The Wife Is First / 妻为上 (You Own My All)

Chapter 53: Critical

"Wait!" Mu Hanzhang hurriedly called out to the right protectorate general and said quickly, "I've already ordered people to put in stakes all around the camp. Quickly, have the soldiers tie stumbling ropes* between the stakes." (*ropes to trip up the horses)

The right protectorate general was stunned for a moment, then turned to run out.

Mu Hanzhang turned his head to the left protectorate general and said, "How might infantry win against cavalry?"

The left protectorate general said calmly, "Cavalry only relies on speed. Three infantrymen can take down one cavalry soldier."

Mu Hanzhang nodded slightly when he heard these words. "In terms of numbers, we have a great deal more people, but the enemy troops are attacking our large camp in a surprise raid. However, we must not panic. The right protectorate general is impulsive. Quickly, go and deploy your troops: set up a defense in all directions. Station the troops behind the stumbling ropes. The camp is square in shape, 165 meters on each side."

The left protectorate general cupped his fists and said, "Yes, sir!"

***

Zhao Meng's soldiers were given a sound beating right after they entered Sheng Jing Pass. A large number of foot soldiers brandishing curved blades rushed down from the mountains and focused on cutting the horses' hooves. This forced Zhao Meng's soldiers to continue on foot, killing as they advanced.

Unexpectedly, not only was this path heavily garrisoned, it was also dangerous everywhere. There were rolling stones, traps, and spikes, all of which made them suffer the entire way.

"General!" The captain of the cavalry supported Zhao Meng. They had just made it through a rolling stone setup. Even Zhao Meng was hurt, and they stopped for a rest. "After walking for so long, we've only advanced less than ten li. What should we do ah?!"

Zhao Meng gasped for breath. There were ambushes in front of him and troops pursuing from behind. He was trapped in a dilemma.

Suddenly, he thought of what the military advisor had said. He quickly took out the second brocade pouch and opened it for a look. On the paper inside was written these big words: "The sea of misery has no border; turn back and there is the shore".

"What does that mean?" The cavalry captain was very confused; why did the military advisor have to write such a cryptic message? He wanted them to guess the meaning in this desperate situation?

Zhao Meng stroked his beard and carefully pondered his current situation. It was obvious that the Southwest King had come up with this plan to catch turtles in a jar. Since the military advisor had given them this sentence, he must have calculated that Zhou Meng would fall into this trap. Thus, this was a reminder for Zhou Meng to quickly turn back. His infantry was still outside the gate. The cavalry couldn't afford being ground down like this – they had to go back and get the infantry.

Finally, Zhao Meng, who had calmed down, quickly mounted his horse. "All officers and soldiers, hear me: Turn back to Sheng Jing Pass, quickly!"

***

Jing Shao rushed into the pass with his soldiers and horses. As a group of southwest troops rushed down from the mountain, Jing Shao tightened his grip on the reins and roared, "Cavalry, advance first. Infantry, prepare your swords!" He spoke with internal power, and the sound resounded like a gong being struck, which intimidated everyone.

Xiao Hei reared up and whinnied before charging forward. The other war horses behind him also sped up. The infantry behind Jing Shao heard his words and grasped their weapons as they quickly fell back, and those holding swords took several hurried steps to both sides of the formation.