PFC Chapter 309: Peace in the World (4)
Chapter 309: Peace in the World (4)
Chapter 309: Peace in the World (IV)
The State of Qi only had one isolated city left - Linji City.
On the other hand, Meng Yi discussed with Liu Bang the final plan to attack the capital of Qi - Linji City.
Inside the tent, Meng Yi and Liu Bang sat opposite each other, both with very serious expressions.
Meng Yi looked at the battle report on the Battle of Julu and sighed inwardly, "This cheap brother Xiang Yu is truly valiant. He defeated Wang Li's army of 150,000 with only 40,000 men. He is truly worthy of being called the Overlord of Western Chu. At this rate, the rebellion in Shandong will be quelled soon, and the unification of the world is within reach."
Then, Meng Yi said, "Brother Liu, now that Zhao, Wei, Han, and Yan are about to be pacified, the rest depends on us."
Liu Bang nodded and said, "Linji City is Qi's last line of defense. They will definitely fight to the death. I have sent people to investigate. Although the defenders of Linji City are small, they are all elite troops of Qi. Moreover, the city walls are strong and easy to defend but difficult to attack. We need to come up with a foolproof plan, Brother Meng Yi."
Meng Yi pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Liu, block the news and surround three areas and leave one."
Liu Bang listened, a glint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He said, "Good idea! Otherwise, the enemy will fall into despair and fight to the death. Then we can take Linji City by surprise. By the way, when do you think we should launch the attack?"
Meng Yi thought for a moment and said, "I think it's best to do it at night. This will reduce our casualties and make it easier to break through the enemy's defenses."
Liu Bang nodded and said, "Okay, then we'll proceed according to your plan. We must capture Linji City in one fell swoop and end this war."
Meng Yi stood up and said, "It's finally over."
The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of anticipation.
All forces are acting step by step, as if the gears of fate have begun to turn faster.
In Xianyang City, Hu Hai was terrified when he heard that armies from all sides were approaching.
In Zhangtai Palace, sitting on the dragon throne, Hu Hai's face was as pale as paper, his forehead was covered with cold sweat, his hands were trembling, and he took a deep breath, trying to suppress his inner panic.
Hu Hai calmed himself down and looked up at Zhao Gao, Yao Jia and other civil and military officials in the hall.
His eyes were filled with anger and despair, and he cursed in a trembling voice: "Who can tell me what's going on?"
"In just a few days, not only were Xiaoguan and Wugu Pass broken one after another, but Wang Li's army of more than 200,000 was actually defeated by Xiang Yu, an unknown man, with 50,000 Chu troops. Even Han, Zhao, Yan, and Qi fell one after another. My good brother Fusu! He is so powerful that he actually joined forces with the Chu army. Haha..." Hu Hai's eyes were red, and there was a hint of madness in his voice.
Yao Jia stood aside, his body trembling slightly, his face pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
He said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, Zhao Ben has led 40,000 northern troops back to support Xianyang. Add to that the 50,000 troops left by Zhang Han and the imperial guards, and there are still over 100,000 troops in Xianyang. We may be able to hold the city firmly."
Hu Hai chuckled, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes. He said, "My Lord Yao, Prime Minister Yao! Are you really unaware? Zhang Han has already surrendered to Meng Tian. Do you think the 50,000 troops he left behind are reliable?"
Yao Jia was speechless for a moment. His lips moved, but no sound came out. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
Hu Hai glanced at Yao Jia with contempt and said, "That's enough." There was a hint of fatigue and helplessness in his voice.
Then, Hu Hai glanced at everyone in the hall, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment, as if looking for something.
Finally, Hu Hai's gaze fell on Zhao Gao and he said, "Teacher, what do you think we should do now?"
Zhao Gao slowly stepped forward, bowed, and whispered, "Your Majesty, I believe the most urgent task is to appease the troops in Xianyang. You could issue a general amnesty and reduce taxes to show the people your majesty's mercy and encourage the soldiers to fight to the death for you. Furthermore, you could secretly contact loyal individuals throughout the country, offering them generous rewards to disrupt the enemy's rear."
Hu Hai nodded slightly and said helplessly: "Let's do as you say! I hope it's not too late..."
The atmosphere in the hall was tense and depressing, and everyone's heart was filled with anxiety and fear.
At this time, outside Linji City, the joint forces of Meng Yi and Liu Bang had surrounded the city.
According to the plan, the city was surrounded on three sides, with a gap left on one side. The Qi army inside the city saw this situation and although they were puzzled, they still held their ground and did not come out.
As night fell, the coalition forces quietly approached Linji City.
At the foot of Linji City, a horn sounded and the coalition forces launched an attack under the cover of night.
The Qi army was hastily engaged and soon lost its composure. Some of the Qi army fled through the gaps they had reserved, allowing the allied forces to take advantage of the situation and storm into the city.
The shouts of killing in the city were deafening. Liu Bang and Meng Yi led the charge, and the last line of defense of Qi was about to be broken.
In Xianyang, Zhao Gao arranged for people to carry out Hu Hai's orders, but at the same time, he was secretly making plans. He knew that the Qin Dynasty was doomed, and if the situation became desperate, he would sacrifice Hu Hai to save himself.
In Zhao Gao's mansion, Zhao Gao was conspiring with several of his confidants.
"Brother, the situation is so tense now, what should we do?" Zhao Cheng asked anxiously.
Zhao Gao's eyes flickered. He gently stroked his chin and said after a moment of contemplation, "Hu Hai is no longer in control of the situation. We must plan for our future."
Zhao Ben echoed, "Yes, brother. Now that all the princes have been eliminated, Meng Tian's army is about to arrive at Xianyang. We can't just sit there and wait for death."
Zhao Gao said gloomily, "First, stabilize Hu Hai. When Meng Yi and his men are about to enter the city, we will kidnap Hu Hai and hand him over. However, this matter must be kept secret. Select the most trustworthy men among you."
Everyone agreed.
Zhao Gao's gaze fell on the Xianyang Palace in the distance, and he was secretly calculating in his heart.
The ministers in the court also began to have their own ulterior motives, and the Qin Empire under Hu Hai's rule was on the verge of crumbling.
In a mansion in Xianyang City, several ministers were sitting together, discussing something with serious expressions.
"I'm afraid Hu Hai is doomed!" sighed an old official, his voice revealing deep worry. "The Qin Empire is plagued by internal and external troubles, and the people are suffering. Yet, Hu Hai is indulging in wine and women all day long, neglecting state affairs."
Another minister echoed, "Yes, how could a foolish ruler like Hu Hai govern the country well? He listened to Zhao Gao's advice, persecuted loyal officials, and brought chaos and chaos to the court."
"What should we do? Are we just going to sit there and wait for death?" someone asked anxiously, his brows furrowed tightly, his eyes full of helplessness.
"Prince Fusu has always been kind and generous, and is deeply loved by the people. Why don't we surrender to Prince Fusu secretly?" A minister suggested, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"But will this anger Hu Hai and Zhao Gao?" another minister said worriedly.
"We can't hesitate any longer. Xianyang is in danger now. We must find a way out for ourselves and our family." The old minister said firmly.
Everyone fell silent, looking at each other, and remained silent for a moment.
As Han Xin captured the last city of Wei and Han, Xiang Yu pacified Zhao, and various armies converged towards Xianyang. A decisive battle to end the troubled times was about to begin.