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Kou Zhong rose up to meet him, “Quickly untie Dong Shuai [Commander]!”

The guard who brought him in was dumbstruck. It was only after Kou Zhong repeated his order that he drew his dagger and cut the ox-tendon rope binding Dong Jingzhen.

After ordering his men to leave the tent, Kou Zhong spoke cheerfully, “Dong Da Jiangjun [great general], please sit down.”

Dong Jingzhen swept his gaze across the command tent, which originally was his own. Sighing dejectedly, he said, “Just kill me. I, Dong Jingzhen, will never bow to a kid like you, whose smell of your mother’s milk not yet dried.”

Kou Zhong did not take offense at all; still smiling amiably, he said, “I know that Dong Da Jiangjun cannot accept your defeat. But since it’s the fact, I am helpless to change it. Don’t Dong Da Jiangjun agree with me?”

Dong Jingzhen still repeat the same sentence, “Just kill me!”

Were it not for his internal injury was rather heavy, he would have attempted to seize the opportunity to break the siege.

Kou Zhong remained indifferent and at ease; he said, “I do not intend for you to surrender to our side at all. Your entire family, father and mother, wife and children, are all in Baling; if I forced you to surrender, or even made a claim that you have surrendered to us, and thus helped us to break the other two strongholds, wouldn’t I bring your entire family to their death? This is not the kind of thing that I, Kou Zhong, do.”

Hearing the last few sentences, Dong Jingzhen’s face immediately lost its color, because he knew that it was not an empty threat at all. This move was more sinister than threatening to kill him. Dejected, he said, “You are so cruel! Speak up then!”

Kou Zhong’s eyes flashed with cold rays, he said, “I want to make a deal with you. As long as you agree, you can take approximately two thousand of your men who fell into our hands to immediately take the boat to return to Yiling, to the right via Ye Lu. I am sure Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong will not let you off, because they believed it was you who attacked them.”

Dong Jingzhen appeared to have aged several years; dejectedly he slumped back into is chair.

It was only then did Kou Zhong sit into Dong Jingzhen’s commander chair. He said, “I want to know the actual troops deployment that Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong are going to use to attack Yuan’an and Dangyang.”

Frowning, Dong Jingzhen said, “How could they be willing to let me know that kind of military intelligence? Aren’t you just forcing me into a corner? Why don’t you simply kill me?”

Kou Zhong’s tiger-eyes shone with terrifying strange light enveloping Dong Jingzhen. Slowly he pulled the Moon in the Well, and lay it down on the small table by his side. He spoke heavily, “I treated Da Jiangjun in good faith, but Da Jiangjun treats me, Kou Zhong, like an idiot. Perhaps I would really behead Da Jiangjun’s head, and then behead all Da Jiangjun’s men. Don’t blame me for not giving you a very clear warning.”

Dong Jingzhen’s countenance changed. He said, “A warrior can be killed, but cannot be disgraced. You want to kill me, you want to cut my flesh, Ol’ Dong will not knit half my brow. But you can’t insult me ...”

Kou Zhong ‘sighed’ loudly to cut him off; shaking his head, he said, “Da Jiangjun better not finish whatever it is you wanted to say. What kind of man Xiao Xian is, you and I are very clear about it. After sweeping away the Flying Horse Ranch and us, he is going to deal with Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong. Now that you have such a chance of cooperation, how could Dong Da Jiangjun not seize the opportunity to spy their two armies’ actual situation without too much extra effort?”

Dong Jingzhen averted his gaze; hanging his head low, he said, “This is simply ‘gauging the heart of a gentlemen with one’s own mean measure’!”

Kou Zhong knew that he had struck Dong Jingzhen’s vital point, and he knew that this man was not like the rather-die-than-submit façade he was putting on, otherwise last night he would not have surrendered under the sword blade, to go with them to deceive the gate and break the stronghold. Rising to his full height, Kou Zhong said, “Since that’s the case, there is no point in us continuing to talk. I wonder if Dong Da Jiangjun has any interest in watching your brethren’s heads fall to the ground one by one?”

Grieved, Dong Jingzhen said, “You win!”

Upright and unafraid, Kou Zhong walked out of the tent, toward Xu Ziling, Luo Fang, Xuan Yong and Bai Wenyuan, who were waiting for his good news, and made a sign of victory.

Xuan Yong gestured with his chin toward the command tent, asking for instructions on how to handle Dong Jingzhen.

Kou Zhong smiled and said, “Naturally we treat him with due respect; how could I, Kou Zhong, be a cruel murderer? We will release all prisoners immediately, let them depart by boat, but they are not allowed to bring any weapon or horses. Give them enough provision for two days.”

Xuan Yong accepted the order and left.

While walking toward the stronghold’s gate, Kou Zhong, who was accompanied by Xu Ziling, Luo Fang, and Bai Wenyuan, said, “Now Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong must be thinking that Xiao Xian is conspiring to murder them. How do you think they will react?”

Skeptical, Luo Fang said, “Do you think Dong Jingzhen might lie?”

Having a card up his sleeve, Kou Zhong said, “We have Bai Xiong here, who has deep knowledge of Zhu Can’s actual situation, as well as certain understanding of Cao Yinglong’s, so he simply cannot speak out crazy and unfounded ravings. He is just a fellow who is greedy for life, afraid of death. In order to keep his life, he might even sell out his old Die, much less Zhu Can, who are the enemy and not friends at all, and Cao Yinglong, that leader of the thieves?”

Thinking deeply, Xu Ziling said, “The question is whether Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong really believe that Xiao Xian betrayed their alliance, and that because of Zhu Mei’s pitfall Bai Xiong has realigned his allegiance to Xiao Xian.”

Bai Wenyuan resolutely said, “Cao Yinglong, I do not dare to guarantee, but Zhu Can has a violent temper; in his distress over the disastrous casualties of his elite troops, his trusted lieutenant Wen Liang died in battle, he will definitely vent all his resentments on Xiao Xian, and will lose all reasons.”

Proud of himself, Kou Zhong said, “The most brilliant is that Zhu Can will never guess that I may come from the Great River, and thus slash at least three days of travel. This is the black pot Dong Jingzhen has to carry on his back.”

The four men stepped out of the stronghold. Under the bright sunlight, the green mountain and grassy hill extended in front of them, their spirit was greatly aroused. Xu Ziling took a deep breath, sighed and said, “That will do. If Zhu and Cao are convinced that Xiao Xian turns his back on the alliance, Xiao Xian’s next step must be crossing the river to the north, taking advantage while the two main armies are stuck in the siege of Dangyang and Yuan’an, to seize control over their army camps. In this case, the two could only retreat immediately. If the situation progresses to this stage, Shao Shuai ought to be able to take advantage of that!”

Bai Wenyuan nodded and said, “Not only Zhu Can and Cao Yinglong will have misgivings toward Xiao Xian, under this kind of ‘wind sighing and crane calling’ [i.e. panic at the slightest move], ‘every tree or bush an enemy soldier’ [i.e. seeing everyone as an enemy] situation, they could even be suspicious and jealous of each other, so it will be difficult for them to cooperate. We will have the opportunity.”

Remaining tranquil and calm, Kou Zhong said, “Based on our current strength, that is, including the Flying Horse Ranch and Jinling’s Duba Village’s former soldiers and generals, we could only attack one of those armies. Which unfortunate man Bai Xiong thinks we should pick?”

Grateful, Bai Wenyuan said, “Just by Shao Shuai’s words, Wenyuan is willing to serve you. Frankly speaking, naturally I wanted to pick Zhu Can to avenge my big hatred and deep enmity. But strategy-wise, this is not a prudent choice. This case can be divided into three aspects.”

Astonished, Luo Fang said, “I only thought that Zhu Can’s military power is strong, while Cao Yinglong’s is weak, but I never thought that there are two other reasons.”

Smiling, Bai Wenyuan said, “It’s simply because for the time being, Luo Xiongdi has not thought about it!”

Xu Ziling said, “I can only guess one more reason: if we strike and defeat Zhu Can, Xiao Xian might immediately deploy his troops crossing the River to seize control over the two raging allies’ territories. Cao Yinglong is, after all, a roving bandit; he knows how to attack but not to defend. As for blocking Xiao Xian crossing to the north, no matter what, he cannot be compared to Zhu Can.”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “The third reason may be to take the lid off the goblet!”

Bai Wenyuan cheerfully said, “Actually, Xu Xiong said it well. Although Cao Yinglong’s military power reaches forty thousand men, all along they are just roving bandit on horseback; an army division that is brought together by chance. When winning, their momentum is like the rainbow, but as soon as they see their side defeated, they would beat a hasty retreat, their hearts will be in panic, and they will lose their will to fight. They are not like Zhu Can’s men at all, who have family and relatives in their homeland to protect. Most of them are single men, all alone in the world; when they say they want to go, they just go. As long as we can accurately predict the method, as well as the route, they are going to retreat, we will be able to thoroughly take them out in one fell swoop.”

Kou Zhong sighed and said, “Bai Xiong’s view is subtle and unique; Zhu Can, father and daughter’s desire to put you to death was very unwise.”

Smiling bitterly, Bai Wenyuan said, “It was precisely my strong opposition against alliance with Cao Yinglong that aroused Zhu Can’s murderous intent. Zhu Mei was already fed up with me for some time, fortunately two gentlemen came to my rescue. In the past few days I have had the opportunity to fight alongside all of you, it was indeed an unprecedented joy for me.”

Kou Zhong patted his back vigorously; letting out a long laugh he said, “In the future we will all be family.”

In his excitement, Luo Fang’s face turned deep red; he sighed and said, “Cao Yinglong strung through and filled with evil [idiom: guilty of monstrous crimes], we will kill him until not a single armor remains.”

Kou Zhong said, “In Bai Xiongdi’s opinion, where would Cao Yinglong withdraw to?”

Bai Wenyuan took out rolls of map from his pocket; selecting one of them, he spread it out on the ground. The other three men followed him squatting down, listening to his explanation, “Before the alliance, Cao Yinglong has suffered defeat under me, he retreated toward a village west of the Xi River south of Jingling; he captured more than a hundred small villages, so he is hated there and has no place to pick, and can only go to the east, returning to his old nest. He must first cross River Ju, across Mount Jingshan, and pass through River Zhang. If we could prepare an ambush on River Zhang, taking advantage while he is crossing the river to launch pincer attack from both sides, I guarantee they will never return to their old nest.”

Kou Zhong nodded and said, “This plan is a seamless heavenly clothes [i.e. flawless].”

Reaching out to Luo Fang’s shoulder, he laughed and said, “Xiao Fang ought to know what to do!”

Luo Fang puffed his breast and said, “I will hurry back to the Ranch immediately to notify Changzhu [Ranch Master].”

The entire Shaoshuai Army advanced toward the jungle on the east bank of River Zhang, set up their camp and prepared their food. Men and horses must try hard to have good rest, to eradicate the exhaustion over three days, day and night, continuous journey of rushing into this place.

Without stopping to rest, Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, Bai Wenyuan and Xuan Yong, four men, galloped upstream along the east bank of the river.

When they reached an especially narrow gorge in the river, Bai Wenyuan pointed with his horsewhip straight ahead and said, “If we have enough time, we could build wooden structure here, and fill it with bags of sand and stones to stop the river. When Cao Yinglong cross the river, we could destroy the dam, and let the rolling waves flush away Cao Yinglong’s thieves crossing the river, so that their head and tail will be separated into two sections. At that time we could seize the opportunity to make a surprise attack. It will be as easy as blowing off dust.”

Xuan Yong regretfully said, “First, we do not even have bags, second, to build such wooden fence we will need at least ten days or more, not to mention exhausting the army, wearying the crowd. In term of time, we really cannot cope.”

Xu Ziling asked, “Bai Xiong has fought many times against Cao Yinglong; is there anything about him that we must pay particular attention to?”

Bai Wenyuan muttered to himself irresolutely, “There are three reasons why Cao Yinglong is able to move unhindered across Hubei: first, they are able to march really fast; they move swiftly and unpredictably. As soon as they encountered a dangerous and difficult path, they would immediately withdraw far away. This is the roving bandits’ inherent quality, yet it is really able to help him repeatedly going through numerous crises.”

After a short pause, he went on, “The second reason is that they use war to raise war. No matter how bad they suffer setback and crushing blow, as long as they were able to escape alive, they would go everywhere, looting and recruiting mobs to expand and rapidly grow. Finished ransacking one place, they would simply go to another place, completely without any fear of trouble from the rear.”

Kou Zhong commented, “But the disadvantage is that everybody joins in for individual interest, there is no identical ideal to be spoken about. As long as we can get rid of Cao Yinglong, Fang Jianding, and Xiang Baxian, these three head thieves, those loose sand will be dispersed and will never get together again.”

Xu Ziling recalled the former Sui dynasty’s troops, who, after defeat, went everywhere to burn and loot, to rape and kill; he spoke resolutely, “We must wipe out this kind of disciples who kill people like scything flax completely; otherwise, the neighboring villages will be facing imminent catastrophe.”

Xuan Yong nodded and said, “To destroy them completely will not be easy, but we are not completely without any way to do that.”

Kou Zhong asked Bai Wenyuan, “What other exclusive trick does Cao Yinglong have?”

Bai Wenyuan replied, “He is adept at night battle; whether marching or fighting, they especially choose to do it at night. Only then are they able to appear and disappear unpredictably [orig. gods appear and devils vanish]. Whether attacking or retreating, they will always occupy the advantageous position.”

Knitting his brows, Kou Zhong said, “How can we force them to cross the river in the full light of day then?”

Xu Ziling thought aloud, “If we can create certain situation that would make them aware that the Ranch’s main forces are following close at their heels, then they would not be able to choose either day or night.”

Kou Zhong said, “It would be best if Cao Yinglong cannot guess that we would arrive one step ahead of him, preserving and nurturing our spirit at the far riverbank, waiting for his arrival. Also, he would think that if they could cross the river, they would be able to throw away the pursuing troops, and return safely to the fertile countryside.”

Squeezing his horse’s belly, Bai Wenyuan said, “Follow me.” Turning the horse’s head, he galloped away downstream.

After repeatedly stopping and going for about ten li, Bai Wenyuan rushed back upstream. Only after four, five li, he flew off his horse, to let his horse, which was foaming on its mouth, to rest and eat grass. Bai Wenyuan carefully examined the area around the riverbank. Finally he stood behind an underbrush and laughed aloud, “The Emperor of Heaven does not turn his back on the believing man. I finally found the place where that Cao thief crossed the river last time.”

Kou Zhong, three men, were greatly delighted. They rushed over to him; from the underbrush that was pushed open by him, surprisingly they found four wooden stakes, as thick as a human body, which were driven deep into the ground. The stakes had groove on them to tie the rope.

Everybody dispersed to look, and found eight such stakes.

Bai Wenyuan said with delight, “Although the river here is ten zhang wide, the water is slow and flat, more suitable to river crossing than any other sections.”

Xuan Yong cast his gaze faraway toward the opposite bank; he laughed and said, “I am positive that in that jungle by the bank we will find hundreds of floating buckets. If they strung the thick ropes on the water, and put wooden planks on them, they can make pontoon bridge. In less than one sichen, they can build eight such bridges.”

Kou Zhong said, “The answer is in front of us. If only we know it as soon as we see it.”

Xu Ziling said, “We must force the thieves to cross the river in haste; otherwise, if we let them arrange battle formation on the shore first, and give them the opportunity to setup lookouts on high places, it would be difficult for us to mount a surprise attack.”

Kou Zhong said with a sigh, “It all depends on whether the beautiful Changzhu will obediently listen to us!”

Turning toward Xuan Yong, he said, “We will move the troops here tonight, and make all necessary preparations. Now we are going to cross the river to take a look. After making sure that the equipment for the pontoon bridge are hidden on the opposite bank, Wenyuan and I will meet the Ranch’s main forces. You and Ling Shao stay on this side.”

And then he laughed and said, “Persisting in evil brings about self-destruction. Oh evil thieves! This time Laotianye is putting you away, I am simply helping Laotianye accomplishing it!”