Chapter 273: If They Don’t Come, No Problem; If They Come, They’re Trapped!
“Regarding the grain transportation ships, they follow the Great Wave River from Hulao Pass all the way to the capital, covering a distance of over 800 miles. However, if Prince of Southern Jiang intends to hijack the ships for grain, the most suitable location is near Mount Gongxu,” Lin Beifan explained.
“Here, there’s a river route that leads straight to the south. Even if they take a land route, the journey is relatively smooth, facilitating grain transportation. Additionally, this location is quite distant from cities on both sides, making it difficult for the court to mount a rescue.”
“For this stretch, it’s approximately 200 miles.”
The Empress nodded, “Continue, My Minister.”
“Mount Gongxu is the optimal spot for grain robbery! But to carry out such an operation, they must have sufficient manpower. Firstly, to transport the grain, and secondly, to deal with the court’s response,” Lin Beifan raised five fingers, “I estimate it would require around 50,000 to 60,000 troops.”
“In summary, if Prince of Southern Jiang wants to seize the grain, it’s highly likely that they would deploy around 50,000 to 60,000 troops near Mount Gongxu. Therefore, if we defend this position well, we can be quite confident in our security.”
“So, here’s my strategy,” Lin Beifan smirked, “We can claim to be guarding the grain and set up checkpoints 100 miles outward from Mount Gongxu. These checkpoints would be heavily guarded, not allowing anyone to approach. All travelers would be directed to take a detour. However, we can secretly create an opening. By letting them bribe the soldiers, we can secretly allow a few individuals to enter.”
“Under such circumstances, Prince of Southern Jiang would definitely not send a large force openly, as that would lead to premature exposure and outweigh the benefits. Therefore, the most likely scenario is that they would infiltrate Mount Gongxu disguised as common folk.”
“But they would still need to pay to enter Mount Gongxu! Regular civilians are usually reluctant to part with their money and would rather take a longer route than pay. So, once they pay, it’s an indication that most of these ‘civilians’ are likely Prince of Southern Jiang’s soldiers in disguise. We can then take them down one by one, capturing them all and causing Prince of Southern Jiang to suffer losses.”
The Empress’s eyes lit up, “Ingenious!”
“But what if Prince of Southern Jiang’s people don’t show up?” a minister asked.
“If they don’t come, there’s no issue; if they come, they’ll undoubtedly be trapped like turtles in a jar!” Lin Beifan exclaimed confidently.
“Each esteemed minister, what do you think of this plan?” the Empress asked the officials.
The officials looked at each other and collectively responded, “We have no objections!”
“That settles it!” the Empress concluded decisively.
Thus, a strong force was dispatched, centered around Mount Gongxu and extending outward for 100 miles, with multiple layers of checkpoints set up to prevent anyone from approaching.
At this time, a group of imperial soldiers were dispersing the people on the road to Mount Gongxu.
“This area is sealed off. No one is allowed to approach!”
“Why is it sealed off?” The bewildered citizens asked.
The soldiers declared loudly, “Because the court’s grain transport ships are preparing to pass through here! For safety reasons, we have temporarily closed this section of the road and the river passage. No one is allowed near!”
“But we need to go to the capital!”
“You can take a detour; it might take you an extra two or three days.”
“Oh my, why is it like this…?”
…
The citizens started complaining one after another.
This situation was quickly detected by scouts sent by Prince of Southern Jiang. In haste, they returned to report, “Your Highness, there’s a major problem!”
Prince of Southern Jiang walked out, asking, “Why are you in such a panic? Tell me in detail!”
The scout urgently reported, “Your Highness, here’s the situation. To safeguard the grain transport ships, the court has sealed off all routes to Mount Gongxu…”
After hearing this, Prince of Southern Jiang’s face darkened, “The court’s actions are clearly directed at us!”
Wang Fugui sighed and nodded, “Indeed, Your Highness! They know we lack grain and are afraid we might set our sights on their supplies. That’s why they have heavily guarded Mount Gongxu to prevent us.”
Prince of Southern Jiang felt unwilling, “Are we really just going to give up like this? Fugui, quickly think of a solution for me!”
Wang Fugui was also very anxious, “Wait a moment, Your Highness. Let me think!”
A day later, Wang Fugui returned with a delighted expression, “Your Highness, I’ve come up with a plan!”
Prince of Southern Jiang urged, “Tell me quickly!”
“Your Highness, here’s the idea. I had people disguise themselves as regular citizens to test the court’s troops. And guess what? They all turned out to be very greedy. As long as we offer them a few taels of silver, the imperial soldiers secretly allow passage.”
Prince of Southern Jiang’s eyes lit up, “Such a thing happened?”
Wang Fugui smiled, “Your Highness, corruption exists from top to bottom in the court. High officials are corrupt, low officials are corrupt, and sometimes even the lowest officials are immensely corrupt. You’re not unaware of this!”
Prince of Southern Jiang nodded, “That’s true!”
“So, my plan is like this,” Wang Fugui said in a low voice with a chuckle, “We can have our troops disguise themselves as common folk, bribe the imperial soldiers, and infiltrate Mount Gongxu piece by piece. They will never suspect that under such tight security, someone would dare to steal their grain. This will surely lead to laxity on their part, greatly benefiting us!”
Prince of Southern Jiang nodded repeatedly, “You’re absolutely right, you’re absolutely right!”
“Additionally, we should send tens of thousands of soldiers outside to provide support. Once we succeed in coordinating inside and outside, the court will be caught off guard. Moreover, we can seize the grain as well!” Prince of Southern Jiang exclaimed with joy, “Very well, very well!”
“Your Highness, we can also contact Northern Prince and act together according to this plan! This way, the court will inevitably divert its attention, and our chances of success will greatly increase!” Wang Fugui suggested.
“You’re right, that’s the way to go!” Prince of Southern Jiang clapped his hands in agreement.
So, he had his elite troops disguise themselves as common citizens who were supposed to pass through Mount Gongxu.
“Sir, I need to go to the capital to make a living!”
“This area is sealed off. You can’t approach. Take a detour!”
“A detour? That’s too far. It will take an extra three or four days. Don’t be fooled by my strong appearance; my health is actually weak! Please, sir, could you do me a favor?”
“I’m a man of principles; there’s nothing to discuss.”
“Sir…”
The Southern soldiers disguised as commoners slyly handed over a tael or two of silver to the court soldiers.
The court soldiers nonchalantly tucked the money into their pockets.
Meanwhile, a few other court soldiers saw this and coughed discreetly.
The Southern soldiers, being clever, each offered a tael or two of silver, which the court soldiers swiftly pocketed.
“It seems you’re really having no problems. You can go in. But remember, don’t wander around, especially near the river. If anything happens, don’t blame me for not warning you.”
“Don’t worry, esteemed officials, we’re all ordinary citizens and know how to behave!”
The court soldiers opened the gate, saying, “Go in!”
“Thank you! Thank you, esteemed officials!”
The Southern soldiers, having successfully bribed their way in, went on gratefully.
However, shortly after entering, they encountered more well-disciplined court soldiers on the way, looking even more formidable.
“Stop! Get down and raise your hands!”
“Esteemed officials, you misunderstand. I’m just an ordinary citizen. I came in after paying money!”
“We’re here to catch people like you who pay money. Take him away!”
So, the disguised citizen couldn’t resist and was captured.
But those outside didn’t know, and Prince of Southern Jiang remained clueless. The trap was set, and people were unwittingly walking into it.
Over the course of three or four days, the court captured around 50,000 Southern soldiers.
On that day, Prince of Southern Jiang was somewhat excited.
Because the grain transport ships were slowly entering the territory of Mount Gongxu, the operation to seize the grain was about to begin. Once they secured this batch of grain, his shortage problem would be solved. He would at least endure until the bountiful autumn harvest later this year.
Once the food issue was resolved, he could resume his pursuit of the throne.
This matter was of great importance, and Prince of Southern Jiang came personally.
Waiting left and right, he was extremely anxious, “Why hasn’t it started yet? Did something go wrong?”
“Your Highness, there’s no need to worry!” Wang Fugui reassured, “The court’s grain transport ships have just entered Mount Gongxu. It will take at least two days and nights for them to exit. We can wait patiently!”
“Furthermore, General Zhao is in charge of the operation! General Zhao is always prudent. He should choose to strike when the enemy’s strength is depleted at night and defenses are lax. This way, we can achieve more with less effort!”
“Once he succeeds, General Zhao will surely send us a signal. Then we can act! Coordinating inside and outside, we will catch the court off guard and seize the grain!”
Prince of Southern Jiang clapped his hands, “Good! I’ll wait until tonight for your good news!”
“Yes, Your Highness!” Wang Fugui bowed.
The daytime quickly passed, and finally, night fell.
The weather was pleasant tonight—clear moonlight and a gentle breeze, especially comfortable.
After finishing dinner, Prince of Southern Jiang grew impatient again, “Why hasn’t General Zhao given the signal yet? Haven’t they succeeded?”
“Your Highness, there’s no rush!” Wang Fugui smiled, “Everyone has just finished eating dinner. They’re still in high spirits. It’s not the right time to act yet! In the latter half of the night, General Zhao should make his move!”
“Very well, I’ll wait for another two hours.” Prince of Southern Jiang clenched his teeth and found a clean place to rest his eyes for a moment.
Two hours quickly passed.
Prince of Southern Jiang woke up and checked the time, asking those around him, “Why haven’t we received the signal?”
Wang Fugui remained composed, “Your Highness, everyone has just fallen asleep. I believe General Zhao must be preparing to act. Let’s give him a bit more time!”
“Fine, I’ll wait for one more hour.”
