In Love With My Fierce Farming Wife!
Chapter 712 - 711: Series of Stratagems! (Part 6) _1

Chapter 712: Chapter 711: Series of Stratagems! (Part 6) _1

The Zhou Army raised their heads in alarm, only to find stones and logs rolling down the cliffs on both sides, and arrows raining down incessantly.

The Zhou Army attempted to retreat, but unexpectedly, a team of Qin forces suddenly appeared behind them, causing Zhou Zhenchao to hastily flee on horseback.

The cliffs on both sides of the canyon constantly spewed streams of rocks and logs, causing casualties to Zhou Zhenchao’s forces as they fled, even their two pioneers were lost in the mountain valley.

Zhou Zhenchao wanted to regroup his troops once they emerged from the canyon, but the Qin forces soon caught up and gave chase.

Unexpectedly, rain began to fall that night, intensifying quickly.

The Zhou Army was cold, hungry, and exhausted, but Zhou Zhenchao, fearing the pursuing Qin forces, ordered his men to keep moving. The army, filled with fear, managed to escape the pursuers when night fell, taking advantage of the terrain.

By now, the Zhou Army had reached a three-way junction and was unsure which way to go. Zhou Zhenchao wouldn’t dare to move recklessly any further.

In his apprehension, he called out for Teacher Song, "Which route should we take, Teacher Song?"

Teacher Song took a look and said, "My Lord, the track on the left is rugged and full of smoke. The main road on the right is smooth and devoid of any signs of life. I suggest we take the right, the main road. It will lead us directly to Zhenjiang at a much faster pace."

Zhou Zhenchao anxiously eyed both paths for quite a while before finally making up his mind. "Didn’t you also mention that Qin Yi is full of tricks? This calm main road seems too quiet, probably laden with ambushes. We should opt for the smaller path, to shake off the pursuers."

He was truly frightened by Qin Yi’s pursuing forces!

Seeing the ruggedness of the small path, several deputy generals tried to persuade him otherwise, but Zhou Zhenchao remained obstinate. Eventually, the Zhou Army set off down the narrow track.

It had rained heavily the day before, resulting in the mountain paths turning muddy, with each footstep pulling up a gush of mud.

It was late autumn, the freezing wind blowing against their wet clothes made their march more arduous, and the Zhou army cried out in exhaustion.

The real danger lay in the countless swamps along the smaller path, which the major forces could not pass.

Zhou Zhenchao’s face was ominous! By now, there was no backing out! He was forced to order the soldiers who were injured or weak to cut grass, lay it on the mud, and enable the forces to pass. Countless soldiers were ensnared in the swamp, with countless casualties.

Having barely made it through, Zhou Zhenchao heaved a sigh of relief and reorganized his troops.

The troops, utterly exhausted, dropped to the road, unable to press on any further.

When regrouping, Zhou Zhenchao realized that his once formidable force of fifty thousand had been reduced to a mere ten thousand. The realization left him breathless.

Seeing Zhou Zhenchao’s state, Teacher Song rushed to comfort him, "My Lord, do not be anxious. As long as we still have a fighting chance, we can fight another day! We cannot rule out that some of our soldiers got lost in the chaos. Once we establish a base, raise our banner, the separated soldiers will regroup."

Zhou Zhenchao was well aware that half of his men must have fallen at the battlefront, a small portion left would be captive, there must be a fair few separated, but not an egregious amount.

Listening to Teacher Song, he wouldn’t shatter his own morale.

Teacher Song indeed thinks ahead! Deservedly my advisor!"

He nodded his agreement immediately, "Fetch the map immediately. We need to ascertain our location and the nearest gathering point."

The subordinates promptly retrieved the map and studied the surrounding terrain, finally ascertaining their current direction.

My Lord, it seems we ended up near Zhenjiang because of the darkness. We just need to cross this mountain to reach the Taohua ferry terminal. Once we reach the terminal, we can follow the water north to Jiangzhong and return to Shengjing."

These words Teacher Song conveyed tentatively.

At this, Zhou Zhenchao grimaced and spat, "Nonsense!"

No wonder he was angry. If he continued as Teacher Song suggested, they would venture deep into Qin Hong’s territory. Initially, they intended to take the direct route from Zhenjiang to Shengjing. The anger was very justifiable given the situation.

But if he were to retrace his steps, join the old road back to the river and then to the capital... the mere thought of confronting Qin Yi’s army made his temples throb!

With fear in his heart, how could he lead a war effort?

After a lengthy discussion, they decided to cross the mountain and take the ferry from Taohua. They would disembark halfway and head north to Jiangzhong.

Fearing the arrival of the pursuers, Zhou Zhenchao ordered his men to quickly cook a meal so they could start the journey with their stomachs full. But in the haste of the escape, who would have time to think about the grain they had so hard-earned?

Everyone was ordered to cook, but how could they cook without grain?

This infuriated Zhou Zhenchao further, who cursed and directly stormed into a farmhouse and grabbed food. They had a full meal before starting to cross the mountain.

The men and horses were tired, and Zhou Zhenchao slumped on horseback. Despite his own discomfort, he still had to rally defenses. "Everyone, don’t panic! Once we reach Taohua ferry terminal, good food and drink are within our reach! And then, once we set sail, we don’t even have to walk, isn’t that great?"

The remaining troops were spurred on by his words, marching onward with renewed spirit.

Once they finally reached Taohua ferry terminal, the men scrambled into the tavern. However, a team of soldiers suddenly appeared and started surrounding them. This group of soldiers was a large number, each soldier looking sharp and full of vigour.

Zhou Zhenchao, thinking it was Qin Yi’s troops, started cursing and fighting desperately.

But Teacher Song recognized the man leading the troops under Qin’s flag and exclaimed, "How could it be Mr. Jiang?"

Zhou Zhenchao, not missing a beat, asked in haste, "What Mr. Jiang?"

He’s Mr. Jiang, the strategist under Qin Hong’s banner. He’s an old acquaintance of mine and I would not mistake him. But, why is he with Qin Yi’s troops?" Teacher Song continued to look back in disbelief.

Zhou Zhenchao instantly grimaced!

In a flash, everything became clear to him.

Damn it! This young Qin Hong must have been waiting here for me to walk right into his trap! Quick, we need to fall back. Now!"

The troops quickly retreated from Taohua ferry terminal.

Suddenly, another group of soldiers emerged from behind them and began to surround them. If not led by Qin Yi, then who else could it be?

Caught between the hammer and the anvil, seeing Qin Yi made Zhou Zhenchao go light-headed!

"You cunning little brat Qin Yi! You trapped me!"

Only now did he realize that he had once again fallen into Qin Yi’s trap. The anger almost caused him to cough up blood on the spot!

From atop his horse, clad in armor and brandishing the spear, Qin Yi looked down on Zhou’s forces, looking nothing short of majestic.

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