Chapter 143: The Rumormonger

    Han Ruzi was prepared to force his way through. If his men couldnt even get through this obstacle, then the idea of defending Shattered Iron City and baiting the Xiongnu would be nothing but a joke.

    There were over thirty military officers blocking the city gates, including two whose ranks were higher than Han Ruzis Central Protector Commander. They had no intention of backing down.

    In order to save a large number of noble scions, the military leaders split into two groups: one group blocked the gates while the other went to see the Grand General, determined to keep their relatives inside the city.

    As night approached and the city gates were about to close, even having a pass would be useless. Han Ruzi decided to wait a little longer. If Chai Yue couldnt arrive in time, he would order his troops to charge.

    Glancing back, he saw that the noble sons remained organized. Cui Teng, not far from Han Ruzi, sat on his horse and sneered, Lets see how long you can push your way around.

    Ignoring him, Han Ruzi said to Zhang Youcai beside him, Go to the Grand Generals mansion and see how Chai Yue is doing.

    Zhang Youcai obeyed the order. Han Ruzis troops consisted of two hundred-man squads. He instructed one squad to continue monitoring the Noble Camp while the other gathered in front of him, forming four lines ready to charge.

    His actions startled everyone except his soldiers, who showed no fear and quickly formed ranks.

    Several dozen officers in front of the city gates whispered to each other. Before long, a military officer rode over and loudly said, Please come for a discussion, Central Protector Commander.

    Han Ruzi said to Prince Donghai, You go.

    Why? Well, since youve given me an order Uh, tell me frankly, what exactly do you want to do?

    Before nightfall, I must lead everyone out of the city and camp with my retinue outside the city. Its not far away. If they let us pass, Ill be grateful. If not, Ill lead the troops out by force.

    But you dont have the Grand Generals pass, Prince Donghai reminded him.

    They dont either.

    Prince Donghai shook his head helplessly, urged his horse forward, and went to negotiate with the officers blocking the gates.

    Han Ruzi looked again at the Noble Camp. In fact, the biggest problem was these peoplenearly five hundred noble sons, along with almost the same number of attendants. If mass disobedience erupted among nearly a thousand people, his small force wouldnt be able to suppress it.

    These people needed to understand that fleeing would come at a heavy price.

    Han Ruzi rode up to Cui Teng.

    Someone might have secretly advised him, or he might have become smart in the critical moment. Cui Teng didnt utter a single swear word. Instead, he smiled and said, Brother-in-law, youre really impressive. Are you really going to fight? Give me my sabre back, and Ill charge with you.

    Your five-day confinement isnt over yet, Han Ruzi said coldly.

    Cui Teng immediately nodded, neither getting angry nor defiant. Han Ruzi wanted to use him as an example, but he was behaving impeccably.

    Han Ruzi stared at Cui Teng for a while. Cui Teng grinned, looking even more innocent.

    Unable to do anything, Han Ruzi had to find another target. However, none of the usually arrogant noble sons dared to leave ranks. They were remarkably disciplined.

    Han Ruzi realized that there was no need to resort to intimidation tactics; they were already intimidated.

    He was puzzled. He hadnt done much, just disciplined Cui Teng a bit. It shouldnt have had such a significant impact. Yet here they were, all the noble sons, sitting still on their horses. It was their attendants, who looked shocked.

    The next day, Han Ruzi went into the city to meet with Han Xing and formally received orders to guard Shattered Iron City, as a lure for the Xiongnu.

    It was a plan that required careful coordination. Han Xing finally proved himself capable, summoning a large number of generals to make extremely detailed plans for ambushes, communication, intercepting, scouting the Xiongnus situation, food and supplies transportation, and reserve forces, among other things. Everything was arranged so meticulously that no one, especially the Weary Marquis, could raise any doubts.

    Han Xing truly needed this military achievement, but he couldnt participate personally; he had to stay in Mayi City to confuse the Xiongnu.

    Chai Yue was appointed as the deputy general to assist the Weary Marquis in executing the plan. The positions of grain officials, messengers, flag officers, and others were all assigned by the Grand General, all under the jurisdiction of Han Ruzi as the Northern Protection General.

    The third day was spent further refining the plan.

    Before Han Ruzi even reached Shattered Iron City, he had gained a considerable understanding of it. There was a garrison of about a thousand troops in Shattered Iron City, all of whom were indeed elderly, weak, sick, or disabled. Han Xing took back command of the Clear Defense Company and allocated two thousand elite soldiers to Han Ruzi, along with a thousand troops from his own camp, over a thousand noble offspring and attendants, making a total of five thousand defenders in Shattered Iron City.

    With everything settled, although the Chu army was full of holes, it hadnt completely decayed and was still capable of executing complex ambush plans.

    Han Ruzi was about to set out with his troops. Several individuals he had requested from both the Northern and Southern armies would meet him at Divine Hero Pass.

    The night before the march, the person who had spread the rumors finally came to claim credit.

    Cui Teng was still under confinement. The noble sons who were often bullied by him, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Yanghaos bruises had faded, and he came to see Han Ruzi long after nightfall when Han Ruzi was about to sleep.

    Zhang Yanghao seemed a bit impatient. After a few polite words, he revealed the truth, The Weary Marquis is a man of great ambition. Why not recruit talents to your own faction?

    Its just one ambush, hardly a big deal.

    Zhang Yanghao smiled, Resisting the Xiongnu is indeed a small matter. Im talking about the real big event.

    Han Ruzi understood, asking coldly, Were you the one spreading the rumors?

    Heh, at that time, morale was shaky, and everyone was speculating why you suddenly became severe and how you managed to gain the Grand Generals favor. I just dropped a hint, and they believed it. And it spread quickly, without needing my direct involvement. It shows that you have won the peoples hearts.

    Han Ruzi had initially thought Zhang Yanghao was merely lacking in foresight, but now he realized he was a total gambler: the more he lost, the more he bet, refusing to give up.

    From that day on, Han Ruzi marked Zhang Yanghao as a target to be closely watched. Such a gambler was not to be trusted and could even bring about major trouble.

    But for now, Han Ruzi merely snorted lightly. Peoples hearts? The hearts of the people are in the Capital, not here.

    Zhang Yanghao was overjoyed. Since the Weary Marquis was complaining about the peoples hearts, it meant he truly had great ambitions. Taking a couple of steps forward, he continued softly, I wonder if the Lord Marquis has noticed, there are differences even among the noble sons. People like Cui Teng are just spoiled idlers, arrogant in normal times but useless when needed. Its those of lower status, like me, like Chai Yue, who have only one path to climb the social ranksachieving merit

    Youre the legitimate grandson of Marquis Piyuan, what more do you have to worry about?

    My grandfather only knows how to fight; he doesnt understand court politics. Without a foothold in the court, even if I inherit the title, Ill still be the bullied Marquis Piyuan, no different from Marquis Guiyis family.

    Zhang Yanghao knelt before the desk, his voice trembling with excitement. If the Lord Marquis has great ambitions, I am willing to serve as a loyal dog or workhorse.

    This wasnt the first time Zhang Yanghao had shown his loyalty. Han Ruzi stared at him seriously for a moment before asking, Are there many people like you?

    Many. At least half of the Noble Camp. We just usually keep a low profile and go unnoticed.

    Han Ruzi couldnt help but wonder, what advice would Yang Feng give if he were here? He wondered how the Founding Emperor, Han Fu, had managed to win over his first followers as a commoner.

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    CH 142