345: Chapter 345 It's Hard to Say

Wansong County, Baishui Prefecture.

As the county seat closest to the city, it was also the shortest path for the Barbarian Army to cross Baishui Prefecture, aside from the main city itself.

Upon learning that the main force of the Barbarian Army might bypass the main city and pass directly through the surrounding counties, the local Militia had already assembled.

General Zhao Kuan brought Xu Zhen and several other old subordinates to Wansong County to take charge of its defense.

Seeing that it was almost noon, General Zhao Kuan was conducting his final inspection.

"Colonel Liu, are the trenches all set up?"

The Militia colonel following beside him was none other than Colonel Liu Kun, who had experienced the previous great battle against the Barbarian Army.

"Rest assured, General Zhao, our trenches were actually completed three months ago."

"Following General Lin's requirements, cement and iron plates are usually laid over them to facilitate the passage of carriages and horses."

"Once war breaks out, we just remove these plates and they're ready for use immediately, so it's very convenient."

After half a year of tempering and internal training within the Zhenbei Army, Colonel Liu Kun had become exceptionally capable and confident.

"That's good. As long as the trenches restrict the barbarians and prevent their cavalry from charging effectively, it will be much easier for us to fight."

General Zhao Kuan breathed a sigh of relief, secretly admiring Lin Xiao for his foresight.

Of course, being able to do this was largely because the Zhenbei Army no longer lacked iron after opening trade with the Western Qiang.

Coupled with that cheap cement, it wasn't painful at all; a few donkey carts were enough to complete daily trench maintenance.

There were even bunkers and watchtowers made of cement and stone at intervals throughout Wansong County.

Although few in number, they could still serve for reconnaissance and interception.

At this moment, two valiant-looking women dressed in slim-fitting leather armor approached from the rear.

One held a longsword, while the other carried a zither on her back.

"General Zhao, how are the defenses? Is there anything we can help with?"

General Zhao Kuan looked back, somewhat surprised. "Boss Su? Princess? Why have you come here? What's with this attire?"

The soldiers present all showed looks of astonishment.

Su Wansha and Xie Juner—one was the chief manager of the Northern Trade Alliance, and the other was a noble princess.

Even if they just stayed in the city and didn't retreat to the rear, it would be considered support for the frontline soldiers. Coming to the front lines in full military gear was truly unnecessary!

"Since we are the family of the Great General of Zhenbei, we naturally must stand with the soldiers against the Barbarian Army."

Xie Juner smiled. "It's just that Sister Wansha and I have little combat experience, so Madame sent us here to follow General Zhao's orders."

"Oh, Princess, Boss Su, please don't joke like this!"

General Zhao Kuan said with a bitter face, "If anything happens to you, how can I face my brother?"

"It's probably too late to return to the city now. Quick, go into the county town; I'll send a squad to protect you!"

The two women looked at each other, having guessed it would be like this.

"General Zhao, don't worry. We are no longer the weak women we once were; our husband has taught us martial arts," Su Wansha explained.

"We're quite capable of fighting now and at least won't hold anyone back. Just give us your orders."

General Zhao Kuan looked helpless, thinking to himself: How much skill can you really have from last-minute cramming?

Besides, Su Wansha having a sword was one thing, but what was the deal with Xie Juner carrying a zither? Was she going to provide musical accompaniment?

But he couldn't withstand the two women's determination, and since it was Xiao Qingxuan's order, he had no choice but to find a way to arrange something.

"How about this: you go with Colonel Liu Kun to guard the slopes on the east side of the county town. They're short-handed there."

The two women immediately cupped their fists in excitement.

"Yes, General Zhao!"

Before coming, Xiao Qingxuan had specifically instructed them to respect General Zhao Kuan's opinions and not try to be clever.

They were actually unsure themselves how they would perform on a real battlefield with real weapons after their skills had improved by leaps and bounds.

So, as long as General Zhao Kuan was willing to give them a chance, they weren't picky; they would just try it first.

General Zhao Kuan signaled Colonel Liu Kun with his eyes to stay sharp.

Colonel Liu Kun looked depressed. Guarding two of the General's wives meant he would have to focus entirely on defense; risking his life against the Barbarian Army was out of the question now.

After the two women left, General Zhao Kuan was still uneasy.

"Xu Zhen, do you think there will be any danger with this arrangement?"

"Normally, cavalry won't charge high ground. There shouldn't be many enemies there, at least better than here, right?" Xu Zhen said.

General Zhao Kuan nodded and sighed. "My sister-in-law said some experts would support us, but I don't know when they'll arrive..."

"It couldn't be those two, could it?" After Xu Zhen spoke, even he felt it was preposterous.

General Zhao Kuan frowned. Normally, it would be impossible, but when Lin Xiao was involved, it really was hard to say!

Just then, the ground began to vibrate!?

"General Zhao! The Barbarian Army is here!!"

"At least ten thousand of them!!"

General Zhao Kuan's body shook. As Xiao Qingxuan had expected, Marshal Suhe didn't plan to besiege the city but instead intended to bypass it and strike directly into the heart of Dagan!

Although Wansong County had gathered over ten thousand Militia from nearby towns and villages, plus the two thousand-plus soldiers he brought, giving them a slight numerical advantage...

The problem was that the quality was completely different!

"Everyone, hold your positions! Bunkers, watchtowers—once they're within three hundred paces, fire at will!"

General Zhao Kuan led the soldiers to stand behind the trenches, where ballistae from the Arsenal were already poised and ready.

The Barbarian Army cavalry had clearly scouted ahead. As they neared the trenches, the iron-masked general at the lead decisively issued orders to split the forces!

Instantly, the Barbarian Army's superb horsemanship was on display as the large force methodically split into three groups and began to bypass from different directions!?

Although this sacrificed the power of a concentrated charge, it maximized the preservation of their combat strength.

"Damn it! They know our elite main force isn't in Baishui Prefecture, so they plan to engage us in close-quarters combat!"

"They're taking advantage of our Militia's weak foundation, knowing they're no match for regular troops!"

General Zhao Kuan immediately realized that Marshal Suhe had already figured out the situation on both sides; they had come prepared.

"Fire!—"

General Zhao Kuan hurriedly ordered. They had to reduce the number of barbarians as much as possible before hand-to-hand combat began.

As the ballistae and Composite Bows showed their might, a large number of barbarian cavalry were shot down before they could even draw their own bows.

But these barbarians, who viewed death as coming home, continued to charge recklessly even when wounded.

Additionally, since much of the superior equipment had been taken by the main force, the defenders only had a few dozen ballistae available.

Without the support of trenches, their lethality was naturally limited.

Amidst the shouts of battle, that barbarian general wearing a ferocious beast iron mask led a unit of the Barbarian Army straight toward the eastern high ground!

This general was one of Marshal Suhe's adopted sons, Turile.

Having followed Marshal Suhe for many years, he also understood the principle of "doing the unexpected."

Normally, cavalry wouldn't charge up a high slope, but because of that, the Zhenbei Army wouldn't dig trenches on the high slopes!

"There are no trenches there! Charge up with me!!"

Seeing over three thousand cavalry following their commander toward the eastern high ground, General Zhao Kuan's blood ran cold!