Chapter 348: Directly Targeting Ding Yuan
Chapter 348: Directly Targeting Ding Yuan
September 25, 2017
Jin Yang, Governor's Office.
When Zhang Yi heard the battle report from his subordinates, he almost couldn't believe it.
An army of fifty to sixty thousand had spent seven to eight days preparing, and yet they were defeated in just one day? Who would dare believe such a report?
"Where's Zhang Yan? Where's Zhang Yan? Isn't he known as the second-best general in Bingzhou? Where is he now?"
"General Zhang Yan was defeated, and his fate is unknown!"
"Good, good! Uncertain fate!" Zhang Yi nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.
At this moment, Zhang Yi felt like killing someone. Originally, He Jin's offensive against him wasn't a big deal. In his opinion, after destroying the mountain fortress and sending the acquired wealth to the emperor, it would be easy to handle the situation with some bribery.
But after carefully preparing for seven to eight days, it took a long time to gather fifty thousand troops. Before their departure, Zhang Yan confidently assured him that he could take down the fortress in half a day. Yet, in just one day, the fifty thousand troops were defeated, and Zhang Yan's fate was now uncertain.
"Governor, what should we do next?" asked an official cautiously beside Zhang Yi.
"What to do? What else can we do? Immediately send for Zhang He!"
In the midst of Zhang Yi's rage, his subordinates sprang into action, and in less than ten minutes, Zhang He appeared before him.
Zhang Yi's mood was extremely foul at this time. Seeing Zhang He, whom he considered one of the main culprits of this incident, he struggled to control his urge to strike out.
"Greetings, Grandfather," Zhang He bowed respectfully.
"Hmph, I don't recall having an extraordinary grandson like you. Besides, I can't afford to have such a troublemaker as my grandson." Zhang Yi showed no sign of softening, replying coldly.
"Grandfather, you're mistaken. Although I'm an extraordinary person, I undoubtedly carry the blood of the Zhang family. As for today's matter, with your wisdom, it's not difficult to see that it's not my fault..."
Zhang Yi didn't wait for Zhang He to finish and interrupted him: "Enough! I didn't call you here to listen to your excuses. I'm asking you, after being in Dingxiang for over two months, you should know the mountain bandits better than anyone. If I ask you to attack them, do you have the confidence to succeed?"
"Zhang He has had much contact with the mountain bandits in Dingxiang and is well aware of their strength. With their power, I'm not confident in our chances of success in a siege."
As soon as Zhang He finished speaking, Zhang Yi's face turned dark. But he wasn't done yet.
"However, I believe that the key issue isn't whether we can besiege and suppress the mountain fortress, but how to resolve the current predicament. I think a direct assault is the worst option."
When Zhang He said this, Zhang Yi's face showed disdain: "If we can't launch a siege, what else can we do? Are you suggesting a pacification?"
"Why not?" Zhang He smiled confidently, revealing his white teeth. "I believe there's no need to forcefully attack the mountain bandits. Considering the current situation, even if we take down the fortress, it won't bring much benefit to the Zhang family.
"On the contrary, if we can pacify the mountain bandits, with the fortress' production of horses, cattle, and other livestock, combined with the Zhang family's influence, we can gain several million gold annually. With such wealth in hand, what problem can't you solve? Don't forget, it's not just the consort clans who have a say in court."
Upon hearing Zhang He's words, Zhang Yi's heart was suddenly stirred.
He wasn't stirred by the idea of pacification but by the prospect of the wealth that could be produced.
If this stronghold can produce such wealth, can't I eliminate Lu HaiKong, then occupy his stronghold and continue to profit from it?
As for the idea of pacification, Zhang Yi didn't even want to think about it. He was unwilling, yet unable to do so.
What a joke, he, the Governor of Bingzhou, would go and pacify mountain bandits just because of a defeat. How could he save face if this got out? And wouldn't this be giving his enemies a handle to attack him? He didn't believe that a mere stronghold could withstand him, the Governor of Bingzhou.
Unless it was a last resort, Zhang Yi wouldn't easily consider pacification.
But as soon as the old man's ambition rose, it immediately deflated. The reason was simple; he had no one to rely on. He could gather troops at any time, but there was only one general capable of leading an army—the Blocked one. At this moment, Zhang Yi was genuinely at a loss for where to find someone.
Zhang He, standing by his side, observed the old man's mood swings and guessed his thoughts. He sighed softly; some people had to hit their heads before they felt the pain.
In the end, the old man looked around and fixed his gaze on Zhang He.
"Zhang He, you lead the troops. I'll give you fifty thousand strong army. If you can't take it down, I'll hold you accountable!"
This was a desperate move. The old man truly had no one else to turn to, so he could only pin his hopes on Zhang He.
Although he didn't like this grandson with his strange origins, Zhang Yi acknowledged his talent. Moreover, he had the capable Li Ke backing him. Currently, Zhang He was the most suitable person from the Zhang family to deploy. And if Zhang He lost, he wouldn't feel too bad about it.
In the 619th chapter, there was no mistake!
However, at this moment, Zhang He shook his head. "Grandfather, I'm not the best choice for this battle. There's someone more suitable than me!"
"Who?" Zhang Yi thought Zhang He was trying to shirk responsibility and grew impatient.
"The Governor of Wuyuan County, Ding Yuan!"
Upon hearing this name, Zhang Yi's eyes flashed with coldness. Ding Yuan was obviously one of He Jin's men. Today's incident was most likely his doing. What did Zhang He mean by mentioning him now?
"Ding Yuan? He might not be able to command!"
"Grandfather, as the Governor of Bingzhou, you were ordered to suppress the mountain bandits. How can a County Governor not follow your command?"
"I've long heard that Ding Yuan is brave and strong. Let him try. If he succeeds, it's due to your wise leadership. If he fails, it'll show he's all talk and no action. And if he neglects his military duties, he should be executed!"
Zhang He smiled faintly at these words.
Whether it was arranging for pacification or suggesting Ding Yuan to take action, Zhang He's plans were all for the benefit of the Zhang family. Although Zhang Yi didn't like him, Zhang He was currently relying on the Zhang family's ship. Only by ensuring this ship didn't sink could he continue sailing and go further.
Therefore, the Zhang family's ship must stay afloat, at least until he could jump off.
Zhang Yi understood Zhang He's intentions. Since he had no other general for the task, he might as well throw it to Ding Yuan.
"Yes, I almost forgot about this talent in Bingzhou. Let him try. If he succeeds, great. If not, that's fine too..."
(End of Chapter)
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