After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 223: Killed by One Arrow

Silence fell immediately inside the tent.

Faced with such a major event, the best solution is to confirm the truth of the matter before making a decision. However, according to the young military supervisor, if they wait for the scouts to return with the news and then confirm whether the Northern Barbarian army's attack is real or not, it will be too late.

One of the generals spoke up: "In my opinion, we should just fight back. They're just the Northern Barbarians, my defeated foe!"

"Don't forget that General Ping led 300,000 troops to Fucheng, and the Marquis led 50,000 troops back to the capital to quell the rebellion. We now only have 50,000 soldiers left, and the Northern Barbarians are invading with 150,000 troops. What are we going to fight them with? To just fight back? I think you're an old man who's hanging himself and not afraid of death!"

The general who had spoken first fell silent upon hearing this.

The general who had been angrily confronting him stepped forward: "Lord Zheng, in my humble opinion, we should not confront the Northern Barbarians head-on, but should instead gather our forces to defend the city."

The Northern Barbarian army outnumbered the Zhenbei Army three to one. Even if the Zhenbei Army had the ability to fight ten against one, the Northern Barbarian warriors were not to be underestimated.

Given the current situation where the enemy is stronger and we are weaker, retreating into the city to defend ourselves is the best option for them.

The young military supervisor did not immediately express his opinion. He raised his arm slightly, and the generals below tacitly fell silent.

Zheng Hao spoke up: "In this battle, the entire army has retreated into the city. Generals, please immediately take stock of your troops and enter the city. Do you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Kang looked up and echoed, "Before the Marquis left, he told us to listen to Lord Zheng. We will do whatever Lord Zheng says!"

The generals of the Zhenbei Army are not just anyone who can be commanded. Apart from the Marquis of Zhenbei, they don't even respect the Emperor's orders.

Tian Kang was willing to listen to the young military supervisor for two reasons: first, it was the order of the Marquis of Zhenbei; and second, he had some contact with the young military supervisor and knew that the other party was not just a theorist.

The other generals couldn't think of any other good strategies, and with a major battle imminent, they had no time to hesitate.

The generals looked at the young military supervisor and declared, "We will obey Lord Zheng's orders!"

Zheng Hao did not hesitate. He turned to the young man who had not spoken and said, "I would like to trouble Uncle Gu to help me send a message to Mr. Ye to come to the military camp to discuss the war."

Gu An and Er Cheng were just outside the camp. Any one of them could go back to the city and invite Ye Kuo over. Gu Lin knew that Zheng Hao said this to divert him away and prevent him from getting involved in the war.

With military matters pressing, they had no time for sentimentality. Gu Lin exchanged a glance with the young military supervisor and then turned and left.

Stepping out of the tent, he saw Yu Ercheng waiting outside. He said sternly, "After returning to the city, go to the white porcelain factory and invite Ning Fangshi here. I need his help with something."

Yu Ercheng nodded without hesitation.

After returning to the city, the two split up. Gu Lin returned to his residence and sent someone to escort Ye Kuo to the military camp. A moment later, Yu Ercheng brought Ning Fangshi into the residence.

"My boss."

The two walked into the lobby.

After a long time, Ning Fangshi looked fairer and plumper, and his appearance was much younger.

Ning Fangshi bowed and stood up: "My master summoned me here because of the attack by the Northern Barbarian army. I wonder what your orders are? I will certainly not refuse."

On the way here, Yu Ercheng had already told him everything, so Gu Lin didn't need to waste any more time explaining the current situation to him.

Without standing on ceremony, Gu Lin handed him what he had just written. Ning Fangshi took it and looked at it: "This is..."

Seeing the puzzled look on the other person's face, Gu Lin didn't keep him in suspense and explained, "This paper records the method of making gunpowder. Gunpowder has enormous destructive power, with the force of a landslide. If we can successfully make it, our soldiers will no longer be at a disadvantage against the enemy."

Looking at the prescription in his hand, which contained all the familiar ingredients, Ning Fangshi had never imagined that these ingredients mixed together would have such great power. He did not doubt what the young man said.

Seeing that Ning Fangshi seemed to be deep in thought, Gu Lin stared at him with a serious expression: "Please develop this product as soon as possible. Jingcheng is in imminent danger, and its survival depends on you."

Knowing the gravity of the situation, he knew that if Jingcheng fell, his life would be in danger.

Ning Fangshi solemnly replied, "I will certainly not fail my master's trust."

After Ning Fangshi left, it was getting dark, and Yu Ercheng said, "Master, please have some dinner first."

Gu Lin shook his head slightly. The enemy army would be attacking tomorrow, so he had no time for dinner.

Gu Lin said to Er Cheng, "Starting tomorrow, close the Baici Factory, Liuli Factory, and other restaurants and shops. You take some people to recalculate how much grain we have left in our warehouse. I'll write a few more invitations, and you can personally deliver them to the heads of those households tomorrow."

“Yes!” Yu Ercheng replied.

That night.

The sound of horses' hooves echoed in the suburbs, accompanied by billowing dust. A figure rode to the gate of the camp, took out a token, had it checked by the guards, and then immediately entered the camp.

The generals were discussing important matters when an urgent voice came through: "Report—150,000 Northern Barbarian troops are heading towards Jingcheng!"

The generals stopped speaking.

The young military supervisor at the head of the table, calm and collected, looked up at the outside of the tent and said, "Enter!"

The scout lifted the curtain and approached the young military supervisor.

He raised his hands in a fist salute, speaking quickly and steadily: "Report—150,000 troops of the Northern Barbarians are attacking, and will arrive at the outskirts of Jingcheng no later than tomorrow!"

When the young man brought the Northern Barbarian spy to the military camp to report the news, some generals still held onto a glimmer of hope, thinking that the information the other party had obtained was inaccurate. Now that the scout has returned with reliable information, all their glimmer of hope has vanished, and compared to the daytime, their faces are even more solemn.

Zheng Hao waved his hand, signaling the scouts to leave.

Then, he looked down at the generals below, his thin lips slightly parted, his tone calm: "The enemy has not yet attacked, so do not be discouraged. I have already sent someone to deliver a message to General Ping. It will take at least four days to get back to Jingcheng from Fucheng. General Ping will definitely return immediately after receiving the message."

After the young military supervisor finished speaking, Tian Kang stood up and looked at the other generals: "Lord Zheng is right. It's just the Northern Barbarian army. It's not like we haven't fought them before. This is a defensive battle. You don't need to go out of the city and face them head-on. Why are you so dejected as if you've already lost a battle before the battle has even started!"

"Bullshit! How could I lose?! Every time I faced the Northern Barbarians, they were always beaten to a pulp!"

"Don't provoke me. If I were scared, I wouldn't be wearing this military uniform. So what if they're northern barbarians? I'll still beat them to a pulp this time!"

Tian Kang chuckled dismissively, "Who do you think you are! With me here, you'll all have a chance to steal the credit. After this battle, my rank will definitely be higher than yours!"

Immediately, the other generals glared at him angrily.

Zheng Hao ordered in a deep voice: "Starting tonight, proceed according to the arrangements made during the day. General Tian and I will guard the main gate, while the other gates will be assigned to the generals. If we are outmatched, immediately send someone to request help!"

The generals rose and clasped their hands in greeting: "Your subordinates obey orders!"

As he watched the generals leave the camp, Zheng Hao lowered his eyelids, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

What he just said was based on the premise that Ping Jin returned to the city in time to provide relief. If things change unexpectedly, they will have to hold Jingcheng.

No one slept that night. Everyone busied themselves according to the young military supervisor's arrangements. The military camp was ablaze with fire. Zheng Hao returned to the city overnight to prepare for the defense of the city. The other generals followed after handling their affairs.

This battle was a defensive battle. After the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army entered Jingcheng, the young military supervisor ordered all the city gates to be closed.

The government office became a temporary meeting place for military discussions. Gu Lin kept people watching the movements in the city, and as soon as they returned, he immediately sent someone to inquire.

Having received accurate information, Gu Lin traveled by carriage to the government office.

Following Da Zhuo, Gu Lin entered the office of the young prefect. He noticed that Da Zhuo was still wearing his daytime clothes and was busy at his desk, having not changed his clothes.

He approached and looked down, discovering that the other person was looking at a city layout map, marked with elegant, uniform handwriting.

Gu Lin raised his eyes slightly and saw that the young military supervisor's brows were tightly furrowed, unlike his calm and composed demeanor during the day.

Sensing the dark shadow looming over him, the young military supervisor looked up at the newcomer. Gu Lin picked up the food box and said, "I heard from Da Zhuo that you haven't had your dinner yet. Have some first."

There were no tables and chairs for dining inside. Zheng Hao put away the city layout map, and Gu Lin placed the food box on the table.

Gu Lin took out the food and set it out. Zheng Hao asked, "Uncle Gu, have you had dinner yet?"

With a hint of fatigue between his brows, he had been working tirelessly on city defense and troop deployment since receiving news of the northern barbarian invasion.

The young man said without changing his expression, "I've already eaten. Let me have some more late-night snacks with you."

Zheng Hao had no objection.

He picked up his chopsticks and bowl, still maintaining an elegant demeanor, but due to the approaching war, he ate with a speed he hadn't shown before. He ate at the same table as his opponent, and Gu Lin, who originally had no appetite, finished a bowl of soup noodles.

After finishing their meal, Gu Lin looked up and saw the bloodshot eyes of the young man. Feeling sorry for him, he advised, "You've already made the arrangements for the day. Get a good night's sleep tonight and be well-rested for battle. General Ping will definitely lead his troops back to rescue us as soon as he receives the news!"

Knowing how hard Zheng Hao works, Gu Lin was afraid that if he wasn't there to remind him, Zheng Hao would stay up all night to prepare for the challenge.

Fortunately, the young military supervisor listened to him and nodded to show that he understood. He then said, "During the war, I will trouble Uncle Gu to handle the affairs in the city for me. Most of the Zhenbei Army's grain and fodder have been taken away by Pingjin, and there is only enough for the army to use for seven days. Tomorrow I will send five hundred soldiers to assist Uncle Gu. I would also like to ask Uncle Gu to raise grain and fodder for me in the city. If the merchants and families keep making excuses, Uncle Gu, please do not be polite. I will take care of everything. I will send Deng Ting with Uncle Gu at that time."

Gu Lin listened attentively and nodded slightly. Zheng Hao said, "If there is anything important later, Uncle Gu, come directly to the government office to find me."

After discussing their business, Gu Lin left.

He raised his hand to stop Zheng Hao from seeing him out, and spoke softly, his voice carrying a unique warmth in the night: "There's no need to see me off. During this great battle, you are the commander-in-chief of the three armies, and you should be busy with important matters."

Knowing that Uncle Gu was worried that his seeing him off would damage his prestige among the generals and soldiers, and not wanting to cause the other party any more concern, Zheng Hao stopped after seeing him out of the house, turned to look at Yu Ercheng who was guarding outside the door, and said in a deep voice: "Send the master back to his residence."

Yu Ercheng tensed up: "Yes!"

Compared to his youth, the young military supervisor became increasingly authoritative after entering officialdom. In the past, although Yu Ercheng carried out the other party's orders seriously, he was restrained by the fact that the other party was the stepson of the master and the cunning and scheming methods revealed by the other party.

Faced with the young military supervisor's orders, Yu Ercheng carried them out without the slightest hesitation. From his conversations with Da Zhuo and his several encounters with the young military supervisor, he could personally sense the tremendous changes in Lord Zheng; the man's cunning and methods had become far more profound than before.

Dawn.

Thick dust billowed up in the distance outside the city, and the deafening sound of horses' hooves and footsteps drew closer.

The young military supervisor, clad in armor, stood guard behind the city wall alongside Tian Kang. Hearing the commotion coming from outside the city, his eyes darkened slightly as he said to Tian Kang, "General Tian, ​​it's time to prepare for battle!"

After listening to the young military supervisor's words, Tian Kang held his breath and said to the soldiers, "Be on alert, the enemy is heading towards Jingcheng."

The Northern Barbarians marched extremely fast; in no time, their 150,000-strong army arrived at the city.

Zheng Hao lifted his leg and walked towards the city wall. Tian Kang's expression changed: "Lord Zheng, you mustn't! If you get injured, we will be leaderless."

Zheng Hao raised his hand, and Tian Kang stopped speaking.

He turned to look at the other party: "I am wearing armor and am prepared for defense. General Tian should know whether I can climb the city wall or not."

Listening to the young military supervisor's words, Tian Kang couldn't help but look down at the strong physique under the other's silver armor. At the same time, recalling the young military supervisor's skills in the army, he stopped trying to dissuade him.

Zheng Hao arrived at the city wall, where soldiers stood every few steps with bows and arrows pointing outwards. He stood by the wall and heard shouts coming from below!

"I am Huyan Na, the mighty general of the Northern Barbarians. Why is the Zhenbei Army guarding the city and refusing to come out? Could it be that they fear my Northern Barbarians!"

"It's laughable that the generals of the Zhenbei Army are hiding inside the city. Why don't they hurry out of the city and meet the enemy in battle!"

A northern barbarian general, clad in heavy armor and as strong as a brown bear, kept challenging them to battle!

Seeing that the people in the city ignored him, Huyan Na began to hurl vulgarities at him.

Tian Kang's face flushed red. He wished he could immediately leave the city and cut off the enemy's head to crush the arrogant morale of the Northern Barbarians. However, he knew that Hu Yan was doing it on purpose, and if he really went out of the city to fight, he would be falling into the enemy's trap.

Suddenly, the young military supervisor beside him spoke up: "Bring me my bow and arrows."

Before Tian Kang could react, he saw the guards beside the other party produce a finely crafted bow and arrows from somewhere.

Taking the bow and arrow, Zheng Hao held the bow in one hand and nocked the arrow with the other, the sharp arrowhead pointing towards the general below.

Upon seeing this, Tian Kang's expression changed: "Lord Zheng...?"

Before he could finish speaking, the young military supervisor released his long, slender fingers, and the arrow, whistling through the air, shot straight out of the city. The Northern Barbarian general, who had been cursing incessantly, was suddenly struck by the arrow, and his tall and imposing body fell from his horse.

The soldiers behind rushed forward to check on Huyan Na's life or death, only to find that the man's eyes were already wide open and he was no longer breathing.

He quickly moved Huyan Na's body back to the rear. A northern barbarian general saw the arrow stuck in Huyan Na's chest and a look of shock crossed his face!

This place is so far from the city wall, who could possess such divine archery skills to pierce Huyan's heart with a single arrow, killing him instantly?!