands of casualties.

The Liang army was clearly well-trained; it only took them a quarter of an hour from when they saw Xiao Qi leave the city gate to when the light cavalry charged up.

The difference is that the Great Liang has three thousand cavalry, ten times the number of Xiao Qi's.

Thus, the situation became that if Xiao Qi fought against three hundred men, his entire army would be wiped out. If he retreated, he would be caught up before the city gates even closed.

"General, the city gate has been repaired." A deputy general's voice came from inside.

The soldiers inside the city were very anxious. The best solution was to close the gates immediately and leave Xiao Qi and three hundred cavalrymen outside.

The opposing general stared at Xiao Qi on the battlefield like a wolf in the dark night. This was the only descendant of the Xiao family. If he could capture or kill him, he would surely become famous in one battle.

Seeing the enemy cavalry approaching aggressively, Xiao Qi immediately pulled on the reins with one hand and gave the order decisively: "Withdraw."

The three hundred cavalrymen seemed to have been prepared, and immediately turned their horses around and headed into the city.

The light cavalry of Daliang were also taken aback. Could this be a trap?

They then saw that the enemy cavalry did not enter the city in a straight line, but went around it. Suddenly, a group of soldiers from the Great Zhao appeared at the city gate, seemingly to cover the cavalry's retreat.

But the soldiers of Daliang were even more puzzled, because this team was an infantryman. Wasn't it suicide to use infantrymen to block the cavalry?

While this method might block an attack for a moment, it's far too cruel and inhumane.

Just as the cavalrymen were wondering what was going on, the neatly arranged square formation in front of them revealed their weapons: muskets.

"We've fallen into their trap!" The cavalry commander immediately reined in his horse, but it was too late.