Chapter 263 - Divide and Conquer
When Qi Yanzhu arrived at Liangzhou Prefecture, half a month had already passed since the start of the siege. The situation on the battlefield was dire. Although Qi Yanzhu and his group traveled as swiftly as possible, taking shortcuts along the way, the considerable distance caused them to be delayed.
The group consisted of no more than twenty men, who were all trusted personal guards handpicked by Qi Yanzhu. They had all shared life-and-death experiences at Jianxing Pass in the northeast.
Along the way, they encountered highway robbers, but the bandits, seeing their military attire and the unmistakable aura of deadly resolve, knew better than to provoke them. The robbers quickly fled while cursing their bad luck.
When Qi Yanzhu’s group reached Liangzhou Prefecture late at night, the guards let them in after they presented their credentials. They were then assigned a guide to lead them to the Supervisory Command Post. However, before they reached their destination, the sound of war drums suddenly erupted outside the city, accompanied by the rumble of hooves like distant thunder.
Having spent years on the battlefield, Qi Yanzhu was all too familiar with the sound. His face changed abruptly as he exclaimed, "Not good! It's a night raid!"
Moments later, chaotic shouting could be heard from the distant city walls. Illuminated by firelight, figures swarmed on the ramparts, and the previously quiet city of Liangzhou erupted into turmoil.
The guide stood still helplessly like a nervous wreck, unsure whether to continue leading the group to the Command Post or to find a place to hide.
Seeing that the guide was unreliable, Qi Yanzhu decisively drew the sword at his waist and commanded those behind him, "Since Minister Qi is the commander-in-chief, he must be on the city wall overseeing the situation. Follow me to the ramparts—we’ll fight the enemy together!"
The personal guards responded in unison, "Yes, sir!" Their killing intent was palpable as they rushed toward the walls.