Wang Tan and Wu Youdao retreated with their men. The next morning, the sun had just risen and its golden rays shone down, warming the land.
It was the beginning of spring, and the weather was chilly. It was even colder at night.
With the sun shining in the morning, it was much more comfortable.
Wang Tan's men were still hurrying on their way back to the Southern Nation's capital. After running for an entire night, Wang Tan stopped to rest and let the soldiers recover their stamina. Once they had recovered, they continued on their way.
Five kilometers ahead, they encountered a village. The army resupplied there and directly requisitioned a batch of grain.
Wang Tan didn't have many soldiers by his side at the moment.
There were less than ten thousand of them.
Such a force was very weak.
However, it was still invincible to the village. Moreover, no one could resist Wang Tan's orders. They could only obediently gather grain for Wang Tan's men to replenish their stamina.
After eating and recovering some stamina, Wang Tan led his men on their way.
The group headed north and arrived at Fufeng Pass in the afternoon. This was the southern barrier of the Southern Nation's capital, an important barrier that protected the capital.
The army rested for a while after arriving at Fufeng Pass.
Fufeng Pass was guarded by troops and also had grain to replenish their stamina.
Wang Tan rested inside the pass after receiving the garrison general. At this time, he called Wu Youdao over and said, "Prime Minister, according to our previous plan, we were prepared to ask the other nations for help. However, we still have Fufeng Pass. Should we borrow its power to defend it? In any case, it can buy us some time. "
"No!"
Wu Youdao shook his head with a look of disapproval.
Wang Tan said, "Why not?"
Wu Youdao said solemnly, "Your Majesty, it looks like we're stalling for time, but in truth, our forces will be depleted after a battle. One must know that if this Fufeng Pass did not have cannon fire, it would naturally be able to defend itself. However, the pass will definitely collapse under continuous cannon fire. Additionally, the enemy has that mysterious weapon that can kill from a distance. "
After pausing for a moment, Wu Youdao continued, "Even if we borrow Fufeng Pass, we won't be able to stop them. Therefore, my suggestion is to withdraw to the capital and defend it. After all, the capital's walls are sturdy, and there's a moat. It won't be easy to destroy the capital with cannon fire alone. This will buy us as much time as possible. "
After Wang Tan heard this, he thought carefully in his heart.
Should they retreat?
That was because Fufeng Pass was, after all, an important checkpoint. Even if they were able to guard it for a bit longer, they would still be able to stall for time. Once they gave up on Fufeng Pass, Du Qi would be able to take advantage of the situation and attack Fufeng Pass after seizing it.
This was not worth it.
Wang Tan shook his head and said, "In this King's view, it is still not advisable to abandon Fufeng Pass for the time being. This King will not guard it personally, but I can leave behind a small number of soldiers to guard it. When we can't hold on any longer, we can just retreat. Not to mention how long they would be able to hold on for, even if they could hold on for two more hours, that would still be time. Delaying for half a day would be even better. If we can keep Du Qi at bay for three to five days, then our reinforcements will have arrived. "
Pausing for a moment, Wang Tan continued, "This King also understands the Prime Minister's intentions. It is to gather all of our forces and gather them in the capital in order to resist. However, splitting our forces a bit won't have much impact. "
Seeing that Wang Tan already had an idea, Wu Youdao did not insist, saying, "We will listen to the King."
Wang Tan nodded and said, "Go and inform Zhou Zhao to come."
Zhou Zhao was the general overseeing Fufeng Pass, and also Wang Tan's trusted general. Therefore, Zhou Zhao was able to guard Fufeng Pass and guard the southern barrier of the Southern Empire.
The soldier went to pass the order, and not long after, Zhou Zhao arrived.
Zhou Zhao was very strong and vigorous. He was over thirty years old and was in the prime of his life. After seeing Wang Tan, he cupped his fists and saluted, "This general Zhou Zhao greets the King."
Wang Tan said, "Zhou Zhao, this King now has an important task for you to complete."
Zhou Zhao said, "Please tell me, Your Majesty."
Wang Tan said in a deep voice, "Our Southern Empire is at war with Xia Xia, and our Southern Empire is in a disadvantageous position. In fact, it was unknown whether the Southern Empire would be able to hold on in the upcoming battle. This King now needs time to ask the other countries for help. Therefore, you take the soldiers to guard Fufeng Pass. This King wants you to guard it for a day. After a day, you can't hold it anymore and want to withdraw. It's up to you. "
After a pause, Wang Tan continued, "Are you confident?"
Zhou Zhao did not answer directly, but asked again, "Your Majesty, you only need to guard it for a day?"
"Yes!"
Wang Tan nodded and said, "Your task is to guard it for a day. As long as a day passes, you will have completed the task. Because with one more day, this King can calmly ask for help. Then, with the help of the capital, I will wait for reinforcements to arrive. "
Zhou Zhao said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. This general will definitely guard it for a day. As long as this subject can hold it, I will not withdraw for the time being and will block Du Qi's army outside Fufeng Pass. "
"Good!"
Wang Tan's face was full of praise.
As the saying goes, only in times of crisis can one show their true colors. When the southern country was in danger, those who were loyal to the country and those who had their own thoughts could be directly identified.
Wang Tan said, "As long as you block Du Qi's attack and defend Fufeng Pass, you will have made a great contribution in this battle. On the day of success, this King will reward you again. "
Zhou Zhao said, "This subject obeys."
Wang Tan asked, "Zhou Zhao, do you have any requests?"
Zhou Zhao said, "This subject does have a request."
Wang Tan said, "There's no harm in saying it."
Zhou Zhao said in a deep voice, "This subject is now guarding Fufeng Pass and needs enough weapons and money. Of course, the pass also has enough weapons and food. This subject intends to reward the soldiers handsomely. As the saying goes, great rewards will attract brave men. Therefore, this time, this subject will go all out to reward the soldiers and raise their morale. Therefore, this subject is prepared to reward the soldiers with food and money, so that they can obtain sufficient benefits. "
Wang Tan waved his sleeve and said, "You can make the arrangements for this matter. Now that you are guarding Fufeng Pass, you have full authority. This King only needs one result, and that is victory. As long as we can't stop Du Qi, you can do anything. "
"Yes!"
Zhou Zhao's face revealed a smile.
It's done!
Wang Tan waved his hand, and Zhou Zhao turned and left.
After Zhou Zhao left, Wu Youdao praised, "Your Majesty is wise. This subject wanted to give up Fufeng Pass. However, Your Majesty's arrangement is to have Zhou Zhao defend Fufeng Pass to the death. As long as we can defend it, nothing will be a problem. Of course, even if we can't defend it, we can buy some time and fight for an opportunity. "
Wang Tan said with a smile, "Prime Minister, this is staking everything on a single throw. We need to gather all our forces to defend."
Wu Youdao nodded.
The two rested for a while, then brought some rations and continued on their way to the capital.
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