Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 1254: Chapter 1090: Conquering Huadong Prefecture

Gu Chengyu suspected that the sound of the signal arrow just now was a signal from that faction. Prince Gong never intended to attack Wujun Prefecture; sending over a hundred thousand troops was merely a façade to conceal his true objective of attacking Huadong Prefecture.

This explains why Liu Meng was stalling under the watchtower, delaying any action—it was to wait for developments on the other side, merely putting on a show.

Huadong Prefecture is situated to the east of Zifeng Prefecture, adjacent to Wujun Prefecture. However, Huadong Prefecture is much larger than Wujun Prefecture, and its defenses on the watchtower are much sturdier.

The city gates are not just floodgates; the height of the gates is incomparable to Wujun Prefecture. Additionally, it is surrounded on three sides by a moat, and there’s a trench dug in front of the city gates—if filled with fire oil, it would surely intimidate the enemy.

Ming Yan’s note clearly stated that Prince Gong has mobilized troops to Huadong Prefecture, indicating that Huadong Prefecture is indeed his target.

The recent battle lasted only half a day, meaning Huadong Prefecture was completely unprepared. In just half a day, Prince Gong captured it.

Gu Chengyu analyzed that it boils down to two points: firstly, Huadong Prefecture, considering itself an upper-tier State, with defenses surpassing other cities, never expected Prince Gong to be so bold and ambitious, catching Huadong Prefecture off guard.

The second point is the existence of internal betrayal! Perhaps there’s a spy for Prince Gong within Huadong Prefecture, cooperating from the inside and outside, attacking on both fronts.

Meanwhile, Wujun Prefecture sent people to request assistance at the border, naturally heading towards Yumen Pass, which is the closest. Yumen Pass surely wouldn’t stand idle; reinforcements will definitely be sent.

Once reinforcements arrive at Wujun Prefecture, Huadong Prefecture would find it difficult to seek help from Yumen Pass as well. If they go to the farther Yuhe Pass, the opportunity will be delayed.

Each link connected to the next, leaving Huadong Prefecture with no means to seek assistance.

As for why Wujun Prefecture was abandoned, perhaps because it has fifty thousand troops along with General Yuan stationed there, Prince Gong couldn’t confidently take Wujun Prefecture.

Another point, Gu Chengyu glanced at Prefect Qiu. Perhaps Wujun Prefecture also has an internal spy for Prince Gong, calculating against General Yuan—if he perishes, no one will be able to command the troops in a short time.

Thus, they could take Wujun Prefecture without any loss of soldiers—this scheme is truly a multi-pronged approach, calculated to the extreme, leaving no strategy overlooked.

The only change occurred when he appeared at Wujun Prefecture, taking Liu Meng’s head.

However, to Prince Gong, this should be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Although Liu Meng possessed some skills, he wasn’t irreplaceable talent.

"Then, Huadong Prefecture?" Hundred Households Wang widened his eyes, indicating Prince Gong’s true goal was never Wujun Prefecture but Huadong Prefecture.

"No, I must send people to assist!" Hundred Households Wang clenched his fists, his face full of concern.

"At this point, the battle is already over, and Prince Gong has entered Huadong Prefecture. Even if you went, it would be sending yourself to death!" Gu Chengyu glanced at him, then turned and descended the watchtower.

"Keep an eye on Prefect Qiu, watch if he makes a move against General Yuan. Monitor his every move; should he act suspiciously, arrest him immediately," Gu Chengyu softly instructed Ming Mo beside him.

Although he previously heard talk of Prefect Qiu’s disloyalty to the court, lacking sufficient evidence, arresting him directly would fail to persuade the masses. Capturing him on the spot would save a lot of trouble.

"Yes!" Ming Mo acknowledged, realizing that Mr. Gu intended to scrutinize Prefect Qiu thoroughly.

"Mr. Gu, what evidence do you have for what you just said? You must not speak recklessly!" Prefect Qiu’s voice rang out from behind, his gaze at Gu Chengyu filled with suspicion.

"I have already sent people to gather information; regardless of the truth of this matter, once the news comes, it will be verified! Oh, today’s affair, I will truthfully report to the Emperor."

Prefect Qiu watched Gu Chengyu’s distant figure, his eyes seemed poisoned. Today’s Wujun Prefecture was attacked, and he contributed little to the defense. If Gu Chengyu reports this matter back to the Capital, he doesn’t know if he can retain his position as Prefect.

However, he need not worry now, the latest being tonight.

...

"Prince, I didn’t expect the attack on Huadong Prefecture to be so smooth; your strategy is truly wise!"

Pei Shu wore a smile; during today’s battle at Huadong Prefecture, he served as the chief commander. Capturing a Prefecture was surprisingly easy. In retrospect, he still found it unbelievable!

"The Prince’s strategy is remarkable; the sound strategy of misdirection was executed flawlessly. Haha! These people probably never guessed our real objective was Huadong Prefecture; I am truly in awe of you, Prince!"

Commander Li Chang An expressed admiration; it seemed his initial choice was correct, Prince Gong being a man of great resourcefulness.

Prince Gong smiled, "This Prince dare not claim credit! This success was entirely thanks to Mr. Jiang and Mr. Sun’s planning; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so smooth!"

Capturing Huadong Prefecture so easily made Prince Gong delighted; however, as a ruler, it would be unwise to flaunt excessively—better to remain modest. After all, he still needs to rely on these people to seize the throne; respecting talents is the first lesson for him!

"Why should the Prince be so humble? Elder and Mr. Sun merely provided assistance! This strategy was proposed by the Prince; you needn’t be modest!"

Adviser Jiang Chengguan and Sun Yao both wore smiling expressions, their respect for the Prince granted them face among his subordinates. The Prince’s acknowledgment today brought them joy, fueling a sense of loyalty worth dying for.

"This time General Pei and Commander Li have also achieved great merit; this Prince shall remember. Rest assured, those who stand with this Prince will surely be rewarded in the future."

They continued praising each other until a young officer burst into the reception hall.

"Prince, bad news!"

Prince Gong’s face darkened; at such a celebratory moment, this young officer dared to bring him bad news.

"What is the cause of such commotion?" Prince Gong’s tone turned cold, halting the mutual flattery.

"Prince! General Liu Meng has been beheaded, and his head is displayed on the watchtower of Wujun Prefecture!" The young officer recalled the scene of Liu Meng’s death, apprehensive.

"What? You say Ah Meng was killed?" Assistant Leader Liu Dong’s rage knew no bounds, Liu Meng being his brother intensified his fury.

"Assistant Leader Liu, calm down; let’s first ascertain the situation!" Prince Gong knew Liu Dong’s deep concern for his brother, thus attempted to soothe him.

Liu Dong clenched his fists, "Speak quickly!"

Everyone’s faces sank; Prince Gong also felt vexed, "Who could be responsible? Was it Yuan Bin? Is he not dead yet?"

If Yuan Bin hadn’t gone to Yumen Pass earlier, today’s matter wouldn’t have succeeded as smoothly. He originally pondered how to lure Yuan Bin away, yet unexpectedly, Yuan Bin left Wujun Prefecture, though perplexing, it aligned perfectly with his plans.