The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 234 - 233: Battle

This battle, once started, did not cease.

The strategies used were a military secret, unknown to Ji Mingzhu.

She did not attempt to inquire about them, creating trouble for Xie Yunzhen.

She only knew that the rebels sent people to set fire to the granary and cause chaos, while deploying troops for a surprise attack on the court’s garrisoned city.

The granary was heavily guarded, and the attempt was unsuccessful.

However, their sudden attack on the camp caused considerable chaos.

At the same time, the Wei Family Army faced harassment as well.

The rebels’ actions were reckless, igniting fires everywhere.

It is unclear whether they found a surefire method or were disrupted by the court’s army, becoming desperate.

But in their cunning, their real intentions became less obvious.

Some hot-tempered soldiers in the army immediately wanted to pursue the ambushing enemy and defeat them soundly.

Stopped by Xie Yunzhen.

He later personally led troops to Tianmen Pass.

That was a strategic location; if the rebels abandoned their plan to attack the capital, retreating through Tianmen Pass back to their base would be optimal.

Although the rebels could not sweep into the capital, they had planned for years, and their forces were still ample, their supplies not depleted.

No one thought the rebels would retreat now.

But as it was Xie Yunzhen who spoke, no one dared to question his decision in the army.

After Xie Yunzhen left with his troops, the camp’s defenses became even more stringent.

For fear that the rebels would resort to their old tricks, attacking again.

Influenced by the atmosphere, Ji Mingzhu’s heart was restless, nerves tense, unable to relax.

On normal days, she wouldn’t even leave the main tent unless necessary.

Tianmen Pass was a hundred miles away, and news came back that Xie Yunzhen’s forces had encountered the Xiao Family’s elite troops.

The rebels originally thought they could catch the court off guard with internal and external cooperation.

To overthrow the dynasty and install a new ruler.

Unexpectedly, the matter of secretly mining iron in Yangzhou was uncovered, and Xie Yunzhen had targeted the Xiao Family on behalf of Ji Mingzhu...

Unraveling their secrets thread by thread.

Thus making early preparations and staging a trap to lure them into mobilizing troops.

A single move affects everything.

Falling into the opponent’s trap meant victory chances were slim.

Though now they occupied a few strongholds that were easier to defend than attack, they risk being trapped by court forces over time.

Unable to advance, they could only consider maintaining their current strength.

Though unwilling, the Xiao Family and rebel leaders decided to retreat back to their base, declaring themselves king.

Seizing chance in the future, attacking the capital, and seizing the great rivers and mountains!

Now, chased and blocked by Wei Family Army and Xie Yunzhen’s troops, Tianmen Pass was the rebels’ best breakthrough point.

If they could break through this pass, they would have clear passage back to their territory.

Retreating may be disgraceful, but preserving one’s strength for future battles is wiser!

The Xiao Family considered retreat the most humiliating outcome.

Not anticipating Xie Yunzhen ruining their plans again.

General Xiao ordered, to capture Tianmen Pass at all costs.

A reward of ten thousand gold for whosoever retrieves Xie Yunzhen’s head!

And a noble title in the new dynasty!

In the battle between the two forces, General Wei sought to support Xie Yunzhen.

But an advisor suggested, "Why not wait a little longer, until the rebel forces are halfway spent, then deploy reinforcements. At that point, with our strength renewed, we will surely defeat the rebels!"

General Wei hesitated, "But can Xie Yunzhen hold with his insufficient forces?"

"General Xie is adept in warfare. He can certainly engage with the rebels over multiple rounds, depleting their forces while crushing their morale. With his skill, he will not let them easily escape; do not worry about accounting to the Emperor and common folk."

General Wei felt this unjust.

Isn’t this leaving Xie Yunzhen in a lurch?

"It’s unrighteous, leaving me no face to meet Xie Yunzhen afterwards."

"This is military strategy. General Xie will agree when informed."

General Wei still disagreed.

But some descendants of the Wei Family found the plan excellent.

The Wei Family, defeating the rebels at the last moment and recovering lost ground.

Returning to the capital, claiming honors; the Wei Family will undoubtedly receive primary merit.

Thus the sister in the palace is better positioned; upon future childbirth, her son would be named Crown Prince.

With a powerful external family, the Crown Prince’s position becomes stable.

Moreover, Wei Family’s sons and daughters will have better prospects.

In summary, Wei Family’s status will rise, unable to be shaken for some time.

Thus, they agreed, "I also find this plan excellent; if we rush for aid, the rebels might retreat into their shells, prolonging battles endlessly."

"As long as the final result is to annihilate the rebels, sparing citizens from turmoil, our Wei Family is without guilt."

"There’s no treachery, we are merely allowing the enemy to lower their guard."

"..."

General Wei remained silent for a long while.

Ordered, "Send a message to Xie Yunzhen."

Since the Emperor sent them jointly to quell the rebellion, they must work together.

Otherwise, Xie Yunzhen and his soldiers, unaware, might think they were not coming to aid, chilling their colleagues’ hearts?

With one of their own being Empress already prominent enough, some things should not further be contested.

Otherwise, once all is settled, the Wei Family could become imposing yet problematic in the Emperor’s eyes.

General Wei ordered again, "If rebels dare to harass again, employ strategy against them!"

Though the Xiao Family Army was large, it was split into routes, dispersing forces.

Eliminating those deceptive small groups adds fuel to rebel confusion, disrupting their formation — a fine tactic.

The advisor wanted to speak again, but General Wei’s mind was decided.

"Xiao, in the past, climbed over General Ji and tens of thousands of soldiers’ corpses into power. Now you want me to bleed Xie Yunzhen, taking advantage behind him, how’s this different from rebels!"

Those in the tent dropped to their knees.

No one dared say more.

General Wei’s gaze swept over his own son, "Constantly keep tabs on Tianmen Pass’s situation; if err occurs, I will hold you accountable!"

Lieutenant General Wei sweating profusely, felt his father saw through calculations.

Hastily promised, "I will not fail your trust, General!"

General Wei was satisfied only then.

After issuing orders, he proceeded with chief generals to review maps.

If Tianmen Pass could not be captured, the question remained whether rebels would pursue other routes to return home.

Or become desperate, going for broke with the court.

In past battles, truces were possible.

This time, once the battle began, it has not ceased.

Ji Mingzhu didn’t know how long she had not seen Xie Yunzhen.

Heard he held Tianmen Pass.

Yet rebels made a breakthrough near Wei Family Army and escaped.

Thus Xie Yunzhen hasn’t caught his breath, taking troops to support Wei Family Army.

Frontline battles shifted, Ji Mingzhu also had to relocate.

Heading northwest, unknowingly, the weather warmed.

Ji Mingzhu had yet to see Xie Yunzhen but received a letter from the capital.

The sender was Princess An He.

"Mingzhu, personally open" was clearly written on the envelope.

Confirmed as the recipient, Ji Mingzhu did not hesitate to open the letter.