kingnovel Chapter 1438 A Perfect Time to Strike!
Chapter 1438 A Perfect Time to Strike!
Chen Li's expression changed slightly; he hadn't expected Zhu Qiwu to interpret it that way. Zhang Dingbian's eyes flashed with a hint of murderous intent, but he quickly concealed it.
Zhu Yuanzhang seized the opportunity and said, "What Qi Wu said is absolutely right. Only with cultural unity can the hearts of the people be unified; only with the hearts of the people being unified can the world be unified! I am willing to discuss this matter with Prince Chen for the sake of all the people!"
These words were met with thunderous applause from the audience. Many scholars who had previously held a wait-and-see attitude now looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with new respect.
After the ceremony, Zhu Qiwu specially invited Chen Li and Zhang Dingbian to visit the academy. While passing through a secluded corridor, Zhu Qiwu suddenly said to Zhang Dingbian, "Mr. Zhang, I have long admired your name. Would you mind having a word with me in private?"
Zhang Dingbian frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure: "What advice does Young Master Zhu have?"
Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "I dare not presume to offer guidance. I have only heard of Mr. Zhang's exceptional wisdom and strategy, and I greatly admire him. I would like to exchange some insights with you."
A hint of wariness flashed in Zhang Dingbian's eyes: "Young Master Zhu is too kind. I am but a strategist; how dare I exchange skills with you?"
Zhu Qiwu, unperturbed, continued, "Mr. Zhang, there's no need for modesty. Judging from your appearance, I know you are a man of great ambition. However..." He paused deliberately, "...Although Chen Youliang is brave, he will ultimately be unable to achieve great things. Why don't you choose another wise ruler?"
Zhang Dingbian's expression changed drastically: "Young Master Zhu! You are mistaken! Prince Chen has treated me well; how could I betray my lord?"
Zhu Qiwu was prepared; the system interface appeared before his eyes: [Use the "Mind Reading" skill?]
He silently chanted, "Use!"
[Ding! Successful use! Zhang Dingbian's inner thoughts detected: Zhu Qiwu is indeed as good as his reputation; this boy should not be underestimated. If he could be put to my use...]
Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed and continued, "Mr. Zhang, there's no need to be agitated. I know you are a loyal and righteous man. However, a good bird chooses its tree, and a wise minister chooses his lord. Why don't you consider this carefully?"
Zhang Dingbian suppressed his inner turmoil and sneered, "Young Master Zhu has quite the eloquence. However, my mind is made up, so there's no need for further words."
Zhu Qiwu wasn't annoyed, and smiled, "Since that's the case, then so be it. However..." He took out a small bottle from his sleeve, "This is a small token of my appreciation; please accept it, sir."
Zhang Dingbian asked warily, "What is this?"
Zhu Qiwu explained, "This is 'Qingxin San' (Clear Mind Powder). After taking it, it can refresh the mind and enhance memory. You, sir, toil day and night for Prince Chen, surely need this."
Zhang Dingbian hesitated for a moment, then accepted the small bottle: "Thank you, Young Master Zhu."
Zhu Qiwu watched his departing figure, a cold smile playing on his lips. The system interface appeared before him: [“Bewitching Powder” has been implanted into “Mind-Clearing Powder”. Within three days of taking it, it will obey your commands.]
Three days later, Zhu Qiwu was discussing his studies with Song Lian in the academy when Xu Da rushed over: "Brother Qiwu, something terrible has happened! Chen Youliang has suddenly launched an attack on our defenses!"
Zhu Qiwu's heart skipped a beat, and the system interface appeared before his eyes: [Crisis detected. Activate "Counter-Espionage"?]
He silently chanted, "Use!"
[Ding! Successfully used! Zhang Dingbian has been ordered to slander Chen Youliang, who has now become suspicious of General Zhao Pusheng.]
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zhu Qiwu's eyes as he said to Xu Da, "General Xu, don't be hasty. I have a plan to repel Chen's army."
Zhu Qiwu whispered a few words, and Xu Da nodded repeatedly after hearing them: "Good plan! I'll go and do it right away!"
Three days later, news of victory arrived from the front: Chen Youliang, suspicious of his general Zhao Pusheng, had him executed. Zhao Pusheng's subordinates, enraged, mutinied, throwing Chen's army into chaos. Zhu Yuanzhang seized the opportunity to launch a military campaign and decisively defeated Chen's army.
Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and said to Zhu Qiwu, "Qiwu, you have rendered another great service! This counter-espionage scheme was truly brilliant!"
Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me. This is all thanks to Zhang Dingbian."
Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback: "Zhang Dingbian? Isn't that Chen Youliang's strategist?"
Zhu Qiwu explained the matter in detail, and Zhu Yuanzhang listened, nodding repeatedly: "Qiwu, you truly amaze me more and more. To be able to use even Chen Youliang's strategist for you is truly remarkable!"
Taking advantage of the situation, Zhu Qiwu said, "Fourth Brother, Chen's army has just suffered a defeat and their morale is low. Why not press our advantage and wipe out Chen Youliang in one fell swoop?"
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No. Although Chen Youliang has been defeated, his strength remains. Moreover, the Yuan army in the north is still there. If our army and Chen Youliang are both severely weakened, the Yuan army may reap the benefits."
Zhu Qiwu nodded: "Fourth Brother is absolutely right. Then why don't we—" he lowered his voice—"we can use Zhang Dingbian to continue sowing discord between Chen Youliang and his generals?"
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up: "Great idea! We'll do as you say."
Thus, under Zhu Qiwu's planning, Zhang Dingbian continued his activities within Chen Youliang's army, constantly sowing discord between Chen Youliang and his generals. Meanwhile, Zhu Qiwu obtained the "Chain Scheme" through the system, setting up numerous traps to exacerbate the internal conflicts within Chen Youliang's army.
Six months later, Chen Youliang's power was greatly diminished due to numerous internal conflicts. Zhu Yuanzhang seized the opportunity to send troops and defeated Chen Youliang in one fell swoop, occupying the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
After their victorious return, Zhu Yuanzhang held a grand celebration banquet in Yingtian Prefecture. After several rounds of drinks, Zhu Yuanzhang raised his cup and said, "Today's victory is entirely due to the bravery of all my generals and soldiers, and even more so to the brilliant strategies of Qi Wu! Come, let me toast Qi Wu!"
Everyone raised their glasses, and Zhu Qiwu stood up, smiling slightly, and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's concerted efforts, not my ability alone."
Tang He laughed loudly, "Brother Qiwu is too modest! Without your brilliant strategies, how could we have defeated Chen Youliang so easily?"
Xu Da also said, "That's exactly right! The Seven Brothers' schemes are often unexpected, yet they always work. They are truly admirable!"
Zhu Yuanzhang put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Seventh Five, you have rendered such a great service to me, what reward do you desire?"
Zhu Qiwu's heart skipped a beat, and the system interface appeared before his eyes: [Important selection detected. Sign in?] He silently replied, "Sign in!"
[Ding! Sign-in successful! You have obtained one "Imperial Seal of the State", one "Dragon Robe", and the "Imperial Aura" skill.]
Suppressing his shock, Zhu Qiwu said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Fourth Brother, I have no other wish than to continue assisting you and contribute to the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed: "Good! Seventh Five, I'm relieved to hear you say that. Come, let's drink another cup!"
After the victory banquet, Zhu Qiwu returned to his study and carefully examined the system rewards. The "Imperial Seal" and "Dragon Robe" were, needless to say, symbols of the emperor; while the "Imperial Aura" skill could enhance his own majesty, instilling a sense of awe in others.
As he was studying, Xu Da rushed over: "Brother Qiwu, something terrible has happened! Zhang Shicheng has sent troops to attack our defenses!"
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zhu Qiwu's eyes: "Zhang Shicheng? Perfect timing!" He turned to Xu Da and said, "General Xu, don't worry, I already have a plan to repel the enemy."
Xu Da's eyes lit up: "Oh? What brilliant plan do you have, Brother Qi Wu?"
Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "This time, we will use the 'Empty City Stratagem'."
Upon hearing this, Xu Da frowned slightly, then relaxed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation: "The Empty City Stratagem? This strategy is quite novel. Brother Qi Wu, please tell me in detail."
Zhu Qiwu paced to the window, gazing at the night outside, and slowly spoke: "Zhang Shicheng is a suspicious man by nature. His rash attack this time must be because he heard about our victory celebration and thought our army was relaxed and that we could take advantage of the situation. So we will turn the tables on him, open the city gates wide, and keep the city as usual, but secretly ambush elite troops. When his army enters the city and is surrounded by our forces, we will annihilate them in one fell swoop."
After listening, Xu Da pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "This plan is ingenious, but it is also quite risky. What if Zhang Shicheng doesn't fall for it and instead launches a strong attack on our defenses?"
Zhu Qiwu smiled slightly and said confidently, "General Xu, rest assured, I have a plan. Go and inform Tang He and Zhou Dexing to each lead a team to ambush on both sides of the city. Once Zhang Shicheng falls into the trap and enters the city, they will attack from both sides and cut off his retreat. Also, send an elite team to guard the city gate. Once half of Zhang Shicheng's army has entered, quickly close the city gate and encircle him."
A hint of admiration flashed in Xu Da's eyes. He cupped his hands and said, "Brother Qi Wu is indeed exceptionally wise. I will make the arrangements immediately." With that, he hurriedly left.
Zhu Qiwu watched Xu Da's departing figure, secretly calculating in his heart. If he could successfully repel the enemy this time, it would greatly enhance his prestige in the army and also make his fourth brother, Zhu Yuanzhang, look at him with even greater respect.
Before long, Xu Da arrived in a hurry with Tang He and Zhou Dexing. Tang He was an impatient man, and as soon as he entered the door, he asked loudly, "Brother Qi Wu, General Xu said you have a brilliant plan to repel the enemy. Tell us quickly."
Zhu Qiwu explained the plan in detail again. After listening, Tang He excitedly slapped his thigh: "Great plan! Let's do it this way and make sure Zhang Shicheng never returns!"
Zhou Dexing, on the other hand, was more composed. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Brother Qiwu, this plan is ingenious, but we must be careful with the arrangements within the city. If Zhang Shicheng discovers any flaws, then all our previous efforts will be in vain."
Zhu Qiwu nodded in agreement: "General Zhou is absolutely right. I have already thought it through. The people in the city will continue their lives as usual, and the shops will continue to operate as usual, but we will secretly arrange for people to disguise themselves as ordinary citizens and mingle in the crowd. Once Zhang Shicheng's army enters the city, we will send a signal to coordinate an attack from within and without to annihilate them."
After hearing this, Tang He gave a thumbs up: "Brother Qi Wu has thought things through so thoroughly, I, Old Tang, admire you! I will go and arrange for people to disguise themselves as civilians and infiltrate the city."
Zhou Dexing also cupped his hands and said, "I will also go and make preparations to ensure that the ambush on both sides of the city is foolproof."
Zhu Qiwu watched the two figures leave, feeling slightly relieved. He turned to Xu Da and said, "General Xu, you are in charge of the defense of the city gate. Make sure to close the city gate quickly when half of Zhang Shicheng's army has entered."
Xu Da nodded solemnly: "Brother Qiwu, rest assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission."
After arranging everything, Zhu Qiwu returned to his study and checked the system rewards again. Besides the "Imperial Seal," "Dragon Robe," and "Imperial Aura" skills, there was also the "Eye of Insight" skill, which could detect the enemy's movements and weaknesses. Zhu Qiwu's heart stirred; he decided to use this skill to see if he could discover a flaw in Zhang Shicheng's army.
He closed his eyes, concentrated, and activated his "Eye of Insight" skill. Instantly, a scene appeared before his eyes: Zhang Shicheng's massive army was marching towards him, an atmosphere of tension and excitement permeating the ranks. Zhu Qiwu observed carefully and discovered that Zhang Shicheng's central position was relatively weak, and the defenses were not tight. Moreover, Zhang Shicheng himself seemed somewhat arrogant and complacent, full of confidence in this campaign, and had not made adequate preparations.
Zhu Qiwu was secretly delighted; this discovery was crucial to him. He decided to focus his attack on Zhang Shicheng's central command position during the battle, disrupting his command system and thus decisively defeating his army.
Time passed slowly, and soon it was getting light. The sound of horses' hooves and footsteps approached from afar, and Zhu Qiwu knew that Zhang Shicheng's army was nearing.
He stepped out of his study and onto the city wall, gazing at the rolling dust in the distance, without a trace of fear. Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and others also arrived at the city wall, ready for battle.
Zhang Shicheng's army finally came into view, with banners waving, swords and spears standing tall, and an imposing presence. Zhang Shicheng, riding a tall horse, looked at the city before him with an arrogant smile.
"Zhu Yuanzhang, today is your death day!" Zhang Shicheng shouted.
Zhu Qiwu stood on the city wall and shouted back, "Zhang Shicheng, don't be so arrogant! Our army is already prepared. If you dare to enter the city, you will never return!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shicheng burst into laughter: "You? A mere brat dares to speak so arrogantly in front of me! Issue my order: the entire army shall attack!"
At Zhang Shicheng's command, his army surged toward the city like a tidal wave. However, when they arrived at the city gates, they found them wide open and the city completely silent, as if it were an empty city.
Zhang Shicheng was secretly delighted, thinking to himself, "Could it be that Zhu Yuanzhang has been terrified by me and has actually opened the city gates to welcome the enemy? Hmph, if that's the case, then don't blame me for being impolite!"
He waved his hand and ordered, "Enter the city!"
The army slowly entered the city gates. Zhang Shicheng, mounted on his horse, cautiously observed his surroundings. However, everything inside the city seemed normal; the people went about their lives as usual, and the shops continued to operate without any signs of anything amiss.
Zhang Shicheng's vigilance gradually relaxed, and he thought smugly, "This Zhu Yuanzhang is indeed a mediocre talent, actually using such a foolish plan to deal with me. Today I will let him know that I, Zhang Shicheng, am not someone to be trifled with!"
Just as most of Zhang Shicheng's army had entered the city, a sudden loud crash came from the city gate, which quickly slammed shut, splitting Zhang Shicheng's army into two parts. At the same time, shouts of battle erupted from within the city, and countless soldiers disguised as civilians surged out from all directions, charging towards Zhang Shicheng's army.
Zhang Shicheng's expression changed drastically; he realized he had fallen into a trap. He shouted, "Don't panic! Hold your ground!" However, his army was already in chaos and unable to obey his commands.
Standing atop the city wall, Zhu Qiwu watched Zhang Shicheng's army descend into chaos, a sense of smug satisfaction spreading through him. He shouted, "General Xu, General Tang, General Zhou, now is the perfect time to strike! Kill them all!" (End of Chapter)